Brewing Love And Lies
The final ingredient to finding true love is one teaspoon of lies. **** On her 18th birthday, Elspeth's world was shattered after a one-night stand left her pregnant. The child's father, Alan, betrayed her by revealing his alliance with her scheming half-sister, Heather, who aimed to steal Elspeth's position as heiress. To protect their family’s reputation, her parents sent her away in disgrace. Years later, Elspeth returns, determined to reclaim her place and exact revenge on those who wronged her. But her family’s pressure to marry complicates things. Desperate to dodge a blind date, she impulsively kisses Castiel Stepanov, her daughter's teacher, using him as a convenient escape. When a key investor insists on meeting her husband, Elspeth sees an opportunity and proposes a fake marriage to Castiel. Castiel, a powerful Russian business mogul and part-time elementary teacher, has his own hidden agenda. Traumatized by witnessing the murder of his family, Castiel’s life has been driven by the desire for revenge. Unbeknownst to Elspeth, her father is responsible for the tragedy that destroyed his family. Eager to destroy Elspeth's life, Castiel agrees to the sham marriage, intent on ruining her and her father. As their fake marriage progresses, hidden truths and deep-seated wounds begin to surface. Can Elspeth balance her desire for vengeance with her need to protect her heart, her daughter, and her empire? And will Castiel follow through with his plan for revenge, or will love and the weight of the past consume them both? _______ TROPES: One night stand. Pregnancy. Contract/Fake Marriage. Win her back. Betrayal x Revenge Family. First person (dual perspectives) ______ IG: @ebynamani TT: @eby.namani
JERK
Song Rec'd: Just Like A Prayer (Choir Version) — I'll Take You There Choir
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The next day arrived, and with it, the long-anticipated swimming contest. I had been looking forward to this event, knowing it counted for the largest grade on the activity log—10 marks for Reese if Castiel won. When he wins, of course. There's also a baking contest for moms, but I know I wouldn't stand a chance there, so all our hopes rest on Castiel.
The competition would take place in the lake while we watched from the deck.
I scanned the mini swimming rink set up by the workers in the pool. Dara and the other women joined me on the deck.
"My husband was a fantastic swimmer back in his college days," Caroline boasted.
"You look beautiful as always! Such a lovely dress," Dara chimed in, admiring my outfit.