Introduction
Share the book to
About Author

Fountain A. Gidado
Chapter 1
The fluorescent lights above my class quietly buzzed in the background as my class worked on their projects. The time on the wall read 10:12 AM. The smell of chalk and freshly sharpened pencils mixed together reminded me of how familiar this place I had become over the years. It was Wednesday, mid-October, with the fall fully entrenched, the trees outside the classroom window were a canvas of flaming oranges and reds. I loved this time of year because the air was cool and it was effortless to teach third grade in our small Willow Creek neighborhood. It felt comfortable and like home.
However, it didn't feel like a normal day today.
I heard a slight knock on the door just as I finished a math problem on the whiteboard. On the other side of the door, I saw Ms. Bennett, she works in the front office of the school, and she was holding a big envelope.
"Emily?" She said whispering, her brow wrinkled as if she wasn't sure why she was doing it. "This was just delivered to you."
I quickly looked at the kids, who were working hard on their projects, and then crossed the room to meet her. I picked up the thick envelope from her and noticed the embossed emblem of a New York law company called Wentworth & Turner.
I smiled nicely and muttered, "Thanks, Miss Bennett."
She gave me one final confused glance before nodding and walking away. Following her, the door clicked shut, but I remained motionless, gazing at the envelope as though it would disappear if I took my eyes off it.
Wentworth & Turner? New York? My thoughts were racing. Why was a New York law firm reaching out to me? Teaching third grade in a little Pennsylvanian town, I was a long way from the New York legal world where everyone knew each other by name.
The weight of whatever was inside the package made my stomach turn with an unaccustomed strain, as it felt thick in my hands. With every step I took toward returning to my desk, my heart rate rose. I paused for a second before putting it down and acting as if it never existed while I checked on my kids. However, the weight of it remained, a subtle pull I was unable to fight.
"Okay, class," I said, sounding a little stressed. "Let's get in line for lunch now."
The children's laughter filled the room as they hurried to gather their things and speak about the latest shows and lunchbox goodies. With a slight smile, I walked them out the door, shut it, and went back to my desk. I breathed deeply, then carefully lifted the envelope and pressed my finger under the seal. The stationery used by the establishment that handled million-dollar properties was elegant and pricey, with a smooth texture.
There was a neatly folded letter inside. The prominent heading at the top caught my eye when I unfolded it:
"Regarding Henry Monroe's Estate."
Monroe Henry? Henry Monroe, who was he in the world?
With every second that went by, my heart raced as I skimmed the page. The letter explained that I had been named in the will of New York City billionaire Henry Monroe, who had lately passed away. It was written in exact, formal English. I was to receive a large share of his estate.
I gave a blink. There has to be some sort of mistake here. A billionaire? inheritance? This was not a letter meant for me. I was unaware about Henry Monroe. Not even to New York City had I been. I had never met someone close to me who was rich enough to leave this much money behind.
Upon rereading the letter, I tried to understand it better, but it stated the same thing. My name was on the beneficiary list. Me. Emily Clark a teacher from a tiny town who had always fought to make ends meet with a meager salary.
I looked at the clock, it was exactly ten thirty AM. I had thirty minutes till my lunch break. My fingers trembled a little as I called Sophie's number, and my heart raced as I did so. She was the only person I could talk to about this kind of thing; she was the school counselor down the hall.
"Hey, Emily," Sophie said with a smile, her voice as calm and familiar as ever. "What's going on?"
"Sophie, would you mind spending a moment in my room?" I asked, attempting to keep a steady tone. "I have something I should show you."
"Yes, of course. I'll arrive soon."
I ended the call and walked around the room, holding the letter tightly. What was the meaning of this? Why would I receive anything from a billionaire I'd never heard of? I had little time to sort out the questions circling in my mind because, shortly after, Sophie knocked and came in, her eyes raised in inquiry.
"Alright, what's happening?" Her eyes widened at the sight of my face as she asked. "You look like you have seen a ghost."
Without a word, I gave her the letter. As she reached the bottom, her eyes widened, and she grabbed it, reading quietly.
She looked straight at me and said, "Are you serious right now? Henry Monroe? A billionaire? Emily, what's going on?"
"I'm not sure!" I raised my hands in exasperation. "I don't know who this man is. There must be some sort of mistake."
Sophie took a seat at a student desk and stared at the letter, as if it would show something new if she looked closely enough. "This is really crazy. How come a millionaire would give you a part of his wealth?
Shaking my head, my mind continued to race. "I'm not sure. However, it seems like something is missing. My mother never said she knew someone who was like this. We do not even have any relatives in New York."
With a sigh, Sophie carefully folded the letter and set it down on the desk. "Look, I'm not saying that this isn't a big problem; it is, after all but perhaps there is some strange legal issue here. Perhaps all they require from you is your signature, after which you'll be done with it."
"Perhaps." Though for a moment I didn't think that was true, I whispered. This letter carried too much value and formality for it to have been a straightforward error.
After a brief pause, Sophie replied, "You should call the law firm. Know the whole point is. It's not a regular letter you get every day, really."
I paused, looking at my phone as though it may stab me. Making the call seemed, for some reason, like stepping over the edge and into a place I didn't belong. But Sophie was right; I needed clarification.
"What if everything changes because of this?" My question was hardly heard above a whisper.
Sophie smiled at me in a kind yet loving way. "Perhaps it will. However, that might not be a bad thing.
I took a deep breath and looked over the letter once more. I felt as though the carefully written words were glowing on the page, calling me to continue.
"Isn't it going to change everything?" Silently, I spoke to myself rather than Sophie.
With a serious gaze, she nodded. "sure. Emily, you're still strong. Anything that comes your way, you can handle. "
Even though I wasn't sure if I believed her, I had to act now. With shaky fingers, I picked up my phone and dialed the number on the letter. Every ring seemed to be a timer, a step toward something I hadn't yet seen.
"Wentworth & Turner, This is Lisa speaking, how may I help you?" On the other end, a professional voice replied.
My breath caught in my throat as I paused. "Hello. Emily Clark is my name. Regarding Henry Monroe's assets, I got a letter, and I have no idea why."
There was a long, unsettling gap in the talk. The woman then spoke once more, but this time her tone carried an unclear hint.
"That's right, Ms. Clark. We were anticipating your call."
Latest Chapters
#102 Chapter 102: Fractured Trust Emily POV
Last Updated: 04/17/2025 15:28#101 Chapter 101: Shadows Deepen Emily POV
Last Updated: 04/17/2025 15:23#100 Chapter 100: Endgame Ethan POV
Last Updated: 04/17/2025 15:23#99 Chapter 99: The Fallout Richards POV
Last Updated: 04/17/2025 15:23#98 Chapter 98: Breaking Point Ethan POV
Last Updated: 04/17/2025 15:23#97 Chapter 97: Victor’s Wrath Victor POV
Last Updated: 04/17/2025 15:23#96 Chapter 96: Line Crossed Emily POV
Last Updated: 04/17/2025 15:23#95 Chapter 95: Shadows of Betrayal Ben POV
Last Updated: 04/17/2025 15:23#94 Chapter 94: The Trap Tightens Richards POV
Last Updated: 04/17/2025 15:23#93 Chapter 93: Calculated Risks Ethan POV
Last Updated: 04/17/2025 15:21
Comments
You Might Like 😍
The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride
Yet Alexander made his decision clear to the world: “Evelyn is the only woman I will ever marry.”
Falling for my boyfriend's Navy brother
"What is wrong with me?
Why does being near him make my skin feel too tight, like I’m wearing a sweater two sizes too small?
It’s just newness, I tell myself firmly.
He’s my boyfirend’s brother.
This is Tyler’s family.
I’m not going to let one cold stare undo that.
**
As a ballet dancer, My life looks perfect—scholarship, starring role, sweet boyfriend Tyler. Until Tyler shows his true colors and his older brother, Asher, comes home.
Asher is a Navy veteran with battle scars and zero patience. He calls me "princess" like it's an insult. I can't stand him.
When My ankle injury forces her to recover at the family lake house, I‘m stuck with both brothers. What starts as mutual hatred slowly turns into something forbidden.
I'm falling for my boyfriend's brother.
**
I hate girls like her.
Entitled.
Delicate.
And still—
Still.
The image of her standing in the doorway, clutching her cardigan tighter around her narrow shoulders, trying to smile through the awkwardness, won’t leave me.
Neither does the memory of Tyler. Leaving her here without a second thought.
I shouldn’t care.
I don’t care.
It’s not my problem if Tyler’s an idiot.
It’s not my business if some spoiled little princess has to walk home in the dark.
I’m not here to rescue anyone.
Especially not her.
Especially not someone like her.
She’s not my problem.
And I’ll make damn sure she never becomes one.
But when my eyes fell on her lips, I wanted her to be mine.
The Prison Project
Can love tame the untouchable? Or will it only fuel the fire and cause chaos amongst the inmates?
Fresh out of high school and suffocating in her dead-end hometown, Margot longs for her escape. Her reckless best friend, Cara, thinks she's found the perfect way out for them both - The Prisoner Project - a controversial program offering a life-changing sum of money in exchange for time spent with maximum-security inmates.
Without hesitation, Cara rushes to sign them up.
Their reward? A one-way ticket into the depths of a prison ruled by gang leaders, mob bosses, and men the guards wouldn't even dare to cross...
At the centre of it all, meets Coban Santorelli - a man colder than ice, darker than midnight, and as deadly as the fire that fuels his inner rage. He knows that the project may very well be his only ticket to freedom - his only ticket to revenge on the one who managed to lock him up and so he must prove that he can learn to love…
Will Margot be the lucky one chosen to help reform him?
Will Coban be capable of bringing something to the table other than just sex?
What starts off as denial may very well grow in to obsession which could then fester in to becoming true love…
A temperamental romance novel.
Mated by Contract to the Alpha
William—my devastatingly handsome, wealthy werewolf fiancé destined to become Delta—was supposed to be mine forever. After five years together, I was ready to walk down the aisle and claim my happily ever after.
Instead, I found him with her. And their son.
Betrayed, jobless, and drowning in my father's medical bills, I hit rock bottom harder than I ever imagined possible. Just when I thought I'd lost everything, salvation came in the form of the most dangerous man I'd ever encountered.
Damien Sterling—future Alpha of the Silver Moon Shadow Pack and ruthless CEO of Sterling Group—slid a contract across his desk with predatory grace.
“Sign this, little doe, and I'll give you everything your heart desires. Wealth. Power. Revenge. But understand this—the moment you put pen to paper, you become mine. Body, soul, and everything in between.”
I should have run. Instead, I signed my name and sealed my fate.
Now I belong to the Alpha. And he's about to show me just how wild love can be.
Crowned by Fate
“She’d just be a Breeder, you would be the Luna. Once she’s pregnant, I wouldn’t touch her again.” my mate Leon’s jaw tightened.
I laughed, a bitter, broken sound.
“You’re unbelievable. I’d rather accept your rejection than live like that.”
As a girl without a wolf, I left my mate and my pack behind.
Among humans, I survived by becoming a master of the temporary: drifting job to job… until I became the best bartender in a dusty Texas town.
That’s where Alpha Adrian found me.
No one could resist the charming Adrian, and I joined his mysterious pack hidden deep in the desert.
The Alpha King Tournament, held once every four years, had begun. Over fifty packs from across North America were competing.
The werewolf world was on the verge of a revolution. That’s when I saw Leon again...
Torn between two Alphas, I had no idea that what awaited us wasn’t just a competition—but a series of brutal, unforgiving trials.
Author Note:New book out now! The River Knows Her Name
Mystery, secrets, suspense—your next page-turner is here.
The Biker's Fate
I squeezed my eyes shut.
"Dani," he pressed. "Do you get me?"
"No, Austin, I don't," I admitted as I pulled my robe closed again and sat up. "You confuse me."
He dragged his hands down his face. "Tell me what's on your mind."
I sighed. "You're everything my parents warned me against. You're secretive, but you're also honest. I feel wholly protected by you, but then you scare me more than anyone I've ever known. You're a bad boy, but when I dated a so-called good one, he turned out to be the devil, so, yeah, I don't get you because you're not what I expected. You drive me crazier than anyone I've ever met, but then you make me feel complete. I'm feeling things I don't quite know how to process and that makes me want to run. I don't want to give up something that might be really, really good, but I also don't want to be stupid and fall for a boy just because he's super pretty and makes me come."
Danielle Harris is the daughter of an overprotective police chief and has led a sheltered life. As a kindergarten teacher, she's as far removed from the world of Harleys and bikers as you could get, but when she's rescued by the sexy and dangerous Austin Carver, her life is changed forever.
Although Austin 'Booker' Carver is enamored by the innocent Dani, he tries to keep the police chief's daughter at arm's length. But when a threat is made from an unexpected source, he finds himself falling hard and fast for the only woman who can tame his wild heart.
Will Booker be able to find the source of the threat before it's too late?
Will Dani finally give her heart to a man who's everything she's been warned about?
Goddess Of The Underworld.
When the veil between the Divine, the Living, and the Dead begins to crack, Envy is thrust beneath with a job she can’t drop: keep the worlds from bleeding together, shepherd the lost, and make ordinary into armor, breakfasts, bedtime, battle plans. Peace lasts exactly one lullaby. This is the story of a border pup who became a goddess by choosing her family; of four imperfect alphas learning how to stay; of cake, iron, and daylight negotiations. Steamy, fierce, and full of heart, Goddess of the Underworld is a reverse harem, found-family paranormal romance where love writes the rules and keeps three realms from falling apart.
Accardi
“I thought you said you were done chasing me?” Gen mocked.
“I am done chasing you.”
Before she could formulate a witty remark, Matteo threw her down. She landed hard on her back atop his dining room table. She tried to sit up when she noticed what he was doing. His hands were working on his belt. It came free of his pants with a violent yank. She collapsed back on her elbows, her mouth gaping open at the display. His face was a mask of sheer determination, his eyes were a dark gold swimming with heat and desire. His hands wrapped around her thighs and pulled her to the edge of the table. He glided his fingers up her thighs and hooked several around the inside of her panties. His knuckles brushed her dripping sex.
“You’re soaking wet, Genevieve. Tell me, was it me that made you this way or him?” his voice told her to be careful with her answer. His knuckles slid down through her folds and she threw her head back as she moaned. “Weakness?”
“You…” she breathed.
Genevieve loses a bet she can’t afford to pay. In a compromise, she agrees to convince any man her opponent chooses to go home with her that night. What she doesn’t realize when her sister’s friend points out the brooding man sitting alone at the bar, is that man won’t be okay with just one night with her. No, Matteo Accardi, Don of one of the largest gangs in New York City doesn’t do one night stands. Not with her anyway.
The mafia princess return
Alpha Nicholas's Little Mate
What? No—wait… oh Moon Goddess, no.
Please tell me you're joking, Lex.
But she's not. I can feel her excitement bubbling under my skin, while all I feel is dread.
We turn the corner, and the scent hits me like a punch to the chest—cinnamon and something impossibly warm. My eyes scan the room until they land on him. Tall. Commanding. Beautiful.
And then, just as quickly… he sees me.
His expression twists.
"Fuck no."
He turns—and runs.
My mate sees me and runs.
Bonnie has spent her entire life being broken down and abused by the people closest to her including her very own twin sister. Alongside her best friend Lilly who also lives a life of hell, they plan to run away while attending the biggest ball of the year while it's being hosted by another pack, only things don't quite go to plan leaving both girls feeling lost and unsure about their futures.
Alpha Nicholas is 28, mateless, and has no plans to change that. It's his turn to host the annual Blue Moon Ball this year and the last thing he expects is to find his mate. What he expects even less is for his mate to be 10 years younger than him and how his body reacts to her. While he tries to refuse to acknowledge that he has met his mate his world is turned upside down after guards catch two she-wolves running through his lands.
Once they are brought to him he finds himself once again facing his mate and discovers that she's hiding secrets that will make him want to kill more than one person.
Can he overcome his feelings towards having a mate and one that is so much younger than him? Will his mate want him after already feeling the sting of his unofficial rejection? Can they both work on letting go of the past and moving forward together or will fate have different plans and keep them apart?
Fangs, Fate & Other Bad Decisions
After finding out her boyfriend cheated, the last thing she expected was to stumble across a wounded man in an alley. And definitely not one with fangs. But thanks to a mix of cocktails, shame, and her questionable life choices, she takes him home. Turns out, he’s not just any vampire—he’s a king. And according to him, she’s his fated mate.
Now, she’s stuck with an overprotective, brooding bloodsucker who keeps rescuing her, a growing list of enemies who want her dead, and an undeniable attraction that’s making it very hard to remember why falling for a vampire is a terrible idea.
Because if she’s not careful, she won’t just lose her heart—she’ll lose her humanity.
The CEO's Contractual Wife
About Author

Fountain A. Gidado
Download AnyStories App to discover more Fantasy Stories.













