I am Anna, a prostitute in the richest brothel in New York. I'm 28, and my life is a fucking hell wrapped in silk and velvet. I was once a successful model in Russia, but that son of a bitch, my lover, betrayed me. I've lost everything: my career, my home, my faith in love! Now I'm here, in this hole, where every day is a game of survival, where it's either you or you. I'm sitting in a dim room, looking at the neon lights outside the window. There's a martini glass and a pile of white powder on the table. One day I met a client who was different from the rest. He didn't pay for sex, but for simple conversations. We talked for hours, he shared his feelings, and I felt his trust. We had tea with cherry donuts — he knew that I loved them, and he bought them especially for our meetings. There was something in his gaze that made my heart beat faster. He talked about his dreams and disappointments, and for a moment it seemed to me that I saw in him not just a client, but a person I could turn into... However, I quickly reminded myself of who I was and where I was. — Do you think you can change me? I asked, looking into his eyes. —No," he answered shortly. "I can show you life outside of this room." You deserve more than money and sex," he added. "Stop feeling sorry for me," I snapped. — Do what you came for. You're just like everyone else. When you break down and do what we're supposed to do here, I'll kill you like I've killed so many others before you. And your attitude towards me won't change anything. He grabbed my hair abruptly... (The sequel is already waiting for you.)

My father's death was not just a loss for me—it opened the door to a world of nightmares. Tod came into the room quietly, like a shadow, and sat down next to me on the carpet. His gaze was steady, but there was concern in it. I knew that he was as worried about me as I was about my future. —Tod, did you hear that my father bequeathed me to Harvey?" I whispered, barely holding back tears. "How could he do this to me?" I... I feel like a thing, a possession! I hate the thought of that old man... that disgusting Harvey... deciding my fate! My brother took my hand in his and looked into my eyes. There was so much tenderness and determination in his gaze that for a moment I felt better. —Sarah, I'm not going to let him take you,— Tod said firmly. "You are my sister, my twin, and you belong only to me. No one will take you away from me, do you hear? I will protect you, no matter what it takes. You're under your brother's protection, and no one can hurt you. I clung to him, feeling the warmth of his body soothe me. But deep down, there was still fear. What if Tod can't protect me? What if Harvey turns out to be stronger? "Do you promise?" I asked, looking into his eyes. —I swear,— Tod replied seriously. — I will always be there for you, and no one will force me to give you up. You are mine, Sarah, my sister, and my dearest treasure. I closed my eyes, trying to believe his words, but images of Harvey and his sinister smile still surfaced in my mind. Nevertheless, I felt a little calmer in Tod's arms.

I am the princess of the Ashley Campbell dynasty, and after the death of my parents, Brother Travis is the only native person, but our relationship is full of poison and pretense. We pretend to hate each other, even though deep down... no, I don't want to think about it. George Smith is Travis' best friend, the epitome of vice and seduction. There are legends about him, his reputation leaves much to be desired: drugs, promiscuous relationships, rumors about "collecting virgins." But for some reason, it is he who awakens strange feelings in me — a mixture of disgust and curiosity, fear and inexplicable attraction. Lately, I've been catching myself thinking more and more that my brother… He's different. There is something deep and sincere hidden under the mask of irritation. He's trying to protect me from George by not letting him get too close to me, as if he's afraid he might hurt me. And he keeps away from me, but his gaze betrays his feelings for me. Every day I get more and more confused in my own thoughts and feelings. "Ashley, you have to make a choice," an inner voice whispers to me. But how do I choose between the one who is most likely to break my heart and the one... something that is condemned by society? Travis suddenly interrupted me, and I flinched. "Are you standing here staring into space again?" It's like the whole world is just a gray shadow for you! "Can't you?" Don't I have the right to my thoughts, to my feelings? Travis has come closer, almost right next to me, and is looking me straight in the eye. — Your feelings… They're like a maze where it's easy to get lost. Sometimes it seems to me that you don't understand what's going on around you at all! Or don't you want to understand… I came even closer, so that our noses touched, my voice trembles treacherously. "Maybe you don't understand me, Travis. We've always been strangers, but... is that really true? We competed for parental approval, but now there's no point in wearing masks. Travis clenches his fists, a struggle of contradictions in his gaze. "We hate each other, and that's a fact. "Then why are you still standing next to me if you hate me so much?" All these years we've just been playing roles, pretending to hate each other.… But what if it's not? What if there's something else underneath that mask of hate? Have you ever thought about it? Travis was silent, staring at me. Our lips were almost touching when the cleaning lady's voice came from downstairs.: — The lady from the kitchen asked me to tell you that breakfast is ready. Travis blushed and pulled away abruptly. "Forget what just happened.

"Mary, I hired you for a reason. I wanted to be closer. I've been thinking about you all these years. I look up, and there's determination in my eyes: "Tom, this is crazy. I'm leaving. Nothing can happen between us. You're married, and I don't want to destroy someone else's family. I take a step toward the door, but Tom grabs my arm, turning me around. His gaze burns, and I feel conflicting feelings fighting inside me. "Don't go away,— he says. "You feel it too." Don't lie to yourself, Mary. You still love me. I try to resist, but his words and proximity awaken something inside me. I want to push him away, but at the same time, my body responds to his touch. Tom pulls back and looks into my eyes.: "We can't ignore what's going on between us. You are my destiny. I push him away and say, "You're my boss." It doesn't mean anything. Go to your wife. I slam the door and leave. When I leave the office, I feel like I'm shaking. My heart is pounding, and Tom's words are ringing in my head. I know he's right, but I know it's wrong. I won't give in to his gaze, I think. "It will destroy someone else's family, and I don't want to be the cause of such grief."

"I want to discuss the term paper,— I stepped forward, clutching the folder. My fingers were shaking, but I tried to keep my back straight. He moved forward. Every step he took sounded like a thud in his chest. He stopped in mid-stride. The scent of sandalwood and bitterness enveloped me like a net. "Discuss the term paper?" He leaned closer. His breath brushed my cheek. "Or is there something else?" I felt his gaze slide over my face, neck, and arms—slowly, brazenly, as if he had already undressed me with his eyes. "You're always so persistent, Emily. It 's annoying . "I just want a good grade," I breathed, trying to keep my voice steady. He yanked the folder out of my hands. She fell to the floor with a thud. "Grades are obtained in different ways,— his voice dropped to a whisper. — For example, if you stop playing defiance. I stepped back. He followed. Now there wasn't even half a meter between us. His breath burned my skin. — Do you think I don't see how you look at me? His lips were almost touching my ear. — The way you squeeze your fingers when I pass by. I tried to pull away, but he grabbed my wrist. Sharply. Painfully. "Say it out loud, Emily. Tell me how you feel. "Let me go!" I blurted out. I jerked, but his fingers only tightened. "Don't lie. I can see right through you. And I know what you want. At that moment, the door creaked. I turned around. Sarah was standing in the doorway. Her eyes were huge with terror. Harris abruptly released my hand, as if he'd been burned. —We're done,— his voice turned icy. — Consultations are held during business hours. I ran out of the auditorium, barely able to contain my trembling. Sarah grabbed my arm. "What was that?" I didn't answer. Everything was screaming inside. All I knew was that he wouldn't back down next time. And I... I'm not sure I can say no again.

Emily strives for professional recognition, overcoming creative and personal challenges. Jackson, despite his outward success, experiences deep inner loneliness. Their paths cross at Emily's art exhibition, marking the beginning of a complex and emotional romance. As they gradually reveal their hearts to each other, they face numerous obstacles, including past mistakes, fears, and the clash between dreams and reality.

I never thought I could fall in love like this.… But fate decreed otherwise. Los Angeles is a city of splendor and luxury, but for me it has become a place of secret meetings and bitter tears. I am Riana Redison, the heiress of one of the richest families in the city. Our family is engaged in an irreconcilable struggle for influence and reputation with another influential dynasty, the Vanderbums. My parents decided long ago that my brother and I should marry into other noble families in order to strengthen our positions. But everything changed when I met Nicholas Vanderbaum. He is the charismatic and confident heir to the Vanderboom family. His smile, his look, his manners—everything about him excites my soul. I can't resist these feelings, even though I know that our love is forbidden. My parents are totally against our relationship. We have to hide our feelings from everyone.: In public, we portray hatred and rivalry, participate in social events, and meet with potential spouses chosen by our parents. But once we're alone— the mask falls off. Hot hugs, frank conversations and promises of eternal love... it's only in these moments that I feel truly happy. I live in constant fear that someone will find out about our feelings. Every day is a struggle between duty and heart. I'm afraid to imagine what would happen if my parents found out about my love for Nicholas. But I can't give up my feelings either. The secrets of both families threaten to come out, and then Nicholas and I will have to make a choice: continue to hide our feelings or challenge our parents and public opinion. The fate of our families and our own future depend on this decision. Can I keep my secret? Or will love be stronger than fear and duty? I do not know the answer yet.… But one thing is for sure: I can't live without Nicholas.