Always Meant To Be by Charlotte McGinlay

Romeo
From the moment I saw her, I knew she was mine.
But she was innocent despite her upbringing.
Good-hearted, sweet, and kind; not someone who belonged in our world,
Despite being born into it.
That didn’t stop me from wanting her, and it didn’t stop me from getting her.
And being a Don means I always get what I want.
And she was it.
I’m a cold man; nothing matters to me except my family and now her.
I made a deal to ensure she became mine.
I ensured she was trapped with me always.
I tried to keep her close while ensuring I kept to the deal.
I wasn’t willing to allow anyone to hurt her.
But then I found out she was keeping things from me,
Ensuring that she would not tie herself to me for life.
And then I messed up.
She got hurt, and now she wants to leave me.
But what my little butterfly doesn’t realize,
Is that I’ll never let her go.
I’ll lock her up before that happens, even if it means she’ll hate me.
But I don’t care because she’s mine.

Elena
I always thought I’d live a normal life.
My mother never cared for me, disappointed that I wasn’t a boy,
While my father acted like I didn’t exist.
My sister was their world and got everything she wanted,
Which was perfect for me until she wanted him.
But she messed up, and I had to pay for her mistakes.
My quiet world was turned upside down.
I was forced into an arranged marriage with a man she wanted;
With a man who wanted her but couldn’t have her.
For years I tried to live up to the woman I was expected to be,
The woman he could learn to love,
Because I fell in love with him even though I tried not to.
But nothing I did was good enough.
He only had eyes for her, destroying me inside and out.
Then he chose her, and I got hurt.
I finally hit my limit and grew a backbone.
I finally decided to leave.
But he refuses to let go, refuses to let me leave.
But I don’t understand why when he’s always chosen her.
I won’t let him win; I won’t let him hurt me anymore than he already has.
If only I could get my heart on board with the plan.

This is a standalone with a HEA. Due to mature content and themes, this book is recommended for readers aged 18+; this novel may contain triggers.