He was the reason: The beginning

SHE WAS THE PRINCESS—BUT NEVER HIS DAMSEL IN DISTRESS. Leina Reinhardt was born into power, privilege, and prestige—the only daughter of a multi-billionaire and the beloved sister of Westdentia’s most elite men: Lester – A cold, calculating CEO with an empire at his feet. Levy – A six-time Olympic champion, untouchable and unstoppable. Liam & Louis – The twin masterminds behind the world’s most powerful gaming empire. To the world, she was the Reinhardt Princess—elegant, quiet, untouchable. But Leina Reinhardt was no fragile flower. She was raised by wolves, after all. Then came Alexander Harris Smith. Her brothers’ best friend. Her first love. Her greatest heartbreak. The boy who lit up her world—only to disappear and leave her in the dark. Now, years later, he’s back, standing in front of her like a ghost from the past. And worse? He has the audacity to question her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------‐------------------------------------------------------------------------ Excerpt: Leina's fingers curled into fists, nails biting into her palms. Every muscle in her body screamed at her to walk away. To leave him standing there like he left her all those years ago. But damn him—he had the nerve to show up now, with those same emerald eyes, as if he had any right to look at her that way. "What did you expect, Alexander?" she seethed, voice sharp as glass. "That I’d wait? That my world would freeze the moment you walked away?" His jaw clenched. She could see the storm raging behind his eyes, but she refused to care. "You left," she said, her voice breaking despite her best efforts. "You. Left. And now you think you can just come back and—" Her words died in her throat as he moved, his hands gripping her arms, pulling her close before she could stop him. "Let go," she hissed, her voice defiant—but her body betrayed her, memories clawing their way to the surface. Alexander’s grip tightened, his forehead pressing against hers, breath unsteady. "I know I don’t deserve it," he murmured, voice raw. "But hate me, curse me, hit me—just don’t tell me you forgot." Leina’s breath hitched. Her throat burned. She wanted to slap him. She wanted to scream that she didn’t care. She wanted to say that he meant nothing. But the lie wouldn't come. Because the truth was brutal. She remembered everything. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHY READ THIS? Billionaire mafia intrigue with power struggles and dark secrets Unforgettable first love turned into a dangerous obsession A fierce heroine who refuses to be a pawn A dangerously devoted hero who will burn the world for her Get ready for a story of power, betrayal, and a love that refuses to die.