the thorn birds by colleen mccullough

Chloe Anderson will do anything to protect the orphanage she's been supporting—even if it means stepping into a world far beyond her reach. Lucas Davenport, a billionaire who despises gold-diggers more than anyone, never intended to marry, especially not someone like Chloe. Convinced she's after his wealth, Lucas hides his true identity. But the more time he spends with her, the deeper he falls. The catch? Chloe has one rule she’ll never break—she can't forgive lies.

A talented but poor woman finds out her boyfriend cheated on her during an interview. Disappointed, she agrees to a fake engagement with the powerful CEO. Surprisingly, he makes it real and treats her lovingly. Together, they expose the cheaters, leading her to unexpected success. She triumphs over challenges, singing her way to victory.

On a rainy night, Emma Thorn crosses paths with Theo Gray while desperately trying to raise money for her brother's medical treatment. He's cold and wealthy; she's headstrong and unyielding. Their lives collide again and again—on campus, in the workplace, at glamorous banquets—each encounter sparking tension and unspoken feelings. But love is never simple. Emma mistakes Theo for a heartless flirt, while his jealousy drives him to test her at every turn. Will they break through the walls between them and find their way to true love?

After her beloved boyfriend Ian left her, Wanda drowned her sorrows at a bar and met Charles, a street singer. In a fit of anger, she proposed a five-million-dollar agreement to marry Charles for five years, which he accepted. He took care of Wanda with great devotion, and she comfortably accepted everything. As the five years drew to a close, Ian returned from abroad, wanting to get back together with Wanda. The regret of their past had always been a thorn in Wanda's heart, but just as she welcomed Ian back, she discovered Charles's terminal cancer diagnosis. At that moment, she was overwhelmed by an indescribable mix of emotions.

Jennifer was originally a wealthy young lady who mistakenly thought Eldridge had helped her and fell in love with him. She concealed her identity, silently supporting the poor Eldridge. However, just as Eldridge was about to achieve success, he abandoned Jennifer to marry a wealthy young lady in order to advance his career. Eldridge and his family treated Jennifer as a thorn in their side, insulting and defaming her in front of numerous dignitaries. Once Jennifer understood the truth, she revealed her identity as the daughter of the richest man, humiliating Eldridge back. Eldridge and his despicable family regretted their actions and tried to appease her, but it was too late. Jennifer loudly proclaimed to the world that Eldridge was unworthy of her. At the same time, Herschel, the man who was engaged to Jennifer in their childhood, found her and spared no effort to seek revenge on her behalf, fulfilling his wish and eventually winning her heart.