Blurb:

My 25th birthday was meant to be perfect, but

instead, turned out to be the opposite.

I never planned on running into a stranger that

night, and I most certainly never thought I'd end
up in his bed but yeah, I did.

Now, I’m starting over in New York, only to

discover that the man I thought was just a one-
night mistake is actually my new boss and worse....
my new neighbor.

Torn between a love I never expected and the

scars of my past, I have to decide.. Do I risk my
heart again or walk away for good?

Title: TANGLED DESIRE - The Boss Next Door

Genre: Billionaire Romance
Troupe: One night stand, Office Romance,
Substitute Bride, Forced Proximity, Love triangle,
Chasing her back.
Theme: Love, Betrayal, Redemption.
Setting: Modern Day, New York City and San
Francisco, United States.

Characterization:

Nicole Ray (FEMALE LEAD):

Background - Nicole, 26, is a strong, independent
woman who has faced numerous hardships,
including the recent loss of her mother and the
betrayal by her longtime boyfriend, Dawson.
Despite these setbacks, she remains resilient and
determined to carve out a successful career and
life for herself.

Personality - Nicole is intelligent, compassionate,

and fiercely loyal to those she loves. Her
experiences have made her cautious and
somewhat guarded , but she has a deep capacity
for love and forgiveness. She is also very driven
and ambitious, traits that help her excel in her
professional life.

Arc -Throughout the story, Nicole evolves from a

heartbroken woman into a confident and
empowered individual. She navigates complex
relationships and professional challenges,
ultimately finding strength in her love for Ryan
and her quest for justice for her family.

Ryan Greene (MALE LEAD):

Background - Ryan , 29, is a successful
businessman dealing with the emotional fallout
from a recent breakup with his girlfriend, Lily. He is
drawn to Nicole after their intense night together
and finds himself increasingly intrigued by her,
despite his initial resolve to avoid serious
relationships.

Personality - Ryan is charismatic, protective, and

determined. He is also deeply wounded by past
betrayals, which makes him wary of trusting others
fully. His protective nature sometimes borders on
possessiveness, but it stems from a genuine care
for those he loves.

Arc - Ryan ’s journey is one of overcoming his

insecurities and past traumas. He learns to open up
emotionally and becomes a supportive partner to
Nicole, helping her in her fight for justice while also
dealing with his own family’s expectations and
business pressures.

Dawson (VILLAIN):
Background - Dawson, 30, is Nicole’s ex-boyfriend
who betrays her by kissing another girl. He
reappears later in the story, attempting to win
Nicole back after realizing her success and
happiness without him.

Personality - Dawson is manipulative, self-serving,

and somewhat remorseful, though his true
intentions are often questionable. He uses charm
to try to manipulate Nicole back into his life.

Role - Dawson’s return creates emotional turmoil

for Nicole, forcing her to confront her past and the
unresolved feelings she has. His ultimate
revelation as someone with ulterior motives further
solidifies Nicole’s resolve to move forward with
Ryan .

Fiona (VILLAIN):
Background - Fiona, 27, is Nicole’s stepsister who
was originally supposed to marry Ryan as part of a
family arrangement. She returns, claiming Nicole
has stolen her life and attempts to undermine
Nicole and Ryan ’s relationship.

Personality - Fiona is envious, manipulative, and

determined to get what she believes is rightfully
hers. She is willing to use deceit and sabotage to
achieve her goals.

Role - Fiona’s actions create significant tension and

conflict in the story. Her attempts to discredit
Nicole and win Ryan over serve as major obstacles
that Nicole and Ryan must overcome to solidify
their relationship.

Lily (VILLAIN):
Background - Lily, 27, is Ryan ’s ex-girlfriend whose
return complicates his budding relationship with
Nicole. Her unresolved issues with Ryan add layers
to the story’s conflict.

Personality - Lily is persistent, somewhat

manipulative, and emotionally complex. She still
harbors feelings for Ryan and is determined to
rekindle their relationship.

Role - Lily's presence forces Ryan to confront his

past and his feelings for Nicole, adding tension and
conflict to the story. Her eventual implication in the
corporate scandal serves to close the chapter on
her relationship with Ryan .
Supporting Characters:

Maureen:
Background - Maureen, 26, is Nicole's best friend,
known for her candid and protective nature. She is
the one who reveals Dawson’s infidelity to Nicole,
showing her the picture that sets off the story’s
events.

Personality - Maureen is loyal, straightforward, and

fiercely protective of Nicole. She has a no-
nonsense attitude and isn't afraid to speak her
mind, especially when it comes to looking out for
her friend.

Role - Maureen acts as a constant support for

Nicole, both emotionally and in her quest for
justice. Her unwavering loyalty and pragmatic
approach help Nicole navigate the various
challenges she faces throughout the story.

Leo Ray:
Background - Leo, 29, is Nicole’s brother, a steady
and supportive figure in her life. He initially
introduces Ryan to Nicole at her birthday party. He
lives with Nicole, their stepmom, stepsister, and
their terminally ill father.

Personality - Leo is kind, responsible, and

protective of Nicole. He is practical and level-
headed, often providing a grounding presence for
his sister amid the chaos of her life.

Role - Leo serves as a stabilizing force in Nicole’s

life, offering advice and support. His acceptance of
Ryan after seeing his genuine care for Nicole helps
bridge the gap between Nicole’s personal and
romantic lives.

PLOT:

The story opens with Nicole Ray's 26th birthday

party. Nicole is deeply in love with Dawson, her
boyfriend of two years. He promised he'd be there,
but he doesn't show up, leaving Nicole
heartbroken. Maureen, Nicole's best friend, arrives
late and, noticing Nicole's sadness, warns her once
again about Dawson. Maureen shows Nicole a
picture she took on her way to the party of Dawson
kissing another girl at a club. Nicole is devastated,
feeling betrayed and hurt. She confronts Maureen,
asking why she always calls Dawson a dog, but the
picture speaks for itself.

Distraught, Nicole runs off from the party, seeking

solace. She encounters Ryan , who has just been
dumped by his girlfriend, Lily. Ryan was invited to
the party by Nicole’s brother, Leo, who was a
classmate of his at university. They find comfort in
each other's company and, after drinking together,
they end up having sex. The encounter is intense
and fulfilling for Nicole, something she hasn't
experienced in a long time. Despite her past life in
LA, where she slept around a lot, this night with
Ryan feels different.

Ryan wakes up the next morning to find Nicole

gone. He is intrigued by their night together and
wants more, despite still feeling the sting from
Lily’s betrayal. Meanwhile, Nicole returns home,
where she lives with her brother, Leo, her
stepmom, step sister and their terminally ill father.
Nicole's mother passed away recently, adding to
the family's emotional burden.

Nicole receives a call from a prestigious company

in New York, offering her a job she had been trying
to secure for months. Excited, she shares the news
with her family. To make the commute easier,
Nicole decides to move from San Francisco to New
York. On the day she is moving, Dawson shows up,
trying to reconnect after weeks of silence. Nicole
breaks up with him, showing him the picture
Maureen took. Dawson pleads for another chance,
but Nicole is resolute. She and Maureen promise to
stay in touch despite the distance.

In New York, Nicole moves into a luxurious flat

arranged by her new company. Unbeknownst to
her, Ryan lives next door. Nicole’s dog, Pops,
causes some disturbances, leading to complaints
from neighbors. One day, as a neighbor is
complaining, a deep, familiar voice intervenes. It’s
Ryan . The sight of him shocks Nicole, and the
tension between them is palpable. Ryan , noticing
her reaction and the awkwardness, leaves for his
apartment, and Nicole closes her door, still reeling
from the encounter.

The next day is Nicole’s first day at work. She is

stunned when Ryan walks in, revealing himself as
her boss. She is even more shocked to learn that
she will be his secretary. Ryan calls her to his
office, where he becomes touchy-feely, expressing
how much he has missed her and wanted her since
their night together. Despite trying to remain
strong, Nicole finds it hard to resist Ryan ’s touch,
and they almost have sex in his office before she
runs out, overwhelmed.

Ryan , having resolved never to get serious with

any woman after Lily's betrayal, is nevertheless
drawn to Nicole which makes him insecure and
scared and resolved to put his guard up.

Nicole faces challenges at work due to her

complicated relationship with Ryan . Gossip
spreads about their relationship, and some
colleagues doubt her abilities, believing she only
got the job because of Ryan . This strains Nicole's
confidence, and she feels isolated. Ryan 's
protective behavior sometimes borders on
possessiveness, leading to arguments between
them.

As Nicole receives more anonymous texts about

Ryan ’s involvement in a scandal, Ryan becomes
protective. He opens up about his past traumas,
revealing vulnerabilities that deepen their
emotional connection. Nicole begins to see a
different side of Ryan , one that is caring and
protective, which makes her feelings for him grow
even stronger.

Nicole experiences a pregnancy-related health

scare, which she initially keeps from Ryan . When
he finds out, he is deeply concerned, leading to an
emotional confrontation. Ryan 's genuine care for
Nicole during this time strengthens their bond, and
they start to envision a future together despite the
complications.

Lily, Ryan ’s ex-girlfriend, shows up at the office

one day, claiming she wants to rekindle their
relationship. This unexpected visit shakes Ryan ,
who still has unresolved feelings for her. Nicole,
seeing Lily and Ryan together, feels a pang of
jealousy and confusion. Ryan ’s emotions are
thrown into turmoil as he juggles his lingering
feelings for Lily and his intense attraction to Nicole.
This causes friction between Ryan and Nicole,
leading to heated arguments and passionate
reconciliations.

Despite their passionate reconciliations, Ryan ’s

lingering feelings for Lily complicate things. One
night, Ryan and Lily have sex, but Ryan realizes
he doesn’t enjoy it like he does with Nicole. The
next day, Nicole confronts Ryan , demanding
answers. In a moment of anger and frustration,
Ryan says hurtful words, claiming Nicole was a
mistake and she should stay away from him.

Ryan 's family, a wealthy and influential group,

pressures him to marry to secure a business
alliance. They believe it's time for him to settle
down, especially after the scandal and his volatile
relationship with Nicole. His parents set up an
arranged marriage with another influential family,
seeing it as a way to stabilize Ryan 's life and the
family's reputation.

Nicole's stepmother, who has always treated her

poorly, calls Nicole back home, claiming it’s for a
family emergency. Once Nicole arrives, she
discovered shortly after she moved to New York
her father's health took a turn for the worse and he
just passed away.

Before he died, her father had agreed to a

marriage alliance with a wealthy and influential
family, and Fiona was supposed to be the one to
get married. Now that he’s gone, Fiona has run
away, leaving the stepmother desperate to secure
the marriage benefits. Worried about the family's
reputation and financial stability, she forces Nicole
to take Fiona’s place.

Nicole reluctantly agrees to stand in for her

stepsister, unaware of who the groom is. Similarly,
Ryan goes along with his family's arrangement,
seeing it as a way to escape the mess his life has
become. He is also unaware of the bride's identity,
as the families have kept them apart until the
wedding day.

On the day of the wedding, Nicole and Ryan are

both shocked to see each other at the altar. This
unexpected turn of events forces them into a
legally binding marriage, despite their unresolved
issues and the tension caused by Ryan 's ex-
girlfriend's return.

Back in New York, Nicole and Ryan struggle to

adjust to their sudden marriage. Ryan feels
trapped and conflicted, especially given his
feelings for Nicole and his unresolved issues with
his ex-girlfriend. Nicole, meanwhile, is hurt by the
forced marriage and Ryan 's mixed signals.

As Nicole receives more anonymous texts about

Ryan 's involvement in a corporate scandal, she
discovers that her mother was framed and her
father's illness was caused by poisoning linked to
the company. Suspicious of Ryan but determined
to uncover the truth, Nicole continues her
relationship with him to gather information.

Nicole, feeling a mix of betrayal and determination,

decides to join forces with Maureen to expose the
corruption and clear her mother’s name. Despite
her anger and confusion, she understands the
importance of justice for her family.

Teaming up with Maureen involves danger and

deception. Nicole begins to receive threats, and
the rival faction targets her, putting her in real
danger. Ryan goes to great lengths to protect her,
deepening their bond bad making Nicole question
her thoughts on him as they face external threats
together.

Leo, Nicole's brother visits New York, initially

skeptical of Ryan and protective of Nicole. Ryan 's
genuine care for Nicole wins Leo over, helping
Nicole see Ryan in a new light. This reconciliation
with her family provides Nicole with the support
she needs to continue her fight for justice.
As the investigation progresses, Ryan becomes
the public face of the scandal, facing media
scrutiny and legal challenges. Nicole stands by him
publicly, demonstrating their commitment to each
other. Their united front against the external
pressures shows the strength of their relationship,
transforming it from a private affair to a public
partnership.

Nicole's investigation reaches a climax when she

uncovers definitive proof of her mother's framing
and her father's poisoning. She orchestrates a
dramatic meeting in Ryan 's office, ensuring all key
players are present, including Ryan , Maureen, and
representatives from the company’s board. Nicole
presents the evidence, exposing the corruption and
betrayal that has plagued her family for years.

In a twist, it is revealed that Ryan was

manipulated by higher-ups and had been trying to
protect Nicole all along. The revelation forces
Nicole to reconsider her feelings and the path she
wants to take. She realizes that Ryan , despite his
flaws, was not the true villain. Instead, he was
caught in a web of corporate deceit and was
attempting to shield her from the worst of it.
Lily is implicated in the scandal, severing her
relationship with Ryan . This not only addresses the
loose ends of their past relationship but also
solidifies the bond between Ryan and Nicole, as
Ryan chooses to be with Nicole, free from any
lingering attachments to Lily.

Nicole presents the evidence she’s gathered about

her mother’s framing and her father's poisoning in
a dramatic meeting with Ryan , Maureen, and
company representatives.

The real culprits behind the corporate scandal are

exposed, clearing Ryan 's name and vindicating
Nicole's family. Ryan ’s role in protecting Nicole
and attempting to uncover the truth is recognized,
turning public opinion in their favor.

The climax of the corporate scandal and the

resolution of Nicole's family issues (including
clearing her mother's name and addressing her
father's poisoning) coincide with Nicole and Ryan .
They begin to see the forced marriage as an
opportunity rather than a burden.

Seeing her thriving in New York and hearing about

her relationship with Ryan , Dawson, Nicole's ex
boyfriend decides to come back into her life,
claiming he wants to make amends and win her
back.

Dawson shows up unexpectedly in New York, just

as Nicole is starting to sort through her
complicated feelings for Ryan . He apologizes
sincerely, expressing remorse for his past actions
and asking for a second chance. He claims that the
picture of him with another girl was a
misunderstanding or a setup.

Nicole is caught off guard by Dawson's

reappearance. While she doesn't trust him, the
unresolved emotions and the comfort of their past
relationship create a confusing emotional conflict.
Dawson's return coincide with a particularly rough
patch in her relationship with Ryan , making her
more susceptible to Dawson's advances.

Ryan , already dealing with his issues and the

complications with his ex, Lily, becomes jealous
and possessive when Dawson tries to reconnect
with Nicole. He fears losing her, especially as
Dawson seems genuinely intent on making
amends. This situation forces Ryan to confront his
feelings for Nicole and whether he's willing to fight
for her.

The threat of losing Nicole to Dawson can serve as

a catalyst for Ryan to express his feelings openly
and work on their relationship. He makes
significant gestures to prove his commitment, such
as addressing their issues head-on and making
personal sacrifices.

Nicole eventually needs to make a choice.

Dawson’s presence and actions push her to
evaluate her feelings for Ryan more clearly. She
realizes that Dawson represents her past and the
pain she has overcome, while Ryan , despite his
flaws and the challenges they face, represents her
future.

As the story progressed, it was revealed that

Dawson has ulterior motives, such as trying to
disrupt Nicole's life out of spite and jealousy over
her success and happiness without him.

With Dawson's true motives were revealed and

Nicole, now confident in her feelings for Ryan ,
rejects Dawson, making it clear that her future is
with Ryan .
Dawson leaves, realizing he can't manipulate
Nicole anymore.

Fiona, Nicole's step sister unexpectedly returns

after Nicole and Ryan have been married for a
while. She claims that the marriage was supposed
to be hers and accuses Nicole of stealing her life
and opportunity. Fiona's assertion that the
marriage should have been hers causes tension, as
she feels entitled to the life Nicole now has. This
assertion leads to public and private
confrontations.

Fiona starts a campaign to undermine Nicole,

spreading rumors and digging up dirt on her past in
LA. She claims Nicole is unworthy of Ryan and try
to sway Ryan 's family and business associates
against her. Fiona's actions cause Nicole to feel
increasingly isolated and vulnerable. Ryan
becomes defensive and protective of Nicole.

Fiona tries to manipulate situations to her

advantage. She cozies up to Ryan , pretending to
be supportive or remorseful for running away,
while secretly plotting to drive a wedge between
him and Nicole. Fiona's manipulative tactics create
misunderstandings and mistrust between Nicole
and Ryan . Nicole feels insecure, while Ryan is
caught between loyalty to Nicole and family
obligations.

Fiona's true intentions are revealed through an

overheard conversation and a leaked document.
It's uncovered that Fiona never truly wanted to
marry Ryan initially and only returned out of
jealousy or a desire for power and wealth. The
revelation of Fiona's selfish motives leads to a final
confrontation. Nicole and Ryan must stand united
against Fiona's schemes, reaffirming their
commitment to each other.

Fiona, desperate and angry, might make one last

attempt to break up Nicole and Ryan by trying to
seduce Ryan . Her actions backfire as Ryan and
Nicole see through her ploy.

A final confrontation occurs, where Nicole and Ryan

confront Fiona together. Ryan makes it clear that
he stands with Nicole, discrediting Fiona’s attempts
to drive them apart.

Fiona faces the consequences of her actions. She

was discredited publicly, lost all support she had
from Ryan 's family or business associates and
faced legal repercussions.

Ryan , realizing the depth of his feelings for Nicole,

makes a grand gesture to prove his commitment, a
publicly declaring his love and intentions for a
future together.

They have an open and honest conversation,

resolving their misunderstandings and affirming
their love for each other.

Nicole and Ryan have a small, intimate ceremony

to renew their vows, celebrating their love and the
challenges they’ve overcome.

They look forward to starting their family and

building a future together.

A few months later, Nicole and Ryan are happily

preparing for the arrival of their baby.

The story ends on a hopeful note, with Nicole and

Ryan looking forward to the future, grateful for
their love and the family they are building
together.