Starresky

Chapter 4 of It Feels Like I’ve Won has been posted! In this role reversal modern AU, successful, powerful and rich CEO Kate Sharma is the one who needs to marry out of duty and overprotective older brother, Anthony, is the one standing in her way.  

In Chapter 4, Kate maneuvers her way into meeting Benedict and starts her “courtship” of him before Anthony can stop her.  

Chapter 3 of It Feels Like I’ve Won has been posted!  In this role reversal modern AU, successful, powerful and rich CEO Kate Sharma is the one who needs to marry out of duty and overprotective older brother, Anthony, is the one standing in her way.  

In Chapter 3, Anthony overhears Kate say something not meant for his ears on the terrace of a conservatory, and he is determined to keep her away from his brother.

Chapter 2 of It Feels Like I’ve Won has been posted! In this role reversal modern AU, successful, powerful and rich CEO Kate Sharma is the one who needs to marry out of duty and overprotective older brother, Anthony, is the one standing in her way.

In Chapter 2, Kate and Anthony have a little run-in by the park a little past dawn.

It Feels Like I’ve Won

[AO3 Link]

“Ms. Sharma, we have a problem,” Penelope Featherington said to her boss, Kate Sharma, owner and CEO of BuddyBoxes, the #1 pet treats subscription service worldwide.

“Pen, how many times do I have to remind you? You’re paid to provide me solutions, not problems,” Kate smirked, tapping a pen against her desktop as she looked out at the city skyline from her executive office in the BuddyBox Building.

“Umm, of course, but honestly, I’m a little terrified of how you’ll react to the solution Marketing and PR is proposing.” Penelope held up her planner protectively in front of her as if shielding her from Kate’s impending reaction.

Kate turned in her chair to face Penelope, an eyebrow raised. “I won’t shoot the messenger. Just spit it out.”

Penelope paced back and forth, starting and stopping as she willed herself the confidence to share the bad news. “They want you to get married,” Penelope squeaked out in a rushed breath, her eyes anywhere but looking at Kate.

Kate laughed. A hysterical, cold, wild laugh. “You can’t be serious.”

Penelope flinched. “Puppy Foods, the pet food company we want to collaborate with, is all about family values and the contacts we have at the company have said they’ve been hesitant to work with us since they don’t think we match their family-friendly image.”

“What?!” Kate hissed. “What is more family friendly than pet treats and accessories? Everyone loves Newton! Kids, parents, old ladies, everyone! Even people who hate pets, love Newton.” Newton was Kate’s cherished dog and the mascot of BuddyBox.

Penelope slowly backed away towards the door. “I’m sorry, I should have been clearer. They love Newton. It’s, um, it’s you.”

Kate’s eyes narrowed. “Me? What about me?”

Penelope held her planner even tighter. “They worry that a single woman with a new man on her arm at every event doesn’t project the, errr, stable, family life they are trying to promote.”

Kate let out a curse. Could everyone just let her live already? She had already sacrificed her entire life for this company, spent years toiling away in school, grit her teeth while being talked down to by all of her father’s associates until she proved through blood, sweat and tears she could do her duty and carry on her father’s legacy by bringing her father’s pet store company into the modern age. What else did they want from her?! Now she was supposed to give up the one thing that gave her any release from the chains around her neck?

Kate pressed her fingers to her head, a migraine starting to burn through her brain. “Fine,” she said, her lips thinned in resignation. “So exactly how quickly do I need to get married? City Hall? Las Vegas? What’s Marketing’s plan here?”

Penelope’s jaw dropped for a moment before she found her voice. “Um, not like that, err, they said it has to look natural. They said they can sell it if you at least start showing up at events with someone that would help you look like you’re planning to settle down seriously.”

“And do they have a husband in mind for me?” Kate sneered. “Or a PowerPoint presentation where I can just pick the man I’ll be shackled to for the rest of my life?”

Penelope bit her bottom lip. “They haven’t gotten that far. Honestly, they didn’t think you would go for it.”

Kate groaned in frustration. “This partnership with Puppy Foods would ensure the company stays on top for years to come. My dad’s company would be thehousehold name he always dreamed it would be. It’s my responsibility to make sure that happens no matter what.”

“It’s your company now, Kate,” Penelope said softly. “What about what you want?“

“Whatever is best for the company is what I want,” Kate insisted. “For my father, and for Edwina and Mary who entrusted me with this company.”

Penelope knew fighting with her stubborn boss and friend would be fruitless. “Okay, then how about I reach out to my friend Eloise? Her sister Daphne knows all the most eligible bachelors looking to settle down, and we can come up with some candidates for you.”

“Daphne Bridgerton?”

Penelope nodded.

“Bridgerton, Bridgerton, Bridgerton . . . “ Kate tapped her lip, searching her brain for why that name was lighting up in her mind. Then she searched through the piles of documents and brochures on her desk from various product partners. Her eyes lit up when she found what she was looking for: the latest issue of a popular business magazine with a tall, dark and handsome gentleman on the cover. She beamed and held up the magazine for Penelope to see, shaking it in victory.

Penelope stared at the cover, her forehead wrinkled in confusion. “Yes, that is Daphne’s older brother on the cover . . . as one of the most eligible bachelors in London.” Penelope’s eyes widened as she realized the meaning behind the headline.

“Exactly! And since you know Daphne you can get his number for me. Actually, just schedule drinks for us this Friday. Yes, this will work perfectly.” Kate’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as the gears turned quickly in her mind. This would be the perfect solution. She could go on a few dates with this Bridgerton bachelor, lock down this deal, and maybe after a short one year marriage of convenience, they could go their separate ways. “If I have to be associated with someone, it might as well be the golden boy of the moment, don’t you think?”

Penelope shook her head, instincts screaming at her that this was a bad idea. “But you don’t even know him. He doesn’t really seem your usual, um, type.”

Kate laughed. “What does it matter? This is business and it’ll all be for show anyway. I’m sure I can charm him into seeing the benefits of being seen with me and how that can help the Bridgerton Group as well. Bridgerton Group may not yet be on our level but they could be with my help. He knows our circles and I’m sure he can be discreet.”

“Are you sure?” Penelope asked, clearly skeptical of the whole idea.

“Yes, set it up. By next week I’ll get him on his knees, and I’ll be Mrs. Sharma-Bridgerton just in time for the ink to dry in our contract with Puppy Foods.”

Despite Kate’s triumphant face, Penelope sighed. She had a bad feeling about this. While she knew Kate was extremely persuasive, what were the chances Benedict Bridgerton would agree to this whole scheme?

The last chapter of It Was Never Supposed To Be You is up! A quiet morning by the stables with some final heartfelt confessions and a proposal!

What if Kate and Anthony never had their last dance and Kate leaves for India without knowing he loves her?

It has now been a year since Kate and Anthony have been in the same country together, but Kate has returned for Edwina’s wedding to Prince Friedrich. With the help of Thomas Dorset, Edwina and Daphne, their true feelings come back to the surface.

AO3 Link

Chapter 4 of It Was Never Supposed To Be You is up! Kate and Anthony finally cross paths and some fears and truths are revealed.

What if Kate and Anthony never had their last dance and Kate leaves for India without knowing he loves her?

It has now been a year since Kate and Anthony have been in the same country together, but Kate has returned for Edwina’s wedding to Prince Friedrich. With the help of Thomas Dorset, Edwina and Daphne, their true feelings come back to the surface.

AO3 Link

Chapter 3 of It Was Never Supposed To Be You is up! Edwina and Anthony finally talk about the wedding that never was, and Anthony gets a wake up call from Dorset.

What if Kate and Anthony never had their last dance and Kate leaves for India without knowing he loves her?

It has now been a year since Kate and Anthony have been in the same country together, but Kate has returned for Edwina’s wedding to Prince Friedrich. With the help of Thomas Dorset, Edwina and Daphne, their true feelings come back to the surface.

AO3 Link