Why Is Hardin So Toxic In 'After'?

Alexander Brookes was once a rising star in the competitive world of business, until the love of his life, Alessia , left for Paris, crushing his hopes. Diverting into depression and frequent drunkenness, he gave in to his father's opinion , marrying Camilla—a woman he hardly knows—in a loveless arrangement intended to save his reputation. For three years, their marriage has been frigid, but when Alessia unexpectedly returns, Alex's addiction reignites, blinding him to the love that has gradually built between him and Camilla. Camilla realizes she is pregnant, a secret that might change everything, just as their lives cross paths again. As Alex battles his problems and accepts the consequences of his decisions, Alessia's envy leads to a catastrophic kidnapping of Camilla's child, forcing him and Camilla to collaborate. In a high-stakes game of love, betrayal, and forgiveness, will Alex find the courage to recover his life and become the father and partner they deserve?

"Don't touch me! How could you do this to me Hardin? I loved you!" "I'm sorry you had to find out this way babe," Hardin replied calmly. Too calmly for Melanie 's liking. There was no trace of regret in his voice. "But I was never really in love with you Melanie. It was always Natalia for me. She was my first and only love." Melanie Marshall thought she had it all - a loving marriage, wealth inherited from her grandfather, and a future brighter than her dreams. But one fateful day, everything came crashing down. Returning home from a business trip, Melanie was devastated to find her husband Hardin in bed with her half-sister Natalia. Not only had he betrayed her, but he served divorce papers, intent on taking everything - her inheritance, her home, even her dignity. Years later, Melanie has rebuilt her life and Hardin desperately wants her back! But this time, she's stronger. It's time for a reckoning, and revenge will be sweet.

Eleanor Sutton was in love with Harrison Luther since she was 20 years old. She married him when she turned 22. Five years into their marriage, they had yet to have a child together. Harrison kept protecting Eleanor from his family while enduring the pressure they kept inflicting on him. At that time, everyone claimed that Eleanor was Harrison's weak spot. But everything changed once news of Harrison having an illegitimate child was leaked. He kneeled in the downpour for the whole day afterward as a form of punishment. Then, he explained to Eleanor that it was just an accident, and that he vowed to love her and her only. So, Eleanor accepted the outcome of the illegitimate child being kept in the family, while the mistress was exiled far, far away. But despite Harrison's promise, his mistress, Winona Birch, still ended up moving into Eleanor's home, where she'd be cared for during her pregnancy. Harrison began skipping meetings for her sake, and he'd also ditch Eleanor just so he could go on strolls with Winona. In fact, he'd even abandon Eleanor halfway during their dates in order to be with Winona. The first time Eleanor brought up divorce, Harrison slit his wrists in the bathroom. He left a suicide note, claiming that he'd rather die than not being able to grow old with Eleanor. When divorce was brought up the second time, Harrison hurriedly pleaded to Eleanor to not leave him. But after multiple conflicts, his attitude toward her became wishy-washy. After their 100th argument, Eleanor ran away from their home. Harrison no longer went after her, thinking that she'd eventually return to his side. But she died in that rainy night. When Eleanor opens her eyes again, she finds out that she has returned to the day Harrison's illegitimate child is exposed. This time, she dials a number. "I shall accept the offer of becoming a war correspondent." Her editor reminds her that she won't be able to get in touch with the outside world once she embarks on this journey, and that she needs Harrison's permission in order to accept the offer. Eleanor merely replies, "I'll divorce Harrison soon. I'll depart on time in a week." She wants to make sure that Harrison will never be able to find her anymore.

𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐳𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐝 She had everything. Perfect family. Amazing best friend. A dream. Until she lost in all in the space of 7 seconds. Her life flips upside down. She was lost. Her mind is infiltrated by dark demons and harsh truths. Emerson struggles to find her purpose. Until him, Kingston James the perfect yet broken boy who happens to be on the same ice hockey team as her older brother. What happens when the sparks fly after one party and Em is left dealing with her feelings for him. It is worth the risk to lose herself in love again and potentially lose someone else. 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 He is a super star. On and off the ring. But he always knew everything was surface level. His brother was his best friend, until he decides to leave and King is left wondering what is the point. He was lost. Except now, he knows he wants to be the help his brother never had. Struggling to maintain the nice guy mentality when his mind is full of darkness. He believed he would never come out of the dark. Until her. His teammate and best friend’s younger sister. A dream - kind, sweet and gorgeous. But totally off limits. But after an enlightening encounter wonders is she the light he needs.

Dakota Stelter and I tumbled down that steep ravine together. I lay there bleeding and broken, only to watch my boyfriend scoop her into his arms and walk away without a backward glance. He left me. In that moment, in every way that mattered. While everyone fussed over Dakota's scratches, no one even checked if I was still breathing. When I was finally rescued and recovering at the hospital, my boyfriend didn't even visit. I was hurt. So I moved on. Piece by piece, I rebuilt myself without him. But then he became distraught. Suddenly, he was sobbing, telling me he had always loved me.

Ashton didn't know how she would move on. How she would keeping putting one foot in front of another, until Z came along and changed everything. Would his darker world save her or destroy her?