The Bigshot Married Me

Daniel Thompson, the disgrace of his powerful family. A man branded as a good-for-nothing ex-con, shunned by society, and deemed unworthy of even a passing glance. No sane woman would dare marry him… except for Maria, the forsaken daughter of the Falcone family, who unknowingly walks into an arranged marriage with a man cloaked in shadows. But Maria didn’t just marry a stranger, she married a two-faced maniac. A man with a past so dangerous it could shatter everything. A man whose enemies whisper his name in fear. What happens when the world discovers who Daniel really is? Why did he bury his true identity in the first place? And most chilling of all… what twisted plan does he have for his new bride? Two black sheep. One deadly game. When secrets unravel and sparks ignite, will Maria regret the day she said, “I do”?

When they first met, Tang Wan sighed, “The fifth young master of the Jiang family is just as the rumors said. He’s celibate, aloof, prideful, and is a man to be revered. Unfortunately, he’s so smart that he no longer has any will to live, which made him sickly, and he’s going to die soon… Later on, the fifth young master brought her into his room. When she came out, everyone stared at her in shock. Why was she crying? …… Later on, it was said that the fifth young master returned after he recovered from his illness, and he brought a girl back. She appeared pure and harmless, but underneath that harmless appearance, she was actually a spitfire that offended quite a number of people. But the fifth young master just said, “I brought her back, so I’ll let her do whatever she wants. If… anything happens, I’ll take responsibility.” His best friend gave him a reminder. “You’re going to be responsible for someone from the Tang family?” “Since she came back with me, she’s mine. She’s just a young girl and is spoilt. I have to take responsibility.” After Tang Wan married into the Jiang family, she only had one mission. She must give birth to his children before he died! Meanwhile, the fifth young master was puzzled. “You’re a gentle and shy girl during the day, so why are you so different during the night?” Tang Wan thought. ‘I have to make every second count. He won’t be able to live long.’ After she gave birth to his son and he became one year old, Tang Wan was prepared to become a widow. However… ‘Why isn’t he dead yet?’ Much later, the fifth master of the Jiang family asked her, “I heard that you’ve been looking for my death every day. Do you want to kill me by sucking me dry?”

Shu Yu transmigrated to become a mob character, exiled into oblivion after appearing twice after helping the female side character who kept trying to dig a deeper hole for herself. Realizing she couldn't change the outcome, Shu Yu decided to just goof off. But even before the exile came, she was suddenly told that she was not a daughter of the Shu family. She was born to a farmer's family, who were so poor they couldn't afford to repair their leaking house. Having decided to eliminate the tarnishing of their good name, Shu Yu's adopted family decided to murder her. Shu Yu: Come on, see who dies. Returning to her biological family, the sight of a plate of salted vegetables, a barely-full bowl of rice, and her real parents' nervous looks, she finally sighed. No more goofing off, or she's going to starve to death.

Former bigshot, Ying Zijin, woke up one day as the lost daughter of the Ying family, who had been missing for fifteen years. The Ying family promptly adopted another child to replace her. Upon returning to the wealthy family, everyone mocked her for not being as clever, capable, sensible, and elegant as a fake heiress. Her parents considered her a stain on the family and warned her not to harbor any illusions of being a lady of the family. They said she should be grateful for being a foster daughter, or else they would send her away. Ying Zijin: "I'll leave then. No need to see me off." While the Ying family celebrated joyously and others waited to see the real heiress make a fool of herself, influential figures from various fields took action. The top-rated idol with the most influential fans said, "Miss Ying, just let me know if you need anything." The heir to a global economic monopoly said, "Ying family? What's that? Boss, should we just wipe them out?" The number one martial artist in the country asked, "Who dares to bully my master?" The genius teenage boy with an IQ of 228 said, "That's my sister." A man with an incredibly seductive appearance smirked lazily and casually, saying, "Sure, then call me brother-in-law." The influential figures were confused. When the real heiress' true identity was restored, it caused a sensation on the internet. The Ying family went crazy and knelt, crying and begging her to come back. The international powerhouse family said, "Sorry, let me introduce her. This is our real heiress." Reborn as a king, making a strong comeback and launching a counterattack!

When her father passed away, her mother married into a large family. She thought it'll be a new beginning of her life, but it only brought her an substitute marriage to a disabled husband her step-sister didn't want. On the second day of their marriage, the noble and aloof man said indifferently, "Divorce or live as a widow, choose one." She pulled off his suit pants and touched his firm and sexy thigh, "I choose the third option!" Latter, she used her medical skills to healing and saving people, including her disabled husband, who turned out to be a hidden billionaire! Nobles and celebrities sought medical advice, flocking to her like ducks. Those who humiliated her regretted it deeply, begging for mercy on their knees. The billionaire smiled proudly, "My wife is a treasure, only her husband knows it!" She rubbed her waist and gritted her teeth, "Didn't you say that you wanted a divorce and warned me to stay away from you?"

It was said that the young lady from the Chi family, who was raised in the countryside and didn't even finish her sophomore year of high school, was brought back home. People were looking forward to seeing her become a laughingstock. Unexpectedly— Why did the grandchildren and sons of Kyoto's top prestigious families eagerly join the same class as Chi Gui? Why did a world-renowned medical expert converse so kindly and familiarly with Chi Gui? And then there's the ruthless, unapproachable prince of the Fu family, whose demeanor did a complete 180, showing off Chi Gui daily in chat groups? Others: "My girlfriend cooks well!" "My darling plays the piano well!" Fu Si: "My wife excels at dissecting corpses." Crowd: … Chi Gui: … These people are so annoying. [A steel-hard, candid major boss lady X refined but flirty business tycoon]

Her previous life was pitiful. Soon after her birth, her father abandoned his wife and daughter for his first love and left for the city. Her mother left her at her grandmother's house, being indifferent to her suffer, and even schemed to marry her to her couin's lover. What's more, after escaping to the city, she was betrayed by her stepmother and stepsister, being stolen one of her kidneys! Without knowing the truth, she mistook them as benefactors, serving them just as a maid. She later found the truth and accidentally acquired a special space, enjoying good life for about two years before dying suddenly and inexplicably. After being reborn, she strived to avoid the pitfalls of her former life, yet was nearly overwhelmed by the truth when she discovered it. It turned out that the stepmother she hated most was actually her biological mother, and the person she most respected in her former life was actually her father. In her previous life, she had never been in love, and she was uninterested after her rebirth until she inadvertently stumbled upon love and extreme doting. In his previous life, he was also pitiable, but later became extremely wealthy. In this life, because of her, he became even more domineering.

"She saved him once. Now she belongs to him forever." She saved a stranger in the rain… only to realize she saved the Devil himself. Yun Lan never believed in fate—until the night she found a wounded man bleeding in the alley. She took him in, patched him up, and tried to forget the kiss he stole before disappearing into the shadows. But she didn't know that man was Leon Xie, a ruthless mafia boss feared by everyone… except her. And Leon never forgot the girl who saved him. The girl who slapped him. The girl who became his obsession. Now, he’s back—and he wants one thing: her. Not love. Not gratitude. Possession. He forces her into a marriage she never wanted. He marks her as his, protects her from everyone... but who will protect her from him? She wants to escape. He wants to own her. And the more she resists, the deeper she falls into his twisted world of passion, power, and dangerous love. By the time she realizes she’s falling for him... it might be too late to run. Obsessive love. Forced marriage. A kind girl vs. a dangerous man who would burn the world to keep her. Are you ready to enter a love story that’s as deadly as it is addictive?

His lips hovered near her ear, his voice a dark whisper against her skin. "You may fear me, little bride, but I will teach your body to crave me… to need me, until I am all you ever want." --- Belle was never meant to be the bride. But when her parents cried to her about how her beautiful sister could not be married to such a man, she was forced to take her sister’s place. To prevent war between the two worlds of humans and vampires, the kings decided to sign a peace treaty with a marriage, but the only man they could offer for this marriage was a vampire said to be mad and completely heartless. When they said heartless, they meant really heartless, but Belle, being a naive girl her whole life, had no idea what she was stepping into by agreeing to this marriage. At first, he appeared innocent, a man completely opposite to all the rumors around him, until she slowly began to realize every single thing said about the mad vampire was true, or perhaps even worse! He was a man who walked in the path of darkness. He knew no light and showed no mercy, even to those who were not his enemies. He had no heart to love, no emotions but dark ones to feel for anything or anyone. But all of a sudden, when he set his eyes on her, he decided he wanted to keep her, and Belle's naive world began to take a different turn because the mad vampire was hellbent on tainting her innocent soul. Expect "Now, can we forget this happened and enjoy the night?" He arched an amused brow at her, making Belle's heart drop to her stomach as she recalled the so-called wedding night. She hurriedly pulled away from him, her face flaming with embarrassment. From everything she had heard about this night, she was not ready to experience it with this man. The women whispering about it in Mr. Marchant's shop had said one would hate their husband's presence after it and be disgusted by the act. It was not an act meant for pleasure for any woman but torture. Now that she realized her husband would do the same with her, she swallowed hard and nervously clutched her dress. "I...I am not feeling well, My Lord, I—" "Rohan," he cut her off with a tone of amusement. "Use my name when you address me, sweetheart. You looked quite energetic when you tried to go after the ring for someone who isn't feeling well, but," he sighed softly, "I've always been a generous man. I won't let you stress yourself tonight." Belle began to sigh in relief and smile in her mind that he wouldn't push her for the wedding night ceremony. She was even about to part her lips and agree that he was indeed generous and even offer him a thank you when he continued to speak, causing the momentary relief to be replaced by dread. "I will pamper you tonight, and you won’t have to lift a hand. I will give you all the pleasure since you are feeling unwell. Take it as the first lesson in my plan to make you forget love and welcome lust." "...!" "Lie on the bed for me, Isa." Belle felt her throat go dry at that strict command. "I...I..." She began but could not find any words to say to make him spare her tonight. What had she got herself into? Belle thought as a pit seemed to form in her stomach, a deep, gnawing dread. "Do you need me to carry you to the bed, or would you rather walk there yourself?" Rohan questioned with dark mirth in his voice and eyes as he watched her like a hawk. He could tell she was nervous, but what to do? She had brought herself into his world. Belle began to walk slowly to the bed at a snail’s pace, as if delaying it would help prevent the dreadful act from happening tonight. She could feel him following closely behind her. When she reached the bed, she used her shaky hands to move the drapes aside and carefully sat at the edge of it, her hands folded nervously on her lap. She felt his piercing gaze on her, but she dared not look up at him. "Lie down," he ordered softly. MATURE CONTENT, NO RAPE!!

This Dark story contains raw and unfiltered mature contents. Strictly R18+. Read with caution. Ella had lost everything. After her mother’s accident, her father married someone else and pushed her aside, choosing his new family over her. Her friends slowly left, and she was left to deal with everything alone. She spent all her money to keep her mother on life support. Now, she was broke, exhausted, and barely holding on. Then Nicholas showed up. He was a stranger—handsome, confident, and calm. But what shocked her most was the marriage certificate he brought. According to him, they got married in Vegas. The problem? Ella doesn’t remember it at all. She already has too much to deal with—her sick mom, the hospital bills, and her fiancé, who has been her only support. She can’t afford to lose him now. But Nicholas won’t go away. He says he’s her husband, and he wants her to come with him. Ella feels drawn to him in a way she can’t explain. He sees through her like no one else does. She knows she should walk away. She knows she should stay with the safe life she’s trying to hold on to. But something about Nicholas pulls her in—and she’s scared he might break her in the end. TW: DOMESTIC ABUSE, MENTAL HEALTH SCENES, ROUGH SEXUAL ACTS.

Prince Silvan Blackwood is made to replace his sister after her death. She was betrothed to the Prince of Vampires to strengthen the alliance between the two countries, and now he must take her place. Prince Alessio is looking forward to the arrival of his bride, preparations have been made but instead of a lovely Princess, a jaded Prince is sent instead. A Prince who despises Vampires and another Prince who is a hopeless romantic. Is their marriage doomed to fail from the start?

She was a broke final-year law student, one eviction away from losing everything. He was the university’s coldest, most untouchable professor—rich, brilliant, and hiding a secret. When Amara Okeke gets expelled over unpaid fees and her sister falls critically ill, she's out of options—until a mysterious encounter leads to an unthinkable offer. Marry him. One year. No love. No touch. Just a contract. Dr. Damian Stone doesn’t do love. But his late father’s will demands marriage or he loses everything he's built. What begins as a lifeline quickly becomes a dangerous entanglement of secrets, jealousy, and burning chemistry neither of them expected. As the line between duty and desire begins to blur, Amara and Damian must choose: stick to the rules—or risk it all for a love that was never meant to be. In a world of cold contracts and hidden pasts, can two broken hearts find warmth in each other?

Lilith never expected to wake up in the mansion of Arnold Blaze, New York’s most ruthless billionaire, known for destroying empires with the flick of a pen and emotions with a single glance. One drunken night. One unforgettable mistake. And now… her life is entangled with the last man she should ever cross. When Arnold offers a contract marriage, Lilith wants to refuse, but circumstances leave her no choice. For him, it’s all business. For her, it’s survival. But behind the cold contract lies a dangerous obsession. Jealousy. Secrets. Emotional walls built so high even Arnold can’t see past his own. And Lilith? She has secrets too, ones that could shatter everything. He’s the tycoon with no heart. She’s the woman he was never meant to keep. So why can’t he let her go?

Synopsis Ella Carter never imagined her name would be tied to scandal, secrets, or a billion-dollar empire. Forced into a sudden marriage to the cold and commanding Xavier King—heir to a powerful legacy—she believes she’s just a pawn in a game she doesn’t understand. But behind Xavier’s icy gaze lies a man battling shadows of his past, and behind Ella’s quiet strength is a truth even she doesn’t fully know. When old family secrets begin to surface—secrets involving mental institutions, betrayal, and a child erased from history—their marriage of convenience turns into something far more dangerous. As enemies close in and lies unravel, Ella and Xavier must decide whether their fragile alliance can survive... or transform into something real. In a world where love was never part of the plan, can two broken hearts fight for a future they didn’t choose—but might desperately need?

Nora, 18 years old girl who is struggling to live with her heartless uncle and his family, the uncle who killed her parent and took everything from her, though she is helpless now, she promised to get her revenge. Now, meet Dylan Wang the most popular and superstar who is also the heir to a successful company but he is popularly known as an womanizer. One day as if fate was on nora side she overheard Dylan mother urging him to get married, Nora took up her courage and presented herself to Dylan while asking him to use her as a contract marriage but in return, she will use him as a revenge. Seeing this daring girl, Dylan agreed since it will favor them both, he will continue with his wayward life while she get her revenge. Do you think this two wont fall in love? And will Nora get her revenge? Do you also think everything will go as planned?. Find out in this interesting or should i say moving story by Authoress zany

"My fiancé is a high school student?" Sohee, an Omega drowning in debt, has two choices: marry a younger chaebol Alpha, or sell himself to an older yet violent loan shark Alpha. Ah, there's a third option, too. "Should I just off myself or something?" *** #omegaverse #dominantalpha #powerbottom #collegeromance #healing

Izzie Hart lived a life of diamonds and glass — dazzling on the outside, fragile within. At twenty-one, she was handed over like a bargaining chip to a man whose cruelty was whispered about in boardrooms and bedrooms alike. Her parents said it was duty. Theo Dore said it was inevitable. Izzie knew it was a prison. But cages, no matter how gilded, are meant to be broken. As she fights to build a life on her own terms, a new name emerges from the shadows — Liam Atlason, a man powerful enough to challenge kingdoms, and dangerous enough to make her heart remember how to beat. Yet love is never simple in a world where alliances are made with blood and betrayal. As secrets unravel and enemies circle, Izzie must ask herself one question: When you’ve already been broken once... can you survive loving again? This is book is dedicated to those people in an abusive relationships/marriages, who has forgotten what it feels to be loved, who live for the society and not for themselves.

Description: She was a storm he never saw coming. He had control, order, power. Until he saw her-dancing in the rain with ice cream in her hand and danger in her smile. She doesn't know he exists. But now, he can't stop watching. And when obsession starts to feel like love... How long before it destroys them both? ou will see what happens when love has crossed all the limits, the acceptance,the selfishness all emotions.you will see two sides of every character no one is hero no one is villain but every one is love driven This isn't love at first sight. It's hatred that forgot how to hate. She wasn't looking for love. He didn't believe in it. But when silence met storm... something broke inside them both. ---

"Do you wish to know what will happen if I drink from your thighs?" Salviana drew in a sharp breath before she whispered, "I might die?" "No, It is I who will die if I don't," he met her eyes with a lustful hungry gaze, "Spread your legs for me, Fiery-wife" And that she did... ~~~{───────────────── ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}── Fiery is married to the demon everybody feared would destroy them someday. He is the greenest reddest flag but now she only sees white. A canvas to paint their love however she deemed righteous. ~~~{───────────────── ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}── The Dark Prince, the third prince, is no stranger to the fear and hatred surrounding him. Cold, distant, and possessing a gaze as dark as midnight, he is known throughout the kingdom as the demon prince. But the truth hidden beneath his pale skin is far more dangerous—he is a vampire, living among a royal family that barely tolerates his existence. Salviana, a divine lady of myth, never asked to be married to such a man. Forced into the union, she is thrust into a life where every corner holds a secret and every glance feels like a challenge. Though her husband’s cold touch sends shivers down her spine, Salviana finds herself drawn into his world of shadows and intrigue, struggling to understand the depths of his darkness. With royal enemies watching their every move and Salviana’s own hidden powers slowly awakening, the bond between her and Alaric grows more complicated. Can she survive the dangerous world of court politics, where even her husband may not be fully trusted? Or will the weight of the secrets they keep tear them apart before they can discover the truth about each other? Caught between fear and desire, Salviana can’t help but wonder: Will she uncover the man behind the darkness, or will the shadows consume them both? Married to Darkness is a seductive, tension-filled journey into the unknown, where love and power clash in a dangerous dance that could lead to either salvation or destruction. The cover is from Pinterest. Not Mine. ~~~{───────────────── ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}── Stalk me on social media! Discord: I_nanafirdausi Instagram: I_nanafirdausi Facebook: Nana firdausii X: https://x.com/NanaFirdausii Or Buy me a coffee @ https://buymeacoffee.com/nanafirdausi

She married him instead of her cousin. After seeing his disfigured face and sinister personality, she regretted it. However, he showed great interest in her. Even though he didn't love her, he wouldn't give her up. "You know forcing me is useless, right?" "At least I have the right to force you."

I possessed a minor character who marries the prince. I’m not thrilled about it. The prince is a s*umbag who flirts with the heroine despite being engaged and eventually gets defeated by the original male lead. In the epilogue, all he does is apologize to his fiancée and marry her, with barely a line to his name. Well, his personality is twisted, but at least he’s handsome. And since he’s the third prince, he doesn’t have to shoulder the burden of ruling the kingdom. That’s decent husband material, I suppose. Go ahead, make a fool of yourself. You’re going to marry me anyway. I’ll just sit back and enjoy watching your embarrassing history unfold. “Dory Redfield. Don’t expect me to ask you to dance at this ball. Maybe not at the next one either. Or the one after that.” “Yes, Your Highness. As you wish.” “Even though we’re engaged… wait, what?” “It’s just a joke proposal our parents once tossed around, isn’t it? You don’t need to take it seriously, Your Highness. I’m really fine with it.” “…Is that so? Yes, that’s… fine, right?” Why are you panicking, prince? You started spouting nonsense first. Where’s your conscience? But then, this guy really has the audacity to ask something outrageous. “…Do you, perhaps, have another man?” The guy who flirted with the original heroine is saying this now? Calm down. He’ll regret this later. All I need to do is remain a devoted fiancée until then. “What are you talking about? A woman like me… plain, not beautiful, with a gloomy personality, what man would even—” “What? Who dared to say that about you?” …You did, in the original story. This guy is acting weird. But he’s not the only problem. “My dear little sister Dory, that dress you’re wearing today is dreadful. No wonder there are rumors His Highness has abandoned you.” “Well, it can’t be helped. His Highness is too good for me anyway.” “…Hold on. Too good? Who said that? Wait, were you really dumped?” The original villainess, who also happens to be my older sister, Natalia, is suddenly interested in my love life. Why are all the original tr*shy characters growling at each other over me now?!

After taking a ride from a stranger, Jasmine finds out he has been appointed by her father to be her as an employee in her office.

"Sold as a pawn to pay off his debts, just to forcefully become the cruel billionaire's wife" Elena Clark’s world turns when her father’s reckless debts catch up with him, and the man he owes—a cold-hearted billionaire named Justin Shawn—comes to collect his money. With no other means to pay him back, her father offers her hand in marriage as a means of paying his debts. ‎ ‎Trapped into an unromantic contract marriage, Elena is forced into a public life with Justin, playing the role of the perfect billionaire’s wife doll.Outwardly, their relationship is famous for romance and the romantic actions being displayed on social media, but behind closed doors, it’s all a business contract, no love just hate for each other ‎ ‎Justin’s icy aura chills Elena to the core. She’s a die hard fan of romance believing in love but it all gets shattered when she was forcefully married to Justin. Justin is the very embodiment of everything she despises: ruthless, calculating, unkind, selfish, self-centered and doesn't love.. His reputation is tainted by rumors of being so cruel.Elena has heard whispers of his inability to love anyone, after his heart got broken by a girl he once dated. ‎ ‎As Elena struggles with the hate and thoughts of commiting suicide., she finds herself torn between her father’s betrayal, her own dreams of freedom, and the stupid contract that keeps her glued to Justin’s side. But underneath Justin’s cold mask lies a secret—one that could change everything if only Elena is brave enough to uncover it. ‎ ‎In a world where love feels like a mirage and trust is a tricky game, will Elena find a way to melt and get into Justin’s frozen heart, or will she accept the fate of being in a loveless marriage. ‎

Title:Stolen by the Billionaire Tagline: "She stole a painting. He stole her heart. Description "Catch her!""She's with me. Any problem?" "N-No, Mr. Quinn..." In the chaos of a gallery heist, she was seconds away from being caught—until a mysterious, dangerously handsome man stepped out of the shadows and claimed her as his own. His price?A blind date... and a marriage certificate she never saw coming. But the moment the ink dried, he vanished without a trace. Three years later, he’s back—richer, more powerful, and more possessive than ever. "I want a divorce," she said. "Little thief, I’m never letting you go." "I—I want a divorce!" "No wifey!" "Why?!" "Because you belong to me." And just like that, Alexander Quinn—the most feared and untouchable tycoon in all of Europe—vowed to love, protect, and spoil his runaway bride beyond her wildest dreams.

He’s cold. He’s cruel. And now… he’s her husband. When Lily's mother falls gravely ill, she makes the ultimate sacrifice: marrying a man she’s never met. Arthur Stark — the ruthless billionaire with a heart carved from ice and a past drenched in blood. He's feared in boardrooms and whispered about in the shadows of the mafia underworld. He’s also her mate. But Arthur Stark doesn’t touch anyone. Not with love. Not with desire. Not even her. And yet… when he leans in, muscles flexing beneath linen, the scent of rain and danger clinging to him — Lily’s breath catches. Her body betrays her. Her mind races with thoughts she never meant to think. He says he doesn’t want her. But monsters lie.

One contract. One year. Zero feelings. Emily Torres signed her name to save her brother. Liam Westwood signed to bury a secret. But neither expected sparks—let alone passion that burns hotter than the lies they’re both hiding. In a penthouse full of rules and a heart full of scars, Emily finds herself tangled in a web of mafia ties, wolf-blooded truths, and a husband who plays the game too well. In this dangerous dance of deception, love was never supposed to be on the table. But fate doesn't care about rules.

Don’t be fooled by the chapter count. "Married to My Suspect” already has 110,000+ words written, and the story is just getting started. If you crave romance tangled with mystery and suspense, this is the book for you. Click and start reading. You won’t want to stop. Whimpering, my eyes followed the click sound of the pen in his hand, and he laughed and pocketed it when he saw the direction my eyes had gone. “There's no need to be scared, little girl. I'll make sure you don't remember anything.” I shuddered and fingered the pen, the same one I'd just seen in my memory, when the sound of footstep alerted me I was about to be found out. ***************************************************************************************** I married my father's suspected killer. I planned to expose him and get my revenge, not fall for him. Danielle Morgan is obsessed with one mission: to catch the man who murdered her father. Her investigation points to Jonathan Carter, a powerful CEO with secrets as cold as his smile. To uncover the truth, Danielle does the unthinkable: she marries him. But Jonathan isn’t just hiding a dark past, he’s hiding behind a wall even she can’t seem to break. As danger closes in, Danielle must choose between justice and a love she never expected. What happens when the hunter falls for her prey? A slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance filled with lies, passion, and deadly secrets.