Narrow Neckties

Beneath the rain-soaked streets of New Haven lies a place shrouded in fear and myth—a narrow passageway known only as Whispers in the Mist. For decades, people have vanished near its shadowy entrance, leaving behind only rumors of cryptic graffiti, faint whispers, and figures hidden in the fog. Elliot Grayson, a jaded journalist desperate to reclaim his career, reluctantly takes on the investigation after a distraught mother pleads for his help. Her daughter disappeared after venturing into the alley, leaving behind a notebook filled with haunting details that suggest the alley's legends may be far more real—and far more dangerous—than anyone imagined. As Elliot digs deeper, he uncovers a dark conspiracy tied to the alley’s secrets, one that stretches back decades and seems determined to keep him silent. But the deeper he ventures, the more the whispers call to him, tempting him to step into the mist and discover what lies beyond—where the line between myth and reality begins to blur. In this spine-chilling blend of suspense and urban mystery, Whispers in the Mist will keep you questioning what’s real, what’s imagined, and how far you’d go to uncover the truth.

He inches closer, a single finger roaming her heated skin. Breath mingling with breath. A loud bang vibrates through the room, so thunderous as if god himself was furious. Slowly he looks up staring out the large glass windows to the backyard, "You have a visitor." His rasps calmly. "Who?" Rose quickly fires, feigning ignorance. She knew well enough who it was. Her nightly visitor has arrived. Surprising, He only visits when she is alone. "One who comes out at night. Lurking in the shadows, in the darkness... just like its intensions." He looks down still leaning on top her, once more pinning her with his intense gaze. "Are you afraid?" His voice dead serious, eyes going back to look outside. And Rose lied, "No." But is it a lie when her fear was never really rooting enough to make her run the other way but instead often getting mixed with exhilaration. "You should be." He leaves her staring wide eyed on the sofa and goes to stand before the glass panes. "It's not happy to see me here. I can see the raging pits of fire in it's gaze. Ready to burn me right where I stand." he chuckled, sounding most sinister, "It definitely wants to rip my innards out." "You should take off your shirt." He suggests casually. "Excuse me?" "Let's see if it riles him up even more to shatter instead of just slamming the windows like a wuss." He rouses under his breath, his excited provocative tone not escaping Rose's attention. What the hell is he up to? "This isn't funny." Rose sputters out, standing up from the couch. "I'm not trying to be." He faces her again, sporting a deadpan face. "Whatever. You think I'm one of your stupid fan girls to take my shirt off just because you want to rile someone up? Besides, there's probably no one outside and you're only making it up to see my boobs like a pervert." His eyes roams her from top to bottom, there was distaste evident in his gaze. "When he comes at night and leaves a little something for you, maybe then you take off your clothes for him... like a slut." Rome stared into her eyes with nothing behind those icy orbs to show for a lack of meaning behind his words. Because he means every single thing he says to her. "Get. Out. Now!" Rose boomed furiously. "Whatever, I was leaving anyway. This has become boring." He walks towards her front door. "Wait. How do you know he comes at night and leaves something?" her eyes narrow. "Because I've seen it before." "You saw him? It is a real guy?" Rose wanted to confirm, for some reason she thought otherwise. "I never said I saw him. I've only seen it happening to someone else." "Whom?" "You don't need to know." He closes off. "Then at least tell me what happened to her? Can I meet this person?" "You can't." Refusing calmly he was almost out the door when Rose pleads against hope. "Please." "You can't because she disappeared." Those were the words that finally did it. Brought her racing heart and buzzing head to a sudden halt. "Never to be seen again." "When he stops visiting, that's when you should be most afraid." His words rang like a siren in the silence of her mind as he left. Now she felt true fear for the first time. == In the embrace of her ancestral town, Rose seeks refuge from the echoes of her past. Little does she know, her return to her roots will awaken dormant shadows, shattering ordinary her existence. For when the darkness falls over the town, from the pitch black rises a shadowy figure that haunt her nights. In the darkness he sweeps her off the ground in terrible fear and the allure of sinister intrigue. And once the sun comes, a man with a god awful attitude, haunts her in the broad day light. Causing her to swell with pure disdain. With each passing night, it draws closer to Rose, casting a chilling spell that both terrifies and exhilarates her. Thrust into a labyrinth of mysteries can she navigate the treacherous path laid before her, or will her nightly visitor consume her whole?

On the day of her wedding to her childhood sweetheart, Natalie Ford received an unexpected gift: a marriage certificate. It stated that she was already married to a complete stranger—Aiden Handrix. While the wedding guests continued to mock and insult her, her lover Ivan decided to dump her, choosing to marry her half-sister Briena instead. To add insult to injury, she was thrown out of her home. To prove her innocence, Natalie Ford could only take one course of action - she had to find this mysterious Aiden Handrix and get to the bottom of this! The next day, there was news trending on the TV. Justin Harper, the heir of the richest family in the Bayford was returning home. Natalie’s eyes narrowed at the TV screen. ‘Why does this man look exactly like the man in the picture of my wedding certificate?’ In the quest of uncovering the mystery behind her said marriage, she decided to follow him and ask personally. “Are you married?” “No.” “Do you have a twin brother?” “No?” “By chance you heard the name Aiden Handrix?” “No.” “Then, who the hell are you?’ “Your brother.” “Wait, what?” “Yes. Now pack your bags and come home with me.” First got a husband out of the blue and now a brother with the same face? Was god creating clones and offering them to her with different relationships?

From fleeing for your safety and enrolling in a school filled with psychopaths… to being claimed by a deranged alpha prince? Yeah, you’re better off dead. • . • Jules’ life was picture perfect until his entire family got murdered all of a sudden, with him being the only survivor. A savior swooped In because he was still in immense danger, and that led to Jules taking on a new identity and becoming a completely different person overnight— and enrolling into Carnivals, a prestigious all-boys school for all supernatural beings. In Carnivals, monsters lurk the dark hallways and the strong preyed on the weak. You either become a predator or a prey… and from one look at Jules— a boy too pretty for his own good, with a slender and petite build, it was obvious that he was gonna be eaten alive by the predators. Here comes Blaze, a wolf who sends shivers down every predator’s spine in the school, an insanely hot Alpha who was as dangerous and deranged as the rumors claimed. He took one glance at Jules and decided there and then that Jules belonged to him. *** I inched backwards, eyes widening even more as my eyes zeroed in on the smirk tugging at the side of his lips. Blaze never smiled, and whenever he does, it never meant anything good. My heartbeat quickened as I scrambled backwards even more, breath stuttering to a stop as he began to narrow the distance between us. In no time, my back was plastered against the cold wall and that was when it hit me right in the chest that I was cornered and ensnared, like an actual prey… by none other than Blaze, when I had thought my life couldn’t get any worse. He towered over me effortlessly, emitting so much dominance and I had to tilt my head backwards for me to be able to meet his dark eyes, and my breath hitched when our eyes locked. He leaned down and my eyes snapped closed at once as I held my breath, waiting for him to strike. I’ve heard all the horrifying, endless rumors about him. He was an Alpha Prince whose presence someone like me should never be in. When I felt the tip of his cold nose glide over the length of my throat, my mouth fell open to release a startled gasp. He dragged in a long, audible breath and I felt a shiver rattle down my spine as I grew even stiffer, confusion clouding my mind. What was happening? Why was he doing this out of nowhere? Oh my gosh… he really was a deranged alpha like everyone says! *** THIS BOOK IS RATED 18+! It contains matured content such as: - Bullying. - Drug use. - Smut [a whole lot of it.] - Violence. - Harem [not between the main characters.] So… proceed with caution, you’ve been warned! *I don’t own the rights to the cover!

She gave up her dream of shining on the ballerina stage —for him. She sacrificed her self-respect —for him. She forgot her true identity —for him. But even after all that, she couldn’t compare to the woman who held Ryan’s heart. Arwen Quinn, heiress of prestigious Quinn family, realized too late that no matter what she did, she would never win Ryan’s love. The future that awaited her was a life trapped in endless misery of a loveless marriage. So, decisively, she ends their relationship and walks away. What she didn’t expect was that in breaking free from Ryan, she had opened the door for Aiden to enter her life — a chance that he had been waiting for. Aiden Winslow, an enigmatic CEO isn’t just mysterious —he is determined, and won’t allow to take Arwen away from him again. ____ Excerpt: Aiden narrowed his eyes, “Are you sure about this?” “If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have asked,” Arwen replied coolly. “Stop dawdling. If you’re unwilling, I’ll find someone else who can get the marriage certificates today.” His expression darkened as he pulled her close. “Once offered to me, it’s mine alone.” Unfazed, Arwen asked, “So, do you accept? If yes, we’ll get the certificates now.” “On one condition,” he said. “I don’t do contract marriages. The woman I marry will be the woman I share my bed with. If you agree, then we’ll—” “Not a problem. Let’s go,” Arwen said without letting him finish, pulling him into the Civil Marriage Bureau.

Follow Instagram @sere_nity_lee for new info novel of Serenity Lee [Mature content] [WSA 2022] || Vol 1-3 END "So, you are, my lecturer?" Audia asked as the two of them were on their way in Alvin's private car. Alvin cleared his throat once. "Yes, that is so." "No wonder I feel like I know your face," said Audia, matching her memory. "What do you teach, huh?" "Architecture." Audia nodded her head while her mouth formed an 'o' shape. 'Uh? .... Wait ... what?' Suddenly the nerves of her brain suppress the memory in the hippocampus. "Mr. Mandala?" Audia asked for sure. Which immediately got a nod from Alvin. "No way!" Audia screamed in disbelief. Her eyes narrowed at Alvin. "Why?" asked Alvin in surprise. A Mandala H, that's what Audia remembers when the new lecturer introduced himself when he first taught. Wearing a plaid shirt, smooth hair, neatly slicked back, glasses always perched on his sharp nose. Came with a bag containing his laptop and a textbook for teaching. Lecturer arrogant, pretentious cool, stingy smile, flat face, killer. Very different from Alvin who is now her husband. Unexpectedly 'that Mr. Mandala' and Alvin—her husband, turned out to be the same person. 'That annoying person turned out to be my husband?' she thought. 'Oh noooooo!' * * ******* ** The bride-to-be suddenly withdrew from the marriage due to an arranged marriage. Then run away and the news is not known. The groom-to-be was left speechless in front of the invited guests. Worry for a moment. Canceling the marriage contract or looking for an impromptu replacement bride. Until his eyes caught a woman in a white dress sitting among the invited guests. The other ones were students at his campus where he had just taught. As a substitute teacher. How will the story of their marriage continue? Will the seeds of love grow between these two strangers? With a myriad of question marks in the bride's heart, why was she chosen among the many other single women who were also present at the grand wedding of the son of one of Indonesia's well-known real estate entrepreneurs. cover: www.freepik.com === INCLUDE COLLECTION/TAP LOVE/ADD BEFORE READING. SO THAT THIS STORY IS IN YOUR READING LIST AND GETS NOTIFICATIONS WHEN NEW CHAPTER UPDATES ^^ CONTINUE SUPPORT THIS STORY, by throwing BLUE STONE'S POWER STONES FOR THIS STORY! — 1 POWER STONE WILL GET 1 FREE VOUCHER TO OPEN THE LOCKED BOOK. DON'T FORGET, A 5 STAR REVIEW YES! THANK YOU

DISCLAIMER: THIS BOOK CONTAINS MATURE ********************************** “You summoned me. Explain why.” “I—uh—” she stammered, her brain fumbling for words as her hands clutched the edge of her blanket, gripping it like it was a shield. “I didn’t mean to? I mean, I did the ritual, but I thought it was fake! I wasn’t expecting… you.” His sharp brow arched, the faintest flicker of irritation crossing his face. “You tampered with powers beyond your understanding for amusement?” “Well, when you put it like that…” she muttered under her breath, the sarcasm slipping out before she could stop it. His eyes narrowed, and her skin prickled under the intensity of his gaze. “You mortals truly have no respect for divine law. Or common sense.” “I wasn’t trying to disrespect anything!” she shot back, the pitch of her voice rising with her nerves. “I was just… having a bad day. It was supposed to be harmless fun. How was I supposed to know it would actually work?” “You didn’t,” he replied coldly, the words slicing through her feeble excuses like a blade. “And yet here I am. Bound to your foolishness.” Aurelia opened her mouth to argue, but what could she even say? “Sorry for summoning you” didn’t exactly seem like an appropriate response. Instead, she snapped her jaw shut, her fingers twisting in the blanket as her mind scrambled for a solution she didn’t have. Hades began pacing the room like a caged predator, his dark cloak trailing behind him, “Do you have any idea what you’ve done? Summoning a god…. summoning me is a violation of cosmic balance.” “Okay, I get it,” she said, the words spilling out in a rush. “Huge mistake. I’m sorry. But I didn’t mean to meddle! I don’t even know how I did it!” He stopped mid-stride, turning his piercing gaze on her once more. “The ritual you performed is ancient. Forbidden. No mortal should even possess the knowledge.” “I found it in an old grimoire,” she blurted out, desperate to explain. “At some random antique shop. It wasn’t like I planned this! It was just sitting there in a dusty box labeled ‘Summoning the Underworld.’ I thought it was some kind of gimmick. A joke!” “A joke,” he repeated. “You tampered with powers older than your species… for a joke?” “Well, I wasn’t exactly expecting results,” she said defensively. “I lit some candles, said some words, spilled a little wine—and poof! Nothing happened. It was just—” “You spilled wine?” he interrupted, his eyes narrowing further. “Yes, wine! The instructions said blood, but I wasn’t about to start cutting myself for a prank. I figured it didn’t matter. How was I supposed to know it would actually work?” Hades let out a sound that could have been a laugh, though it was devoid of humor. “And yet, here I stand, summoned by a mortal who substituted sacrificial blood with wine.” ********************************** When Aurelia stumbles upon an ancient summoning ritual and performs it out of curiosity, she unknowingly binds herself to Hades, the brooding King of the Underworld. Marked by their connection, she’s thrust into a world of gods and immortals where she doesn’t belong and where her heart becomes her greatest weakness. As Aurelia navigates the pain of unrequited emotions and the perilous politics of the divine, she uncovers the truth behind the mark she bears a power that could tip the scales of fate itself. With gods, love, and destiny at war, Aurelia must decide whether to embrace the bond that has chained her to Hades or break free from a world that was never meant for her.

This is the story of two people who once shared a past. Now, they are forced to work together for their own interests. Starley Bellamy is a free-spirited hacker. And Raul Blackwell owns Chicago's most prominent private spy agency. Until one day, Starley's identity as a hacker is exposed, her family is framed, and her parents are detained. That's when Raul reappears in Starley's life, offering a collaboration. Starley, who once loved Raul, reluctantly accepts the offer to save her parents. Their previous relationship was complicated; they were just friends with benefits. Because of this, they have to meet often. Will they become more than just friends with benefits this time? They will face obstacles, trials, and the hidden truths that have been kept from them all along. A romance, action, and mystery story where every wrong move could cost them their lives. ……………………………… "Why do we have to be like this?" Raul suddenly asked. Starley glared at Raul with sharp eyes. "What do you mean? I don't understand," Starley replied coldly. Then, she quickly broke eye contact with Raul's dark eyes. "You know what I mean, cupcake," Raul said in a low voice. Starley tried to look unaffected by Raul's nickname, even though her heart was beating much faster than usual. "No, I don’t understand." Starley flinched slightly when she felt Raul’s warm hand on her elbow. It was like he was holding her back from running away again. Finally, Starley looked back at Raul with a neutral expression. "Mr. Blackwell, I’ve told you, I have a boyfriend," Starley replied. She was lying; she didn’t have a boyfriend. But she had to say it to push Raul away. Otherwise, she knew her defenses would crumble at any moment. Raul squinted his eyes and said, "Then where is your boyfriend? I’ve never seen him." "He’s out of town," Starley replied. Raul raised an eyebrow and smirked. "So, you’re in a long-distance relationship?" Raul asked, walking closer to Starley. Starley didn’t back down. She lifted her chin and stared at Raul, "Do you have a problem with that?" This time, Raul’s smirk resembled a devilishly handsome smile, "Oh no, that’s actually good news, isn’t it?" Starley narrowed her eyes and said, "You already know, you and I can never happen again." "As long as he’s not your husband, I think anything is possible, cupcake." Starley knew Raul didn’t mean it that way. All their history would repeat itself. We were not meant to be together, Starley thought. "Don’t you hate me?" Starley suddenly asked. After the question left her lips, Raul’s face tensed, and he released his grip on Starley’s elbow. Raul’s gaze now was darker than usual as he replied, "Yes, and you hate me too." Starley didn’t answer because Raul already knew the answer. There was a brief silence before Raul spoke again. "But you know, there’s a fine line between love and hate. And both make you unable to stop thinking about me, Starley," Raul whispered. Starley held her breath. After all this time, she had kept her distance; why now did she have to work with this dangerous man? Dangerous for her heart.

People say that after marriage, a woman's true home is her husband's house. But what happens when that home feels nothing less than a living hell? What if the man for whom she leaves everything behind doesn’t value her at all? Sarika's life is just like this. Sarika Adrijay Chaudhary, who couldn’t fulfill her dreams due to her family’s poverty, finds herself married into a wealthy household. A family that, despite being well-educated, still holds narrow-minded views. In a life filled with darkness, the only ray of light for Sarika was her children. For nine long years, Sarika selflessly devoted herself to her in-laws, who never truly acknowledged her worth. Even her husband, Adrijay, only remembered her to fulfill his own needs, never giving her love or attention. However, after nine years of marriage, Adrijay begins to realize his mistakes, but by then, a lot had already been lost. Will Adrijay be able to win Sarika back? Will Sarika ever be able to fulfill her dreams? Can love blossom between Adrijay and Sarika? To find out, read Falling for My Wife. *************************************

In a godless world where races places unshaken trust in themselves—despite a long history of flawed and reckless decisions—people have crowned themselves as gods, blind to their folly. Their arrogance surpasses reason, and their actions reflect the instincts of beasts rather than the wisdom of divine creation. They have strayed so far from grace that they embody chaos, living as creatures enslaved by pride and selfishness. Amidst this darkness, a man emerges—a beacon of order and truth. He comes not to condemn but to remind them of their mortality, their frailty, and the ultimate truth that everything they possess exists by the will of the Lord. His mission is not of wrath but of salvation, for he knows the only way to heal a fractured world is to reveal the essence of true love—a love that is selfless, eternal, and divinely inspired. This man, Alex, embarks on his journey with unwavering resolve. Bound by the principles God has set before him, he strives to live as a reflection of the divine will. Every step he takes is a testament to his faith and determination to restore balance, hope, and understanding to a world that has forgotten its Creator. Through trials and tribulations, he seeks to reignite the spark of grace in the hearts of humanity, one soul at a time, as he walks the narrow path of redemption and love.

Rowan sees beauty in death. The Order he has sworn to obey only sees defilement. As the reviled Caretaker of the Order, Rowan has accepted his role as a dutiful outcast because he believes it is the only way to prove his worth to the man who holds his sisters’ souls as collateral. With his magic and his voice, Rowan can absorb death and transform it, but only in ways the Order deems acceptable to maintain the stability of the reality it claims to protect Order must subdue Disorder. Reality must triumph over illusion. He is tainted and always will be. Rowan has never questioned those lessons, but that changes the night he harvests a crimson soul that is more than human and chooses to keep it a secret. When Rowan’s song transforms that soul into a beautiful and mysterious man he names Wren, he is forced to accept that sometimes duty is a lie and illusion is the only thing you can trust. As the fabric of the Order begins to unwind and a new kind of Disorder takes hold, Rowan will need to choose again, stand with the Order that held him down, or forge a new path with Wren at his side. He may be the only one who can restore balance to the worlds, but only if he can find balance within himself first. ************************************* Updates 3-4 times per week. Note: This story focuses on relationships. I promise an epic romance, lots of swoon-worthy moments, and a healthy amount of fluff. When it does get steamy…you might get burned. Fair warning for explicit content. I don’t shy away from my spice. There are lots of side characters and couples to fall in love with, in addition to the main couple. If you love the idea of found family, you will be happy. This book is set in a non-heteronormative world, so you will see various gender identities/expressions and types of love. ************************************* Excerpt (if you want the full steamy version, you will have to read the book!): Still reeling from the new magic that coursed under his skin and unsure of how to react to the desire that threatened to take control of him, Rowan froze. Wren's hot breath against his mouth sent a jolt of pleasure through his body, and he choked back a groan. A different kind of panic flared in Rowan's chest, burning him as if he were the one on fire. This was what he wanted, what he'd thought about every night since Wren left. But wanting more was one thing. Acting on it was another. He'd spent so much of his life hiding, he didn't know how to do anything else. One corner of Wren's mouth twitched as Rowan pulled away. When he attempted to free himself from Wren's grasp, Wren just hauled him closer. Rowan liked that he didn't have to think about what to do next. His bare chest thudded against Wren's torso, and the heat from Wren's body merged with Rowan's skin, melting him from the inside out. "What did you just do to me?" Wren's deep voice vibrated against Rowan's chest. "The Disorder of your illusion was holding you captive. I…I absorbed it." "Oh? Where did you learn to do that? Have I been gone that long?" Wren's grip loosened slightly on Rowan's wrists as if he was satisfied now that Rowan was practically sitting on top him. Rowan stared at Wren's lips. He opened his mouth to protest, but immediately closed it again. "I know you aren't going to say that I shouldn't touch you." Wren's free hand splayed over the small of Rowan's back. "Not when you started it." Rowan's breath hitched. "No. I'm not going to say that anymore. Not to you." "I thought you were afraid to be touched." Wren's fingers traced a circle over the curve of Rowan's spine as if testing for a reaction. "I know that I'm not afraid of you." Rowan waited for the panic to set in, but all he felt was desire. "With you, I want…" "You want what?" "I want more." Triumph flared in Wren's gaze before he narrowed his eyes. "Really? Then why are you still trying to get away from me?"

Kenapa kau memperlakukanku seperti ini! Aku tidak mencurigakan, percayalah! Aku bukan orang yang berbahaya. Penjahat? Sama sekali bukan. Novel terjemahan, bukan karya asli. Alternative: 실눈이라고 흑막은 아니에요! Country(s): Korea

"Who do you think I am?" He whispered in her ear. "Fletcher... my.." "what? Your Romeo?" He chuckled. "No" He was surprised by her answer, "I'm Your juliet". She said with great courage. His eyes narrowed slightly. But the world is round and only one person can be on top. When a goofy girl falls for an ambitious dragon only to be hurt countless times... she grew brains and knew that the best revenge she could get was, aiming for his goals- Ruling the world. Thus became her motivation- revenge. She became the #1 woman in the world earning the alias, Juliet. "In the city's darkest alleys, a legendary crown has sparked a deadly game of cat and mouse. Two ruthless players, Juliet and Romeo, will stop at nothing to claim it. But what secrets lie behind Juliet's icy smile? Is she a pampered princess or a cunning predator? And what drives Romeo's relentless pursuit of power? Is he a brutal kingpin or a tragic hero? As they clash in a maelstrom of intrigue and deception, the stakes grow higher. Who will reign supreme? And what will be the true cost of their ambition? Is the world still big enough for love? when everyone wants to rule the world will feelings be considered? Dive into this heart-pumping thrill ride, where nothing is as it seems, and the truth is more shocking than fiction." Spoilers: She wasn't the overly bullied, weak and stupid FL you'd think. Ever watched the bad guys movie. That's how interesting things could get.

"So, Diana, what's your excuse for betraying me?" His amber glinted eyes bore into the woman with bloodied, broken blue hair, kneeling in complete disarray. "... you're evil." "Oh, so, looking out for all of you makes me evil?" The man narrowed his eyes, contemplating the echoes of protagonist halos and heroines' mentality, starkly real now. Coming from a world far removed from such grim reality, he had read about these personalities in novels, but experiencing their shortcomings firsthand was a different story. "How am I evil?" He looked down at his foot where a young man, limbless and crushed, lay in a state of complete brokenness, mustering the little strength he had left to utter some words. "... y.. you ba..stard, You killed millions." Hearing these words, the man's internal amusement grew at the absurdity of these hypocritical people. He had eradicated all the evil organizations within the Empire after ascending to his throne. Wars were waged to crush rebellious kingdoms that stood against his Empire, uniting the entire Heidal Continent under one flag—the Selvius Empire. He shifted his gaze towards another woman with pink hair, her body completely broken, supported by a rock to maintain a semblance of balance amidst the devastation. "Hmm, so what about you, Karina? Wasn't your family about to be executed by the Aidiac Royal family? Is it wrong for me to have intervened?" "You killed them without mercy, and although you saved my family, it was not worth it." "I just saved—" "It's bullshit. You could have solved everything peacefully without drawing so much blood." Hearing all this, the man began to understand why those novels depicted these people as hypocritical and low in intelligence. If he hadn't saved them, they would have suffered the most gruesome fate. Yet, despite being saved, these ungrateful individuals chose to blame him. The bitter irony of their ingratitude gnawed at him, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. "Guess you all have the same reasons." The man looked towards the seven people, their disdainful gazes directed at him. He had only aimed to change their fates, to rescue some from slavery, others from crippling circumstances, and a few from inevitable betrayal. Yet, they all blamed him for saving them, unable to comprehend that he had severed the root causes that would have subjected them to excruciating suffering. "Hahaha." "Indeed, now I see." He now understood what those novels had tried to convey—'these idiots think this whole world works like they think it would.' 'System......... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Join Discord for Faster Update notification:: https://discord.gg/QZnWtQARft Additional Tags :- Smart MC, Harem, Time Travel, Yandere, Tsundere, Ruthless, Manipulative, Cunning, Regret, Reincarnation, Transmigration, System, No-forgiveness, Betrayal, elves, werewolves, vampires, dwarves, demons. **NO YURI, NO INCEST, NO NTR and Anything That Readers Hate, Me myself being a Reader, will never provide content that will destroy reader's mood. **MC is not Weak and Simp, his mentality maybe, to have soft corner for people in need but by no means he is blind, Don't take his Silence as his weakness. **About My Writing style - I love to keep Readers on edge, Don't believe what your eyes read as maybe they are some illusions, Coming to conclusions about plots will be your biggest mistake. Lastly, Don't Ask Questions in Review, it is for your true opinion about Novel, Go through novel once and leave a review, if you like it. ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE ~ you can expect some errors Villain https://discord.gg/QZnWtQARft

Aeliana’s body tensed, every instinct urging her to flee, but her legs refused to obey. The weight of Kaelion’s presence pressed down on her chest, as if the air itself bowed to his will. She clenched her fists, willing herself to stay upright, to meet his gaze with whatever scraps of courage she could muster. She wouldn’t let him see her fear. “Step forward,” Kaelion ordered, his tone smooth but unyielding. Her jaw tightened. The part of her that was human screamed to fight, to run, but there was a faint hum beneath her skin—a whisper of something else. Something fae. It stirred like a forgotten memory, pulling her feet forward against her will. She stopped only a breath away from him, her chin tilted defiantly despite the trembling in her limbs. Up close, the king was even more overwhelming. His features were carved in sharp, perfect lines, his mismatched eyes glinting with an intelligence that saw too much. He wasn’t just cruel; he was calculating. A predator who enjoyed the chase as much as the kill. “What are you?” Kaelion asked, his voice soft but dangerous. He reached out, his claw-tipped fingers brushing the edge of her hood. She flinched, and his lips twitched—a hint of amusement at her reaction. “I’m no one,” she bit out, her voice steadier than she felt. “Just a thief.” “A thief?” he echoed, his fingers catching the edge of the hood. With a single motion, he pushed it back, exposing her face to the moonlight. The murmurs of the onlookers grew louder, their perfect features twisting with disdain. Kaelion’s eyes narrowed, his gaze raking over her. “No one, indeed.” He took a step closer, his presence enveloping her like a dark tide. “And yet… there’s something about you. Something familiar.” Aeliana’s heart pounded as his hand moved, fingers brushing the curve of her jaw. His touch was light, but it burned like fire, sending a shiver down her spine. “I should kill you for your insolence,” Kaelion said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “But there’s a… curiosity to you. A defiance I rarely see.” His lips curled into a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes. “I think I’ll keep you instead.” “Keep me?” Her voice cracked as anger flared, momentarily overriding her fear. “I’m not some pet to be claimed.” Kaelion’s smirk vanished, replaced by a cold, imperious glare. “You misunderstand, little thief. I’m not offering you a choice.” Aeliana’s stomach twisted as he raised his hand, his fingers glowing faintly with dark energy. Before she could react, a pulse of power shot through her, wrapping around her wrists like invisible chains. She stumbled, her knees buckling, but the magic held her upright. “You’ve entered my city, stolen from my people, and dared to defy me,” Kaelion said, his voice echoing with authority. “Your punishment will serve as a lesson to all who think they can do the same.” “And what punishment is that?” she spat, struggling against the bonds. Kaelion leaned in, his face inches from hers. “You’ll serve me,” he said, his voice a low, menacing growl. “Body and soul. Until I decide you’ve earned your freedom.” The crowd gasped, their whispers growing louder as the king straightened. Aeliana’s blood ran cold as she realized the full weight of his words. This wasn’t just about punishment—it was about control. And she was at the mercy of a man who had none. “Take her to the palace,” Kaelion commanded, his eyes never leaving hers. “I’ll decide what to do with her later.” The soldiers moved to obey, and Aeliana felt herself being pulled away, her body still bound by the king’s magic. As they dragged her through the streets, the crowd parted, their beautiful faces filled with a mix of fear and contempt. She clenched her fists, her mind racing. She couldn’t let this be the end. She wouldn’t let herself be another victim of Kaelion’s tyranny. Somewhere deep inside her, the faint hum of power stirred again, stronger this time.

[The Trilogy][Daily Updates] In a post-apocalyptic world, Earth lies in ruins, forcing humanity to abandon the surface. The elite "Upper Class" rules the glittering Sky City, while the impoverished "Lower Class" is condemned to the shadows of the Underground City. Lianora, once a privileged member of the Upper Class, is betrayed by her lover and witnesses the destruction of her family. After her death, two mysterious witches sacrifice their lives to cast the forbidden Necrobind spell, resurrecting Lianora in the body of a dead witch named Deborah. But resurrection comes at a cost. Lianora must fulfill the witches' final wishes or face the wrath of a soul-devouring curse. As she searches for answers, she crosses paths with Matthew, a werewolf bound by ancient seals. Their fates become intertwined, and Lianora realizes that not only must she break the thousand-year-old curse on the wolf clan, but she must also avenge her family's massacre. Will she uncover the hidden clues and fulfill the witches' dying wishes? Can she release Matthew and his people from their ancient bonds? And in the end, will she succeed in avenging her loved ones?

Ding [congratulations you have acquired the Celestial{God of speed}System] [Do you accept the term and conditions of the system] With a huge claw at his face ready to take off his head, sending him back to the dark abyss from which he had just arrived not so long ago, already accepting his fate for a second death. Henry saw a holographic screen flash in front of him, one that would change his new life for the better... or worse, seeing no other option in his current dilemma and with nothing else to lose. "Yes, yes i accept!" he screamed out with determination and hope that this might just be a miracle here to save him from certain doom,and indeed it was. [You have successfully acquired all the functions and priorities of the system,including its benefits and disadvantages] Henry saw the screen again but that wasn't all he saw to his disbelief everything in the surroundings including the ferocious beast trying to kill him, were now completely still with the lion's claws just a few centimeters away from his head. "Wow, i guess this must be part of the benefits the system granted," he exclaimed with surprise "But what about the demerits?" I guess we'll find out soon enough as this was only just the beginning. Now with his newly acquired "cheat" system in a new world he had just been reincarnated to. From an urban civilization to an even more futuristic, civilized urban utopia where magic and technology are well versed, Henry must find his true purpose in the new world as he discovers more beings like him both good and bad. And as he navigates his way to a better second chance, making new friends and encountering old foes courtesy of his predecessor. Going against both celestial entities and monsters from other realms and doing as he pleases, defying rules of the multiverses and discovering worlds beyond. "Or maybe I'll just kick back and relax in this New World." SNEAK PEAK! Henry stood face to face with the mysterious figure, their suits a stark contrast to each other. Henry's white and gold suit gleamed in the sunlight, while the other figure's black and purple suit seemed to absorb the light around them. A mask covered the figure's face, making it impossible for Henry to discern their identity. "You're quite the legend, Henry," the figure said in a low, gravelly voice "I've heard a lot about your skills." Henry's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?" The figure chuckled. "Someone who's been watching you. Someone who's been waiting for the perfect moment to strike." Henry's grip on his fists tightened. "What do you want?" The figure smiled, their mask glinting in the light. "I want to see how fast you really are." Without warning, the figure took off, their black and purple suit blurring as they sprinted away. Henry's eyes widened, and he grinned. "Game on!" he exclaimed, taking off after the mysterious figure. The two speedsters tore through the city streets, their suits leaving trails of distorted air in their wake. As Henry left a trail of gold lightning so did the figure leave one of purple. Henry's Nitro suit glowed with a brilliant white light as he pushed himself to his limits, his feet pounding the pavement in a blur. The mysterious figure was fast, but Henry was determined to catch up. He focused all his energy on the chase, his senses heightened as he navigated the crowded streets. The city became a colorful blur as the two speedsters clashed in a battle of velocity and agility. Henry's heart pounded with excitement, his mind racing with the thrill of the chase. Who was this mysterious figure, and what did they want? Henry was determined to find out. Crap! I wanted to write more but looks like I've reached the word limit. Sigh* Well I hope I've gotten your attention with all this, i like my summary to always look like a trailer, that's why it's so long. Anyways check more of these when you read my book and support, I'll appreciate. Gracias! Check my discord link in bio, join for more info.

Year 1540 Nicole is a lowly human from the mainland trying to make ends meet as she would often paint for middle and high-class people sometimes even Purebloods which was rare in her case. She receives little money which doesn’t financially support her living. Until one day she received an invitation from the Snow Kingdom to paint the great Lord Jasper Gervassius. She reaches the kingdom and Meets Lord Jasper in the hopes of making a big income she receives more than what she bargains for. ---------------------------------- Teaser: Jasper placed both of his hands on either side of Nicole's head trapping her with his body. He stared down at her looking at his sweet innocent lamb, he couldn't help but smile at her widely. Her doe-like eyes staring back at him only made him want to devour her "Why do you play these games with me darling you know I don't like it. I think you forgot who you're dealing with." He leaned down against her lips slightly flicking his tongue in her mouth making her crave for more."My Quahneah Woman" Nicole gasped in shock as she wondered how he knew her tribe's name. Before she could say another Jasper had cupped her cheek softly placing his lips on hers and kissing her softly as he slowly removed his hands against the wall. He was wrapping his arms around her waist bringing her body closer to his as there was no space between them. As they continued Nicole started to become breathless pulling herself back to breathe, she couldn't help but look up to see Jasper looking at her with a smile that was Duchenne. His purple orbs looked into her seeing the love and adorn affection he was showing her.  "Jasper I have a question to ask you" Jasper hummed waiting for her question" What are we going to do about the tirade ." Jasper's smile suddenly became sinister as he narrowed his eyes "Why don't you leave that to me, darling."

Title: The Seclusion of Pens For six long years, Pens had lived in isolation, hidden away in a secluded mountain retreat where time seemed to stretch endlessly. The walls of her small cabin were lined with books, maps, and remnants of a life she barely remembered. The only sounds were the rustling trees and the occasional howl of the wind through the narrow valley. She had once been someone—someone important, perhaps even powerful—but now, she was just a ghost, forced to pretend she was dead to the world. She had never been given the full truth, only fragments of explanations whispered to her before she was taken away. "For your safety," they had said. "For the greater good," they had insisted. But what was this greater good that required her to vanish from existence? Why did she have to live like a shadow, watching the world from the edge of oblivion? Pens had spent years trying to piece together the mystery of her exile. Was she a fugitive? A missing heiress? A pawn in some unseen war? Every possibility seemed more absurd than the last. She had trained in secret, sharpening her mind, her body, and her instincts, preparing for the day she could break free. But the world had not forgotten her entirely—there was still the promise. Every six months, a messenger arrived at dusk, cloaked in secrecy, delivering a single cryptic letter. Sometimes, it contained nothing more than a warning. Other times, it offered hints of the life she had left behind. But always, without fail, it ended with the same words: "You may go out once. Just once." It was a cruel allowance—one fleeting night of freedom before returning to her prison. Each time, she ventured beyond the mountains, blending into crowds, searching for answers. Each time, she returned with more questions than before. As the sun set on another six-month mark, Pens stood at the threshold of her hidden world, gripping the newest letter in her hands. This time, it was different. The words on the page were urgent, almost desperate: "You must leave. Do not return. The promise is broken." Her heart pounded. For the first time in six years, she wasn’t just being given a night of freedom. She was being told to run.

(warning:r18+ and strong mature content) In a world shrouded in darkness, two souls collided in a dance of destruction.Each harboring secrets that could annihilate them, found themselves inexplicably drawn to the very flame that could consume them. Their lives are a labyrinth of shadows, woven with deceit and bloodlust. Yet, amidst the chaos, they discover a glimmer of light in each other's eyes. A spark that ignited a passion so fierce, it threatened to incinerate them both. Shante Jarret,a siren of seduction,had built a fotress around her heart. But Madden,a maestro of control had a way of dismantling her defenses. With each whispered promises,he chipped away at her armor, exposing the vulnerable soul beneath. Madden Banks,a billionaire with a taste of darkness,had grown accustomed to shadows. But Shante,a female fatale with a kiss that could kill, awakened a hunger within him. A hunger that drove him to crave her touch,her taste,her very essence. As they navigated the treacherous landscapes of their desires,they found themselves bound by an unbreakable thread. A thread woven from the fabric of their own darkness,yet illuminated by the light they discover in eachother. Shante's past was marked by the brutal murder of her parents and her own rape at the age of five,perpetrated by the gangsters she has now taken care of. She has risen from the ashes,forging a new identity as the enigmatic leader of an underground club society. The club,a deadly society of dangerous seductress and evil gigolos,was built on a foundation of darkness and deception. Their mission was clear,hunt,seduce,manipulate,play and take down their targets within three days. The penalty for failure is death and the cardinal rule is simple: NEVER FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR PREY. Shante received a mission,one that will test her skills and push her to a limit of sanity. Her target - Madden Banks,the same billionaire who awoke a hunger within her. As she delved deeper into his world,she found herself torn between her loyalty to the club and her growing fasination with Madden. *** Excerpt "Hello, I'm Te," Shante purred, her voice dripping with seduction as she extended a manicured hand. Madden's gaze narrowed, his eyes lingering on her face before responding, "Te, as in Tea?" Shante's smile faltered for a moment, her anger simmering just below the surface. But she quickly regained her composure, her voice taking on a husky tone. "No, as in Teeeeee... Short for Shante." Madden's expression remained impassive, his voice curt. "Madden." He turned his attention back to Tyra, dismissing Shante altogether. "I'll be on my way now sissy." He smiled softly. Tyra was about to whine but Shante did the whining instead. "C'mon, it's not so gentlemanly to go without at least taking us on a date." Madden's gaze was fixed on Tyra like she was the only one there and no one said a word. "Later,sis." He winked at Tyra. "What the f..." She scoffed,her eyes flashed with anger, her face burning with indignation,she had never been ignored all her life. That bloody bastard, it's not his fault,not his fau... === "Madd..." Shante hollered as she stormed into his glistening study,her eyes blazing with fury. Madden looked up from his desk, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes and a sarcastic smile on his lips. "...are you fucking running mad,how dare you change my project to cartoon,you have any idea how many nights that took me?" She spat angrily. "Leave my fucking space,get the hell outta my house and I won't be able to irritate you again." He spoke nonchalantly. Shante's anger boiled over, her palms slapping against his desk. "You can ask well bring it on, cause I'm not leaving even if it's burning to ashes..." *** In the twisted game of cat and mouse, they're both predator and prey. Each move calculated,each kiss a gamble. But as the stakes grew higher,they realize that the greatest danger isn't the secret they kept,but the love they couldn't deny.

"Your boss doesn't deserve you," Clifford revealed. "Why are you telling me all this?" I narrowed my eyes at him. "Because I want you for myself. You're the woman of my dreams." Compared to how he behaved when he came to deliver stuff to me, he was very blunt now. "What if I don't like you back?" "I'll wait, after all, I'm good at that." He didn't look fazed. "Why me? I don't even own a business of my own." I told him. "You don't need to own a business, Arleen. It's just you I need." "What do you need me for?" "I need you to be my woman, that's all." He answered. **** Arleen Theodore is a secretary who is in love with her boss, Damion Clinton, but he doesn't love her back although he's aware but acts ignorant. Whereas, Clifford Edson, Arleen's delivery guy secretly loves her and tries to find any chance he gets to deliver things to her. BUT when the boss comes in contact with the delivery guy, things go haywire…. could it be that the delivery guy brought out mixed feelings from Damion towards Arleen? Or is the delivery guy Damion Clinton's untold truth?

'Hell is empty and all the devils are here.' -- Williams Shakespeare --- "Should I dip my hands in holy water so I can touch you?" His breath fanned her neck as he spoke close to her ear, causing an anxious shiver to run down her spine. Her eyes widened before narrowing slightly. "You are crazy." She whispered back with a shaking voice. "Why?" He asked, awed. His eyes now staring at her. "Because you would get burned." --- Opposites attract. That’s what everyone says, but light and darkness are two very contrasting entities. Annabelle is the perfect definition of pure and innocent, while on the other hand, Kione is the opposite of that—dark and a devil with an angelic appearance. Too forbidden to be a perfect match.

Senior Server Felix stood at the front of the church, his voice steady and solemn as he greeted the congregation. “Our help is in the name of the Lord,” he intoned. “Who made Heaven and Earth,” the people responded in unison, their voices matching his reverent tone. “Today, we initiate new members into this divine and holy Order,” Felix continued. “Today, we welcome new brethren into the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.” At the back of the church, Louis sat on one of the few single chairs, his posture slightly slouched as his focus remained on a sheet of music in his hands. The title read, "Brightest and Best – Key of A-flat." 'Why didn’t Gramps give me an F or G? A-flat is so difficult, and I only have three days to finish it,' he grumbled silently, his brow furrowing in frustration. But he dared not voice his complaints. He could already imagine his grandfather assigning him even more difficult pieces—F-sharps and endless A-flats—as punishment. From the front of the church, a serene voice called out, “Harry! Step forward!” Louis glanced up, momentarily pulled from his inner musings. His eyes landed on a girl stepping forward from the pews. She had black hair neatly styled in a bun and striking green eyes that seemed to shine with warmth and composure. Dressed in a modest brown dress and black sandals, with a rosary resting gracefully around her neck, she exuded a calm, dignified presence. Her tanned skin and graceful demeanor only added to the aura of reverence surrounding her, befitting an Altar server. 'Sigh,' Louis thought as he brushed a hand through his white hair, his blue eyes softening with a mix of admiration and envy. 'I wonder what it’s like to be an Altar server. They all seem so pure and divine… and powerful.' Just as he returned his attention to his music, a calm, gentlemanly voice spoke beside him. “You could also be an Altar server, if you’re interested.” “Huh?” Louis blurted out, snapping his head to the side. But no one was there. “What in the name of Jesus is going on here?” he muttered, glancing nervously around. “At least you know my name,” the voice replied again, seemingly amused. “What?” Louis whispered, his heart beginning to race. "I'm certain you will be a good server," the voice said, calm yet enigmatic. Louis narrowed his eyes, still searching for its source. "Who are you?" "I have many personalities. I have many names," the voice replied with an air of mystery. "It’s your choice which one you accept." "You’re not making any sense," Louis muttered, growing more unsettled. "Blessed are those who have not seen but believed…" Before Louis could respond, his vision blurred, and the world around him seemed to melt away. He jolted awake, gasping for air. His hands clutched the crumpled sheet of music, its corners bent from his restless grip. His head teetered precariously over the edge of his bed, a faint ache in his neck reminding him of the awkward position he’d been in. "Holy Mother of Jesus!" he exclaimed as he lost his balance, tumbling off the bed in a heap of blankets and scattered papers.

Growing up and living a mundane life, Kaleb wakes up from a nightmare, only to find himself late for work, he rushes out decides to take a shortcut through a narrow alley, only for the ground to collapse beneath him. His life us thrown upside down when he wakes up in a strange bizarre landscape. As he navigates his way through it he stumbles upon a village in ruins, he is then dragged into a cart and left wondering what is happening in the world around him.

Ahmet's laughter was like a slap in the face. "You think you're in a position to negotiate with me?" he sneered. "I don't think so, Asli. You'll do what I say, or suffer the consequences. Do you want more time to outsmart me? No.” She could play his game. She certainly could do that before she finally killed him. A mischievous grin formed on her lips. "What would you gain from sleeping with me?" she asked, trying to keep her tone neutral. "You're not exactly known for your romantic conquests. And we're rivals, not to mention the fact that our families would kill us if they found out." She paused, her eyes narrowing. "So, what's the real motive here? What could you possibly gain from this?" There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, Asli wondered if she had caught him off guard. But then, Ahmet's smooth voice came back, dripping with confidence. "I’m glad to know you are well-informed about my romantic conquests. Let's just say, Asli, that I have my reasons. And as for what I'd gain… well, that's for me to know and you to find out." His tone sent a shiver down her spine, and she knew she had to tread carefully. She wasn’t going to win this against him. “Show me what proof you have and I will give in to your demands.” With that, she hung up the call, feeling a small sense of satisfaction at being the one to end the conversation this time. She was the only woman in the male-dominated Mafia world. Did he think he could subdue her so easily?

The night she decided to divorce Qi Yu, Song Nian was no longer the same demure person that she used to be—she tossed and turned like a feisty wild cat in his embrace. Between the sheets, Qi Yu asked Song Nian why in a raspy voice. With a hint of redness that tinged the curves of her eyes, Song Nian unleashed her every facet in front of him. "This is the last time. Of course, we should have fun." The next morning, Song Nian left behind a divorce agreement and left with a flick of her sleeves. She could not win Qi Yu's heart after five years of marriage. Song Nian was tired of that kind of life. She had money, looks, and a good figure. Why must she limit herself to hanging on this crooked tree called Qi Yu forever? One month into their divorce, Young Master Qi, who had always been cold and restrained, got drunk. When his friend carried him home from the bar, his friend grumbled, "If you don't want a divorce, don't get a divorce. What's the point of getting drunk every day?" Qi Yu narrowed his eyes and sneered. "Who doesn't want a divorce? I'm very happy to get a divorce!" The news of Song Nian's marriage with the Lu family spread like wildfire. On the day of the engagement, Young Master Qi destroyed the engagement venue and lifted Song Nian on his shoulder in front of everyone. In the remote forest villa, Qi Yu pinned Song Nian under him, displaying her stunning figure clad in her fishtail wedding dress. His eyes were cold and arrogant. "You want to marry someone else? Dream on!"

"HELLO, lady." The man behind the wheel greeted her as he wound down the window.  "Hop in."  Without hesitation, she opened the door of the passenger's seat and got in. Inside his car was warm. The seats were leather and quite comfortable. She didn't think Maguire's nephew could own such a car. Then, she glanced at the man. He was dressed formally in a gray suit and honestly, he didn't look like the nephew figure. But what did she know? Mr Maguire could have a nephew who was even as old as him. This man was also quite handsome. Didn't look like Mr Maguire one bit. "Did Mr Maguire send you?" She asked and he rested his hands on the wheel.  "Pretty, is that the secret code you girls use these days?" The charming man asked with a smirk. "I almost thought I wouldn't find you or anyone in this weather but I guess it's just my luck." He eyed Charlotte with an interest as he adjusted his necktie. The lady asking if he was some unknown man's cousin as a secret code sounded ridiculous but he wasn't going to be picky. He searched the area and ended up here. This was the only girl he found on the streets so he would make do with this. "Well, if you've been searching for me then I can assume you're indeed his cousin." Charlotte replied. "I can't think of another reason why a sane man would come out on such a stormy and late night."  Then, she got a whiff of alcohol coming from him. "Wait, did you drink? Is this safe?"She asked but sighed and shook her head. "You know what, never mind. As long as I get home, I won't complain. The worst that could happen is you spinning off the road and leading us both to our deaths, and lucky for you, I'm not afraid of dying in a stranger'ss car, so shall we?" This man stared at Charlotte with an amused grin and said, "You've got one glib tongue. I like it." He said and she gave out a fake laugh. "Haha, that's nice." Her laugh fell and she looked at him seriously. "Please, drive." "Alright, you're the boss." He turned on the engine. "I'm Wesley, by the way. What's yours? If you tell me, I could give you a tip." "Good sense of humor, haha! It's funny." Charlotte said, but she wasn't laughing. She crossed her arms over her breasts, feeling uncomfortable. She entered the rain just to get in his car and so her body was a little wet. Her white shirt had practically become a see-through attire, and her bra was on display.  "You have one appealing look, Miss. Are you sure you're not going to tell me your name? I'm in a good mood so I'll definitely give you a huge tip." Charlotte closed her eyes. Was he such a joker? Did he want her to play along by all means?  Well, she'd just say anything just to get him to shut up.  "You can't afford it." She said.  "Oh yeah? That's such a brave thing to say to someone driving such a car. Is your name more expensive than this?" 'What does this have to do with his car? I just want him to keep quiet already.' Charlotte thought, feeling irritated. "I don't want to waste my breath calling the amount cause you won't be able to pay for it." "My oh my, if your name is so expensive, I wonder how much your service costs. It must be quite a lot, seeing you were the only one standing under the rain, patiently waiting." 'What is he saying now? It's like some old pickup line you'd see in a magazine. Is he really trying to hit on me?' She stared at him. He looked like a casanova, grinning to himself as he drove through the dark. Fine. She would just call an amount she was sure he would never release and then he would shut up.  "You wanna know so badly? Fine. It's ten thousand. Now, stop asking."  As soon as she said that, the car came to a sudden halt which startled her.  "What? Are you crazy?" She asked. "Was it too much of a shock that you had to stop the car?"  "I can't exactly write while driving, can I?" He said and picked out what looked like a checkbook from inside his coat pocket.  He took a pen as well and filled it.  "What are you doing?" 

"They told me the stars could guide me home, but they never said the journey would leave me so utterly lost." Do you still remember your highschool deskmate? The boy with the brightest smile, that girl with the world's most beautiful silhouette? In three years of high school, the shadows of two people intertwine with the chalk, black and white both distinct, drifting around within the memories. The Su Yuanzhou in her memories was an underachiever in high school. He skips class to shoot pool, cheats on his exams and gets into fights. Yet, when she went back to the past she would always surprise herself for seeing a lot of his side, maybe if she did this before he probably wouldn't die. To be able to meet each other on this planet is some kind of fate, and to be able to illuminate our fleeting lives, how fortunate we are. ... Ren Yuxin was trailing behind Su Yuanzhou like a guilty puppy, her face plastered with an exaggerated pout. "Come here," Su Yuanzhou said, stopping in his tracks and turning to look at her. His tone was calm, but the slight twitch in his jaw betrayed his frustration. "Why?" Ren Yuxin asked, her voice overly cautious, taking a step back instead of forward. "Just come here." His patience was running thin. Ren Yuxin crossed her arms and tilted her head dramatically. "No! You’re going to hit me!" Su Yuanzhou froze, staring at her in disbelief. A few students nearby stifled their laughter, pretending not to watch the exchange. "I’m not going to hit you," he said, exasperated. "Do I look like that kind of person?" "Yes." Ren Yuxin nodded solemnly, her eyes wide with mock innocence. Su Yuanzhou sighed, rubbing his temples. How does she manage to drive me insane every single time? His patience—already minimal—was hanging by a thread. "Ren Yuxin," he said, his tone low and dangerous. "Come here. Now." "No way!" she retorted, taking another step back. "I know you’re mad because I—" She paused, looking guilty. "Because you what?" Su Yuanzhou prompted, narrowing his eyes. "... Because I accidentally sent that embarrassing video of you singing in the shower to our group chat," she admitted in a small voice, her eyes darting away. Su Yuanzhou’s face darkened instantly. He felt every shred of his dignity crumbling. "Accidentally?" he repeated, his voice rising. "It really was an accident!" Ren Yuxin protested, raising her hands defensively. "I didn’t mean to press send!" "Accident or not, you’re dead," Su Yuanzhou said, stepping toward her with purpose. "See! You are going to hit me!" she squealed, turning on her heels and running off. "Get back here!" he yelled, chasing after her.

Present life Lily Rylan's life is turned into a nightmare when her stepmom, Viviana, calls her on phone on her wedding day, speaking with a hint of malice in her voice, tells her not to enter the wedding venue, instead instructing her to return home immediately. "Don't come to the wedding hall," her stepmother Viviana says, her words dripping with venom. This shocking command is just the beginning of a day filled with betrayal and heartbreak. As Lily arrives at the family manor, she pays the taxi driver, who immediately congratulates her, wishing "Lily a happy marriage." This makes Lily feel weird, and she quickly steps out of the taxi, raising her beautiful wedding gown. "Thank you," she says, smiling brightly, despite already feeling nervous. Walking from the gate, Lily's stunning wedding gown is on full display. The beautiful, big manor looms before her, complete with a fountain of water at its center. As she enters the manor's parlour, she's met with an elegant yet tense atmosphere. Her mother's picture is discarded in the least viewed spot - a secluded spot which is hardly seen in the parlour wall, while her stepmother's pictures are all over the walls, featuring her father intimately standing, holding her, and her stepsister, Liliana, by her side, smiling brightly. Lily still feels disgusted by them and immediately looks away, taking out her handkerchief and cleaning her eyes, as if she's seen something dirty. She's pulled from her thoughts by her stepmother walking down the staircase, followed by her father. "You called me home, stepmother Viviana? Is it anything serious?" Lily asks, her voice laced with concern. "How many times should I tell you to call her mother, but never mind for now," her father says, his voice firm but laced with a hint of annoyance. Her stepmother Viviana continues, beaming happily, "Your fiancé was drunk during your engagement after you left, saying you had something important to attend to. Now, we thought about it and finally want to tell you they were drugged and slept together. You don’t want your stepsister to be sad or give birth outside marriage, we won’t allow it. You have to allow her to marry him. No one knows how you currently look like now, so allow your sister to marry her husband."her father stated and continued his statement "He's the father of her unborn child, you have to understand," her stepmother immediately smiled brightly smirking at her happily. A sad smile is etched across Lily's face because they're only telling her this so she won't embarrass them by going to the wedding hall, which would be made impossible. Her father's eyes narrow, his voice cold. "You will do as we say, Lily. You will step aside and allow Liliana to marry Zayn." Lily's eyes flash with anger. "What if she has been with him for a long time, or even if he's not the father of the baby?" she spits, her voice venomous. Her stepsister, Liliana, smirks, and Lily retorts, "Her slutty mom gave birth to a slut like herself." This makes everyone gasp, and even the maids quickly escape from the family quarrel, not wanting to hear what would lead to their death. Lily's father immediately delivers a hard slap on her face, making his five fingers appear on her face. "You ungrateful wench," he growls angrily. Lily wipes the blood off, raises her head, and looks at her father scornfully. "You're just trying to cover up your own mistakes," she says, her voice cold. "You did the same thing, that's why you feel it's normal, right?" She says mockingly. Her father is about to hit her again when Liliana steps forward, saying, "Dad, no, don’t hit her again. I can understand how hurt she feels." lily and her husband moments shush I don’t want others to hear this sweet sound from you my white rose do you know how surprised I am you are finally mine lily this made lily shudder not with fear but in a sweet way coz his look said it all

~•No Escape•~ "Are you running away from me, my sweet girl" spoke a voice in the hallway that made her stop in her tracks. The hallway had turned dark with only the wall lamps that burned brightly casting the shadow of the man on the floor as he slowly emerged from the other end. "What are you doing here, your majesty," She said and bowed immediately as she saw him approach her with slow but steady steps. "You haven't answered me, sweet" The man said with a sweet smile that made her wary and he heard the way her heart skipped a beat. He stood before her and used his index finger to raise her chin. He tilted his head as he gazed into her green eyes that looked back at him with fear. He took a step forward closing the distance between them and his eyes narrowed when she took a step back, but that didn't stop him from cornering her. "Did you think you can escape from me?" He continued to question and she didn't miss the mockery behind his words. "I…I" she felt her words tied to her tongue because of the man's daunting aura. She felt him trace her forehead with his finger down to her jaw. He continued moving his hand down to her neck and to the top of her swell and her thudding heart hitched when his hand continued to stay there. "Did you think you can escape from me?" He bent towards her as he spoke. His breath fell on her neck which sent a jolt that traveled down her body. "I told you, you're tied to me and me to you" _______________________ Perdita Kartar was a winsome yet strange young lady. She had an appealing beauty with her green eyes that invoked and impelled anyone who gazed into them. She had fooled her villagers so she could live and protect herself and her remaining family from the night creatures and also humans. But what was bizarre of all, was that Perdita had a secret she shared with no one. She had lived in the village since she was little, and over the years, she had been discreet with each move she made. Unfortunately, things didn't go as she planned. Despite her cautious decorum and fight to stay out of sight, a pair of glacial red eyes falls on her, which followed and refused to leave her out of sight.