Hitch

#Rated 18-Mature Themes Violet’s life was never her own—her father’s crushing debt made sure of that. But when the debt collector kidnaps her as payment, she takes a desperate deal: become a servant and spy on the mysterious and tyrannical Lord Cain, the ruler of her Werewolf district. There’s just one catch: Lord Cain only permits male servants in his house. Disguised as a boy, Violet cuts her hair, flattens her chest, and dons a voice-altering band to pull off the deception. Everything goes according to plan—until Cain, a man known for his cold personality starts to take a peculiar interest in her. Violet’s disguise becomes a prison as she battles her own growing attraction to him. But this is no love story. Cain’s obsession to her is dangerous. Beneath his icy gaze lies a mind fractured by years of affliction by a curse. A curse made by Violet's biological mother: A powerful witch. ************* "TAKE IT OFF!" Violet’s knees nearly buckled at the thunderous command, her chest tightening with panic. The raw anger in Cain’s voice was as sharp as a blade. "My lord! I-I’m a man!" she stammered, gripping her shirt tightly, her fingers trembling as they clung to the fabric. "I don't like other men!" she cried, a desperate plea in her voice since the second she took her shirt off and he discovered that she was a woman was the moment she died. Painfully. Cain’s glare was unyielding, his voice dropping into a growl. "Don’t insult me, You think I do. You kissed me!" Her breath hitched as he stepped closer, his presence suffocating. "If you don’t take it off," he said, his tone low and dangerous, "I’ll rip it off myself." Violet’s mind raced, panic threatening to overwhelm her. She couldn’t let him find out—he’d kill her. Painfully. Glancing away to avoid his gaze when she caught the undeniable bulge in his trousers. Heat flushed her face, her thoughts spinning in desperation at the only idea she could think of to make him back off. 'This has to work. It has to…’

Zephyrine should have died that night. It was her wedding day, but it turned out to be a mourning day for her. She lost her parents, the Alpha and Luna, and worse still, she was framed for their deaths by the fiancé she was expected to marry. Zephyrine barely escaped death and promised herself to avenge her parents death. She became a queen—a fearless queen with a pack. She crushed those who stood in her way, even challenging great Alphas and those of high authority. Despite all this, little does she know that fate had other plans in store for her. She finally found her mate, and he was none other than the Lord of the Grims. She refused to let the mate bond tie her down and chose to grow stronger while protecting her pack. The Lord of the Grims was forbidden from having a mate following the betrayal from the werewolves that happened centuries ago. But despite it all, the Lord couldn't help but fall deeper in love with Zephyrine. He protected her and acted as a shield, refusing to leave her side despite how she pushed him away. Zephyrine and the Lord encountered different situations of life and death, bringing them closer. Unaware of his true identity, she began to fall in love with him. Those from each realm found out about this forbidden love and decided to put a stop to it. Zephyrine discovered his true identity, realizing what the werewolves had done to his kind. She chose to fight for love despite all odds. Because some loves are written in fate. And some must be fought for in blood. Will she be able to stand against the two realms and still fight for the one she loves? What other danger lay ahead in their love story? Excerpt from the book "You carry yourself like you're untouchable," Caden said, his voice low and smooth. "Like no one can reach you. But I see right through that mask, Zephyrine." I held my ground, unwilling to let him see how much his presence was affecting me. "If you think you can intimidate me, you're mistaken. I've stood against worse than you." His lips curved into a faint smile, but there was something deeper in his gaze now—something that felt like fire. "You feel it, don't you?" he murmured. I stiffened, my wolf practically clawing to get out. I did feel it—the pull, the undeniable connection that tied me to him. My mate. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, and I hated how vulnerable it made me feel. "You're wrong," I said sharply, though my voice wavered. "Whatever this is, I don't want it." Caden's eyes softened, but he didn't back down. Instead, he took another step forward, closing the distance between us until I could feel the heat radiating from him. He raised a hand, brushing his fingers lightly against my cheek. "Deny it all you want, Zephyrine," he said softly, his touch sending sparks through my skin. "But your wolf doesn't lie. You can feel it, just like I do." I shivered, hating how my body betrayed me. My breath hitched as his thumb gently traced along my jawline. "I've been waiting for you," he continued. "And now that I've found you, I won't let you go." I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay firm. "I don't need a mate," I whispered, though the words felt hollow. Caden's smile widened, but it wasn't mocking—it was warm, almost tender. "You may not think you require me," he said, his voice steady, "but I promise you, Zephyrine, you'll want me. And when that time comes, you'll submit—not because I demand it, but because you'll choose to." The way he said it made my heart stutter, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. Before I could respond, he leaned closer, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, "You'll see, my queen. You can try to fight it, but you'll be mine in the end." He pulled back, his intense gaze locking with mine one last time before he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, breathless and trembling. My wolf was practically purring, but I wasn't going to give in. Never.

"Let's divorce. I'm finally letting you go," she said with scarce emotion on her lovely face. Seeing her resolve, he felt heaviness in his heart. His face darkened, clenching his jaw. "You can't leave me. You are bound to me for eternity." He forcibly grabbed her, pinning her on the wall, his hands started caressing her sensitive spots. "And your body... doesn't LIE," he whispered sensually, lips gently nibbling on her earlobe. Her breath hitched, her heartbeat racing.  Seeing her struggle to resist him, he smirked triumphantly. "You yearn for my touch and my kiss. You also desire me." The next thing she felt was his lips roughly brushing against hers in a hungry kiss. **** Neglected by the King Enslaved by the Queen Bullied by her royal siblings Hated by The Kingdom's Hero Ostracized by her own people EVE HAD ENOUGH! She ripped off her disguise and began to fight back, flaunting her skills and talents– extremely beautiful, highly intelligent, proficient in medicinal knowledge, great combat skills, and with rare talent– Beast Taming!  Eve– the Forsaken Princess will ascend to the throne, not just conquering kingdoms but also capturing the hearts of the powerful gentlemen– A Hero Knight, An Infamous Hunter, and the Tyrant Crown Prince! Like a phoenix rising from ashes, Eve reruns her life, determined to trample everyone with her vengeance. [ Warning: Mature Content, R18+ ]

The clock ticked past midnight, each second echoing like a hammer in the hollow silence of the apartment. Rain lashed against the windows, the storm outside mirroring the tempest brewing in Emily’s chest. She sat rigid on the couch, her fingers digging into the upholstery, eyes fixed on the door. David’s keys jingled in the lock, his laughter—warm and carefree—seeping through the wood before he did. He stumbled in, tie askew, the sharp tang of bourbon on his breath. But it wasn’t the alcohol that made her stomach churn. It was the cloying sweetness of jasmine perfume clinging to his collar—a scent that didn’t belong to her. “Where have you been?” Emily’s voice trembled, though she’d rehearsed the question a hundred times in her head. David froze, his smile dissolving. “Work ran late. You know how it is.” “Work ends at six, David. It’s *midnight*.” She stood, her legs unsteady. “And since when do you wear lipstick to the office?” His hand flew to the smudge of crimson on his white sleeve—a shade too bold, too *alive* for the muted tones of their marriage. His face hardened. “You’re imagining things.” “Am I?” She stepped closer, the jasmine scent now suffocating. “Or is it *Jane* from accounting? The one who ‘just needs your help’ every time I call?” His laugh was a cold blade. “You’re paranoid. Always picking fights—” “Paranoid?” Her voice cracked. “You haven’t touched me in months! You come home smelling like *her*, lying to my face—” “Enough!” He slammed his fist on the table, a vase rattling. “I’m tired of your nagging! What do you even do all day? Sit here and wait to accuse me?” The words struck deeper than any slap. Emily’s breath hitched. “I gave up my career for you. For *us*—” “Us?” He sneered. “There *is* no ‘us.’ Just you, digging through my things like a desperate—” She didn’t see his hand move. The crack of his palm against her cheek split the air, her head snapping sideways. She stumbled, clutching the wall as the taste of copper bloomed on her tongue. David loomed over her, his eyes wild, foreign. “You… you pushed me to this,” he hissed, grabbing his coat. “Clean yourself up. You’re pathetic.” The door slammed. Emily slid to the floor, tears mingling with the blood on her lip. Outside, thunder roared. But beneath the pain, a spark ignited—a flicker of defiance. Her gaze landed on the shattered vase, its jagged pieces glinting in the lamplight. *Pathetic.* The word echoed, twisting into a vow. She would rise. Not for him. Not for “us.” But to make him regret the day he underestimated the woman he’d reduced to ashes. -**Chapter One: The Scent of Betrayal (Continued)** The air hung thick with venom. David’s chest heaved, his earlier bravado fraying at the edges. Emily wiped her bleeding lip with the back of her hand, her eyes blazing. “You think Jane *wants* you?” she spat, her voice a razor. “Or does she just pity the man who needs to steal confidence from a bottle and affairs to feel alive?” David’s jaw twitched. “Shut up.” “Why? Because it’s true?” She laughed, cold and sharp. “You’re a cliché, David. A middle-aged fraud in a tailored suit. Even your *precious* promotion—did you earn it, or did you cry your way into it like you did when your father called you a disappointment?” He lunged forward, but she sidestepped, her words relentless. “Jane must be desperate. Or blind. Tell me, does she know you couldn’t even—” “I said *shut up*!” he roared, his composure crumbling. “Couldn’t even *what*?” she taunted, stepping closer. “Finish a sentence? A marriage? Or is that why you’re so bad in—” The slap exploded like a gunshot. Emily’s head whipped sideways, her body crumpling to the floor. The world blurred—a kaleidoscope of shattered glass and spinning shadows. Her cheek burned, but worse was the silence that followed, broken only by her shaky breaths.

I’m a proud NEET who’s devoured every romance novel, manga, webtoon, and otome game out there. Just when I thought I’d conquered it all, a black bunny appeared in my dream. “Congrats! You’ve been chosen to help villains win across multiple worlds!” “Like a game?” “Uh . . . sure.” “Great, I’m in!” And just like that, I became an agent of the Villain System. Time to rewrite some happily-ever-afters—villain style. **[NOTE!]** This novel features multiple short arcs, each exploring different tropes such as ancient China, the modern world, beasts, werewolves, vampires, fantasy, school romance, idol groups—you name it! The twist? Each arc focuses on our MC making the villain (male) triumph over the male and female leads. The story is written primarily in 2nd and 3rd person POV for a dynamic and immersive experience. || Excerpt || [WARNING! MATURE Content Ahead!] “Then serve me . . . properly.” The command was both sensual and authoritative, and Xue Li’s pulse quickened under his intense gaze. The air between them grew heavy, her trembling hands faltering as she began to run the sponge across his chest, her touch featherlight against his scars. “Y-yes your majesty.” Xue Li’s hand trembled slightly as she dipped the towel into the warm, fragrant water, her breath catching as she squeezed it out over Han Feng’s shoulders. The water cascaded down his chiseled frame, tracing every ridge and contour of his muscles. She swallowed hard, focusing intently on her task, though her heart raced like a drum in her chest. She began at his shoulders, her touch gentle as the towel glided over his skin. His scars, a mix of old battles and untold stories, caught her attention, and she hesitated for a brief moment before continuing. The warmth of the water mixed with the heat radiating from his body, and the intimacy of the moment sent a shiver up her spine. Han Feng leaned back slightly, watching her through half-lidded eyes, his expression unreadable. “Slower,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that made her pulse skip. Xue Li obeyed, her movements becoming more deliberate as she ran the sponge across his chest, down the defined lines of his abdomen. Each stroke felt unbearably sensual, her fingers brushing his skin as she worked. She tried to maintain her composure, but the proximity to him, the sheer physicality of his presence, made her feel as though the air had thickened. When she reached his arms, he extended one lazily, letting her clean him as though it were his divine right. Her hand moved carefully, trailing down his forearm to his wrist, her touch so soft it almost tickled. Han Feng’s silence was oppressive yet charged, the pressure of his gaze pinning her in place. As she lowered the sponge to his torso again, her hand faltered briefly near the sharp line of his hipbone. The water ran over his skin like liquid fire, and her breath hitched when she noticed the slight curve of his lips, a hint of satisfaction playing there. “You’re trembling,” he said, his voice velvet smooth, making her flinch. “I-It’s the steam, Your Majesty,” she stammered, though she knew it was a poor excuse. Han Feng chuckled softly, the sound deep and rich. “Hmm . . . Is that so? Then you have no problem cleaning my cock right?” Xue Li's eyes trembled, on the verge of tears, which seemed to please Han Feng. His smile grew wider as he urged her on. "Go on. You're going to serve me properly, aren't you?"

Ethan's head throbbed violently as he opened his eyes, his vision hazy and unfocused. A dull ringing filled his ears, drowning out his thoughts. "What’s happening…?" he thought, his mind sluggish, struggling to catch up with reality. One moment, he was asleep—or at least, he thought he was—and the next, searing pain forced him awake. His vision swam, shapes blurring together in a disorienting mess. But then, muffled noises filtered through the haze—frantic, panicked sounds. Someone was trying to scream, their voice smothered, choked by something. A cold shiver ran down his spine. As his sight gradually sharpened, Ethan's breath hitched. He was on all fours, looming over someone. A girl. Her body twisted and writhed beneath him, ropes biting into her wrists and ankles. Her mouth was gagged, muffling her cries. Her wide brown eyes, brimming with fear and fury, glared up at him. Ethan's body locked in place, his blood running cold. "What the…?" His mind reeled, thoughts slamming into each other in chaotic disarray. "What kind of bizarre dream is this?" Panic clawed at his chest. His breath came in ragged, uneven gasps as he scrambled backward, only to realize his limbs felt sluggish, uncooperative, like they didn’t belong to him. "Is this… is this some kind of twisted fantasy I never knew I had?" A sickening thought slithered through his mind, making his stomach churn. The girl's frantic squirming slowed for a moment, her gaze flickering with confusion as she took in his expression—his trembling hands, his wide, horrified eyes. But the fear returned just as quickly. She struggled harder, her body arching, her muffled screams rising in pitch. Ethan wanted to speak, to say something, anything, but before he could force out a word, a glowing blue window materialized before his eyes. His breath caught. A translucent, hovering screen? "What…?" Lines of glowing text scrolled across its surface. --- [System Activated…] [Host Confirmed.] [Simulating Previous Data…] Ethan wakes up in a mysterious world, bound by a curse that clouds his judgment and forces him into choices he never wanted to make. Struggling with guilt and responsibility, he must navigate the consequences of his actions while uncovering the truth behind the curse and his place in this strange new reality.

Nyssa has a friend count of... zero. Because she is, however, the adoptive daughter of the Luminary Institute’s headmaster, she decides to enroll at the start of the new term as a ploy to get more friends. Sure, the Luminary Institute was built for training those with high-potential powers to become the next generation of heroes or hunters, and, sure, her motivation for enrolling was a little suspect. Yet, with the power to shapeshift into any animal she wants—fictional or real—she becomes the newest student of Class Zero. Nerve-wracking. The class is filled with people who have ‘problematic powers with high potential for destruction! The class has been nicknamed the ‘f- around and find out’ club by its own members! So, while her powers might fit in without a hitch, her goals in life certainly did not. After all, her ‘f’ing around’ consisted of taking five naps in a day... --- It's going to be a very slow cute slice of life like all my other stories :D I'm not proof reading this one really because its a uhh... low expectation story i'm just writing to lift off pressure from myself so don't expect too much I'll be (hopefully) posting daily, so we'll see :) This will also be posting on RoyalRoad and ScribbleHub :D Join my discord to talk! (and also for reference images!) also join my p@treon to read ahead by seven chapters!! Cover art is not mine btwwww

The night should have been steeped in darkness, but instead, the heavens blazed. A second sun rose over the Kingdom of Eldoria, bathing the land in ethereal gold. Flowers bloomed in an instant, their petals unfurling as if reaching for an unseen deity. The animals of the Whispering Woods stirred, their cries rising in eerie harmony. It was a sign. A rare omen. A child of the elements had been born. But not one child—two. Inside the Dravenhart estate, hidden deep within the forest, screams shattered the unnatural stillness. Lady Althea Dravenhart clung to the sweat-drenched sheets, her body wracked with the agony of bringing life into the world. The midwife gasped as the first child was placed in her arms. A strong boy, his tiny hand clenched into a fist. And there it was—the mark of the elements, inked onto his shoulder like a birthright. An earth elemental. Lord Cassius Dravenhart, Commander of Eldoria’s armies, allowed himself a breath of relief. His son would live. His son would be accepted. But then came the second cry, softer, yet undeniable. Another babe, smaller, delicate. The midwife hesitated as she turned the child over, her breath hitching as her eyes landed on the impossible. The mark. The same symbol of power, only this time, glowing like liquid silver against baby-soft skin. A girl. Terror seized Cassius’s chest. His hands, calloused from years of war, clenched into fists. Female elementals were forbidden—killed on sight. It was a decree, a law upheld for centuries. He should take his sword, end it before anyone found out. But the moment his gaze fell upon the child’s face, his heart twisted violently. Those eyes, still barely open, were his wife’s. The softness of her cheeks, the delicate fingers—she was his blood, his daughter. The midwife’s lips parted, horror dawning in her gaze. “It cannot be—” Steel sliced through the air. Blood splattered the wooden floors as the midwife’s body crumpled. Cassius stood over her, sword still gripped in his shaking hand. The only sound in the room was Althea’s sobs, muffled against the newborn cradled to her chest. His daughter. A forbidden child. Cassius turned, his voice rough with command. “We tell no one. She died at birth.” Althea’s watery gaze met his. “And when they come looking?” “They won’t.” With blood staining his hands, Cassius lifted the child and held her close. He would not let the world take her. Not the kingdom. Not the king. Not the laws written by men who knew nothing of what it meant to love a child beyond all reason. Selene Dravenhart was born in secret, beneath a second sun. And no one—no one—would ever know. But fate is a cruel mistress. And secrets have a way of unraveling.

The past week had felt like a lifetime of dodging my own feelings. As I sat at the head of the table, I felt the dam about to break, then the door swung open, and my heart lurched. Chris stood there, a storm cloud personified. His expression was unreadable, but one thing was clear: he wasn't smiling. My staffs exchanged glances, their gazes then focusing on me. "Eve," Chris's voice was low. "We need to talk." The room went silent, thick with nervous energy. The unspoken question hung in the air. "Chris," I said, my voice calm despite my pounding heart, "can this wait? We're in the middle of an important meeting." I wanted him to leave, to deal with this later, on my terms. "No, it can't," he said, stepping into the room. His anger simmered beneath the surface, but there was a visible vulnerability that made my own heart ache. "Please excuse us," I told my staffs, who hurriedly packed and left us alone. "You just left. You left after that night with just empty words on a piece of paper and then went out of the country for a whole week, Eve. A whole week." I was surprised to see him so vulnerable, so angry. It was the first time. It was obvious he was hurt, and I knew I was wrong. He stalked towards me, like a predator, and as he got closer, the anger seemed to flicker, replaced by a different intensity. He stopped in front of me, and then, without warning, his arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a tight, desperate embrace. My breath hitched. I went stiff for a moment, surprised by the contact. Then, almost instantly, my arms went around him, clinging to his strong frame. A mix of emotions flooded me: surprise, relief, and an overwhelming need to simply hold him. I breathed in his familiar scent, a comforting aroma that had been haunting my senses for the last week. He held me tightly, as if afraid I'd vanish if he let go, and I didn't resist. I had dreamed of this. He pulled back, his hands on my shoulders, his gaze searching mine with an intensity that made my heart flutter. The anger lingered, but it was mixed with something else. Something softer. "I missed you terribly," he whispered, the words barely audible, but they resonated through me. ------ Eve, a fashion powerhouse ruling the world's runways, needs a fake boyfriend and fast, to appease her matchmaking mother.   Christopher, a charming, secretive, and dangerously attractive heir to the biggest conglomerate in the country. needs a distraction from his father's unwanted marriage plans. Their solution? A temporary romance brokered through a "rent-a-partner" app. What starts as a mutually beneficial arrangement quickly evolves into a sizzling romance, throw in a jealous childhood crush, a clash of powerful families, and a whirlwind of hilarious misunderstandings, and you've got a recipe for a romance that's as unexpected as it is unforgettable. Will their carefully constructed facade withstand the pressure, or will their fake relationship crumble under the weight of their undeniable, and quite unexpected, love?

I can't help falling for you. you've unraveled me in ways I never thought possible... -------------- Imagine you go to work like every other day, but you never expected to confront an agent of death, an event that will change your life forever. Natasha was having a regular day at work until life threw a curveball—she meet and confronts Drogen, a grim reaper, in the garage, talk about tough luck. And just when things couldn’t get any worse… bam! a car crash. Dead? Yeah. But not for long. Drogen broke every grim reaper rule and brought her back to life, convinced she was the key to ending his curse. Now they’re bound by a blood pact, and things start getting weird. Natasha experiences flashes of a forgotten past—a past that’s somehow tied to Drogen. A meeting that started with fear and death soon transforms into a sweet, passionate love experience that neither of them could resist and she finds herself helplessly falling in love with this mysterious being. But here's the thing, these two were never supposed to meet again. Excerpt: Drogen's expression softened as he stared down at her lips, a rare glimpse of raw desire shining in his eyes. "You know," he began, his voice dropping to a whisper, "I've been desperately wanting to do this since you hugged me." Before she could protest, his lips claimed hers, soft but insistent, catching her completely off guard. Her breath hitched as his tongue teased hers, coaxing a response. She froze for a moment, her heart racing wildly, but as his warmth enveloped her, she gave in, kissing him back. Her hesitation melted away as his touch deepened, slow and gentle, yet ignited sparks through her whole being. His hands found her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. She gasped softly when she felt his bulge pressed hard against her, her cheeks heating in response. He didn't seem to care—if anything, it turned him on even more. His grip tightened as though he couldn't get enough of her, his kisses growing bolder, more demanding, yet still carrying an undeniable tenderness. Her fingers gripped his shirt for balance, holding on as the intensity of his touch left her breathless. He kissed her like he was savoring her, like every second mattered, and it sent a thrill through her. Every brush of his lips, every press of his body against hers, made her forget where she was. All she could feel was him. Finally, he pulled back, their foreheads resting together as they tried to catch their breath. His voice was low and rough, full of longing. "You're driving me crazy, Nat." Her lips were still tingling from his kisses as she met his gaze, her own voice trembling but steady. "Then don't stop." His dark eyes blazed with desire, and a faint smile touched his lips. "You don't know what you're asking for," he murmured, his hand slipping lower, his touch firm yet careful, as if she might disappear if he wasn't careful. "Maybe I do," she whispered, a small smile playing on her lips despite the way her heart pounded in her chest. Something in his expression softened, but the hunger in his eyes remained. She had undone him completely, and for once, he didn't want to fight it. Whatever this was, he wasn't letting go, and neither was she. For fans of forbidden love, a rebellious heroine, steamy romance, dark fantasy, a tragic past life and happy endings, this book is for you TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains R18 scenes, detailed descriptions of violence, cruelty, murder and death.

Anne, a shy and introvert woman, was in love with Denis for ten years. But Denis had someone in his heart. When his girlfriend left him to pursue her career, he finally noticed Anne and asked her to be his girlfriend. Anne stayed devoted to him for three years, but Denis cheated on her with his first love. Worse, his scheming ex-girlfriend killed her. Fate gave her another chance. Anne was reborn. This time, she vowed to take revenge on everyone who had hurt her. Augustine, the CEO of the Sphere Group of industries, was powerful and wealthy. But he died from his family’s conspiracy. Reborn, he was determined to punish those who had schemed against him. In his past life, he had failed to protect Anne, his savior. This time, he vowed to love her and keep her safe with his life. But Anne no longer believed in love. ~~~~~~~~~ “Will you marry me?” Augustine’s eyes sparkled with anticipation and nervousness. However, Anne was calm. “Yes,” she replied blankly. “I’ll marry you. But don’t expect anything from me. Love is the last thing I can give you.” He smirked and took a step closer to her. “Miss Clair,” he pinched her chin, “are you sure you won’t fall for me? Can you resist my charm?” Anne’s breathing hitched, her stomach fluttering. The challenge in his eyes and his husky voice threaten to shatter her resolve to never fall in love again. “Let me promise you one thing: in this life, I’ll love you, cherish you always. All I want is your faith.”

Being the only human in a school full of supernatural beings is hard. But being fated to the son of the Alpha your father killed? That’s a death sentence. ******** Carnemore Academy was never meant for someone like Claire: the daughter of a head hunter who used to kill supernaturals in the past. But when the peace treaty between hunters and supernaturals start to crack, she’s sent straight to the heart of danger— a school where everyone hates her and wants her dead. No one despises her more than Zane Wolfe Ravenscroft, her mate and the son of the Alpha her father murdered. And then there’s Caius Valerius, a vampire prince who should hate her just as much, only he doesn’t. And Lorien Feyrune, the Fae prince with a shattered heart and dangerous obsession. As Claire navigates the dangers of Carnemore and her complex relationships, more secrets about her father is revealed. Now, she must choose. Duty or desire? Family or fate? Love or survival? Because in Carnemore, secrets are deadlier than silver bullets. And some bonds were never meant to be broken. ************* Claire barely had time to catch her breath before Zane was in front of her, his golden eyes locked onto hers like a predator closing in on its prey. “Why are you all over the place with Caius?” He asked. Claire crossed her arms, forcing herself to hold his gaze. “Because he’s my friend,” she said, though the moment the words left her lips, she saw the way Zane’s jaw tensed. “Friend?” He took a step closer, the space between them shrinking to nothing. She swallowed. “Why do you care?” His lips curled into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “You can’t have friends.” Claire’s breath hitched. “Why?” Zane leaned in, his voice a whisper against her skin. “Because you’re mine.” Her stomach flipped, her nails digging into her palms. “You rejected me,” she reminded him, her throat tightening around the words. “You didn’t want me, remember?” “That doesn’t change anything.” Her heart pounded. “It changes everything.” He reached up, brushing his fingers against her jaw, tilting her chin so she couldn’t look away. “You don’t get it, do you?” His voice was softer now, but no less dangerous. “You’re my toy, Claire.” His thumb grazed her bottom lip, sending a shiver down her spine. “And I’m the only one who gets to play with you.” ************ This book is rated 18+. Fantasy Romance Morally Grey ML Smut Bullying Violence No Reverse Harem

His fingers brushed up my thigh, and my breath hitched. He lifted my hem, revealing the white lace panties that I was required to wear, his finger tracing the lace trimming as my eyes fluttered closed, my skin on fire where he touched. My heart raced. I had no idea why I was reacting so strongly, but it made the idea of getting naked with the Alpha that much more exciting. * * * Kamala was a feisty virgin human, selected as one of the girls offered to the Alphas on the night of the blood moon. Things gets complicated as Kamala have all the three Alphas to herself and one night is not enough for her. What happens when she returns to her village and no man claims her on the mating ceremony knowing she has been marked by the Alphas? Will the Alphas come back to claim her and satisfy her forbidden pleasures?

"Lucifer," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the screams that filled the air. The metallic scent of blood choked her senses as she watched him move—slicing through bodies like they were nothing, his every movement precise, merciless. Blood splattered across his face, darkening the sharp edges of his jaw, but his eyes... his eyes were what made her breath hitch. They weren’t the same warm brown she had once drowned in. They burned with an untamed rage, cold and soulless. And then they found hers. Green met fire. Tears clung to her lashes, her chest rising and falling in uneven breaths. But Alessio Moretti—Lucifer himself—froze the second he saw her. Angel D’souza had been the wrong girl to be ***napped, just a mistake. But somehow, she had become his undoing. The man she had fallen for, the man who had made her feel safe in the darkest of nights, was now standing before her, bathed in crimson, the monster whispered about in nightmares. Her heart pounded. Was this who he truly was? Had she fallen for a lie? He took a step forward, his blade still dripping, his expression unreadable. She took a step back. He noticed. His jaw clenched, something desperate flashing across his face, but she didn’t wait. She turned—heart racing, mind screaming at her to run. But could she ever truly escape him? Would he let her? Or worse… did she even want to?

~•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.

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?"

R-18 CONTENT AVAILABLE. A DARK ROMANCE NOVEL. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!! I stood trembling before him with my eyes fixed downward in a mixture of fear and defiance. I knew I had disobeyed his direct order and now I must face the consequences. His chiseled features seemed to harden as he stared at me with his piercing eyes burning with intensity. "You were told to stay in the room," his deep, velvety voice resonated through the dimly lit space, sending shivers down my spine. "You were explicitly instructed not to leave. Yet, you deliberately disobeyed me." My gaze remained fixed on the floor, my heart raced with anticipation. I knew I had crossed a line this time. He began to circle around me, his powerful strides eating up the distance. His broad shoulders and lean waist seemed to radiate an aura of raw power, making my breath hitch in my throat. "You know the rules," he said, his voice dripped with an unsettling calmness. "You know what happens when you disobey me." As he stopped behind me, I felt a shiver run down my spine. His warm breath whispered against my ear, sending goosebumps across my skin. His lips brushed against my earlobe, making my pulse quicken. "You will be punished," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "And you will learn to obey me." Without warning, he spun me around, forcing me to face the large, mirror hanging on the wall. My eyes widened as he grasped my wrists, holding them captive behind my back. His chest pressed against my back as his heat radiated into me. "Look at yourself," he whispered, his breath caressing my ear. "Look at the disobedient girl staring back at you." As I gazed into the mirror, I felt his eyes burning into my soul. His grip on my wrists tightened, and I felt a surge of fear mixed with anticipation. what is this feeling?

Adelaide Wade, a 22 year old business owner. Having just inherited her late parents bakery and bookstore, The Bookish Bites, coupled with the news of her having a betrothed who she has to marry to save the cafe, felt like the weight of the world had been saddled onto her shoulders. Never had she felt so lost, both of her parents had been the only offsprings of their parents also. And now that they were dead, their only wish for her before their death was for her to meet her betrothed and get hitched. And now it was time to do so. Ezekiel Steel, a 32 year old CEO. Being described as the most successful bachelor, who has managed to infiltrate and plant the roots of his Steel Corporations, even into the world's harshest economy, and still amassing billions of profits. Considered to be ruthless, cold and even sociopathic, but mostly detached. His ruthless ways incites fear in the hearts of his rivals, now determined to marry the woman of his dreams through a betrothal.

Vanessa Valencia a 17 years old girl whose eyes is full of life, a heart full of magic, a mischief prankster, a cupid matchmaker who make a win-win situation for herself, but one conversation with her friends makes her have a mission, MISSION to find a perfect man for her mom, who's been single for too long when Vanessa realized her been a cupid matchmaker, she never played hitching game on her mother. what if Vanessa decides to find her mother a partner? a soulmate?. "But Vanessa dude, that was a successful hitch," Aden fist bump Vanessa while having a bite of pizza that they got as a treat from the person Vanessa played cupid on. "Enjoying yourself kids?" Alisa asked. "Yep, Mrs valencia" Kova nodded his head in yes. "Glad, when I'm off to bed, have a goodnight," Alisa greeted and began to walk upstairs in towards the bedroom. "Damn nessa, no offense, your mom still has it" Aden commented while sipping his drink. "Aden really," Vanessa said rolling her eyes. "What? can't a man be honest," Aden dramatically placed a hand on his heart. "But nessa, I don't understand, You been a hitcher or cupid matchmaker, still your mom is single WHY?" "What WHY?" Vanessa questioned while trying to copy Aden. "Aden's right," Kova agreed. "Come on girl, USE YOUR BLESSING ON YOUR MOM AND HITCH HERR," Aden whispered standing up and pointing at Vanessa. "Now that's dramatic Aden". But Aden's words did put Vanessa in deep thought, ADEN IS RIGHT, HITCH HER, YES, Vanessa thought. ................................. Will Vanessa be able to find her mother a perfect man or not? Join Vanessa's journey in 18 to 80, to know what happens. {The above cover doesn't belong to me, credit to the owner)

"Accidentally hitched to an ice-cold tycoon," Isabella, fueled by a night of revelry, unknowingly signs a contract with a cold and ruthless billionaire, Ethan Vanderbilt. As the haze of alcohol clears Isabella realizes the grave mistake she's made.

"Can I kiss you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Maria's breath hitched slightly, her gaze locked onto his. "Yes," she replied, her voice soft yet steady. With that simple affirmation, Alex closed the distance, capturing her lips in a gentle, tentative kiss. It was as if the universe had aligned, the world around them fading into a blur of colors and sounds. The kiss was sweet and exploratory, a mingling of their emotions, hopes, and fears. When they finally pulled away, both breathless, Maria looked up at him with wide eyes, a smile breaking across her face. "Wow," she said, her cheeks flushed. "That was... incredible." "Yeah, it really was," Alex replied, feeling a rush of exhilaration. "I've wanted to do that for a long time." Maria chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Me too. I was just scared to ruin what we had." "Trust me, I think this only makes it better," Alex said, his confidence growing.

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!

Seventeen-year-old Justin Reyes lives like he’s already dead. Trapped in a cycle of poverty and exhaustion, he works brutal hours at a construction site for half the pay of others, enduring discrimination and silent resentment. Home offers no escape—just a rotting shack in the woods and a grandmother lost to addiction, barely aware he exists. Then, one night, as he clears debris from the site, something catches his eye—a book, hovering inches above the ground, pulsing with an eerie glow. The title: Days of Future Past. Drawn by something he can’t explain, Justin reaches for it. The glow intensifies, wrapping around his fingers like fire. Heart pounding, he flips it open, his breath hitching as he reads the first words: "No matter where you lie, if you hold this book, you can tell the future or die."

“Let’s make things right now, shall we?” An otaku, socially awkward, 20 years old Airi Shin, was peacefully living her university life, without a hitch. Until her life changed overnight, as she faced an accident on Christmas by a white car running over her. Soon the light before her eyes started to fade away. But when she woke up, she found herself somewhere she wasn’t supposed to be. While she was wondering when and how she landed up there, a man came to her, offering her a chance. To make everything right where it went wrong, and change her fate. Getting to know her entire situation, she met new people, some new situations, and some new feelings bloomed. —————— “That guy is a threat to her, and I will do anything to prevent them from meeting, even if they are fated, to protect her smile,” Ryo swore to himself, while seeing a bright smile on Airi’s face. —————— “I know it might be rude of me now, but can I be your acquaintance once again?” Carter expectantly asked Airi, when the bright moonlight poured over her, making her the most beautiful in the world. —————— “Get the hell out of my sight! Get out! You should’ve been dead all along!” Airi was never bothered by any harsh words, and Shiro was no one to her. Yet somehow, him saying all of this while looking at her with hatred, pierced her heart so badly that she couldn’t stop the tears rolling down her eyes. —————— “I won’t let your lifetimes be filled in despair ever again, I will help you to resolve your regrets in every lifetime, so can it be me?” eyes filled with emotions, Ryo said it to her. And there is this voice, which keeps ringing in her head. A voice so deep, pleading to her every time on her deathbed. “Don’t go! Don’t die on me again!” “I don’t deserve to be by his side, but I want to… and it hurts…” Airi broke into tears, while nature was also harmonizing with her, pouring rain. So many loose ends to tie, so many regrets to resolve. Amidst all of this, will Airi be able to make her life better? Will she be able to deal with the unknown yet oddly familiar events unfolding before her? In between all of this, will their love really bloom? Or it will dry out before that, and fade away in the pages of their lives? —————— Yosh, y'all! This is my very first attempt to write something down. And it’s totally my imaginary world, where I used a tid-bits of reality, so if anything hurts or triggers you, allow me to let you know that whatever I did here, totally for the sake of my story, and of course no harm intended. Caution alert! There are multiple male leads, but who would be the main lead that is the question! Say it love triangle, rectangle, pentangle, whatever you fit ;-; *The cover photo is something I found and edited according to my choice and preferences, so definitely credits to the rightful owner!* Join my discord: https://discord.gg/22JepJWX4D IG: @namcandy101 FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073239561050 (Search Nam Candy)

And then the door creaked open. Startled, Mack’s eyes flew open, and his heart nearly stopped when he turned around. Standing in the doorway, completely unapologetic—and completely naked—was Fred. "Mind if I join you?" Fred’s voice was low, teasing, yet undeniably commanding. Mack’s face flushed scarlet, his hands instinctively pulling up to shield himself. "What the hell are you doing?" he stammered, his voice cracking. Fred stepped into the room with a languid grace, the steam curling around him as if it were drawn to his presence. His dark eyes locked onto Mack’s, a mischievous glint playing in their depths. "You didn’t lock the door," Fred replied, his tone shameless as he stepped closer. "That doesn't give you the right to enter," Mack argued. "Calm down, Mack. Besides, it’s not like I haven’t seen it all before.” "Y-you haven’t!” Mack’s voice pitched higher, but his protests were drowned by the heat creeping up his neck and the rapid pounding of his heart. Fred moved closer to him, his proximity intoxicating. Mack’s breath hitched as Fred reached out, his fingers grazing his shoulder before trailing along his arm. "Relax," Fred murmured, his voice smooth as silk. "You’re wound up too tight." Mack’s body betrayed him when he felt his touch. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from Fred. Fred’s gaze softened for a brief moment, his smirk fading into something more intimate. “Do I make you nervous, Mack?” Mack’s lips parted, but no words came out. He couldn’t answer, couldn’t think—not when Fred leaned closer, his breath warm against Mack’s flushed skin. "What are you doing, Fred? I-I am your teacher. At least, have some res..." Fred silenced him with a kiss. He wrapped his arms around Mack's wet body and moved his hands to his naked butts, pressing them softly as he could, his desires almost coming to the surface. He broke their kiss and with a teasing smile on Fred's face, he said "Well, see who can't resist my touch." Mack became embarrassed and playfully hit his shoulder as he tried to hide his face. . . . . [The picture was taken from Pinterest. If you're the owner and you would like to take it down, kindly contact me on IG: novar_ei. Thank you.]

"Take it.!" He mumbled. I obeyed him. His lips were at one end while mine at the other. I felt the heat surround us. He slowly bit the stick leaning closer. I panicked a little. "Hurry." He mumbled. I obeyed once again, slowly biting it. And then it was a centimetre gap between us. My breathe hitched. I placed my palm against his shoulder hoping he would pull away. But he didn't, instead he wrapped his hands slowly around my waist. ******************************** After 10 years, Elle Miller, meets her childhood crush at an interview an he is her...BOSS! She loved him a lot. Loved. But in her eyes, he never noticed her presence as much as he did to her mates. ************************************* Enzo William meets that cute and shy girl from his childhood at an interview. And she is Elle Miller, now his PA. He always admired her fron afar but never went for her. ***************************************** When Elle and Enzo spend more time with each other they discover their true feelings. Day by day they spend more time with each other until one day they were finally in love. But will they ever end up together? "They say crush lasts only upto 4 months but mine did for years and Counting.. this is love.." Cute love story. #1:boss

As his vision darkened, a final thought crossed his mind. “I swear, if I survive, I’m leading a crusade against kangaroos. Curse these overgrown pests to extinction.” ######### My breath hitched, and my heart raced as I beheld the figure before me. A towering silhouette of a man stood against the cosmic backdrop, dwarfing the entire universe itself. Coiled around his neck was a great serpent, its form glowing faintly with an unearthly light. His figure was shrouded in shadow, his features obscured, yet his presence was overwhelming, commanding awe and reverence. ######### what! I am the emperor of the greatest empire in the world,but why does the history of of this world sounds so off and the fuck does a single dynasty rule for over 2000 years

“Wake up.” The icy splash of water jolted Jasmine awake, her breath hitching as reality crashed down. Disoriented and trembling, she barely registered a hand striking her cheek. The sharp sting and the metallic tang of blood grounded her in a nightmare she couldn’t escape. Sebastian loomed over her, his presence as sharp and cold as the venom in his voice. “Welcome, princess. How do you find Montague's hospitality?” His smirk was colder than the water dripping from her face. “I bring news,” he continued, his words cutting like a blade. “Your father has finally met justice—straight to hell.” Jasmine froze, tears welling in her eyes. “No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “What happened to my father? What did you do to him?” Sebastian’s smirk twisted into something darker. “What did I do?” he repeated, his voice low and venomous. “I gave your father exactly what he deserved—for destroying my sister’s life, for tearing my family apart.” He leaned in closer, his gaze piercing and unrelenting. “But don’t mistake this for an ending, Jasmine. This is only the beginning.” Her voice cracked as she pleaded, “Please—you’ve got it wrong. My father and I would never harm anyone!” Sebastian’s grip tightened on her chin, his unrelenting gaze boring into her. “Spare me your innocence,” he hissed. “I should be glad he’s dead—but I’m not because I didn’t kill him myself. So I’ll settle for you. Every tear, every ounce of pain, will torment him in his grave.” Even as fear consumed her, Jasmine’s voice trembled with defiance. “You’re wrong. Whatever you think you know, it’s a lie.” Jasmine’s memories were fragmented, her past shrouded in mystery. She couldn’t even remember her father’s face, let alone the sins this man accused them of. She didn’t know where to begin, or who to turn to for answers. But one thing was clear: He wasn’t just her captor—he was her storm. And the storm between them had only begun.

"Stay away from me," Lena hissed, her breath hitching as Damien’s piercing silver eyes pinned her in place. "I can’t," he replied, his voice low, dangerous. "You’re mine, Lena. You’ve always been mine." Lena Cross never wanted to return to her family’s crumbling estate, but when her brother vanishes without a trace, she’s thrust back into the shadows of her past. Determined to uncover the truth, she finds herself face-to-face with Damien Cross, a ruthless billionaire Alpha whose dark secrets are as deadly as his allure. As Lena digs deeper, she uncovers a tangled web of ancient prophecies, rival werewolf factions, and her own bloodline’s dangerous legacy. Damien offers her protection, but his motives are as enigmatic as the man himself. Drawn into his world of power and primal desire, Lena must navigate betrayal, forbidden love, and a war brewing in the shadows. But when Lena discovers a shocking truth about her own identity, the line between ally and enemy blurs. Can she trust Damien, or will his secrets destroy her?

When Zhang Lia returns home to China after eight years of chasing her dreams and earning a PhD, she isn’t greeted by success, but by betrayal. Her father has handed everything—her family’s inheritance, her position, and even her fiancé—over to her scheming stepsister. Heartbroken and furious, Lia finds herself at the edge of ruin, abandoned by the very people she trusted most. Enter Li Wei—a cold, enigmatic CEO with the kind of power that bends entire industries to his will. Their paths cross by chance, but the connection between them is anything but ordinary. --- Zhang Lia lifted her chin, her eyes gleaming with stubborn defiance. “Who said I needed you?” Li Wei’s lips curved into the faintest smirk, a dangerous glint in his dark eyes. “You think this is about need?” She faltered, but only for a second. “Isn’t it?” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. “No. This is about power. You want it back, don’t you? Then let me help you take it.” Her breath hitched, but she didn’t back down. “And what do you get out of it, Li Wei? A trophy to hang on your wall?” He chuckled softly, a sound that sent shivers down her spine. “No, Lia. I get something much more interesting.” She narrowed her eyes. “And what’s that?” He straightened, his gaze locking onto hers with a heat she hadn’t expected. “You.”