Ed Gamble Shirtless

In a world fractured by the fall of ancient gods, where chaos spills through shadowed gates and power belongs to the ruthless, survival is not a right—it’s a gamble. Eryndor is a land teetering on the brink, where monsters roam the dark, and hunters fight for glory, wealth, and the slim chance of living another day. For Kael Draven, life has always been about surviving the next sunrise. A scavenger from the slums of Vorthas, he’s known hunger, loss, and the suffocating weight of failure. But when fate thrusts upon him the Eclipse Codex, a forbidden power born from shadows, Kael’s world is forever changed. With the Codex comes the ability to grow stronger, to consume the strength of his enemies, and to bend the darkness itself to his will. But power always demands a price. As Kael climbs the ranks of strength and influence, he finds himself torn between the remnants of his humanity and the monster he’s becoming. In a world where trust is fleeting, betrayal is inevitable, and the line between hero and villain blurs with every step, Kael must choose: will he wield his power to protect those he loves, or will he become the harbinger of Eryndor’s destruction? The shadows whisper promises of ascension, but every choice Kael makes pulls him deeper into the abyss. Will he rise to save the world—or will the darkness claim him?

Amelia Ashford thought she could endure anything: her father’s erratic gambling, London’s withering stares, and the suffocating weight of propriety. But when scandal strikes at dawn, leaving her father dead and her family drowning in debt, Amelia faces a far more dangerous adversary. William Thornton, a man as ruthless as he is relentless, claims her sister Charlotte’s dowry as payment, and he will stop at nothing to secure it. With her family’s future hanging by a thread, Amelia must forge an uneasy alliance with Sebastian Sinclair, a viscount notorious for avoiding responsibility and courting scandal. Their paths collide in a tempest of whispered threats, midnight encounters, and the undeniable spark that crackles between them. But as secrets unravel and old wounds resurface, Amelia and Sebastian must decide whether their growing affection is a dangerous distraction—or the key to untangling the web of lies threatening to destroy them both. In a society where reputation is everything, can love survive the weight of betrayal?

“I never spent a dime from your debt, you both lost it gambling always…” Another slap landed on Astrid's face and this came from none other than her dad, Josh. “You ungrateful brat, it's only the request I am pleading for,” Josh let out and then a sardonic smile escaped her lips. She wiped the tears from her face and now stood from the ground. “I am not going to get married to a man old enough to be my father.” she declared firmly this time not avoiding eye contact with her dad that much. “What?” Josh's voice countered. “Why for once can't you love me?” She cried out her hands moving to her chest as she tried to hold in her tears. Josh moved closer to her, lifting her by her chin roughly, “Then do this one favor for me and save us from losing everything I have ever worked for,” His voice was a bit calm but stern, one could tell he didn't care about Astrid. ******** Astrid Daniels who is hated by everyone and is known as the faso of family is forced to get married to the man arranged by her father to protect his company from plummeting and also help in paying his debt. She refused but then was told by her dad that he would help pay for her mum’s surgery if she was doing his wish. Since she was a high school drop she couldn't get a good job to pay for her mum's surgery so she needed to agree to her dad’s proposal. On the day of her wedding ceremony with the older man, things turn around when she goes into the wrong hall and gets married to one of the richest men in their city and also her crush. What fate do you think awaits her?

Haisley is a woman who is held as collateral by her father and brother to pay their debts to a mafia gambling house owner. Lucas Abraham, the man, accepts Haisley as collateral and makes her his sex partner. There is no love present, especially in Lucas, as his heart has long since died with his lover. But what happens when Haisley is kidnapped by his business partner? Does Lucas not care and let Haisley be killed by his enemy, or will Lucas help Haisley when he realizes he doesn't like anyone hurting Haisley except himself?

Zayn had it all—a promising college career, dreams of the NFL, and a bright future ahead. But everything was destroyed the night a dangerous syndicate kidnapped him. Trapped in a dark, blood-soaked shipping container, chained and betrayed by his uncle over a crippling gambling debt, he is forced to survive in a world of violence and desperation. As he battles ruthless guards, drug-addicted prisoners, and his own dark past, he realizes escape was almost impossible. DING! [Congratulations, Host! You have awakened the Drug Overlord System] "Fuck off! I don't need a system with a disgusting name!" he grumbled in anger.

[Sweet, Fiery, Refreshing, powerful couple, Cultural Heritages] Ye Wanlan's body had been possessed; after the transmigrator turned her life into a complete mess and left abruptly, she finally regained control of her own body, only to be trapped in the same day, repeating in an infinite loop for 999 years. No matter what she did, everything would start over, and she was forced to become a madwoman possessing numerous skills. The day she broke free from the loop, facing the disastrous aftermath, everyone laughed at her powerless efforts to restore order, until her past life was unintentionally exposed— Ye Wanlan leapt down from a height of thirty feet with her qinggong, unscathed. Some explained: She must've used wires. Ye Wanlan's rendition of "Battle-Breaking Music" left none injured yet many dead. Some defended: It's all post-production special effects. Ye Wanlan performed the Taiyi Divine Needle anew, miraculously healing others. Some covered up: It was all pre-written in the script. Afterward, long-lost martial arts secret techniques, Kesi silk skills, and operatic arts resurfaced in the world... Big shots making up excuses for her: ... Can you tone it down a bit? They're running out of excuses! · Suddenly, Ye Wanlan found she could hear the conversations of antiques and inadvertently mastered gossip from all ages and nations. 【Absolutely no one knows that beneath the Fengyuan Pagoda lies the Tianqi ceremonial book】 The next day, the Huaxia book of the Tianqi ceremony was brought to light. 【I am Great Ancestor Ning's personal sword, and I won't tell you where the treasure is】 The following day, international news reported the discovery of Great Ancestor Ning's treasure. The antiques who were slow to catch on finally sensed something was amiss: ??? Ye Wanlan reached out her hand: I will take you home · The treasures of Shenzhou shall return to Huaxia In the new era, she is the sole torchbearer He gambled his life on a Shenzhou golden age with her in it

What would you do if you found yourself trapped in a video game as an NPC with seemingly no hope of returning to the real world? Having grown up without parents, Daisuke finds himself in a perpetual cycle of poverty as he tries to survive in the bottom rung of society. When the world's first VRMMORPG, Sehreneti Online, is released to the public, he decides to take a gamble by borrowing a buttload of money from some shady people to propel his hack-selling side hustle into the big leagues. After nearly getting his leg twisted into a pretzel for failing to pay off his loan on time, Daisuke decides to put his plan, Operation Jupiter, into action. Although a cool-sounding name, he didn't seem to be in Lady Luck's good graces that day. After uploading the code into his capsule and commencing the startup, everything goes haywire, booting his consciousness into the virtual world. When Daisuke comes to, he finds himself as a newborn fresh out the meat oven—and, of course, his circumstances are far from ideal. Apparently, he is still poor, but instead of being an orphan, he is now the son of a prostitute in the slums, with seemingly no connection to the game system or the real world. How will Daisuke overcome this trial, and will he be able to return to the real world? If you enjoy GameLit and LitRPG light novels such as Sword Art Online, Solo Leveling, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, then you'll definitely enjoy this epic tale! --------------------------------------------- Support me by checking out the link below: » Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vaughnrrschneider » Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/VaughnSchneider

If survival of the fittest was once humanity's anthem, silence now reigns. The Aud have driven humanity's remnants to huddle like mice in their final bastion. In a gamble, a nobody embarks on an impossible mission: time travel. Nine hundred years in the past, she finds herself hunted by survivor's guilt and the Aud who followed. In this pre-collapse world, where humanity's anthem is still survival but the seeds of its coming evisceration wait to sprout, she is alone. Between an apex predator with everything to gain and a human with everything to lose, a race to rewrite human destiny has begun.

As a troublesome Idol with a bad personality who was confident of his pretty look. All Si Ning ever wanted was to gamble and become rich overnight so he could finally buy a mansion and lots of sports car for him to finally be able to drive the latest sports car to his hometown to see his mother and sister Then he would not feel guilty for dropping out of school and using his school expenses to gamble and lost, it was the plan he was working on and he never expected to be transmigrated to another world and turns out to be the General commanding a large army to war. "I cannot do this." Si Ning rolled on the bed knowing this was nothing more than a nightmare as he stared at his callused hands he woke up to. Being General Si Ning of the great Xiu imperial army was nothing more than a nightmare to him. In order to survive in a world of war, Si Ning had to choose the perfect partner and rise to be a powerful person in Xiu nation. *This is BL Means Boys love. *The cover is not mine* *I do not own the cover* If the owner tells me to remove it, I will and if you know the artist, leave me a msg in the comment box.

Annalise’s life has been a series of tragedies, from abusive parents to a near-fatal accident that stole her dreams. On the verge of giving up, she saves a child and a dog from drowning but ends up losing her life instead. When she wakes up, she finds herself in the body of Iris, a villainess in a werewolf novel from her childhood, destined for heartbreak and betrayal at the hands of the Alpha King, Vincent. Determined to rewrite her fate, Annalise demands freedom, but the only way out is an engagement to the dangerous and enigmatic Atlas, a man with a secret that could change everything. As her wedding day approaches, Annalise realizes she may have gambled away her freedom, and her heart, with the true villain of the story.

When there were strange signs in the sky, there must be demons lurking. Li Mo, who had studied antiques since he was young, had a strange change in his eyes after being struck by lightning. With a pair of divine eyes, he gained the ability to see through things and sense objects. He bought a gourd bottle for 500 yuan at a flea market and sold it for 230,000 yuan. A painting he casually bought turned out to be a genuine work by Xu Beihong, worth thirty to forty million yuan. The black double-eared bottle that came with the purchase of a set of gold jewelry turned out to be a genuine possession of the Ming imperial family. Ancient bronze ware, exquisitely crafted porcelain, calligraphy and painting with bold and vigorous strokes, and thrilling gambling stones came one after another. From then on, Li Mo's life underwent a revolutionary change. "I have divine eyes, and there are no treasures in the world that can escape my sight."

They say every rose has its thorns, a silent warning to tread carefully. But what if I told you it isn’t the thorns you should fear? It’s the shadows—the unseen guardians that lurk behind the beauty. Ruthless and unforgiving, they will stop at nothing to protect what’s most precious: their rose. Alina is no ordinary rose. She is the epitome of allure, a vision of beauty so enchanting that time seems to halt when she smiles. Those who glimpse her are left breathless, captivated by her radiance. Yet, it is her eyes that set her apart—eyes said to be a gift from the heavens themselves. When they meet yours, it feels as if your very soul is laid bare, consumed by an otherworldly fire. Many have desired Alina, drawn to her irresistible charm. But none have truly understood the cost. For to claim this rose is to challenge the shadow that protects her—a perilous gamble where beauty hides danger, and desire may lead to ruin. Are you brave enough to face the shadow of this rose?

Leon’s life was one of hardship: orphaned young, drafted into the army at 16-17, and shattered by gambling after returning to civilian life. When all seemed lost, his fate shifted. [SSS-Rank Kingdom-Building System Activated] [Status: Basic Functions Active] [Potential Unlocked: 0%] Initially, the system provided only minor aid in a medieval world dominated by strength and cunning. But Leon’s ambition fueled its evolution. Armed with military experience, a sharp mind, and a system bridging worlds, Leon sets out to dismantle the existing empire and forge his own, rising from a wanderer to a kingdom builder who reshapes the world. --- Tags: Harem / R18 / World Building / Kingdom Building / System / Modern Knowledge / Empire Building / Strategy / Manipulation / Political Intrigue / Power Struggle / Ambition / Adventure

Almost five thousand years ago, Selene was the strongest kingdom in the universe, ruled by Cyrus Sol Selene. Rumours had it that he killed his father to take over the throne. Everybody bowed down at his shadow's mere presence. Everyone except her. Nila, the overlooked daughter of King Veer, was nothing more than a pawn in her father’s desperate gamble to save his crumbling kingdom. Offered as a sacrifice to the notorious king, she was thrust into a marriage forged by fear and power. Bound to a man as dangerous as he is captivating, Nila must navigate a court of shadows, secrets, and blood. Will she find a way to escape the grasp of the werewolf king, or will she fall into his arms? As they navigate through life, Cyrus and Nila are pulled together and apart by fate. What will they choose? Duty or Love? Filled with action, heartache, and quiet moments of connection, this story is about love, loss, and the courage to embrace the unknown.

The earth was in ruins. Humanity, once the dominant force, had been reduced to ash and memories. Otherworldly invaders and monstrous creatures had fallen from the skies, turning the world into a nightmare. Cities crumbled, civilizations collapsed, and humanity faced total extinction. Amid the chaos, only one man remained—Sung Jihoon, the last player, the final hope. In the face of annihilation, as the world crumbled around him, Jihoon made a desperate gamble. With his final breath, he triggered an ancient ability—regression. Time rewound, and Jihoon was thrust back into the past, years before the invasion began, with all his memories of the apocalypse intact. Now, armed with knowledge of the future and the power of experience, Jihoon must rise once again to face the impending doom. But the past is not as simple as it seems, and the forces that destroyed his world are already stirring. Can Jihoon change the course of history, prevent the catastrophic invasion, and save humanity from its darkest fate? The clock is ticking, and this time, failure is not an option. Follow Sung Jihoon’s journey as he battles against overwhelming odds, grows stronger, and unravels the mysteries behind the invasion. Will he succeed in rewriting destiny, or will he once again watch the world burn? The fight for Earth's survival has begun—and Jihoon stands at the center of it all.

Faced with a certain death, Kyle has no other choice but to gamble. He was warned that he could perish in the Arcane Academy, but he gritted his teeth and took the risk... and because of his decision, he unveiled many secrets about this mysterious world, discovered many mystical practices, touched upon forbidden relics that would change his life, and gained the enmity of powerful existences. Thankfully, he didn't transmigrate alone. The Divine Extraction System was with him as he treaded his chosen Arcane Path… *** 14-17 chapters per week. Early chapters are now being edited for quality purposes. Please bear with me.

Sky never imagined that a marriage of convenience would turn her world upside down. Desperate for money to save her mother, she agrees to marry Ocean—a man she’s secretly adored for years. But there’s a catch: she must play the role of his pretend wife to make his ex-girlfriend, Amanda, jealous. Ocean, heartbroken and determined to win Amanda back, hires Sky with a single goal: to hurt the woman who broke his heart. Yet, as Sky navigates the complexities of their arrangement, she knows her feelings are a dangerous gamble. As the lines blur between pretense and reality, fate intervenes, drawing Sky and Ocean closer than either could have anticipated. Will their unexpected connection drown in the tides of deceit, or can love blossom amidst the chaos?

Born as a test subject yearning for freedom, he never imagined that a gamble of fate would leave him as a youngest prince of the once-mighty Vijayanagar Empire in the 16th century India. Fueled by his undying thirst for absolute control and endless amusement, he stops at nothing to achieve his desires. Follow along as His actions, driven by a twisted sense of entertainment, plunging the empire into a maelstrom of chaos. Disclaimer: This novel is a work of fiction that explores historical events within the context of a parallel Earth. Any similarities to real-world historical occurrences are purely coincidental and are a product of the author's imagination. The intent is to offer an alternate perspective on history and should not be construed as an accurate representation of actual events. Reader discretion is advised. If you own the rights to the profile picture used by the author, please Let us know in the Comments for proper attribution or its removal. We appreciate your understanding and are committed to resolving any concerns regarding intellectual property rights.

Sold by her own family to settle gambling debts, Anna Wallace’s life takes a dark turn when she escapes her captors, only to find herself in the dangerous world of Alexander Voss—a billionaire feared as much for his ruthless reputation as for his unpredictable bipolar disorder. Desperate for safety, Anna pleads with Alexander for protection, unaware of the chaos she’s inviting into her life. Their unlikely connection is volatile yet magnetic, bound by Alexander’s fierce need to protect her and Anna’s determination to understand him. But when Anna discovers she’s pregnant, misunderstandings and buried trauma begin to fracture their bond. As Alexander’s darker enemies resurface with deadly intentions, Anna finds herself torn between staying with the man who saved her or running from a world that could consume her. With betrayal lurking in unexpected places, Alexander must confront his demons to protect the woman who’s become his sanctuary. And Anna must decide if she’s willing to embrace the chaos to find her place by his side—or risk losing everything. Can two broken souls find redemption in each other, or will the secrets binding them become their undoing?

A human body, a parasitic entity, and the high-stakes Ascension Trials. Will a demon’s audacious gamble succeed, or will he become a pawn in a game beyond comprehension? When Jason unknowingly becomes the vessel for the powerful demon, Malgrith, his life takes a drastic turn as the demon descends into the human world, taking Jason's place in the brutal Ascension Trial tutorial. Armed with nothing but his unmatched intellect and scheming nature, Malgrith must navigate the perilous trials in an attempt to surpass his former rank and transcend to the coveted realms of the Supremes. New chapters Monday through Friday.

“You need my help, Tesoro. You choose. A marriage with me or be torn apart by them” His voice was cool as though this wasn't a matter of life or death. I didn't want this life. My father had gambled a lot and left me with a lot of enemies and now I needed the help of Don Vincenzo LaRosa who was my high school bully and now the Don of the most powerful mafia family in Italy if I was going to survive it. It was just a marriage of convenience but I realized something. He wasn't helping me out of a good heart. I had been sold without my permission to him. I was the mafia's pawn.

En un inicio, el mundo humano y el mundo divino se mantenían en armonía, hasta que el mundo dejó de creer en los dioses, rompiendo completamente los lazos entre ellos. Tiempo después, el mundo divino se vio sumergido en un completo caos entre las distintas divinidades, afectando al mundo mortal. en medio de esta guerra distintas divinidades se relacionaron entre ellas y con humanos, lo cual, dio lugar al surgimiento de dioses y semidioses. Te contaré la historia de un chico alejado de todo eso, Edén Yomi.

Azad was always unlucky. Born into a life of misfortune, it seemed that no matter how hard he tried, life never failed to deal him a losing hand. From failed dreams to cruel betrayals, Azad had resigned himself to the belief that some people are simply destined to suffer. But fate had one more twist in store for him—a twist he could never have predicted. One day, without warning, Azad is torn from his mundane existence and teleported into a strange, perilous world filled with monsters, magic, and ancient secrets. Stranded and bewildered, he finds himself surrounded by dangers at every turn: the dead rise from the earth, dark forces linger in the shadows, and survival is an unrelenting battle. But this world is more than just a land of horrors—it’s also a realm of possibilities. For the first time, Azad has the chance to rewrite his destiny. Armed with a rusty sword, a sharp wit, and the reluctant companionship of Ellie—a mysterious girl with snow-white hair and a power that threatens to destroy her—Azad begins a journey to uncover the truth about his place in this world. Yet, as the shadows close in and the trials grow deadlier, Azad is forced to confront a question that haunts him: has his bad luck followed him even here? Or is this new world his chance to finally break free of the chains that bound him?

Five years after a bitter divorce, Ever Miller returns to her hometown with her twin toddlers, determined to rebuild her life and shield her children from the shadows of the past. Once a resilient and respected CEO, Ever now juggles motherhood and her renewed career, navigating the high-stakes world of business with a guarded heart. Allesandro Wales, a powerful billionaire haunted by regrets, never expected to see Ever again—nor the twins who bear an uncanny resemblance to him. Wrestling with the truth of his past mistakes and the betrayal that tore them apart, he vows to reclaim the family he once lost. But Ever is no longer the woman who once loved him unconditionally. As secrets of infidelity, lies, and manipulation unravel, Ever and Allesandro find themselves at a crossroads, where old rivalries resurface, and new truths challenge everything they thought they knew about love and loyalty. Against a backdrop of opulent mansions, cutthroat business deals, and bittersweet memories, they must confront the pain of their shared history and decide whether they can overcome the scars of the past. Will Ever’s determination to protect her heart and her children prevail, or will Allesandro's relentless pursuit of redemption reignite the love they once shared? In a world where trust is fragile and love is a gamble, Billionaire Lost Love Revival is a poignant tale of second chances, redemption, and the enduring power of family.

Jihoon Kim, a hardworking college student, hasn’t seen his stepbrother Minjae Choi in years. Minjae was adopted into Jihoon’s family in their childhood, and while they were once close, Minjae’s descent into gambling debts and gang life shattered their bond. After a heated fight with their father, Minjae vanished, leaving Jihoon and their family to pick up the pieces... One night, Jihoon unexpectedly bumped into Minjae but as their bond deepens, Jihoon senses something troubling—a lingering gaze, a fleeting touch. Minjae’s feelings for him might run deeper than brotherly love, leaving Jihoon questioning everything he thought he knew about their relationship.

Zara's eyes were glued to Xavier's bare chest, unable to look away. The sculpted muscles, the deep V-line, the way his sweatpants hung low on his hips—she couldn't help but be captivated. It was as if her brain had short-circuited, and all logic had left her. She moved a step closer, almost unconsciously, her hand lifting as if to touch his chest. Before her fingers could make contact, Xavier's quick reflexes caught her wrist. His grip was firm, but not harsh, and he raised an eyebrow, looking at her with an amused expression. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked, his voice low but laced with a hint of teasing. Zara, startled but determined not to show weakness, scratched the back of her head awkwardly, trying to save face. "What do you mean? Why are you walking around shirtless?" she countered, trying to shift the focus off herself. Xavier's smirk deepened, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. "I'm not the one sneaking around in other people's rooms, Zara. You're the one who barged in here." Zara blinked, her mind scrambling to find an excuse. "Oh, right," she muttered, still not sure how to explain her behavior. She gave him a sheepish grin, but her eyes darted back to his chest, trying to look casual. "I was just… looking for something," she said, her words trailing off as she tried to think of a better lie. Xavier didn't buy it for a second. Slowly, he took a step forward, closing the distance between them. Zara instinctively took a step back, but Xavier followed, not giving her any space to escape. Her heart raced as she backed up again, trying to keep some distance between them, but Xavier wasn't making it easy. "Trying to run away now?" Xavier teased, his voice laced with playful challenge. He moved another step forward, and Zara continued retreating, her back now against the wall. Her breath hitched as she realized she had nowhere else to go. "I wasn't trying to run away," Zara said quickly, her voice a little too high-pitched. "Just, you know, I… I don't want to intrude. I just—"  But Xavier wasn't interested in her stammering excuses. His gaze remained locked on her, and as he stepped closer, his hand that had caught her wrist slowly slid down to her fingers, brushing against her skin. The gentle touch sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. Zara's heart hammered in her chest, and she took another step back, this time bumping into the wall with a soft thud. She couldn't help but feel the heat building between them, the tension so thick it was almost palpable. Xavier, now mere inches from her, tilted his head, his lips curling into a playful grin. "I think you're lying," he murmured, his voice soft, but full of mischief. "You were trying to touch my chest, weren't you?" Zara's face flushed with heat, and she tried to push back against him, but it was like trying to move a mountain. She cleared her throat, trying to recover some of her composure. "Maybe I was," she admitted, her voice low. "But, um… so what? It's not like you're making it easy to ignore." Xavier's grin widened as he leaned even closer, his body just inches away from hers. The closeness was overwhelming, and Zara's mind started to spin. She could feel the heat radiating off his chest, and she had to fight the urge to reach up and touch it again. "Is that so?" Xavier whispered, his breath warm against her ear. He placed his hand on the wall beside her head, trapping her in place as he stared down at her with a wicked gleam in his eyes. "You sure about that?".

Ye Chen, who once held personal wealth of 400 billion yuan in his previous life, is reborn 60 years in the past. Back then, he was a penniless gambling addict and a scoundrel. A wife begging him to sign divorce papers, in-laws wishing he would disappear from the face of the earth, and relentless debt collectors threatening him for repayment… Watch as he uses his foresight from 60 years into the future to turn the tide, lead the trends, and build an unstoppable global business empire!

Artemis Starke has been burdened with the final wish of his father- that he might be married and live a happy life. But their noble family has no means to accomplish this wish. He seeks an audience with the King, that a gamble might succeed and his hand would be accepted. As he expects, this offer is surely granted. The Demon Spirit lurking in his gaze made it so. Shadows tremble in the depths, the Palace obscuring the many dangerous secrets of history. Might they be unraveled, their way of life may be threatened. But to climb higher requires risks, to seek the light requires a Gambit of Lifetimes. Only when one determines himself to risk it all, can all prosper.

"Let's make a bet, shall we?" It all started with a bet. Top of his class, known to be able to wield multiple weapons proficiently and the greatest combatant around his peers, Jackson Clover. Everyone thought he would climb the tower, becoming rich and famous and becoming a top ranker... but that didn't happen. Why? Well, the answer was simple: he wasn’t chosen. As to why? Well, he left with no answer; while his friends went to the tower, he simply lived his life, but even that was difficult for him. Having been thrown by a heavy responsibility, Jack thought he would carry this burden with his older brother, but even he ran away into the tower. Jack couldn’t blame him, and so he continued to carry it alone. He worked long hours and took multiple part-time jobs in the hope that everything would work out. But instead, nothing goes right for him. He was simply unlucky. Dumb and unlucky, he ends up addicted to gambling and smoking. Becoming a chain-smoking gambler. When he wins, he uses that money to buy cigarettes and waste it even more in gambling. And when he lost, he would starve himself to pay for the bills and provide for his family. Jack is a fool, and one day he becomes an even bigger fool as he makes an outrageous bet that will change everything.

Amara Kingsley has until midnight to save her future. Facing her family’s ultimatum to marry or lose everything, she makes a desperate move—proposing a deal to the one man no one would expect: Ronan Blackwood, her family’s greatest rival. Ruthless, enigmatic, and dangerously alluring, Ronan agrees to her terms, but his conditions are as binding as the vows they’ll exchange. What starts as a fake marriage for convenience quickly spirals into a game of power, secrets, and undeniable attraction. As Amara steps into Ronan’s world of wealth and deception, she realizes that he may hold the key to her freedom—or her downfall. When midnight strikes, will their fragile alliance unravel, or will they discover that love might be the most dangerous gamble of all?