Lila Dexter

That night, Aegis Squad infiltrated an abandoned laboratory complex to capture a mutated zombie alive for research. The air reeked of rusted metal and decay. "Make sure the trap is ready," whispered Major Pan Colman. Lila nodded, checking her device. "Ready, just waiting for the bait." Hart, tracking zombie movement, looked uneasy. "They’re smarter than we thought. We must move fast." From the shadows, a massive mutated zombie with armor-like skin emerged. "Wait for it to step into the trap," Pan whispered. As the creature moved forward, Lila activated the device. Steel clamps trapped it, sending high-voltage shocks that made it thrash violently. Before they could celebrate, Hart panicked. "Major, something big is moving behind us!" From the ruins, a giant zombie with protruding bones emerged, smashing through a wall with unnatural speed. "We need to move, now!" Pan ordered. The squad hauled the trapped zombie into their containment truck, escaping as the complex collapsed behind them. Inside the vehicle, Dr. Alaric muttered, "This isn't normal mutation. The virus is evolving too fast." Hart nodded. "It’s as if someone designed them. But who? And why?" Suddenly, a loud metallic thud echoed from the roof. "What was that?" Lila asked, weapon raised. Hart checked his tablet. "Something's on top of us! But it wasn’t detected before!" Pan signaled. "Rico, stop the vehicle. Lila and I will check." They stepped out and looked up. A tall, gaunt creature with razor-sharp claws clung to the roof, staring at them with soulless black eyes. "What the hell is that?" Lila whispered. The creature lunged with blinding speed. Pan and Lila dodged, but their bullets had no effect. "Get back inside! Now!" Pan commanded. They sprinted back, Rico hitting the gas. Hart read his tablet. "This thing… it's like a predator. Faster, stronger." Dr. Alaric whispered, "If this was made by Dominion, we’re dealing with a far deadlier bioweapon than I imagined." The creature pursued them, closing the distance. Lila and Pan fired, but it dodged effortlessly. In one leap, it grabbed the steel trap containing the mutated zombie. "It’s trying to take the zombie!" Lila yelled. Pan hurled a smoke grenade, forcing the creature to retreat. The vehicle sped away. Inside, tension remained thick. "We can't keep running," Pan stated. "We need to fight back. And we need to find out what Dominion of Varex has really done."

When Amber Benson, a New York City Upper East Side bombshell, plunged from her burning yacht into the Hudson River, she clutched a photo of her fiancé, Jared, cheating on her with his best friend, Lila. Three years later, Violet, a redhead born under the knife of Paris' most mysterious plastic surgeon, returns to Manhattan with a $300 million trust fund. A plan for revenge is laid out in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of a Fifth Avenue penthouse suite, only to run into the broken starlight in the gray-blue pupils of Ethan, a Wall Street upstart. When four bodies turn up one by one in the Central Park Rose Garden, those diamond-cut vows finally ooze blood.

Lila's life was a fairy tale - or so it seemed. As the sole heir to her grandfather's staggering billionaire fortune, she was the envy of many. But little did she know, her privileged world was about to take a dark and treacherous turn. On the night of a grand ball, Lila's life was forever changed. A sinister force lurked in the shadows, waiting to strike. And strike it did - with a ruthless push off a cliff. But fate, it seemed, had other plans for Lila. Instead of meeting her demise, she found herself awakening to an eerie and unfamiliar forest. The trees loomed above her, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching for the sky. It was there, in the heart of the forest, that Lila encountered the guardians of the land. Mysterious and powerful beings, tasked with a perilous mission. And Lila, with her privileged past and uncertain future, was about to become entangled in their quest. Desperate to return home, Lila begged the guardians to take her back. But they refused, bound by an ancient prophecy that foretold of a great and powerful pearl. A pearl that only Lila, with her unique heritage, could lead them to. And so, Lila found herself at a crossroads. Would she embark on a treacherous journey with the guardians, risking life and limb to find the mystical pearl? Or would she defy the prophecy and forge her own path? The choice was hers, but one thing was certain - Lila's life would never be the same again.

"Whispers of the Forgotten Pines" is a gripping tale of mystery, romance, and adventure set in the enigmatic town of Whispering Pines. When Ethan, a young writer, arrives in search of answers about his father’s mysterious disappearance, he uncovers a web of secrets buried deep within the town’s history. With the help of Clara, the town’s enigmatic librarian, and Lila, a mysterious girl who appears from the shadows, Ethan embarks on a journey to uncover a hidden treasure tied to an ancient secret society. But as he delves deeper, he realizes that not everyone can be trusted, and some secrets are better left buried. Filled with twists, romance, and the haunting beauty of the forest, this novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Sophia was adopted when she was a kid, a dream come true for orphans. However Her life was anything but happy, her fiance whom she harbored intense love for 10 years cruelly exploited her and used her as a prawn to lure a deranged murderer targeting his lover. It is a horrible thing for your loved one to betray you, especially in a tragic manner. It seemed she was spurred by the complete despair over having nothing and no one to live for. Therefore, she surrendered without a fight. However, after her death. One would not expect a woman like Sophia, someone small as a caterpillar or even a dung beetle to be reborn, But here she is—perhaps she might have saved a kingdom in another life, or maybe God pitied her. She finds herself reincarnated as a timid and obedient wife of a billionaire. Sophia decides she wants revenge that could ruin her fiance and lover's life. And the only way to do that was to get pregnant with her billionaire husband's child! Dexter Black was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family, their marriage was nothing but a benefit for the two families. He could choose anyone to be his bride but the moment he laid his eyes on her,he knew she was the one he wanted. Dexter knows that there is something mysterious going on around her. She got a mystifying background. But he doesn't care about who she was in the past and why they keep attacking her. All he can think of is loving her, cherishing her, locking her up so that she will never return to her past. Because he knows that he won't be able to live a moment away from her. Would their marriage be a romantic tale or utter disaster? ~ Except~ "Wait, let me get this straight," she says, her voice rising. "You want me to get pregnant?" Alexander's face remains impassive. "They, yeah." Sophia stares at him, searching for signs of a head injury or a hidden camera crew. Finding neither, she decides this must be his twisted form of play. "You're going crazy," she announces, grabbing her things. "I'm leaving." She's halfway to the door when his words stop her cold. "It's either you get pregnant, or they won't allow you to leave until you are," Alexander says calmly. She pauses to process his words.

Lila Collin’s has always lived her life by the books:Top grades, loyal friends and to top it off she had a ring on her finger from her to die for heartthrob, Caleb Wolfe, a steady hardworking handsome man she’s loved for years. Finally graduating college ,she decides to let loose for one night ,Celebrating her achievements with her friends while Caleb is tied up at work . However Everything changes when Lila comes across dashing,young CEO Adrian Ravencroft. Adrian is the man in every single lady’s radar, why not? He was dangerously handsome, a bad boy to the core whose mere presence in a room could make any woman forget her better judgement. With a reputation for trouble and a past shrouded in mystery ,Adrian is used to women chasing him. But Lila wasn’t every other lady and certainly did not have an eye out for Adrian. So how come she woke up the next day to find herself unclad in a hotel room with a mark on her neck she couldn’t explain. And for some reason, she can’t seem to stop thinking of the man she met,Adrian Ravencroft. “Lila, Lila... Lila," he said with a purr staring into her eyes with those dark, unending pupils. "You're such a stubborn girl. No matter, I'll let you off this time. With a warning," Adrian said, flashing Lila a dangerous smile with just the faintest sign of fangs escaping his lips. That deep baritone voice creeped into her mind in the unholiest of ways. Drawn into Adrian’s dark, seductive world, Lila is forced to navigate secrets she never imagined, dangers she never prepared for, and emotions she never wanted to feel. As Caleb grows distant and Adrian’s shadowy charm takes root, Lila must decide who she really is and who she is willing to become. But as her heart is pulled in two opposing directions, Lila will discover that some changes are irreversible. Her celebration becomes the beginning of a journey that could lead to eternal love—or eternal regret. Is Adrian Ravencroft her greatest adventure or her ultimate downfall? And when the darkness finally takes hold, will it claim her for good? One night, one choice, and one dangerous man will change everything.

In Neo-Pandora, 2247 time is a fragile commodity. The invention of the Temporal Engine granted humanity glimpses into the past and future—but at a catastrophic cost. Reality itself has begun to unravel, splintering into fractured timelines that bleed into the present. Amidst the neon-lit chaos of this dystopian metropolis, Detective Elias Voss, a disgraced chrono-physicist turned private investigator, survives by solving cases tied to temporal anomalies. Haunted by a failed experiment that scarred him with the ability to see time’s fractures, Elias walks the razor’s edge between the past’s ghosts and the future’s shadows.  When Dr. Lila Kane, a desperate Temporal Institute scientist, begs for his help, Elias is thrust into a conspiracy that threatens to erase Neo-Pandora from existence. A rogue experiment has unleashed a time rift fueled by the Fractured Hourglass, a mythical artifact rumored to hold dominion over time itself. As Elias and Lila race to stop the rift, they uncover a chilling truth: the Hourglass is merely a fragment of the Chrono Core, an ancient power capable of rewriting history—or erasing it entirely.  But the Core’s secrets are guarded by shadowy forces. From the neon-drenched underworld to the Institute’s ivory towers, Elias confronts rogue time travelers, paradox-born monsters, and his own fractured memories. Every step closer to the Chrono Core warps reality further, forcing Elias to question what—or who—is truly real. As the rift consumes the city, he must decide whether to repair time… or shatter it to save humanity Will Elias Voss outrun the ghosts of his past, or will time itself become his greatest enemy?  The Chrono Detective is a high-stakes journey through a collapsing world where every second counts—and every choice could doom reality itself. 

In the heart of the city, ambitious event planner Lila Carter crosses paths with Jaxon Kane, a brooding, sharp-tongued real estate mogul who’s hell-bent on tearing down her favorite neighborhood. Their fiery clashes ignite a dangerous game of wit and will, but beneath the insults and glares burns an undeniable, sizzling attraction. When a late-night confrontation spirals into a heated moment of passion, lines blur, and enemies become lovers. But as their bodies collide, so do their secrets, threatening to destroy everything they’ve built—and each other. Steamy, raw, and unapologetically bold, Collision of Hearts is a tale of love, lust, and the fine line between hate and desire.

Lila Evadne's life is as composed as her music—until an invitation to her ex's wedding threatens to unravel everything. Lured to a secluded, private island for her past lover's nuptials, she only had two things in mind: the past and the future. Surrounded by her friends from high school, Charlie, a determined journalist and Rafe, a man with a hidden past of his own, Lila expected nothing but a weekend of forced politeness and distant memories. As the island grows more isolated with each passing day, strange things begin to happen. In the isolated paradise, no one is safe from the web of deception spun by Nathaniel’s obsessive desire to reclaim what he lost. Love, betrayal, and deadly secrets collide, leaving Lila with an impossible choice: escape the island—and the tangled web of her past—or face the consequences of a love that might just kill her.

Seventeen-year-old Lila Bennett has always flown under the radar at Silver Ridge High, preferring her sketchbook to the drama-filled halls of high school. But when an accidental coffee spill puts her on Ethan Carter's radar, her quiet life is thrown into chaos. Ethan, the charming basketball captain with a reputation for winning hearts, has a problem-his ex-girlfriend Olivia won't leave him alone. Desperate to prove he's moved on, Ethan comes up with a wild idea: convince Lila to pretend to be his girlfriend. In exchange, he'll help her build her social profile and get the art teacher's recommendation she needs to enter her dream competition. What starts as a simple arrangement quickly spirals into late-night study sessions, staged dates, and unexpected sparks. Lila sees past Ethan's polished exterior to the boy who loves cheesy movies and fears disappointing everyone around him. Ethan, in turn, finds himself drawn to Lila's sarcasm, creativity, and quiet strength. But when Olivia uncovers their fake relationship and sets out to expose them, Lila and Ethan are forced to confront their feelings. Can something that started as pretend turn into something real, or will the truth ruin everything?

A former dungeon boss, once feared across the land, seeks a peaceful life after centuries of managing minions, traps, and treasure. Now living in a remote town disguised as an ordinary human, he dedicates himself to raising his adopted human daughter, Lila. However, her adventurous spirit and determination to become a hero keep pulling him back into the dangerous world he left behind. To protect her, he secretly uses his dungeon-master skills to manipulate their quests and ensure her safety, all while trying to keep his true identity hidden.

Luciano Deregardo, believing he was dimensions away from a world he doubted finds out he was always closer to it than he thought. With his friends, Dexter Vinage, a quiet and talented guy, Reena Switch, the thoughtful and mysterious one in the group, Lunaelliape, a she-wolf he had grown to be obsessed with and his family, he begins to uncover the truth of the two worlds. Night Of A Full Moon. *currently under editing*

Liam, a disabled adult on earth, dies and reincarnates into the world of a novel he read as a talentless prince of the greatest clan. But he was also reincarnated with a book which contains all the information about the world and the future. A grimoire which could let him 'read' the future, and at some point, alter it. Reincarnated as a prince who was on the verge of death, he uses his quick thinking and calm mind to remove himself from harms way. But of course he can't have a peaceful life... [You have received an attribute. You are bound to interfere with the story whether you like it or not.] Armed with knowledge of this ruined world, he decides to get stronger as there was still hope to survive the 'Ending'. ______ Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/r8rVHNabuF

"Love in Full Color" is a heartwarming romance novel that follows the journey of Lila, a talented and aspiring artist navigating love, loss, and self-discovery. After a painful breakup with her ex-boyfriend Evan, Lila finds herself at a crossroads, questioning her artistic passion and her sense of identity. That's when she meets Derek, a charming and free-spirited artist who inspires her to take risks and pursue her dreams. As Lila finds herself torn between her lingering feelings for Evan and her growing attraction to Derek, she must confront her fears, insecurities, and doubts. Will she choose the comfort and familiarity of her past, or will she take a chance on a new love and a new future? Through a vibrant and colorful cast of characters, "Love in Full Color" explores themes of love, art, identity, and the power of embracing life's uncertainties.

The story revolves around Jess, a popular mean girl in school. Her sharp tongue kept everyone in line especially girls like Lila. Jess' life seemed perfect but on night changed that. After partying and driving home with her friends, Jess who was behind the wheel accidentally hits Lila who was crossing the road and leaving her for dead not knowing she infact was not dead. Lila filled with rage decided to get revenge on Jess and her friends attempting to kill them one by one. It all becomes a fight for survival for Jess for she was aware of the fact that her life was in danger.

Until the night she was pulled into the realm of wolves, Lila didn't think fate existed. She discovers the unimaginable-that she is Alexander Blackthorn's fated mate, intended to complete him-after being abducted by the terrifying Alpha. However, their relationship is a curse rather than a benefit. Lila follows the sad deaths of all the women Alexander has ever claimed as his mate. Lila promises to break the bond and leave his hazardous pack because she is determined to avoid her doomed fate. However, Alexander is not a man who gives up easily, and their attraction is as strong as it is lethal. Lila has to decide on rival packs approach and sinister secrets from Alexander's background come to light. •Would she put everything on the line to find the truth and lift the curse? •Or will she give in to a love that might endanger her life?

Leticia has spent her life pretending to be someone else—her twin brother, Dexter, who died tragically at birth. Her grieving mother forced Leticia to adopt Dexter’s identity, believing that it was her male child that survived, and to keep the peace, her father went along with the lie. Leticia buried her true self to play the part of the son they lost, but now, as an adult, the weight of this deception is crushing her. Desperate for freedom and stability, she applies for a job at a high-profile company. There’s just one complication—her potential employer, Justin, is a charming but notorious playboy and the man she nearly had a one-night stand with during one of her rare moments of being herself. Horrified that he might recognize her, Leticia secures the position by stepping back into the safety of her “Dexter” persona. As "Dexter," Leticia is thrust into a precarious balancing act. Her growing bond with Justin forces her to confront feelings she can’t explore without exposing her secret. Meanwhile, Justin’s magnetic charm and his blind spot about their shared past make it nearly impossible for Leticia to stay detached. As professional lines blur, she teeters between maintaining the life built on a lie and risking it all for a chance to reclaim her identity. Will Leticia have the courage to reveal the truth—and will Justin see her for who she really is? This gripping story of love, lies, and self-discovery asks: How long can a person live a lie?

Lila Dawson believed she was no longer affected by heartbreak following her breakup with billionaire hotel tycoon Max Edwards. After signing the divorce papers, she left and was prepared to begin her new life. However, half a year later, a legal error revealed that their marriage was never legally dissolved. Max pleads with Lila to maintain the facade of a happy marriage for a crucial business agreement, and she reluctantly agrees. Residing once more in the same house, old emotions resurface, as do previous hurts. Max is committed to winning her back, however, Lila is hesitant to believe he won't hurt her heart once more. Could this unexpected meeting be their opportunity for a fresh start, or just setting them up for more heartache?

In a shattered world consumed by decay and nature, Alex woke up in a mysterious room with no memory of how he got there, surrounded by an eerie silence and the desolation of an apocalyptic cityscape. As he pieces together his situation, he encounters grotesque, mutated creatures that hunt by sound, pushing him into a desperate struggle for survival. Armed with only his instincts, some people who will meet during his fight for survival, and a mysterious bracelet that grants him temporary enhancements like agility, strength, and dexterity, Alex must navigate the ruins of humanity while uncovering the secrets of his strange new abilities. The bracelet becomes both his lifeline, curse, and mystery, offering him tools to survive the relentless pursuit of horrors in the shadows but raising questions about its origin and purpose. In his fight for survival, Alex faces treacherous environments, zombie hordes, and his own fear as he journeys toward a rumored "safe zone." Yet, even safety proves fleeting in this unforgiving world, where survival demands resilience, quick thinking, and a willingness to confront the darkness within and without. As Alex pushes forward, scavenging for food, evading death at every turn, and uncovering the faintest hints of hope, he learns that he is not just trying to stay alive he is being hunted. Each encounter and every step forward reveals that the world may hold more mysteries than answers, and the truth behind his bracelet might be the key to his survival or his doom. With the shadows of the past haunting his every step and the future uncertain, Alex embarks on a harrowing journey to find answers, safety, and perhaps redemption in a world where hope is the rarest resource of all.

A beautiful, kind, and mysterious art teacher, Ilaria Sorin Preston, and her friends, Lori Bell and Janelle Joseph decide to go on a little trip to get away from reality for a little while. Tony Romano and Hayden Johnson surprise their world-renowned actor best friend Dexter Cale Fox with a surprise vacation to give him a break from the star life. What they did not know was that their vacation destination happens to be the same. Thailand. And they happen to bump into each other quite a lot of times on this life-changing trip.

Lila Greystone’s life takes an extraordinary turn when she moves to the small, mysterious town of Ravenswood, where secrets linger in every shadow. Drawn to the enigmatic Ezra Blackthorne, a brooding outcast with piercing eyes and a darkness he refuses to explain, Lila soon discovers that her new town is teeming with supernatural beings—werewolves, vampires, and something far more ancient. Ezra is a wolf shifter burdened by a tragic past and a dangerous secret: Lila is the key to an ancient prophecy, one that foretells the rise or fall of their world. Determined to keep her safe, Ezra pushes her away, but their fates are bound by forces neither can deny. As their slow-burn romance deepens, so does the danger around them. Enemies from Ezra’s past resurface, rival packs and vampire clans scheme in the shadows, and Lila’s dormant powers begin to awaken, threatening to upend the fragile balance between predator and prey. Caught between a world she never wanted to be part of and the magnetic pull of a love she can’t resist, Lila must navigate jealousy, betrayal, and the weight of destiny. As the prophecy looms closer, she and Ezra must fight not only for their love but for the survival of their worlds. But with ancient forces conspiring to tear them apart, can love truly conquer the darkness, or will it be their undoing? “Whispers of the Crimson Moon” is a gripping tale of forbidden love, supernatural intrigue, and the ultimate battle between light and darkness. Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance, complex characters, and pulse-pounding action, this story will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

*In the Wake of Touch* In *In the Wake of Touch*, passion, heartbreak, and self-discovery collide in an unfiltered exploration of love and desire. Meet [Lila Royce], a complex and unapologetically candid individual navigating the tumultuous landscape of relationships, intimacy, and identity. From forbidden flings to soul-stirring connections, their journey is a rollercoaster of emotional highs and devastating lows, offering a raw glimpse into the vulnerability of opening one’s heart—and body—to others. As they grapple with societal expectations, personal insecurities, and the unrelenting search for meaning, *In the Wake of Touch* becomes more than a story about sex—it's a profound meditation on what it means to truly connect with others while staying true to oneself. Daring, provocative, and deeply human, this novel peels back the layers of shame and stigma surrounding intimacy, inviting readers to confront their own truths. For anyone who has ever felt the sting of desire, the ache of loss, or the hope of new beginnings, *In the Wake of Touch* is a must-read journey into the messy beauty of modern relationships.

Revenge. “But it’s true! Look at what a good woman like Sophie is and compare it to this useless daughter-in-law of mine! If she could use even half of her brain to think, I’m sure my son James would have gotten that promotion he’s been after. What a stroke of bad luck,” her mother-in-law sneered. Lila’s hands trembled as she clenched her fists. The humiliation burned, but she kept her head down. “Don’t be angry at Mother. She may get upset and hit you sometimes, but she’s only correcting you because she views you as her daughter. Don’t be angry, okay?” Revenge. “I trust you! Thank you, big sis, you’re perfect! What a shame you’re not my sister-in-law,” the words stung more than any slap. “Is she dead?! We can't get caught, we have to get rid of her body, or else we’ll be in trouble!” She must have her revenge. --- Humiliated. Broken. Betrayed. Lila had once been a loving wife who believed in her husband James. But the family she worked so hard to please shattered her spirit, treating her as nothing more than a burden. Left to suffer and abandoned, she was given a second chance by fate. Now, she’s back. Stronger, smarter, and unforgiving. This time, she isn’t the submissive woman they destroyed. This time, they’ll pay. Every cruel word, every betrayal, every slap—they’ll all come back to haunt them. Will revenge be enough to heal her shattered heart, or will Caspian, the man she least expects, teach her to trust and love again?

Lila Cynder Evie (Evee- eh) thought that she was just an ordinary girl, with all sorts of misfortune. She has lived out her entire life in a foster home where she was never loved by her foster mother Olga, and has been through countless types of abuse. While the only two people who she cared for and loved at the corrupt home, were her little twin foster sisters. One day, Lila's life of hell ends while she receives an acceptance letter to Oasel Academy ("Oh-tsil" Academy). A school and place for people just like her, who possess magical abilities to learn and be wizards and witches. While she enrolls to the magical school, she gets sorted with the rest of the other first years to their different Houses. (And suddenly gets sorted in a new and peculiar house). Due to all challenges and hardships she dealt in her past life, she will have to find a way to survive in the enchanted, school of Oasel. Lila takes on every challenging obstacle, to become a greater and brightest witch. { I dedicate this story to both my older sister Evelyn, my niece Hazel, and my two nephews, Imri and Mars. You guys have made my day magical, and inspire me everyday. I luv u guys!!! }

Aiden’s world is torn apart when a catastrophic explosion devastates his city, separating him from Lila, the love of his life. Awakening in the surreal Otherworld, he learns that this realm is a patchwork of destruction and despair, where the fragments of things lost in the real world converge. At its heart lies Yggdrasil, the great tree of life that connects all worlds and timelines, threatened by the corruption of the Core—a manifestation of imbalance, rot, and despair. Guided by Sylva, a luminous being tied to Yggdrasil, Aiden wields the quill-sword, a weapon shaped by his imagination. Tasked with restoring balance to the Otherworld and reuniting with Lila, Aiden joins forces with Rowan, a fiery and skilled warrior, and Kieran, a stoic and loyal protector. Together, they face the Core’s shadowy agents, powerful manifestations of fear and despair that seek to corrupt Yggdrasil’s roots and spread their influence across all worlds.

On her 21st birthday, Lila’s world shatters. What should have been an ordinary day turns into a nightmare of secrets and revelations—she’s the heir to an ancient werewolf legacy, bound by destiny to a powerful and brooding alpha. Thrust into a world of primal instincts, blood feuds, and supernatural danger, Lila must navigate her newfound powers while a centuries-old war between rival packs brews around her. But the deeper she dives into this violent, hidden world, the more torn she becomes. A mysterious stranger haunts her thoughts, drawing her closer with secrets of his own—secrets that could change everything. As tensions rise, loyalties blur, and forbidden love ignites, Lila must decide: will she embrace her fate, or fight for a future that’s entirely her own?

Lila Hart is not interested in gold and prestige instead of appreciating the world of which she is part already, she is tired of her picture-perfect marriage. An outburst of emotions follows after she starts an illicit romance with her husband most cute and vibes giving secretary. However, as the lovers draw closer, Lila learns a disturbing revelation which could fracture her universe. Lila becomes pregnant and is caught in a web between the man she promised fidelity to and the man who now burns through her heart and she knows that one decision could rip her life apart.

Themes: Black Market Trading, Global Crime Networks, Boundaries of Human Nature and Morality, The Struggle Between Truth and Survival Story Background: In a modern metropolis, the surface level of prosperity conceals the darkness and corruption lurking beneath. Ethan, a highly skilled detective, spends his life navigating the shadowy corners of the city, uncovering the hidden secrets buried beneath the mundane facade of everyday life. When he is drawn into what initially seems like a simple suicide case, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the global black market, power struggles, and transnational crime. Main Characters: Ethan (Protagonist): A seasoned, calm, and intuitive detective who excels at finding the truth in complex cases. On the surface, he is a quiet, solitary man who prefers to avoid social interaction, but deep down, he is haunted by unresolved cases from his past. Faced with dark forces, he is both determined and full of doubt. Lila (Female Protagonist/Key Ally): Ethan's investigative partner, an intelligent and resourceful intelligence officer with a mysterious background. Her past is also shrouded in secrecy, and she seems to have an undisclosed connection to the "Black Angels" organization. She provides crucial assistance in Ethan's investigation, but her motives remain unclear, casting suspicion on her true intentions. Victor Saville (Antagonist/Main Adversary): A charismatic yet dangerous businessman, who appears to be a successful entrepreneur but is, in fact, one of the central figures of the global crime syndicate "The Black Angels." Cold-hearted, clever, and ruthless, he controls a global black market network, overseeing arms trafficking, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. He is not only a key figure in Langley's death but also the biggest obstacle in Ethan's investigation. The Mysterious Woman (Key Character): An elusive woman who repeatedly appears during Ethan's investigation, warning him not to delve deeper into Saville and the "Black Angels" organization. Her identity is unclear, but it is evident that she holds vital secrets about Saville and his network. Her appearances leave Ethan bewildered—whether she is an enemy or his only ally remains uncertain.

[Target in sight.] [Skill Critical Eye has been activated.] Being clumsy is quite common. But Luke Hunter’s clumsiness is on a different level. As the young man quite literally stumbles through life, he wonders if there’s something more he could be doing in the world. His dreams may come to be realized, as a freak accident causes Luke to wake up as Klum, in a completely different setting than his day-to-day life. His Dexterity, a skill that measures things such as flexibility and how well one holds themself, sits at the level it was in his past life; 1. And yet, he finds his skills to be suited for an extremely coordinated individual, especially after he meets the only other Sword Saint to have ever existed, an individual who is the strongest Swordsman among those both alive and passed on. It’s up to him to find his way in his new life, and strive to reach the path of the highest Swordsman — the Sword Saint. Will he be able to transform his 1 Dexterity into a 1000? Or will he be dragged into something much deeper — much darker? Credits to valeri_mirley on fiverr for the new cover! Updating 5-10 chapters a week, and now posting on RoyalRoad!

“Lila, will you stop looking like someone dragged you to the funeral of a relative?” Diana shouted over the music, pulling me forward by the wrist. "It's a club! You're supposed to have fun, get a life!" Fun of course, I should get much of it as much as I want. It's true. The fun was finding your trusted boyfriend of three years in bed with no other but your best friend. The pleasure was being humiliated and left alone with the pieces of your self-esteem shattered before you, with no attempt of repair. I didn't want to be here, but Diana insisted and I was too numb to argue or go against her wish. "I'm not sure that's a good idea," I said, rising a little on my heels. "Oh, don't complain anymore," Diana cried, pouring a funny looking cocktail into her hand. Her lipstick spread in a sly smile. "Drink enough of this. You need much of it to relax." I looked at the glass like a time bomb, everything about it looked suspicious. "I don't drink." "There's always a first time, you'll drink tonight." Diana clinked her glass with mine. "Trust me, one sip won't kill you." I hesitated, but the words "trust me" did something funny to my pride. I didn't want her to think I was weak, not capable of making choices, not after everything I'd been through. So I took a sip. The bitterness from a single sip burned my throat and I grimaced, but Diana was already putting another glass in my hand. "Come on baby girl!" she shouted at me. On the third glass, the room began to tilt dangerously. The lights dimmed and my thoughts became unclear, unhealthy and shattered. "Diana," I managed to murmur, trying to calm every bit of myself down. "I think I probably should sit for a moment..." "Okay, then!" she interrupted, leading me towards a group of men seated in a VIP area enclosed by ropes. "Come on, sister, let's meet real men that make things happen. Forget about that cheating loser of yours! It's time to wine and dine with the happening men." "Wait, I don't...I can't..." I stammered as my legs flopped under me. Before I knew it, a man smelling of sweet cologne pulled me into his hairy lap. "Hey, pretty girl," he said, his smile stretching too far. I tried to pull away, but my arms felt like jelly. "No, I don't...I can't..." "Relax," he said, running his rough hand up my thigh. "Keep your silly hands off me!" I tried to scream with my whole strength, but it was weak. Panic gripped my throat. And then, suddenly, I was pulled to my feet miraculously. "What are you planning to do to her?" a cold, loud voice cut through the chaos. I closed my eyes, my vision flickering, until my gaze landed on the man standing before me. He was tall, with a jaw so sharp it could cut glass and eyes the color of ice. His tailored suit clung to him like a second skin, and his presence was so imposing that the fat man retreated. Heartbroken after discovering her boyfriend's infidelity, Lila Monroe is pushed into a one-night stand by her jealous step-sister, Diana. Unknowingly, she ends up in the bed of billionaire Sebastian Knight, instead of a random guy as planned by Diana. Their paths cross again months later, when Lila is forced to marry Sebastian to protect her mother's political image. To complicate matters, Sebastian's brother, Ethan, who Lila had a childhood crush on, lives in the same house and rekindles old feelings. Torn between two brothers, Lila struggles to overcome the complexities of love, betrayal, and family rivalry. As enemies close in and secrets are revealed, Lila must choose between the man who challenges her and the one who still make feel safe.