Ellie Rowe

A woman accidentally sent her selfie to Tang Zheng's mobile phone. As she requested to meet him, the unlucky Tang Zheng was caught in a bus accident. At the moment of death, he was teleported into a mysteriously sealed room – a place filled with individuals who were supposed to be dead: a flight attendant, a female teacher, a rich second-generation, a death-row prisoner, a boss, and an employee.

In the streets of Miami, a chance encounter between Ellis Arroyo a charming and naive bartender and Alexander ' Alex' Del Montiez the cold, ruthless and possessive Prince of the Mafia family sets off a chain reaction of passion, destruction and obsession. After a passionate one night stand ignites a fielry bond but Alex's life and possessive nature soon consume Ellis, drawing him into a world of violence, loyalty, family dynamics and making him revisit a ghost from his past, as Ellis gets entangled in Alex's web ,he finds himself torn between his love for Alex and the suffocating grip of Alex's control. meanwhile, William " Willy" Del Montiez Alex's older brother harbors a secret love for Ellis which further complicates the already treacherous family dynamics. Willy's morals is tested as he has to choose between his feelings for Ellis or his loyalty to his family. Rodrigo Gonzalez the cunning leader of a dangerous drug cartel driven by his long time feelings for Ellis and his hatred for Alex, Rodrigo is fixated on destroying Alex and claim Ellis for himself. As Ellis finds himself at the center of a love quadruple,he must confront the darkness sorrounding him. Will he succumb to Alex possessiveness, risk everything for Williams love or fall prey to Rodrigo sinister desire? Find out in this thrilling story " DESIRED BY MANY: OWNED BY HIM" This story is a work of fiction.

Death row inmate Adam, Prisoner A456GG, faces his execution with an unusual last. As the lethal injection claims his life, his desperate ritual to the forgotten god Gefatar succeeds in ways he never imagined. Instead of eternal darkness, Adam awakens in a world the likes of which he has never seen . But this isn't heaven or hell - it's another world entirely. Armed with nothing but his criminal past and the dark power that brought him here, Adam must navigate a land of magic and monsters. What the authorities who executed him didn't know was that they weren't just killing a condemned man - they were unleashing someone who would reshape the very fabric of their reality. As Adam uncovers the truth about Gefatar and his grandmother's connection to this world, he realizes his death was only the beginning of a journey that will challenge the boundaries between justice, vengeance, and redemption. In a world where magic flows like water and ancient powers stir, a former death row inmate might just become its greatest hope - or its worst nightmare. The question is: can someone judged unworthy of life in one world become the savior of another?

On doomsday, Tang Yu unexpectedly got the Lord of the End System, he remained very calm. Lack of experts? I will construct a pub so I can make ten draws in a row; 　　 Lack of food? I can’t be too cheap with the large pack full of food supplies sent from the market; Lack of safety? Arrow Tower, Mage Tower Artillery and all kinds of automatic defence buildings. Having many isn’t too many; Lack of equipment? Workshop production must produce high-quality items. Sir, would you like one? We are having a 20% discount special at nine! …………　 In short, this is a story of Great Lord Tang building up his territory, attacking some monsters, and ripping off…… Cough, making some money at the same time. Author: Bimo Zhi Jian Translator: System Translation . Com Pat reon: Pat re on . co m/System Translation

Mengisahkan kisah cinta segitiga antara si perempuan dengan dua orang laki-laki, awal nya si perempuan hanya mencintai satu orang laki-laki saja yang dia pilih untuk menjadi kekasih nya, dan datanglah laki-laki kedua dalam kehidupan si perempuan dan ke dalam hubungan mereka, si perempuan tidak mengetahui bahwa kedua lelaki itu adalah kakak adik, sampai akhirnya si perempuan harus memilih salah satu dari mereka berdua. nama Tokoh : - Kamil - Titah - Fitroh - Aldi - Paijo - Jumiati - Purnomo - Kanjeng ibu - Kanjeng Romo - Juragan - Ibu Juragan - Mpok Elli - Mang Toha Dll

In a world where the forces of good and evil are locked in an eternal struggle, a decisive battle unfolds on a sunlit battlefield. On one side, the humans stood in disciplined rows, their armor gleaming in the sunlight, banners fluttering in the wind. On the other side, a lone figure in a dark robe, eyes glowing red, and a crazed smile on his face, stood defiantly. "Devil, surrender now or face our wrath!" the leader of the human army commanded. The so-called devil remained silent, raising his hand and beckoning them with a taunting gesture. "Come get me," his motion seemed to say. That was the signal. The army charged forward, weapons raised, determined to vanquish the evil before them. But as the battle commenced, it quickly turned into a one-sided massacre. The devil moved with terrifying speed and power, cutting down soldiers left and right. The cries of the fallen filled the air, and those at the back, seeing the hopelessness of their fight, turned and fled in panic. "Running away, are we?" the devil sneered. "Don't think you'll escape alive!" He pursued them relentlessly, his massacre unceasing until only the leader remained, standing amidst the carnage. "You truly are a devil," the leader gasped, his voice trembling. "I am not the devil," the figure replied, his voice cold and menacing. "I am Blackheart." With that, Blackheart seized the leader's head and, with a gruesome twist, tore it from his body. Holding the severed head aloft, he shouted to the heavens, "Are you going to keep watching, oh 'god,' or do I need to do more to get your attention?" His crazed smile never wavered as he awaited a response from the silent sky. --------------------------------------------------------- Will the god respond to Blackheart's taunt, or will the world be left to face his wrath alone? What is Blackheart's true purpose, and why does he seek the attention of the divine? Can anyone stand against Blackheart's overwhelming power, or is humanity doomed to fall before him? Find out in THE DEVIL'S SUCCESSOR SYSTEM

“Sparks in the Rain” is a lighthearted and electric teen romance about Ellie Bennett, a sarcastic, stubborn high schooler navigating the mess of family drama, broken bikes, and big dreams she’s not sure she’ll ever reach. One stormy night, she meets Liam Harper, an unpredictable skater boy with a lopsided grin and a talent for finding humor in chaos. What starts as a rain-soaked encounter quickly turns into an unlikely connection as Liam brings spontaneity to Ellie’s carefully guarded world, while Ellie helps Liam confront the fears he’s been running from. But as sparks fly and walls come down, Ellie begins to realize that letting someone in means risking her heart—and that maybe, the rain isn’t the only thing falling.

A collection of stories from the many characters within Aestridin. May include several chapters in a row with the same character, or seperate, however, there are several main characters. Will include myths, storylines not delving into others, or even backstories and flashbacks to historical events that take place in the world of Aestridin.

The angel war changed the way humans lived on the small planet of Solaria. The angels presented a new essence called aura which humans manipulated to use unique abilities. Mordecai Hashimoto was a young boy who learned void flames and pursued a career in becoming an operator like his father. His clan was feared across the lands until he woke up in a hospital unable to remember anything. A queen entered his room informing him he was the last survivor and asked him to join her ranks. Now, Mordecai seeks answers to his past and questions what his purpose is. Cover art design: @popmelts Weekly chapters on Wednesdays. Add to your collections to stay updated! Twitter: @Minazukiee for future content.

It's about a girl named Ellie born by the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite but under circumstances she had to be casted down to earth where she lives it with her human parents. After many years her biological mother appears to her and tells her everything and how the fate of the world lies on her shoulder yet, she remains reluctant and refuses to accept the fact that she's a goddess's daughter even after realizing her powers would she accept her faith or would she be destroyed alongside the whole world. I know you might say if she is the daughter of a god then she wouldn't die but in this book, anything is possible. Her name is Ellie, Fiery, fascinating, alluring, Ellie, but is she what she seems to be?

Anna is a girl capable of controlling time ever since she lost her parents. However, by using her powers recklessly, she ended up being adopted and exploited by a corrupt noble family, pushing her body’s health to its absolute limit. To Anna’s surprise, a boy with an unknown identity offered her something she can no longer remember. That’s because, to her astonishment, she was sent back in time to the moment she first arrived at the orphanage, granting her a second chance. Her friends—those she hadn’t seen again since being taken in by that family—were now standing in front of her once more. With that, Anna gained the resolve that if this wasn’t just a dream… she wouldn’t repeat her past mistakes. Despite her lingering fear of using her powers, Anna is determined to live this second life in a way that truly matters, forming bonds with friends who will stand by her side as she faces the chaos of a world shaped by magic and the political ambitions of a selfish few. ◇◆◇ Chapter 7 - A Risky Move Anna stood across from Darius, the most respected and calculating player in the room. They had tied four times in a row, something no one had ever seen before. “I’ll raise the stakes,” Darius said with a cold smile, pushing a massive pile of chips to the center of the table. The dealer turned to Anna: “You must match the bet, or you’ll lose automatically.” Anna hesitated, glancing at her dwindling pile of chips. She was out of money. The murmurs of the spectators grew louder. Finally, the dealer offered her a way out: “You can play on credit, but if you lose, you’ll have to pay it back—with interest… or face more serious consequences.” Anna swallowed hard. She knew continuing was a massive risk, especially since exhaustion was creeping up on her. But Leo’s words echoed in her mind, urging her to keep going. She looked at the dealer and, with unwavering determination, declared: “I accept. I’ll double the bet.” Silence fell over the room as the game resumed. Anna used her ability to rewind time and fix every mistake she made. But with each use of her power, the fatigue took a heavier toll. The minutes ticked by, and when she finally scored a perfect 21, leaving her opponent in the dust, her body couldn’t take any more. “Anna wins,” the dealer announced. But before Anna could celebrate, her vision blurred, and she collapsed in front of everyone, leaving the room in complete shock.

The legendary mana finally reached planet Earth, causing all living things to officially enter the path of evolution. Animals turned into terrifying beasts, some plants gained self-awareness, and humans who managed to withstand the wave of mana awakened the ability to acquire skills by defeating powerful enemies. The entire planet entered a new era where the old laws fell. The only law was the law of the jungle where the strongest devoured the weakest. Bai Zemin, an apparently normal college student, turned out to be an unparalleled genius in the path of magic. This caught the attention of a beautiful demoness who would become his partner in this journey to the absolute top. God, Angel, Demon, Dragon, Vampire, Werewolf; no existence will be worthy of being his enemy! Disclaimer: The 'Earth' in this novel is not the same Earth we are currently living on so do not use our common sense for this novel. This is pure fantasy, after all. *** Successes achieved: #Top 1 in sales for more than 1 year in a row. #Top 1 in Golden Tickets for 10 months in a row. #Among the top 25 in all the charts since its release. #Winner of 1st place in the most popular webnovel event in 2021. #Winner of a possibility of adaptation. *** Support me: pat reon.com/XIETIAN

*Thud* *Thud* Sounded through the door. It was late at midnight when the family of the three woke by the noise. It was dark all around, the sound of rain splashes through everywhere. Due to the rain, the electricity of the City was cut off. "Who might be this late," Said the man, in the '40s. He was the only earner of this family, supporting his wife and their only daughter. His name was 'Reez Mosce'. "What happened dear, w-who would knock this late," Said his wife 'Riza'. Taking the shotgun in his hand, he gestured toward his wife and said, "Take Ellie through the basement". 'WHAT ABOUT YOU!!!' She wanted to ask him. But seeing his grave expression, she couldn't help. She could only look at him with concern filling her eyes. Reez replied as his gaze somewhat softened toward his wife, "Go away Riza hide in the basement with Emily" 'The Unknown' randomly happened every day. The murder reports that news announced to them, the people wanted it all to be false, they wanted to continue with their peaceful life. *** The sound of thud was getting erratic on the door. The door hinges broke off from the wall. Reez held the shotgun aiming toward the door. His condition was not so good, his legs were trembling as he gulped a mouthful of saliva. He was scared shitless, but he couldn't show it to his family. He was the moral support for them. *Crash* The door crashed showing a figure as it stood in the rain. The raindrops splattered across the front wetting the sofa and the tables. Ellie watched as the fire raged through the house.

[You have Obtained The World Compass 1/10, You have obtained Simple rowboat 1/10, You have obtained Map of Worlds 1/10, You have obtained Basic revolver 1/10, You have obtained Harpoon 1/10, You have obtained Basic Fishing Rod 1/10] “Wait what?!!” Allen was transmigrated into the void while on a rowing boat with no guide but a system that allows him to sell things and a compass which points him to directions of worlds, he also has a few other survival items, Now Allen will travel the universe discovering many worlds and plundering civilizations of their loot.

Red_Blizzard: DRAGOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!!!!! TankDragon_72: LLLLLLLLLL imagine losing to me LOLOLOLOL TWICE IN A ROW!!!! Red Blizzard: STFU you little sh*t! next time is payback! Ur going come crying to me when next month's results comes out!!!! Two of the top ranked players in the world had a long history of fighting for first place in the game called, The Legends Of Alethea. A game that has tens and millions of concurrent players daily and they stood at the top. The two legends that are on the top of Alethea, were currently in a predicament. They reincarnated as the main characters of the game. TankDragon becoming Theodore Ignatius and Red Blizzard becoming Selene Aventus, two characters that are destined to die, because choosing one would lead the other to die. Better yet the world was going to be on the brink of extinction! Watch as the two rivals and nemesis work together, trying to survive and save their new loved ones. Of course, the two are also tied into an arranged marriage. How are they going to deal with that or use it to their advantage?

Discord link :-https://discord.gg/VYpeADXd38 join for character artworks *ZZZr Zzrz Zzrzzr* However, an additional source disturbed his sleep, filling the room with a buzzing sound. The boy furrowed his brows in annoyance, his eyes still closed. He searched his surroundings and discovered a glass-like slab. With closed eyes, he slid his finger across it and placed it near his ear. "Hello..." he mumbled in his drowsy voice, which carried a hint of depth. "Hey, Pissed-up Prat, where are you?" a voice laced with disdain emanated from the slab. The boy, referred to as the "Pissed-up Prat" by the irritating female voice, recognized it as a voice he heard frequently but couldn't recall its owner. With his eyes still closed, he inquired, "Who is this?" "What do you mean, 'who is this'? Wake up, come home, or eat shit for breakfast if you prefer!" the voice behind the transparent slab retorted before falling silent. The boy, still not fully awakened, gazed at the half-opened glass slab with a mixture of confusion and surprise. As his eyes darted around the room, he became increasingly shocked. As he recollected the fragmented memories from the night before he lost consciousness, his gaze fell upon the entrance of the shop. Once old and damp, it now bore a different appearance. While not transformed into a luxurious space, it had undergone improvements compared to its previously dilapidated state. The shop took on a rectangular shape, with one longer side adorned with wooden shelves intricately patterned. Rows of empty glass jars lined these shelves. On the opposite side, there was another wooden shelf, also displaying empty jars. Towards the beginning of the counter, where the boy had been sleeping, there stood a peculiar machine. Confusion etched across his face, he murmured to himself, "Whose shop is this?" In response to his question, a mechanical voice resonated in his mind. [The Omnistore belongs to you, host.]

Rean knight-Heart is a 15 year old boy who died saving a little boy, his Arch nemesis Jacob or at least that’s what everyone says he is, confessed to him on his death bed. Now he's in some strange place and this weirdo is calling him Your majesty, what will Rean discover in this new place, will he be up to the task thrown his way, will he be cast aside or worse die? find out by reading the New king Knight-heart.

In the Cube Card Universe, a universe where card games are revered, people travel through various dungeons in order to obtain powerful cards. Others pray, "Oh, spirits of heaven and earth, bless me with good cards!" Ree Shil says, "Sorry, but I never try to draw the card I want. I select it." Others curse, "Damn it, I've already lost 100 fusion cards in a row!" Ree Shil says, "Sorry, but my fusion success rate is 100%." There's a person who never relies on luck, only on strength. Card Game + Adventure (Not fanfiction. Not Yu-Gi-Oh) (Cube Card, an original turn-based card game)

##Extreme Smut and Kink warning## As a child, I did not have any known relatives. Getting into college was a significant goal of mine. I came into this world at the exact moment that I started to see a thin line of hope. Before I could make sense of what was going on, the individuals who had summoned me were murdered. I was caught and sold as a slave for the war. It was nice that the "Oh! Great System" helped me get stronger and learn some new skills. Only after winning 50 times in a row in the Colosseum was the emperor granted me a gift. I believe freedom would have been the best gift. However, I got the second-best one. I became a slave bull. Slave traders, nobility, and even the emperor himself sent slaves to my chamber in order to procreate. Finally, after 30 years of doing nothing, I felt the rush of action. For three days straight, and... "System, why am I back? I thought I was getting to the best part of the story." {{This planet needs the help of the returnee, like the host. Please take care of it.}} "Fuck the planet. I HAVE to get my harem back." Schedule: Every other day. (3-4 Chapters/week)

“Strip naked and get in the bed." Liam said to the pretty lady. “But I am your best friend's girlfriend." Was her reply, where she stood. “So what are you doing in my hotel room?" Liam raised a brow. “I..I just can't help myself. I can't seem to get you off my head. I love my boyfriend, your best friend Felix but I want to see for myself what everyone is talking about. I want to experience what is making all the ladies seem to go crazy over you," she said shamelessly.... Four years in a row he has been voted as the most handsome man in the world! His father is the richest man in the world! Liam has his name in every girl's lips. They all sing of his praises. He performs like a god in bed and he has a massive third leg like that of a horse! Each night Liam always has a beautiful lady to warm his bed. He doesn't even care to know most of their names; all he is interested in is the treasure in-between their legs. Spoilt, arrogant, naughty and selfish, not even his best friend's girlfriend is spared from his sinful attraction. She too wants a taste of his legendary third leg! . What happens when Amelia, a pretty hotel cleaner, would catch his attention but instead of getting kissed he got slapped! Does she know the implications of what she has done? Can a lowly girl withstand the anger of an arrogant, naughty billionaire? Will their fiction spark an unexpected romance between these two? Find out in this thrilling adventure.

Dr. Sophia Ellis, a renowned forensic psychologist returns to her hometown of Ravenswood, plagued by a dark past. When a string of gruesome murders shakes the small town, Sophia is recruited by the local police department to unravel the tangled threads. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she discovers a web of secrets, lies, and deceit that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.Will Sophia's expertise and determination be enough to uncover the truth, or will she become the next victim?

Werewolf Sheriff's Adventure in a Foreign World **Summary**: The story tells about Raven, a deputy sheriff of the city guard who crossed into a different world, and Sheriff Ellie, a werewolf, experiencing various adventures in the city of Wima together. Raven was assassinated during a mission but accidentally discovered Ellie's werewolf identity. To help Ellie conceal her identity, they cooperated with the alchemist Vela and successfully dealt with the crisis on the full moon night. Later, they solved many cases, including the out-of-control supernatural creature, the criminal organization "Vegetable Market", and the invasion of the Church of Varkilis. During his battle with Vladimir, Raven successfully infiltrated the Church of Varkilis but discovered the secret of Councillor Harrington's cooperation with demons. In the end, Raven assassinated Harrington and protected the safety of the city of Wima. **Interesting Points**: 1. **Novel Character Settings**: Ellie is a werewolf sheriff, and Vela is a hundred-year-old vampire alchemist. These unique character settings add novelty to the story. 2. **Full of Twists and Turns**: From Raven's crossing, being assassinated, to discovering Ellie's secret, and then fighting against various criminal organizations, the plot is compact and full of suspense. 3. **Rich and Diverse Elements**: The story combines various elements such as magic, combat, and reasoning. For example, Raven's use of the Trickster's ability and the battle with demons make the story more colorful. 4. **Humorous and Witty Dialogues**: The dialogues between the characters are often humorous, adding a relaxed atmosphere to the tense story. 5. **Growth and Transformation**: Raven gradually grows from a crosser into a real guard. His mentality and abilities have undergone great changes, and this growth process is inspiring.

*Ping!!!* -[Congratulations, you have won the H.E.A.D.I.E.S award for best porn actor, three years in a row!!!] Alex Turner, a struggling accountant, suddenly finds himself in the body of Jason Rivers, Hollywood's golden boy known for his pulverizing roles in the porn industry, after they both suffer near-fatal accidents. Thrilled and overwhelmed by his newfound fame and fortune, Alex discovers he's been granted an additional supernatural gift: [System Activated: Divine Cashback Initialized] [Current Balance: $0] [Spend Money to Make Money!] Now in possession of Jason's connections, influence, and smoking hot body, Alex dives headfirst into the world of celebrity, determined to climb even higher up the social ladder. He quickly learns to leverage the divine rebate system, turning every dollar spent into a multiplied return and reveling in the power it brings. [New Purchase: $1,000 Designer Suit] [Cashback Earned: $5,000] [Level Up! Charm +10] As Alex welcomes the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in Jason's body, he embraces the temptations that come with his newfound wealth and status. With the system as his secret weapon, Alex sets out to become an even bigger star than Jason ever was, enjoying every perk and pleasure that comes his way. And the perks couldn't get bigger than the secret he discovered. "What? A secret cult that runs all of Hollywood?!!!" From luxurious red carpet events to tantalizing escapades with seductive models. As the stakes get higher and the women come in all shapes, colour and sizes, Alex must do two things, survive and spend to earn!! ***** Additional tags: #Exhibitionism #Voyeurism #Harem #Supernatural #AdultContent #Romance ...

#completed!!! As Sophia lay beneath Ragnar, she watched in awe as a primal energy surged through him. Ragnar's body trembled, his muscles tensing and freezing in place, as the runes coursing through him glowed with an intense crimson hue. It was as if a vibrant river of power flowed within him, originating from his heart and branching out to every inch of his being. His nails elongated and sharpened, while his canines protruded from his pristine row of teeth, revealing his primal nature. Ragnar's body quivered as the remnants of the ancient entity receded. His breaths came in ragged bursts, his eyes fluttering open to reveal a mix of relief and anguish. "Ragnar...," Sophia's voice trembled as she called out Ragnar's name. Ragnar startled, slowly opening his eyes. His irises slitted, elongating like those of a reptile. The orbs mirrored Ymat's, an exact reflection of his dragon's eyes. Sophia's jaw dropped in astonishment. So, this was the birth defect he had concealed all this time. ~~~ #completed #war #kingdombuilding #loveaftermarriage #politics #multiplecouple #mutant #princess #diplomacy #heartwarming “All is fair in love and war” Prince Ragnar Clementine, suddenly appointed Lady Sophia Mary, the leader of mystical healer clan, to be his war prize after protecting Cescil Kingdom. However, Sophia had already been married to her husband of three years, Sir Arthur George, though they had yet to have a child. Yet, deep within Sophia's core, a hunger for Ragnar grew, a hunger that consumed her body and soul. In a world where duty and passion collide, will they succumb to the depths of their hunger or find the way to resist? ~~~ WARNING: - THE COVER BOOK IS COMMISSIONED - READ THE HASHTAG!!! - Slow burn type love story - Not smut centered story! - Mature contents and R18+ explicit in later chapters, approximately chapter 60 above. - I give warning at the beginning of chapters! ~ ~ ~ other works: - Sequel: Undressed by the half beast King #completed - Wolfdale: Blood of The Moon - Mafia Princess: Raised by Wolves - The Man of My Bitterest Lesson #completed

Abandoned in the most dangerous forest in the whole country of Eperlia. Alex was the only human in the forest. He had to survive by killing monsters and hunting for food. Until the system showed up.Find out what happens to him!

After finding the spatial stone in the Alchemy World, Yuan Liang was overjoyed. Finally, he could go home! With thoughts of returning home, he eagerly stepped into the teleportation array. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in yet another world... A turtle shrouded in black mist… A bird that summoned storms with each beat of its wings… A giant ape covered in thousands of arms… Was this Earth? No! Where was this place? Fortunately, Yuan Liang discovered that his alchemy could still be used in this world! His alchemy could awaken the legendary bloodline within the spirit beasts. [Horned Caterpillar] to [Sky-Swallowing Chaos True Dragon]: devouring the sun, moon, and stars, perceiving the universe, traversing past, present, and future. [Blue Feather Bird] to [Frost Soul Sky Howler Eagle]: freezing heaven, earth, and everything within, dominating all races. [Flame Monkey] to [Hell Asura Fire Ape]: hellfire that scorches all, purifies all evil, the emperor of fire. Yuan Liang looked at the rows of divine beasts before him and declared, “No matter how many more worlds I have to conquer, I will find my way home!” …… This novel is also known as ‘Peerless Beast Master: The Path of Bloodline Awakening’

Ellie Parker, a historian living in New York, discovers she is the reincarnation of Elara Blackwood, a villainous sorceress fated to bring chaos and ultimately perish at the hands of Caelan, her once-loyal companion. Determined to rewrite her tragic fate, Ellie travels back to Eldoria, adopting Elara's form while trying to avoid falling in love with Caelan. As their relationship deepens, Ellie must navigate the delicate balance between her past and her personal growth, ultimately leading to a bittersweet yet hopeful resolution.