Claire Becker

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

Claire receives a strange dream the night before her 18th birthday, an unknown goddess offers her power as her paladin. This power comes with a "gift" Claire was not ready for, but if it means getting her brother back, then she'll master it. Join Claire and her party as they navigate adventuring, fighting against tyranny, and the gifts the goddess bestowed them. Tags: Futa MC Futa Harem Futa X Futa Polygamy Incest

LGBT BL - OMEGAVERSE 18+ Claire Chester, a student who had just moved up to Grade 11, felt that his school life was much better after he was finally recognized by many students as a popular Alpha. He was good at fighting and could also socialize well. However, no one knew the secret behind the popular Claire was actually a recessive Omega who refused to recognize himself as an Omega. Bad memories of when everyone knew his identity made Claire do everything he could to cover up his identity as an Omega and everything went very well. Until he made a mistake when he met a cold Alpha who seemed to be shunned by everyone, Fein Stanford. "Give me your money or I'll beat you up!" Claire ordered Fein. However, Fein instead cornered Claire against the wall and locked the man up. "What's with that face of yours, hmn? Oh what is it, I smell some pretty sweet pheromones in here," he said with a smirk on his face. From that day on, things changed in Claire's life as one annoying Alpha found out his identity. Will Claire be able to mask his identity for much longer? Or is this the beginning of his nightmare with Fein Standford?

Lors de son banquet de mariage, un homme prétendant être l'amant de Selina a fait irruption, brandissant prétendument des photos intimes et semant le chaos. Selina a immédiatement vu à travers cela comme un stratagème orchestré par sa demi-sœur, Natalia. Cependant, le fiancé de Selina, Ryan, non seulement a refusé de la croire, mais a également défendu Natalia avec zèle. Il s'est avéré que Ryan et Natalia avaient déjà développé des sentiments l'un pour l'autre en secret. Tout le monde—le père de Selina, sa belle-mère et les parents de Ryan—était au courant de leur liaison, sauf Selina, qui était laissée dans l'ignorance. Profitant de la situation, le père de Selina a proposé d'échanger les mariées, suggérant que Natalia remplace Selina et termine le mariage. La famille de Ryan non seulement n'a pas objecté, mais a soutenu l'idée avec enthousiasme. C'est à ce moment-là que Selina a finalement réalisé la cruelle vérité : sa famille et la famille de Ryan n'étaient rien d'autre que des loups déguisés en agneaux ! "Annuler les fiançailles ? Très bien. Mais que ce soit bien clair—c'est moi qui te rejette, espèce d'homme infidèle et sans courage !" déclara Selina avec une confiance inébranlable. Son regard balaya alors la salle, se posant sur un homme élégant et distingué. Elle se souvenait vaguement de lui comme du jeune oncle de Ryan. S'avançant, elle demanda audacieusement, "Monsieur, que diriez-vous de vous marier ?" L'homme leva un sourcil, trouvant son audace intrigante. "Ce serait un honneur, madame," répondit-il. ...

Adam Anderson’s world turned upside down after an accident landed him in a society where women ruled. Waking in the hospital, he found himself inexplicably married to his estranged childhood friend, Claire, a woman weighed down by a secret. But Claire’s secret came with a price. One that gave Caterina De Luca, Boston’s ruthless Mafia queen, the perfect excuse to force her way into Adam’s life. With Caterina tightening her grip and his marriage crumbling under the weight of unspoken truths, Adam faced an impossible choice: resist, or surrender to the woman who would stop at nothing to claim him. Women out number men 3:1 in the new world. This story is set in the same world as Finding a Yandere in Reverse World. You do not need to have read that story at all to enjoy this one. Discord link to get character pictures and updates easily. https://discord.gg/bQ4GzeBXV8

Claire is a famous Tarot-Influencer, who has fun ruining her Follower's life. She completely falls for the British actor Levi and is determined to make him hers only. She manipulates herself into Levi's Circle through his Manager Sam. Suddenly one day, Helen,her older sister, appears in her life again after 12 years of absence. Claire starts to have vivid dangerous dreams, which lead to the murder of Helen's Husband Theo... but Sam won't let go either and slowly but surely Claire isn't sure what's real anymore or who to trust The Face I claim is Book 1 of a series

Jane Claire is a soldier from the CIP (Central Imperial Power). She fought for years against the Liberators but who knew she was to fight along with the Liberator General, Max Keller in the future?

Sloane Montgomery is fashion royalty. Bold, glamorous, and untouchable. As the CEO of Montgomery Atelier, she’s spent years proving she’s more than just a name, turning her family’s luxury fashion house into a global empire. She has everything. Power, wealth, and a reputation that keeps men at a distance. The last thing she needs is a husband, especially not one chosen for her in a billion-dollar business deal. Vincent Saint-Clair is a king in his own right. As the ruthless mastermind behind Saint-Clair Holdings, he owns the cities people live in. Luxury hotels, towering skyscrapers and private islands. He’s built his empire with precision and control, never once letting emotions cloud his judgment. Marriage? Just another contract. Love? A weakness he refuses to entertain. When their families arrange the ultimate merger, a marriage that will unite their empires, both are furious. Neither wants to be controlled, neither plans to submit, and neither expects the undeniable attraction that ignites between them. In public, they are the picture of a perfect power couple. In private, their marriage is a battlefield. A game of dominance, passion, and unspoken desire. But as their cold war turns into something more dangerous, the lines between love and hate begin to blur. A scandal threatens to break them. A betrayal shatters their fragile truce. And when the choice between power and love finally comes, only one question remains: Will they destroy each other… or build an empire together?

Vivienne Winter had it all—beauty, status, and a husband she loved more than life itself. She never realized the world she built with love and trust was nothing more than a fragile illusion! Betrayed by her husband. Deceived by the woman she called sister. Her life was stolen in the cruellest way. That night, Vivienne Winter died. But fate was not so kind to her betrayers. She awoke five years before her death, just three months before her marriage. But this time, she smiled. The past had gifted her knowledge, and the future was hers to rewrite. She exposed their sins, destroyed their reputations, and walked away—leaving behind the name that once bound her to misery. Seeking a new life, she disappeared into Emery, a city where no one knew her past. But destiny was far from finished with her. She met Julian Saint Clair, a ruthless CEO whose world clashed with hers. A contract marriage bound them—a union of convenience, nothing more. They were never meant to be… until one fateful night changed everything. She carried his child. She was ready to tell him. But before she could, the past came knocking—his childhood sweetheart, Evangeline Westwood, the long-lost heiress, returned. And somehow, her story felt eerily familiar. Fearing unseen threats, she ran. But Julian was never done with her. After three years of relentless searching, he found her and brought her back to where she belonged—his side. Yet the past refused to stay buried. A cruel twist of fate unraveled a truth far more terrifying than she ever imagined. Her life was never hers to begin with. The name she once thought was stolen… was only the beginning. But some secrets are buried for a reason. And now, the ones who once silenced her are watching once more. This time, her return will rewrite history. This time, she’ll burn them to the ground. "They thought they erased me. They thought I was dead. But I was never meant to disappear—I was meant to rise." Will she destroy the darkness, or will she become it?

Claire wakes up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. The world around her feels too perfect, too rehearsed—and she keeps seeing herself in places she shouldn’t be. As she pieces together her past, she discovers Dr. Evelyn Crane, a scientist obsessed with creating the perfect, controllable mind. Claire is just one of many test subjects, reset and rewritten over and over. But something has gone wrong. This time, she won’t forget. With echoes of her past selves refusing to stay buried—and the original Claire still alive—she must fight back. Because in a world where memories can be erased, the only way to survive is to remember.

As storms rise and darkness creeps ever closer, one thing becomes clear—this journey isn’t just about escape. Born into privilege, bound by duty—Claire Valen was never meant to stray beyond the path carved for her. But with a single choice, she slips into the night, leaving behind the life she once knew. With every step, the world unravels. Secrets stir beneath the surface, shadows whisper truths she isn’t ready to hear, and unseen forces close in. As the storm looms and the light wanes, the greatest question isn’t where she’s going. It’s who she’s becoming. "Some truths are meant to be found in the dark."

Betrayed in her previous life by her fiance and Sister, Claire Smith swore to take revenge on them in this her present life. She was killed mercilessly in her past life by these closest people to her. Meet Alexander Miller the cold hearted young billionaire, he has his eyes on Claire and want to keep her close and also help her take down all people who want to harm her. Will Claire ever be able to love Alex back or will only focus on taking her revenge. ............. As she slowly opened her eyes she found herself in an unfamiliar environment adjusting her eyes everything became clear she had spend the night with an unknown man. Alex looked at the woman o the bed who seems to be lost in her thought, remembering how the girl had unknownly offered herself to him he felt lucky that he was the one to meet her that day. He smiled planning how to make her his. Join me let's find out how Alex and Claire's story will end.

Claire had only one goal: to save her ailing adoptive mother, even if it meant agreeing to a dangerous deal. Forced into a contract marriage with Leon Yu—a cold and unyielding CEO—her mission was clear: make him fall in love, betray him, and walk away with his company’s secrets.But plans have a way of unravelingAs she got to know him, she realised that Leon wasn’t the heartless man she expected, and as her duty blurred into desire, she fell for him—hard. Yet when the weight of her deception became too much, and it was time to leave she left him with nothing but a letter and a shattered heart.Three years later, their paths cross again. Leon, now fueled by vengeance, drags Claire back into his life. But he doesn’t know the whole truth. Hidden in her past is a secret—a child born of their union.As love battles with betrayal and duty collides with desire, can they rebuild what was broken, or will the deceit that binds them destroy them forever?A tale of passion, redemption, and the thin line between love and lies. FYI; This is going to be a slow burn romance, so enjoy

Claire Carter had the perfect life—wealth, status, and a devoted husband. Or so she thought. On the night of her fifth wedding anniversary, her world shatters when she catches her husband in the arms of another woman. Humiliated and heartbroken, she runs—only to collide with Morgan Pierce, a sharp-tongued, confident attorney who specializes in divorce…and much more

El mundo de Claire y August se hace un vuelco cuando la tragedia asoló a su relación, cuando Claire que era la hija mayor de la familia santa de Oswald se comprometía en contra de su voluntad con Jared Salazar y Sophie Oswald que seria su hermanastra que para sorpresa de todos ... era malvada. En un mundo donde los poderes y dones sobrenaturales son motivo de culto y terror como poder y prestigio, solo quienes poseen poder mas alla de la imaginación traen fortuna, poder, honor y sospecha. A lo largo de la historia irán apareciendo entidades enigmáticas como "La encarnación de los milagros: Lehrerin der Hoffnung," y " El escudo de la neblina: Herr der Träume." En la historia se mostrarán varias perspectivas desde un punto fijo tanto el pasado como el posterior a través de la línea argumental cruzada.

[ Loki, The God of Mischief, Jest, and Woe, is amused. ] [ The Goddess of Fate and Luck is annoyed. ] [ You are the cause and center of two gods fighting. ] Ethan Cross, a brilliant doctor in a futuristic Earth, was devastated when he realized that his entire life—and the life of the woman he loved—was nothing more than a source of amusement for a mischievous god. But when another god, the Goddess of Fate and Luck, intervened on his behalf, Ethan found himself at the center of a divine battle, gaining a dangerous but powerful gift. [ You’ve awakened the SSS-RANKED SKILL: Fate Breaker! ] [ You’ve awakened a system: The Supreme Fate Breaker System. ] For a fleeting moment, hope returned. Ethan was offered a chance to save Claire, the woman he couldn’t bear to lose. [ You’ve been granted God-Level Authority for three seconds. ] [ Do you wish to rewind Claire’s soul trajectory?] "Yes!" But fate had other plans. [ Bug detected. ] [ Message included with bug. ] [ “It’s from me, your favorite god—Loki, the God of Mischief.” ] [ 1-second system override has been taken by the God of Mischief. ] [ Your soul has been sent to an alternate universe. ] Now thrust into a world of magic and monsters, where gods toy with mortal lives, Ethan must adapt or perish.

From holding him in her arms to falling into his arms, Clair never expected to fall in love with Bradley Callahan, not after being a faithful wife and a loving mother for just a little over a half decade. But, after she saves him at the scene of an accident and feeling sparks she hadn’t felt in a long time, she knew she would be making a mistake she might live to regret. Clair’s first mistake was lying about her marital status and accepting a job that kept her so close the man who stirred up such deep feelings in her. But, that was one mistake too many. Things start to go bad for the love-struck Clair when she gets pregnant and her lies inadvertently catch up to her. Once again Clair seemingly finds solace and salvation in Brad’s loving arms, but will that be enough or will she have to face the consequences of her mistakes?

A woman seeking justice. A billionaire guarding his secrets. A past that refuses to stay buried. When Claire Hart walks into Damian Blackwood’s office, she’s ready for a fight. Armed with proof that his empire is tied to her father’s downfall, she demands the truth. But Damian is cold, calculating, and utterly unshaken by her accusations. He sees her as nothing more than a distraction—until she becomes something he can’t ignore. As the lines between enemies and lovers blur, Claire and Damian find themselves trapped in a web of lies, betrayal, and unexpected passion. With powerful forces working against them, their only hope lies in uncovering the truth before it destroys them both. In a world where trust is dangerous and love is deadly, how far will they go to win?

From broke outcast to billionaire overnight—Brentley Carter’s life takes a shocking turn when he inherits a fortune with one condition: marry Claire Harris. Thrust into a world of power, betrayal, and hidden truths, he must prove his worth while uncovering a legacy far greater than money. But when a buried secret threatens everything, Brentley faces the ultimate choice—fortune or love? Warning: No Cheat Systems or leveling up; this is a pure urban novel. This novel is a work of fiction, any resemblance to real life events or franchises is purely coincidental.

BLURB: Sena looses her parents at the ripe age of sixteen but before that she first looses her senses in an accident while trying to save a boy who later turns out to be lucian. Her brother jeremy does not blame her but her sister claire does. Later a girl comes into their good life and claims to be the frist love to lucian and lucian is once again enamored by her and sends sena away just for her. But this time, sena feels something, anger at the girl for taking her handsome brother away from her, and one other new feeling sprouts up; Jealousy. Now she is torn between following her feelings which she still didn't understand or waiting for the doom and destruction of lucian when he finally regains his senses that she thinks flew away from his grasp.

Lukas's life takes an unexpected turn when a stranger, Claire, moves into his home as an exchange student. Initially annoyed by her presence and their tense interactions, Lukas's attempts to maintain his usual routine are constantly interrupted by Claire's unpredictable behavior. Despite the friction between them, the pair develop a peculiar, grudging connection as they navigate awkward conversations, personal quirks, and unexpected situations together. As Lukas struggles with his growing irritation and Claire's boldness, a deeper understanding begins to form, though neither fully acknowledges the subtle shift in their relationship. Tension, humor, and frustration intertwine in their unusual cohabitation.

Claire Reed thought she married the man of her dreams, Evander Kensington, but she had no idea that their marriage was built on a lie; a family vow that trapped him by her side. His heart, however, belonged to another woman, his white lotus. No matter how hard Claire tried to win Evander’s love, he only grew colder, and his family treated her like she didn’t exist. When she lost their unborn child, Claire’s world shattered. She wanted to see Evander, but he didn't bother to check on her. Instead, he went to meet that white lotus. Unable to bear the betrayal, she decided to free Evander from this marriage, leaving behind a letter and divorce papers, claiming she now had someone else she loved! ~~~~ "You’re mine, and I’ll never let you go!” he declared, his voice dark with possessiveness. “But I don’t want you anymore! You can have Susan—I’m now in love with someone else!” Claire shot back, her words sharp and final. "You can't be with anyone. Do you even know how sleepless nights I've without you?" Evander's hold on her tightened. "I'll see how you become some else when I'll claim you," he pronounced before crashing his lips on her.

After dying from a terminal illness in his past life, Xavier "X" Leclair is reincarnated into the fantasy world of Revolutionary Academy, a prestigious school where nobles and commoners clash, and powerful magic users shape the fate of the kingdom. He’s not the protagonist. He’s not the villain. He’s the chaotic, overpowered antihero caught in the middle. As the childhood friend of Rae Taylor, the reincarnated heroine, and Claire François, the haughty noble villainess, Xavier should be a side character. But his rebellious nature, absurd magic, and ridiculous fighting skills pull him straight into the center of everything. With the world’s strongest nobles, corrupt church officials, and powerful warriors coming after him, Xavier has two problems: He has no interest in being a hero or saving the world. Both the villainess and the heroine are falling for him… HARD. With his carefree attitude, overwhelming strength, and a talent for bending fate itself, Xavier is ready to turn this world upside down—whether anyone likes it or not. *DISCLAIMER: This is set in the world of “I’m In Love With The Villainess”, the anime/manga/novel.* Contact Info: Instagram: @bosschampion1 Email: simonkemarion1@gmail.com Discord: bosschampiontha1 Twitter/X: youngbosstha1

The Springey Town is a gripping tale of mystery, magic, and self-discovery, where every twist leads deeper into the unknown and every revelation changes the game. Perfect for fans of atmospheric fantasy and character-driven stories, this novel will pull you into a world where destiny isn't chosen-it's found. When Amber meets Claire then stumbles upon a mysterious attractive man named Van and the unexpected charming guy called Kyle, who seems more myth than mortal, her quiet life takes an extraordinary turn.

"A chance meeting with a mysterious stranger, Claire, turns Dimitris ordinary life into an extraordinary journey. Who is she, and what secrets does she hold?"

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

In the mysterious town of Raven's Peak, Asher Nightshade, a brooding and secretive werewolf, lives a solitary life. His world is turned upside down when Ember Wellesley, a free-spirited artist, arrives in town. Despite the danger, they're drawn to each other, and their forbidden love blossoms under the light of the full moon. As their relationship deepens, Asher's werewolf pack and a rogue pack led by the vengeful Julian St. Clair threaten to tear them apart. Ember must confront her own dark past and the secrets surrounding Asher's world. With the full moon rising, Asher must choose between his love for Ember and his loyalty to his pack. This paranormal romance novel is a tale of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the supernatural, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Raven's Peak.

[ Loki, The God of Mischief, Jest, and Woe, is amused. ] [ The Goddess of Fate and Luck is annoyed. ] [ You are the cause and center of two gods fighting. ] Ethan Cross, a brilliant doctor in a futuristic Earth, was devastated when he realized that his entire life—and the life of the woman he loved—was nothing more than a source of amusement for a mischievous god. But when another god, the Goddess of Fate and Luck, intervened on his behalf, Ethan found himself at the center of a divine battle, gaining a dangerous but powerful gift. [ You’ve awakened the SSS-RANKED SKILL: Fate Breaker! ] [ You’ve awakened a system: The Supreme Fate Breaker System. ] For a fleeting moment, hope returned. Ethan was offered a chance to save Claire, the woman he couldn’t bear to lose. [ You’ve been granted God-Level Authority for three seconds. ] [ Do you wish to rewind Claire’s soul trajectory?] "Yes!" But fate had other plans. [ Bug detected. ] [ Message included with bug. ] [ “It’s from me, your favorite god—Loki, the God of Mischief.” ] [ 1-second system override has been taken by the God of Mischief. ] [ Your soul has been sent to an alternate universe. ] Now thrust into a world of magic and monsters, where gods toy with mortal lives, Ethan must adapt or perish.

In the small, picturesque town of Everwood, where secrets linger beneath the moonlit forest, Claire, a spirited bookstore owner, finds herself drawn to the enigmatic newcomer, Ethan. Unbeknownst to Claire, Ethan harbours a dark secret—he's a werewolf, cursed to transform under the full moon. As their paths intertwine, Claire discovers Ethan's true nature, but instead of recoiling in fear, she's intrigued. Despite the dangers lurking in the shadows, their connection deepens, igniting a passionate romance. But their love is tested when a rogue pack threatens the town, and Ethan is torn between his loyalty to his pack and his desire to protect Claire. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, Claire must decide if she's willing to risk it all for love, even if it means embracing the supernatural world and facing the dangers that come with it. With the fate of Everwood hanging in the balance, Claire and Ethan must fight against all odds to protect their love and their home, guided by the light of the moon and the strength of their hearts.

|13X FEATURED · 2024 NANO WATT/ONC 2024 LONGLIST · AMBASSADORS' PICK| Two years after her older brother's tragic death, anxiety-stricken Maisie and her emotional support cat, Milo, attend the Disney College Program, where they must discover a new life meaning in the most magical place on Earth. *** The death changed everything. Milo, an orange tabby, has always wanted a little sibling, but after the tragic loss of his owner's older brother, adoption was put on hold, and he became her Emotional Support Animal. Now, two years later, Maisie's determined to grant Milo's long-overdue wish; however, she's still grieving and overthrown with anxiety, leaving Milo to tag along with her for the famed Disney College Program. Nevertheless, when heartbreak catches him, too, Milo must push past his grief to save himself and his wish. Maisie Claire is ready to move on but not prepared to leave her family after two years for the DCP. She would've never accepted that offer letter if it hadn't been for her parents helping her get an ESA. Now trapped in an unfamiliar world, Maisie must find a new life meaning while still keeping her brother's memory alive. It starts with discovering the courage to befriend her mysterious suitemate and thanking Milo for everything he's done. After all, sometimes moving on just takes a little bit of courage. *** *Prompt Used: #24-"A desperate wish, made from the heart, is always answered. Sooner or later.* *Based on a true story.* *Contains a subtle, LGBTQ+ subplot because of Disney's Inclusion Key, but it's not the main focus. However, please be respectful.*