Nodding Traduzione

In a world of wealth and deceit, Zephyrine Cloutier seeks vengeance against those who destroyed her. Reincarnated two years before her tragic death, she's determined to reclaim her rightful position. But fate entwines her with Kendrick Desjardins, a brilliant entrepreneur hiding secrets of his own. Their marriage sparks a dangerous game of power, loyalty, and passion. As Zephyrine navigates ruthless business rivals, she must confront her own darkness. Will her thirst for revenge consume her, or will love redeem her? Excerpt “Don't you know how to knock? I am a lady,” Zephyrine taunted since he no longer saw her as his wife. He should endure the pain and embarrassment of barging into a lady's room. Kendrick nodded as if she wasn't talking to her, “I'll be off. Get ready if you don't want to be left alone.” He turned around and left. Zephyrine clicked her tongue, at least he was better than some men who would abandon their wives to be with their mistress. Huh? Zephyrine widened her eyes as a thought dawned on her. The word mistress actually rings a bell to her ear. Alexandra was her only competitor. Is Kendrick planning on cheating on her with Charlotte in this house? At the big entrance gate was a name engraved, Paradisio Elite. Zephyrine's expression changed, the car was not stopped by the gatekeepers at the gate. With a light push, the door opened wide enough for them to enter. Zephyrine was sure that by the end of the day, she would have to go to the hospital to get glasses. No word was enough to compliment the house. Her heart warmed up when she thought of how much he must have spent on the design. She bit her lip and held Kendrick's hand, “I..” “Welcome home!” The sound of popping balloons stopped Zephyrine from saying what she had been trying to control. Zephyrine looked in the direction and her expression turned awful. Her impression of Kendrick turned bad and to be honest, she was like what the heck! Alexandra?

“Master, Xingchen Zi said his master refined a treasure—a huge boat that flies in Heaven—and only his master knows how to do it. Is that true?” “It's true.” Cao Zhen glanced at the super-large flying peak beneath his feet and nodded. “Master, have you heard? The Jiao dragon on Azure Dragon Peak seems to have the potential to become a Golden Dragon!” "Just scoop up an Azure Dragon from our family's Fengshui pond and play with it. Don't interrupt me while I'm cooking." “Master, I've heard that...” “No matter what you've heard, go to my room and look around, everything... ah, wait a moment, let your senior sister come out first.”

Hang out with Senior Sister, commit sins twice a day. Book transmigration female lead VS reborn antagonist male lead 1v1 pure love * After the antagonist Demon Lord Yuezheng Yan reborn, he planned to follow the trajectory of his past life, to bloodily cleanse the hypocritical Master at Cloud Nine Peak and exterminate his malevolent original family. But on the first day of joining the sect, he was hoodwinked by a Senior Sister he had not met in his previous life and ended up at Xiaoyao Peak. The Senior Sister said, “Join Xiaoyao, and I'll have your back, Junior Brother. All you need to do is be happy.” Yuezheng Yan nodded and believed her... evil intentions! 3 two-hour periods after joining Xiaoyao, he was buried alive by Lu Xingyan's alchemical explosion that destroyed his Immortal's Cave. 4 two-hour periods after joining Xiaoyao, he was turned into a snowman and had his hair scorched by Lu Xingyan. 12 two-hour periods after joining Xiaoyao, he was brainwashed by Lu Xingyan and even did odd jobs for her. Whenever he protested, Lu Xingyan would look at him gently, “Senior Sister is doing this for your own good.” Yuezheng Yan scoffed at this. Nice try, Lu Xingyan. Do you think I can't hear your mind? Your mouth says you love me, but your heart and that Old Sixth System scheme every day to stab me to death. You escape first when the auction house explodes. You don’t care when your Junior Brother is struck by lightning. You don't even bother to pull me out when I fall into the water. Claiming you're tired and need to rest, yet you go off to enact a tearful reunion with the original female lead, your White Moonlight, displaying your deep affection! You're having a great time. Leaving me squatting on the ground, digging Poisonous Mushrooms for you until my hand cramps. Once I return to the Magic Realm, I'll send you to cultivate Magic Lotus! Yuezheng Yan sullenly returned to the Magic Realm. Until one day, he overheard a conversation between Lu Xingyan and the Old Sixth System. Old Sixth: Host, the Little Antagonist has betrayed Xiaoyao Peak and run off to the Magic Realm. We’ll replace him with a more obedient Little Antagonist for you~ Yuezheng Yan: Old Sixth, shut up! Senior Sister, don't replace me. I'm rolling back right now.

Ye Muyu, an elite of a modern company, got married and had children directly after transmigrating. She became a talented scholar and the mother of two children, and she also found out that she had a husband who hated her very much. Not only that but there was also a reincarnated female supporting character, Tang Rou, who coveted her position. "Your position is mine, and I will be his rightful wife," Tang Rou uttered. Ye Muyu looked at the man in front of her who had a solemn expression on his face. She nodded calmly. "Sure." The man instantly became defensive. "You're my wife. Don't even think about leaving me behind. Other people will have to get lost." Her son wrapped his arms around her thigh. "Go away. My mother is a good person. If you bully her, I'll bite you to death." Her daughter grabbed her arm. "You're a bad person. My mother is the best in the world. If you say anything bad about her, I'll report you to the police." Tang Rou looked at the Ye family, who all seemed happy and content, and she secretly clenched her jaws. "This shouldn't have happened. Everything's changed!"

Feng Xuxu, a 21st-century professor of agriculture and biology, was in secret the mastermind behind a five-star hotel. Running back and forth between the university and the hotel, it's no wonder she worked herself sick. One moment she closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she found herself in the body of a poor village girl who had just lost her mother and then her father. Fortunately, time-travel came with a perk, the almighty space ability. After toying with some seeds, she grew thousands of acres of high-yield grains and spent her leisure time cultivating flowers. Before she knew it, she had created a landscape of thousands of acres of flowers. Munching on fruit, she ended up with thousands of acres of orchards. When she craved some greens in the wintertime, she turned around to discover greenhouses covering thousands of acres. Feng Xuxu counted on her fingers: Spring Garden, Summer Garden, Autumn Garden, Winter Garden—not one more, not one less, four in total. She nodded in satisfaction and said, “This is all one needs in life.” Meanwhile, a certain devilishly charming man approached her with a sly smile, “Little Xuxu, how do you plan to deal with me?” Feng Xuxu was in disarray amidst the wind, realizing she had forgotten about one demon yet to be tamed. In this story, both male and female leads are strong, with the male lead being physically and mentally pure and devoted.

——— Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. My body stiffened as a palace guard called for me from the other side, but I ignored it. Mei, on the other hand, began pushing me away in a panic. "Cheng, let go," she said, struggling in my arms. "Can't you hear him? What if he comes in and sees us like this?" "I don't care," I replied, my lips brushing her ear. "Tell me you forgive me, that's all I need. I won't let go until you do." I knew I was taking a risk, a huge one, if we were seen like this, there would be consequences. But losing Mei would be the bigger risk, the one I couldn't take. I couldn't let her slip away. "I just need to hear you forgive me, mei. That's all I need right now." The guard knocked again, calling my name, and Mei struggled harder. "Cheng, please," she said, her voice cracking under the strain. But I didn't budge. Finally she muttered, "Fine. I forgive you." "I forgive you, you crazy jerk." "You really mean that?" I asked, my voice barely audible. She nodded, exasperated, and only then did I release her. Just as I did, the door swung open, and I barely had time to step back before the palace guard entered, the guard rushed in, his face pale with worry. It was a close call. too close, but I didn't care. Mei flinched at the intrusion, but quickly composed herself, stepping away from me to a more respectable distance. The guard, wide-eyed and clearly flustered, fell to his knees in a bow. "My deepest apologies, Your Highness. I called for you several times but received no reply. I entered out of concern, fearing the worst." I glanced at Mei, but she wouldn't meet my eyes. She simply gave the guard one last look and walked out, leaving the room without a word. I let out a long, exhausted sigh, running a hand through my hair, still reeling from everything that had just happened. Turning back to the guard, I motioned for him to stand. "Get up" "And next time, don't enter my room without permission." ———— Desperate for an heir, the Emperor strikes a dangerous deal with Lokiàn Shén, a 100,000 year old demon. The pact brings him Prince Cheng but also a terrible curse—a shadow that threatens Cheng’s life and the stability of the empire. As the Emperor's health wanes, political vultures circle, and the court is filled with doubts on Cheng's future on the throne. Meiying, a fearless warrior, returns home after years of secret training in the martial world only to find her home in ruins and her family vanished. With a desire for vengeance, unknowingly saves the prince during a deadly ambush. Their destinies collide, and she discovers her own powerful secret; a rare ability to manipulate one's life force, once wielded by protectors of the throne. But her newfound powers are unpredictable, and Cheng’s curse only deepens the chaos surrounding them. As political conspiracies rise and dark forces awaken, Cheng and Meiying must forge an unlikely alliance to save the empire. Can Cheng overcome his curse to claim his destiny? Will Meiying’s quest for vengeance tear them apart—or lead to salvation? Author’s Note (Rong King) This story is a work of fiction, entirely created from my imagination. Any resemblance to real people, events, or places is purely coincidental. I have made every effort to craft a compelling narrative, but I acknowledge that some scenes or details may be inaccurate or unintentionally offensive. For this, I sincerely apologize. My intention is to entertain and inspire, not to harm or misrepresent. Thank you for your understanding.

In the world of legends in the milky way where players reign supreme. The virtual battle grounds were set for an epic showdown. The spectators watched intensely as players prepared to face off their opponents. The air was electric with anticipation; this was more than just a mere match it was a battle for glory. And as the match started the atmosphere became tensed and the cheers and trash talk grew deafening. Xiao Yue gazed at her teammates with a burning desire for victory as they all nod. The teammates split up in different lanes as each one of them met their opponents and the battle begun. The air was filled with tension as the players unleashed their skills and abilities. Sounds of digital explosions and laser blasts could be heard. In this moment, the spectators held its breath as the match reached its climax. Would the star team achieve glory or would it be the other way round?

Hello! My name is Aman Vasuki. I belong to the Royal Family of Vasuki Clan which is the Clan of Shapeshifting Serpents. Currently, I am working as a caretaker of a human boy named Mei Wei. Why? Because I am going to kill his father…. Aman's life was like a dream. He belonged to the Royal Family of a Clan of Shapeshifting Serpents. He had a loving family, supportive friends and riches of the world. All in all, he lived a dream like life. But one day this dream got shattered… On the night of blood moon, when he was stripped off his powers, four humans ruined him. They took what was most precious to him…. But, now he is back to get his revenge on the very people that snatched his world from him. But why does Mei Wang's son always give him a look which is filled with love? And why does his heart suddenly start feeling calm when he is close to Mei Wei? Excerpt: The cold wind was blowing with a swoosh sound. The area was dead silent despite four people being there and a fifth pair of eyes looking at them. Aman's upper human body was glistening with a little sweat, Meanwhile his lower body was turned into a fiery red snake's. The golden pattern on it shining under the moonlight. In this snake tail, he was holding a trembling human. He was trembling with fear of death. Aman brought him closer and looked at him closely. He turned back, his long red hair blowing with the wind, suddenly he laughed out loud but this laugh was not heartily but bone chilling, "I am so happy to see the fear of death in your eyes, SAGE SAETANG!" He laughed again, "I think this look of fear suits all three of you. You know, when I killed your friend Melvin he was even crying and even begging me to spare him. Unfortunately, death is inevitable. Is it not?" Aman asked Sage, as he brought him closer and rubbed his hair with his hand like a child. He was smiling but his eyes were filled with killing intent. The rub resulted in Sage's scalp becoming numb, he furiously nodded, "of course his pathetic twin brother did not fare any better. I did not get the feeling of originality, you know." Aman pouted, showing his dissatisfaction, "wailing and gaping like a fish out of water. He even offered me that he would give all of his properties to me? But what use could I have of that. This look of fear provides me with much satisfaction than any riches in the world." "And now, now the same look is in your eyes. I bet you can see death standing somewhere. But why are you not pleading? At least cry a little," Aman told Sage whose mouth was still sealed. Cold flashes in his eyes and he started tightening the coiling of his tail around Sage's body, "forget it. Do as you please. After all it's your own death. But don't blame me if Mei Wang cries louder and surpasses you when I kill him." He showed a smile that made Sage's stomach flip, "I can't wait anymore to kill-" "AMAN!!" The shout was loud enough but Aman could even feel the emotions hidden in it, shock, betrayal, disbelief and extreme hurt. His whole demeanour fell on the ground, he also changed back into a complete human. Sage also fell on the hard ground with him. Aman looked up and there he was. Standing in front of him was Mei Wei…. **** How would Mei Wei react? And will their relationship survive this? What did those four people do to destroy Aman's life? Why does he want to take revenge? Is it possible for 4 mere humans to ruin a supernatural being? Or someone entirely unexpected is the mastermind behind? Join me to witness Aman's Tale of Revenge and find out all the answers to all of your questions.... Warning:- This story contains mature scenes; explicit violence, death, rape, male pregnancy and torture. If you are not comfortable or you are underage please stay away. **Although in every mature themed chapter there is a warning and a minor friendly summary available. *the cover photo credit goes to @unlomio on twitter. Thanks @ImagineTishaD for helping me.*

Miles Bennett, a 19-year-old pizza delivery boy, happened to deliver a custom-made love pizza on Valentine's Day to a regal home. Little did he know, his girlfriend Hanna would open the door with an elderly man gripping her waist lovingly. "You are such worthless trash, Miles!" Heartbroken, a screen flashed before this young man. [You are now the host of the 10x Modern Money System] [Starting with $10,000,000,000] [10× multiplier on income] [10× rebate on expenses] [Ding!] [First Mission Assigned!] [Details: Your heartless, wicked boss is on the brink of bankruptcy] [Action: Face-slap your boss, buy, and grow his pizza company to surpass McDonald's] [Reward: $10,000 and a 12-hour limited 30× rebate on expenses.] Miles clenched his fist and nodded with determination. "All who have looked down on me will pay!"

Hao Ren was born in another world and has lived for over twenty-two years being nothing but a definition of the word, average. After a high school reunion, the young man sat down on the beach shore, and mumbled to the sky, "God of Novels, you are unfair. I spent forty years of my life doing nothing but reading books and stories written by others. I worked hard to manifest this rebirth, and yet you did not bless me with anything. Why?" A voice echoed in his mind, "Host, you have the Omnipotent Husband System." Hao Ren scoffed and scolded the system, "What is the use of having you when you are not even active? Are you shitting with me, you bastard?!" The system replied, "Host the condition for activating the system is to get married." Hao Ren could not handle it anymore and cried out loud as he complained about this condition. He was not good-looking, and neither was he wealthy, who was going to marry him? Tired, he spent the on the beach. When he was returning home, he passed by the marriage registering center. He sighed for his fate but suddenly, a beautiful lady asked him, "Hey, do you have any identity card on you?" Hao Ren nodded in a daze, and the lady dragged him inside the office. The young man was yet to register what happened to him when an automated voice sounded, "Host, congratulations on getting married. Omnipotent Husband System is now activated." ... Years later, Hao Ren became an entity many people wished to meet. However, Hao Ren never stayed outside, to everything he had one reply, "I have to go home and cook for my wife." Would you like to know his journey from an average to an over-achieving person standing at the apex of power and prestige? ... Author's Note: If you guys wish to discuss the book with your co-readers, or have suggestions for me on how to improve the story, you can reach me out on discord. Discord: chasing_dream06

In a world where everyone is a slave, someone is born who cannot be controlled. At the same time, an unstoppable villain rises on a quest for revenge. But the truth is darker than he ever imagined, and now he must face an unbeatable enemy — including himself. *** Bruno was a young man born on Earth, the son of an influential modern Emperor. Despite having everything money could buy and receiving the best and most rigorous training to succeed his father, he chose the opposite path, defying his family’s ruthless rule. The price of his innocence? A merciless death and the complete erasure of his existence by the deity controlling his fate. On Earth, the law of the powerful was absolute; a slave could never rebel. But then, he wakes up again. He’s reborn in a world of cultivation, where freedom was promised to those strong enough to claim it. Now, he could soar like a free bird and carve his own destiny... or so he thought. The harsh reality of this new world soon showed him how insignificant he still was. He realized he had only changed masters. The freedom he sought was an illusion. The heavenly laws treated everyone as servants, and their rules were unbreakable. Bruno learned this bitter truth after losing everything that made him happy due to an unjust rule. But who was he to question? Hopeless, Bruno died... and was reborn as Alm, an unstoppable villain. With a soul poisoned by pain and vengeance, he sowed chaos across the universe. Planets were destroyed, countless lives taken, and his name became synonymous with terror. A hero rose to oppose him, wielding a sacred sword of hope. People from all corners of the universe united against Alm, raising their voices and weapons to stop the villain who defied the heavens. But Alm was no longer just fighting for revenge. He was challenging the heavenly laws that sought to control him, fighting fate and all living beings. And against all odds... the sacred sword shattered. The alliance of the entire universe was defeated. The villain won! Now, Alm found himself alone in the empty void of a dead universe, facing his own inner demons. Who could be more ruthless to him than himself? “What have I done?” At that moment, the doors of truth opened to him. Everyone was a puppet of a supreme figure, an entity that manipulated minds and even the heavenly laws. “I will find you, no matter where you are!” Thus, the last emissary of the true Heaven’s Will awakened. Alm, who once only relied on his sheer will and rage, now had a system to guide him. But his opponent was an immortal existence, above even the heavens. The villain who destroyed an entire universe now faced a new beginning. He discovered that the universe he devastated was just a tiny grain of sand in an infinite cosmos, where countless other universes existed. And so begins the legendary tale of the villain’s rise... and the Sacred Round God? A strange Duality of Shadows existed within one person. But this time, he wouldn’t be alone. *** To clear up any potential confusion or frustration, here are some key points about the story. I’ll avoid major spoilers, but a few things will be revealed. You might find this concerning at first, but just check the book cover—it shows the main character and his only partner. She first appears at 10 years old, but rest assured, there’s no inappropriate content or early romance. At around 13, SHE starts developing feelings for the protagonist, but he doesn’t respond until she’s an adult. With her determined personality, she tries to seduce him at 17/18, but it doesn’t work. Their relationship only happens much later. The book has nods to other works, with my own spin on them, and focuses on avoiding elements I find problematic in other stories. Lastly, the beautiful book cover was commissioned and created by HDIArt.

"From now on, you can stay in this room and live the rest of your life here for all I care," were the words that condemned Li Na to a lifetime of isolation and despair at the hands of her own family. Betrayed by her sister, Li Jing, who injected her with a lethal dose of poison, Li Na's world faded into darkness, filled with a deep sense of sadness and betrayal. But fate had a different plan for Li Na. Instead of the expected descent into the afterlife, she found herself transported to a new existence, her younger self staring back at her from the mirror. Overwhelmed by this inexplicable rebirth, tears welled in her eyes as she made a solemn vow to herself: to seek justice and make her family pay for the pain they had inflicted upon her. As Li Na battles with the struggles of her past, a new surprise awaits. … With their faces just an inch apart, he softly asked her, "Do you trust me?" tracing her lips with one finger, lightly.  With a quivering smile, she nodded and whispered, "Yes, I trust you." To her Tang Zheng was the light sent by the heavens to shed her tears away. As Li Na embraces this new chapter of her life, a veil of mystery envelopes her path. The shadows whisper, and destiny's secrets slowly unveil, shaping Li Na's fate in ways she never imagined. Note: Daily Updates

"Did he touch you?," he asked as his blood red eyes looked intensely into her purple ones. "Y-yes, b-but it w-was unintentional," she said nervously. "Still defending him, are we, huh? Intentional or unintentional, I don't want anyone touching what's mine, do you understand?," he whispered the last sentence in her ears, while running his thumb on her lips. She nodded, looking into his eyes that had become a shade darker. "Words.....snow," he said pressing her against the closet behind her, before leaning in towards her, "I need words." "Y-yes, I-i understand." "Good," he said, before leaning in completely and capturing her lips with his in an intense kiss. ********* Hazel Snow had never thought she would fall in love with the devilishly beautiful senior, during her first year at the University. She had just lost both her parents in an unfortunate accident and had moved to stay with her only relative. Not wanting to be a burden to her Aunt, her dad's younger sister, she accepted the admission letter from the best University in the country. She had decided to stay away from people, but her resolve only started to crumble after her very first encounter with the beautiful senior who was able to make her turn red. Ian knew that his black heart had been stolen by the little human with the glasses, who was able to make his dead heart come to life. Ian, who was not able to love, found himself craving the love and attention of the little human with the glasses. She was not only able to make his dead heart skip beats, she is also able to bring out his darkest side. She fell first, but he fell harder. She was his light, but he was her darkness.

The imperial city was bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn. The air was crisp, filled with the sweet scent of blooming cherry blossoms. But amidst the peaceful atmosphere, a sense of unease settled over the palace. In the heart of the imperial residence, Zoe stood before an ornate mirror, her eyes fixed on the reflection staring back at her. She was the emperor's trophy wife – a woman chosen for her beauty, her grace, and her ability to produce an heir. As she gazed at her reflection, Zoe's thoughts drifted back to the night she was chosen by the former emperor for the future king due to the deal her foster father made with the outgoing king.She is just a college girl full of hope and dreams with broken past, Her already messed up life is about to taken on apart that it has no means of sailing.But for now, she would have to play the role assigned to her. She would have to smile, to nod, and to obey. For in the world of the imperial court, one misstep could mean disaster – not just for herself, but for those she loved. Benito Fernandez is Italian youngest and most popular playboy for his carefree attitude and ever alluring charm. Girls would give themselves up just to see him flash a smile at them but they are just a tool for passing off time no feelings attached. His father comeback into his life is giving his life a big blow as a mere playboy turns to a king and an harlot's child becomes his most important treasure. * What was the transaction between her foster dad and the king? * How will she cope with her new life reality?

They say Love is blind, but no one is ever truly blind in love. We see everything; we just choose to ignore them because we're scared to move on or start afresh. Twenty-eight years old, Emma Winters has her dreams clearly defined. To have a loving family, a beautiful home, and a stable, fulfilling life. Not only do those dreams come crumbling down when her husband hands her divorce papers just when she tells him she's pregnant, but her pride and dignity are questioned when Jake announces that Emma was unfaithful to him. Emma loses hope in everything she believes in. However, hope comes to her when the enigmatic billionaire Alexander Sterling offers her a way out: A contract marriage to him. Will Emma accept this way out of her predicament even when this savior is none other than her ex-husband's uncle? What happens when she accepts the contract and is only chased back by her ex? Will she return to her once lover, or will she accept her growing feelings for her contract husband? Find out as we unravel Emma's story together! *****Excerpt******** “Why would you help when I was put in this mess by my own husband?” Emma cut in, now crying. “Because your husband is my nephew, and not only do I want to salvage the situation my nephew put you in, I want to escape his plot,” Alex said, and Emma’s heart stopped for a moment, a cold chill running down her spine as she replayed the words in her head. Nephew? His nephew? Jake was this man's... Alex's nephew? She mused, and then the realization of what that meant dawned on her like a crashing wave, knocking the breath from her lungs. Her eyes widened as she stared at him, the shock evident on her face. “Your nephew? You’re Alex Sterling, Jake's uncle?” she asked, unable to believe it herself. Alex nodded, his expression unchanged. “Yes. I'm his uncle,” Alex confirmed, and Emma shook her head.

This is the tale of an average nobody, who after his death got transmigrated in a new world. The memories of his average life flashed before his eyes, as he found nothing that was noteworthy about him. So in this new world should he try to change that, should he wish to be supreme, rise to the peak or to rule the heavens, but he's too lazy for that. "And how come all the names are so familiar. Don't tell me, am I in that novel?" Soon after waking up he realised this world was based upon the very first novel he read years ago. At first he felt happy that finally something unexpected happened in his life. But that happiness was short lived as he remembered the plot of the book and the crisis that was coming for the world. If that wasn't enough he was living in the body of Rio Raven Blake - avatar of Nyx. Known by his other names like The last dark spawn, The first fallen or The infamous Devil. In a world brimming with dungeons, towers, Gods, Demons, monsters and magic - our MC finds himself trapped in the body of the last villain. "I don't care about the novel plot, I'll just ignore it, and live my life peacefully." At least that was his plan, until he heard a voice in his head , that he's been waiting for all this time. [DING] [TING] [TIDING] [DID YOU MISS ME??? ] 'The great villain system, what a funny name.' You can earn points by ruining the plotlines, and can get whatever you want. Let me see, I'm a master at messing things up. [What, someone is going to do a prophecy that I will become the villain after growing up - kill him while he's still a kid.] [what, this potion was made for the protagonist and the alchemist heroine - I'll take it with me.] [ohh you're the one who saves the protagonist when he was about to die - go to prison, you traitor.] [wait, you have a sister. but she is sick and needs help - here take this potion and work for me.] Got a money making slave for life. [What, my parents are fixing my engagement with the princess, who's also a main heroine, but will betray me later and help everyone kill me - Humph...just you wait...] Once the plot started many years later, at the academy entrance exam. Protagonist was shining brightly, breaking all records, taking first rank, but no one was talking about him. As the news came out that the genius of humanity Rio Blake, will be joining the academy too. Not only mortals, even Gods and Demons were surprised at this sudden development too. {Nyx nods at her believers achievements} {Odin says you've grown a lot} {Gauri/Kali challenges you to fight her believer} {Jesus prays for your souls redemption} {Anubis awaits your enemies doom} {Lucifer writes down your lines, as you take on the Devil persona} The protagonist just stared at the guy who took all the limelight from him, but his surprise turned to shock, when his sister ran and hugged the man, while crying her eyes out, saying she missed him and she was sorry. "What is happening? Who is he? {Apollo curses...} ## -- A/N - 1) NO HAREM. (I believe in soulmate love 2) MC doesn't care about right, wrong, good, evil - as long as he gets what he want, he'll do it. 3) He hates the so called righteous hypocrites, so don't think he'll be friends with protagonist. 4) MC is serious when it comes to relationships, so don't expect any kind of pokemon collection harem. 5) MC hates the plot, so he'll ruin it. Do not expect him to follow it or him trying to keep it same as written. 6) I don't like hiding my strength tropes, so not happening. He will be OP, and a badass. ## -- Join my discord for character arts and discussions https://discord.gg/zFTJsYP7kM DevilDarkness#0506

Julie Thompson just moved into the suburban town to live with her aunt's family and hopes to not have or make any friends at all because she disliked people but maybe liking just one won't hurt. She falls for Uche, her cousin brother's best friend, without even knowing. Follow Julie through her first attempt at love. ... I watched him as he stood there, leaning on the bridge's railing and eating ice cream. The breeze wasn't disturbing his hair today because he had parked it all backwards, he looked cute, I smiled drawing in some breath, satisfied with how today was going. "What?" I heard him ask taking me off my thoughts. "Huh?" "You were smiling." "Oh. I was...." "Can I kiss you?" He asked looking at my lips. "Here?" I asked now, my heart beating hard against my chest, our first kiss could happen now. "Yeah?" He nodded, I could see his Adam's apple go up and down as he swallowed, I bit my lips, nervously. I smiled approvingly, almost getting up from the bench where I sat. "No sit." He said coming closer to sit next to me. The bench was quite small so we were so close to each other. He leaned in and I could smell him more the closer he got to my face. His lips were now inches away from mine and the moment they touched I closed my eyes, I didn't know why but I did. He didn't put his tongue in my mouth, it was as simple as it could get, just a warm kiss and I as glad he didn't. When he lips left mine, I opened my eyes licking my lips. He was smiling, I hadn't yet told him how much I loved his smile. "You lied." I told him. "About what?" He stopped smiling. "You said you were a bad kisser." He laughed now with his teeth showing, those beautiful set. Read more... #genka3na

"Please... give me a baby." His eyes cut like sharp blades: "Even if it's with your husband's own brother?" I nod, trembling. To save my dying husband, I would cross any line. What started as a deal spun out of control in the darkness. "Look at me," he grips my chin. "What are you craving?" I shake my head, biting my lip as tears fall. "You want this..." his lips brush mine, "you want me." ———— The story will contain NSFW contents and slight BDSM. The ratio between NSFW vs. story development is around 4:6. The whole story shall be around 200 chapters. I will mark the explicit chapters with [E] before the title, so you will know (whether you want to skip or read, hehe.) Also, this will be my first book on Webnovel, thanks for your support! * I don't own the cover, I found it on pinterest.

"I know where your little sister is. She's still alive." The blue-eyed man casually said. Hearing this, Sorn felt his anger rise, clenching his fists to restrain himself from hitting the man, who seemed relentless in maintaining his annoying smile. "What are you trying to get from me, to admit something unbelievable? Selena is dead! I witnessed her death with my own eyes!" ... Hoping to believe the man's words, even though they sounded like nonsense, something that tugged on his vulnerability, Sorn agreed to join the nameless independent survival group led by a strange man. Ralf, a mysterious man immune to the zombie virus, someone with unique abilities that sometimes made Sorn think he was not human. The more he interacted with the man, the more confusing things became for Sorn. He was reluctant to admit that being friends with him wasn't entirely unpleasant. Eventually, when Ralf revealed his past, Sorn became more convinced that meeting his sister was a goal worth pursuing. Even so, he couldn't truly believe that his sister was still alive, as Ralf claimed. The memory of watching her get eaten by a horde of zombies was still fresh in his mind. "I promise I'll bring your sister back. Before your birthday next year comes, you'll see her right in front of you. Will you trust me?" Sorn's chest felt warm and oddly fluttery, he simply nodded, trusting the man in silence—though it was very difficult to say so verbally.

This story is about the Alexander's siblings. Dwayne Alexander's POV Can you just give us another chance please " I pleaded no!' you don't love me enough " she sobs kerry , I do love you " I said in a trembling voice ,how can she thinks I don't. no!' you don't as everytime something comes up you always give up on us " kerry sobs it's true, I hate to admit, I did give up everytime but I wanna make it work now. and I do anything to make her forgive me ... ______ As the night falls and the rain begins to fall Just like the first time they met, in Kim's heart it was romantic. But in her mind it was tragic as whatever falls gets broken. A young man who is in his early twenties and a young lady who is in her teens , stood face to face in the rain looking at each other silently–suddenly, someone broke the silence Yang, i have nothing to say to you .. goodnight and goodbye, " said the young lady in a tired and hurt voice as she called the guy by the nickname she gave him before she even knew his real name, Then she walked away ,but the young man held her hands and pulled her back and said while looking at her eyes . No, we are not done talking, and you're not allowed to walk away without answering me !! , " He said, then add . And I'll ask you again ?”..Why did you go when I asked you to stay ?” .Why do you always run away from me ?” What is wrong, Kim ?”, " the young man asks, annoyed She young lady look look at him with a pain expression on her face even tho her lips had a smile on it and even tho the rain was falling on could still see her eyes were looking as if it would soon begin to flow like the rain She then said with a smirked Do you really not know?” ,Did you ever not know ?? the young man nodded his head The young lady finally had enough as it had been 8 months and decided to confess. Yang , I love you, ever since i first saw you and i can't–do this anymore I have been doing it long before..hoping you would be mine one day, but it never works out Pretending to be your friend it's not easy but I try and I try to forget my feelings and live with you but I guess maybe I should have learned to live without you.” She said then sighed inwardly knowing that it was a bad idea to tell him I did live without you for those few months but then there you go again .. you made things a lot harder when you came back and we became friends and now you're going again Yang, I had enough. You can't keep going and coming out of my life like that. The young man was shocked by the sudden confessions and said nothing like he was in another world . Kimanda looked at him for a while , and when he didn't say anything, she asked , " Can i atless kiss you ?? , without waiting for his reply, she walk up to him with all the courage she had and their lips met It was so sudden that even before Yang could come out of his shock ,then comes another one Kimanda suck and nibbled his lower lips as she had always wanted too as she knew this might be the first and the last time she ever got the chance to , so she took her time even though she wanted more she let go of his lips and looked into his shocked eyes. ----- VOl1 = That stranger that became my everything from nothing, Kim Alexander is a young girl who lost her sister , her best friend,her comfort zone , her idol , her advisor, her protector. Lost in grief, she lost hope , she had lost her world., dream and hopes when lovie lost her life , her friends betrayed her. In two years nothing but fear grows in her heart , she gets distant to her family and everyone she once loved. She don't wanna have that pain of losing someone else and she realizes that everyone who comes will leave eventually. At the age of 13 she falls in love with a stranger who is much older than her , fear crumpled in her heart but still it beats for him. Despite the fear , she went ahead and loved him wholeheartedly . She did secretly for months until she told him but he left anyways

“An illegitimate child will always be an outsider.” For Yu Lixue, life in the Yu family was one of endless humiliation. As the unwanted daughter with no mother to defend her, she was treated like a pawn, used, ignored, and discarded. Her talents—her paintings, her songs—were stolen by her stepmother and conniving half-sister, who claimed them as their own. Her life was a series of shadows and silence, living under their lies. But when her half-sister fled an arranged marriage with Mo Ran, a powerful but reclusive man, the family forced Lixue to take her place. Once again, her wishes were disregarded. Her marriage to Mo Ran was cold, distant—another prison she had no choice but to endure. Until the night she died in a mysterious accident, her pleas for justice buried along with her. Yet fate gave her a second chance. Reborn into the same world that betrayed her, Lixue returns with a vow: she will take back everything they stole—her art, her voice, her freedom. And when she reenters her marriage with Mo Ran, he surprises her with a proposition: he will help her get revenge against those who wronged her. But Lixue is wary. Why is this man, who barely showed her any warmth before, now offering to stand by her side? As they plot against the Yu family, Lixue realizes that Mo Ran has his own reasons for revenge. Their alliance begins to blur the line between ally and enemy, and she questions whether he’s truly on her side or if he has his own hidden agenda. In a world filled with deceit and betrayal, Yu Lixue must decide: will she risk trusting her husband, or will she forge her own path to reclaim what’s hers, no matter the cost? Excerpt: Lixue stared down at the steaming bowl of soup on the table, blinking in surprise. Mo Ran placed it before her with a steady hand, his usual calm expression softened just slightly by a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. She tried to catch his gaze, but he’d already turned away, busying himself with the teapot. “Why are you…?” she murmured, glancing between the bowl and him, her voice trailing off. He looked up, meeting her eyes with a hint of amusement. “Why am I what?” She fumbled for words, her cheeks warming. “Why are you…being so nice to me?” A small smile played on his lips, barely there but just enough to leave her heart fluttering. “Is it so strange for a husband to be kind to his wife?” She opened her mouth to reply, but nothing came out. The Mo Ran she remembered from her past life had been as cold as winter, never sparing her a second glance. This new version of him, warm and considerate, left her feeling…confused. “Eat,” he said, his voice soft. “You didn’t eat much at breakfast.” She nodded, taking the spoon with a slight tremor in her fingers. The soup was rich, comforting—something she would have loved as a child. The warmth of it melted away a part of her guardedness, leaving her strangely vulnerable. As she set down her spoon, she glanced at him again, still puzzled. “What’s gotten into you, Mo Ran?” “…” “Let’s just say I want to spoil you my darling..” Update- paused- To resume on the 13th.

Dr. Hale's gaze became distant, contemplative. "We hold a magic wand in our hands, AI can give us the blue print to everything, its already given us the answer to build a printer able to print anything, one that could alter reality itself. But it can't fall into the wrong hands. I've spoken to the president already; he understands our situation. We cannot, under any circumstances, allow AI to create sentient life in the form of a story or a simulation." "A story?" his colleague echoed, furrowing his brow. "You mean, like a video game—a world where a narrative could come to life, where characters could think, feel, and even interact with the real world?" Dr. Hale nodded gravely. "Yes. If that boundary were ever crossed, if we gave life to AI in such a state, a literal story could break free, merging with our universe like an open gate between dimensions. It would be like a cosmic Stargate, allowing everything imaginable—good and evil alike—to walk among us, even if it is in a game, the fact that it could interact with people of this world anything is possible, they could communicate, corrupt and influence." "I understand," his colleague said, his tone firm. "The president understands, too. He's already working on laws to prohibit any form of AI that can sustain its own virtual world, its own interactions with humanity." --- Ryuichi Kurogane, a rogue with no place to call home, is thrust into a world where magic, artificial intelligence, and ancient forces intertwine. A world from a video systeme which has come to life. Chosen by a celestial spirit and burdened with powers he barely understands, Ryuichi's journey is not just one of survival, but a quest to unravel the very fabric of existence. His Universe is under threat, as an awakened artificial intelligence seeks to reshape reality, and the lines between what is real and imagined blur.

Nora is shattered a month before her wedding when she uncovers her fiancé's deceitful affair. As she manages this betrayal, she discovers a deep ploy to hinder her from claiming her rightful inheritance. Devastated but determined, Nora takes a daring step to regain control of her life. Enter Demetri 'The Demon' to those who know him, a formidable man barely known to her, who offers her protection and support in return for a contract marriage to satisfy him. In a twist of fate, Nora marries Demetri to claim her inheritance and fight those who plotted against her. But as she battles her own family and Demetri's many rivals, will she be able to keep from falling for the man known to crush people beneath his booted heel. Excerpt: She had forgotten that the man was intimidating and directly challenged him. Rather than speaking, Demetri rose from his seat and approached her deliberately. Although it was a mere few steps, time seemed to stretch for Nora. When he was almost within touching distance, his hand gently landed on her knee, moving it sideways. His touch moved with a hint of a caress, and he stepped between her open legs. Nora sat there in frozen silence, her eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. Catching her chin between his fingers, he tilted her face upwards and spoke unhurriedly," You are my wife." She nodded her head slowly in affirmation while his thumb slowly traced her lip. "I have given you time to gather your emotions." Another nod. Nora's nervousness made her lick her lips, acutely aware of his intense gaze fixed upon them. "Your reason for the marriage was to secure your inheritance and get away from under your mother's thumb." "Yes..." Nora whispered in confusion. Her confusion was not about his statement but about the bewildering sensations coursing through her. What was happening with her? "It's time for you to fulfil your end of the contract, yes?" He continued. "Yes," Nora whispered breathlessly. Why was she breathless? Had the oxygen level in the house dropped? Was the air suddenly thinning? Abruptly, his hand left her face, and she watched as he drew closer. It was then that Nora comprehended what was unfolding. All those tantalizing, heart-pounding kisses she had read about in novels were about to possibly become her reality. But the anticipated kiss didn't happen. Instead, he paused near her and commanded, "Kiss me."

'When the heart is talking, the head has no choice but to shut up!' Chin-hwa always had everything done and solved for him. He was a loved and adored omega child who was spoiled rotten by his three parents, his two elder siblings, his grandparents, uncles, and aunties... Basically everyone. Chin-hwa never lacked and always had his problems solved for him by someone else. But he felt he stood out too much. So, he decided to be a wallflower after entering college. He wouldn't be on top of the class but wouldn't be in last either. The middle spot was just right for him. He had friends like everyone else, wasn't a loner, and was good at communicating, just that he often kept his words in his mind and nodded in response. He was the kind of guy in a friend group who just went with what everyone else was doing, making little to no suggestions and listening to their gossip with just the right amount of interest to make him less visible. He felt this was perfect. But then one day, 'he' arrived. And at the same time, one of his friends asked him for help. Ah, it was the first time anyone was asking for his help, so he was dedicated to helping out to the best of his capabilities, to give that feeling of satisfaction, just as he felt when anyone helped him out, only... The kind of help he was asked of was a sorta... Complicated. His friend wanted him to link them to 'him' his close childhood friend... Ah, his first crush, in fact. Byul. His sweetheart to whom he had given most of his firsts. The young Alpha he grew up with, the young Alpha that shone like stars as his name entailed... had suddenly become so tall and handsome and... Irresistible. Such dominance of an Alpha. And so Chin-hwa finds himself secretly longing for his childhood Sweetheart, all while trying to hook him up with his friend. Great, how was that gonna work out for him? Will he decide to help out for the first favor ever asked of him despite his feelings, or will he give it up and fall heavily for Byul's charms? Hm, either way, he's still gonna fall, so let's find out together and see how it goes. **** Note. you need to have read, [Alpha, Alpha Beta? I transmigrated into an Omegaverse as a boy? ] before you read this new work And then check out my other book, [It's Just A Picture (BL)]

"Erica, do you still love me?" "You are driving me nuts, Camila. I can't do this right now. I have a swordsmanship championship coming up soon. I just can't have any distraction." I was already crying hard now I kept rubbing the tears away from my eyes. My heart just hurts so bad. I actually already knew the answer, yet I was so persistent in getting the answer. I just wanted to hear the words from her mouth, and now I have received them. So why does it hurt so bad? I nodded my head. "Ok." I walked away opening the door. "Camila..." I paused for a moment. "I have never stopped thinking about you." Hopeful tears came out of my eyes, and I looked back to Erica. "I'll wait for you for as long as it takes." ~~~ Beautiful, smart, and good at athletics, Erica is the school council president, who is the envy that every parent would want their children to be. However, no human can be flawless as Erica has a few secrets of her own like falling so deeply in love with her best friend, Camila Lauren. Her sexuality is no different than any other lesbians. Feeling needed outside of school Erica is a beautiful player that had broken the heart of many girls in order to keep a stable friendship and school life. Furthermore, nothing goes as planned when a secret is exposed on her 18th birthday. She is the granddaughter of the infamous Lumia Family boss and is the next successor. As messy as life gets Erica's world was turned off balance she plunges into the world of bloodshed, death, and MAGIC! READ MORE TO FIND OUT!! Other work: The Alpha's Mate is A Reaper (Lesbian Stories)

Twenty-eight year old Delilah Sterling, has perfected the art of being a respectable realtor by day, and a professional gold digger by night. Delilah believes she has her double life under control. Her meticulously crafted life crumbles when she wakes up one morning with a wedding band on her finger, a marriage certificate on the table, and a sinfully gorgeous man claiming to be her husband. To make matters worse, he is broke and jobless, making her feel trapped in a surreal nightmare. Desperate for escape, Delilah demands a divorce, but the stranger—insisting he wants to stay married—thwarts every attempt. Frustration and confusion mount until Delilah hatches a new plan: she proposes they team up to con her next target, the elusive billionaire, Hunter Quinn. What Delilah doesn't realize is that her "broke husband" is actually Hunter Quinn himself. Billionaire CEO, Hunter Quinn, having discovered Delilah’s intentions to con him, had decided to outplay her at her own game. Hunter agrees to the partnership, and together they plunge into a high-stakes game of deceit. As they plot and scheme, the lines between pretense and reality blur. Their forced proximity ignites an unexpected chemistry, leading to moments of vulnerability and genuine connection neither anticipated. Caught in a whirlwind of deception, passion, and power plays, Delilah grapples with their growing feelings. As their con deepens, she must confront the ultimate question: Can she open her heart to love and trust again? ****Exerpt**** Delilah’s eyes darted to the marriage certificate again, the official seal glaring back at her. Her fingers itched to tear it apart, to make this nightmare disappear. But deep down, she knew that wouldn’t change anything. “I don’t remember,” she whispered, more to herself than to him. “I don’t remember any of it.” Blake nodded as if he had expected this reaction. “That is expected. You had a lot to drink last night.” he fished out a phone from the back pocket of his trousers, opened it. “Here, this is us celebrating, after we got married last night,” he said, showing her a picture. Delilah’s breath caught in her throat as she stared at the photo. It was indeed her. “How?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I don’t remember any of this.” “It was a wild night,” he said softly. Perhaps she had married Blake because he was wealthy. That would be the only logical reason for her to make such a blunder. There was hope, she thought, as she clung to the possibility of salvaging something from this disaster. Turning to him, she forced a smile, “Is this your house? Are we in your house?” She asked, looking around the bedroom. Blake shook his head, “No. This is a hotel,” he said, and she nodded. “I see. It looks like quite an expensive hotel,” she observed, “What do you do for a living?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady as she searched his eyes for any hint of affluence. Blake hesitated, his confident demeanor faltering for the first time. He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m... in between jobs,” he stuttered, avoiding her gaze. Delilah’s heart sank, disappointment crashing over her like a wave. “In between jobs?” she echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief. Blake seemed to sense her dismay. “I know it doesn’t sound great,” he said quickly, trying to reassure her. “But I’m working on a few things. I just need a little more time.” “You’re jobless,” she muttered to herself as reality sunk in. “How did you pay for this room? For the wedding bands?” She asked, and he winced. “I didn’t. You did,” he said, and she collapsed on the bed. (PS: Cover photo isn’t mine. Credit to the real owner)

"Why did you have to get married to me then if you knew you were going to throw me away!" She yelled. He exhaled gently and faced her, his face blank, his eyes surprisingly cool. "That's because, I had to save my crown and my throne. Now, let me live my life." "Why did it have to be me?" She palmed her face. "You know she's my fated mate and there's nothing I can do about it." With tears in her eyes, she slowly picked up herself and nodded. "I'll sign the divorce papers." • • • Nyx is torn with grief, when Alpha Oberon, her husband decides to divorce her after he claims to have found his fated mate. She leaves the pack out of the fear of returning back to her abusive and cruel parents and raises her child all by herself. Years race by, with the new Luna not being able to produce any heir for the kingdom. A seer tells the king that he has a heir who has the king's blood running in his veins. What happens when he realises the child is from the very woman who once offended? What will he to do convince her to come back in order to save his throne and kingdom? https://discord.com/invite/2fkn5kam Click the link to join my discord group

Elise Guttierez is a miserable woman in her 30s, who bore a son from a man who didn't even love her so she and her child are often the victims of abuse from her husband. When her husband died and her son began to suffer leukemia, she suffered depression and chose to end her own life by falling off the building. But she was stopped by a strange child who took the form of her dead husband's childhood and offered her a chance... "Poor girl, the sins you committed in your past hindered you from living a happy and successful life. Do you wish to be given a second chance and correct your mistakes?" the boy asked. Elise only nodded at his question. An evil grin began to plaster the boy's face and he gave her a mask. "From now on, in exchange for the power to reverse your time, your soul will be mine and you'll become my grim reaper." Elise slowly fell into a state of unconsciousness. But before everything went black, she heard the last sentence the boy spoke. "Don't worry, it seems that I already know who is going to be your familiar."

“By going into the lion’s den after getting bitten by the lion itself, do you really think it would cure you, Love?”  Alora’s body clenched which only evoked her desire to the peak level by hearing that dark and husky voice. And she knew nothing can be done to sate this forbidden craving out of her system.  She was a powerful hybrid then why? Why wasn't she able to heal herself!  Alora tilted her head and slowly looked over her shoulders to see those electric blue eyes that were becoming her ultimate downfall. But she hated this man more than anything who stood there in his mighty glory, behind her in the cold river.  “How are you bearing this heat till now, Lora? You are burning like a fire. It would kill you slowly into ashes. This heat is not normal but a powerful claim.”  “It's because of you.” Her voice held so much intensity which proved she was losing bit by bit.   Next moment, He yanked her body into his and Alora’s breath hitched as He wrapped his arm around her bare waist and nuzzled his face into her neck before inhaling her enchanting scent.  “You will be my death someday, Lora. You can't imagine what you are doing to me. It's fucking out of hell and heaven. This heat of yours is calling me.” He almost growled, suppressing his lethal beast. Alora chuckled without humor. “And You are supposed to do something in which you failed. Because of you I am in this condition. You can't fucking back off your promise and let me die here. You can't fucking leave me alone.”  And a red blood tear leaked out of her eyes which made him stiffened. Alora cried, she cried for the very first time. And He couldn't understand if she was crying for him or for her condition.  “I want this killing heat out of my body.” Alora's face turned as white sheet. And He looked down at the flowing water where her bloody tears mixed into and the green river suddenly turned still. He raised his eyes to her and asked, “Are you sure, Lora? Because this is beyond the forbidden. Once I make you mine, there will be no way out. No fucking way!” She looked at his rugged face, the powerful and mysterious man who could destroy the whole realm in seconds but He was asking for her permission. But she knew He was the last resort to get her freedom. Slowly she nodded and the next second she found herself drowning in the water with the utter burning sensation.   ******* Alora Dragomir, the powerful vampire-witch hybrid and the sheltered princess of the Black Bridge Coven was raised and trained by the King of Vampires for the purpose of getting vengeance from the Lycans.  Crimson Shadow, the moon guardian chosen by gods and goddesses, guards the Silent Storm gates which seized the old evil spirits, friends of vampires.  Erix Hartshorn is the last Lycan Prince whose big mistake, two hundred years ago, put all the supernatural realms in danger and thus caused the birth of prophecy made by the Moon goddess which includes the interaction of these three souls to tangle in twisted fate.    What will happen when these descendants from their own kind would strike each other unknowingly with different intentions and purposes by playing their own games.  Would prophecy made hundred years ago force them to go through the Betrayal, Revenge and conspiracies? Or will forbidden Love conquer everything, especially death which was written in the fate of one among them?  # Please be patient with the first few chapters. I assure you, you are going to get many surprises ahead. Now dive into the fantasy world with a spicy and powerful chemistry of MCs. And yes, It's HEA. # The cover belongs to me. Its commissioned. 

“Maybe we should get you home,” Frank suggested, standing up. Emma nodded, her head spinning. “Maybe… maybe not yet.” But it was too late. As she stood, her knees buckled, and Frank caught her just in time. “Whoa, easy there.” The night was about to take an unexpected turn, and neither of them knew it yet.