Mr Peabody And Sherman Sherman

Mr. Thomas the Tormentor is a gripping fantasy novel that follows the journey of Mr. Thomas, an anti-hero determined to bring justice to a world on the brink of destruction. Raised in a secluded dojo high in the mountains by a wise sensei, Thomas and his brother Yazu were trained in martial arts, gun mastery, Aikido, and the ancient art of Kijimo—magic healing. But when Yazu succumbs to the allure of dark magic and seeks to dominate the world, Thomas finds himself caught in an intense battle between brotherly love and a mission to stop Yazu’s malevolent reign. As Thomas journeys through a land torn by conflict, his path is lined with treachery, betrayal, and deadly confrontations. Armed with a strong moral compass, the power of Kijimo, and his relentless desire for justice, Thomas faces his most significant challenge yet—facing off against his own flesh and blood. The battle between them is not only physical but philosophical, as Thomas struggles with the temptation to embrace the dark powers his brother wields. With action-packed combat and a deep dive into themes of family, power, and the price of justice, Mr. Thomas the Tormentor is an epic tale of a man torn between light and darkness, trying to save a world on the verge of collapse, while confronting the most difficult enemy—his own brother.

"Do you really not get it or you're just plain dumb? I said, we're married now, Mr Ricci. I'm not going anywhere and there's nothing you can do about it,"she spoke, a taunting smile on her face. He clenched his jaw, trying hard to not let his temper slip out of control. He leaned in close, a look of danger on his face but she didn't move. "You're serious about staying, aren't you?"something indescribable flickered in his eyes. "Three months,"he spoke, moving backwards. "Huh?"she frowned. "Three months is all it takes and you'll leave on your own,"he spoke confidently and she scoffed. "We'll see about that, Axolotl,"she jibed with a smirk. Life as a doctor was everything for Adele. Saving lives, helping in solving health related cases, was the perfect escape from reality she needed. Her slightly perfect life took a sudden twist the moment her foster mother forced down a proposal on her. She was to get married to someone she knew nothing about, in her elder sister's stead. She had to succumb in order to save her career. As unfair as it was, she had to bow to their proposal. But then, she somehow came to realize she knew the supposed guy she's supposed to marry. They met once, overseas, and had hated each other since first glance. How on earth would they cope? He wasn't aware about the sudden change of bride, would he still want her with him when he realizes it's the only girl he's ever hated?

A girl named Serena Leo, who is an upcoming model finds herself in a complicated marriage with Jaden Hanks, a popular Playboy who is bent on making her suffer mentally and emotionally. *Wedding Night* The moment Serena stepped out of the bathroom in a white robe and her long black wavy hair dripping wet. She was shocked to see Jaden sitting on the sofa and the same time happy to see him ready to drink the wine she left on the table. Jaden raised his head to see Serena smiling with her head slightly bowed. "Who brought the wine, his calm voice was heard which made her halt in her steps. "Actually my mom bought it as a present for you , she said with confidence. " Really, so are you gonna tell me what you did or you prefer I take care of your parents, he said in a dangerous tone. Serena silently stood there watching him pick up his phone and ready to make a call, she was thinking of what would become of her parents if he actually takes care of them and she broke out in sweat despite the fact that the air-conditioner was on. "Wait, she said without looking directly at him and he placed his phone back on the table. "Closer, he said and she moved forward. 'Look at me , he said in a dominating voice without breaking eye contact with her. "Wanna say something, he asked in a calm voice and she nodded slightly while shivering. 'Um....I..um....., I tried to find the right words to use but I kept stammering. "Yes go on, I'm listening, he said. I finally gathered my courage and said at once. "Actually, I put three times the dose of sleeping pills in your drink, I said. 'Why ?, because you wanna avoid the wedding night, he said and licked his lips seductively. "Lemme see how you avoid it then", he said and suddenly stood up, pick up the glass of wine and gulped down the entire wine then he gripped Serena's hair and kissed her making her gulp down almost the entire wine in his mouth. The Moment Jaden kissed me, my eyes widened in shock I wasn't expecting it and I couldn't push him away for fear of the consequences , so I just obediently drink the alcohol directly from his mouth.........to be continued. *Hurry up go download and start reading*

Following her grandmother’s wishes, Oh Ha-na inherits a matchmaking agency. However, the agency caters only to a very specific clientele – wealthy bachelors with commitment issues. Enter billionaire jewellery tycoon and third-generation chaebol heir, Cha Ji-hoon. A notorious bachelor and workaholic who feels dating is a frivolous distraction from his responsibilities. Numerous attempts by his family to get him married have failed because he throws himself into work to avoid emotional connection. Despite this, women flock to him, drawn to his wealth and handsome looks. With a reputation for being ruthless in business and aloof in relationships, Ha-na takes on the challenge of finding Ji-hoon a perfect match. Can she melt his icy heart and find his perfect match? Or will she realize that she has been his ideal match all along? ~~~ [WSA 2025 Entry] [Note: This book is a clean, slow-burn romance. Character relationships will be explored more on emotional connection and less on physical attraction. Reader discretion is advised.] We'll have two side couple romance apart from our main couple storyline. Their stories will be shown simultaneously along with the lead couple, but in lesser frequency. Main: Boss Lady FL X Bigshot ML (First Love/High School Sweethearts) Side A: Hopeless Romantic FL X Single Dad ML (One-night Stand) Side B: Paralyzed FL X Celebrity ML (Second Chance First Love/High School Sweethearts)

To exact revenge on a scumbag, she agrees to a hidden marriage with him for a year. On their first encounter, she is rescued by him. On the second encounter, he helps her out of a conundrum. On the third encounter, they rush to get married. He abducts her home and makes her his wife, 'Mrs. Lucas', one who is envied throughout the city. Rumor has it that the the cold and aloof Master Lucas dotes on her. He hugs, loves, pampers and holds her in such high esteem. However, one day, the man's domineering and intense love becomes too much for her. She leaves him with divorce papers and climbs over the compound wall to make her escape. Alas, things doesn't happen the way she had planned. With her having one leg over the wall, he pulls her by her toes and stops her attempt. She falls into his arms. He places a hand over her tummy and asks in a hoarse voice, "Woman, where are you going with my son?"

“Worst player of all time turning into the greatest of all time,” the reporter spoke with a smile. Once labeled the worst, blamed for every failure, and cast aside, he was forced onto another team—a move meant to end his career. But instead, it ignited his rise. Against all odds, he transformed from an underdog into the greatest player the world had ever seen. This is his story—of rejection, redemption, and a legacy that would never be forgotten.

After several unfriendly encounters, Audrey Milan lands her dream job as an executive assistant to Adrian Scott, a grumpy yet devastatingly attractive billionaire. Despite his cold exterior, sparks fly between the two. As Audrey navigates her feelings, professional boundaries. Unexpected twists brings them closer. But just as they’re drawn closer, Adrian’s ex returns, testing their fragile love. Will Audrey and Adrian overcome their differences and find love? Read to find out what happens when two lonely people find love in the most unexpected way.

Far in the country was a big farmhouse where Davis Miles a twenty-three-year-old man lived alone. He was a man who worked hard in the fields and kept pretty much everything to himself. That was until a clingy fifteen-year-old girl came knocking on his door in the middle of the night. And this girl happened to change his life in an unexpected way when he gave her the free choice to stay in his home and raise her daughter. And the craziest part of his life was watching Sophie Anderson grew up to be one of the most beautiful girls he's ever seen. However, could their love life work out with a father who never approved of them living together from the very beginning? Will Davis kick Sophie and her little girl out at the age of eighteen or did he have better plans for their future? Plans that called for a diamond ring. ————————————————————————–––––––– “NO BAD LANGUAGE ” “NO INAPPROPRIATE SENSES” “NO AGE RATING” “Other Novel: "What If It’s Me And Him” and “Come Back My Beast”

Seven years…. I have been locked away… Far from him… Will he still be the same?... Will he still love me when I look scarred and ruined?... Lu Jia, has spent seven years in captivity. She was taken away from her family and left her fiancée with their son. After escaping, she found out that her brother betrayed her and plotted against her. Now she is back with anger as deep as her scars. She will make sure to return the favor ten folds. But before that, she has to reclaim her man. Build her empire again and raise their son as her true heir.… ------------------------------------------------- Follow Lu Jia's journey as she rebuilds her life with her family and exact revenge to those that hurt her. This is story of a strong willed woman born and raised to be a leader. Her ways might be brutal and over the top sometimes, but please always note, that she is what she is, because of her experiences. I hope you will enjoy her story. -------------------------------------------------- Author's Note: Hi Everyone! This is my first novel, so please take it easy on me. I will do my best to write as much as I can? English is not my first language and grammar is not my forte, but I will study how to strengthen my vocabularies and grammar. Please be patient with me. Thank you! I hope you enjoy this novel. I will check my comments every time, so please leave your comments and support this novel by giving your reviews and your precious votes!.. ------------------------------------------------ Want to support me? I need some love @: ko-fi.com/miclyce

Frostfire: Mr. Grumpy and His Little Flower Isabelle When I took the job working for Sebastian Kingston, I thought it was my chance to secure a better future for my daughter. But nothing could have prepared me for the cold, dangerous allure of my new boss. Sebastian is everything I don't want, everything I can’t have, yet I’m drawn to him in ways I can’t explain. When he offers me a weird deal—to be his fake girlfriend for a month—the money is too good to refuse, but can my heart survive the bargain? What begins as a simple arrangement quickly turns into a tangled mess of desire and fear. As I get closer to Sebastian, the line between reality and the charade blurs, leaving me terrified of losing everything that matters most. But then I quickly realize that falling for this man could mean losing the only things I hold dear. Sebastian Hiring Isabelle Summers was supposed to be a straightforward arrangement—a job, nothing personal. But from the moment she stepped into my world, everything shifted. She’s warm and full of life, the opposite of the cold control I’ve perfected. She doesn’t belong in my world, yet I can’t seem to resist her. So I make her a deal—be my fake girlfriend for a month to get my family off my back. Simple, right? Except nothing about Isabelle is simple. The more time I spend with her, the harder it is to keep my distance. What started as a calculated move is quickly spiraling into something I never expected, the walls I’ve built are beginning to crumble. And when she suddenly runs from me at a crucial moment of my life, I am left to wonder if I really know the woman I am hopelessly falling for.

When Julia's father gambles her away to settle his debts, she's forced to flee for her life. Desperate and alone, she's nearly captured by her pursuers until a mysterious and handsome stranger intervenes. Enter Damon, a billionaire CEO who is well known to be ruthless, with secrets and motives of his own. He offers Julia protection and safety, but at a steep price: she must agree to become his wife. As Julia navigates the treacherous world of wealth, she finds herself drawn to Damon’s darkness and intensity. But can she trust him, or is she trading one form of captivity for another? With each passing day, Julia's feelings for Damon deepen, even as she uncovers the shadows of his past. Will their bond be strong enough to overcome the dangers that haunt them, or will Julia's fate be forever sealed?

Ruth seorang gadis yang comel dan nakal,sifatnya agak sedikit tulus sehingga nampak kebodohan yang menlucukan,dari keluarga pertengahan,bapaknya memiliki sebuah kedai runcit separuh abad.Ruth tidak mempunyai ibu,tapi mempunyai papa dan dua orang abang yang sangat menyayanggi Ruth dengan sepenuh hati mereka.Aboy abang sulung yang bersifat lembut dan Ate yang sisi tidak pasti baik atau jahat,papa mereka seorang yang kedekut,tapi keluarganya tetap utama. Quan jiran sebelah rumah dan juga teman masa kecil Ruth yang bercita² tinggi,dia sangat pintar dan bergaya,dia seorang anak tunggal di dalam keluarga,jadi dialah harapan ibu bapanya,bapaknya menpunyai sebuah kilang makanan. Villiam seorang chef terkenal yang hemsem berkerja di sebuah restoran lima bintang di kuala lumpur bandar raya yang sibuk,bukan saja hemsem tapi juga pandai masak,satu suka bersaing dan agak romantik. Diana sahabat talam dua muka yang selalu merasakan dia lagi bagus dari Ruth,dari alam persekolahan lagi dia menanggap Ruth sebagai persaingnya dalam diam,tampa Ruth sedari Diana bermain kotor di belakangnya. Ruth dan Quan pernah bercinta,karna salah faham,mereka akhirnya berpisah dan menjalankan kehidupan masing²,di saat Ruth mengenali Villiam.Quan muncul kembali ingin bersama,pada masa yang sama Diana juga muncul sebagai penghalang untuk Quan kembali kepada Ruth.Villiam juga tidak mahu mengalah untuk memiliki Ruth,bagaimana pengakhirannya di antara mereka nanti...

Years of building and working hard despite being from a wealthy family has paid off for Lee Hye-Ri and she is finally able to stand on her own two feet as a powerful entity, needing neither a man nor anyone else to help her dominate... But her plan to claim her father's belongings is stopped by a clause that requires her to marry...But who?!! Enter the equally formidable, handsome, wealthy but moody CEO Han Ji-Hyun, a son of the Han Conglomerate who recently got his heart broken by his lady love...oh and did I mention that he's an old classmate of Hye-Ri's? A tale of two unlikely partners who both desire to be rid of their messy families and find an unexpected connection admist trials...

Diana stood in front of his door fumbling with the knob. it wasn't like she was scared to enter his room as this won't be the first time she was entering and neither would it be the last. She was about to do something very wild and may be stupid of her but this was the definition of her and it won't change. Sighing and taking a heavy breath,she opened the door closing it behind her and she met him on his bed with his back kissing the surface of his bed...shirtless as usual. he really didn't like putting on a shirt from what she had gathered. "Diana..what the hell are you doing here?" He said sitting up to reveal the cross on his chest and his sleeve tattoo on the left arm. he also had the drawing of a skull at the right. "We made a deal remember?"she reminded him and he raised one brow up to ask 'what deal?' Diana was wearing a smirk looking so wicked and Xavier could not help but wonder what she was up to. standing up fully from his bed,he went to stand in front of her. "What deal Diana?" "I got a tattoo" she bursted the news to him and his facial expression said it all,he was shaken up. "You got a whaa?" "Tattoo....I got a tattoo" "Are you fucking with me.. please tell me you're messing with me Diana" It felt so good to hear him curse. it sounded so seductive coming from him... everything he does is seductive... FOCUS DIANA..NOT NOW,she said slapping herself internally. "I'm being serious" she made it clear to him incase he e was having problems believing it. "Diana I told you not to get a tattoo" "Not exactly as I remember,you dared me to get a tattoo" "Your dad is gonna be mad" "It's my body..I get to do what I want" "How many tattoos did you get?" "Three" "Three? isn't that too much?" "Speak for your self. you got your whole sleeve tattooed, you've one on your chest and you've one on your right arm...who has the most tattoos now?" "That's me, I'm a male and I'm not underage" she scoffed when she heard him. "So now,I'm underage? I'll be 19 next year...I think I'm off age to make my own decisions" "You're still under your father's roof" " I will be moving out...and besides,he won't know...unless you're gonna tell him" Xavier sighed. this girl who stood in front of him could be so stubborn at times. How could such a pretty face be this stubborn?, he asked himself. "Can I at least see the tattoos you got?" "yeah sure." Taking off her shirt to reveal the black tank top she was wearing underneath it, she turned to her side so she could reveal her left arm. "Fuck!! you got a skull?"And for the second time since she entered his room,he cursed again.... why do it seductively?,she said in her mind. "Yes I did..what's wrong with it?" "Couldn't you get a flower or something feminine?" that was the samething the tattooist had said. "If you could get a skull,why can't I?" "I'm a man... Dianne..you're a girl, the whole point of being a girl is being girly and getting a butterfly or flower tattoo is something that is girly" "Well I don't want to be girly if I can't get a skull tattoo" He heard her say " And besides, I got a flower tattoo" She showed her belly which was now very visible as she was wearing a tank top. "And where's the other?"He asked as his eyes scanned her body for the last one. "I rather not say" He scoffed when he heard her.did she really get the tattoo in that place he was thinking of? "Besides you still have to keep the end of your deal" "And what was the deal again?" "If I get a tattoo before Wednesday, you would fulfill one thing I ask for and if I don't get a tattoo before Wednesday,I would do what you want" "I won so you will fulfill one thing I ask for" "Fine,what do you want?" "Kiss me...."

Mr. & Mrs. Doom (Warning: Mature Content R-18) Rick Everhart, a young billionaire with an empire spanning multiple industries, has everything a man could ever want—power, wealth, and an app that grants him an irresistible charm. With a simple tap, no woman can resist him, from elite CEOs and influential political figures to stunning actresses. But Stara Lane is different. A tough, independent teenager who lost everything at eight, she has spent her life fighting to survive. She despises men like Rick—men who take whatever they want without consequences. Unfortunately for her, fate has other plans. When Stara accidentally discovers Rick’s dark secret, he forces her into an arranged marriage to keep her under his control. Trapped in a golden cage, Stara refuses to be another pawn in his game. She resists him at every turn, but Rick—used to women falling at his feet—finds himself obsessed with taming the one woman who defies him. old resentments explode, new secrets surface, and neither of them is prepared for the ultimate truth—love was never part of the plan.

“There’s no other way ,look Aaron ,he’s doing us a huge Favor for just a little sacrifice...there’s no way we can find 4 million in a month , you know it “ My mom said looking at me with pleading eyes ,I’ve never seen her beg for something like this before ,but I understood her anyways “Mom ,you know what marriage and love have always meant to me ,now I have to get married to a complete stranger ?! Can’t he give us more time ?i could look for something ...I don’t know ,anything ?!” “Aaron you can’t ! It’s 4 million we are talking about here ?! I know what I’m asking of you is a bit much but let us look at the bright side , he’s willing to put you on a monthly salary of your choice , he’ll be paying for whatever textbooks or project you might need at school ,a job immediately you graduate..he even said to take your dad to the best hospital abroad, all he ask is that you keep up with his daughter and possibly change her for the better ,can’t you see this is God’s blessing ?? The luck of the world is on our side son“ My mouth flew open ,my brain taking its time to digest everything that just came out my moms mouth…all this just to get married to his daughter ? Was she sick? A psycho ? What’s the catch ? “And who is his daughter by the way “ “She’s….shes nessa Steven” my mouth flew open , Oh you gotta be kidding me!

Stacy Dale had it all, a good job, a loving boyfriend, and a caring family but everything changed in a blink of an eye. She was fired unexpectedly, her boyfriend rejected her marriage proposal to be with her best friend and her to be mother in law chased her away. "I can help you get back at them." her ex's boss said. " What do you want in return?" she asked after all there is no free lunch in this world. " Just you" he said looking in her eyes.

A teenage girl meets her friend's boyfriends. She stumbles upon a single member and becomes closer with him.. Does she fall inlove?!

If you are sad, Mr Red will bring your smile back. You just have to do what he says and everything would be fine or even better. Isn't it such a good deal? Oh boy! it's much more than just joy, he will help you be someone much better. All you have to do is call for him, such an easy task right? come on, go on, call his name and he shall give you everything you ever wanted for a little something from you. NOTE: I write this for fun I ain't satanic

A crazy event that pulled two opposite in attraction. She's a drama queen and blabbing mouth, while he seeks calm in silence, she's a trouble maker and he a peace maker. As a love expert ,creator and host of a famous show 'Bring love to life' , June tend to fail in organizing and achieving love for herself, she's a goal getter yet can't seem to grab a man for herself. When her career and show faced a risk of falling due to secrets she had hidden,she was compelled to take help from a psychiatrist with hopes of controlling the damage. Both skipped in the crazy journey in battle over destiny that seem to be pulling them together. "You're insane, trust me there's no cure for you." "And you're unworthy of your profession, I have no idea why I talked myself to come here, clearly you're a mad man" g,she meant every word,grabbing her hand bag she stumped out of his office. They're like cross roads that have no interest in each other but are fated to greet one another.

It all started with a friendship and relationship betray. A betray that changed Gisella Molinero's Life to a nightmare. Gisella happened to find herself on the bed with a total stranger. The most hilarious nightmare was that an arranged marriage was made for her to be with the man she doesn't love because she is still in love with Pietro Santoro who she caught sleeping with her best friend Viola Moretti, Nicolo, on the other hand, falls in love with Gisella. Nicolo is ready to fight for his love, and Gisella herself is not the kind to tremble upon twice. Pietro wants Gisella back into his life, but Viola must have Pietro no matter what the consequences are. The obstacles were coming in different forms and ways, truth, lies, and betrayal are being freed out of the bag. Follow the love triangles of the four families and the upcoming danger......

Mei Mei lost her memory in an accident. Gu Sheng has been searching for her for a long time. What await them?

It all started with a quest for a detective. A mysterious young man, Mr.K, who had never previously involved himself with the client in completing his mission, was one day forced to engage in a disguise with the client. Clara A girl who had a warm personality, but usually couldn't trust someone about secrets, or something about her. Just for some reason, she suddenly entirely entrusted her safety and secrets to the young man she hired to solve her case– so she could be free from the threats that have been bothering her. Just who were the people threatening Clara? Could Mr.K reveal the secret and also protected the lady from any harm? What if the detective started to look at his client as more than a client? Would something unexpected happen between them? Could the two of them end up loving each other and discovered their feelings for each other? It starts with a case, ends up with romance. [English Version of ‘Unexpected Client’] Published: Once a week

Loving someone is not a wrong thing but loving the wrong person can lead your life to a turn from where you couldn’t return. Samantha wished she had never done this to anyone. But responsibilities put her in the whirlpool where your mind and heart can’t work together. She loved Alvin and betrayed him. But she wanted to explain everything, she wished she could get a chance to change her past. She has to pay for her sins in this life. Alvin truly loved her but ended up empty-handed. His prestige, money and love all vanished. It made him ruthless and arrogant. He became the one whom he never wished for. His life became a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. He finally got a chance to move on in his life but his past still hindered him. Would he give his hundred percent in a new relationship or his unfinished love win over his heart again? This story is about love betrayal and reconciliation. Samantha and Alvin will break many hearts and heal as well. How they would go through it. Let's read.

Shi Yuhan is the most heartless and evil human Song Qinghuan has ever met. He's arrogant, sharp-tongued, ruthless, and heartless towards her. Yet, he asks (read threaten) her to marry him and she has no choice but to agree. She needs to get into the Era Group to investigate her elder brother's whereabouts. Will her sacrifice be worth it? Will she be able to find the truth of her elder brother's disappearance? Will Shi Yuhan continue tormenting her? What's his motive?

Sold to the highest bidder to pay off a blood feud, I never imagined I would be the pawn in my father's fatal game. Still, here I am before Enzo De Luca, the most vicious mafia leader in the city. Though appealing, he is cold, deliberate, and as lethal. Though my heart races just from his proximity, it is his touch that ignites me. My body betrays me and reacts to him in ways I am powerless over. And I melt as he softly, commandingly says my name. Enzo loves neither me nor another. In his deadly kingdom, I am only another bargain, another transaction. But every time we are alone, the conflict between us snaps—desire becomes a terrible addiction. Although I detest him for everything he stands for, I yearn for the way he consumes me, body and soul. He has made it quite evident—our marriage is more about power than love. Still, every angry gaze and every snatched moment in the shadow reveals something different. Benevolent underneath his icy façade lies something broken that appeals to the darkest sides of me. But depending on a man like Enzo may mean losing everything. Bound to him now, for better or worse, I am caught in a world where loyalty is brittle and treachery carries a bullet. Our friendship gets more perilous the more truths about his empire I find. And as the past calls for us, I have to question myself: will our passion be the thing that ruins us both or can I survive loving a guy like Enzo De Luca? Burning in his arms is me. But in his universe, I could roast alive.

A guy with multiple thoughts A girl with a strong hatred towards people Could you imagine living as a hater? Then, meeting a guy that willingly befriend you just because of how useful you are? It's a wonder how can two people be friends especially with different view in world.

Ava Hamilton and Ethan Hall's lives are bound together by a shared secret: their contract marriage. Ava, driven by a burning desire for revenge against those responsible for her parents' tragic fate, seeks to exploit the vast resources of Ethan's powerful family. She hopes to uncover the truth behind her parents' murder and bring the perpetrators to justice, no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Ethan needs a wife to secure his position in the family business and appease his grandmother, the ruthless and cunning matriarch of the family empire. He believes Ava's beauty, intelligence, and determination make her the perfect candidate for the role. As they navigate their complicated alliance, they must confront their own dark pasts. But amidst the danger and deception, they begin to realize that their feelings for each other go far beyond mere convenience. They start to experience the thrill of forbidden love, a romance that could jeopardize their entire plan. As tensions escalate, Ava and Ethan must decide whether their growing passion is worth risking everything. Will they continue to prioritize their original goals, or will they succumb to the allure of a love that could change their lives forever? Against the backdrop of luxury and deceit, Ava and Ethan must navigate a complex web of power struggles, family dynamics, and hidden agendas. Will they emerge victorious, or will their marriage become a casualty of their families' endless quest for power? And will their love survive the secrets and lies that surround them? Excerpt: Ethan's eyes gleamed with amusement as he whispered in Ava's ear, "You know, wife, you're adorable when you're trying to be stern." He was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart race. Ava's eyes flashed with irritation, her cheeks flushing. "Ethan, stop teasing me. We need to focus on our plan." She tried to sound firm, but her voice trembled slightly, betraying her frustration. Ethan's grin only grew wider. "Oh, come on, Ava. You know I'm just trying to lighten the mood. You're so serious all the time." He pushed off the wall, his movements fluid and graceful, and took a step closer to her. Ava's hands clenched into fists, her voice firm. "This isn't a game, Ethan. Our lives are at stake. We can't afford to make mistakes." She tried to sound convincing, but her eyes kept drifting to his, and she couldn't help but notice the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Ethan's expression turned innocent, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Who says I'm not taking it seriously? Maybe I'm just trying to distract you from the tension between us." He raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on hers, and Ava felt her heart skip a beat. "There's no tension, Ethan. We're just allies in this marriage pact," she lied, trying to sound convincing. But her voice was barely above a whisper, and Ethan's knowing gaze made her feel like he could see right through her. Ethan's chuckle was low and husky. "Keep telling yourself that, Ava. But I see the way you look at me sometimes... like you're trying to resist a temptation." He took another step closer, his eyes locked onto hers, and Ava felt her pulse race. "I don't know what you're talking about," she lied again, trying to sound convincing. But her eyes darted away, betraying her. Ethan's whisper was soft, his breath caressing her ear. "Oh, but I think you do, Ava. And soon, you'll have to admit it." His words sent shivers down her spine, and Ava knew she was in danger of falling for her husband's charms, even though she refused to admit it. The air was charged with tension, their banter a delicate dance of denial and attraction. And in that moment, Ava knew she was walking a thin line between resistance and surrender. THE COVER PICTURE DOESN'T BELONG TO ME. CREDIT TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNER