Taken Aback Synonym

“Excuse me madam,” Sebastian held her wrist to stop her as she was about to leave after the unexpected rejection from her boyfriend – The prince of Spain left her in ruins. “Did you just touch me?” Maya snorted derisively. Unfortunately, she wasn’t interested in men such as Sebastian, dismissing them as nothing but failures, wretched and poor. “Did you spill this?” He asked, pointing at the spilled content on the floor. His eyes darkened as she stared at him. “I will have to ask you to clean it up before you can leave.” “What?!!” She was taken aback by his boldness. Didn’t he have the slightest idea of who she was? **** Maya Alberto is famous for being the only child of the most influential business magnate in the country. As result, an heiress to a multi-millionaire dollar fortune. Her position in the society explains and fuels her rude, spoiled and arrogant character. She has the whole world at her fingertips and won’t waste a second to put whosoever dared to question her authority in their place. But an unexpected encounter with Sebastian Cade, a club attendant who barely makes end meet and is struggling with the medical bills of his sick grandmother makes her question her perspective. She sees him as a lowlife yet is intrigued by the simplicity of his world. She believes men like him are way off her league and not worth her time yet she finds herself wishing to spend every second of her life with him. What will happen when the worlds of these two different Individuals collide?

Octavius, misled by friends, embarks on a quest to clear his father's name, ultimately facing a tragic end with his sister. Their journey results in devastating loss, leaving him powerless and yearning for revenge against those who harmed his family.  Spirits offer him a chance to reincarnate, but he refuses, saying; “What’s the point of a new life if I keep running from my problems” The entities are taken aback by his unwavering determination, having never encountered a spirit who refuses to escape their troubled past. They warn him about the evil being that now resides in his old body, but that only motivates him. He believed In the saying - to defeat a monster, you have to be twice as monstrous. Embracing his fate as The Phantom's Gambit, they traverse the shadowy path of retribution, their identities blur, secrets unravel, and the line between savior and monster fades. This is a tale of darkness and redemption, where justice is a blade, and revenge is the only way forward.

Humanity is fated to be doomed. Extraterrestrial invaders, extradimensional threats, and enemies from every corner of existence converge to ensure one thing. Extinction. But one man has an ingenious plan. After countless failures and resets, Surreal had finally figured it out. If the mission is to preserve humanity, why not simply annihilate it first? By becoming the last human standing, he can wipe the slate clean and rewrite the rules of the new civilization. This way, he will have more leverage on what needs to be or to be not—to brace for the near-endless rounds of judgment days. “Am I hearing this right?” Of course, one could find themselves taken aback by that ridiculous plan. “Are you, for real?” “No, I’m Surreal.” Armed with black magic, a twisted sense of humor, and a growing army of supersoldiers and conceptual warriors. Surreal is ready to wage war across timelines and alternate Earths. From bending reality to battling other multiversal counterparts of Earth’s chosen ones, he will compromise this one last chance to save humanity and bury the countless years of despair and sorrow. Failure is not an option. — Expect an over-the-top, action-packed saga of surreal strategy, chaotic timelines, and unorthodox warfare. Absurdity is the main theme, and things will only get crazier as the story goes on.

``` If she had known he was so noble and domineering, a man not to be trifled with, could she have shoved the nozzle into his mouth? No. If she had known he was the rich and powerful Crown Prince, could she have accidentally bitten him? No. If she had known he was the "Cold-faced King of Hell" whom everyone respected yet kept at a distance, would she still have checked him for drunk driving? No. * Lian Qiao, grayer than Cinderella, could never have imagined she would have any connection with such a man. Yet here she was, kidnapped in broad daylight and humiliated without anyone daring to interfere. Could she refrain from biting him, biting him, and continuing to bite him? * He, whose family background was illustrious and who was so handsome that it was ridiculous, never got close to women. No woman should even dream of approaching within three feet of him. Yet not only had she come close, she had inserted and even bitten. Could he forgive her, forgive her, and keep forgiving her? *When equatorial glaciers melt, when they become engrained in flesh and blood... What would become of him and her? * [One-liner introduction]: This is the growth story of a sneaky, sarcastic woman with a venomous tongue hiding behind a smile; and the pursuit of a wife by a tyrannical, yet devoted husband as cold and ruthless as the King of Hell himself. P: On the tumultuous path, conflicts arise anew; witness Sijin once again portray boundless love and ultimate indulgence. Invariable principle: A little torment for affection, never too much, one on one to the end! [Excerpt]: She had vanished for six years, and to her surprise, as soon as she returned to the country and disembarked the plane, he slapped handcuffs on her. "Girl, both deserting a spouse and deserting the army cost dearly. Which are you guilty of?" he asked. "Uncle..." Behind her, a cute and innocent little fairy with eyes brimming with tears asked innocently in a milky voice, "Why are you catching my mommy?" He was taken aback. Could this be their daughter? "Little girl, how old are you?" he asked. "Four years old," the little beauty replied with a sweet smile. What a joke! I, the genius little schemer, why should I tell you the truth? What does it matter if you are my daddy? Dare to bully my mommy, and wait to see my seventy-two transformations... * ```

[Sweet, Satisfying, and Passionate; Group Pampering; Torture Casanovas] Si Fuqing opened her eyes to find that her luck has been stolen. Everyone wanted her out of the entertainment industry too. After getting a second chance at life, she just wanted to do nothing this time. Yet, some people who didn’t know their place kept trying to rub off on her fame without any genuine talents to show for. This wouldn’t do. She had to do something about them. Si Fuqing pinched her wrist and took action. After that, the internet berated her for being shameless enough to court Yu Yao, and that her private life was indecent, but… An international songstress: I’m able to stand here today all because of Qingqing. A top-rate male celebrity: Stay away from my sister #YuYao An official international sports channel: Congratulations to Si Fuqing for securing the 13th personal gold medal. At first, Yu Yao paid no mind to Si Fuqing. But when he later learned the truth and regretted, even getting down on his knees so Si Fuqing would look his way again, he could only post a status on social media saying, [#SiFuqing, Hello, Ninth Aunt]. That day, the internet was paralyzed. In the records of history, Emperor Yin rose to fame at a young age. He was perfect, powerful, and benevolent. Yet, he died at the age of 27 due to illness, having lived only a short life with no wife or children. He was an unattainable Adonis for many. No one knew that when he opened his eyes once more, he woke up in the future where 1500 years had passed. This time, he saw tall buildings that he had once imagined before. Shortly after, Emperor Yin’s identity was exposed. When Si Fuqing learned that her idol was within arm’s reach, she was so impressed that she wanted to… Si Fuqing: I’ll work hard! Emperor Yin: Repay me with your body. Si Fuqing: ??? ‘Here I am trying to work hard, but you want me instead?’ An all-rounder and gorgeous goddess x A resolute and noble emperor From being scorned on the internet, to being crowned as number one while she fought her Adonis one-on-one.

His gaze slowly drifted up to her knees, and then her thighs. The soft white skin-it all looked so smooth. She watched him, marveling at how he seemed to memorize every detail of her. It made her feel so warm inside, to know that the sight of her body captivated his attention so much. When his gaze fell upon her pussy, he was taken aback. He cocked his head and met her gaze. She suddenly got self-conscious and sat up. "What? Is there something wrong?" He was staring at her bush, or more precisely. the lack thereof! There was no hair on her mons, just a thin strip of dark curly hair that started just above the hood of her clit, went up three inches, and stopped. He was totally confused. He had never seen any woman that had just a thin strip of hair down there. It was either all over and thick; or, if they were very young, not there yet, or just some fuzz. His head was cocked at an angle and his ears were fully forward, his forehead wrinkled as he tried to figure out why it looked the way it did. She saw his expression was one of confusion, not disgust as she had feared. She relaxed a little.

Due to an accident, Roning travelled to a fantasy world where fighting spirit and magic coexisted and became the eldest grandson of Marquis Wushan. Before he had time to celebrate his good fortune, he was deprived of his right to inherit the title and even faced the risk of being expelled from the family. Fortunately, Roning obtained a piece of territory with his keen mind. Although it was remote, with the wisdom of the Blue Star people and the game system he designed, Roning gradually got rid of the difficulties, built castles, developed the economy, expanded the army and built his own empire in the alien world.

A collection of short stories taken from the depths of my subconscious. Take a dive with me and experience the oddities of what lies beyond.

Martin Weiher finds his great-grandfathers SS uniform in his attic. He tries it on and it whisks him back in time to the very trench his great-grandfather died in. He hides and manages to survive. He's taken to the Elsass where he starts working at the Reichsuniversity of Strassburg.

—Will be taken down for revising [Friday, January 17]

When greed takes over deceit, there is no going back. Don't be taken aback A soul full of hope can be shattered through an object. Take an advice when there is a need to Embrace anything there is to embrace . Recall an incident for it will be needed. what shall happen shall happen. All is going well for Anita until a terrible afternoon . sleeping at night not knowing that's her last night in her house, A murder she unwillingly comits. she finds herself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse ,no where to go, a desperate quest of freedom, Her life turning upside down. With a lot of money to her disposal but can't be useful. Got separated from everyone she knows and loves especially the love of her life , knowing she will never see him again and nobody will ever believe her, not even her family. should she keep running?

Born into the Thornhill family, Eliana should have been dealing with succession planning and heiress training. But instead, she’s dealing with the crocodile tears of her cousin Alexa. As if stealing her Fiancé wasn’t enough, she’s out to pin everything onto Eliana. Trust issues - Eliana. Popularity issues - Eliana. Landslide - Must be Eliana. In an attempt to end her cousin’s jealousy-ridden machinations, Eliana is forced into a relationship with a childhood disaster, Lucian Alder Sinclair, her most tempting nightmare. Lucian Sinclair has always been synonymous with perfection, at least to most people. But to his family, finding someone who could handle his aloofness has been the top priority. Forced to return to his home country at the behest of his grandfather, Lucian fortunately encounters Eliana who’s in need of a ready-made partner. Constantly up at each other's throats, then into each other’s arms, may the lies they’ve told hold up against discerning family members and unrelenting pursuers.

Shinsao Akutami, a boy who lost everything, he is now on the path to grow stronger and to get back what has been taken from him

In the bustling city of wealth and prestige, Aria Fredricko stands out as a brilliant and ambitious high school student. With her stunning beauty, fierce determination, and cheerful demeanor, Aria is the epitome of a rising star. Her dreams are bigger than just being a CEO's wife – she wants to be the CEO herself. Aria's passion for learning and her dedication to taking care of her family drive her to work tirelessly towards her goals. Enter Ace Alexander, the notorious bad boy from a wealthy and influential family. With his chiseled features, piercing gaze, and aloof demeanor, Ace exudes an aura of mystery and power. Aria and Ace's paths cross in high school, and despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. As they navigate the challenges of adolescence, their relationship blossoms, and Aria finds herself falling deeply in love with Ace. However, their love is short-lived, as Ace's inner demons ultimately lead him to break Aria's heart. The devastating breakup leaves Aria shattered, and she is forced to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. Eight years later, Aria and Ace reunite under unexpected circumstances. Ace, now a ruthless and cunning businessman, has transformed into the very embodiment of a powerful CEO. Aria, having rebuilt her life and forged a successful career, is taken aback by the sheer intensity of her lingering feelings for Ace. As they rekindle their romance, old wounds and unresolved emotions resurface. Aria must confront the pain of her past and decide whether she can truly trust Ace again. Meanwhile, Ace must confront his own demons (which is...)and learn to let go of his defenses to truly love Aria. Will Aria and Ace be able to rekindle their lost love, or will the scars of their past prove too deep to overcome? Can they find a way to make their love work, or will their differences tear them apart once again?

Honey is an Ex Esports pro in VRMMORPGs. Taken out due to her dominant demeanor, she was outcasted despite her skills. She was too Dominant For the shier men around her in the leagues. Her once-promising career ended, and she Started Sleep Streaming to make ends meet as her parents continued to profit off her previous career in gaming. She now hopes to change it all with the new Gabin Corporations VRMMORPG Galaxy Online. A game set in a new Universe that they have taken years to build and create with the latest and greatest VR technology and Artificial Intelligence. Join Honey as she tries to recreate her Career as Sleepy Wonder in Galaxy Online. This Story does contain 18+ content and Erotic sex scenes. There is gore in some scenes, and the story is not meant for those under the age of 18. Please be advised.

Kay's parents were murdered in cold blood, because of him and, by an unfortunate misturn, he is taken in by a child abuser. On the day he is to be sold off, by some unforeseen circumstance, he is introduced into a new world. What awaits Kay in this brand new world.

Grand Scholar: A title synonymous with greatness, power, status, and authority. Ruchir, a young scholar from the capital city, harbors a burning ambition to attain this esteemed title. Join him on a journey brimming with drama, intense emotions, and thrilling action. Will Ruchir fall prey to the intricate plots against him, or will he rise above them to one day reign supreme over the continent? In this novel, the plot doesn't merely follow the main character; the main character intricately weaves through the plot. Take your time, dear readers, and immerse yourself in a tale where the depths of character development unfold in ways you’ve never experienced before.

[CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT!! ] (At least read the first fifteen chapters before tossing it aside) . Anna Sui woke up from her drunken state to see her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend on the eve of their wedding. Anna was so heartbroken that she ran out of the house, but due to an unfortunate turn of event, she had a one night stand with a complete stranger. . EXCERPTS, "Anna where are you I've been trying to call you for hours now, why are you ignoring my calls?" Her frown deepened. "Leave me alone Mack you can keep being with Nari I don't care." She yelled. "Oh please stop it Anna. You're my girlfriend and I demand to know. Don't tell me you're with another man Ann. Did you forget today's our wedding" Before Anna could say a word her phone got snatched away from her. "She's mine now. If you call or disturb what's mine from now on, be ready to rot in hell." He hunged up and tossed the phone aside. . (IN THE CUPID'S QUILL COMPETITION. Support book by adding it to library, voting with power stone, gifting golden tickets and normal gift.)

Work taken outttt!

A young boy who is rejected by his village finds himself being taken into a loving home by two other orphaned children. Their caregiver "Master" raises them to learn how to be a Guardian and protect the world from monsters by using magic.

In a small village, a bulky man with bronzed skin sat with his daughter, Ireal. Her porcelain complexion, white hair, and piercing blue eyes made her look like a noble, a stark contrast to her rugged father. Ireal's innocent gaze met her father's as she asked, "Father, why are you crying?" The hunter's forced smile faltered, and he was taken aback. "What did you say, Ireal?" He tried to compose himself. "I'm not crying, so why would you say that?" Ireal's expression remained clear and unwavering. "I can hear you crying, Father. You're sad because Mother died." She took a step closer, her small hand reaching out. "You're in pain, and I don't want you to hurt. I'll take care of you for Mom." The hunter's eyes welled up with tears as he chuckled, his voice shaking. "Silly girl." He looked at her with newfound curiosity. "Do you mean you can hear my thoughts?" Ireal nodded, her blue eyes sparkling. "Yes, Father. Mother knew about it, and she told me not to tell anyone." In a world where dragons reign, a teenage girl's life is forever changed. Ireal, an orphaned infant, was found and adopted by a loving hunter couple. But after her adoptive mother's tragic death, Ireal's village is ravaged by dragons seeking the prince's mate. Among the captives, Ireal is unexpectedly chosen by the prince, thrusting her into a realm of magic, politics, and ancient secrets. As she navigates this new world, Ireal must confront her destiny and the mysteries of her past. Will Ireal accept her new role as the prince's mate, or will she fight against her fate? What secrets lie hidden in Ireal's past? Can Ireal navigate the treacherous world of dragons or will she become a pawn in their games of power? Will she be able to love prince Kael or destroy him for destroying her people?

Maeve Brooklyn, a 17-year-old heiress, lives a life of luxury, but her wealth can't buy her the one thing she craves - love. Having given up on her family's affection, she finds herself drawn to her uncle, the black sheep of the family, who exudes a mysterious and dangerous aura. On her 16th birthday, she makes a bold move, asking him to kiss her, and though he's taken aback, he humors her. But this innocent gesture sparks a forbidden attraction that will change everything. As Maeve's obsession grows, she entangles herself in her uncle's world, one of casinos, secrets, and seduction. He, a powerful and charismatic figure, is torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire for his rebellious niece. When she appears at his pub with another man, he's shocked, but Maeve's confident smile hints at a deeper game. Thus begins a dangerous dance of love, power, and family secrets that will push them both to the edge

Lu Zhen, the young master of the Lu family was defeated and crippled in a battle against Jin's young master. His Sword Dao Heart was also destroyed resulting in his cultivation being stagnant. Three years later, seeing that he will remain trash his whole life, Lu Zhen chose to end his life. As if the heavens were favouring him. Lu Zhen's body was taken over by the Sovereign White Lion which was besieged for its heaven defying technique and had everything taken from it. Will the Sovereign White Lion take Lu Zhen to new heights or will it be devoured by its vengeance?

A young boy is taken from his family and is forced to fight to the death within a stone prison, after 10 years of torture he had vowed to never kill a person and now plans to escape his captors.

Sena is kidnapped and taken to the planet Pompa, he must work as a slave and enter a deadly game, where his head and cap are the reward. Follow our Hero in a crazy world, from happiness to deadly wars!

Marcus your regular young human adult, you will think but most who know who he truly his had been sent to the after life. After all it wasn't easy to survive after learning the secret of a reincarnated devil especially one who wanted to be left alone after his betrayal, Lossing a large portion of his memory of his past he survived in the body of a human toddler harmless but sinisterly dangerous after all Devil or human the body is but a shell that is to be nurtured into a weapon of war. In a world where power is synonymous to authority what would he strive for, will he regain his memory, how will his revenge be served. If you are curious then you are welcome to join the ride though this is my first novel so bear with me please.

This story takes place long after the events of the seven days of creation. Things had changed extremely since the earlier years, we now follow Jenny our protagonist as the world descends more and more into futuristic chaos, after all men are magically taken from the world.

An individual is constantly torn from within, but what happens when the torn personalities gain consciousness? Wandering through their own goals and constantly in turmoil over the actions taken, disagreements take place within all our minds. Just how does the subconscious manage everything?

Chilling nightmares have taken over Marina's nights, leaving her wondering what she did for all those people to kill her over and over and over again.

A Chief Orc enslaved, along with his people and whose land was taken by the Austrians, plans to free his people and take back control of his land. In the process of taking back what is rightfully his, he must accept a tragic fate that will come to pass.