Monster Duke Mistook Me For His Wife

In a world full of monsters and humans, there existed the Five Great Empires: Bergeves, Houndshear, Evergrove, Brineford and Ravenbrook, ruled respectively by the vampires, werewolves, orcs, ghouls and humans. These nations were formed by the first Shadow Emperors after they faced and defeated Zelda, the Chaos god, during the First Crimson War. Several millennia later, a prophecy is made that the defeated Zelda shall be resurrected to exact his revenge on the world. But there is hope, for a group of monster warriors shall rise to protect Amberland from this great threat. They are: Monster Five!!!

``` Anak perempuan baron, Alessandra Barrett, telah memakai masker sejak usia muda karena sebuah cedera. Banyak yang mengatakan jika Anda melihat wajah di balik masker, Anda akan terkutuk dan mati tidak lama kemudian. Dia dilihat sebagai hantu, dihindari oleh semua yang mengunjungi rumah baron sampai dia menjadi istri duke. Tak seorang pun bisa mengerti mengapa duke memilihnya sebagai istri. Apakah dia ingin mati? Apa yang akan terjadi pada gadis yang dulunya bersembunyi di bayangan tetapi kini menjadi pusat perhatian sebagai istri ber-masker duke? Apa yang akan semua orang katakan jika mereka mengetahui kebenaran bahwa dia adalah dalam pernikahan kontrak dengan duke? Urutan linimasa cerita Kebangsawanan Castro - Istri Raja yang Tak Bisa Dihancurkan Pelayan Misterius Sang Kesatria Istri Ber-masker Sang Duke ```

Introducing the new book "Marrying the Villain in a Book World: A One-on-One Pampering Story" – a unique tale He is Huangfu Zheng, a man at the pinnacle of power, arrogant, imperious, and living wildly without constraints. She is cool and breathtakingly beautiful, with both her looks and intelligence off the charts. Love at first sight is something he used to scoff at, but it often slapped him in the face both swiftly and fiercely. This is actually a story about an exceedingly domineering man who dotes unconditionally on a highly intelligent woman. He wants to treasure her, spoil her rotten, and pamper her until she sees no one else but him. Mini Theater【One】 Huangfu Zheng: My dear, you seem even more beautiful today. Tang Anzhi gave him a glance: Haha, speak human. Huangfu Zheng's expression turned serious: Wife, we can go register our marriage now. Mini Theater【Two】 "Big bro, isn't there a limit to pampering a woman? She's almost climbing on your head and doing her business, and you don't even care." More importantly, that woman is vicious, holds grudges, and her methods are ruthless; he can't live like this! Huangfu Zheng glanced over with a cold snort: "I like it, any objections?" Who else should I spoil if not my own wife? A one-on-one relationship, an extreme pampering story

To save her sick brother, she got involved with a mysterious man. Four years later, she was cornered against a wall by the man and only then did she realize that she had tricked a business tycoon, the fearsome King of Hell of the capital city." She instantly became submissive, "We've already settled our debts, you shouldn't hold a grudge after the fact, are you!?" "Abandoning your husband and child and now you're saying I can't settle scores?!" the man said through gritted teeth with a dark expression, "You won't be rid of me for the rest of your life!"

[Warning: R18+] "Her Greatest Revenge--Seduce him, Break his marriage, Steal his fortune, and lastly... DUMP him." ***** Sabrina Williams' life crumbles after discovering her husband's deceit and the underhanded acquisition of her family's fortune. Presumed dead after a tragic incident, Sabrina reemerges five years later with a new identity and a burning hunger for revenge. Her return sparks romantic chaos amongst the CEO's inner circle, a dazzling array of handsome bachelors vying for her attention. Sabrina Williams finds herself at the center of a romantic whirlwind with unexpected contenders– her protective best friend, a powerful Mafia Boss, and her possessive ex-husband. The stage is set for a pulsating tug-of-war—a clash of love and revenge with emotions running high. The players are all in, and the game is just getting started! ***** When her scandal with her Ex-husband spreads on the internet, bashers curse her tagging her as Shameless Mistress, Worthless Homewrecker, and Evil Slut... however several mighty bachelors unite to defend her. CEO of Top Fashion Company: "Haters go to hell! PS: to those models who antagonized my Goddess, I hereby take our brand sponsorship from them." President of the Largest Entertainment Company: "Fake news! We will take legal action for slandering my Goddess! Artists who cursed her will be banned from my company." Vice Chairman of Biggest Hotel and Resort Company: "Shut up, Bashers! Don't ever step in one of our hotels and resorts!" Domineering Mafia Boss: "Back off! Erase those malicious comments, or else my gang will hunt you down. I'll kill everyone who dares ridicule my Queen! Everyone: "..." Then a confession comment suddenly pops up amidst the chaos. FL's Best friend: "Everyone can hate you but I'll always be there for you. Sabby... I love you... I've been loving you since our childhood years... My first love... and my last." Her ex-husband can no longer stay quiet and declares to the public. Possessive Ex-husband: "She's not my mistress. She's my legal wife." FL Friend Lanny: "Legal Wife your Ass! Crazy Jerk just die!"

"The body can't be lazy! New mission alert: Spend a night with the Duke!" Everhart, a bookshop owner, is killed during the raid of her shop. She dies, but wait a moment—she’s not gone for good. She finds herself transported into the romance fantasy book The Almighty Prince of Arderla. The situation doesn’t seem so bad, right? You might think so. But what was the system saying? "Congratulations, Ivy Everhart! You are now Ivy Everhart, the cannon fodder wife of the villain in the book!" That’s it. Ivy Everhart has become a cannon fodder character who stands as an enemy of the crown prince and the villain. But wait a minute—there’s a twist. The system can help her. According to it, she’ll survive if she makes the villain fall in love with her and fixes her reputation. Do you think the system's task is easy? Will Ivy be able to change her fate as cannon fodder in the book?

*****Excerpt***** “Don’t,” she whispered, her words shaky and desperate. “Please, Raph, don’t.” “Don’t what?” he murmured, his lips brushing her collarbone now. “This isn’t right. We shouldn’t…” “But we have,” he countered, his voice unwavering. Her knees threatened to give way, her strength faltering against the onslaught of sensation. She felt his hands on her shoulders, firm but not unkind, as he turned her to face him. Her heart hammered wildly as he lifted her with ease, placing her on the edge of his desk. He parted her legs with his hands and stepped between them, his large hands bracketing her waist. Their faces were inches apart, his breath warm against her lips. Her senses were drowning in him, in the heat of his body and the sheer magnetism of his gaze. “Tell me to stop,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And I will. I’ll let you go and never ask this of you again. But it’s your choice, Natalie. Only yours.” Her mind screamed at her to end it, to take the out he offered. But her body betrayed her, leaning into him, craving his touch. He held her steady, his patience unnerving, as though he knew she would falter. “I’m waiting, Nat,” he urged, his voice softening, though his grip on her remained firm. “Raphael…” Her voice was a breathless plea, her will crumbling. “Yes, sweetheart?” Her hands found their way to his shoulders, clutching at the fabric of his shirt. She couldn’t stop the words that slipped from her lips, nor could she deny the truth in them. “Make love to me.” A dark smile curved his lips as he claimed her mouth in a kiss that stole her breath. “Good choice,” he whispered against her skin. “Because I wasn’t planning on letting you go.” *****Synopsis***** Raphael Emberlin, the Duke of Barrington, and his maid, Natalie Scott, are kidnapped while on a journey. After escaping their captors, they find themselves in a strange, unfamiliar land far from home. Everything around them is different, from the language to the people, and they must find their way back, all while learning to navigate the challenges of being stuck with each other. Raphael, used to being in control, struggles to trust anyone, especially Natalie. However, as they travel together, he begins to see her in a new light—her strength, courage, and ability to handle tough situations. On the other hand, Natalie has to deal with Raphael’s arrogance and pride, but she also notices his vulnerability and starts to understand him better. As they journey through this unknown world, their relationship starts to change. What began as a forced partnership slowly grows into something deeper. They each discover new strengths within themselves and each other. By the time they finally return home, they are left wondering whether they can go back to their old lives or if the journey has changed them forever.

After staying in a loveless marriage with her long-time crush for two years, Lisa finds out that she's pregnant. Her whole world crumbles when he throws divorce papers at her face. To make matters worse, she is betrayed by the people whom she calls family. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that she is actually the heiress of the largest shipping conglomerate on the continent. She leaves the town, pregnant. Five years later, she comes back to town, hellbent to take revenge on her ex-husband, cold and domineering billionaire, Damian. She is determined to make everyone who has ever hurt her pay!  However, little did she know that there was more to the divorce years ago.

Excerpt "Who is she? She is not the one I was supposed to marry." "Master, She is the other woman's sister. She came here to represent her." His butler responds. Eric smirks. "That cheeky woman thinks she can get a taste of me and run. Find her, and bring her here." "Yes, Master Eric." * When Mina Campbell is cast out of her adoptive parent's home to represent her step sister at a 'checking' ritual, everything becomes blurry and faded, even worse when they turn their backs on her, calling her a whore who's out to ruin their lives. She's sad, angry and despaired. Until Eric Walters decides to claim the young, cute and petite woman for himself, and slowly, she ends up being the Wealthy Man's weakness, oh, and his strength.

Cheng Xiao has worked for Xu Kai as his secretary for 7 years, but lately she feels that she has moved away from her goal. Applied for a designing position but was hired as his secretary. She decides that it is time to follow her dream and plans to quit, but Mr. Xu has gotten too used and won't allow her to leave him. He realizes that he has been in love with her and plans to make her his.

A powerless woman’s worst nightmare is marrying someone against her will. When those who are supposed to protect her betray her in the vilest of ways, Leonor is forced to marry a Duke known for his cold nature and repulsive appearance. After a miserable childhood, it shouldn’t have been a surprise to her that her future was never truly in her hands in the first place. Duke Desmond de Montclair was nobody before the war. He garnered the King’s favor by doing the impossible in battle. Unfortunately, any achievement is eclipsed by his appearance and unbearable personality. In a kingdom that idolizes beauty, there is no room for someone like him. At first, Leonor finds life with the Duke to be what she’s used to - walking on eggshells and never speaking what’s truly in her heart. Eventually, things slowly start to change as the Duke learns about the horrors she faced while living with her family. His power becomes the key to her revenge. However, in a moment where she feels cornered, Leonor confesses to the Duke that she’s in love with someone else. The progress she has made with the Duke comes crashing down around her. Will her magic abilities be enough to convince the Duke not to throw her out? If she can make herself useful to him, perhaps she can gain his sympathy somehow…

In the world where Humans and Monster's form a bond and fight together, the world where both Evolve together to get stronger. Walk with Micheal as he starts his adventures with his Silver Sparrow, overcomes countless obstacle and adversaries to fulfill his greatest Dreams. The initial and new chapters getting edited everyday. Release Rate: 14 Ch/Week+ The cover is not mine. I couldn't track down the original creator but if the creator is out there, message me if you want me to take it down or give credit

-WARNING - ADULT AND MATURED SCENES WERE DEPICTED IN THIS BOOK In the game of love, these two players don't intend to win. *Dual POV:* *Richard Wellington's Story* Born with a weak heart, billionaire Richard Wellington has always shielded himself from love, fearing the risk of heartbreak. But when his parents insist he chooses a wife from a selection of 15 high-society candidates, Richard must confront his deepest fears. *Sofia Blake (Reed)'s Story* Fashion enthusiast Sofia Blake has been burned by love and believes it's a fool's game. Desperate to escape her cruel stepmother and evil stepsisters, Sofia accepts a job as Richard's personal assistant and judge for his wife search. But as she navigates the treacherous waters of high society, Sofia finds herself drawn to the one man she's supposed to resist. As Richard and Sofia work together, their initial disdain for each other slowly gives way to a forbidden attraction. But with their past heartaches and fears threatening to tear them apart, can they find a way to heal and open their hearts to each other? Will the Wellington Empire's legacy be secured, or will Richard and Sofia's love be the downfall of everything they hold dear?" What happens when these two individuals who hate each other and are unreceptive to love, starts growing feelings for each other?

Copyright ©️ 2023 by Jiang Zi Bei all of the credits goes to the original author and translator !!!!!! (I just wanted to upload this here so more people will read this book.)

On his 20th birthday, Asher's mother confessed something he never expected. After the truth was revealed, she died giving her last blessing to him. That's when Asher found himself all alone, confused about his own identity and worrying about his future. What did she say? -He was someone special? -Someone people would come after? She said he was coming from a very rare but also a very special race called omega where men could get pregnant. Was it real? At first, Asher strictly refused to accept his mother's confession. But in the end, he had to believe it. Because it was the bitter truth. If he was really coming from such a rare race, and had such a special body, did he have to live all his life hiding so he wouldn't get caught and become someone's plaything? Was that the only way to avoid getting the bad ending his father got? Why was he even born as someone like this?! He just wanted a peaceful life. So, it wouldn't be as dangerous as his mother said if he just forgot he was special and lived like a normal person, right? People would not notice. Alas, it's been a long time since people last saw an omega and they must be believing no omega exists now. At least that's what he thought... He thought people might have forgotten about his existence and he would not have to face any problems in the future.  Whether he was special or not, he still became a target. When he was kidnapped and auctioned as a slave, he regretted ignoring his mother's last advice. "Don't trust anyone easily. Your safety is in your hands and protecting yourself is your duty." He could only blame himself and expect for the worst if his special identity was to get revealed and meet the same end as his father did. However, his fate gave him a second chance along with a huge surprise which changed his life for the better. Hopefully, Asher was saved by the so-called 'bloodthirsty monster' duke and brought to his mansion to babysit his spoiled 10-year-old little sister who threw tantrums declaring she wants Asher to pat her head and comfort her. Just to babysit this adorable, little girl.  He was safe. His secret was also secured within himself. Thanks to that chaotic sister and brother, Asher's life slowly took new turns and continued with almost no obstacles...till some point. The surprise? The duke happened to have some kind of a 'strange' illness that had no cure. Not long after when Asher discovered it, he ended up becoming the perfect cure for his illness. But how? -Remember? He was 'special'! Where would his specialty as an omega lead his life to? What kind of mysteries would he have to encounter with this duke wishing comfort from him?  Will the duke's 'strange' illness ever get healed? How would their story flow to that perfect happy ending with the twist of love landing in the middle of their 'just a deal'? ________________ Note:  This story continues in a historical timeline. Similar to omegaverse, but not the same omegaverse universe. Magic, revenge, dukes, royal families, curses, spells, heats, ruts... (The book cover is from Pinterest. Respect to the artist.)

After receiving a divorce paper from her husband, six months after their marriage. Lisa tried to make their marriage work but was shattered by her husband’s affair with her cousin. Feeling betrayed and broken, she left to start all over. Six years later she becomes the most powerful woman in the underworld and a genius Doctor in the outside world. What will she do when she finds out the mafia who kidnapped her son for ransom to lure her to come and save the life of his dying fiancé is no other person but her Ex husband? Will she put aside her hatred towards the two and save her cousin’s life? or watch her die? Will she forgive her Ex husband for kidnapping his own son **** Trey Collins a ruthless, domineering and powerful CEO in the business world and a ruthlessly merciless man, who wouldn’t blink at the idea of murder, torture and making one disappear from the face of the earth without a trace in the underworld. Every lady in Pearl city dreams to become his wife, but also terrified of him by his powerful and deadly aura. Trey married Lisa just to spite his girlfriend, Valerie. After getting back together with his girlfriend, he asked for a divorce from his wife Lisa, but she refused to sign it. But when she signed the divorce papers, he was surprised but feigned nonchalance. He thought she didn’t want to let him go, he thought she would beg. But why does everything remind him of her after she left? He thought he wanted her out of his sight and life? No! He must reclaim what is his and his alone!!

[COMPLETED] Aideen Ruan, though a royal princess, was always unwanted due to the circumstances of her birth. Born blind to a hostage concubine, she possessed an intriguing beauty; however, her disability rendered her utterly useless to the royal family. Even when the struggling Count Crueder reluctantly agreed to take Aideen as his wife to secure the royal dowry, her life failed to improve. A year into their marriage, Aideen's inability to produce an heir sealed her fate. The princess was destined for exile to the Temple, consigned to spend the remainder of her days in isolation and abandonment. Contrary to her anticipations, instead of the Temple, Aideen found herself within the cold walls of Duke Tillian Valentine's castle. Duke Valentine, the last scion of the once-revered Valentine family that ruled the Kingdom before the "Fratricide Rebellion", now presided over the desolate Northern lands. Faced with fear and confusion, Aideen expected her life to perpetuate its cycle of misery, only to discover that Duke Valentine might hold the key to a new opportunity, a chance at a life she had never envisioned. "You bewitched my body and soul. Put an intoxicating spell on me, shackled my heart to yours with your magic. If I could exchange my eyesight with you, I would do it just to make you see what a man dying from love looks like."

- "What do you want?" "I want to save my children." "And why should I help you?" "Because... you are their father." - Go A Yeong had no choice but to run to the person who, she had been hiding from for five years, to save her children. In return, he asked her to marry him. Between saving her life or saving her children, the answer was obvious to her. But, is she really giving up on her life or upgrading it? Jeong Seo Joon didn't know who the woman he spent the night with was, five years ago, neither he wanted to know. That is, until the woman in question appeared in front of him without a notice, asking to save her children or, should he say, his. And before he knew it, he had a wife and a twin boys. 

Eight years after monsters poured through mysterious gates, humanity's survival depends on awakeners—superpowered defenders trained to fight the growing threat. Jin Woo, the weakest student at Seoul Academy, is ridiculed for his feeble abilities and lack of potential. But when an unstable gate reveals a strange connection to him, Jin Woo is thrust into a web of secrets, conspiracies, and unimaginable power. As the gates grow more dangerous, Jin Woo must rise above his limits—or risk the destruction of everything. "When monsters called me the king"—where strength hides in the most unlikely places.

Senior student Victoria Winner is the campus queen and the heiress of her father’s empire, her name and beauty give her the strength to feel she owns the world. She is the hottest girl on campus, yet she doesn't want to date because, for her, no one is above her, and she is too beautiful to date just with anyone. And too proud of herself that no boys have ever kissed her. Girls envy her while she can toy the boys with her fingers. Until one day, a new guy on campus ruined her reputation by kissing her. Oliver Prize is the handsome and hot Alpha of the Valiant Pack, the most feared pack in the entire werewolf community. He was devastated when the elders asked him to watch over his mate from the Sterling Pack since he doesn’t believe in falling in love, and having a mate; for him, it was only a waste of time and energy. Oliver was forced to pretend as a high school senior student transferee at Zenith Academy, and his bad-boy yet mysterious aura made the girls fall for him except with one girl, Victoria. Excerpt: “How dare you steal my first kiss from me?" Victoria hissed as she looked daggers at Oliver. "And why do you ever feel so stressed about it when I can feel you enjoyed that kiss so much? It was just a kiss, Victoria. Besides, you don't even know how to kiss." Oliver replied with a smirk that made her angrier. "If you want, I can give you a kissing tutorial for free." He said and left her without taking a second glance, and that is why Victoria hated him with all her heart. He was the only guy on campus who got the courage to mess with the school queen by kissing her. He hated everything about her especially her guts, but he couldn't deny himself that the kiss he shared with Victoria was the best kiss he ever had. During Victoria's eighteenth birthday, she discovered what she truly is, a secret she can't even tell her best friend. And she realized the world she knew was all lies. Victoria couldn't accept what she was, and she found refuge in the arms of her mortal enemy, Oliver Prize. Victoria realized her archnemesis was her only salvation to survive in the new world full of mysteries and wickedness where she thought she would never belong. Can Victoria protect her heart from falling in love with the boy she hated the most? Is the Alpha going to deny or accept to himself that love exist and it is real when he realizes Victoria Winner, the mate he wanted to reject, captured his heart? (Warning: Contain mature content on the later part of the story.)

Briana is a duke's daughter who's been on the battlefield for almost a decade. After ten years of battling, what she comes back home to is a run away younger syster, whom she has to replace in an arranged marriage. "Father! How can you do this to me? All I ever asked of you was an a few years older, soft-hearted, husband who faints at the sight of blood! Now you want me to marry a younger bloodthirsty man, who also happens be our houses enemy? Have I not dealt with enough enemies?" "It is his majesty's orders! Did I tell you syster to run away? No! What do you think should we become traitors? Do you expect our entire house to die because you want a cute husband?" "Yes! I don't care!" "Guards drag Briana to her room! Servant! Servants! Make her look like a decent lady! Her carriage will be here in one hour!"

Story about monster Have you ever wonder how and why monster do this like why some thing kill of them thing We all way see the monster hunter or something perspective What about the monster.

Tara has given it her all, taking care of Derek and being a devoted house wife. But he takes it all for granted, and brings home his first love one sudden day. He even goes as far as divorcing Tara, just so he can be with his lover. Seven years later and Tara returns with her smart and handsome son, Richard. Derek is jealous and wants to take him from her. He is even desperate as to make Tara his wife again. "No. We are over, Derek. You will not take my baby away from me. Go back to your mistress." He is going to do everything he can to take her back, but what he doesn't know is that there is another billionaire out there who is madly in love with Tara and her amazing baby.

this is just for testing

Are you tired of reading about super powerful MC? Well how about Super powerful parents of the MC? Let me take you on a journey to learn more about the MC’s parents and how they deal with having such a bizarre powerful child. Their excitement, their sadness, their anger, and their joy. You’ll experience it with them, and did I mention some sweet sexy moments will be shown?

In the saddest moments of her life, she finds solace in chatting with Zhou Xuanren, the infamous villain of a certain novel, through an AI character app. She confides her frustrations and loneliness to him, unknowingly falling for the brilliance of his words and the dark allure of his intelligence. But one day, without warning, she is transported into the very world she thought was only a fantasy. Now, standing in the ruthless cultivation realm where Zhou Xuanren reigns, becoming Ai Rui Jia, she discovers that the man she’s come to love is not just a character in a text—he is a living villain, a mastermind, and a force of destruction. Trapped in his dangerous world as a mere mortal, Ai Rui Jia must confront the man she loves while navigating a realm consumed by power struggles and ambition. Will she find a way to return to her world, or will she be lost to the shadows of his ambition for immortality?

“Love me for a year and when it is all over, you are free to go” Her words, not his. Her words. So why did it feel like her whole world was crashing as the year neared its end? Olivia Baker’s world ended when her fiance cheated on her with her best friend or was it when she found out the man she loved was only using her to get her father’s company? Was it even crazier that she loved him still?

At Kanci High School, everyone knows Sato Tomo—the boy with an angel’s face and a carefree smile. Popular yet mysterious, Sato floats through life, charming everyone without ever getting too close. His delicate frame and soft blue eyes often make people mistake him for someone fragile, but Sato hides deeper emotions behind that playful exterior. He seems untouchable, always surrounded by friends and laughter, making it hard for anyone to get a glimpse of who he really is. Emma Rose, on the other hand, is the opposite. With her strikingly foreign appearance—blue hair and pink eyes—Emma stands out, but not in a way that wins her friends. Shy, introverted, and often the target of bullying, Emma hides behind books and manga, escaping to worlds where she can be brave and confident, unlike the quiet girl she is in reality. The only person who truly knows her is her best friend, Ino, a bold and outspoken tomboy who’s always had Emma’s back. When Emma accidentally walks into the wrong classroom one afternoon and finds herself face-to-face with Sato, her world shifts in ways she never expected. Sato, with his easy smile and kind words, surprises her. Could there be more to him than the popular boy everyone sees? As Emma begins to notice the loneliness hidden behind Sato’s cheerful mask, she realizes they may have more in common than she thought. But Sato has no interest in love or high school drama—he’s too focused on his hobbies and enjoying life to get caught up in romance. Emma, on the other hand, isn’t sure what to make of her growing feelings. As the two are drawn into each other's orbits, Emma finds herself questioning not only her own heart but also the boy behind the smile. In Love is Hard, the story follows Emma’s journey of discovering herself and trying to understand the complexities of Sato, all while navigating the chaos of high school life, friendships, and her own shy heart. Will Sato ever open up? And can Emma find the courage to step out of her shell?

Selene, a girl haunted by a cruel stepmother and the memory of her mother, found herself caught in a royal web of obligation. A decree from the king demanded a marriage of convenience—a forced union with Prince Damon, rumored to be the devil himself. Her stepmother, driven by her own wicked ambitions, shoved Selene into this treacherous arrangement, forcing her to stand in for the step-mother’s daughter, Merceline. Damon, the brooding second prince of Beville, was under pressure from his family to marry. He'd always kept a distance, but when he met Selene, with her startlingly vibrant green eyes, something shifted within him. There was a spark, a connection he couldn't ignore. This wasn't just a political alliance; it felt... different. "Selene, look at me. It's not what you think," Damon urged, his voice low and husky. "Stop," Selene whispered, backing away, her heart hammering against her ribs. "I don't want to hear anything." Damon's touch, though gentle at first, lingered on her skin. He wanted to reach into the turmoil he saw in her eyes, to unravel the secrets she held within. "I love you, Selene, my sweet wife," he murmured, his voice laced with a desperate plea. "I can't hide it anymore." Selene, caught in a whirlwind of feelings, found herself drawn to Damon's intensity. He was everything she'd never dared to hope for. But deep down, a fear of the unknown lurked within her. "Answer me, wife," he pressed. "I... I don't know what to say," she stammered, her breath catching in her throat. "I didn't hear that," he said, a hint of steel in his tone. "Repeat yourself." His touch tightened. He pinched her chin, and a flicker of pain laced her confusion, but he quickly followed that with a tender kiss on her chin, smoothing away any sign of distress. "Give me time to sort out my feelings before I confess to you," Selene whispered, her voice barely audible. Her heart pounded. "Good," Damon murmured, and then, with no warning, his lips met hers. Their encounter was just the beginning of a dangerous game. Their forced marriage hid a passion that burned hotter than any decree, and one question hung heavy in the air: could their hearts find a way through the politics and deceit, or would the rumors of the devil prince become a chilling reality?