Aster Peony Duchess

The two sisters have opposite personalities. The older sister Quartz is quiet, has a strict personality, and is also wary of strangers around her. The younger sister Aster is an active and optimistic person, always the first to speak and also ready to face challenges. Together, they try to live peacefully in a strange world.

What would you do if you were told you only had five years to live? Aster Mistral, suffering from an incurable congenital “disease” that saps life force out of his every breath, decided to fight with all his might. Waking up into the future, 2,500 years later, he embarks on a quest to find a cure for his ailment! “My target! To find the Panacea on the 1,000th floor of the dungeon!” Together with trustworthy allies, he forges a path of blood and corpses, building his foundation and increasing his level! However, he can’t stay in dungeons all the time, as he has a duty to fulfill. “To raise the human DNA average of the world, the government wants my seeds?!” Follow Aster on his laidback journey of fighting monsters, courting girls, escaping adversaries, and discovering secrets about himself! - - - New Book for WPC June 2024! I will be giving out bonus chapters every week based on: PS => 200 (1 chapter), 400 (2 chapters), 800 (3 chapters), 1,600 (4 chapters), and so on! Reviews (at least 4 stars) => 10 reviews (1 chapter) until it reaches 100 reviews! Golden Tickets => 50 (1 chapter), 100 (2 chapters), 200 (3 chapters), 400 (4 chapters), and so on! Join me in my discord: https://discord.gg/DEVbwSbZUh

What would you do if a Prince Suddenly got interested in you? In the land of Wyverdale, The Crowned Prince has finally returned from War victorious, his Father immediately wants him to Marry and then Commences the Festival of the Virgins. |||||||| Excerpt "Your Highness I am not an Easy woman" she said "Really? then if I proposed to you this instant would you agree?" he asked "----" |||| "It's time to consummate our Marriage don't you think?" he asked "Umm, Your Highness in my family we do not commence anything till spring" she replied "Oh is that so? since when?" he asked "Umm since my generation" she replied "---" Lady Diwura Lily Scot- The only child of Duke and Duchess Scot. Looks quiet and gentle on the outside, but a stubborn strong headed woman on the inside, with her pride at stake she willfully walked into a trap and got married to the Prince, her motto being that she was not an easy woman at all, and that did she prove. Prince Liam of Wyverdale -Usually cold, calculative and serious, the heir to the throne of Wyverdale, but when he meets Wura he slowly begins to change, he becomes playful and childish whenever she is around, and the two often fool each other. But only the end will tell where their relationship would go.

What is my existence? What am I? Since his birth, Aldrian Aster had never been an ordinary human. One day, a screen appeared in his sight with a message: I’m tied to the universe. I’m tied to nature. All of this is my own karma. Why I am different is also my destiny. My domain encompasses all things. There is nothing that can escape my view. There is nothing that can escape my sense. There is nothing that can escape my will. As he read these words, Aldrian understood that this was part of his destiny. Abnormal cultivation? Rapid comprehension? Mastering everything? Creating techniques effortlessly? This was his journey towards discovering his 'true' self.

Athanasia Eckart, a young duchess, is forced to navigate the complexities of court politics after her parents' tragic death. As she seeks to reclaim her rightful place, she must confront the darkness within herself and the treacherous landscape of the royal court. With the help of her swordsmanship skills and her unwavering determination, Athanasia must fight against those who seek to destroy her and her family's legacy. But as she delves deeper into the world of court politics, she begins to realize that the line between good and evil is not always clear-cut. Will Athanasia be able to overcome the challenges that lie ahead, or will she succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume her? Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

“My only regret was.. living like a puppet for my sister!” Olivia Witherland had no one but her sister in this world. So when her sister Oriana married the duke of Aykroyd and became the duchess, she had no choice but to follow her there. Despite knowing that her sister had killed the previous duchess and going to harm the child left behind, she kept her eyes closed. But when the child grew up as Demon,he killed everyone including her and the innocent kids, Oriana gave birth to. Olivia regretted that her silence had harmed not only Damon but her innocent nephew and niece. Everyone was killed, but the killer lived a hollow life too. But fate gave her a second chance. Would she be able to save everyone or would destiny play a cruel game again?

On his way home from work, Aster died on a snowy night in a freak car accident. When he woke up, he was no longer on Earth. Not only that, he realized he was in a body that already had someone there! The other person was named Ellery and he was just as confused as Aster. Aster also found out that Ellery was a Guide! Sentinel and Guide? What's that? What's a quantum beast? Could he have a quantum beast too? Will the introverted Aster be alright with the extroverted Ellery? Aster really didn't know how this was going to work... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Who I commissioned for I Transmigrated into the Wrong Body novel cover: https://vgen.co/this_is_ALiCE_draws Some tags I could not include: #interstellar #guideverse #guide #sentinel #guideMCs #sentinelMLs #twoMCs #twoMLs #quantumbeasts

As a duchess with a body like glass, I lost my life in a severe seizure. No, rather, I thought I had lost it. “…I want you.” Then, I was reincarnated as a woman who looked just like me. However, isn’t this woman’s body too healthy? The joy of having a healthy body is brief, everyone says this to me this. Because this woman is my perfect husband’s mistress. I attended my own funeral in order to hear the truth. I saw a handsome man there, crying even more than my own husband, as if the world had suddenly collapsed. Who is that man, who I’ve never seen before? And actually, this woman… …Is she my husband’s mistress? *Noticed* - The translation isn't accurate and the language used is considered informal or "messy". - It's recommended to add this to your reading list to stay updated. - Readers are encouraged to support the original creators by purchasing the official version when it's available. - There are links provided to support the translator financially. - Readers are asked to enjoy the fan translation quietly and avoid causing any trouble or seeking attention. That's all, happy reading everyone!

My part in the novel concludes with my execution alongside the villainess. But then, to my surprise, I found myself back again. I thought I could change the story. By fulfilling the rightful owner’s wish to be loved, I believed I could bring her back—and find my own through death, the only release I longed for. Like many transmigrators, I escaped my adoptive family and sought out my real one. To my surprise, finding them was easier than I expected, as though fate had paved the way. [Selene Astralyon is my daughter. Anyone who dares harm her will face my wrath.] [I am your older sister. I was born to protect you.] [My lady, run! You must live—you must take revenge.] But nothing comes without a price. If I had known the cost of changing the story, would I still have chosen this path? Or was I already too far gone to turn back?

Susan Mitchell , a frustrated office assistant discovers a rare relic in the confines of her office walls. out of curiosity to decipher the contents of this relic, Susan Mitchell gets transported to ancient Qin dynasty in China as Ru Lingyi who is a palace maid in the palace of an overbearing concubine. Will Susan Mitchell, who is now Ru Lingyi find her way out , or becomes entangled with palace drama?, how is she going to navigate this discovery?...why not read to find out.

Here's a detailed synopsis for "Fragments of Me" that highlights the key plot points, character arcs, and the mystery/thriller elements while maintaining the emotional core of the romance. --- Title: Fragments of Me Genre: High School Romance with Mystery/Thriller Elements Word Count: 90,000 Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Elena Aster wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of who she is. The only fragments she clings to are fleeting images of a burning car, a woman’s terrified voice screaming, “Run, Elena,” and the lingering sense that something is terribly wrong. After a tragic car accident that claimed her parents' lives, Elena is taken in by her uncle, Damian Aster, a charismatic and influential businessman whose seemingly perfect family hides cracks beneath the surface. Damian’s wife is distant, her cousin Nate treats her with hostility, and only her other cousin, Lucas, offers a friendly face in an unfamiliar world. Starting over at Bellrose High, Elena struggles to fit in, haunted by fragmented flashbacks and the gnawing suspicion that her accident wasn’t just an accident. When she crosses paths with the rebellious and sharp-tongued Jaxon Rivers in an unconventional encounter, sparks fly—but not the romantic kind. Jaxon, a scholarship student from the wrong side of town, has his own reasons for distrusting the wealthy elite. His father, once an accountant at Aster PLC Ltd., mysteriously disappeared while investigating financial misconduct tied to the Aster family. Jaxon believes Damian holds the key to his father’s fate, but he can’t prove it—yet. Their worlds collide when Elena witnesses Jaxon in a brutal fight at school. Despite her initial disdain for him, she finds herself drawn into his dangerous orbit after saving his life. As Elena’s flashbacks grow more vivid, she and Jaxon form an uneasy alliance to uncover the truth behind her parents’ deaths, her lost memories, and the dark secrets entwining their families. Digging deeper, they discover Damian’s double life as the enigmatic "Orion Black," the mastermind behind an embezzlement scheme, corporate fraud, and something far darker. Evidence suggests Damian orchestrated the car accident to seize control of the Aster fortune, but his crimes go beyond greed. Jaxon’s investigation reveals that his father might still be alive—or worse, trapped in a fate more sinister than death. As Elena and Jaxon unravel the tangled web of lies, they face betrayals from those closest to them. Nate’s hostility masks deep-rooted jealousy and fear of losing his privileged status. Damian manipulates Elena’s fragile trust, gaslighting her into doubting her instincts. Even Jaxon’s motives are clouded by a thirst for revenge. Yet amidst the chaos, Elena and Jaxon’s reluctant partnership evolves into something more—a fierce, undeniable connection born from shared pain, vulnerability, and the hope of healing. With danger closing in, Elena must confront the horrifying truth: her memories were stolen, her life manipulated, and the people she thought she could trust are her greatest enemies. In a pulse-pounding climax, she faces Damian, armed not just with evidence of his crimes but with the strength she’s found within herself. The girl who woke up broken becomes the young woman who fights back. But victory comes at a cost. As secrets shatter and blood is spilled, Elena learns that love can be both her greatest weapon and her deepest wound. In the end, "Fragments of Me" isn’t just about uncovering the past—it’s about reclaiming identity, embracing vulnerability, and finding hope in the fragments left behind.

TW: This story contains discussions on eating disorders, graphic violence, strong language, assault and sexually explicit scenarios. Sebastian Aster is a handsome well sought after Prince, but he could never settle down, his demon wouldn't let him. That is until one day Lilith walked into his court. She was hired from the Lahnust clan, a clan that is a special guardian force bred and raised at a young age to rid the world of evil. Little does she know her presence awakens the primal urges deep within the prince.

A guy who wanted lead a peaceful life by living an ordinary life gets taken into chaos by his suitor who was longing for him for his whole youth. A love story between two people who were trying to protect what they had the most and that is the only common thing between them.

Apollo Leone tried to prolong his life as best as he could. But alas, he couldn’t escape the grasp of death. Even with his talent and being the wealthiest person on Earth, he died on a hospital bed. All his money, power, and influence vanished with his last breath. However, fate proved to be playful. Who would have thought there was a place after death that is neither Hell nor Heaven? There, he met a faceless woman named Aster, who granted him a new life on another planet where strength reigns supreme. But on one condition... Wait?! I have to live my life as a beggar?! Known as the most wealthiest person to have ever live and the person at the very top, how will he adjust to this new world where people can summon meteors, punch through mountains, and cut the sea in half? Beggar Cultivation System Activated! "You received 1 Alm Point!" "You received 1 Alm Point!" "You received 1 Alm Point!" ... ... "You received 100 Alm Points!" "Do you want to advance to the next stage?" "Yes!" Author's Note: -I will try my best to incorporate comedy into it and give it a slice of life style. - If we reach 300 Power Stones each week, there will be a bonus chapter. -100 Golden Tickets = 3 Extra Chapters at the End of the month.

The Grand Duke of the Empire has one ambition: to be the ultimate villain of all eras. But why is it that every villainous scheme he concocts ends up backfiring? He tries to poison the Crown Prince. Ends up healing said Prince's chronic illness and earns himself a loyal follower. He tries to steal the Grand General's new woman. Ends up rescuing a captive slave and earns himself a nominal fiancée. He tries to take over the church. Ends up culling a demon cult and earns himself a holy army. He tries to destroy the world. Ends up saving it.

Kidaya Simon Ishaya, Heir of House Ishaya and future Duchess of Houston has a bloody past and a dark secret. The one rule she has known and kept all her life, is that no one must see her bare back. The one thing she's known from age six is that the Faceless men killed and destroyed all she holds dear. Those same men drove her out of Vianto to the shores of another land, if she must survive. Fourteen years later, Kidaya is back in Vianto Empire with nothing but a quest for revenge. By day she is the loveliest flower in Vianto and most desired of all men married or single, but by night, she is one of the quickest sword that exists. With a little push from her guardian, she was forced to attend the coming of age ceremony, and now, she is out in society. Her first Ball, she has the attention of everyman at the ball, and somehow, she and the second Prince get entangled in an angry first encounter. He thinks she swooned on purpose and she is after his crown like every other lady in the ball and never wants to see her again. She thinks he is the most arrogant creature alive on earth and would be glad to never see him again. But there's more! What happens when her eyes act as a mirror to a world he does not know and his voice reminds her of an enemy? What happens when the song of blood begins and they must face each other as enemies with a sword to each other’s neck? What happens, when everything you shouldn't feel is everything your heart feels? What happens in a Palace of blood and war and she seems like his only redemption? What happens, when there's a whisper from the past, and it turns out that she is the last dragon guardian, the only one that can awaken the last dragon? (Please note, this is a slow-burn romance book.)

Duchess Chloe Vattenberg is a spineless softy at the mercy of society snobs, disparaging servants, and a cold husband. When an office worker (and recovering pushover) awakens as Chloe, she can’t believe it. But she’s DONE with this pity party, so let's make it a tea party! Each cup is perfectly brewed to defeat prejudices and coffee-predilections— and served with a side of business savvy— but is it enough to stir her husband and bring Chloé the respect she deserves? Come spill the tea with Chloe!

Barak, Polaris, Levant and Aster, these four belong to the same clan on their small island home. Each one of them weighed down by the expectations placed upon them by the elders of the clan, and each one of them yearning for freedom, but that’s to be expected because of the specialty of each of their births. With each of them wielding a different Blessing bestowed on them by the gods, they fight against the expectations of their clan and others to forge their own destinies, and walk their own paths. Join our protagonists in this action heavy story with lots of worldbuilding and even more interesting characters as they all go through their own journeys -------------------------------- schedule: 3/4 chapters week Chapter Length: 1000- 2500 ---------------------------------

What will you do if you, as an heiress of a mafia organization in this modern world, suddenly jump into another dimension? Historical era? The worst in this world is when a girl needs to be girlish, polite, wearing a dress with thick layers, and too traditional for her liking! But, of course, she will ruled this world, too, right? ~~~~~~~~~ ::VOLUME 1 : WHERE IS THIS WORLD?:: => Ariana Rose Conrad, heiress of Mafia from Black Eagle Organization in modern world suddenly jump into another dimension which totally different than the world that she know. ::VOLUME 2 : MARRY THE ENEMY:: => New life of Ariana as a Duchess. She also began to focusing on her mafia organization here. Her first case to investigate regarding the disease suffered by her mother-in-law. Love also started to blossom between her and her husband but something like this definitely not that easy as they started as enemies. After a big event, Ariana decided to leave the Silver Palace and divorce. ::VOLUME 3 : THE STRUGGLE OF LOVE:: => The Duke does not want to give up and keep on searching for his wife desperately even if she already left him. Reunite at some point but Ariana refused to coming back. Things getting complicated after Zayn collapsed, making Ariana have to make another big decision in her life. ::VOLUME 4 : THE FAMILY:: => The Basileious and the Conrad are now in a tense state after what Ariana said to the King, her own father. The empire also is in uproar because of that. People opinion is now divided into both of the household. ~~~~~~~~~~

Love is inherently a complex emotion, so much so that even the gods grow weary of its endless cycle. To put an end to this chaos, Cupid decided to create a solution: connecting lovers with a red thread of fate. Those bound by this thread would clearly see the connection between them, as a confirmation that they were meant to be together. Every trait, personality, and destiny would align perfectly, as if the universe had already planned it. However, in a strange twist, the thread decided to bind Cassius to his cold and powerful mother, a duchess renowned for her icy heart. This connection not only confused Cassius but also placed him in a dilemma, forcing him to face complex emotions and family secrets he had never suspected. Then, on a fateful day, Cassius saw the red thread appear once again. This time, it did not connect him to his mother but to a girl that he’d never met. Why had the thread appeared between them? And could this connection be a test of fate, or merely a cruel joke by the gods? ------- [No NTR][No Yuri]

Cassian, a young knight, is caught in a brutal war. He's fighting not just for his country, but for something more: a desperate attempt to earn the approval of his father, the Emperor. The problem? The Emperor doesn't even know he exists. Cassian, along with his brother Kieran, are the Emperor's secret children, born from a forbidden love affair with the Duchess. The Emperor, a cold and calculating man, seems to have completely abandoned them, and the boys are left to grapple with the pain of their biological father's indifference. Then, a twist of fate. Cassian and Kieran wake up back at the beginning of their lives, reborn as children. This time, Cassian and Kieran vow to break free. They want nothing to do with the Emperor. They both wants to build a life of their own, far from the shadows of the Emperor. Will they live out their life in this life without the Emperor's existence in their life or will they go to the same path again?

"For every pain you gave me, I died a thousand deaths. " I said staring at him. " I know begging for forgiveness won't erase the pain but don't forget that if I can't love you in this life, give me the chance to love you in all of my lifetimes." ----- Serena thought that love was meant to last forever, that the love she and Jesse had could last forever, something that even movies and romance novels could envy but when fate decided to play chess and she was the pawn , she knew her world had crumbled. If only she knew that the love he had taken from her was hiding her from some dangerous secrets , she could wrap her arms around him when he comes begging.

"Hearts in the Dark: Between Doubts and Desires" follows the story of two friends and a criminal who are transported to a world where secrets from the past and fears of the future collide, shaping the destiny of men destined to "not" meet. Damián, a hardened ex-mercenary scarred by life's hardships, suddenly finds himself linked to Adam, a powerful Alpha Prime. But while Adam yearns to explore the possibilities of love and a new world, Damián finds himself trapped in a spiral of distrust and self-doubt. He doesn't believe in the promises of a different future, nor in the possibility of finding redemption in the arms of another man. As Damián and Adam struggle to overcome the barriers that separate them, their journey intertwines with the story of Aster and Callum, whose own romance blooms amidst the shadows of uncertainty. While Aster and Callum defy societal conventions and embrace the intensity of their forbidden love, Damián faces his own inner demons, struggling to find the trust needed to fully surrender to the other. As the paths of these two couples cross and intertwine, they discover that the true power of love lies in self-acceptance and the courage to trust the unknown. In a world where the past threatens to consume the present and the future seems uncertain, love reveals itself as the guiding light in their darkness, showing them that together, they can find the peace and redemption they so desperately seek.

After an experiment goes awry, Samara finds herself in the mystical land of Lumicrestia, where dark forces are drawn to her for reasons she doesn’t understand. As she struggles to adapt to this new world, she gains an unexpected protector in Duke Mikhail Aster, a powerful figure both feared and revered. Samara feels an unshakable sense of familiarity with the Duke, and as they delve into the secrets of their intertwined pasts, they must also navigate the treacherous politics of Lumicrestia. Their growing bond tested as they face a corrupt high priest and an ancient deity bent on plunging the world into darkness.

Her soul is his to claim, her heart is hers to protect. Marcella Valemont is the alluring but resentful, selfish and ambitious daughter of the head priest. Forced into a cold marriage with the blackbellied Duke Berith, she longed for power and would stop at nothing to claim the crown—even if it meant seducing the incorruptible Crown Prince Lucian and tearing down the empire’s most virtuous house. She ruthlessly parleys her charm and cunning into becoming the Queen. But, power came with a price. Her ruthless schemes led to betrayal, rebellion, and ruin- an empire on its knees, a virtuous king destroyed, and a rebellion led by the man she discarded. Desperate and full of regret, she barters her life with the Duke to save Lucian. In an interesting turn of events, she gets to go back in time to fix her wrongs, save the man who was ruined because of her and hopefully stop the bloodthirsty rebel Duke Berith. She finds herself reborn as her 18-year-old self with a chance for a do-over. She vows to do better this time, to steer clear of the bastions of power and the malevolent Berith. Secrets long buried begin to surface, and Marcella discovers that her former husband is far more than he seems—a man cloaked in darkness, harboring a purpose that threatens everything she holds dear. They say second chances come with thorns and to fix the past, Marcela must trust the devil who destroyed it.

In the dystopian world of the Shattered Dominion, a deadly neuroenhancement virus has ravaged the population, turning half of humanity into emotionless creatures known as the Vex. Amidst the chaos, three individuals struggle to survive and uncover the truth behind the virus and its cure. Darius Kael, a 22-year-old scavenger, embarks on a perilous journey to find Genesis Labs, hoping to discover a cure for the Vex and restore the world to its former state. Alongside him is Nova Aster, a 19-year-old fighter driven by vengeance after the Vex took her brother’s life. Together, they seek justice, but their path is complicated by Silas Vex, a 25-year-old defector from the Vex program. Silas believes that the cure is not salvation, but a far greater danger that could tear apart the remaining remnants of humanity. As their destinies intertwine, the trio must navigate treacherous landscapes, face powerful enemies, and grapple with the question of whether hope lies in a cure or in the acceptance of a new world order. Their journey will test their trust in one another, forcing them to confront their pasts and the emotional scars left by the virus. In a world broken and shattered, only one truth remains: the echoes of the past shape the future.

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!"

My name is Aster Florentia - I'm the 2nd daughter of the Archduke of the South, Filen Florentia. Before my mother gave birth to me and my sister, Ophelia, the High Pope gave the Archduke a prophecy - his second child shall kill him and bring the Archduchy to ruins. And I was born as the unwanted child, someone that always gets in a way to Ophelia's perfect life - not only that it turned out that my mom cheated on Filen and there was high possibility that I was the illegimate twin. When I celebrated my 18th birthday, the Archduke poisoned my tea and I died hearing those exact words: "Your death shall be this Archduchy's salvation". And I refused to die - my making a bet with Death I regressed to the time when I was 9 - they fear me for being a calamity that will bring Florentia family to ruins? Then I shall become the same disaster they fear! Nothing will escape the flames of my vengeance - see for yourself.

[All she ever yearned for was to be seen, not just in passing, but to be truly witnessed and embraced by the warmth of genuine love.] [All he ever yearned for was to reunite with her, to love her once more.] ________ Nikolas and his fiancé, Lyle, met a tragic end at sea, their dreams unfulfilled as cold, dark waters claimed them. In this new realm, one forgot their shared past, while the other tirelessly sought his lost lover, holding onto the hope that fate had brought them both to this enchanted world. __________ The Abandoned Princess, Raelixe Klair Herschel and the Great Young Duke, Nikolas Zorana. Raelixe, a princess forsaken by her own family and kingdom. At 18, she faced accusations of poisoning her half-brother, the Crown Prince, and met her demise at the hands of her own father during her execution. "I am certain that not even the devils will want a useless wretch like you." These words echoed as her father's sword pierced her chest. Just as she believed she'd reached Elysium, she awoke in her thirteen-year-old self! Driven by vengeance and the thirst for power, she'll stop at nothing to assume the role of the ultimate villainess in this life. "No longer will I endure the abuse as the meek princess. This time, I shall seize the throne with force and obliterate any who dare to obstruct my path!" __________ Nikolas, the Young Duke of Zorana, harbors a secret he intends to carry to his grave. By the Emperor of Sol's command, he was dispatched to the Kingdom of Haniel, where an unexpected encounter awaited him: the young Princess Raelixe, who implored him for his hand in marriage. "Marry me, Duke Nikolas Helios Zorana!" "It's rather peculiar to wed someone you've just met, but very well. Henceforth, you shall be the future duchess of Zorana." "I knew you wouldn't agree so readily, so I—wait, what?" "I shall accept your proposal, Princess Raelixe. Yet, there is one condition..." Their sudden engagement was beyond understanding. [Orphic Engagement] ....... [EXCEPT 1] Nikolas couldn't help but be captivated by Raelixe's radiant smile. Her gentle, emerald eyes glistened like precious gems bathed in the sun's embrace. "Her true nature is far removed from the façade she wears." This radiant young woman was no villain. She was a child betrayed by those she held dear, craving her parents' affection and the love of her people. She bore the scars of childhood wounds, much like my beloved Lyle. Yet, deep within, I understood she wasn't Lyle. And for the sake of the love I hold for my life's true companion, I could not allow myself to love her. ..... [EXCEPT 2] I often find myself entranced by his enchanting blood-red eyes, wondering why such beauty perpetually conceals a sense of sorrow. Whenever our hands touch, a genuine smile graces his face momentarily. However, an ominous shadow soon clouds his eyes, and he releases my hand. Occasionally, I catch him gazing at me with intense scrutiny—or perhaps, through me, as though seeking someone else. Always in search of that elusive figure. I ponder the identity of this elusive person, the role they played in his sadness, and whether he truly sees me for who I am when he looks at me. Will there ever come a time when he gazes at me without that lingering sadness? I yearn for the moment when I can hold his hand without him pulling away, without that dark cloud descending over his eyes. He remains an enigma that I can't decipher. ............