My Husband Is A Secret Billionaire

“Where do you think you are going with those bags?” Xander interrogated as soon as he cornered her. “Of course, I’m leaving you!” She said, standing her ground, despite the fear in her eyes. “Why?” “You forgot to mention how dangerous you were.” Xander let out a deep throaty chuckle. “Sweetheart, you didn’t ask.” “I don’t care! I don’t want to be a part of this anymore!” She insisted. Xander shook his head. “Too late. We are already married. You now belong to me, and divorce is out of the question.” — Aurora Swift’s world shatters when Owen—her boyfriend of five years—breaks up with her via text. The betrayal deepens when she finds out he’s also getting engaged to her half-sister, Olivia Swift on the same day. Heartbroken and filled with rage, Aurora has a one-night stand with Xander Scott, Owen’s enigmatic uncle and the youngest billionaire in the country. When the fling leads to a marriage proposal from Xander with a promise to help her get her revenge, Aurora finds it hard to refuse. However, Aurora soon realizes that this is anything but a whirlwind romance. Xander Scott hides more secrets than Aurora knows, and the dangers that follow his mysterious identity soon bring about complications in their marriage. When Xander’s secret identity comes to light, will Aurora choose to remain in the marriage as her love for him has grown in depth, or let it drive them apart?

In an era where kingdoms rise and fall by the sword and the power of cultivation, King Li Yuan—feared as the “Crimson Dragon”—invades the Kingdom of Yue, determined to claim both land and power. But amidst the spoils of war, he finds something unexpected: Prince Rui, the last bloodline of Yue, rumored to possess a divine spiritual root that could make him the most powerful cultivator of his generation. Rather than executing Rui, Li Yuan makes a bold declaration: the prince will become his consort. Not just for love, but to bind Rui’s unparalleled cultivation potential to his own dynasty. Yet, Rui refuses to surrender—neither his heart nor his power. As he resists Li Yuan at every turn, their fates become entwined by an ancient prophecy, court conspiracies, and the dangerous path of dual cultivation. Enemies by birth, bound by destiny—will love bloom in the shadows of war and magic? Or will their ambitions and pride destroy them both?

(Top-tier pampering novel) "This ring is worth thirty million, so buying one "seed" from you should be a good deal." Lin Xu had never imagined that one day he would be directly negotiated with about his price. "Your genes are not bad; I quite appreciate them." "Your body is in great shape, surely capable of producing a son at once, and three within three years." Alright, this woman approached him not because of love, but because he was a suitable tool. He understood, he knew all that... But gradually, why was he no longer willing? "Su Tingyan, explain this to me clearly. Aside from having good genes, do I have no other good qualities?" “Good qualities... Well... does being filthy rich count?” "..." All the socialites in Beijing knew that Lin Family's top man, Lin Xu, had a wife with a terrible reputation. Committing murder, arson, engaging in all kinds of evil, she had been disowned by the Lin Family, fought publicly with socialites, and resorted to unscrupulous means to fight for property with unabashed justification. But... The moment someone dared speak ill of her... "I just love how trashy she is!"

The Silver Python Cheongsam, an heirloom, inexplicably came to life one day...

"Let's break up." He said, coldly. She loved him so much, but he suddenly left her life. Later, she married someone else but lived unhappily because her husband had his own lover. However, seven years later, he appeared again...

Ji Yunya died at eighteen, was reborn, and returned from Hell as a devil. ＊ Everyone said that the Ji Family's girl was gentle and graceful, beautiful and smart, elegant and refined, with a heart as delicate as an orchid and scholarship as impressive as her manners; she truly lived up to her reputation as the top socialite. "Ji Yunya, you’re nothing but a devil, how can there be someone as terrifying as you existing in this world? You black-hearted and corrupt wench, why don’t you just die..." The adopted daughter of her grandmother wished she could drink her blood and feast on her flesh. Because I've already died, haha, you're right, I’m a wicked ghost who crawled up from Hell. In my past life, I made a wedding dress for you, this life, I intend to take back everything that belongs to me, and by the way, crush you ruthlessly into the mud. "I should have strangled you the moment you were born, because you simply don’t deserve to live in this world, your blood is the filthiest thing on this planet…" Her biological father incessantly thought about how to kill her. Because my existence is the biggest shame in my father's life, but what can I do? I couldn’t choose where I was born, but I can choose how to live. Like a nail, I’ll be fiercely hammered into your heart. If I’m filthy, then what does that make you, the creator of me? "You're a freak, I'm going to call the police and have them lock you up in a mental hospital..." A little friend was filled with righteous indignation after accidentally seeing her true self. Shush, truly clever people know better than to speak out, because I can’t resist silencing them...permanently! My father is hypocritical, my grandmother feigns virtue, the mistress is venomous, and even her sister is courting death. Come one, come all, let’s settle our accounts, past and present! She's a noble socialite praised by everyone, a study goddess with off-the-charts intelligence, the ultimate idol with beauty and talent, a medical genius with a cool and wise mind… Her perfect acting could fool the whole world, yet those who hate her most know the truth—she is black-hearted, hypocritical, selfish, domineering, and madly obsessive. Look, this is the real her. ＊ Yan Song, the son of the mayor, poised and majestic, with an impressive and stunning presence, he is the dreamy youth every girl hides in her heart, as beautiful as jade and as fierce as the scorching sun. In public, he’s dashing and charming, in private, he’s cutting and sarcastic, arrogant and wild. A slam dunk photo of him from the basketball court went viral online, and netizens hailed him as the National School Hunk. Countless fans drooled over the only blurry photo of him available, calling him "hubby" with unrestrained joy. One day, the typically mysterious and low-key National School Hunk suddenly registered a Weibo account, and instantly masses of fans rushed there. ——I’m just here to say that I’m engaged and have a childhood sweetheart for a fiancée, so stop calling me your "hubby." It's reserved for her, and if you upset her, then I won’t be happy either. And if I’m not happy, no one will be. The fans refused to accept this, wailing, how could their idol already have a fiancée? And he’s so in love with her, that's just way too domineering... Ji Yunya: That's right, I am domineering. If you want to be my man, you have to be clean from top to bottom, inside and out, from your body to your name, even every strand of your hair must belong only to me. Otherwise, I won't be able to resist destroying it... Yan Song: My wife's obsession with cleanliness is incurable… But, I like it! From then on, a saying circulated in Jiangzhou, Master Yan dotes on his wife above all else. You can provoke anyone but Lady Yan, or else Master Yan will teach you how to be a person all over again in minutes. 1 vs 1, the tone of this work is pampering, pampering, pampering, written by someone with a fastidious streak, you get it, if you like it please bookmark it.

"Hubby, I don't want anymore, I feel terrible..." "Baby, be good, finish up this medicine." The handsome man embraces the woman in his arms, coaxing her tenderly as he feeds her the medicine. Joanna Lawrence stumbles upon Ashton Heath, the most esteemed scion in all of Closia City, and ends up sleeping with him for the night. After he offers her benefits in exchange for their marriage, the newly appointed Mrs Heath suddenly has the power to have everything she ever wished for. "Hubby, I slapped the Movie Queen Faye today, was I too much?" "Baby, does your hand hurt? Let me rub it for you." "Hubby, I maxed out your credit card, are you angry?" "Baby, are you happy with your purchase? Let me know when you need more." "Hubby, I'm tired today, I don't want to move..."

This marks my debut novel, delving into the intertwining love story between an elite family scion and a commoner's daughter. It portrays the journey from acquaintance to affection, culminating in marriage, only to be tested by the intrusion of a third party, leading to an inevitable separation and the arduous pursuit of reconciliation by the scion. The male lead is a strikingly handsome man, born into wealth with a lineage of affluent forebears. Conversely, his mother toils in a lowly job, viewed unfavorably by society. His wife hails from a humble background, subjected to relentless schemes by her mother-in-law, nearly driven from her home. Despite facing countless obstacles, the love between the male and female leads endures. Their romance unfolds amidst trials and tribulations, ultimately transcending hardship and enduring across lifetimes.

Lyla Knight thought she knew her husband, the enigmatic and stoic Noah Anderson—CEO of a billion-dollar empire and the golden bachelor of City A. Their marriage was a quiet agreement, a union arranged by their families to ensure Lyla's safety and happiness. For two years, Noah was away expanding his business, and Lyla pursued her dream of becoming a singer, believing they were just two polite strangers bound by a contract. But appearances can be deceiving. Noah Anderson, the king of the business world, has always been a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Beneath his calm demeanor lies an obsession—a love so deep that he’s been silently protecting his innocent "little rabbit" from the shadows. When he finally returns, his carefully constructed facade begins to crack. “Sweetheart,” he murmurs one day, his voice a mix of pleading and determination, “I let them think I didn’t love you enough to show you off. But now, can we go public? Let me slap their faces with the truth.” Even the king of hell is willing to make puppy eyes to convince his wife to acknowledge him as her husband—a sight that leaves his assistant Cheng fleeing the office in shock. But Lyla’s world is truly shaken when she stumbles into Noah’s private library and finds a hidden treasure trove: old, secretly taken photos of herself from years before they were married. Her heart pounds as she backs away, only to collide with the man himself. His familiar scent surrounds her as his deep, velvety voice whispers near her ear, “It has always been you, sweetheart.” Caught between the shy, gentlemanly facade she believed in and the possessive, passionate man he truly is, Lyla must navigate the truth about her husband and their secret marriage.

Anastasia Harrison, a young woman abused by her cruel family, thought her life was over when they forced her to marry Richard, the sleazy black sheep of the wealthy Wallace family. Meanwhile, her favored younger sister, Michelle, was set to marry Xavier, the elder brother, who was a CEO. Yet, an error at city hall ended up swapping their names on their respective marriage certificates. "What is this?! How are you married to Xavier Wallace?" "You're not getting any food or water until you sign the divorce papers!" To add fuel to the fire, the old Mr. and Mrs. Harrison passed away, leaving all their assets to Anastasia and not the rest of the family. This drove the Harrisons to their breaking point. To trade for a peaceful life, Anastasia was willing to leave her inheritance and leave the family, but the Harrisons had other plans in mind. They wanted to get rid of her. Permanently. However, it was by a stroke of luck that Anastasia was found by her new husband, Xavier, before her family succeeded. Determined to get her revenge, she struck a deal with Xavier. "Continue to be my wife and I will help you get your revenge!"

Aren't you afraid of losing your life when you step inside??” He asked in his deep voice as he stared at Anna and she smiled faintly. “Third Brother, the only thing that has kept me alive this three years is the desire to see you, now after spending this three days with you, I can die in peace, without any regrets”. Her words came out soft yet filled with Soo much love and longing that tugged at Jayden's heartstrings. He leaned against his car, his gaze fixed on her yet his eyes showed no emotion and his face showed no expression. His gaze was cold and lifeless, devoid of any emotion just like the first time they met. “You don't have to love me Soo much Anna, Say yes to my brother and live a happy life, I will give you nothing but hell and pain”. His words came out cold, meant to scare her away but Anna smiled brightly as if she had heard the sweetest words. Her eyes twinkled and her soft gaze fell on him. “Third Brother, I would rather have hell  with you than have heaven with someone else”. Her words fell on his ears and he felt something within him move. he stepped closer to her in a blink of an eye and pulled her closer. silly girl, he murmured before slamming his lips on hers.

Being a victim of a house fire that brought the entire family house down, Valentina was left with several burns on her. body, causing her to be titled as the creature of Bayhill. Her stepsister, Chole Callum was about to get married and according to the family tradition, Valentina as the elder daughter of the family must be married. Seeing this as an opportunity to wipe their shame away, the Callum family put a price tag on Valentina's head, whoever gets to marry her would be given a hundred thousand dollars. The family stated that Valentina Husband doesn't need to care for Valentina as she could be thrown away once the marriage certificate has been signed.  With that many people were interested in Valentina, however her stepsister, picked the worst among the people that came, thinking Valentina would be thrown away after the marriage and probably end up dead in the few days, but little did she knew that she had chosen a multi billionaire for her sister, dressed like homeless man with no source of income, little did they know he is the most talked man in the world. “How would you have the last laugh if you commit suicide now.” “Don't you want to see your sister come begging you for forgiveness.” “Don't you want to be the key to your family fortune. Don't you  want to be the Yes and No of your family.” “Don't you want to see your family all going to their knees begging you to come save them from their catastrophe.” “Don't you want to rule the world again, become the woman that everyone can't stop talking about in the country, just like ten years ago, but this time it would be different. You will be crowned as a Queen.” “Stay alive and all these will happen.” “Be with me and I will make you the woman in every man's heart, even the married ones.”

What happens when the ugly duckling becomes the swan? Married into the Jenkins family Lizzy had been ridiculed constantly for being over weight and treated like dirt by her in laws. However when she finds out about her husband's affair she decides that she has had enough and she demands for a quick divorce. Devastated and heart broken Lizzy vows to never fall in love again But when a certain hot shot celebrity comes into her life, how would she be able to resist his charms

Imagine being trapped in a marriage that feels like a nightmare. This is the reality of Melinda, a strikingly beautiful dwarf who has endured years of stigma and abuse from her husband. Her husband’s abuse and infidelity have made her feel insecure, shattered, and depressed. But her life changes when she meets Ethan, a handsome billionaire CEO. While falling madly in love, Melinda summons strength to stand up for herself and leave her marriage. Unfortunately, Ethan’s deadly family secrets, pledged impending marriage and her husband’s unrelenting torment make it impossible for her to truly find happiness. Would she be able to escape the abuse and humiliation she faces and fight for the love and happiness she deserves? Or is she doomed to endure her pain for the rest of her life?

After her parents passed away, all of her family's inheritance was taken away by her uncle. Daisy, who used to be a rich, young lady, fell on hard times and was forced to marry one of the family's bodyguards. Steven, who was the Wilson Family's best, treated her coldly and arrogantly all day long. Suddenly one day, she discovered that the heir to the Martinez Family looked exactly like her husband. Daisy asked,"Honey, are you brothers with him?" Steven replied without a change in his expression,"I have nothing to do with such a playboy. Look at me,wife, don't look at him. How can that pretty boy compare to your handsome husband?"

Yan Yuling was born into a wealthy family and was an abandoned daughter since childhood. Her stepsister took her place as the pampered daughter of the Yan family and used her as a sacrificial lamb. She only wishes to have a boring, normal life. Unfortunately, she was destined to meet a handsome and talented businessman, who is also known as a 'cut-sleeve'. Their meeting is as cliche as a dog-blood drama, signaling the intertwining of their destinies. But, under the gentleman's facade, he is someone who carries dark secrets and thirsts for revenge. As they get to know each other better, they discover each other's hidden stories that could destroy their fragile relationship and kill their budding love. Faced with so many secrets, can they truly find love from each other? A/N: Little Wife's Diary Series: Book 1: Little Wife's Diary: My Husband Is My Boss! ( Completed ) Book 2: TBA

[Warning: Mature Content, R18+] Camilla Watson-Veston was left with no choice but to leave her wealthy life behind and raise her son alone as an ordinary employee. A woman filled with rage and anger because of the betrayal of her one true love is indeed very dangerous. When all she could think of was revenge, karma has its funny way of rewarding those worthy with what they deserve. Sometimes not just one, but two or more blessings at once. What will Cammy do if the universe gives her not only two options to consider but three or more? Will she be able to choose which path she should take when nothing seems to be the right one? When freedom costs too much and happiness is hard to reach, will life turn Cammy into bitter from sweet? ********** Story Excerpt: "You’re fucking stunning, Cammy, and don’t let anyone make you think otherwise. Your husband’s a fool for letting you go. I’m going to show you exactly what you’ve been missing. Even if it’s just for tonight, I promise you won’t forget me. After this, I’ll be the only man in your mind," Greg said before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. Was it wrong to accept it just because she was married, even though the man she was married to had been betraying her time and time again? Her mind let go of logic; she no longer cared if what they were doing was forbidden. She had made up her mind to surrender herself to him completely, letting him do whatever he desired with her tonight. So she whispered, “Turn off the lights…” Greg smirked, knowing the switch was just within reach, but instead of turning the lights off completely, he dimmed them to the faintest glow without removing his gaze from her. “Forgive me, Cammy. I cannot turn it off completely. I want to see your face when I take you to heaven over and over again while you are screaming my name.” Her hands traced his broad, strong chest, feeling its strength and solidity. ‘Oh God, I’m touching another man’s body!’ she shouted silently in her mind. Before her courage fully faltered, she felt Greg gripped on her wrist, as he released her lips, and whispered, “Not yet, Ms. beautiful. Let's take it slow… I want you to remember our time together as your best without any regrets. I want you to remember me as the man who made you feel important and wanted. Tonight you're the only woman in my life. The only woman my eyes see and my mind thinks of. You are mine, and mine alone. Do you understand?!” ********** A song excerpt that mirrors the emotion of the book. ***The song is not mine.*** I remember back when we were in love And we followed the fire in our hearts We moved every mountain we touched And we danced in the light of the stars I know nothing beautiful lasts But when I get to heaven I'll ask To go back to when we were in love… ********** The Author’s Completed Work: Book 1: CEO’s Contract Obsession - Contemporary Romance (CEO/Sweet Love), 2023 Book 2: The Royal Mark - Fantasy Romance (Werewolf/Fated Mates), 2023

"Linda, as the only child of your mother's, my first child and heir of the family, it is your duty to make sure that our family name continues. I am giving you 30 days to find a suitor or you will lose your inheritance and your mother's gallery will be sold off", said Lilly King, Linda's grandmother. "The mission was clear: "Find a man or die", okay die, is a bit dramatic but for me finding a husband was like a game of death, should I join a dating site? go on a dating show?" This story follows Linda King as she fights to keep what is hers and time is not on her side. Will she succeed?

[Warning: Mature Content] Zuri King's life changes dramatically when Lorenzo Rossi suddenly asks for a divorce. Despite being truly in love with him, she agrees without telling him she is pregnant. For four years, Lorenzo pretends to be dead in an accident and then comes back as Lorenzo Salvatore, the billionaire heir to one of the most powerful families in the world. Lorenzo is now engaged to the arch-rival of her family, while her family wants her to marry the rival of his family. However, Zuri craves only one thing—her ex-husband back, consequences be damned. He is aware that he cannot escape her. He really doesn't want to. He only wants to protect her because she's unpredictable and never plays it safe. What happens when Zuri falls into his world much deeper than ever after she learns the true reason for their divorce and his disappearance? What happens when Lorenzo learns that they actually have a strong tie that they are going to protect at all costs? ~ Excerpt "What makes you think you can keep me here for two days?" He grabs my chin, tilting my head up, and leans in, his face inches from mine. His hot breath washes over me, sending a shiver of excitement crawling through my veins. "Because I have power over you, Enzo," I press my hand to his chest and tease open the first button of his shirt, revealing a glimpse of his tattooed chest beneath. "Power?" he asks, his rough voice barely above a whisper, drawing my gaze back to his beautiful face. He looks so curious. So cute! "Out of all the clubs in New York, you chose Cora's. And let's be real, baby boy, no man ditches his fiancée for his ex-wife." I yank his shirt with a fierce tug, sending buttons flying across the floor.

By a twist of fate, they got married. Before marriage, she thought he was just an ordinary man. Only to realize after marriage that he is a decisive, cold blooded gaming genius with billions of assets

Keira Olsen found herself married without even knowing it! What's more, her husband-out-of-the-blue turned out to be the richest person in town! As an illegitimate daughter, she's been clawing and scrambling her way up, struggling to survive since childhood. She never expected to wed someone so powerful. When everyone thought she'd be quickly divorced, her husband shocked everyone by a declaration."My dear wife, can we not divorce?"

Olivia Montgomery had everything—wealth, love, and a family—or so she thought. On the night of her engagement, her perfect life crumbles when she discovers that her fiancé and stepsister have been conspiring with her stepmother to steal her inheritance. Poisoned and left for dead, Olivia miraculously survives, only to disappear into obscurity. Years later, she returns under a new identity, entering a marriage of convenience with Damian Blackwood, a powerful CEO with his own vendetta against her family. But as secrets unravel and buried truths come to light, Olivia finds herself caught in a dangerous web of betrayal, love, and revenge. Will she reclaim what’s hers, or will her enemies destroy her once and for all?

Aurelia Holt had quietly sacrificed her career to be a stay-at-home wife for her husband, Blake Carson, so that he could work full time while also pursuing his dream of becoming a successful producer in the future. But on the night of their second wedding anniversary, she watched her husband come home with another woman in his arms. It was Stella, his first love whom he was never really over. “She is already upset, you don’t have to make her feel worse. Is it wrong to show care and concern for my friend?” He argued as he clenched his jaws and kept his gaze steady on my face. “She isn’t just your friend, she was your ex, your first love. And isn’t it so convenient that everytime she needs you or something happens whenever I just want to spend some time with you?” He had always chosen Stella over her, putting her needs and feelings above hers. And that night, she finally had enough. “All you ever care about is Stella!” I continued to yell so loudly that I could practically hear my voice ringing in my ears. “You always do this! You always choose her over me, you always put her feelings above mine.” I watched as a smirk tugged at Stella’s lips as she watched me argue with my husband over her. Blake walked to her side, wrapping his arm around her as she curled her fingers around his arm with a pitiful look. “Stop yelling, you are scaring Stella. Why can’t you be more understanding and stop being so self-centered? Not everything is about you!” The last thing she remembered was her running out into the pouring rain and the next thing she knew, she was asking a stranger to marry her. That stranger was Xavier Wilder, the billionaire CEO of one of the most successful companies in the country. But there was more to him that Aurelia didn’t know just yet, something he was hiding from her. Together, she vowed to make her ex-husband’s life a living hell. There were only two things he cared about the most―his reputation and his ego. And she planned to destroy it all, bit by bit.

"Luciana's life is turned upside down when her foster parents, who murdered her real parents, rob her of her rightful heritage as empress. Subjected to a lifetime of mistreatment and betrayal, Luciana becomes wary of trusting others and determines to achieve her goals alone. However, her life takes a devastating turn when she catches her sister cheating with her boyfriend. Returning home to clear her head, she's faced with an unbearable reality: she's forced to marry a bankrupt billionaire to save her family's business, replacing her sister who was originally intended for the arrangement. With no other choice, Luciana signs the contract to protect her best friend, the only person who has ever shown her kindness. Unbeknownst to her, the 'bankrupt' billionaire is actually a rapidly rising trillionaire, and their contract marriage will lead Luciana to discover her true identity and reclaim her rightful heritage."

The Billionaire’s Secret System Jiang Wei is no ordinary billionaire. A financial prodigy who rose from nothing, he built Titan Capital into a global powerhouse, dominating markets with ruthless precision. But his greatest weapon isn’t his wealth—it’s the secret AI-driven system he created, a program capable of predicting and manipulating financial trends before they happen. To the world, Jiang Wei is a self-made success. Behind the scenes, he walks a dangerous line between power and destruction. Governments, corporations, and rival elites would kill to control his system, and now, Kai Corporation, a tech giant with hidden ambitions, is closing in on his secret. When a mysterious cyberattack breaches his defenses, Jiang Wei realizes he’s no longer just playing the market—he’s playing for survival. From the high-stakes world of finance to underground power struggles in Shanghai and Tokyo, he must outwit enemies, forge uneasy alliances, and protect his empire. But in a game where money is just the surface, who really holds the strings of power? A battle of intelligence, wealth, and survival begins. In the world of billionaires, there are no rules—only winners and losers. And Jiang Wei refuses to lose.

The novel explores the strained relationship between a struggling, working-class single father and his estranged daughter, who unexpectedly becomes a billionaire through her tech startup. The story dives into the emotional complexities of reconciling their past, the societal pressures of extreme wealth, and the philosophical question of whether money can repair broken bonds. As the father navigates the opulent world his daughter now inhabits, he is forced to confront his own insecurities, her childhood sacrifices, and the sacrifices he made to give her a better life. The daughter, meanwhile, must decide how to wield her newfound influence and whether she can let go of past grievances for the sake of their shared future.

Claire Reed thought she married the man of her dreams, Evander Kensington, but she had no idea that their marriage was built on a lie; a family vow that trapped him by her side. His heart, however, belonged to another woman, his white lotus. No matter how hard Claire tried to win Evander’s love, he only grew colder, and his family treated her like she didn’t exist. When she lost their unborn child, Claire’s world shattered. She wanted to see Evander, but he didn't bother to check on her. Instead, he went to meet that white lotus. Unable to bear the betrayal, she decided to free Evander from this marriage, leaving behind a letter and divorce papers, claiming she now had someone else she loved! ~~~~ "You’re mine, and I’ll never let you go!” he declared, his voice dark with possessiveness. “But I don’t want you anymore! You can have Susan—I’m now in love with someone else!” Claire shot back, her words sharp and final. "You can't be with anyone. Do you even know how sleepless nights I've without you?" Evander's hold on her tightened. "I'll see how you become some else when I'll claim you," he pronounced before crashing his lips on her.