Beneath The Mask Shoji Meguro

Logan Holt, a young man burdened with a tragic past, serves as a triggerman for a ruthless cartel.On his first mission at 18, Logan begins to question his loyalty to the cartel, unraveling secrets that lead him closer to his father’s ultimate plan to destroy the organization from within. However, as Logan seeks vengeance, humanity faces an unprecedented threat—a looming war against a race of insecticoid aliens. Thrust into a battle for survival, Logan must navigate a fractured world where crime, betrayal, and war collide. Torn between personal revenge and humanity’s future, Logan becomes an unlikely hero, harnessing his unique powers to confront the cartel’s evil and the extraterrestrial menace threatening Earth. This is a story of redemption, rebellion, and the fight for survival in a chaotic, power-ridden world.

Fynn Alba is a curious and enthusiastic adventurer wishing to discover the unknowns and to have his name and adventures sung by the bards. His first step on this ambitious journey begins by them taking various requests and commissions from the Adventurer’s Guild. It wasn’t until they heard news about the newly discovered dungeon. Fynn believes this could be their chance to explore its depths, conquer its challenges, and hopefully obtain riches beyond their wildest dreams. But will it be that simple?

The all-powerful boss is stripped of his identity again! One is handsome while the other is proud; the two-faced refined rascal versus a cynical girl with hidden identities. Everyone secretly jokei that Master Mo’s wife is an ignorant and incompetent little tyrant. Bad at her studies? Lu Mian emergei as the top student for science at her college entrance examination. No talent? Lu Mian shows everyone how competent she is at multitasking by playing the piano with one hand, and painting with the other during a live performance. A prodigal? She makes a small fortune in just two days with her limited knowledge. Boxing, Go chess, appraising treasures, car racing… Bring it on! She can do them all. The soft-spoken Xiao Qimo adjusts his glasses with pride. “Who else has something to say?” One of his subordinates raises his hand cautiously. “Master Mo, your wife seems to be the one who single-handedly destroyed the illegal laboratory.” Xiao Qimo looks at his wife who is quietly practicing calligraphy. “That’s impossible!” It isn’t until… During the general meeting for the International Elite Organization, both Xiao Qimo and Lu Mian wear a mask. They take the stage and succeed as the organization’s Chief and Deputy Chief, respectively. The Deputy Chief beside me looks like my wife. This is Xiao Qimo’s thought. The Chief looks like someone I know. Lu Mian is thinking the same thing, too. Soon, the newly appointed Chief is seen blocking his deputy at the ladies’ room. What happens when two strong and uncorrupted individuals fall for each other?

"Whispers Beneath the Willow Tree" is a story set in a quiet mountain village, where long-buried emotions and secrets resurface when Chen Wei, a young man, returns after years away. His arrival stirs up hidden tensions, forcing Li Mei, a girl trapped by her circumstances, to confront her past and the choices that shape her future. As love and betrayal intertwine, the whispers beneath the willow tree become the only witness to their fragile bond and the storm brewing around them.

There were three rules to working for CEO Karsten Chevalier. First, bring his coffee brimming hot and black like a starless night. Second, park your attitude outside his office door—his broody demeanour has the room covered. Third, never say ‘No’ to whatever he demands. Not even when he asks you to become his fake girlfriend? (Synopsis) Arata's fiance dumped her through a text on the day of their engagement party. The reason? She is too curvy for his taste! He only entertained her because of her prestigious family name. "Do you think men want a fatso like you? You're nothing without your family's name!" A heartbroken Arata sets out on a journey to discover herself without revealing she is the daughter of a billionaire. She moves to another city, away from her beloved family. ‘How dare he insult me? I love my curves and I will show him.’ Arata is not a damsel; her parents have raised her strong, and now it is time to become independent. Her heart is ablaze with newfound goals. One: to see how people will treat her if she acts like an ordinary girl and hides her identity. Two: to bag a bigger fish than her stinking—joke of an ex-fiancé. She will prove that a man will genuinely love her irrespective of her curves and surname! Arata's new life begins as the secretary of Karsten Chevalier, the CEO of a multinational clothing brand who is renowned for his dashing personality and enigmatic persona. Not much is publicly known about this man. Doused in mystery, the man has his own goals and hidden agenda which will topple Arata's world. Unfortunately, Karsten's handsome face becomes a punching bag in Arata's mind because of his ruthlessly demanding personality and ego larger than Mount Everest. Arata eases her frustrations by going to meet Twisted Rider, the currently popular yet mysterious, masked internet sensation. Both tangle under the sheets and he becomes her safe space as she complains and opens up about her boss. "Will you act as my girlfriend?” Karsten's proposal to become a fake girlfriend for his family events surprised Arata! How will Arata juggle the piling demands of her boss, her own heartbreak and the seduction traps of the masked man she loves to watch in her spare time? Will sparks fly between Arata and her colder-than-Arctic ice boss? Or, will she continue to complain to the masked man that her boss probably has a small PP? This is my entry for WSA 2025, please support it with your power stones. The book is a sequel to my previous novel “The CEO of My Dreams Returned To Me.” But it can read as standalone. A special thanks to Author Hansora for the overwhelming support and encouraging me to publish this book and helping me with the book cover. Want to chat or have any questions regarding the book? Find me on Instagram, Facebook and Discord with the same name.

[not a LitRPG / isekai / cultivation.] [Espionage / Slowburn / A very human story] SYNOPSIS: A child rotting on the streets was suddenly dragged into the black car of one of the many conglomerates that rule the world from the shadows. Through golden flames and swathes of blood, he was trained and experimented on to become the perfect weapon. In this ever-changing world of conspiracy and technological marvels, Test Subject 201, now called Felix, navigates the world as the experiment's sole survivor, standing as the foundation for humanity's next step in evolution.  Armed with his gun, newfound abilities, and a memento he holds dearly, he marches through the steep path of darkness and deceit, and faces off against mafia, mercenaries, and countless criminals and corporations, to enact the organization's mantra to "protect the peace.".

--- Beneath Her Surface follows the life of Lolita, a young woman who finds herself trapped in the grip of a dangerous and manipulative world. Born into poverty, with a mother who needs constant care, Lolita’s life has always been a struggle. But when she becomes entangled with the wealthy and powerful Monica, who introduces her to a lavish yet perilous new world, Lolita is forced to confront her own strength and resilience. As she is thrust into a masquerade of wealth, deceit, and control, Lolita must navigate the tricky dynamics of those around her, including Sofian SAI, the enigmatic figure at the heart of it all. Monica’s cold manipulation and the glittering allure of the life she promises tug at Lolita, but her deep love for her family and her desire for freedom remain her guiding light. Every move she makes is a calculated step toward something bigger — a step toward proving that she is not just another pawn in someone else’s game, but a woman with a mind of her own. The story explores themes of power, survival, and the complexities of personal sacrifice. As Lolita takes risks, faces betrayals, and fights for her place in the world, she uncovers the deeper strength that lies within her — one that may be enough to alter the course of her life and free her from the strings others try to pull. ---

In a bustling modern city where ancient secrets and mysterious powers collide with everyday life, 22-year-old Ethan Cross seems like your average college student. Behind his unassuming demeanor lies a man shrouded in secrets—a masked vigilante known only as "Virtuoso," feared by criminals and sought after by powerful organizations. Ethan is overpowered, sarcastic, and ridiculously skilled at everything he does. But there's one thing he’s terrible at: romance. When the enigmatic and fiercely independent Mia Harper stumbles into his life, she unknowingly becomes the key to unraveling a conspiracy that ties Ethan's past to an ancient prophecy. Between laugh-out-loud moments, explosive action, and unexpected twists, Ethan navigates his double life while trying to protect Mia, keep his identity hidden, and maybe—just maybe—figure out how to confess his feelings without being a complete disaster.

Teresa is a timid human whose life has been a series of unfortunate events—until she meets Lucian Blackwood, a very rich and handsome man who awakens a deep, unexplainable connection within her. But Lucian, an alpha werewolf with a haunting past, is repelled by Teresa’s perceived weakness, blaming weakness for the tragedy that shaped his life. Unable to accept her as his mate, he rejects and humiliates her, leaving Teresa shattered. Just as she’s picking up the pieces, Adrian Daegon, an ancient vampire with his own dark allure, steps into her life, determined to win her heart. Now, Lucian is torn with regret, desperate to reclaim the woman he cast aside. But to do so, he must face a powerful vampire and confront his own fears—while somehow convincing Teresa to forgive his betrayal and reignite their lost bond. Can love and redemption overcome the scars of rejection, or has Lucian's cruel mistake cost him his mate forever? Torn between two powerful forces, Teresa must decide where her true destiny lies—in the fierce grip of the wolf who scorned her or the dark embrace of the vampire who vows to adore her.

Dive into a hilariously quirky comedy novel of online trends, gaming antics, and social media chaos! Lillian dreams of achieving eBunnee fame—the ultimate goal on the hottest social media app. But her life takes a bizarre turn when a stroll through the enchanting Heart-Ling Forest leads her to an unexpected encounter with a dramatic, over-the-top ghost. At Estresey Academy, success isn't about grades—it's about gaining followers. Students and even non-humans obsess over their eBunnee stats because, in this world, follower counts aren't just a status symbol—they’re a lifeline. Join Lillian as she navigates a world where fame is fleeting, friendships are tested, and the line between reality and the virtual realm blurs in unexpected ways.

Evelyn Chase has never been the type to back down. Cold, calculating, and unapologetically ruthless, she’s earned her place at the helm of Chase Enterprises after her father’s brutal murder. But her ascension to power isn’t without its challenges. Enemies circle like vultures, secrets lurk in the shadows, and whispers of her father’s involvement in a dark underworld refuse to fade. In a world where trust is a luxury, Evelyn is determined to uncover the truth—no matter the cost. Enter Adrian Black, the charming and seemingly unassuming new assistant at Chase Enterprises. Beneath his polished exterior lies a dangerous secret: Adrian is the leader of the country’s most feared mafia syndicate. For years, he’s been fueled by a single purpose—to avenge his parents’ mysterious deaths, which he believes were orchestrated by Evelyn’s father. Posing as her secretary is the perfect way to uncover the truth and bring down the Chase empire from the inside. But Adrian quickly realizes that Evelyn is not the cold-hearted villain he expected. Behind her steely gaze is a woman carrying the weight of grief, betrayal, and an empire that teeters on the edge of collapse. As he chips away at her icy defenses, Adrian finds himself drawn to her strength, vulnerability, and the fierce determination that mirrors his own. In a world where love is dangerous, betrayal is inevitable, and loyalty can cost you everything, Evelyn and Adrian must decide if they’re willing to sacrifice their vendettas—and their hearts—for the chance to take down a common enemy. "Shadows Beneath the Crown" is a gripping tale of passion and peril, where love and revenge collide in a game of power, deceit, and redemption. Can two broken souls find solace in each other, or will the secrets they uncover destroy them both?

Evelyne Everhart was destined to inherit a legacy but instead, she was left with ashes. After her parents' untimely deaths and the fiery destruction of her estate, Evelyne flees to the cold north under her sister's enigmatic instructions. What begins as a series of tragedies soon unravels into a sinister web of deception and buried truths. In a world where alliances are fragile, every step Evelyne takes unfolds another layer of sins, will she survive long enough to unveil what's veiled, or will she fall victim to darkness? "Some mysteries are born in darkness, while certain truths hide in plain sight. Mortals need no tragedy to turn to evil, just as gods might never be revered if demons didn't exist."

Dr. Elias Vayne, a renowned archaeologist obsessed with lost civilizations, uncovers an ancient scroll that leads him to the barren heart of the desert. The scroll speaks of a forgotten empire, one that thrived in the shadows of history, ruled by god-like beings who granted their people unimaginable power—but at a terrible cost. Buried beneath the sands lies the key to their rise and eventual fall: a sealed tomb, hidden away for millennia, its entrance forgotten by time. Driven by the chance to rewrite history, Elias assembles a small team to unearth the secrets of this lost empire. But as they dig deeper, they begin to realize that some mysteries were never meant to be uncovered. Strange artifacts and cryptic symbols offer more questions than answers, while eerie dreams and whispered warnings haunt their every step. Inside the tomb, murals tell a story of a civilization at the height of its power, capable of controlling the very elements and bending reality itself. But the murals also depict the entity responsible for the empire’s downfall—a god-like being imprisoned within a black stone, locked away by those who feared the darkness it wielded. As Elias and his team venture further into the labyrinthine chambers of the tomb, the line between myth and reality begins to blur. The tomb itself seems alive, its ancient magic stirring as they disturb its long-forgotten secrets. With each new discovery, the entity within the stone grows closer to awakening, and Elias must confront the terrifying possibility that by unlocking the past, they may have unleashed an unspeakable force that could bring about the destruction of the modern world. The Sleeper Beneath is a dark, atmospheric exploration of obsession, power, and the dangers of delving too deep into the unknown. As Elias’s quest for knowledge spirals into a nightmare, he must decide whether to stop the entity’s awakening—or embrace the power it offers, even at the cost of his soul.

In a world where one's eyes and mask are signs of identity, first impressions make an impact. For Zenobia, she's not considered all that safe to be around for her personal choices. People don't like her, and she doesn't like them right back, but still it can be lonely. With her dad gone, her mother being overly strict and her little sister innocent to the world it's hard to be honest, let alone express herself properly. When she meets a random boy getting bullied, there's a chance for change, for opportunity. It's just a matter of perspective, especially when the world one knows isn't what it seems.

Never take off the mask.” It’s the one rule Cora Mercedes has lived by her entire life. Found abandoned on Halloween night as a child, wearing a mask she’s forbidden to remove and clutching a cryptic note, Cora’s existence has been a riddle she’s never been able to solve. When she gains admission to the prestigious Oscar Island University—a school renowned for its exclusivity and shrouded in mystery—Cora hopes to escape her past and embrace a new beginning. But nothing at Oscar is ordinary. Its halls whisper secrets, its rules are bizarre and absolute, and its students, though seemingly perfect, are unnervingly inhuman. As Cora navigates her new life, she finds herself drawn to the shadows, particularly to a pair of haunting crimson eyes that seem to follow her every move. He’s ruthless, enigmatic, and terrifyingly familiar, and despite her instincts, she can’t escape his magnetic pull. But the closer Cora gets to unraveling the truth—about her mask, her past, and the dark forces surrounding Oscar Island—the more she realizes she’s not the only one hiding secrets. In a world where humans serve as prey, breaking the rules isn’t just dangerous; it’s deadly. And someone in the shadows has been waiting centuries for her to return. Damien’s Masked Mate is a captivating tale of forbidden romance, ancient curses, and the deadly allure of the unknown

Mia has always dreamed of returning to the U.S., a place filled with childhood memories and distant family ties. But after a grueling journey, her arrival takes an unexpected turn. Instead of staying with her grandparents as planned, Mia learns her family has already secured jobs and a new house. The sudden shift leaves her questioning what secrets her parents might be hiding. As Mia adjusts to her new life, strange sensations ripple through her—tingling bones, heightened awareness, and an inexplicable connection to the world around her. When these sensations reveal a hidden power she never knew she had, Mia is thrust into a journey of self-discovery, danger, and a mystery far greater than she imagined. In this gripping tale of family, transformation, and hidden truths, Mia must embrace her newfound abilities and uncover the secrets that could change her life—and the world—forever.

She’s determined to make her own way. He’s a billionaire with a reputation for taking what he wants. Eliza Montgomery’s rise in the corporate world has been driven by ambition, hard work, and the desire to escape the shadow of her wealthy family. But when her company is bought by Dominic Ward, a ruthless billionaire with a knack for corporate takeovers, her carefully controlled life is turned upside down. Dominic is everything she’s sworn to avoid—powerful, cold, and impossibly charismatic. Yet, as they are forced to work together on a high-stakes project, Eliza finds herself drawn to him in ways she can’t explain. As the lines between business and pleasure blur, Eliza is torn between her desire for independence and a dangerous attraction to the man who could shatter her carefully built walls. But Dominic holds a secret, one that could tear them apart. As trust and betrayal collide, Eliza must decide if she’s willing to risk everything for love—or if it’s a price too high to pay. In the world of high stakes and even higher hearts, can love survive beneath the weight of an empire?

In the blood-soaked world of Magus , Aizen, a young man from Earth, finds himself thrust into a brutal reality where Sorcery reigns supreme. Once a lowly servant, despised and humiliated, Aizen hid his true intentions beneath a mask of submission. With each insult endured and every drop of blood spilled, he sharpened his resolve, guided by the mysterious Wisdom System.

Olivia Miller, a billionaire, must return to her roots in Miami under a false identity after spending years abroad. Now working as a personal assistant to Noah Jones—a man from her painful past—Olivia's world spirals into a tangled web of lies, betrayals, and dangerous power games. As the tension between them escalates, old wounds resurface, enemies emerge, and alliances blur. Secrets from the past threaten to destroy everything, while Olivia’s ruthless nature and Noah’s relentless drive put them on a collision course that could shatter lives. In this high-stakes game, where power, love, and vengeance collide, who will come out on top? How long will it take for Olivia to reveal her true identity and intentions? Prepare for a gripping tale of deceit, hidden motives, and explosive consequences where no one is safe.

In a world where Fate Constellations determine one’s power, destiny, and survival, 13-year-old Cyrus was meant to inherit the legendary Solaris Constellation—a beacon of light and balance in the universe. Instead, at his awakening ceremony, the unthinkable happens. Cyrus bonds with a mysterious constellation with unknown power. All while Cyrus and his father Ezra are on the run from a shadow organization that wants to rid the world of their clan and all who inherit the Solaris Constellation

Just when Manuchehr is thinking about Khojaste and how lovely their future could be, something will happens that will change his mind completely about her... This book is an English translation of "The masks" a romance novel by "Sadegh Hedayat" which was written in persian. I may have changed a little bit of it but, context is still the same.

In the shadowed depths of Kyouten, a city divided by power and secrets, Hime operates as Venus, an enigmatic broker of forbidden knowledge. Her brilliance lies in her anonymity, her strength in the impenetrable walls she’s built. But when a calculated move brings her into the orbit of Kazuki, the cold and commanding leader of the Kagezan syndicate, those walls begin to crack. Kazuki is a man who thrives on control, ruling his underworld empire with precision and ruthlessness. Yet Hime’s defiance, her sharp wit, and the dangerous allure of her secrets ignite something within him—an obsession that blurs the line between protector and predator. As shadows close in, Hime finds herself hunted by the relentless Venus Hunters and entangled in Kazuki’s growing fixation. Forced into a precarious alliance, the two must navigate a world where every move is a gamble and trust is a luxury neither can afford. But behind Hime’s shattered mask lies a truth more dangerous than any enemy, a secret that could change the balance of power in Kyouten forever. When facades crumble and desires collide, who will emerge unscathed from the chaos?

When tragedy strikes, Elizabeth Page returns to school, struggling to fit into a world that seems unfamiliar without her parents. But when her path crosses with the enigmatic Professor Corvin, things take a darker turn. As a lecture on the Hunter Society awakens strange memories tied to her family’s past, Elizabeth is drawn into a web of secrets, bloodlines, and supernatural forces. With every truth uncovered, the line between the hunter and the hunted blurs. Elizabeth soon realizes that her family’s legacy holds dangerous power—and that the monsters hiding in the shadows may be closer than she ever imagined.

Igarashi Hikaru, a dog-human with fluffy white hair and sunset like orange eyes, has always been sickly and overprotected by his loving family. In his past life, he passed away at just five years old, never knowing what it was like to be truly loved. In this new life, however, his family adores him, and at 18, he was finally free from his illness, though still fragile. Eager to experience the world beyond the safety of his home, Hikaru is sent to an expensive high school, unaware that his family is wealthy and that the outside world can be much more complicated than he realizes. At school, Hikaru meets Higan, a lion-human with vibrant red eyes, medium-length blue hair with slight messy appearance with visible strands, in the back a small and stubby ponytail. Though Higan is known as the school’s bully, Hikaru has no idea about his reputation. He’s simply surprised by how kind Higan is to him... He wonders why Higan seems to care about him, but his innocent nature prevents him from understanding that this kindness is unusual. What Hikaru doesn’t know is that Higan is slowly becoming obsessed with him. Higan, too, is confused by his feelings, unable to recognize the intensity of his growing affection for Hikaru. As Hikaru tries to navigate school life, he remains blissfully unaware of Higan’s true nature and the danger lurking in his growing attachment. Hikaru, with his pure heart and innocent outlook, doesn’t realize that Higan’s feelings may soon become more than he can handle. Caught in a web of confusion and affection~!

Betrayal, redemption, the complexity of love, and the blurred line between justice and vengeance.

Love Acceptance is a tale of six close friends whose bond seems unbreakable—but is it truly built on understanding, or is something deeper hidden beneath the surface? As strange occurrences disrupt their lives, they are forced to confront not only the mysteries surrounding them but also the truth about their relationships. Is their friendship as solid as it appears, or is it masking something fragile? Life is a roller coaster of twists and turns, and the group finds themselves on an unexpected journey to solve a gripping mystery. Will their bond survive the truth, or will everything change forever? Dive in to uncover the secrets they must face together!

For the sake of his family, Richard married a woman he had never met before. However, his newly wed wife was not only hideous but also viscous, which he only discovered on his wedding day. He thought he would be disgusted by her, but unexpectedly could not help but be attracted to this mysterious woman. What made Richard scratch his head even more, was that her face under the mask seems to be hiding some secret.