Lumenspar In Stony Halls

Born to be King, unrivaled in all ages. Dragon King Hall, the most mysterious and ancient organization in the world.

Clara Hamilton, a kind-hearted flower shop owner, lives a quiet life in a bustling city, though her home life is far from peaceful due to her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Her world is turned upside down when she is kidnapped by Benjamin D'Angelo, the cold-hearted mafia king, who mistakenly believes she’s connected to a conspiracy against him. As Clara is thrust into Benjamin’s dark, dangerous world, she begins to see the softer side of the ruthless man, hidden beneath his hardened exterior. Torn between the growing love she feels for him and the danger surrounding them both, Clara must navigate betrayal, family secrets, and a developing attraction to the man who is both her captor and protector. As their relationship deepens, Clara and Benjamin must face powerful enemies and make difficult choices, ultimately deciding if their love can survive in the shadows of his mafia world.

The first day of school doesn't go as planned. Nikko is late and he's literally running to school. He's so nervous, and the random guy that laughed at him while rushing through a crossroad, didn't add up to his mood.... *I am not an owner of the cover photo*

"She stopped me from coming to the wedding!" "It's because she loved you and did not want me to marry you." "Do you think I'll trust you again? You liar!" He bellowed but he had believed her.

The story follows a group of children who, one magical night, decide to trace Santa's footsteps and uncover his secret journey. As they follow the magical and mysterious trails left behind, they encounter fantastical creatures and face various challenges. Throughout their adventure, the children discover that Santa's true purpose is not just about delivering gifts, but spreading kindness, compassion, and love. Their journey teaches them valuable lessons about care for others and helping those in need, revealing that the greatest gift of all is love and togetherness.

“I only want you, Maximus. I already told my parents that I love you and I'm going to marry you. No one else.” Aurora indignantly exclaimed. Max was shaking his head from what he heard. “No. No. You’re not being fair, Aurora.” He felt himself losing his strength as well as any chance to change her mind. Max leaned his body at the back of the single chair, almost sitting on it. He tugged on his necktie, needing some more air. His gaze fell on the ground. He’s powerless against his father. He won’t be able to protect his girlfriend from his family. He didn’t notice that Aurora was already in front of him. He just felt her palm on his cheeks, caressing it gently. He looked up to her. “You’re not fair.” He mumbled weakly. Like a defeated child. She’s rubbing her thumb against his cheeks. “The world’s not fair, Max.” Shaking her head. “It’s never fair.” She commented breathlessly. “You get everything you want.” He ignored her actions. He’d gone numb all over. This girl was too much of everything. Too selfish to even understand how he felt. “No. I don’t have your heart.” Max swatted her hand away and stood up straight. He chuckled at her response and halted. He shook his head as he looked at her straight in the eyes. “You won’t. You don’t even have one.” ************** Aurora Fontalva got everything except the heart of a certain man. She only wants Max. But how can she make him fall for her when he already had someone? He loves his girlfriend. Maximus D’Arco can’t escape his family’s wish for him to marry the only Fontalva heiress. Worse, Aurora even blackmailed him, or his girlfriend would suffer. Why would he fall for someone who doesn’t even care about his feelings? Only his girlfriend does. Is there really a thin line between love and hate? What if the thread breaks? **************** AN: Be warned!!! This is not your typical romance. As the story progresses, it tackles family, career, toxic relationships, twisted attraction, love, hate, lust, and heavy drama. And there are cases in which you can be sensitive. Lastly, this is not for the weak of heart. Please read the FOREWORD. Thank you.

Faris adalah seorang pria muda Indonesia yang menjalani hidup penuh perjuangan, hingga sebuah diagnosis kanker paru-paru stadium akhir mengubah segalanya. Dalam detik-detik terakhir hidupnya, Faris mendapati dirinya berada di antara hidup dan mati, di sebuah ruang gelap yang dihuni oleh entitas aneh berwujud samar-samar. Entitas itu mengklaim bahwa Faris memiliki "potensi" untuk mengubah dunia lain, tetapi dengan cara yang tak biasa. Entitas tersebut menyerahkan sebuah revolver bolt action antik yang unik—senjata yang terasa berat namun asing di tangan Faris. Tanpa penjelasan lebih lanjut, Faris hanya diberi 10 peluru, tak lebih, dan langsung diteleportasi ke sebuah dunia yang asing. Dunia itu penuh dengan makhluk aneh, bahasa yang tak dimengerti, dan bahaya di setiap sudut. Kampretnya, Faris tak pernah diajari bagaimana cara menggunakan senjata itu. Ia harus belajar dari nol—cara mengisi peluru, membidik, dan menembak—sementara ancaman terus mengintainya. Di dunia ini, setiap peluru adalah harapan terakhirnya. Ia terjebak dalam dilema: menggunakan peluru untuk melindungi dirinya atau menyimpan amunisinya untuk sesuatu yang lebih besar. Dengan rasa takut, penasaran, dan tekad yang tak sepenuhnya utuh, Faris harus bertahan hidup di dunia yang kejam ini sambil mencari jawaban—mengapa ia dipilih, apa tujuan dari senjata ini, dan bagaimana ia dapat pulang, atau setidaknya menemukan kedamaian yang tak pernah ia rasakan. Sepuluh peluru, satu revolver, dan dunia asing yang tak mengenal belas kasihan. Mampukah Faris mengubah nasibnya, atau akankah ia kehilangan segalanya?

Morando em seu carro em seu local de trabalho, a vida de Imogen estava longe de ser boa. Com uma mãe doente, um emprego exigente e lutando com a falta de moradia, além de estar completamente falida pelas despesas hospitalares. Ela não achava que as coisas pudessem piorar. Mas o destino gostava de chutá-la enquanto estava caída; justo quando pensou que havia atingido o fundo do poço, ela descobre que os homens para quem trabalha são seus companheiros e ela é sugada para um mundo do qual não quer fazer parte, ela valoriza sua humanidade e eles se recusam a desistir dela, em vez disso, eles oferecem resolver todos os seus problemas, mas há apenas um problema: humanos eram proibidos em seu mundo, então, para ficar com eles, ela deve desistir da única coisa que lhe resta, sua vida. Justo quando ela pensa que tomou uma decisão e sente que pertence, ela descobre que eles tinham mais segredos e agora ela não quer nada mais do que escapar de suas garras e seguir em frente com sua vida. Quando sua vida começa a ficar fora de controle e eles a levam, ela resistirá ao vínculo e desistirá de sua vida? Ela sabe que nunca estará livre deles e, sendo humana contra um licantrópio e um vampiro, ela pode muito bem ser um pato sentado, presa fácil e agora deve encontrar uma maneira de resistir aos impulsos do vínculo que nunca soube que existia, resistir à tentação que eles são, mas mais do que tudo descobrir quem ela realmente é, porque sua família tem seus próprios segredos e esses segredos surgem causando um mundo de dor e ainda assim dando-lhe uma vontade de sobreviver.

Crystal's father had left for a business trip and he had promised to come back safe... Three days had passed Crystal has not heard from her father. She thought he forgot his phone charger or the phone was off because he wanted to be left alone. Until two of his co-workers came to her cafe and the news came on talking about supernatural's were coming out more and more during the day and night. Crystal "what can I get for you gentleman" gentleman 1 do you have something dark for the gloomy one and something sweet for me.. Crystal I have coffee as dark as one soul

[WN WITH ILLUSTRATION] Story about human babies raised by monsters in a world of sword and magic. Allen is an orphaned boy that had lived a rather pleasant life with his orc mother in the bowels of a deadly dungeon, until the day a group of humans ventured down to loot and pillage the home they had come to think of as safe. They took everything that Allen had, and drove him further away from the humanity. In anger and anguish, Allen turned his back on the humans. He encapsulated himself in a deep-seated hatred of them, refusing to associate with them in any way—even going so far as to reject any attempt at kindness. Allen begins his journey in a world of human with full of deceit, danger, envy, and politics. [WARNING! this novel has strong gore and violence] [This novel has an illustration. All the illustrations are original and made by me. Reuse is not allowed, and repost should be with credit]

How would you feel when you died and saw yourself in the future but this future is not one you wished for even your enemy to wake up to. When Captain Aria, a decorated soldier medic, is killed in battle, she is mysteriously transported to a damaged future, where she must navigate through an apocalypse, she must confront her own mortality, and fight to restore hope in a desperate world. In the year 2024, Captain Aria , a highly skilled and fearless soldier medic was part of an elite special forces unit. During this critical mission, she was fatally wounded and left for dead. However, Aria's death is only the beginning as She was thrown through time and space to the year 2178, where a catastrophic apocalypse has transformed the world into a wasteland. Aria awakens in a harsh, unfamiliar landscape that has been scarred by environmental disasters, nuclear devastation, and mutated insects. The once blue skies is now a toxic haze that reeks of ash and smoke. Aria was determined to survive this apocalypse and as she struggles to survive with her marine skills, she discovers some scattered survivors and someone she held dear. *** Released times are every day. I might release from 1_4 chapters a day so expect to read continuously. hehe ******** NOTE: This book is participating in Cupid Quill October so please your vote, gifts and comments is deeply appreciated

Love is a strange phenomenon as it can make you go an extra mile just as Jackson Jones who took a job as a university lecture just to see the love of his life that is now one of the pupils he teaches. What lengths will he go to get what he wants to be as the woman he wants is not as simple as she appears to be . if you like your boys more ripe and red like strawberries stick around

"When Maria starts experiencing strange and vivid dreams, she uncovers a decades-old mystery surrounding a tragic school fire that took the life of a cheerleader named Katherine. As she digs deeper, she discovers a hidden world of secrets, lies, and supernatural connections that threaten to upend her own life. As Maria navigates the complex web of relationships and alliances at her school, she begins to realize that her connection to Katherine goes far beyond a simple shared name. With the help of her best friend Jessica, Maria must unravel the truth behind the fire, Katherine's death, and her own destiny. But the closer Maria gets to the truth, the more she realizes that she's not alone in her search. A mysterious figure from her dreams seems to be watching her every move, and Maria starts to suspect that her connection to Katherine is more than just coincidence. Can Maria uncover the secrets of the past before they destroy her future?"

By chance, I stumbled upon my sister's secret...

Two Men fell In love with each other, they both love each other deep down in their heart so the universe killed One of them and the one had to suffer from his death. but decades past both of them got reincarnated, where same sex relationship isn't forbidden. in there past life both of them promised with with each That they will be waiting for each other in their Next life. But Allan lost his memory and couldn't remember anything because of his past life trauma before. but his lover Leo keep loving him even if he has no memories.

Olivia Grayson has always had a knack for finding stories others shy away from. Her latest investigation into a string of mysterious deaths in New York leads her into the hidden underworld of vampires. The victims are drained of blood, and no one seems willing to discuss the details—except for Olivia, whose stubborn nature drives her to dig deeper. When she crosses paths with Dante, Nikolai, and Lila, a trio of powerful vampires who have been secretly pulling the strings in the city’s supernatural circles, she realizes she’s stumbled into something far bigger than a simple crime story. The vampires, fascinated by her boldness and determination, seduce her into their world, where love, danger, and immortality blur into one.

Ava Hamilton and Ethan Hall's lives are bound together by a shared secret: their contract marriage. Ava, driven by a burning desire for revenge against those responsible for her parents' tragic fate, seeks to exploit the vast resources of Ethan's powerful family. She hopes to uncover the truth behind her parents' murder and bring the perpetrators to justice, no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Ethan needs a wife to secure his position in the family business and appease his grandmother, the ruthless and cunning matriarch of the family empire. He believes Ava's beauty, intelligence, and determination make her the perfect candidate for the role. As they navigate their complicated alliance, they must confront their own dark pasts. But amidst the danger and deception, they begin to realize that their feelings for each other go far beyond mere convenience. They start to experience the thrill of forbidden love, a romance that could jeopardize their entire plan. As tensions escalate, Ava and Ethan must decide whether their growing passion is worth risking everything. Will they continue to prioritize their original goals, or will they succumb to the allure of a love that could change their lives forever? Against the backdrop of luxury and deceit, Ava and Ethan must navigate a complex web of power struggles, family dynamics, and hidden agendas. Will they emerge victorious, or will their marriage become a casualty of their families' endless quest for power? And will their love survive the secrets and lies that surround them? Excerpt: Ethan's eyes gleamed with amusement as he whispered in Ava's ear, "You know, wife, you're adorable when you're trying to be stern." He was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart race. Ava's eyes flashed with irritation, her cheeks flushing. "Ethan, stop teasing me. We need to focus on our plan." She tried to sound firm, but her voice trembled slightly, betraying her frustration. Ethan's grin only grew wider. "Oh, come on, Ava. You know I'm just trying to lighten the mood. You're so serious all the time." He pushed off the wall, his movements fluid and graceful, and took a step closer to her. Ava's hands clenched into fists, her voice firm. "This isn't a game, Ethan. Our lives are at stake. We can't afford to make mistakes." She tried to sound convincing, but her eyes kept drifting to his, and she couldn't help but notice the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Ethan's expression turned innocent, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Who says I'm not taking it seriously? Maybe I'm just trying to distract you from the tension between us." He raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on hers, and Ava felt her heart skip a beat. "There's no tension, Ethan. We're just allies in this marriage pact," she lied, trying to sound convincing. But her voice was barely above a whisper, and Ethan's knowing gaze made her feel like he could see right through her. Ethan's chuckle was low and husky. "Keep telling yourself that, Ava. But I see the way you look at me sometimes... like you're trying to resist a temptation." He took another step closer, his eyes locked onto hers, and Ava felt her pulse race. "I don't know what you're talking about," she lied again, trying to sound convincing. But her eyes darted away, betraying her. Ethan's whisper was soft, his breath caressing her ear. "Oh, but I think you do, Ava. And soon, you'll have to admit it." His words sent shivers down her spine, and Ava knew she was in danger of falling for her husband's charms, even though she refused to admit it. The air was charged with tension, their banter a delicate dance of denial and attraction. And in that moment, Ava knew she was walking a thin line between resistance and surrender. THE COVER PICTURE DOESN'T BELONG TO ME. CREDIT TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNER

A beautiful world far away from Earth and its war between robots and men, Trinity is a lush planet of life and death, but now, with the new king of a neighboring country declaring war on gods and demons alike, the planet has been sent into a state of chaos as he starts sending out hunting party's to hunt down demons. Follow 2 characters as they and their parties' journeys paths are entertained. Shadow, a GreyClaw fox/ demon hybrid and his group try to survive in this world that suddenly seems dead set on killing them. Isaac, a human from Earth who came to Trinity for an unknown reason. For now, though, he and his party are hunting demons. How will their stories play out, especially with the corrupt king. This will be a spin-off series to the dark halls game and so there will be stuff and characters from it appearing in this story. Go check out the dark halls YT channel. https://m.youtube.com/@TheDarkHallsGuys currently on hiatus while I figure out what I actually want to do with it. Srry :p

In the arid wastelands of Latin America stands **Solitary Bastion**, a fortress-like prison housing the nation's most dangerous criminals—cartel bosses, gang leaders, and unrepentant killers. In this volatile world of corruption and survival, the rules of morality are as fragile as the lives of those who dare uphold them. After dying in an underground fight, **Robert Viera**, a former boxer, finds himself reincarnated as a prison guard in this treacherous facility. Armed with a mysterious ability to see the full extent of someone's criminal life—and gain power by capturing or eliminating wrongdoers—Robert must navigate a labyrinth of danger, deceit, and deadly alliances. When Robert kills a cartel enforcer in self-defense during a prison riot, he becomes a marked man, targeted by the cartel and betrayed by his corrupt superiors. As conspiracies close in, Robert uncovers that even his warden and colleagues are players in a larger, sinister plot to silence him for good. With no one to trust and enemies lurking in every shadow, Robert must rely on his street smarts, fighting skills, and newfound abilities to survive. But in a place where justice is bought and loyalty is fleeting, will Robert's quest for redemption make him the savior of the prison—or its next victim? **"Shadows in the Bastion"** is a gripping tale of survival, betrayal, and one man's fight to expose the truth in a world where the lines between law and crime blur into darkness.

In the beginning, he said, "A lowly commoner from Jiangning County? What a disgraceful status, I won't marry her!" After meeting her, he clicked his tongue, "So frail and delicate, she can't stand a blow, too weak, I refuse!" When she approached him alone, carrying the marriage book, he stood leaning on the door, grinning insolently, "Are you here to make me marry you? But this young master doesn’t want to marry young!" Upon learning she was there to annul their marriage, his face turned dark as a thunderstorm, emanating a murderous aura, "Who gave you the guts to revoke the marriage with this young master?" ... Su Rong felt, Duanhua Princess must be blind, this man was so pampered and spoiled, how was he worth dying or living for? If she had known earlier, she would have thrown the divorce letter at his face the first time she saw him. ————————————— The tender signs of spring on the delicate Hibiscus pillow, amidst the drunken flowers filling the room, unnoticed. — Su Rong. A gallant young man in fine clothes and on a steed, a single glance causes a lifetime of confusion. — Zhou Gu Your wish is my wish. I wish to have known you earlier, protect you among the aromatic chambers strewn with brocades. Tear through the illusions, cut down the thorns, with hands unstained by blood, just as pure as you were when we first met, the young and soft little girl. Your wish is my wish. I wish I had known you sooner when you were like a refreshing breeze near the moon. I dared not approach for fear of disturbing the phoenix and mandarin ducks. Praying to be the moon in the sky to cast a reflection on you, accompany you while you watch the flowers bloom in the spring and gaze at the snow in winter, each and every year at Chang'an.

"I'm just a silly child with an unreachable dream. As a child, I always dreamed of being a Hero, but I went down the wrong path. I now look back at my foolish dream of wanting to be a Hero and saving others. Me, a Hero, what a farce. My sins can never be repented for they were too great." "Hah, don't even get me started on the story about my journey, for it's just a long and painful route to becoming a Diamond." "Power, luxury, worlds we can have all of them, but we can never fully be happy." "Diamond goddess my ass!! What is the use of becoming a powerful being if we can't even Live peacefully?" She turns to look at the child with pink hair and pink eyes. "Would you be interested in knowing who we are?" Iris asked the child. "Yes of course since I'm one too it would be good if I know," Polyra answered shyly and she twisted her hair on her fingertips. "Diamonds were supreme beings that were given to create life and destroy life, also known as world destroyers. They could pass through time and dimensions and create worlds of their own." I said as stars formed around them. "All Diamonds have a Diamond Gem in their body plus we have Diamond-shaped pupils to identify ourselves." "So then are we like cool or something," Polyra asked joyfully. Iris gave her a blank yet sad look, "I wish we were..." "All I know is throughout myself as a Diamond all I've felt was pain, but one thing that keeps me going is to find my sisters." "Diamonds are never free unless we're truly strong, but if we aren't we would be chased for the rest of our days." "What about the rest of the other Diamonds? There must be more people like us, right? Polyra asked nervously. "They're not my problem to deal with," Iris said coldly. "Then why did you save me?" Polyra asked as she stared deep into Iris's lifeless eyes. "Maybe a connection, I don't know." She responded. "Well then Iris if you won't find the rest of the other Diamonds, I will," Polyra stood up proudly. "Hahahaha, fine then have it your way." "Polyra, do you still want to be the Pink Diamond and become my follower?" she asked, stretching out her hand. "How can you also ask such a silly question Iris. You were the one who raised me and I don't care if I become a follower of the Black Diamond Goddess, because you're like a mother to me," she said softly. "Then the whole heavens would hate you dear child. For the Black Diamond shall always be the Diamond to bring calamity, chaos, and evil upon everything…." "And the Diamond war shall begin soon." The cover art isn't mine

Seorang gadis bernama jeslyn, pandai bermain game. di berikan hadiah game consol yang terdapat kaset game 703 saat usianya 6 tahun. Sering bermain game bersama kakak dan adiknya yaitu Hailey dan Carlos. Pada umurnya yang ke 15 tahun ia bertemu dengan seseorang yang ia cintai tapi Harus terhalang oleh dunia mereka dan pria bertopeng yang bisa masuk kedalam dua dunia mereka. Adiknya pun juga terseret Carlos usia 9 tahun di culik oleh pria bertopeng. Jeslyn harus meminta bantuan pada 703 dan bekerja sama agar bisa bisa bertemu dengan adiknya. Tapi di tengah jalan mereka harus melewati banyak rintangan. Melawan musuh dan monster yang ada di dalam game tersebut. Dua Tahun setelah jeslyn kehilangan adiknya Carlos. Seorang pria bernama Jacob memiliki 1 anak istrinya sudah meninggal ketika anaknya lahir. Kehidupannya menjadi berubah ia menjadi seorang penjudi dalam game player. Ia selalu gagal dalam bermain judi hingga ia terlilit hutang. Pria bertopeng melihat Jacob yang pantang menyerah memainkan game judi online Di tempat casino game's. Setelah melihat Jacob pingsan ia segera memberika sebuah kaset game bertulisan angka. Saat Jacob terbangun ia tidak mengingat apapun dan kini tengah memegang sebuah kaset game yang ada di tangannya tersebut. Ia bertemu dengan Sherly karakter cantik dan tegas yang ada di game tersebut. Tengah beberapa kali di permainkan oleh si pembuat game. Sherly harus mengeluarkan Jacob dari dunianya karna terlalu berbahaya jika Jacob masuk kedalam dunianya. Beberapa tahun kemudian seorang wanita menangkap jeslyn dan Jacob karna banyak orang orang yang hilang termasuk jeslyn Carlos dan Jacob pernah dinyatakan hilang beberapa tahun lalu. Mereka di tunjukan beberapa daftar nama orang orang yang hilang. Jeslyn menemukan nama karakter gamenya begitupun Jacob. Tapi Jacob tidak bisa kembali kesana dengan keadaan anaknya sedang sakit walaupun merindukan wanita di dalam hatinya. Jeslyn tetap meminta bantuan Jacob karna dunia orang yang mereka cintai akan terancam Punah begitupun juga dengan mereka. Mereka mencari tahu siapa pembuat game angka tersebut tapi tidak di temukan dimanapun. Bahkan jeslyn juga melacak kaset tapi juga tidak di temukan karna kaset tersebut di desain oleh pemiliknya dan tidak di jual di pemasaran. Mereka masuk ke dunia dimensi, di sana mereka melihat banyak sekali kenangan kenangan terdahulu. Hailey yang sedang membersihkan Kamar jeslyn yang kini menghilang secara tiba tiba. Tepat ia masuk kekamar itu lorong waktu tersebut terbuka. Ia masuk dan di pertemukan oleh orang yang selama ini ia cintai saat ia kecil walaupun awalnya tidak percaya. Tapi Hailey merasa pria tersebut tidak memiliki perubahan sama seperti saat masih kecil. Hailey sempat menepis pikiran negatifnya. Ayah Jeslyn sudah meninggal saat jeslyn meranjak dewasa. Tapi banyak rahasia yang sebenarnya belum tersampaikan oleh ayahnya. Para manusia bertopeng adalah musuh dalam karakter permainan. Sampai pada akhirnya jeslyn harus melawan mereka walaupun mereka adalah orang orang terdekat Jeslyn

Forged in Light follows Kaelan, a powerful warrior determined to rid the world of darkness and evil. As the strongest person in the universe, Kaelan has already defeated the dreaded Demon Lord, but the journey does not end there. With each victory, he grows stronger, ready to face increasingly powerful foes who threaten the balance of reality itself. In a world ravaged by powerful demons and dark forces, Kaelan and his companions—Talia, Lyra, Arion, and others—must confront enemies who control time, space, and the very fabric of existence. From the manipulative Time Weaver, who can twist fate itself, to the reality-warping Voidbinder, who seeks to erase all, Kaelan’s path is fraught with peril. As he faces these challenges, Kaelan is pushed to his limits, but with each battle, he grows stronger, his light shining brighter against the encroaching darkness. However, the true test lies ahead—the Deathbringer, a being of unimaginable power, stands as the final challenge. To defeat it, Kaelan must unlock his full potential, reaching god-like strength in a desperate battle to protect the world and his loved ones. Forged in Light is a story of strength, unity, and the will to fight against the odds. As Kaelan faces each formidable foe, he is reminded that while darkness may come in many forms, the light of hope and friendship is the strongest weapon of all. The journey is long, and the stakes are higher than ever, but Kaelan's unwavering resolve will carry him toward the ultimate battle for the future of the universe.

The heavy rain pounded against the windows, a relentless reminder of the storm raging outside. Inside, Elena stood at the edge of the living room, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if the cold could keep the memories away. She had heard the knock at the door, but she didn’t move. She wasn’t sure if she could. “Elena.” The sound of her name broke through her thoughts, soft but insistent. She turned, and there he was—Liam, standing in the doorway, drenched from the downpour. His eyes were dark, filled with something she couldn’t name, and his lips parted like he had so much to say but didn’t know where to start. “I didn’t think you’d show up,” Elena said quietly, her voice trembling despite her efforts to sound steady. She didn’t want him here. Not now, not after everything. Liam took a step forward, his eyes never leaving hers. “I had to. I couldn’t leave things like this between us.” The words stung more than they should have, but she held her ground. “Things ended between us, Liam. You made sure of that.” He flinched, as if the words were a slap. “I know I did,” he said, his voice tight. “I was stupid. I pushed you away when I should’ve fought for you. And I... I didn’t trust you when you needed me to.” Elena’s heart twisted at the raw sincerity in his voice, but she couldn’t let him in that easily. “Why now, after all this time? After everything that’s happened?” “I don’t have an answer for that,” he admitted. “All I know is that I can’t keep pretending I don’t care about you. I never stopped caring.” The silence between them was thick, a chasm neither of them knew how to cross. The world outside continued to rage, but in that moment, it was just the two of them. Elena’s pulse raced, her mind torn between wanting to believe him and fearing the hurt that would come if she let him back in. “I don’t know if I can trust you again, Liam,” she whispered, the words slipping out before she could stop them. He stepped closer, reaching out like he was about to touch her but hesitated. “Then give me a chance to prove I’m worth trusting.” Elena’s breath caught, her chest tightening as something inside her wavered. For a moment, she could almost believe him. But the scars ran too deep. “I need time,” she said, finally looking away. “I need time to figure out if I can even forgive you.” Liam stood still, his expression a mixture of regret and understanding. “I’ll wait. As long as it takes.” And for the first time in a long time, Elena wondered if maybe—just maybe—she could let the past go and start again.

Amara Aryanti is a smart and ambitious professional woman, working as a project manager at a large technology company. With a simple family background in the village, Amara grew up with a strong determination to achieve success and help her family who had struggled for their education and future. Her skills and dedication made her known as an independent and brave person in making decisions. On the other hand, Raka Pratama is the sole heir of a large company in the construction and real estate sector. His life has always been surrounded by luxury and great responsibility. His father, a successful businessman, suddenly fell ill, leaving Raka with a great burden to maintain the sustainability of his family's company. Although he looks cold and firm on the outside, Raka actually has a soft side that is rarely known by those closest to him. Fate brought Amara and Raka together in an unexpected situation. Amara's family faced a financial crisis that almost made them lose their home and small business. In this desperate situation, Amara received a surprising offer from the Pratama family—a contract marriage with Raka. This marriage was arranged to improve the image of Raka's company in the eyes of the public and investors, as well as provide much-needed financial assistance to Amara's family. At the beginning of their contract marriage, Amara and Raka's relationship is full of tension and misunderstandings. They have to pretend to be the perfect couple in front of the public, but behind the scenes, they struggle to understand each other and find a way to live together. Raka, who is usually strict and distant, begins to see Amara's perseverance and intelligence. Meanwhile, Amara discovers Raka's humane and caring side hidden behind his cold demeanor. As time goes by, their relationship begins to change. Although initially full of conflict, their honesty and togetherness in facing various obstacles make their feelings begin to grow. They have to face many challenges, including pressure from Raka's family who feel Amara is not worthy of him, as well as intrigue from business partners who do not agree with their marriage. The story climaxes when a major crisis threatens Raka's company. Amara and Raka must work together to overcome this problem, and in the process, they realize that true love has grown between them. However, a decision must be made: will they continue this marriage based on true love, or separate after the contract ends?