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With just three sentences, you convinced the Paladin to spend five thousand Gold Coins for you. You truly are a master of the Undead who thoroughly understands human nature! … "Respected Master Amberser, after our review by the editors at 'Legendary Spells' Publishing, we regret to inform you that your paper 'Research on the Non-Humanoid Form Modification of Undead Creatures' is unsuitable for publication in our monthly magazine. We suggest that you submit your work to a magical academic journal with less stringent review requirements." A burst of ghostly blue flame erupted from the tips of fingers, reducing the rejection letter. "Damn it! You bastards are purely discriminating against liches, discriminating against undead magic!!!" "Drop dead!"

One must always sacrifice something to strive for survival in this world. But when all that is sacrificed becomes meaningless, turned into a toy for others to freely squander, with no compensation paid. Then, the Bounty Mercenary Group does not mind resorting to their own hands, and collecting the interest they're rightfully owed!

A woman flipped through a magazine, a rare spark of interest flickering in her usually indifferent eyes, "Hey, hubby, look, you and I made it onto the same ranking list." A man raised an eyebrow, "Oh, what list?" "The global top ten dream lovers for women, you're first, and I'm fifth!" "......" His power and wealth were overwhelming, his status was noble, and his demeanor was both brutal and ruthless. She was carefree and unruly, free-spirited and unconstrained, standing apart from the world, cold and indifferent. He loved her deeply and she cherished him to the bone, lovers who should have been able to have a perfect life.

Song Huanyan had her fiancé stolen by her own cousin. Then, she drowned her sorrows in a bar... When she woke up, lying beside her was the younger brother of her former fiancé. "Consider last night's events as you paying off your brother's debt," Song Huanyan said. "What debt?" Yun Jianchen asked. Song Huanyan, "An emotional debt." Yun Jianchen, "..." Song Huanyan, "Ever heard the saying, 'A brother's debts are paid by his sibling'?" Yun Jianchen, "..."

"In this temporal world, we still fell in love unwaveringly." - In the tenth year after embarking on his acting career, Yu Cheng won the Best Potential Actor award and then collaborated with the movie actor Zhong Shao in the movie "Same Or Not". This is a story of two Alphas in love in a futuristic world. The futuristic world is as utopian as science fiction but with a certain preference for elements named "worldliness and prejudice." The spotlight beyond the screen cannot escape the supremacy of entertainment. However, when the camera focuses on them, actors are not just a profession and a form of adulation, but a means and a way to break another kind of "chauvinism" in a different sense. They stand out in the crowd yet remain hidden in the background, allowing attention to be paid and influence to be impacted. Silence and indulgence, roses and truth, form and deceit, transformation and peril, prejudice and perseverance, a corner and freedom, harmony and friendliness. They are as tacit as one, always sharp and gentle. Under worldly constraints, they love each other unwaveringly, neither publicly nor shying away from the camera. - PS: 1) 5 updates per week in general; 2) Copyright protection has been applied for；

Sometimes we become sad when we leave the little garden where we live and we don't know that destiny preparing us for living in a beautiful and large forest and that's what happened with Sara she discovered that her lover cheating on her with another girl but god make up her a job in the magazine were she was dreaming work but how will be her relation with her boss, especially their first meeting they fight at the coffee shop

Warning: Matured content Aaliyah never thought her life would end up this way. Framed for the death of her brother’s mate, her brother punishes her for justice of his mate. But just then, the Lycan King, Tristan appears, claiming her as his mate. At first it feels like he was saving her, but it quickly turns into something far from that. Aaliyah tries to convince herself that she has escaped the nightmare of her pack and brother. But the Lycan King, Tristan didn’t save her out of love. Bound by an old Lycan tradition debt that must be paid every decade, Tristan has his own reasons for claiming her and it has nothing to do with the mating bond that they shared. A debt that would cost her freedom, and perhaps even her life. As debts demands to be paid and enemies claws in, Tristan must face an impossible choice: honour his responsibility and sacrifice Aaliyah, or go against the tradition and risk everything to protect the woman he was never meant to love. .... Volume 2: Four years have passed in Vlẽkhut, and war is still raging. The conflict between hybrids and Lycans grows worse, while the battle for the throne turns into a struggle for power as powerful Lycan emerges, fighting for the crown. Amidst the war, Aaliyah, still on the run from Vladimir after her husband's death, rises with power. She is now determined to claim the throne that rightfully belongs to her husband. She will take revenge on all those who destroyed her family and find a way to bring her husband back from the dead.

For those of you who wish to see him start in the professional stage could directly jump onto the volume II. Takahashi Hiro after committing suicide gets reincarnated into his younger self. A genius footballer from a young age, he loses all his footballing talent after a horrendous injury. But despite that he perseveres through the odds and overcomes his tragedy. Finally when he could make his dream come true after getting scouted by a professional team, he faces yet another trouble. Having lost his final hope of making alive, he takes his life by committing suicide. But to his surprise, instead of dying he wakes up in his younger body. Having returned back to time, he again dreams of being the greatest footballer. This time with the help of the system which allows him to copy talent of any footballer, will he make it as a pro? Will he be the G.O.A.T? Notes: Characters in this story are fictional, The story might progress slowly, A huge emphasis has been paid to emotion of the characters, The story will not focus solely on football and system and it will focus equally on the lifestyle of the protagonist and the people closer to him.

Thank you for the support! Kindly check my other work ‘EGOTISTIC’ [EXPLICIT 18+, nsfw, mature content] ‘No one can predict where life will take you or which direction your boat will sail. Despite the carefully crafted plans for a smooth journey, you'll never know what might happen along the way’ Ezra, a young man who decided to end his life due to depression and long unhealed trauma, suddenly woke up back in a familiar place, he opened his eyes wide, having a hard time processing what had just happened. He was dead, 100% sure, so why he woke up again to his life in two years ago? Anxiety and doubt mixed together to create fear within his chest, not to mention that there were so many things that were constantly changing, some things that were happening were so different from his previous life. Especially with his childhood friend— Raphael. He realized the hungry eyes the man was giving him, he had never paid much attention to it in his previous life but now—the way Raphael was looking at him with greed and adoration—Things were getting more and more complicated. "Which one is the truth?" Should Ezra take this chance to fix his past? Or should he remain drowned in guilt over his trauma? [Note : I wont give a warning for the 18+ scene, I will give a warning for a sensitive content]

Saving people wasn't exactly Shen Yuan's thing, but if you paid him enough to do it, then you'd get yourself a deal. Whether someone lived or died was never his concern, but what end it brought was his job to direct. He was the perfect agent for the military to commission. His job: To wake the great war hero out of his coma. Of course, only after he squeezed their pocket dry did he finally accept. But what would happen if he met his destiny there? And that destiny was the exact thing he was ordered to terminate. Alternate Title: ‘Die for Me’ Schedule: Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 21:00 GMT+7 A/N: Full story is available at my ko-fi shop page (ko-fi: K_Jira). Your support will help me continue my work as an author and is greatly appreciated!

Centuries ago, war shattered Asgard. Tired of living in the shadow of the Aesir, Loki and his creatures of chaos sought the respect they believed was their due. Their rebellion, however, brought only death, exile, and the fleeting victory of the Aesir. But gods cannot die forever, and Loki’s defeat came with a prophecy: the war would come again, and next time, he would be ready. Many began to question whether Odin was truly fit to rule the realms. (But that was not my concern. I am an entity of death, a Fylgia bound to the cycles of life and fate. My interest lies elsewhere—with two souls cursed by Odin to live, die, and repeat their lonely existence for eternity. Sirius and Saoirse. For centuries, I’ve watched them endure lives destined for isolation and suffering. I’ve grown tired of their pain. What if they didn’t have to be alone? What if I could give them a chance to defy fate? And, perhaps, what if I could become part of the story that I’ve shaped? These were my thoughts leading up to the beginning of this story. But meddling with destiny has consequences. I probably should have paid more attention to that war, because what I didn’t realize was, by changing one thing, a ripple would expand across the realms that nobody could have anticipated.) Sirius and Saoirse, they weren’t just any Vampire and Werewolf that could have been brought together. They are creatures that must come to terms with the demon beasts inside of them or bringing them together might just end up finishing what Loki’s children had started.

‘How did this happen’ The young man, practically a boy, looked at the scene in front of him. In just one glance it was possible to see dozens of people, more closely he was sure there could be hundreds or thousands of people prostrating themselves in front of him. From the center of the city square to the adjacent streets in front of the temple, with a frightening similarity to what happened in the Vatican when the Pope gave a speech. The young man sitting on a throne too big for him, inside a marble temple he could see expressions of happiness, reverence, gratitude and in some a small hint of fear. Not that he paid much attention to the others, his attention was mainly drawn to the group directly below the throne. This group was made up of people of various ages, from old men with gray and wrinkled hair, but with strangely healthy bodies and postures upright like poles, to young people of various ages including children. What this group in particular had in common was their expression, which could only be described as fanatical as they looked at the young man. The only thing that was going on in the young man's head, with all this excessive attention, was simply... ‘How did things get like this?!!!! I was just playing a game!!!!’ In a room in an ordinary apartment, in an ordinary city. A seemingly ordinary young man could be seen lying in bed with a cell phone on his chest. The cell phone was on and showing scenes from what appeared to be a game. With a small and intriguing coincidence that the young man sitting on a huge throne inside a marble temple was completely identical to the sleeping young man. ********************************************** Thanks to ImagineArt for the image

Simbi was mistreated by her cruel stepmother, who constantly punished her for things she hadn’t done. Unable to endure the constant abuse any longer, Simbi ran away from home. She eventually found a church and sought refuge there. She lied to the gatekeeper, claiming she had no parents and needed shelter. The gatekeeper shared her story with the pastor, who kindly allowed her to stay. While staying at the church, Simbi remembered someone advising her to pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit, as it would bring her favor. She fasted for three days, and by the end of her fast, she received a gift—the gift of prophecy. A few days later, while Simbi was sweeping the church, a man named Mr. Williams noticed her and asked if she’d be willing to work in his home. Simbi agreed and began working as a housemaid, where she was well paid. Mr. Williams’ son had been searching for a job for the past three years without success. Simbi advised him to seek God’s guidance through seven days of fasting and prayer. Initially, he was hesitant, but his parents encouraged him to follow her advice. After the week of fasting and prayer, he found a well-paying job. Simbi’s gift brought great blessings to the Williams family. Later, Simbi married a businessman and eventually became a prophet, founding a large church in town. One day, Simbi’s stepmother came to her church seeking help. What drove her stepmother to seek out Simbi? And how will these issues be resolved? Find out what happens next.

Erwin Warner is a material-dominant alpha with a very unsteady financial background. Though he has the face of an angel, his personality is the polar opposite. He can even kill a person if there is enough money paid for that. Leo Snow is an exceptionally beautiful dominant omega. Even the gods envy his unparalleled beauty from the heavens. He has a very strong personality and is very picky about his partner. He can be as deadly as his face when the time comes. Jean Snow, a very unstandable uncle of Leo, has an unsubmissive greed for everything Leo has, that doesn’t exclude the Snow Groups and Company. Even being the blood brother of Leo’s father doesn’t change the fact that he is exceedingly obsessed with this pretty, small omega nephew of his.

As soon as Luo Yan graduated, he immediately got an offer from a prestigious gaming company. He thought all his hard work finally paid off. And he would finally reach the pinnacle of life. But then, on his first day of work, a potted plant fell on his head and he died. Surprisingly, when he thought he would cross the Yellow River, he suddenly woke up and found himself in the body of a 17 year old boy. This body had the same name as him but completely different background. Because the original was the second young master of the Luo family - one of the most powerful family in S City. Luo Yan almost cried. God probably took pity on him and decided to give him a loving family with a wealthy background. He didn't have to work hard anymore. Studying like his life depended on it and pretending to be a holy father just to cater to people. So Luo Yan decided to be a salted fish and just shamelessly sell meng. A certain male god who always bought Luo Yan's meng: Yan Yan is so cute! Why is Yan Yan so cute?? Cold faced on the outside, a cinnamon roll on the inside Gong X Super beautiful, black-belly Shou.

In the midst of a chilling night, Elena Wilson, a young and timid girl, finds herself in a harrowing chase, desperately trying to escape from an unknown pursuer. Lost in the alleys of a desolate street, she collides with a car, her heart racing as she braces for the impact. Miraculously, the driver of the vehicle manages to halt just in time, saving her from harm. As Elena regains her composure, she gazes up to meet the eyes of the car's owner, only to recognize the face that has adorned countless magazines—the enigmatic and successful billionaire, Elliot Wessex. Overwhelmed with both gratitude and trepidation, Elena implores him for help, hoping he could drive her to a safe place Little does Elena know that Elliot's desire to assist her is not purely driven by kindness. Beneath his handsome façade lies a some hidden motive. Drawn to Elena's beauty and vulnerability, he agrees to aid her in eluding her pursuer, embarking on a dangerous journey that illuminates dark secrets and tests the limits of trust.

"Hi, my name is Nozomi Nakagawa and I am a magical girl! Yes, you've heard right! Fourteen years old and already my life was thrown upside down! I won't lie, things are tough, but thankfully, I have my friends by my side and together I just know we can face anything the world throws at us!" That was the basic description that Life received about the assignment before he, begrudgingly, accepted it, it was supposed to be a quick job, get in, do the bare minimum to still be paid, and get out, it would be quick, it would be swift and it wouldn't take long. Just a quick job where nothing remarkable would happen...surely. What to expect: A Physicological/Drama, Character-focused Magical Girl story. Slow-Burn A love letter to fiction, where each relevant character represents a different genre in fiction with a few twists to make them fresh. Ex: Isekai, Shonen, Magical Girl, Tragedy, Cultivation, Regression, Tokusatsu, Horror and many others. All are united under one theme: life and how each character will choose to live theirs. Patreon:https://patreon.com/MoawarWriter?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Discord channel: https://discord.gg/MajRenxdut

In the aftermath of a daring escape from the merciless King Ozul, Arya Athena and her band of young warriors find themselves stranded on the wild, unforgiving Island of Darth. The island's lush forests and silent waters hide more than just danger — they conceal a shadowy past, one that holds the key to overthrowing a tyrant who thrives on deceit and bloodshed. Haunted by her mother's sacrifice and driven by a need to protect her sister Liza and their people, Arya navigates a treacherous path where survival is earned through steel and wit. But as they fight to stay one step ahead of Ozul's men, the island begins to unveil secrets that could shift the balance of power in Shinghaala forever. When betrayal lurks behind every tree, and loyalty is paid for in blood, Arya's courage is tested like never before. Her fate — and that of her kingdom — hinges on a perilous rescue, a family lost to war, and an uncle believed to be dead. With a blade named Wraith, a heart filled with defiance, and the haunting memory of love sacrificed to war, Arya must choose: fight for survival or ignite a revolution. In a world where darkness reigns and legends are forged, the Island of Darth may just become the battleground for freedom, redemption, and the rise of the lion-hearted.

Yui, a NEET girl living in Seoul, gave up trying to save the world. She spends her inifinite amount of time binge watching anime and manga, showering her favorite authors with gachapons, and writing webnovels for which she will never get paid. Only way she might start to care is if she found someone worth her effort to save. But even if she did find someone, will she be able to stop the apocalypse? "When routine bites hard and ambitions are low And resentment rides high, but emotions won't grow And we're changing our ways, taking different roads Then love, love will tear us apart again Love, love will tear us apart again" - Lyrics from Love Will Tear Us Apart. Joy Division. 1980.

Ben Samuel well respected and professional man went to celebrate with her friends and ended up forcing a drunk girl sex who ended up dead and he thought he had killed the girl and started running and hiding,fearing to be arrested for murder later on he realized that he was innocent because the girl whom he had met was poisoned by her friends whom were paid by a certain lady who thought the girl was in love with her husband. Then Ben Samuel decided to take revenge because the girl had asked for help before dying but he ignored the girl because for him he had already got what he wanted

[Mature Content] Living his whole life in regret and self-loathing, Hirvan took his last breath thinking he had paid his debts by sacrificing his life for his two sons. However, opening his eyes again, he found himself in a young boy’s body. Can he live for himself this time? ******* First day at university: Other students: Ahhhhhh, it's senior Angel! Thank you, God, for letting us attend the same uni as our male god! Hirvan: Oh, My cute little Yuze. Others: ???? During the orientation: Student 1: What’s with our luck? My husband is going to give us a speech! Studant2: Ren MengSheng, my Idol! I can die in peace! Hirvan: Oh, Son, don’t be nervous. Daddy is here! Others: WTF! In a business seminar at the university: Student 1: That's the legend of the business world! Elian Ashford! Student 2: He is the wealthiest man of the year! Student 3: The most wanted bachelor for the past ten years! Hirvan: Tsk, the cheap father of mine. Others: Whaaaattt???

Duke lost his family during the werewolf war and Seraphina became his light in the darkness. Duke is adamant about protecting Seraphina and reclaiming what was his by birth, even if he needs to risk his life by awakening the powerful beast that sleeps within him. Seraphina paid a heavy price in exchange to be with the love of her life. Others made that choice for her. She is determined to get stronger so that she can regain what's lost, and she swore to secure everything that's dear to her. Will she be able to fulfill that promise when the man she loves needs to risk his life if he wants to live? Join Seraphina and Duke as they uncover their pasts and build their future while fighting against the vicious creatures who see them as a threat. --- FL and ML are both strong, smart, and they would do anything for each other. Expect drama, mystery, and romance in a modern fantasy setting. If you are under age 18 or sensitive to adult content, I suggest you skip this novel. This is the second book in the series Amara, and you can read it independently. --- Book 1 in the Amara series, "Amara - Reunion", will give you a better understanding of the hardships Seraphina and Duke went through in order to be together. --- Connect with me and other fellow readers, and see additional photos. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedSonia.Novels Discord: https://discord.gg/cFaejHB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redsonia_novels/ --- I own the cover. --- Give my other novels a try!

Ryo Tanaka, a struggling college student, works tirelessly at multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet. In a bid to earn some extra cash, he volunteers for a paid drug research study, unaware that it will alter the course of his life forever. The experiment takes a disastrous turn, leaving Ryo bedridden with a high fever for several days. But when he finally awakens, he finds himself in a world plunged into chaos. A deadly virus has ravaged the city, turning its inhabitants into ravenous, flesh-eating zombies. Streets once bustling with life now lay desolate, the remnants of civilization crumbling under the weight of the apocalypse.

After committing suicide due to his miserable life, a hikikomori is reborn in an alternate world of his own where abilities he had only seen in anime have become a reality. Believing he has been granted a free pass, he soon learns there’s a price to be paid, one he didn't realize he ever wanted to pay. Wanting revenge and redemption, the reborn hikikomori must learn the real reason he was reborn and the enemy that wishes to exploit him.

One Piece novel Law is a non-canon novel by Shusei Sakagami. It was released in the fourth through seventh volumes of the One Piece Magazine, and later as a stand-alone book.[1] It chronicles Trafalgar Law forming the Heart Pirates after leaving the Donquixote Pirates. It will be followed by a sequel titled One Piece novel Law: The Hour of Kikoku.

A Testament to Excellence: My Experience with Digital Tech Guard Recovery in Recovering 78,000 ETH When my company suffered a devastating loss of 78,000 ETH due to a complex hacking incident, I was left feeling utterly helpless and unsure of where to turn. The sheer magnitude of the theft was staggering, and the prospect of recovering such a colossal sum seemed all but impossible. That was, until I discovered Digital Tech Guard Recovery - a team of elite cybersecurity experts whose unwavering dedication and unparalleled expertise would ultimately prove to be the saving grace in this dire situation. From the moment I reached out, the Digital Tech Guard Recovery team sprang into action, applying their vast knowledge of blockchain technology, digital forensics, and hacking countermeasures to meticulously investigate the incident. Their methodical approach left no stone unturned, as they painstakingly traced the flow of the stolen funds, identified the perpetrators, and devised a strategic plan to retrieve the lost ETH. What could have been a hopeless endeavor was transformed into a triumph of perseverance, with the Digital Tech Guard team employing cutting-edge tools and techniques to outmaneuver the skilled hackers at every turn. The level of professionalism and attention to detail exhibited by this remarkable team was truly awe-inspiring. They kept me informed at every step of the recovery process, providing regular updates and clear explanations of the complex technical procedures involved. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts ultimately paid off, as they were able to successfully recover the entirety of the 78,000 ETH, a feat that I had previously deemed impossible. The relief and gratitude I felt in that moment was indescribable, a testament to the sheer brilliance and unparalleled expertise of the Digital Tech Guard Recovery team. Do not hesitate to email: WhatsApp: +1 (443) 859 - 2886 Email @ digitaltechguard.com Telegram: digitaltechguardrecovery.com website link :: https : // digitaltechguard.com

When I found myself in a precarious position, facing the loss of 120,000 precious ETH, I knew I needed the guidance and expertise of a true industry leader. That's when I turned to Digital Hack Recovery, a renowned cybersecurity firm renowned for its unwavering commitment to recovering even the most complex and challenging digital asset cases. From the moment I reached out, the Digital Hack Recovery team sprung into action, leveraging their extensive knowledge of blockchain technology, cryptography, and digital forensics to meticulously analyze the situation. Through a thorough investigation, they were able to trace the movement of the funds, identify the malicious actors involved, and devise a strategic plan of attack. With surgical precision, Digital Hack Recovery seasoned experts navigated the labyrinthine world of decentralized finance, employing advanced techniques to bypass security measures and regain control of my assets. The level of care, diligence, and professionalism they demonstrated throughout the process was truly remarkable, instilling me with a profound sense of confidence that my funds were in the safest of hands. Ultimately, Digital Hack Recovery unwavering efforts paid off, as they successfully recovered the entirety of my 120,000 ETH, returning it to me safely and securely. This resounding victory not only restored my financial stability but also solidified my trust in Digital Hack Recovery's unparalleled expertise and ability to tackle even the most daunting digital asset recovery challenges. Their unwavering commitment to their clients and unyielding determination to achieve positive outcomes sets them apart as the premier choice for anyone seeking to safeguard their digital wealth and navigate the complex and ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency. Do not waste no time further, send an email to: digitalhackrecovery@techie.com Or visit their Website; https://digitalhackrecovery.com

Kingdom building, slow burn but engaging and non-romantic type book (check review) Lucian thought he was doing the right thing—fulfilling an old man's dying wish. It wasn't much, really. He deleted the old man's browser history and, as a final touch, even placed a couple of R-18 magazines in his grave for good measure. You know, to make sure the old guardian had a peaceful afterlife, free of shame. The reward for his good deed? He got killed by a ghost that very same day. No, this isn't some twisted horror story. Lucian just had the misfortune of being reborn as the worst kind of character—a terminally ill, third-rate villain. Not even a true villain, honestly. Calling him a villain would be giving him too much credit. He’s more like an extra in someone else's grand story. Now, stuck inside a body that will eventually kill him, Lucian has to figure out how to survive, dodging life-threatening situations left and right... Will he be able to make it through? Update Schedule: 2 Chapters a day Discord Server: https://discord.gg/QZnWtaaRft Bonus Chapter Scheme below: Every 250 Powerstones = 1 Bonus Chapter Every 75 Golden Tickets = 1 Bonus Chapter Castle Gift = 3 Bonus Chapters Spacecraft Gift = 6 Bonus Chapters Golden Gachapon = 9 Bonus Chapters

"I don't look like a prostitute because I am not one." she coldly smiles at his questioning gaze as she sips her coffee. 'Jerk!!' she screams in her head. "My apologies." he sincerely said, seeing the expression on her face. "But why do you have a key to this room." "Well, probably because this is MY room." she spat her words as she put down her coffee on top of the coffee table. She chose a magazine with the Kardeshians on the cover and put down her cup on top of it. He scoffed at this girl watching him with open distaste on her pretty face. He would admit that he felt insulted with how she acted now when just a while ago she was feasting on his body while he was on the phone. "You change your mind easily, huh?" he said mockingly. "Just a few minutes ago, you said you like me." "Well, a girl sure can change her mind, as many times as she wants. If you want to change my mind, you could stand up and turn around so I could see you from behind because you see, I prefer a guy with a nice pair of ass." ........................ Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. When her flight was canceled due to a heavy storm, she had a one-night stand with a stranger that happened to be the future CEO of one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world. However, the next time they met, he did not remember her! But is it a reason enough to take revenge? If it was, how far would she go to soothe her wounded ego? Was it really just her pride that got hurt? What really happened that night? And how does a night with a stranger change Jess's life? [WARNING: Some chapters may contain mature R-18 content.] --------- Book cover by Jushel

Alara Bennett had the world at her feet. With her striking features, confident strut, and a portfolio boasting magazine covers like Vogue and Elle, she was the face of every trending fashion campaign. Beside her stood Ethan Carter, a heartthrob actor whose talent and charm had landed him leading roles in blockbuster films. Together, they were the it couple: perfect, glamorous, and unattainable. Their relationship had been mostly private. Occasionally, they'd share a candid photo on Instagram—Ethan with a goofy grin and Alara in one of her signature oversized hoodies. Fans adored them, coining hashtags like #Ethara and #GoalsForLife. But fame always came with a price. Ethan’s latest movie, Shadows in the Rain, paired him with Scarlett Leigh, a rising actress known for her sharp wit and electric chemistry with her co-stars. From the moment the trailer dropped, fans went wild. Ethan and Scarlett’s steamy scenes were dissected and replayed endlessly, flooding TikTok with edits set to romantic music. Instagram buzzed with captions like: “Scarlett and Ethan >>> any couple ever #ShadowsInTheRain” (560k likes) “Can they just date already? The chemistry is unreal!” (312k comments) Alara scrolled through her feed, her chest tightening. She wasn’t jealous of Scarlett—she knew how professional Ethan was and how close they were as friends. But the overwhelming fan response planted seeds of doubt in her mind.