Milly Ashford

[Warning: MATURE/R-18 Content] Noah Ashford, the son of the village chief. And also, he was a reincarnator, who accidentally died by an unexpected event. Since childhood, he was always considered smart by his friends. Unfortunately, his talent was too low, leaving him far behind. Due to his low talent, he was always the object of ridicule, always talked about by the villagers. Luckily, one day when he was almost killed by a monster, something strange happened to him. He got a system, called talent increased. *** Others tags: Adventure, Weak to Strong, Strong to Stronger, Killed, Level Up, Revenge, Hated Protagonist, Academy, Netori, No incest, Princess, Priest, Hero, Knight, Dragons, Demons, Magic Mana, Divinity, Skills, Rewards, Potions, Training, Hard Training, Body Enchament, Spirits, Elves, Dwarfs, Necromancer, Beast Taiming, Beats, Dryads, World Tree, Contract Spirits, Divinity, Holy Magic, Saints, Commander, Milf, Kings, Continent, Imperials, Nobles, Kingdoms, Tournament, Rivals, Emperors, Prince, Princess, Resistance, Conflict, War, Power Level System, Longevity, Cold Protagonist Slice of Life: WPC JUNE 2024 *** Donate me: Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/dylanhusand Paypal: paypal.com/dylanhusan *** Disclaimer: the cover on this book is not mine, hope u all understand. No Plagiarisme, No Rasisme, No Cultivation, No Yuri Simp! REMEMBER! NO NTR TO ALL PROTAGONIST WOMEN!

Beauty was the Ashford family law, and Freya Sinclair was beauty come to life—until an accident stole that title from her. Sold to the Ashfords for a bag of chips, Freya was forced into a marriage with their heir, Alexander Ashford, on her 18th birthday. Unloved and unwanted because of a scar, she endured years of rejection. Determined to reclaim her life, Freya takes a stand, only to be cast out by the family that never wanted her. Homeless and disowned, she crosses paths with Sylus Thorn, a world-renowned fashion designer and enigmatic billionaire. Just when Freya believes she can start over, Alexander comes back to claim the wife he once discarded. “Do you have anything to say regarding your stepsisters’ affair with your husband?” Just when I thought I had no choice but to respond, a strong hand gripped my arm, pulling me out of the crowd. Startled, I looked up to see a tall, muscular man guiding me away with ease, his presence shielding me from the cameras and the reporters’ relentless questions. We reached a black car parked at the edge of the lot, and relief flooded through me. “Mr. Thorn,” I whispered, recognizing his familiar face. “Get in,” Sylus commanded, his voice calm but firm. Without hesitation, I climbed into the car, my heart racing from more than just the escape. Will Freya save her marriage to Alexander, or will she be swept off her feet by the mysterious Sylus Thorn?

Luciel Ashford was a powerful vampire hunter who fought for humanity's survival in a dystopian world that was being overrun by supernatural creatures. After being sent on a simple mission to eradicate a vampire nest that appeared near one of the human colonies, no one expected one of the most powerful beings to appear - the vampire king, Alukah. In a big showdown that was thought to be the start of a new era, Luciel faced off against Alukah. He won the battle but at a price. That night marked the fall of humanity's hero. Turned into a vampire, discriminated and hunted by the humans he fought for, he is going to answer their call for help once more to protect the people he cares about. Torn between the two worlds, he is going to climb back to the top, forging his own path while still trying to keep his morals intact. "Well, I have a message for you, god. Screw you!!! _______________ Update schedule: • 9am UTC +2 (not fixed, the chapters might be late if I get busy) • 1-2 chapters per day • Uploading between 1500-3000 words daily! • 50 powerstones or a castle = 5 bonus chapters! _______________ DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. It is not intended to be offensive towards any kind of people, group, religion, culture, country, etc. Any possible resemblance in the book to other people or other pieces of work is a pure coincidence. The novel is written using only my imagination.

"A Villain is just someone whom the Hero failed to save at the end." [WSA ENTRY 2024] ________________________ 'Huh, I recognize this window.' A boy muttered staring at the interface in front of him. After being shot to death because of helping an old man, a teenager is brought to life by the Goddess of the Void, Zephyra. He is given the choice to reincarnate and kill the hero after he annihilates the Ghouls in the world of the very novel he loves. Torn between the choice to transmigrate or follow the flow of life and death, the boy chooses to take his second chance at life along with the power that is granted as a gift to him by the Goddess. As he traverses the world in the new body of Amon Ashford - a character who was never supposed to exist and his past unknown-, he has to use his knowledge of the future to the best of his ability. Will he follow the Goddess's orders or will he carve his own path? ___________________ Though this is my second novel, comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated for me to improve!! Join the discord server for illustrations and much more: https://discord.gg/MqHVHHzfxu Please go check out my other novel: Coming Down From Olympus Thank you!!

[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???

After a series of mystical and cataclysmic events scarred the world it took years for the planet to heal and become stronger. Many things changed as people discovered strange plants, altered animals, magical enhanced minerals and most important of all strange doors that from the history books only release dangerous beasts and monsters. Only those with a brave heart, fearlessness or just plan insanity to enter the doors and see what hidden secrets they have in their depths. Join Cyrus Ashford a bronze rank slayer as he rises through the ranks of the global slayer league, support his family, meet interesting people and most importantly explore everything this strange world he lives in has to offer!. A Urban fantasty LitRPG with a detailed progresson of seeing the mc train all his abilities while pushing them to the upmost limit. Please be aware this story contains intense violence, gore and other potentially unsettling content. Criticism, Tips and Advice is always welcome!

lillia Ashford only quest was to revenge her dead parents, whom she lost brutally when she was just little. But she can't have her revenge when she is poor , she needed a job. But her plans where twisted when in a hurry to get a job, she met her worst nightmare, Aryan west one of the wealthiest man in the country who was bent on making her pay for disrupting his privacy. Will he let her go?, will she still avenge her dead parents?, as secrets unfold along the line. will they fall in love at the end?

15 years old Emma and Luke met at a moll where Emma was shopping in Italy. After six months they met again in Concordia , in Cohen high school. After a series of events that includes bets , both became an item . Luke told her she was the most precious thing he would ever have and he would love nobody but her . Emma had the same feeling. They were the most perfect couple of Cohen High school. But that's not the end of the story . The story began when Emma found Luke kissing a girl on their Graduation party. Why would Luke do that ? Was there a reason behind his betrayal ? What would Emma do after she found her first and possibly last love cheat on her ? Find out in the story

Wrongly accused of doing something she didn't even think of doing, Evalyn Grant has been living in hell for two years. One day she stops enduring everything and give on the little hope she has that she will clear her name. After abusing Evalyn for two years, he finds out he has been made to believe the wrong. By the time he finds out his unforgivable mistake, it was already too late. She has already disappeared from his life. And unknown to him, with his unborn child.

Milly is a 15 year old girl who gets possesed by an illusionist demon through an ancient bracelet gifted to her .The demon changes her perception of time and place and messes up her everyday life .Her family notices everything and try their best to help but they’re also deep into the rabbit hole as they get trapped in a time loop .In the time loop they get stuck in the present and past and are tormented constantly.Meanwhile a 2000 year old hatred between the demons and the angels arises and a great battle surges forward.The human race is caught in crossfire as the demon hunter organization tries their best to keep the demons at bay .

In a world where power means everything, Scarle is trapped in a nightmare that she never saw coming. Orphaned and taken in by the famous Ashford brothers, three heirs to unimaginable wealth and a dangerous legacy where she becomes the center of their dangerous obsessions. Each brother was uniquely dominant and fiercely protective in a different way, claims her in ways that fades the lines between love and obsession. As their step-sister, Scarle is meant to be untouchable. But the Ashford brothers play by their own rules. Soon her life is entwined by their dark games which is torn between loyalty, desire, and the need to escape. Trapped in their lavish mansion and manipulated by each brother’s obsession, she struggles to maintain her identity and freedom, even as her body and soul are drawn deeper into their twisted love. In this high-stakes world of passion, violence, and emotional turmoil, Scarle must decide who she will surrender to, and whether she can survive her choice or not?

Lux Ashford, is a normal boy who enjoys solving mysteries and dreams to seek ancient artifacts. Just like his dad who went missing few years ago. He thought it will just be a dream. Little did he know that there are groups who wants him and the secrets his dad left with to him.

Our main character got struck by lightning and the gods took pity on her so they gave her another chance to live in another world. Another chance to live is a good thing but she got reincarnated as Oliver Ashford?? The twin brother- no, the twin sister of the scum mc in the last harem novel she read?? Based from the novel she read, the male scum will kill his family when he got his magic abilities when he turned 16?? What will Oliver do to survive her deathflag?

In the fantastical realm of Etherea, young adventurer Ren Ashford discovers that his life is shaped by unseen forces—The Readers—who guide his every decision. As he struggles to regain control of his fate, Ren's journey through enchanted forests, dark wastelands, and powerful kingdoms will shape him into a hero, a villain, or something entirely different. In this interactive WebNovel, the readers' choices will not only determine Ren's path but also mold his very soul. Let your will guide him toward—or away from—his destiny.

Alaric Ashford considers himself an author. Relentlessly bullied and tormented throughout his youth by both schoolchildren and his cold, semi-abusive parents, he retreated into a lonely, reclusive existence, his small world shrinking with every year. Once labeled a "gifted kid," Alaric developed a warped sense of self—a mixture of arrogance and deep self-loathing—believing he’s destined for greatness, even as he despises the bleak reality of his life. His parents' deaths were orchestrated by hitmen, hired by a psychopathic bully from his past, someone who took pleasure in toying with him like a predator stalking its prey. After their murder, Alaric dropped out of college and now spends his days shut inside a dim, cluttered apartment. His life is a cycle of inactivity, filled with nothing but endless procrastination and the dwindling cushion of his inheritance. Alaric convinces himself that success will come eventually without effort—after all, hasn't he suffered enough to earn it by now? But when the universe is suddenly integrated into the vast and mysterious multiverse, and an omnipotent system begins to reshape reality itself, Alaric is forced onto a new path. This unprecedented event could push him to finally take action, to break out of his isolation and connect with others. Or, just as likely, his arrogance and disconnection from reality could lead him toward a swift and inevitable ruin. One thing is clear: Alaric will forge his own story, crafting his own myths and legends—no matter the cost in human lives—as he steps into the role of a Sanguine Mythmaker.

Astra Ashford, was once the feared assassin known as Fenix, thought her reign of terror would end when she sacrificed herself to save her younger sister. In death, she sought peace, but fate had other plans. Reborn into the body of a meek and obedient girl, Astra finds herself navigating a new life in a rural high school, where she's tormented by classmates, overlooked by teachers, and belittled by her arrogant fiance.     But Astra is not an ordinary girl. She carries the memories and deadly skills of her former life. No longer willing to remain a victim, she vows to take revenge on those who oppress her. Her transformation catches the attention of Asher Black, a powerful and mysterious man who is drawn to her fierce spirit. As they grow closer, Asher reveals his own dark secrets, and together they forge a path of vengeance and ambition. But the past has a way of catching up, and when Clyde Cross, a man Astra once loved, returns, she’s thrust into a dangerous triangle of desire and deceit. Clyde Cross will stop at nothing to reclaim her, but Aurora has no intention of being controlled again. As old flames ignite and new enemies rise, Astra must decide which man she can trust and how far she’s willing to go for revenge. In a world filled with power plays, steamy encounters, and wuxia-fueled battles, Astra reclaims her destiny, proving that even in rebirth, a Fenix always rises from the ashes.

Although it was only a marriage of convenience, Amelie Ashford was the perfect wife in every aspect. She was intelligent, obedient, and well-respected. She was kind to everyone and devoted to her husband. And she was perfectly content to spend the rest of her life like that, even though she was constantly nagged about getting pregnant. That was until her husband entered their house with a mistress by his side and eventually demanded a divorce. "Very well," Amelie said calmly, "I will divorce you." Richard's eyes shone as he heard his wife utter these words. However, to his surprise, she was not done. "But don't be surprised when you get an invitation to my next wedding." To everyone's shock, Amelie indeed got married again, and to a younger and, as it turned out, richer man! And she made sure that her ex-husband realized what it meant to lose the support of a woman like her. _____ Important: FL is not a Mary Sue. Divorce happens in the second part of the novel so watch out for your blood pressure.

Obwohl es nur eine Zweckehe war, war Amelie Ashford in jeder Hinsicht die perfekte Ehefrau. Sie war intelligent, gehorsam und hoch angesehen. Sie war freundlich zu allen und ihrem Mann treu ergeben. Und sie war vollkommen zufrieden damit, den Rest ihres Lebens so zu verbringen, auch wenn sie ständig damit genervt wurde, schwanger zu werden. Das war so lange, bis ihr Mann mit einer Geliebten an seiner Seite das Haus betrat und schließlich die Scheidung verlangte. "Nun gut", sagte Amelie ruhig, "ich werde mich scheiden lassen." Richards Augen leuchteten, als er seine Frau diese Worte aussprechen hörte. Doch zu seiner Überraschung war sie noch nicht fertig. "Aber wundere dich nicht, wenn du eine Einladung zu meiner nächsten Hochzeit bekommst." Zum Entsetzen aller heiratete Amelie tatsächlich wieder, und zwar einen jüngeren und, wie sich herausstellte, reicheren Mann! Und sie sorgte dafür, dass ihrem Ex-Mann klar wurde, was es bedeutet, die Unterstützung einer Frau wie ihr zu verlieren. _____ "Ich wurde dazu erzogen, die perfekte Ehefrau der Oberschicht zu sein, die zu Höchstleistungen und Wachsamkeit erzogen wurde. Alles, was ich wusste, war, wie man ein Lächeln vortäuscht, wie man liest und wie man hart arbeitet, um sicherzustellen, dass niemand es wagt, auf meine Familie herabzusehen. Aber letztendlich war es genau das, was mich langweilig und langweilig machte. Warum also hat sich Liam in mich verliebt, als mein Mann beschloss, sich von mir scheiden zu lassen?" Wichtig! FL ist keine Mary Sue. Die Scheidung erfolgt im zweiten Teil des Romans, also achten Sie auf Ihren Blutdruck.

In a universe where the boundaries between dimensions blur and cosmic secrets lie hidden, Nox Ashford is a high-school detective whose life takes a dramatic turn when she awakens with newfound abilities in a world teeming with mysticism and mystery. Previously a timid and reclusive high-school student, Nox’s new life begins with a failed suicide attempt that leads her to the enigmatic Aether Medical Centre. As Nox recovers, she discovers she has been reborn in a realm where magic and advanced technology intertwine. Guided by a mysterious system embedded within her, she finds herself on the brink of a journey that will redefine her understanding of existence. The system, which appears as a multifaceted, glowing interface, provides her with powerful abilities and tools that bridge the realms of high-school sleuthing and cosmic adventure. Nox’s path intersects with Luna Evera, the enigmatic and alluring president of the student council at Eclipse Academy. Luna, with her striking black hair and red eyes, is not just a powerful vampire but also a vital ally who helps Nox navigate the complexities of her new life. Their relationship evolves from mutual intrigue to a deep and passionate bond, setting the stage for an intertwined destiny. Together with Elena Blackwood, a strong-willed police officer, and Elara Trent, Nox’s childhood friend, they form a small but elite guild dedicated to exploring the hidden world of the cosmos. This guild, initially focused on investigation and the supernatural, grows into a close-knit family, traveling between realms and uncovering cosmic secrets that challenge their understanding of reality. As Nox delves deeper into her journey, she encounters various mystical and scientific phenomena, solving intricate crimes, battling supernatural entities, and uncovering ancient mysteries. Her cultivation techniques, starting from the Celestial Ascension, evolve through multiple tiers, reflecting her growth in power and her quest for ultimate transcendence. "Veil of Eternity: Secrets of the Cosmos" is a tale of adventure, romance, and cosmic discovery. It blends genres of mystery, fantasy, romance, science fiction, and action into a richly woven narrative. As Nox progresses from a high-school detective to a being of near-boundless power, she must confront formidable challenges, both external and internal, while exploring the profound connections between love, power, and destiny. In the end, Nox’s journey is not just about conquering realms but about understanding the true essence of existence and the eternal bonds that shape the universe. Her ascent to the apex of the Sixth Realm, becoming the Boundless entity, is a testament to her growth and the unbreakable ties she forms along the way.

"I can change ". "No you can't " she cried pulling away. This wasn't the first time he was saying that and she knew he didn't mean it. "I love you.Milly " he muttered almost a whisper. But it was loud enough for her to hear. She froze realizing what he had said, never in her wildest dreams had she thought of hearing him say that. ........ Her mother's lie about her daughter being married to a rich and handsome man led Milly to the man who would turn her world upside down. She needed a fake husband to play the role and he needed her to fall in love with him. The same person who broke her heart in the past will be the one to mend it.

The most popular game worldwide is Ancient Arena Online, a high-octane PvP fantasy game where teams fight for supremacy in mythical arenas. Millions of fans watch livestreams, bet on matches, and follow their favorite players like celebrities. The game’s competitive scene is so fierce that professional teams are treated like esports royalty. At the heart of it all is Kai Ashford, one of the top players and captain of the pro team Phoenix Edge. With lightning-fast reflexes and strategic brilliance, Kai leads his team to countless victories. But success breeds jealousy. Sabotaged by a teammate he thought was loyal, Kai is not only kicked off his team, but also humiliated in front of millions of fans. With his reputation shattered and confidence at rock bottom, Kai retreats from the public eye. However, Kai's competitive spirit is not easily extinguished. He stumbles upon a group of amateur players—a ragtag bunch who show raw potential but lack the finesse needed to win at the highest levels. Their quirky personalities clash with his no-nonsense attitude, but something about their passion reminds him of why he started gaming in the first place. Deciding to put his past behind him, Kai agrees to train them into a professional team. Along the way, Kai builds unexpected connections with his new teammates, including romantic entanglements with a fiery mage, an eccentric hacker, and a mysterious assassin player, all while juggling his personal feelings and growing attraction for multiple women. As his new team rises through the ranks, they gain attention from fans and sponsors, putting them back on the radar of the professional scene. But Kai’s past doesn’t stay buried for long. His former teammates—now rivals—plot to sabotage him once again, while jealous contenders within the gaming world aim to tear him down. However, Kai's return to the spotlight will be on his terms this time. With a darker, more calculating approach, he plans to not only dominate the game but also to get sweet revenge on those who betrayed him.

I am reborn as a minor character and the mother of the main character, the deposed ruler Leriana Ashford. My husband's younger brother will stage a rebellion against him, and only my young children will manage to escape. And the unfortunate Queen Leriane faces a bleak end. According to the plot, my heroine will sacrifice her life during the rebellion to save her children. Except she won't! Dying at twenty-seven is too soon for me and I'm going to change the tragic plot of this novella. I was lucky enough to be reborn ten years before the events of the novel began. At a time when the future King Philip and his brother Razor had just fallen in love with me at the Royal Academy, and their fight for me led to a feud. To survive - I decided not to become queen and live a quiet life with my father the Duke. And in order to rid myself of these two, I had to go to extreme measures. I decided to start dating the daughter of the cursed Duke, who is feared and hated by the entire academy.

Erin Ashford, a nineteen-year-old young man who just got admitted into college, finds himself in a predicament after the loss of his mother. His father shortly falls into darkness, ignoring all that is around him while leaving him and his fifteen-year-old sister to shoulder the burdens of the world alone. Life wasn't as bad for him as he had expected, but the loss of his great parents still pained him greatly — his father began getting violent after a while of his addiction, and he ended up having to report the case of abuse to the police. Everything went well — he got himself a girlfriend and was fully prepared on the day he was to go to college. But amid the train ride, a thunderstorm began. And it wasn't just Florida; the entire world had come to experience the greatest natural disaster that would come to be registered in the history of mankind. But was it even natural? Would mankind ever resurface after this? Surging floods fill the entire world with water and seconds of cascading thunderbolts. His train ended up being hit multiple times by thunderbolts, tumbling off its tracks and resulting in his very death. But it wasn't the end of his existence... He was reincarnated in another world as a hybrid with a very complicated family tree. But other than that he receives a system and cones to learn a shocking truth. The truth of other-worlders and what was believed by all races to be the second coming of quenched calamity — a collision of the existence was what was supposed to be parallel worlds. An incident occurred for twenty years and was incidentally recreated. He was the perfection of that experiment and forced into the middle of it all, dabbling in the affairs of this new world as he tries what he believes are his problems. He is bound to encounter many setbacks on his perilous journey.

Millie’s had no memories of her past or who her parents were. Only family she knew was the pack she was in since she was a baby, the Black Moon Pack. Her life has always been miserable and without her memories she had no hope to finding anything out about her past much less her own happiness. Only thing she hopes for is to find her mate on her eighteenth birthday.

Millie agreed to divorce her chosen mate after 8 years and worst of all pregnant so he could choose to chase after his so called "Second Chance Mate" that he only met and had an affair with. Millie upon leaving the Manor of her now Ex husband, she took all her belongings to the person she knew she could turn. Though No one new that the former lady of the Starlyn Manor was going to make sure that her plan to come back for those she loved would end up crumbling their Vampire lords and her ex-husbands business empire.

Millie is caught in between her old life and new. She stayed in an apartment to be nearby her drug addict father until he passed. Although she is devastated by her father’s passing, she has a new found freedom. She’s leaving her old life behind in San Diego and now getting a do over in L.A where she’ll have a fresh start, career and a new apartment. The only problem is there’s 37 days between her old lease and new. Millie’s best friend Steph offers a place to stay with her, all is good and fine until she finds out the truth about where she’s actually staying. The mansion, previously a hotel is owned by suspected drug traffickers that are not to be messed with. Millie finds herself falling for one of them, which stirs up a lot of trouble. Will she be strong enough to handle the challenges ahead that come with her new love interest?

Mabel is a sweet and innocent 8-year-old girl who has had a difficult life in the orphanage, where she has been bullied and mistreated by her peers. One day, her life takes a magical turn when the wealthy Ashford family offers to adopt her, and she becomes a beloved member of their household. Mabel quickly attached with her new family, especially the kind and loving Duke, Caius. She revels in her new life as a princess of Ashford, surrounded by magic and wonder. But one day, Mabel learns a shocking truth: She learns that she is the daughter of a great hero, and that Caius is actually a villainous Duke who tried to kill her father and was exiled to the barren land. How would the life of an innocent and guileless Mabel be affected after learning the truth about her past and her adoptive family, especially her relationship with Duke Caius? ---------------------------------------------------------------- The novel update: 5 Chapters/week

3 lives interconnected together. One side has a childhood crush, while the other two are madly in love. When a turn of events takes place hearts are about to break, and New bonds are to take place. Yet is her heart ready to bear his wrath and is he ready to forget his love? Come join the beautiful journey where hearts find solace with one another. ***** This is the journey of Cassandra Knight and Vincent Lorenzo. It's about them being childhood sweethearts yet estranged to one another. What happens when faith brings them together after 5 years but Vincent is in love with Hazel Ashford? ***** This is a story full of emotions where no one is at fault but the world is always cruel to pull apart the loved ones. *****

Trapped within the enchanting pages of her novel titled "Persona," Ellie's journey takes a surreal turn when she awakens in the body of the villainess, Eleanor Ashford. Determined to rewrite the novel's fate, Ellie steers away from the prescribed love story of Ava Sinclaire and Crown Prince Lucas. As Ellie navigates the difficulties of her new life, an unexpected marriage to the mysterious Grand Duke Cassius Caspian further complicates her existence. Beneath Cassius's perfect facade lies a turmoil mirroring Ellie's inner struggles, leading to a cascade of misunderstandings in their relationship. Yet, a cruel revelation surfaces... As truths unravel, Ellie and Cassius must confront the complexities of love, destiny, and the consequences of a tragic history that binds them. Will their newfound understanding strengthen the bonds of love, or will it untangle the delicate threads holding their relationship together? In the realm where fiction intertwines with reality, "Persona" paints a tale of love, sacrifice, and the transformative power found in second chances.