Veneer And Velvet

[When Prejudice Collides with Fate: Whose Trap Is This Mismatched Marriage?] Qin Ran had always believed that a man still trapped in the arranged-marriage circus at thirty must be either emotionally stunted or physically defective. But the universe had a wicked sense of humor—because the man waiting at Table 11 was a walking contradiction. Lu Sheng was a paradox of elegance and danger. His charcoal suit sculpted a body built for both boardrooms and back-alley brawls. When his gaze locked onto hers, the sharp lines of his face seemed to carve shadows into the air, the room suddenly heavy with the scent of cedar and unspoken threats. “I’m sorry, I think I’ve mistaken the table—” “Sit.” His voice cracked like a whip, freezing her mid-retreat. The glint of his platinum watch mirrored her death grip on the handbag strap. “If we’re both puppets in this family farce… let’s at least make it mutually beneficial.” Three days later, the marriage certificate seared her palm like a brand. She’d told herself this was a calculated escape from her brother’s suffocating household—until their wedding night, when the fresh scar snaking across his ribs screamed of bullets, not business deals. And when Lu Sheng shrugged off his shirt, water sluicing down the defined ridges of his abdomen, his smirk was pure sin: “Clause Three of our contract, Mrs. Lu—no coveting Party A’s assets.” She backed him against the glass wall, her fingers skating over the corded muscle of his spine. “Mr. Lu… does that clause include your six-pack?” [High-Stakes Romance | Marriage of Convenience | Enemies-to-Forced-Allies] — A billionaire with a bulletproof reputation and a vault of secrets. — A razor-tongued medical intern with a talent for unearthing truths. As lies ignite and bullets fly, only one rule remains: In this game of hearts and gunpowder, the first to fall… loses everything.

*For entertainment only* Just another introverted teenage girl who faces unwanted yet surprising and sometimes enjoying adventures so hang in and know her. Since I want to tell someone about my life .

When the Grey Mist covers the earth, the miasma corrupts the creatures, and the threads manipulate the minds of others, those red eyes will rest upon humanity and the very order of the world will go mad. Humans will fade into the background, clinging to life as they always have. In the first era, someone stayed. In the second era, someone woke up. In the third era, someone will rise again and again. Let the steam roar! Let the ancient technology shine! Let the battle between humanity and the anomalies, the oddities, the contamination zones never cease! May my Pneuma allow me to take this mortal body to challenge these beings! May my axe resonate with my heart! In the end, only humanity will remain, by hook or by crook! ------------------------- Cover made using AI. English is my second language and I'm using Grammarly for thoses mistakes I didn't see, so, if you notice one, comment, please! I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com

I WILL BE UPLOADING THIS STORY ON RoyalRoad.com Thomas, a football player after achieving his goals in life the spark inside of him had died down so he decided to retire from football and live rest of his life with his beautiful family. One day, one morning he was out of home with his family on a morning walk and he was walking on morning walk when he sees a ball. he ran toward the ball to kick the ball. but he missed the ball and fall on the road near the ball, died near the ball. but he couldn't kick the ball. "where am I? did I missed the ball?" [welcome hero] "who is this mother fucker?, where are you talking from"

"From now on, you can stay in this room and live the rest of your life here for all I care," were the words that condemned Li Na to a lifetime of isolation and despair at the hands of her own family. Betrayed by her sister, Li Jing, who injected her with a lethal dose of poison, Li Na's world faded into darkness, filled with a deep sense of sadness and betrayal. But fate had a different plan for Li Na. Instead of the expected descent into the afterlife, she found herself transported to a new existence, her younger self staring back at her from the mirror. Overwhelmed by this inexplicable rebirth, tears welled in her eyes as she made a solemn vow to herself: to seek justice and make her family pay for the pain they had inflicted upon her. As Li Na battles with the struggles of her past, a new surprise awaits. … With their faces just an inch apart, he softly asked her, "Do you trust me?" tracing her lips with one finger, lightly.  With a quivering smile, she nodded and whispered, "Yes, I trust you." To her Tang Zheng was the light sent by the heavens to shed her tears away. As Li Na embraces this new chapter of her life, a veil of mystery envelopes her path. The shadows whisper, and destiny's secrets slowly unveil, shaping Li Na's fate in ways she never imagined.

Luna Bloome (Silver Moon) and Night Shadow (Dan Wolfe) are destined for each other but the stakes have never been higher. Their love is what prevents two bitter rival packs from destroying themselves in all-out war but will it be enough when humans decide werewolves are the enemy and seek every possible means to exterminate them? Will their love shine forth amidst the darkness of mystery? Will it triumph over the evils of deceit? And will it withstand the chaos of impending doom?

In a world filled with monsters, demons, cryptids, ghosts, and all sorts of creatures that wish to harm the innocent denizens of Earth, there exists a secret organization known as Sanctum to protect humanity. Once you join Sanctum, you become a Hunter—a skilled individual capable of hunting and defeating the evil entities that seek to disrupt the lives of others. Then there’s Luna, a woman with nowhere to call home and no one to take her in. Always brushed aside and rejected by the world, her life changes forever when she meets Sunny—a troublemaker and delinquent with a knack for finding potential in unexpected places. Together, Sunny and Luna travel the world, meeting new people, growing their team, and striving to become 5-star Hunters. Their ultimate goal? To claim the title of "World's Greatest!"

In a world on the brink of cataclysmic change, a young girl named Gerda finds her simple life shattered by a mysterious celestial event. Thrust into a chaotic and dangerous new reality, she must navigate the ruins of a fallen civilization and confront the unsettling transformations taking place within herself. As Gerda journeys through a subterranean world of survivors, she encounters both benevolent and malevolent forces, each vying for control in the wake of global devastation. She must learn to harness her burgeoning powers while grappling with the loss of her past and the uncertainty of her future. Amidst the struggle for survival, Gerda's path intertwines with a cast of enigmatic characters, each possessing unique abilities and motivations. Together, they must face a threat that could reshape the very fabric of their existence, a threat that transcends the boundaries of human comprehension. Gerda's story is a thrilling exploration of resilience, transformation, and the enduring power of hope in the face of unimaginable darkness.

You want to kill me, don’t you, Mikhail? Mikhail’s eyes darkened. “That’s what I’m supposed to want. But I can’t.” In the shadows of a war-torn Romania, werewolves and vampires vie for dominance. But when Mikhail, the ruthless werewolf warrior, meets Andrea, the vampire lord’s daughter with a dark secret, an unexpected bond forms. As prophecies unravel and loyalties shift, can they prevent an all-out war – or are they doomed to become its very heart?

Neon and Longing is an urban tale of self-discovery and heartache set against the pulsating backdrop of a modern metropolis. The story follows Lena, a young woman who leaves behind a small-town life in pursuit of a dazzling career and the excitement of city living. Amid the luminous glow of neon signs and the endless rhythm of urban nights, Lena is drawn into a world of glamour, ambition, and fleeting connections. As she navigates her new environment, Lena encounters both the breathtaking promise of success and the stark realities of isolation in a city that never sleeps. Her journey is marked by moments of unexpected romance, challenging betrayals, and profound introspection. While the city offers a canvas of opportunities and dreams, it also forces her to confront her inner void—a deep-seated longing for genuine connection and meaning beyond superficial allure. In the heart of urban chaos, Lena learns that the neon lights, though mesmerizing, cannot mask the truths of loneliness and the quest for identity. With every twist of fate, she discovers that real fulfillment comes not from the glittering facades of modern life but from embracing vulnerability, forging sincere relationships, and daring to be authentically herself. "Neon and Longing" is a reflective exploration of the contrasts between ambition and inner peace, capturing the delicate dance of modern femininity in a relentlessly vibrant world.

This story revolves around a girl named Lilly who has been betrayed by her family, her best friend and her fiancé, Rayan for many years now. Even after years, things have not turned better for Lilly who was kidnapped by a stranger, Aaron after her family was thrown out of their position by her grandfather. Aaron may be a good person in front of society, a gentleman, a billionaire but reality is far from what they say. In reality, Aaron comes from a family that indulges in both the business world and the mafia world. After years of suffering and dying for unknown reasons in one lifetime, Lilly was pulled back in time but this time she decided to use her past life memory and take revenge on people who did wrong to her for years. She decides to go back to college and take back what was rightfully hers. Will Lilly be successful in taking her revenge? and who is Aaron? why did he kidnap her? And most importantly who killed her?

In a world where wealth and power reign supreme, Alice, a beautiful and spirited young woman, finds herself trapped in a loveless engagement with Alex, a ruthless and cunning billionaire. Her parents, eager to secure their family's financial future, have arranged the union without regard for Alice's feelings or desires. Desperate to escape the suffocating grip of her impending marriage, Alice flees to another city, hoping to start anew. There was no way she could get married to the very man who took her innocence. But Alex, determined to claim her as his own, tracks her down and forcibly brings her back to his opulent mansion. Once there, Alice is subjected to the cruel whims of Alex's mother, Stacy, who views her as a threat to their family's legacy. As Alice struggles to adapt to her new surroundings, she finds herself imprisoned and maltreated, with Stacy stopping at nothing to break her spirit. Yet, despite Alex's icy exterior and reputation for ruthlessness, he begins to show a soft spot for Alice, revealing glimpses of a complex and vulnerable personality beneath his tough facade. As they spend more time together, Alice finds herself torn between her growing feelings for Alex and her desire for freedom and independence. As tensions escalate and Stacy's cruelty reaches new heights, Alice must confront the darkness of her own past and the secrets that haunt Alex's family. Will she find a way to escape the gilded cage that holds her captive, or will she succumb to the treacherous allure of Alex's world?

"In the nothingness, a place that both exists and does not exist, a being sits." This void, this paradoxical space, appears to be both real and unreal, a realm where existence and non-existence intertwine, blurring the line between what is and what isn't.

Hindi nakilala ni Greg ang Selene na nasa harapan niya. Pagkagulat at takot ang kanyang naramdaman. Matalim at nagbabanta ang tingin sa kanya ng dalagita. Makikita ang hinanakit sa mga mata nito. Iyon ay dahil hindi na siya nagparamdam dito simula ng malaman niyang buntis na ang kanyang asawa. Magiging ama na siya kaya kailangan niyang magising sa katotohanan. Hindi na niya pwedeng ipagpatuloy ang kabaliwang ito. Ngunit kung lalabas ang katotohanan ngayon, mawawala ang pamilyang pinapangarap niya. "Makinig ka Selene, nangako tayo sa isat-isa na magiging lihim ang tungkol sa atin." mahinahong wika ni Greg dito. Namumuo ang galit sa kanyang dibdib dahil sa sitwasyong pinasok niya. "Do you really think I'm just a child who make stupid promises?" nilock ni Selene ang pinto sa likod niya. Kung sa tingin ng ninong niya ay mapapaikot siya nito, nagkakamali ito. Hindi siya inosenta at mas lalong hindi siya mabuting bata... Unti-unti niyang tinaas ang laylayan ng kanyang yellow dress, sinundan ni Greg ang kanyang mga kamay kahit nilalabanan nito iyon. Nang mahawakan niya ang samplot na tumatakip sa pinakamaselang parte niya. Dahan-dahan niya iyong binaba... She's a bad child, a very bad child...

'Dreams can be real. Nightmares can be real. Angels can be real. Demons can be real.' Pleasure is for everyone. But how can you enjoy it when you discover the truth that a demon was pleasuring you? Elysee Torres, a simple woman who wished for a simple and happy life until her curiosity led her to a demon who wanted to pleasure her everytime she closed her eyes. Valor, a hot guy with a perfect body-an Incubus who liked to pleasure women in their dreams. Two different creatures will meet and will face every challenges in order to prove to everyone that their love is not forbidden. Even if they are fighting between life and death or even the world is against them, they will not surrender. Until the end of their lives, they will fight their love no matter what consequences awaits them. They will face the hardest trial of their life together.

Imprisoned for thousands of years, Asuren Nightgloom, from out of the blue, had been set free. Sleeping for almost a hundred years, Thea Gailbreeze, at long last, had been awakened. Both had the same mission. Save the Fairy Realm. They messed up before and ended up in that grave situation. Now that they got out of their confinement, they vowed to finish their disrupted mission. Will they be stronger together and save the Fairy Realm? Or will they burden one another and mess up one more time?

Alexander Blackwood had it all—wealth, power, and influence—but the one thing he couldn’t seem to have was a child. For two years, he believed the medical reports that blamed him for the struggle. Meanwhile, his wife, Diana, harboured a devastating secret—she was infertile. And the reports? Falsified, thanks to Dr Joshua, her secret lover. Then came Rose, Diana’s younger sister—beautiful, confident, and utterly irresistible. What started as fleeting temptation spiralled into something forbidden, and soon, Rose was carrying Alex’s child. But Alex wasn’t supposed to be able to conceive… was he? A second opinion shattered the deception—he wasn’t the problem. Digging deeper, he uncovered the real reports. Diana had lied. And now, she was desperate. When bribing Joshua to terminate the pregnancy failed, she turned to something darker—abduction. She had Rose taken, determined to erase the evidence of her betrayal. But Diana underestimated Alex. With the help of Captain Patrick, the search for Rose intensified. Meanwhile, the kidnappers, plagued with guilt, set Rose free. Once safe, Rose exposed everything. The authorities closed in, and Diana was finally caught. But she refused to fall alone. In a desperate move, she exposed Joshua’s crimes, dragging him down with her. Justice was swift. Diana and Joshua faced the consequences of their deception. And as for Alex and Rose? They were free to embrace their future, their love, and the child that was never meant to be.

Updates @15:00 and 16:00 (+8) Wood chopping might not be the best way to meet your Party Leader, but for Icarus, meeting Basila offered him a new life. Now, armed with a system, he can choose a path of riches! The Path of the Smuggler. The Path of the Dungeon Merchant! But control is tight in the lands of the elves. Adventurers are outlawed, executions are swift and without a trial. Good thing that Icarus is a horselord and Basila is a businesswoman! For them, the word NO is just the word YES spelled wrong! And may the Winds of Change blow the stagnation which is suffocating their country away!

A young man finds his way through a world revolving around taming and evolving beasts while steadily fighting against the evils of the world.

A very short love story of delinquent girl and optimistic boy who keep crossing paths on the way home

A World of survival, where Nations must slay each other in order to survive. There can only be one. And there is only one way for it to end; War, Murder, and bloodshed. Ikem is thrust into this world, without any memories whatsoever. He is forced to navigate a world were all threatens to devour the him; the weak, and empower the strong. A dog eat dog world. And without any knowledge of his background he is forced to start from scratch, without aid. Well, not really.... Not nearly so....

In a world where technology and magic collide, Kael, a brilliant but disillusioned engineer, finds himself thrust into an extraordinary adventure after a catastrophic experiment tears open the fabric of reality. Awakening in a realm where ancient spells and mythical creatures reign supreme, Kael discovers that he is no longer bound by the laws of his old world. Instead, he is now part of a mysterious "System"—a sentient force that grants individuals unique abilities, quests, and the power to shape their destiny. Stranded in this unfamiliar land, Kael must navigate a delicate balance between the advanced knowledge of his past and the arcane forces of his present. Armed with his engineering skills and a newfound ability to manipulate energy, he embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of the System and the dark forces that seek to exploit it. Along the way, he forms alliances with warriors, mages, and rogues, each with their own motivations and secrets. As Kael delves deeper into this world, he learns that the System is more than just a tool for power—it is a gateway to unimaginable possibilities and dangers. A looming threat emerges: a shadowy faction intent on merging technology and magic to dominate both realms. Kael must master the synergy between science and sorcery to prevent the destruction of both worlds, all while grappling with the ethical dilemmas of power, control, and the true cost of progress.

In a world of the unknown, past unknown and future in chaos, with Three woman fighting for their stories, lives and pain Calah, Anne and Morgan. A war of Passion, love and transgression with mysteries of the dark following

Love is never a singular experience—it is a kaleidoscope of emotions, circumstances, and fates intertwined. In this collection, Passion and Power, three unique romance stories unfold, each exploring love’s deepest longings, heartaches, and triumphs. In the first story, passion ignites between two souls from opposite worlds, forced to defy the odds just to be together. The second tale delves into a love lost and found, proving that time and distance can never erase what’s meant to be. Finally, the third story takes readers on an emotional journey of healing, where two broken hearts discover that love is the most powerful force of all. Each narrative brings something different—a whirlwind romance, a bittersweet reunion, and an emotional redemption—yet all remind us of love’s enduring strength. Whether you believe in soulmates, second chances, or the beauty of unexpected connections, this book is a testament to the many faces of love.

Inori thought suicide was her way out. Turns out, it was just her ticket into another life. She woke up in a new world—ears, fangs, tail, and all. And just as she was processing her reincarnation nonsense, she learned something insane: she has nine lives. …So she stopped caring. If she can’t stay dead, then she'll make this world regret keeping her alive.