Round Off Formula In Excel

"You," Augustine began, his voice firm and direct. "I'm making you an offer: we get married, immediately. This isn't a request, it's a demand." Augustine's uttered with a piercing gaze, his words a blunt instrument wielded with precision. Charles scoffed. “What type of bullshit is that?” He fired back. *** Augustine Wales is a cold CEO who is known as the most successful and influential business man in Country H. His name alone commanded respect, his steely gaze and cold demeanor strike fear into even the most hardened of hearts. He was a man of few words, each syllable weighted with the power of his position. On the eve of Augustine Wales 29th birthday, he received an unexpected call from his family, their demands clear and uncompromising: find a spouse, or forfeit your stake in the family's vast wealth and influence. In that very moment after receiving the phone call, the gaze of Augustine fell upon a young man named Charles Donald and without thinking twice, Augustine immediately made a proposal to Charles, but was met with a swift rejection. Augustine's proposal was rooted in desperation but little did he know that fate was drawing him toward a future he never could have predicted. "What will happen when Augustine Wales, the powerful CEO, finds himself unexpectedly falling for Charles Donald, a humble cleaner in his office?" "When Charles' deadly secrets rise to the surface, will their fragile bond shatter, or will their love prove strong enough to weather the storm?"

Earth has since long disappeared from the world now mankind are able to travel to different galaxies, learn new languages, magic, and other factors in the world. Everyone has a past life each past life one can always recall there last one or even before if they are quiet lucky, in the world where martial arts, and mages are the most sought out people in the world image being a fourth young miss who isn't beautiful who is known to be ugly and talentless idiot Sierra Watergate the fourth young miss. At only age sixteen years old she found herself being tricked by her three stepsisters, stepmother, cruel grandparents, cruel father, a fiancé who cheated on her, she ended up having a one stand with unknown man she was drugged allowing her to forget what happened when she was on those unknown drugs, she couldn't even recall anything about this man or who he was nor did she truly care. But she was beaten half to death sent to a cold yet deadly part of the galaxy for her to die out there alone. She has always tried to keep her mother words in her mind no longer bind that Sierra won't let anyone bully her anymore. Seven years later she is back more powerful than ever! Sierra was suppose to give birth to four children but her fourth baby boy was stolen from her after giving birth. So she raised her triplets alone not knowing if her fourth child is dead or alive. In her home planet they were all kinds of rumors about Sierra. Out lookers: Did you know the fourth young miss was replace with a beautiful woman her name is Mia : Fans: But I just saw Sierra she is a goddess! She doesn't need to be the fourth young miss! Outer Lookers: She is a drop off high school she is an idiot who has never learned anything! Teachers from a powerful high school Star Gaze Academy: Student Sierra was the top student on our school she was the president of her class! Out Lookers: What? But she has no talent in magic! Famous Mage: Sister Sierra taught me so much and also created on her spells! Out Lookers: What the hell? Out Lookers: She didn't go to any mage universities! Heavenly Holy Grail University: Student Sierra is our top student we had to beg to come to our school she has broke so many records Out Lookers found themselves shocked each time they try to bring down Sierra it just seems she has changed in over seven years! Out Lookers: No one never marry a wild woman who already has three kids! The most powerful man not even the royal families from all over galaxies dare to mess with that family: Sierra is my wife I do not like it when other try to take her from me plus we already have four kids together. The world flips the table! Guards: Patriarch, the young Matriarch destroyed a clan! Mystery Man: Help her destroy them then. Guards: Patriarch, the young Matriarch just slapped a famous actor, Mystery Man: Honey does your hand hurt? Guards: Patriarch, it seems our Matriarch being asked out by bunch of males! Mystery man eyes glowed: Who dares try to steal my wife? Sierra: ? Myster Man: Dear you shouldn’t be so shy we were already have four kids together. Sierra: You…!? Mysery Man: I am a jealously type, possessive over you love, Sierra: Since when did I become your wife? Mystery man: Mine

Most would expect the daughter of the king of one of the four strongest nations in the Realm of the Angels to enjoy great luxury and power. While her Father may enjoy those things, that isn't the case for Rosemary. The hated daughter only manages to attract disdain from others in the royal court despite her gentle and kind nature. Rosemary was born with a weak body, preventing her from living up to the ideals of her father and his court. Such environment pushes Rose to attempting to end it all. But she is unable to do so as she recalls her older brother's love for her. As she drowns, she cries out for help. But no one is around. No one but a certain handsome man with eyes as cold as her father's.

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*

A boy who lost his love for Formula racing after his father died on track, bringing calamity to his family. Left to care for his mother and sister, Luca does all he can to make ends meet. But it seems that every step he takes keeps pulling him back to the asphalt, and one sudden endeavor changes his life completely. [SYSTEM INITIALIZING......] [SYSTEM MERGING COMPLETE!] [Congratulations, you have attained the Formula 1 System] Luca rekindles his love for Formula racing as he strives to find his footing in this world. Rivalries and conspiracies may try to weigh him down, but Luca is determined to emerge victorious. [THE FORMULA 1 SYSTEM, A SYSTEM THAT WILL HELP HOST BECOME THE BEST RACER IN THE WORLD] --------------- Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction and is not affiliated with the Formula One group. No real teams or drivers are mentioned, except for engine providers.

A world with magic, mythical creatures, mystical herbs, labyrinths, and treasures. A world where the strongest adventurers get to be the ones to enjoy fame and riches. A world where various rankings decide your worth. This is the world where Shye Crowley and his sister were born. As the children of two fairly known diamond-ranked adventurers, Shye and his sister, Maia, enjoyed a prosperous lifestyle. Unfortunately, after departing for a mithril-ranked quest in hopes of ranking up, their parents couldn’t return. Years passed and life went downhill fast for the siblings. Fortunately, a fateful encounter bestows him a system that could change their fate.

“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.

Han Su-Yeong, une jeune femme très timide, va trouver un livre étrange et le ramener. Elle va alors entrer dans l'univers de ce livre et tenter de sauver Min-Seo, son personnage favoris, mais tout ne se passera pas comme prévu.

Lin Yun, 36 years old, a widower, a mid-level manager in a private enterprise, is a single father, who has recently felt that he is encountering a mid-life crisis. Professionally, he faced adversity; domestically, he was in a cold war with his 14-year-old daughter; physically, he suffered from periarthritis and spoke daily of his agony. In the past few days, he had also uncovered a secret — his daughter was being a "Magic" girl. With the body of a young maiden, she battled extraordinary monsters and protected the city from attacks — this is the common perception of a "Magic" girl. But he was very aware that being a "Magic" girl came with life-threatening dangers. Should he stop her, or respect his daughter’s choice and find other ways to protect her? Gazing at the Heart Flower in his wardrobe, now covered in dust, Lin Yun, the former "Magic" girl who retired 19 years ago, was facing the third major decision of his life.

Historia del pasado de Rhys Windsor, en la que se cuenta su adolescencia, navegando por los altibajos de su vida cotidiana mientras teje vínculos con amigos y familiares. Encontrando el amor en Lara Harch, entre una mezcla de emociones halladas y desafíos inesperados, viéndose obligado a enfrentar su identidad y tomar decisiones que moldearán su futuro de manera irreversible. Hasta que al final llega ese día en el cual su vida sacude, desencadenando ese punto de inflexión que redefine su destino... Ese destino, que quizás lo separe de Lara para siempre.

My first novel yaey (⁠ﾉ⁠◕⁠ヮ⁠◕⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠*⁠.⁠✧ ——— Furan Shi only wanted to be a cutie little princess. That's it. So when he died, nobody missed him. After his family and relatives, the next person to attend his funeral was his homeroom teacher and friends™, his murderer, and then a mysterious red-eyed crow. Said mysterious crow sucked his soul right out and offered him a better life than this. No, he still won't be a cutie princess, but he can be the next best thing after that. He was invited to transmigrate into different realities without any restrictions. It wasn't a Villain system, a Cannon fodder system... it doesn't belong to any category. Just experiencing the worlds should be enough to satisfy it. Furan Shi agreed with one condition. Filter: ‘Animal Characteristics’ System: Are you… sure about this? Furan Shi, pouting: Is that not possible..? System: … you're welcome to do as you like =͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪‧̣̥̇) [Yes, this is a quick transmigration novel.] [Yes, this has bl, but the transmigrator would change genders in some worlds hence the gl tag please click away if you're not comfortable with this one.] [Yes, all cutesy cutie pie bc I have the big sad.] [Yes, the host is always a demihuman, more often than not part animal haha.] [No, the host isn't always an animal demihuman.] [And no, this isn't necessarily about furries. Eh, but I'm open to negotiations.. ╮(. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)╭] I do apologize in advance if this is not your cup of tea. I'm trying my best to make this as light-themed and fast-paced as possible for people like me who just wanted to relax, aka not much brain games... not much face slapping.. ehe..

Henry Calder always dreamed of becoming a Formula One legend, but betrayal from his best friend, Liam Parker, crushed his ambitions before they could take off. Missing his chance at the Formula One Academy tryouts, Henry spent his life watching others live his dream until tragedy struck. At 43, a fatal car accident ended his unfulfilled life, but in his final moments, he wished for one more chance to race. When Henry wakes up as his 18-year-old self, on the very morning of the tryouts he once missed, he realizes he’s been given a second chance to chase his dream. Armed with the mysterious Racer’s Edge System a powerful tool designed to sharpen his skills and guide his journey Henry is determined to rewrite his destiny. But the road to Formula One is treacherous. Old rivalries resurface, shocking truths come to light, and the pressure of the racing world threatens to overwhelm him. Can Henry overcome his past, outsmart those who stand in his way, and rise to become the greatest driver of all time? The green flag is waving. This is his second lap and this time, he’s going full throttle.

Caleb Michael, the undisputed king of Uphills High School, possessed a potent blend of good looks, intellectual prowess, and athletic dominance as captain of the football team. In his final year of Senior Secondary, he vowed to make it his most memorable yet, alongside his loyal companions: the charming and devout Mary, and Joshua, the artistic prodigy with a penchant for the eccentric. However, the arrival of Caleb's rebellious brother, Lucas, threatened to disrupt the tranquility of his senior year. The enigmatic Deborah, a captivating newcomer to their class, further complicated matters with her aloof demeanor and apparent disinterest in the male population. To add to his mounting challenges, the unexpected illness of his mother cast a somber shadow over his ambitions, forcing him to confront unforeseen obstacles. Could the confident and charismatic Caleb navigate the tumultuous waters of his final year, or would the weight of his circumstances prove too much to bear?

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

Suffocated by the world, Lyden decided to drink away his sorrows... Only to wake up in the morning in a different world?! And with an opposite gender?! Well atleast on the surface, he's a she. Lydrandorff Empire is one of the 2 Empires ruling the South Prugranth Continent. The Ruler, Emperor Lydrandorff is known for his vulgarity and over-indulgence in sexual ways. This resulted to Concubines littered like grass in the palace, and Heirs like mushrooms in the wild. Chrisandra Rosé Lydrandorff is the only offspring of the Emperor and the Empress. Before the Empress died, she said, "Remember that power is the most alluring but the most dangerous thing in this land. I don't wish for much, I just want you to live happily and contently. Do not let anyone know of your secret". Lyden, as the inheritor of Chrisandra's body, decided to follow the will of the original's mother.

"1,000,000" is in the account. "100,000,000,000,000,000,000..............." is in the account. "Rich is easy," words coming out of Lucas's mouth. "As soon as there is appropriate profit, capital becomes bold. If there is a 10% profit, it is guaranteed to be used everywhere; with a 20% profit, it becomes active; with a 50% profit, it will take risks; with a 100% profit, it dares to crush on all human laws; with a 300% profit, it dares to commit any crime, even risk being hanged." But Lucas obtained a system with a 1,000% profit!

Daniel thought he had it all figured out—the cold, the heat, the monsters. In his last life, he survived until the bitter end of a world gone mad, only to die betrayed by the people closest to him. His girlfriend. His cousin. A final knife to the heart... and a promise. If he got another chance, he’d never waste it on anyone again. Now, Daniel wakes up one month before the apocalypse begins. The world will soon plunge into three brutal periods: The Great Cold: A frozen wasteland that devours the unprepared.The Great Heat: Temperatures high enough to boil water under a blood-red moon.The Great Evolution: Civilization crumbles as mutated monsters rise, and superpowers awaken in the hands of a dangerous few. Armed with his inventory power—a limitless storage space—and knowledge of the future, Daniel is ready to hoard supplies, lock himself behind reinforced walls, and trust no one. Survival is the only goal. That’s the plan, at least, until the universe laughs in his face and gives him a system that can awaken superpowers. Just not for him. Only for others. Strong, dangerous, and often unhinged people will flock to him, drawn by something they don’t understand. And the catch? Those powers only unlock if Daniel sleeps with them. There's just one problem.  Daniel's pretty sick of relationships and all that. He'd much rather chill in his big ass mansion as the world turns to shit three times over.

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.

The Hero's Ritual: a deadly contest where one hundred candidates vie for the title of Hero. In this brutal game of survival, where only the strong live and the weak are destined to perish, a young boy without any talent for battle manages to survive by a mind sharper than any sword. Upon learning that he has been chosen as the Hero, he naively believes that his life will finally see a glimmer of hope. But what awaits him is far from a Hero’s glorious future. 'You… must die here.' Before his journey as a Hero can even begin, his beloved childhood friend pushes him off a cliff. All that awaits him now… is the abyss. This is not the story of a Hero's triumph. It's merely the desperate cries of a fallen one. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SouloftheLoveWarriors

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.

"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

Sometimes to see the light, you have to dive into the darkness

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.