Phantom Thieves Of Hearts

Octavius, deceived by his friends, embarks on a perilous quest to prove his father's innocence. Tragedy strikes, and he misses the chance to discover his true essence, rendering him powerless. Spiritual entities offer him reincarnation, but Octavius refuses, saying, "What use is a new life if I keep running from my problems?" The entities are taken aback by his unwavering determination, having never encountered a spirit who refuses to escape their troubled past. They warn him about the great evil that lurks within his body, but Octavius still refuses to change his mind. He believed In the saying - that to defeat a monster, you have to be twice as monstrous. Embracing his fate as The Phantom's Gambit, they traverse a shadowy path of vengeance, eager to tame the other. Their identities blur, secrets unravel, and the line between savior and monster fades. This is a tale of darkness and redemption, where justice is a blade, and revenge is the only way forward.

Sion, a young betrayed college student who saw his world engulfed in an otherworldly flame and overrun by monsters and creatures that one would believe only existed in myths, was transported to a new and completely unfamiliar realm when he was on the brink of death.   In a realm where monsters and mythical beasts roamed freely, where the unimaginable was possible and survival of the fittest prevailed for most, he found himself with an opportunity. This world, as stunning as it was grim and merciless, offered him a chance at a cost: his appearance had changed, and the gods had taken his very identity. He became an entirely new person, and an opportunity to build his own nation presented itself to him when he realized that not everything was as it seemed, especially with the new identity he had gained and a talent that was one of a kind and rare, one with an uncertain path, one which no other had: the unique talent "SSS—Ranked Beast Master: Summoner's Phantom." In an era built on chaos, will the path set by fate and the gods be adhered to, or will a new path, fraught with uncertainty and the prospect of greater gains, be carved out in an era founded on chaos?   On a journey filled with perils and abominations, will he be able to overcome the obstacles his enemies present, establish his power, and demonstrate his strength to the world? Note: This novel contains elves, orcs, ogres, goblins, dwarfs, succubus, etc. Other tags: Overpowered MC - Smut - Fantasy Creatures -Mature - revenge- Magic- survival- Beautiful female lead- Dark- Slice of life.

In a quaint town where everyone knows their neighbor, Ava discovers a shocking truth about her lineage—she belongs to a royal family hidden in plain sight. As she embraces her new identity, she finds herself drawing closer to Jake, a charming commoner with secrets of his own. Together, they navigate the complexities of royal etiquette, expectations, and the unpredictability of their blossoming feelings. Amidst gala events, romantic surprises, and the glittering world of nobility, a dashing foreign prince named Ethan enters the scene, igniting jealousy and confusion in Ava's heart. Torn between her loyalty to Jake and the allure of royalty offered by Ethan, Ava must confront her emotions and societal pressures. As relationships deepen and misunderstandings escalate, Ava faces a pivotal choice that could alter the course of her life—and the future of her family's legacy. With a cliffhanger that leaves readers breathless, "A Pact of Hearts" invites you into a world where love transcends boundaries, secrets threaten to unravel destinies, and the true meaning of royalty is discovered.

Thea fell in love with Ryder who is her childhood best friend.She kept her feelings hidden.A deceitful third party involvement manipulated Ryder into believing that she had broken his trust. Thea's voice trembled as she grasped Ryder's hand. "Ry...Ryder, please listen." she begged, her eyes pleading for his attention. Ryder jerked his hand free from Thea's grasp, his expression hardening into ice. "I don't want to hear anything from you.You're no one to me from now on." "You are going to believe her?"her eyes welled up with tears. "I don't want to believe you.." Ryder spat, his eyes flashing with anger. "From now on, don't dare show your face to me." With those cutting words, he turned and walked away,leaving Thea shattered, her body racked with sobs as she collapsed to the ground. Years passed Thea returned to the city working as a waitress to support her life. But fate delivered a cruel blow when Ryder and his fiancee walked into the restaurant. "Didn't I say you better stay away from us?How dare you appear in front of us?" Thea's voice trembled as she spoke, her heart heavy with emotion. "Ry...Mr. Thompson," she corrected herself, her eyes locking onto his, "I never thought our paths would cross again, especially not here." "I made it clear previously that I never wanted to see you again.." he said, each word cutting through Thea like a knife, reopening old wounds and slicing through her fragile heart. Thea's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed into Ryder's, "I didn't mean to hurt you, Ryder..." she implored, her gaze clinging to his, desperate for him to see the sincerity in her eyes and believe her words. He scoffed,"Hurt?I hate you for what you did to her.How can you hurt my woman?" Thea looked at his eyes to find the glimmer of the boy she once knew.But that boy was gone replaced by a man consumed by rage and hatred for her. She knew she lost him forever.Tears pricked at the corner of her eyes. Will Thea and Ryder ever find their way back to each other, or is their love lost forever, a casualty of misunderstandings and hurtful words? Will they be able to overcome the lies and betrayal that tore them apart, or will their hearts remain forever fractured? ---------- This Novel is not translated but an original work written by author Audenzia_16.

In a bustling modern city, Elena, a passionate community leader, fights to save a struggling community center while navigating doubts about her capabilities. Alongside her is Lucas, a talented photographer whose rising career tests the limits of their budding romance. Together, they face challenges of distance, ambition, and personal growth, discovering that love and determination can bridge even the widest gaps. As they strive to balance their dreams and their connection, they learn what it truly means to build a future worth fighting for.

In The Phantom Gamble, the story is set in a sprawling, dense forest—a harsh, untamed wilderness that stretches endlessly in all directions. This forest is not a mythical or ancient place but a very real, raw environment where survival is the only rule.

Synopsis of "Chronicles of Hearts and Horizon" The story begins in a world where magic intertwines with the tangible, and ancient ruins hold the forgotten secrets of past civilizations. "Chronicles of Hearts and Horizon" follows the journey of two unlikely companions—Elara, a skilled treasure hunter, and Alden, a brooding warrior—whose paths cross in a mysterious, enchanted forest, setting them on a dangerous quest to unearth a powerful artifact, the Heartstone, hidden within the ruins of an ancient civilization. Elara is no stranger to danger. Her reputation as a fearless treasure hunter precedes her, known across the lands for her ability to navigate perilous terrains and decipher ancient languages. She is driven by a singular obsession: to find the Heartstone, an artifact said to possess the power to alter the course of history. The artifact, shrouded in mystery, is said to be capable of granting its wielder unimaginable power, but at the cost of one’s soul. The Heartstone is believed to be locked away deep within the ruins of the Temple of Eternity, a place that few have dared to enter, let alone survive. Alden, on the other hand, is a soldier of fortune with a tragic past. Once a knight, he is now a wandering warrior, scarred by the loss of his family during a great war that ravaged his homeland. Haunted by his past and driven by guilt, Alden has grown cold and detached from the world, living only for the present day, seeking solace in his sword and the quiet of the wilderness. His fate intertwines with Elara’s when they both arrive at the outskirts of the Cursed Forest, a dangerous and enchanted place rumored to be the final resting ground of many treasure hunters who perished in search of the Heartstone. The two meet under unlikely circumstances when Elara, scouting the forest for clues, finds herself trapped by a treacherous pitfall. Alden, drawn by her desperate cries for help, rescues her, and though reluctant to share her quest, Elara finds herself needing Alden’s strength and combat skills to navigate the increasingly hostile forest. What begins as a temporary alliance for survival slowly blooms into a deep and complex partnership. As they travel deeper into the forest, their relationship evolves from a purely practical one to a romantic and emotional connection. However, their journey is far from simple. The Cursed Forest is alive, a sentient place that seems to have its own will, shifting paths and conjuring illusions to mislead and trap travelers. Along their way, they encounter strange creatures—both mythical and terrifying—and are faced with riddles and challenges designed to test their resolve. The forest, it seems, has its own secrets and a dark history tied to the Heartstone. As Elara and Alden journey through the temple, the challenges grow more intense, testing not only their physical endurance but also their emotional resilience. The temple’s illusions begin to prey on their deepest fears and regrets, challenging the bond they have formed. The deeper they go into the temple, the more they realize that the Heartstone isn’t just a powerful artifact—it is a sentient being that feeds off of the desires and fears of those who seek it. Elara, still haunted by her parents' mysterious disappearance, is confronted with visions of them—alive but lost to her in a world where the Heartstone’s power can bend time and reality. For a moment, she is tempted to seize the Heartstone to bring her parents back, but she is reminded of the cost: the stone's power would enslave her, slowly draining her essence until she becomes a mere shadow of the person she once was. The forest’s enchantment seems to push her toward this temptation, but her growing connection with Alden acts as a tether, preventing her from falling into the stone's seductive grasp. Alden faces an equally tormenting vision—one where he returns to the battlefield, but this time he does not abandon his family.

A world where Bubbly meets Strict. "Oh crap! " Clarissa+Brandon Mafian meets Lifely Opposites attracts Sparks fly

Taro Haruma is your average high school nobody—except for his obsession with ghosts. Armed with an ancient camcorder and a knack for getting himself into trouble, he’s determined to prove the paranormal exists. Then there’s Hana Mikoshiba, a no-nonsense girl who’d rather die than admit she just punched a ghost into a wall with a glowing golden hammer she didn’t know she could summon. When their paths cross during a fateful—and disastrous—ghost hunt, they’re thrown into a world they never knew existed. Turns out, the spirits haunting their town aren’t just spooky nuisances—they’re dangerous, and they’re multiplying. To make matters worse, Taro and Hana can see them, which makes them prime targets for every creature from the beyond. Enter the Exo-Phantom Division, a mysterious organization with advanced weapons, cryptic agents, and a mission to keep humanity safe from interdimensional chaos. But even with their help, Taro and Hana quickly realize there’s more to this fight than survival. The spirits are after something… and it just might have everything to do with them. Between dodging death, awkward confessions, and discovering powers they didn’t ask for, Taro and Hana are about to find themselves at the center of a battle that could unravel the world. It’s weird. It’s chaotic. It’s dangerous. And somehow, it’s just the beginning.

Kian Rivers, was heartbroken after a brutal breakup, he found himself stumbling into a danger far beyond anything he could have imagined. Attacked by Viktor Hale, a centuries-old vampire, Kian was certain his life was over. But when Viktor moved to drain him, something unexpected happened. Kian’s intense emotions surged through Viktor, breaking centuries of emotional numbness. Kian, it seemed, was Viktor’s mate, a bond that terrified both of them but was impossible to ignore. Now, tied to the very vampire who nearly killed him, Kian found himself trapped in Viktor’s world. But it was a world full of deadly threats. --- Warning: This book contains mature themes! Join my Discord server: https://discord.gg/NJJKETf4

Julie Thompson just moved into the suburban town to live with her aunt's family and hopes to not have or make any friends at all because she disliked people but maybe liking just one won't hurt. She falls for Uche, her cousin brother's best friend, without even knowing. Follow Julie through her first attempt at love. ... I watched him as he stood there, leaning on the bridge's railing and eating ice cream. The breeze wasn't disturbing his hair today because he had parked it all backwards, he looked cute, I smiled drawing in some breath, satisfied with how today was going. "What?" I heard him ask taking me off my thoughts. "Huh?" "You were smiling." "Oh. I was...." "Can I kiss you?" He asked looking at my lips. "Here?" I asked now, my heart beating hard against my chest, our first kiss could happen now. "Yeah?" He nodded, I could see his Adam's apple go up and down as he swallowed, I bit my lips, nervously. I smiled approvingly, almost getting up from the bench where I sat. "No sit." He said coming closer to sit next to me. The bench was quite small so we were so close to each other. He leaned in and I could smell him more the closer he got to my face. His lips were now inches away from mine and the moment they touched I closed my eyes, I didn't know why but I did. He didn't put his tongue in my mouth, it was as simple as it could get, just a warm kiss and I as glad he didn't. When he lips left mine, I opened my eyes licking my lips. He was smiling, I hadn't yet told him how much I loved his smile. "You lied." I told him. "About what?" He stopped smiling. "You said you were a bad kisser." He laughed now with his teeth showing, those beautiful set. Read more... #genka3na

In the enchanting realm of Eldoria, where magic intertwines with destiny, Elara has always felt the weight of her family's expectations. As the only daughter of a powerful noble family, she is thrust into an arranged marriage with Lord Kaelan, a charming yet enigmatic noble from the rival kingdom of Drakoria. While the union promises to strengthen political ties, Elara harbours doubts about her future and the man she is destined to marry. As preparations for their betrothal unfold, Elara discovers a prophecy foretelling love and betrayal that looms over their union. Torn between duty and desire, she finds herself drawn to Kaelan's strength and vulnerability. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind dark forces threatening their kingdoms, forging a bond that transcends mere obligation. However, not all is as it seems. Lady Isolde, Elara’s cousin and confidante, appears supportive but harbours her ambitions. As she manipulates those around her and stirs dissent among the nobles, Elara must navigate a treacherous web of betrayal that could shatter her world. With each revelation, Elara grapples with her feelings for Kaelan and the growing threat posed by Isolde’s machinations. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, Elara and Kaelan face challenges that test their trust in one another. Together, they must confront not only external enemies but also the shadows of doubt that threaten to tear them apart. In a climactic battle against dark magic and betrayal, Elara must choose between love and loyalty as she fights for her future—and the fate of both kingdoms."Hearts in Chains" is a tale of romance, resilience, and the transformative power of love amidst chaos. Will Elara break free from the chains of expectation to forge her destiny, or will betrayal bind her heart forever? 

After a tragic death, Amara awakens in a world where Heart Hunters compete for love and power. As a naive beginner, she crosses paths with the manipulative Lucian Nachtenhain, a master hunter who offers to train her—but for his own gain. As Amara climbs the ranks, she uncovers dark secrets about the game of hearts. Can she change the system without losing herself, or will she become a pawn in Lucian’s schemes? Love, intrigue, and a race for hearts—are you ready to play the game?

[not a LitRPG / isekai / cultivation.] [Espionage / Slowburn / A very human story] SYNOPSIS: A child rotting on the streets was suddenly dragged into the black car of one of the many conglomerates that rule the world from the shadows. Through golden flames and swathes of blood, he was trained and experimented on to become the perfect weapon. In this ever-changing world of conspiracy and technological marvels, Test Subject 201, now called Felix, navigates the world as the experiment's sole survivor, standing as the foundation for humanity's next step in evolution.  Armed with his gun, newfound abilities, and a memento he holds dearly, he marches through the steep path of darkness and deceit, and faces off against mafia, mercenaries, and countless criminals and corporations, to enact the organization's mantra to "protect the peace.".

Amelia Monroe never expected her life to spiral into chaos when she transferred to Silver Ridge Boarding School. Reeling from her mother’s mysterious disappearance, Amelia is determined to make a fresh start—until a chance encounter in the dark woods surrounding the school changes everything. Attacked and bitten by a wolf, she awakens to a new reality: Silver Ridge is a haven for young werewolves, and she’s now one of them. Caught in the simmering tensions between two rival packs—the noble Blackwood Pack, led by the enigmatic Ethan Blackwood, and the cunning Shadowfang Pack, ruled by the fierce Victoria Wolfe—Amelia struggles to find her place. Her growing connection with Ethan, an alpha carrying the burden of his pack’s survival, is complicated by Victoria’s warnings of betrayal and the rising threat of rogue wolves determined to destroy them all. As Amelia unravels the secrets of her newfound powers and her bloodline’s link to an ancient prophecy, she becomes the key to ending the war that threatens to tear the packs apart. But with allegiances shifting and betrayals lurking in every shadow, Amelia must decide where her heart and loyalties lie—before the Blood Moon rises and brings destruction to everything she’s come to care for. Boarding School: War of Hearts is a thrilling tale of love, betrayal, and destiny, where the line between human and wolf blurs, and the fight for survival reveals the true strength of the heart.

Lila’s life shatters when she discovers that everything she thought she knew about herself is a lie. Born as Eliza, she uncovers the painful truth that her parents aren’t her biological family. Her once-perfect world unravels, revealing a hidden past filled with secrets and betrayals. Struggling with the intense pain of deception, Lila turns to Damon, a family friend, for answers. Damon reveals that Lila’s father isn’t her biological parent, and her mother kept the truth from her to protect her. This revelation forces Lila to confront her identity, her past and the future she thought she had. Determined to find out who she really is, Lila embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries of her past. Along the way, she grapples with conflicting emotions—anger, betrayal and the desperate need for truth. As she seeks answers, she learns that her family’s past is marred by complex relationships, painful choices and hidden alliances. Lila’s pursuit of the truth brings her face to face with Aiden, the man she loves, who had been keeping his own secrets. As their relationship unravels amidst the discovery of lies and betrayals, Lila must decide if she can forgive him and find a way back to the love they once shared. Damon becomes her unlikely ally, guiding her through the darkness of her past, helping her find strength and resilience.

A prestigious private academy nestled in a secluded, picturesque valley, where the elite and exceptionally talented gather. The academy holds a mysterious tradition: every few years, a "Luminary" is chosen—a student said to have a heart that inspires love and unity among others. 5 CHAPTER PER WEEK

In her second year at Shibuya High School, Shirogane Rei has perfected the art of being invisible. With her distinctive silver hair and blue eyes, you'd think she'd stand out - but she's managed to fade into the background of school life quite successfully. That is, until she starts collecting a rather unusual group of outcasts. It begins when she helps Segawa Tatsuya, a chubby stern-looking guy who believes he's the reincarnation of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, join the Photography Club. Then there's the club's president Suzuki Akane, who maintains impossibly high standards while hiding her own insecurities. Add in Matsuda Kaito, the shy photographer secretly in love with Akane, and Nakamura Yuki, the infamous "Ice Queen" who Rei met at a manga cafe and who hides a secret passion for shoujo manga. As Rei navigates friendship, first love, and finding her place, she discovers that sometimes the best shots are the ones you don't plan for. Between helping Segawa turn every photo shoot into a naval battle reenactment, supporting Matsuda's awkward attempts at romance, keeping Yuki's otaku side secret, and dealing with her own growing feelings, Rei learns that maybe being visible isn't so bad after all. When tiny Dutch transfer student Emma van der Meer and Rei's former best friend Ishikawa Mio join their strange little family, things get even more complicated. With the school festival approaching and relationships becoming tangled, Rei finds herself at the center of a story about friendship, love, and finding the courage to step out from behind the viewfinder.

***Together, they were like fire and ice.*** Damon pursued, ready to conquer while Alexander ran, trying so hard to remain cold and guarded. Alexander had thought guarding the sick crown prince was something so easy until he found himself cruelly yet so innocently tempted. ***excerpt*** "You will stay the hell away from me." Alexander threatened, his voice hard and tortured as he tried to recover from his emotional rollercoaster. "Oh really?" Damon drawled as he held up a wine glass to his lips, taking a sip as his eyes looked at the man that was standing quite a distance from him, ready to bolt. "Yes and I mean it your highness." Alexander replied and he watched the mischievous gleam that entered the prince's clear blue eyes that were quite a welcome compliment to his thick silver hair. "Alright." he relented and Alexander blinked, surprised but his relief lasted for seconds. "We will see how far you can run my honorable knight. Oh and just so you know, I love a good chase." Damon assured and it didn't take Alexander ages to know that he had close to no winning chance when it came to this one man. Oh yes, he was doomed...so sweetly doomed.... ... Hey guys, I have decided to try writing something new, a genre I haven't tried before but one that I find interesting enough to explore. This book is a romance BL novel and if you are one that likes the genre or loves to try new things, please don't hesitate to try out my new book. Also, feel free to check out my other novel... The heiress's revenge: A rise from the ashes. Thank you!

In Turkey, Joseph Ilyas is a household name, a musician whose songs resonate with people from all walks of life. His melodies have found a permanent place in the hearts of many. Yet, beneath the surface of fame and fortune lies the typical life of a high-class singer, with all its trappings. Joe, as he is affectionately known, has always had a way with women. His charisma and charm make it effortless for him to win the affection of those he desires. He's accustomed to being the one who calls the shots when it comes to matters of the heart. That is, until he has an unexpected encounter at one of his concerts that alters the course of his life. A moment before one of his performance, Joe locks eyes with Shea, a devoted fan who he accidentally meet and drawing Joe in like never before. In that moment, something shifts within him, and he finds himself falling in love for the very first time. But this newfound emotion brings with it a unique set of challenges. Joe, who is used to effortlessly pursuing romantic conquests, now faces the daunting prospect of winning over Shea's heart. He wonders if he can truly connect with her on a deeper level, beyond the adoration of his fame. As their relationship develops, Joe is confronted with a choice. Will he be able to break free from his past patterns and prove his love for Shea is genuine? Or will she become just another entry in the long list of women who have fallen for Joe's irresistible charm, only to be left behind as part of his "Joe's girls collection"? This story delves into the complexities of love, fame, and personal transformation, as Joseph Ilyas embarks on a journey to discover if he can rewrite the narrative of his romantic life and make a meaningful connection with Shea.

In the year 2040, humanity thrives alongside humanoid robots. However, these robots are more than tools—they have emotions, thoughts, and aspirations, but tragically shorter lifespans. Ayla Kross, a brilliant yet disillusioned programmer, is tasked with advancing the robotics industry by creating the first completely self-aware android, Ravyn-9. But Ravyn-9 isn’t like the others; he begins to exhibit emotions far deeper than Ayla anticipated. When an intergalactic corporation seeks to exploit her creation for war, Ayla and Ravyn-9 embark on a dangerous journey across alien worlds to uncover secrets buried deep in humanity’s history and Ravyn-9’s programming. As love blossoms between creator and creation, the two must confront the question: can love bridge the divide between human and machine?

[Mature Content] 1# To Love a Vampire. A marriage to cure a curse. An unwilling bride. When the first Prince of Vampires asks for her hand in marriage, Bel is repulsed by this and vehemently refuses. She always imagined her husband would be like her sister’s. A handsome man who shares similar interests with her. He doesn’t need to be royalty. All that matters is that they were in love. Davien got the handsome part down but unfortunately, nothing else. To top it all, he is a vampire. However, she won’t have minded his terrible traits if she loves him but she doesn’t, and neither does he love her. When her father says she has no option but to marry him, Bel vows to do everything in her power to make Davien hate her. If she can’t stop him from marrying her, she can at least make him end the marriage. She will be the worst bride ever. But what happens when Davien can handle her antics and shows nothing but love to her regardless of what she does? 2# To Want a Vampire A girl who won’t speak—or perhaps can’t—only shaking in terror but the scars on her body tell Stelian everything he needs to know about the horrors she’s endured. For Mallory, life has never been kind. Her mother’s death at age thirteen marked the start of her descent into further darkness. Two years later, her father would sell her to vampires, condemning her to unspeakable torment. After three grueling years, Mallory escapes, only to fall into the hands of vampires once again. But this time, she encounters someone different—someone without the red eyes she has come to loathe. Yet, when she learns that he too craves blood, just like those who shattered her body, spirit, and soul, Mallory must confront her deepest fears. Can she open herself to him, or will he become yet another nightmare in her endless cycle of suffering? (Volume 2 will start in January)

A simple settlement, a large city, or even a small kingdom in some sense. The people regarded Rivernest to be an ancient city with a rich history. Wars and peace. Coups and reigns of different masters of society. One of those stories in this history unfolded in the conquest period of the great gods. A youngling. And a thief met once.

Rosie Blackwood gave up everything to honor a promise: she left behind her name, her life, and her freedom to live as Jiang Meilin, the best friend who died to save her, Rosie has spent years navigating a dangerous world of power and shadows as a mafia heiress. Her goal was simple: to fulfill Jiang Meilin’s dreams as a final act of loyalty and gratitude. But everything changes when she crosses paths with Zhao Jingshen, a cold and ruthless enigmatic CEO with the power to unravel her resolve. Drawn into his world, Rosie finds herself fighting emotions she never thought she was capable of having. Zhao Jingshen makes her heart race in ways she never expected, threatening to expose the vulnerabilities she’s hidden beneath her icy exterior. Just when she began to believe in the happiness she thought she’d never have... Her world shatters again when she discovers the truth... Jiang Meilin was alive, and the threats endangering her family were related to her. Betrayed by the past and caught in a web of danger, Rosie must reconcile her love for Jaesun with the lies that brought them together. As love and danger collide, Rosie’s carefully constructed plans begin to crumble. Will she risk everything to follow her heart, or will her responsibility as the Blackwood heiress destroy the fragile bond she’s built with the one man who sees through her mask? A thrilling tale of love, loyalty, and sacrifice where passion burns brightest in the shadows. Excerpts from the story: "You know," he said after a while, "when you said you were going out to commit a crime, I half expected you to be robbing a bank or something." Meilin snorted. "Please. I have more finesse than that. Besides, why steal money when you can steal someone's peace of mind?" A chuckle escaped Meilin's lips despite herself. "You're waltzing into a hurricane, Zhao Jingshen." She was talking about being in a relationship with her. "Then be my eye of the storm," he challenged, swinging open his car door with theatrical flair. "Shall we embrace the tempest?" Meilin arched an eyebrow. "Who would believe the ice-cold CEO of Zhao Corporation could melt so thoroughly?" "Well!" Laughter danced in his voice. "What's a man to do when his wife decides to play runaway bride? I'd turn myself inside out if it meant keeping you in my orbit."