Ficool

survival

Betrothed to Another, Destined for Him… But She Refused

I stood in the quiet of the drawing room, fists clenched. “Adrian… you have no idea what you’ve done. You walk back into my life after all these years, and everything I planned—my independence, my future—it’s on the line because of you.” He took a slow step toward me, his expression unreadable. “Evelyn… I didn’t come back to disrupt your life. I came back because I couldn’t stay away. Because I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “You couldn’t stay away? You were promised to her—Miranda. To my sister. And yet here you are, acting like the world revolves around your feelings, ignoring mine.” “I never ignored you,” he said quietly, his eyes searching mine. “I just… I couldn’t control it. Even then, even as a boy, I wanted to protect you. And I still do.” “Protect me?” I echoed, my voice rising. “Do you know what protection cost me? Years of being overlooked, underestimated, treated like I didn’t exist? I worked my whole life to plan my escape, to make something of myself on my own terms—and now you’re here, threatening it all.” He hesitated, then stepped closer, his voice low but earnest. “I don’t care about promises, Evelyn. I’ve always cared about you. And I’ll do whatever it takes… even if it means standing against my own family.” I shook my head, forcing back the anger and the heat that flared within me. “I don’t need your promises, Adrian. I don’t need your protection. I need my life. I need my freedom. And I refuse to let anyone, not even you, dictate it for me.” His jaw tightened, and for the first time, I saw uncertainty flicker in his eyes. “Evelyn…” “This isn’t about what you want,” I said firmly, stepping back and holding his gaze. “This is about me. About my future. And I’ve made my choice. You will have to respect it—or step aside.” A tense silence fell between us, heavy with unspoken words. And for the first time, Adrian Cross realized that I was no longer a girl to be protected. I was a woman who would fight for herself—at any cost. Evelyn Hart had spent her entire life overlooked, living in the shadow of her brilliant sister and a family that never truly believed in her. At eighteen, she planned to leave it all behind and chase her dream of becoming a model — independent, unrestrained, and in control of her own future. But fate had other plans. Adrian Cross returned — the man once promised to her sister, the boy who had silently protected her all those years, and the man she could never afford to rely on. His presence threatened everything she had carefully built, stirring emotions she had long worked to suppress. Caught between family expectations, past promises, and a dangerous attraction, Evelyn must make the ultimate choice: surrender to the life everyone expects of her… or claim her independence, no matter the cost. In a world where endurance meets courage, she will discover that true power lies not in being loved, but in standing alone.
EmmanuelFeranz · 51.1k Views

Culinary God in Wilderness

Lin Chen transmigrated to a parallel world America and was forced to participate in Season 14 of the show "Wild Survival". From an underestimated street food truck operator, he soared to become the Wilderness Chef God! Damp and slippery moss, colorful poisonous mushrooms, and rotten, stinking wood were transformed into tempting delicacies in his hands. Lichen and Kelp Soup, Stir-fried "Jianshouqing" Mushrooms, Crispy Woodworms, Tender Beggar's Chicken, Oven-braised Roast Duck, Diced Rabbit with Double Peppers, Steamed Egg Custard, Crystal Wild Vegetable Dumplings, Pan-fried Salmon... While the other contestants were still foraging for berries to fill their stomachs, Lin Chen had already eaten until his little belly was full. He caught migrating salmon in the cold of Alaska, hunted porcupines, snatched prey from the jaws of a Tundra Wolf, and even brought the show to a climax by using his exquisite footwork to kite and kill a Black Bear with a hunting bow! As soon as the show aired, it went viral. Viewers developed a strong interest in this young chef from the mysterious, ancient nation across the ocean, and began to replicate the Great Xia delicacies Lin Chen made in their own homes. "I declare, this steamed egg custard is the most delicious egg dish I have ever eaten!" "This Thanksgiving, my family has unanimously decided to spare the poor turkey and eat Great Xia Roast Duck instead!" "Alone," which had been suffering from declining ratings, returned to the top of the variety show charts and began a new chapter of traveling the world! Outside of the show, Lin Chen began to purchase a manor, farm the land, raise pigs, run a YouTube channel, and occasionally make pop-up appearances on the streets to sell Great Xia food. When faced with a reporter's question, Lin Chen waved his hands dismissively, "Don't get the wrong idea. Not all of us from Great Xia know kung fu; I'm just an ordinary street cook."
Work Hard to Earn Money to Eat Hot Pot · 193.4k Views