arrangedmarriage

“Please, let me touch you,” his voice breaks, pleading. I laugh, overwhelmed by the irony of the situation. Because the very man who persecuted me so much is now the one reduced to nothing before me. His hair is a mess, eyes baggy with dark circles that note the sleepless nights. Those eyes once only reflected hatred for me, but now they’re begging desperately. “Why won’t you just let me come to you? Why does that bastard have to be near you all he wants but I’m not given any moment to even smell you?!!” His rage is laced with pain, his voice filled with bitterness and evident fear. Fear of losing me. “Why?” I ask. My voice is low, but steady. “Why should I let the man who’s abused me for so long come anywhere near me? Why should I give the man who’s watched his family and everyone humiliate me every moment of my life a chance?” My eyes burn with rage, tears welling up as I think back to the countless torture I had to endure. “Tell me why I should come back to the man who’s questioned my dignity and let another woman take my place!!!” “No, Lei, no,” his voice shakes, quiet as though every word costs him. The sound of his voice is barely audible, like it is drowning in regrets too heavy to undo. He draws near, hands trembling with eyes wide with guilt and regret. “It’s all over now. Sign the divorce papers if you still have a bit of a conscience left inside.” His quivering face turns tight with anger. “Why? So you can run off to those good for nothing goons who leer lustfully at you?!” His voice lowers, but remain steady and stern. “I will never let you go, Lei. Never!” I smile. “Well then, get ready to live double the misery you put me through.” •••••••• Leiara Rhys, the sole heiress to the Rhys Development, has always faced life head-on with one motto: “If it isn’t death, how bad can it be?” When she’s forced into an arranged marriage with Colson Hayes, heir to a rival company, she braces herself like always, determined to bury the fear, the pain, the grief deep inside. But nothing prepares her for the cold hatred in her husband’s eyes. A hatred rooted in a grudge she doesn’t understand. As Colson quietly vows to ruin her, Leiara becomes a pawn trapped between two powerful families and impossible expectations. Abused and subjected to all sorts of violence by her husband, family and his lover, Leiara’s carefully guarded heart begins to fracture. After all, the human heart isn’t a diamond that cannot break, nor a barrel that cannot overflow. When Leiara discovers that she isn’t the main character in this marriage but merely the mistress, the world she built on pain begins to crack. Forced to coexist with the main character, the true focus of her husband’s affection, she must remain in the background as she always has. But just when she’s ready to stop hoping and let go, something utterly unexpected happens. The very man whose eyes once reflected only her mistakes and imperfections now holds a tenderness and longing she doesn’t know how to trust. A boundless love she cannot seem to fully explore. And for Leiara, the irony of it all is just too cruel, yet too breaking to ignore.

Your favorite mangaka is lying to you. [TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING: All kinds of abuse, manipulation, some sex scenes, forced procreation/coercion, gaslighting, bigamy, sexually suggestive content, misogyny, sexism, some real-life references to declining birth rates, idol system, propaganda, being a bystander role, non realistic role etc.] Onna Yui, a celebrated manga artist along with her husband Toshio (aka Nezaimon), they are two mangaka's whose relationship has been sensationalized by the public and now viewed as star idols. And now they're breaking up.

In a realm where monsters rule and gods stay silent, Eva—a human with secrets even she does not fully understand—becomes the consort to a vampire prince who should be her enemy. But as power shifts and desire burns between them, she must decide which is more dangerous: his hunger, or her own becoming.

Gem Atkinson, River State's Number One Gentleman, high-ranking and influential, handsome and unparalleled, known to the world as Young Master Unparalleled. Forsythia Brown lost her parents at a young age and lived in Atkinson Manor, not only did she not suffer the hardships of living under someone else's roof, but instead grew increasingly proud of being Miss Atkinson. Gem Atkinson was the one who had encouraged her insouciance. 【Example One】 "Mr. Gem, the Young Miss has scratched Miss Spencer's face." "Only the face? Hm, Viola, how I have taught you? If someone pushes you, at least beat them until they can't get out of bed for three months." 【Example Two】 "Mr. Gem, the Young Miss has broken the Governor's son's leg." "Oh, has Viola been injured?" Subordinate: Value your life, stay away from the Young Miss. 【Example Three】 "Mr. Gem, the Young Miss says she's going to the moon for Mid-Autumn cake this year." "Contact the Space Agency, arrange the time." Subordinates: Kneel and hug the Young Miss's leg, and beg for her presence. 【And Then…】 On the day of Gem Atkinson's wedding, the bride-to-be was tragically kidnapped. The culprit, Forsythia Brown! "Mr. Gem, the Young Miss said: if you marry her, she'll release the bride, otherwise, she tears the ticket." "I'll marry." Forsythia Brown successfully forced marriage and transformed from Miss Atkinson to Young Mrs. Atkinson. Thereafter, the couple had a deep love for each other, which attracted the envy of others. However, just three short years later, the couple's love broke apart. "Forsythia Brown, if you don't suffer imprisonment, who else will?" Gem Atkinson personally sent Forsythia Brown to prison. Five years later, Forsythia Brown was released from prison. From then on, love and resentment grew, and the wind and clouds rose. In the midst of life and death, she realized that he had always been deeply devoted to her and had always protected her under his wings! ★ In one sentence: this is a story about a flapper who transformed into a queen. Another sentence: also a story of a cool, domineering, and super cute baby who is involved with her father's love and hatred. ★ 【Father-daughter confrontation One】 "Handsome brother, I'm four years old, not a one-year-old kid. That was a real attack, how can you say it was just a drill with a clear conscience?" A certain man, eyes flashing with stars: What a cool kid. ★ One-on-one, pure in body and mind, open country, please don't read into it too much. ★ On another note, for those who love ancient novels, please check out my finished works: "My Wife" is a match between a handsome, noble appearance and a cunning, wealthy lady. "Master's Planted" is a clever teacher-student showdown among high-level players! "Master's Return to Overbearing Spoiling" is a love for beauties but not the country! "My Empress, Emperor Zhangsun" is the story of the tyrant favored by the once-in-a-lifetime emperor.

Ye Gushen and Tang Suiyu were married by imperial decree! Tang Suiyu thought that this cold-hearted and emotionless man married her just because of a marriage contract, but in fact... "Honey, autumn is here..." "Good girl..." The next day, several truckloads of clothes were delivered home. "Honey, green grapes taste good..." "Good girl..." The next day, she acquired dozens of vineyards. "Honey, someone said I don't deserve you!" "Good girl..." The next day, that person, huh, where did they go! A long time later, Mrs. Ye, who was spoiled beyond limits, said that her post-marriage life was overwhelmingly sweet! [1v1, both male and female leads are incredibly pure, overwhelming spoiling]

Kiara was never the kind of girl who fell for heroes. While others swooned over noble gestures and soft-spoken love interests, she craved something darker — obsession that burned, love that claimed, men who didn’t ask for hearts but took them. Her favorite was Reyansh: the ruthless, broken anti-hero of a tragic romance novel who died before he could win the woman he was obsessed with. But when Kiara wakes up in the body of Arina — the wrong woman Reyansh mistakenly married — she finds herself inside the very story she once devoured. Only now, she’s not reading it. She’s living it. And this time, she won’t watch the villain lose. Because Kiara doesn’t want to fix the story. She wants to break it. Twist it. Own it. And if she plays her part right… Reyansh won’t just love her. He’ll never survive without her. ------ Reyansh’s eyes glinted with a dangerous fire. “It doesn’t matter who you are… or what you think. You’re mine. You can’t leave me, and no one—not even you—can ever take yourself away from me.” Arina’s chest tightened, a shiver running through her. “You can’t… cage me, Reyansh.” A cold softness edged his voice, low and unrelenting. “Then let me show you. One chance. I only love you… but if I’m right, I’ll never let you go. Ever.” Her voice trembled. “I… I don’t have a choice, do I?” He didn’t answer. He pulled her close, his arms unyielding. She rested against him, a fleeting, secret smile on her lips—one he could never see. And in the silence, Reyansh’s obsession darkened, twisting quietly into something inescapable: once he had her, no one—not even life itself—would ever take her away.

Sofia Everhart was barely holding her life together. Crushed beneath a mountain of unpaid bills and the suffocating debt left behind by her late parents. She clung to the only thing she still had control over, and it was her vow to save herself for the man she would one day marry. But that fragile hope shattered the night she showed up at her boyfriend's house—only to find him in bed with her officemate, both naked, both shamelessly entangled in betrayal. In a single moment, Sofia's heart was broken and with it, the last of her faith in love slipped away. Humiliated, heartbroken, and utterly broke, she needed an escape. That escape came in the form of LUXE CLUB, the city's most exclusive club, an upscale haven for the wealthy and powerful. One dare became a bet. Sofia gave herself to a devastatingly handsome man. For one night, she let go of the pain, the pressure, the fear and surrendered her virginity to a stranger. Adam Ravenstrong, the billionaire CEO of Ravenstrong Holdings, was not the kind of man who made mistakes. He was calculated,, cold, and completely unattached, he kept women at a comfortable, manageable distance. To finalize the multi-billion-dollar merger, his future business partner imposed one absurd condition: Adam had to be married. He didn't want a wife. But he wanted to close the deal. As if the pressure weren’t enough, his business partner had taken it upon himself to not only arrange but choose the woman Adam was expected to marry—stripping away even the illusion of choice. He never expected Sofia Everhart, his soon-to-be wife, to be the same woman he had a one-night stand with. The one who vanished without a trace. The same woman he hadn't been able to forget. And suddenly, his face darkened, his eyes turning cold. Excerpt: "You can't be my wife," Adam said sharply, his voice like ice. Sofia lifted her chin, meeting his gaze even as her knees threatened to give out. "You just need an accessory wife, right? So what's the problem?" His expression hardened. "Because you're not a virgin. That was one of the conditions." The words cut like glass. The courtroom fell into stunned silence. The judge, his business partner, and her best friends frozen in disbelief, while Adam’s best friend shifted uneasily in the corner, unsure where to look. Sofia slapped him hard, furious at the fact that Adam knew he had been her first. And now, he looked at her with smug disdain, as if she were someone unworthy to become his bride. Then she turned around and walked out, refusing to let him see the tears stinging her eyes. She needed the money to save her parents' house. In three days, the bank would take it, and with it, the last memory of the family she had lost. She might have lost everything, but she would never beg. Not from the billionaire who took her virginity and looked at her like she was nothing. Adam stood frozen, yet an amused smile crept across his lips as he realized Sofia wasn't like the women who chased his name, his money, or his empire. She didn't cling. She didn't flatter. She walked away, and now, even though she needed him, she wasn't pretending to want him. Sofia needed his money. He needed a wife. And if she was bold enough to slap him and walk away, then she was bold enough to stand beside him in a world built on power, image, and illusion. Whether it broke her or not, Adam would make sure she played the role of his perfect wife. He vowed never to love, hiding his heart beneath the ice. She promised never to surrender, guarding her pride like armor. But when their hearts collided, neither shield could withstand the force of love. ————————————————— Disclaimer: This novel contains mature themes in later chapters. Reader discretion is advised. All names, places, and settings are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real people, locations, or events is purely coincidental.

She was supposed to marry a man of her choice. Instead, she was sold to the devil. Isabella Romano has lived a sheltered life, her innocence untouched by the mafia empire her father secretly serves. But when a deal goes wrong, she’s forced into the arms of Damian Moretti, the cold, ruthless heir to the most feared mafia family in Italy. To Damian, she is collateral. A pawn in his bloody game. To Isabella, he is a nightmare, dangerous, merciless, and heartbreakingly magnetic. But the more she resists, the more he wants her. And the more he claims her, the more she begins to see the man beneath the monster. In a world of bullets and betrayals, can love bloom… or will innocence burn in the fire of the mafia? One signature changed her life forever. Isabella Romano never thought her wedding day would be a death sentence. Forced to marry Damian Moretti the infamous mafia heir known as “Il Lupo” (the Wolf) she’s thrust into a world of power, violence, and dangerous secrets. Damian doesn’t believe in love. He believes in loyalty, obedience, and control. But his new bride is none of those things. She’s soft where he’s hard, honest where he’s ruthless, and innocent where he’s damned. Every night is a battlefield. Every kiss is a war. And as enemies circle, Isabella must decide: Will she escape the devil… or fall in love with him? “You belong to me now, Isabella. Body, heart, and soul.” Her father sold her. The mafia claimed her. And now, she is trapped as the bride of Damian Moretti, the man known for spilling blood without blinking. She swore she would never love him. But what happens when her heart betrays her? The Mafia’s Innocent Bride is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance filled with obsession, betrayal, danger, and a love so forbidden it could burn the world.

In "Beyond the Crown", a tale of secrets, passion, and power unfolds in a world of opulent splendor, where a coterie of ladies-in-waiting navigate the treacherous waters of courtly life, entwining their lives with those above them, and becoming embroiled in the intricate dance of intrigue, loyalty, desire and love.

After her twin sister elopes with her lover to avoid her betrothal, Giselle has no choice but to marry the ruler of Montegnera and King of the Wolves, King Fabio Castille, as a substitute bride. There's one small problem though. It is hate at first sight and, by some cruel twist of fate, Fabio turns out to be her soulmate. Of course it doesn't help that the King is still in love with her sister and is determined to keep desperately searching for her. But try as he might, he can't ignore the tension and bond between them, a tension so raw it keeps pulling him to her room every night... Can Fabio put aside his past feelings and accept his soul mate in spite of the betrayal? Can Giselle sacrifice her hatred for Fabio to secure a good match and protect her family's name from shame? Or will she accept the King's rejection and lose her soulmate forever? It wouldn't be easy for the new royal couple but one thing remains certain: only by learning to love each other would they be able to survive the dangers that threaten the peace of the kingdom. ** "Well, what are you waiting for? Get on the bed.." Giselle flinched but something rooted her on the spot. His chest was already bare, smooth yet solid muscle. She found herself having a hard time looking at him and focused on his lips instead. "This isn't about you," he said, voice barely above a whisper. "This is for the court. For my bloodline. I'll be gentle with you, don't worry, but don't mistake my gentleness for anything more." His lips brushed her collarbone. His hands were steady, his touch precise. A part of her wanted to push him away, but another part—the bond—ached at his nearness. Her skin prickled, her pulse surging. He took two steps forward and Giselle mirrored him by moving back on instinct. When his strong, calloused fingers trailed down her thighs, she threw her head back with a quiet moan. He stopped suddenly and she bit back a whimper, trembling nervously. Fabio traced her skin, his touch feather-light yet it felt like fire lit up within her. He pulled her thighs apart and she trembled, a tinge of fear dousing her arousal. "Have you done this before?" He asked plainly. Their eyes met and she shook her head. Surprise danced across his eyes but his expressionless face hid it well. He proceeded to slip his fingers where it ached the most, drawing a sharp gasp from her. "Your Majesty, I-" "Just relax," He said, not lovingly or anything but enough that Giselle's body seemed to follow his instructions, "Breathe and let go." He pushed his fingers into her in one full stride and this time she couldn't contain her moans. That intense bubble of pleasure bloomed within her, pulling tighter and tighter the more he pumped inside her. To his credit, he seemed concentrated on the job at hand, the muscles on his forearm working faster. Then, still inside her, he curved his middle fingers, hitting a spot she didn't even know existed. Giselle came apart. "Oo-ooh, oh my-" her thighs shook and she almost sobbed at the feeling. Fabio withdrew his fingers and it took everything not to chase after it. He shrugged off his shirt and tie, unbuckling his belt with an urgency that made that telltale pressure well up in her lower regions again. With long, black hair falling over his face, it was no surprise that she found him handsome, because he was. The bond sparked, pulling Giselle toward him like a string and she was on her knees before she knew what she was doing, her hands in his. "W-what are you doing?" she hesitated and Fabio grabbed her by the wrists, hoisting her up to face him. "Don't fucking do that, I don't need anything from you. Just let me fuck you and leave." He released her and she fell back on the bed, stunned silent. ** The ultimate enemies-to-lovers troupe with sizzling romance, dazzling royalty and fantasy. Fabio would do anything to push Giselle away and punish her for 'deceiving' her way to the throne but for how long?

Aiko Tanaka finds solace in order. Her lonely night shifts at a Tokyo convenience store are predictable, meticulously organized, and safe. Or so she thinks. Her quiet world shatters when brutal Yakuza thugs corner her, claiming her territory—and her—as their own. But before they can drag her into the city's dark underbelly, an even greater darkness intervenes. Enter Kaito Ishikawa. He is impossibly handsome, terrifyingly powerful, and not entirely human. He is the heir to the Ishikawa-gumi, a Yakuza clan that rules not with guns, but with the monstrous spirits of Japanese folklore—the Yokai. And Kaito? He is their King, bound by duty, ancient blood pacts... and a political engagement meant to secure his clan's future. He dispatches Aiko's attackers with chilling, demonic power, revealing a glimpse of the monster beneath his perfect suit. But salvation comes at a price. Having witnessed his true nature, and now marked by his enemies, Aiko is a dangerous loose end. Defying his obligations, Kaito doesn't offer her a choice. He claims her. He forces her from her old life and into his secret, luxurious safe house—a gilded cage where he can keep her protected, hidden, and under his complete control, a secret that could destroy his alliances if revealed. Trapped with the cold, possessive Yokai King, Aiko fears she's traded one prison for another. He is her captor, her protector, a creature of shadow and violence who belongs to another. But as they live under the same roof, the forced proximity ignites a spark neither expected. She sees glimpses of the honorable, wounded man beneath the ruthless leader, and he finds himself drawn to the quiet human girl who isn't afraid of the monster he truly is—even as his betrothed waits in the wings. Caught between a brewing supernatural war, a dangerous political landscape, and an impossible, forbidden attraction, Aiko must navigate a world where desire is as deadly as the demons. Can she survive being taken—and secretly loved—by the Yokai King? Or will their forbidden passion bring ruin upon them both?

PS: FL isn’t a pushover In her previous life, Marissa Austen and her sister, Ashlyn Austen were forced to choose between two men―Derek Thompson. The Grand Duke of Denver. He’s the cold, unfeeling older brother and Carlos Thompson. The bastard son of the Thompsons. He’s the charming, magnetic younger brother. Ashlyn chose Derek, convinced it was her path to luxury. But when she found her husband forever absent and unloving, whispers of his infidelity spread and was eventually thrown out of the duchy, envy consumed her. Meanwhile, Marissa’s husband was rising in power, day by day closing the gap with his brother and finally gaining the title of the Grand Duke. Blinded by jealousy, Ashlyn dragged them both to their deaths. When Marissa opened her eyes, she was back on the day their wedding carriages were arriving at the church’s courtyard. This time, Ashlyn insisted she switch carriage with Marissa. Her intention: To take the younger brother. But she never knew the truth: every of his achievements were because of Marissa, and he was not what he seemed. And Marissa was only too glad to claim the older brother as her own. What does fate have in store for the two sisters?

She died once. She won't make the same mistake again. His blade broke through her skin, drawing noble blood that stained the silken green of her dress. She stood still, unmoving as she maintained his leveled gaze. "The mere insolence to offer me a courtesan!" Disrespected in her home nation. Disdained in another. In Erzi, Ro was nothing more than a discarded widow. First, the wife of a fallen husband, then reduced to a governor's concubine. A discarded nymph in a land where widows and concubines are ranked far beneath untouched brides. When the wolves of Lispa arrive to seal a fragile alliance, Ro is traded away as a bride to one of their high houses. Now thrust into a foreign court, Ro must survive ravenous wolves, find out the cause of her rebirth, and resist the dangerous allure of her new husband. A noble Lycan whose world runs on blood, power and desire.

The marriage life Autumn has tried so hard to protect by hiding it behind her idol life on stage is on the verge of being destroyed as her husband Liam Anderson , who is also a world-class celebrity admitted having a relationship with an actress on live television , making her wonder if her love is worth to protect. The secrets , the past - all come crushing down on her , not to mention the struggles of her group members and her family is now making her question everything she has worked for her whole life .....can she keep up with what life has for her ahead ?

How would a wolf birth a witch and a witch wed the Devil’s Bone? Lucrezia Bathory has lived as an outcast from her pack until married to the rumored Devil’s Incarnate of Dreadwyn. A land built on souls of the dead and the throne of human bones—an ugly creature of the dark with sharp fangs, claws, and a monstrous form—known to eat the flesh of the innocent, and drink the marrow of the wicked. To protect her family and House Bathory, Lucrezia carries the cross as sacrifice to prove her birthright. But who knew the creature wedded wasn't as described in the tome as ‘ugly’ but a Sin destined to lure her astray. A Daydream disguised as a Nightmare, and a Nightmare of many colors. *** EXCERPT “You want to know what I want?” He stepped forward, pinning her gaze deep into his bright hazel eyes, reminding her sanity she just treaded the wrong question. When he drew closer, she stepped back, heart drumming loud that its rhythmic sound replaced the sudden silence sealed with heat, until the back of her legs hit the table behind, taking her weight along its surface. Gods… she was only wearing a silk night gown, and the windows were perfectly closed, hearth warm enough against the cold yet she was burning. “I can’t breathe, Lucreiza,” He pronounced her name like a sinful prayer, and she gulped, her mouth almost hanging from delusion. “I can't breathe because you’re fucking me with your scent. I’m going crazy with every passing second I breathe, and seeing you like this, utterly bare, makes me want to make you beg.” It was so short, but she could feel every power, every restrian, every pleasure, just by words alone. How insane can it drive her, were determined by her reaction. Unknown emotions she has never felt before, emotions that heated and chilled her all at the same time. A gasp escaped her lips when he pressed closer, and her legs parted unconsciously, conceding to his unexpressed demand. Now she was pinned in between the body of a monster. One whom she should fear, but felt… expectation? He leaned in and she stuttered a breath, throwing her head back as his fangs grazed her skin in a manner that’s supposed to make her crawl. Run. But instead, it made her desperate. “You don't know even half of what I want, half of what I need.” At this point, Lucreiza’s mind was a totally mess that nothing else registered apart from what he was doing to her. “I’m not just the monster you should fear, witch. I’m the Devil you should deny,” That was the thing… she couldn’t reject him. Fear him. Stir clear. Run. Nothing else made sense to her apart from the burning flames in her chest, the one she never knew when exactly it transpired. The world seemed to cease when she opened her mouth and uttered the damnation, that even the heavens screamed warning from above. “Y-yes,” she whispered, voice hanging from ecstasy. “M-Make me b-beg,” PS: MATURED CONTENT. #webnovel

Reya, daughter of a wealthy merchant, falls deeply for a man who seems noble - dangerously charming, elegant, and a living symbol of rebellion. Despite her pending engagement to Prince Edgar, she defies her family and flees to marry him, believing love would grant her a happily ever after. The shock of her decision killed her father.But to her,she believes her man was worth it. Marriage strips her of everything - her autonomy, her voice, her very sense of self. By day, she serves as a maid in a mansion overflowing with servants. By night, she's forced to surrender her body to a man she no longer recognizes. In desperation, she escapes - only to discover her whole empire gone into ashes.

“You look like a cursed, weak, and forgotten son of Drakonia.” Ero gasped audibly. “My lady!” He moved to speak again, but Ashen raised a hand and stopped him. “Coming from someone who can’t see,” Ashen said dryly, “don’t you think that’s quite the overestimation?” Lumina smiled, then moved closer to him. Ashen stiffened at her action. She shouldn't have known exactly where he stood, yet her steps brought her directly before him. “I am blind,” she said quietly, “but I am not weak or stupid. Let’s make a deal.” Ashen’s eyes narrowed. “What kind of deal?” “Two years,” she said, her voice unwavering. “You help me find the one person who can restore my sight… and in return, I will help you gain recognition in this realm.” ******** Blinded, by her late mother so as to protect her from the evil ones, she lives the life of an outcast and is underestimated. Princess Lumina hides dangerous secrets behind her calm grace. In the shadows of court betrayal, she’s forced to outwit her enemies, even if it's her own family. While across the realm, Ashen, the cursed prince of Drakonis, drinks to forget a life of disdain and is also known as the weak one. But when a mysterious girl brushes past him, unseen something inside him awakens. A heartbeat that isn’t his, it’s the first time this is happening, he wants her and he must get her.

In the plot of the novel, there are two girls sold into the the same family as a maid, but this powerful family caught treason on the throne. The original owner was a big maid, good-looking and literate.She married Qin Fang ,the centurion in the frontier barracks by imperial decree. The female protagonist is a rough maid, with ordinary appearance and had no education. But she is hardworking girl. Both of them are married to the soldier by decree of the imperial court. The original owner came from the 21st century. With a little golden finger on her hand, she will have a peaceful life in ancient times .The heroine is not ambitious like protagonist who traveled on the book,she just want some peaceful life.

Julian Reyes was never supposed to crawl back to his ex. He came for revenge to prove he could rise above betrayal and humiliation. But the moment he challenged Elias Thorne, his ex’s father and the city’s most dangerous Alpha, everything shattered. Elias Thorne wasn’t just powerful. He was an Enigma an Alpha whose command could bend nature itself. And with a single command, Elias broke Julian’s defiance... and claimed him under the Single-Mate Decree. Now Julian bears his scent. His mark. His shame. The proud Alpha becomes the unwilling mate tbound to be the man he should hate most. His body craves what his pride rejects. His heart trembles between vengeance and submission. And when his ex discovers the truth, the Thorne family ,becomes a battlefield where love, power, and blood will collide. “You came to destroy me,” Elias murmured against his throat. “But tell me, Julian… who’s burning now?”

WARNING!!! -Explicit and Dark Romance- For years after Livana lost her sight, she lived in the gilded cage of her family’s expectations—engaged to the man chosen for her, confined to the shadows while he managed the empire her mother left behind. But blindness didn’t make her powerless. She heard everything. The whispers in the other room. The treachery in her fiancé’s voice. The betrayal woven into every conversation with her cousin, all caught by the devices she secretly planted. She had a plan to escape—one she’d crafted meticulously. Until her sister proposed something far more dangerous. Involve the Blackwells. Their family’s most hated rivals. The ones Livana had been raised to despise. And the man her sister suggested? *Damon Blackwell.* The arrogant bastard who had tormented her since childhood. The same man she’d once—*against her better judgment*—ended up in bed with after being drugged and set up. The idea was reckless. Madness. But the thought of burning her engagement to Knox to the ground, of watching her father and stepmother’s fury as she tied herself to their enemy? Delicious. What she didn’t expect was Damon’s obsession. He was ruthless. Unhinged. Exactly what she should have anticipated from the heir to the Blackwell mafia. But Livana was no damsel. If he thought he could control her, he was wrong. She had her own games to play. And this time, she wouldn’t be the one losing.