"So, darling, can I ask you a question?"
Gwen spoke, after gazing at Asher who was still at the door, with her cheeks blushing, and just with that I knew what she was going to ask me.
"He's seventeen, single, an amazing knight, responsible, funny, and caring!"
Her cheeks became redder and redder and Kate laughed, I knew Asher was listening too, because not only were his ears red but his type of magic is the enhancement of the senses.
"I-"
"You're cute when you act shy like this."
I said, playing around.
"Oh darling, you must be thinking that I'm stupid, because I act so playful normally, but when it come to guys I'm shy like this... oh dear gods-"
"Nah! I don't think you're stupid, at all. There's many types of people when it comes to carnal and romantical relationships. No matter if it's guys with girls, guys with guys or girls with girls."
Gween blushed and Kate looked shocked, but well, this is gonna be more normal in the years there are yet to come anyway.
"There's the free type, the ones who just like to play around, live their lives to the fullest, and are afraid of commitment, or don't what to be in a relationship so soon. There's the classic type, the ones who dream about being married, finding their soulmate, marrying the sooner possible, who are guarding their first night for thee love of their lives, and who dream about having a big family."
Even Kate blushed when I said that, I guess she's in the second type of it, pfft... cute.
"There's the contemporany type, those who want to be free but also want to marry and have a family, some of these people even agree with having an open relationship. There's the convenient type, those who only marry because their families told them to, or because they'll gain money, power or whatever with the matrimony."
"A political marriage then."
Gween said and I nodded.
"Yeah, it's also called that. The famous marriage by contract. And some people are lucky enough to ended up falling for the ones they're forced to marry. There's other' types, but those four are the most common ones. Which one do you think you are?"
"The classic one, probably."
Kate said with her cheeks redder than ever, as expected.
"Yeah, I'm with Miss Kate! I also think I'm the classic type. But I didn't get the meaning of an open relationship. What's that?"
Oh...
"It's when you are officially with someone, you both love each other, but you also have an agreement that you both can be with someone else, but without getting attached, so the relationship would never be boring for them and it wouldn't be considered cheating."
I laughed at their shocked expression, even Asher gasped with shock from hearing what I've said.
"How the hell do you know all of this?"
It's not like I would tell them the truth about it anyway.
"I'm a reader. I've read a lot of romances, so I know."
Pfft... little they know that mentally, I'm a twenty-five-year-old woman who lived a lot of romances, with a lot of people, but as I'm part of the free type, I didn't get attached to them.
Anyway...
"It makes sense. I, personally, wish I could read more, but I don't have the time. Once I'm always working here in the atelier, or cooking when I'm at my home."
Gween explained, still kinda shocked.
"Anyway, let's get down to business. What kind of clothes do you want me to make for you, darling?"
I love the way she calls me, she used to call me 'darling' in my past life too.
"Soft dresses to be at home comfortably, we're on spring now so spring dresses, some knee-length, others ankle-length. Hmmm, I also want ball dresses, with colors that will enhance my beauty. Once I train swordsmanship and I'll star archery tomorrow, I'll need training clothes, comfortable ones, please. I love riding my horse on the weekends, so I'll also need riding clothes."
She wrote everything down in a notebook, with a feather pen and black ink.
"Kinda everything then, right?"
I nodded.

The owner of the golden eyes with a shattered soul, covered in blood, protected by time and darkness and death. The one who has only ice in her veins must save the two-faced, who has a fragmented soul. Surrounded by trauma caused by the greedy. But make no mistake, they may look like opposing souls, but that one is like a two-sided coin. By saving the soul of the boy with an will of steel, the bloody guardian will get the answers she's been looking for. Only by saving him she will save herself.

※ IMPORTANT! Pay attention at the trigger warnings on the 3rd chapter of the auxiliary volume!

※ From December 1st of 2021, there will be updates everyday until December 31th of 2021, when I'll update the last chapter of the first arc of the Villainess is Back to Life!

※※※ The novel isn't entirely edited yet. I'm focusing on finishing the first out of the three arcs first, then I come and edit everything for you guys. So, I'm sorry if you find some grammar errors or inconstancy mistakes, just tell me in the comments cuz I don't mind. But I promise you that I'll edit it and make it amazing so you will have a wonderful experience while reading! 

※※※※※ Thank you for giving my novel a chance. I really love you all and hope you enjoy it. Tell me your theories on the comments because I'll be reading them all!

"So," Kishan said turning back to face me with a mildly amused smile, "would you like to have cookies with me?"

I could not help but let out a sigh before I smiled back. "Sure just let me grab some coffee." With that he went to sit at the table. 

Click click click click

I heard the sound of him typing on his phone as I made myself a cup of instant coffee. As I pulled out the chair to sit down however he quickly closed it and put it face down on the table.

"So Bailey," he said looking up at me as I gently stirred the milk into my coffee. His dark eyes were lit with amusement. "How likely is it that we've been set up?" he asked casually. 

I slightly raised an eye brow at his direct attitude. I sipped my coffee to buy time to contemplate my answer.

"Well it's not an accident that I'm here but I find it hard to believe Ariel would fake car troubles not to be here, so I don't know." I decided to answer honestly. I have always appreciated people who cut to the chase rather than being cryptic and beating around the bush.

I was raised up north where people say what they mean and mean what they say. However the summer before I started high school my family moved to just an hour north of New Orleans on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. I still lived in the area.

Kishan's calm yet direct attitude was a breath of fresh air to me. This kind of attitude can be hard to find in the south.

"Hmm," was all he said as he sipped his coffee. I took advantage of the momentary silence that no longer felt as awkward to take a bite from a cookie. "You said you were an English Lit. major so tell me, what is your favorite classic?"

"Pride and Prejudice," I answered easily. I can always talk about books.

"How come?"

"Well, originally I fell in love with the 6 hour mini series as a child. It was my favorite 'movie'," I made air quotes with one hand. "I can still waste a day watching it. I didn't actually read the book until I was in high school but I was not disappointed with it at all. It's not just my favorite classic, it's my favorite period."

He smiled in a relaxed manor that made him very easy to talk to. Though I am generally the quiet type until you get to know me my words flowed naturally. His whole presence gave off a very calm but sturdy feeling that was aided by his smooth baritone voice. 

Also did I mention he was handsome? Dangerously so.

"What do you like about it so much?" he asked taking a bite of his own cookie. 

"I love the dynamic between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy as they get to know each other and fall in love in spite of themselves. And how they still end up together even though Mr. Darcy screwed up his initial proposal.

"Not only that, I love how the side characters have their own love stories and are well thought out. The problems they all face real problems but nothing so exaggerated like todays romances. Don't get me wrong, I love a good K-drama but exactly how many people actually fall into a coma only to wake up and have temporary amnesia?

"Though it's a historical romance it's so much easier to relate to how one simply falls for a person in spite of everything. Jane and Mr. Bingley are so sweet together providing the perfect compliment to Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's turbulent relationship." 

As I spoke he listened attentively sipping his coffee and finishing off a cookie. Finally I realized I was rambling on about a romantic story, which he probably would not be interested in, so I ended my speech.

"So," I said mildly embarrassed. "Do you like to read?"

"No," he answered then allowed a dramatic pause to happen before continuing, "I love it. So much so I just recently finished my PHD in English Literature." His smile was slightly playful as he finished his sentence.

My face rapidly switched from showing my momentary stomach clenching horror from embarrassing myself to wide eyed with surprise.

'So this man likes to play jokes,' was my first thought. 

"Mr. Kishan, was the dramatic pause really necessary?" I complained knowing I had been had.

"Hmm," he took another sip of his coffee. "I'm not sure what you're referring to," he said though his expression still said otherwise.

I let it go with a small sigh. "Then what is your favorite?" I asked sipping my own coffee. He thought for a moment before answering.

"I can't say I have a favorite book but my favorite collection would have to be the Sherlock Holmes series."

"So you're a mystery type." 

The conversation flowed naturally from then on as we continued to discuss different books we had both read. We discovered we had a lot of the same taste in literature and before we realized it the cookies were gone and our coffee was cold. 

Almost an hour later Ariel and her mom finally returned. When the door opened the two of us had been laughing over a comedic part of the book we were discussing. I looked over and met Ariel's inquisitive gaze. 

"Sorry we're so late," Ariel's mom said looking up at the clock that hung on the wall. "The tow truck took much longer to show up than they initially said." Both her and Ariel walked over to the table. "Kishan this my daughter Ariel, Ariel this is Kishan."

Kishan stood and shook her hand as they exchanged greetings. Ariel was all done up ready for her date wearing a beautiful bright orange dress. Reminding me that she knew what would happen when I came over dressed like I normally was.

"It's unfortunate but I don't think we will be able to make our dinner reservation tonight," Kishan said looking at his leather watch. 

"We can reschedule for tomorrow night if you're free," Ariel's mom suggested.

"Actually," Kishan hesitated for a moment before saying, "if it's alright with you I would like to change plans." He turned to look at me with an anxious expression and continued, "Bailey, would you like to go out with me tomorrow night?"

I instantly blushed at the unexpected question. "Aaa sure," I said somewhat dazed. His shoulders and face relaxed at my response. I had not noticed when they had tensed. 

We quickly exchanged numbers and set a time for him to pick me up from my place. As he was leaving he turned his head around to say, "Make sure you dress up tomorrow." 

Thunk. The door closed behind him leaving us three women standing there momentarily stunned. It was Ariel's mom who broke the silence.

"Bailey, if you are scheduled to work tomorrow get someone to cover your shift. We need to spend the day shopping for a dress."

"Aaa, I'm off tomorrow." 

"Good. Be here by 9 o'clock and we will all go together. This is unexpected but a good result nonetheless." She promptly turned to leave, leaving no room for discussion. 

Thunk. The door closed behind her as she left. As soon as she did Ariel grabbed the sleeve of my hoodie and started jumping up and down excitedly.

I am your average American girl from a middle class family. One of the last people you would expect to have an arranged marriage. However thanks to my best friend that was exactly what happened! Not only that he has two young kids! I suddenly became a wife and a mother much sooner than I thought I would. I am not ready for this but since I said I would I'll do my best!

_____

Kishan and Bailey quickly become a married couple because of his family circumstances. Will they be able to find true love in this arranged marriage? 

But life never goes perfectly smooth. They will have to face many trials that come with being a multiracial and multicultural couple living in the southern United States. Love, marriage, and parenthood are not easy. But nothing is impossible if you have found the right person and are both dedicated to making it work.

Miyabi didn't have any particular thoughts about Seigo Harano.
Before, she might have imperceptibly been thinking a few things about him. However, after she saw Natsuya Yoruhana and the other girls that came to save him, she really stopped having any such ideas at all.
Miyabi felt that only girls like the student council president and the others with her were the appropriate ones to be by his side.
However, even though she no longer had any thoughts about being together with him, that didn't mean that she didn't feel anything… As for what exactly it was that she felt, Miyabi didn't know. Nor did she want to think too deeply about it.
Yuuko originally wanted to say something to Miyabi. However, Yuuko felt like she shouldn't say anything after seeing Miyabi's expression.
Some romances were destined to end before they even had a chance to begin.
Everyone walked through the darkness and reached the Moon Bunny Eatery.
Seiji opened the door and entered to discover that the store was filled with red mist! Not only that, there wasn't a single customer to be seen.
Seiji instantly had an ominous premonition.
"Everyone, watch out. Things could be dangerous in here." Seiji unsheathed his magical sword.
Everyone became vigilant upon hearing him say this.
Seiji cautiously walked into the restaurant. He then headed for the kitchen.
He saw that the restaurant owner was collapsed on the ground with a long sword stabbed straight through his chest into the ground!
"Owner…" Seiji walked up to inspect the situation.
The handsome middle-aged restaurant owner had a blank expression and wasn't breathing. He had also stopped moving… it was quite obvious that he had died.
Who did such a thing!?
Seiji looked towards the longsword that pierced through the restaurant owner.
This longsword had a golden hilt that was etched with beautiful carvings. A red gem was also embedded on the hilt, making it seem rather extravagant.
Seiji called Yuuko over and asked her to take a look at this sword.
Yuuko looked it over carefully before shaking her head.
"I've never written about or imagined such a sword. I don't think that it's something from my story."
"Then it must be from Shoutarou Rinura's story." Something flashed in Seiji's eyes.
Perhaps it was a character from Rinura's story, or Rinura himself that came here. Or… perhaps it was the true perpetrator!
Seiji felt that this incident likely had a hidden perpetrator behind it all.
From the very start, Seiji didn't feel like Shoutarou Rinura was the cause of this entire incident.
Seiji felt more like the middle school student author Rinura was just another victim that someone else took advantage of.
As for who would take advantage of Rinura, and what their objective was, Seiji didn't know.
Seiji simply felt that it seemed far more likely that there was a hidden perpetrator rather than Shoutarou Rinura being the one who intentionally caused all this.
Well, the truth of the incident wasn't so immediately important right now. Of immediate importance was...
"Hashimoto-san, please try using your author powers of creation and try reviving the restaurant owner."
The restaurant owner wasn't a real person. He was simply a character from a light novel. Yuuko Hashimoto, who was the author of that light novel, might be able to "revive" the restaurant owner.
That was what Seiji was thinking when he reached to pull out the sword piercing through the restaurant owner.
Just as his hand touched the sword's hilt, the sword suddenly began glowing a blinding white!
The seal on Seiji's right hand also began to glow as well. The same dizzy feeling from the earlier locator spell came upon him. Seiji's consciousness became hazy as he sank into a mysterious realm and felt even more like he was imperceptibly learning something…
"What's the matter, Harano-san?" Yuuko noticed that something seemed off about the situation and asked him.
Seiji didn't reply.
Shika and Natsuya, who both noticed this situation as well, became tense.
However, before they could do anything, Seiji's expression returned to normal.
"It's nothing… I'm fine," Seiji told them.
At this moment, a black mist was emitted from the restaurant owner's body before it quickly evaporated.
"Thank you."
Seiji was truly grateful to that mysterious existence.
That existence had helped him yet again before it departed from this place.
"The restaurant owner is no longer with us. However, there's no need to worry. I already know how to locate Shoutarou Rinura as well as how to escape this realm," Seiji told everyone who was assembled in the restaurant.
He then indicated towards the golden longsword in his hand.
"This was the weapon that murdered the restaurant owner. The murderer was unable to take it away because the restaurant owner forcefully kept it here by casting a spell upon it. This sword in tandem with the seal on my hand is capable of locating Shoutarou Rinura. After we find Rinura, I can use this sword to cast a spell that will open up a portal back to our original world… Basically, we can all return to reality that way."
"Who or what exactly was this restaurant owner?" Natsuya inquired.
"I only know that he's a powerful and friendly existence, but I'm unsure as to the specifics." Seiji slightly shook his head. "The restaurant owner was actually possessed by this existence that gave us its assistance. This existence has left this place now. Even if Hashimoto-san can resurrect the 'restaurant owner,' it won't be the same one. The murderer most likely attacked him in order to prevent us from locating Shoutarou Rinura. Yet despite the fact that he was ambushed, he still left his spells behind for us. He deserves our sincere gratitude."
Seiji looked in the kitchen's direction.
"It's highly likely that things will be quite dangerous in Rinura's story setting. Everyone, we need to make our final preparations."
The restaurant was still safe for the time being. They didn't need to worry about skeletons or any other enemies popping up, so they could rest and prepare here.
Miyabi tried to power up her summoned ghost child, Ya-chan.
Nomura tried his hand at creating stronger magical weapons and equipment for everyone.
Yuuko did her best to create anything at all apart from omelet rice.
Maishi who was currently stuck as a trap character as well as Yoshida who was currently a smartphone both tried their best to use the author's power of creation in this realm. However, they both failed.
Matsutani wanted some more curry rice and went to make it for himself in the kitchen.
Natsuya inspected the golden longsword.
"Can you tell anything about it?"
"Nothing… I can't discern anything about it at all." Natsuya shook her head and returned the longsword to Seiji.
Seiji gripped the longsword and looked it over. He was able to faintly detect the power within it.
It felt like a hero's holy sword to him.
To receive a hero's sword from this restaurant owner who used to be a hero in another world… yep, it seemed like such a classic scene to him.
When he thought this, some passionate game music began playing in Seiji's mind. He impulsively wanted to lift the longsword high up in the sky! However, he managed to restrain himself.
Natsuya and the others were looking at him. They were all under the impression that he was trying to sense something from within the sword. None of them realized that Seiji was actually currently thinking just like a chuunibyou.
'Let's go fight the demon king all together!'
Although such a scenario was incredibly cliché, a classic was still a classic. Classics had their own charisma.
After everyone rested and finished their preparations, the hero Seiji led their expedition yet again.
Once again, they passed through the darkness to find… a palace!
This palace was gold and white. It had extravagant carvings and was brightly lit by torches despite the dark surroundings. It was an incredibly opulent sight.
The palace guards standing out front noticed Seiji and the others and immediately ran over.
There were two palace guards who wore light armor and held long spears. They both appeared like normal humans rather than skeletons or zombies.
Seiji reminded his companions to remain vigilant while he silently gripped his weapon tightly.
The two palace guards ran up to them and stopped a few steps away, looking over Seiji's party.
"I recognize them!" Matsutani whispered to Seiji. "Both of them are people that were attending the award ceremony."
People that were attending the award ceremony?
Seiji raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"You're certain about this, Matsutani-senpai?"
"I'm one hundred percent certain. Although I don't know their names, I definitely saw them at the award ceremony!" The pudgy middle-aged man was confident of this.
"May I ask your names?" a palace guard who had short brown hair spoke to them politely.
Something flashed in Seiji's eyes.
"I'm Seigo Harano." Seiji chose to answer.
"Seigo Harano… correct?"
"Indeed."
The brown-haired guard glanced over at him before looking at everyone else.
Seiji indicated to Nomura and the others that they should give their names.
Nomura, Miyabi, Yuuko, and Maishi all gave their names.
The brown-haired guard looked at the other palace guard and communicated nonverbally with him. They both nodded at each other before looking at Seiji's party again.
"Welcome. His Highness the prince is currently awaiting your arrival." The brown-haired guard smiled and welcomed them.


Translator note: Apologies to the readers. This series is currently on hiatus. We ask for your understanding!
A 30-year-old Chinese NEET is reincarnated into the body of an otaku that choked to death on instant noodles. As he comes to grips with his new life, he realizes that this world is subtly different from Earth. The denizens of this world are far better looking, and this new world also possesses futuristic technology as well as mysterious Yin Yang masters! 
After reincarnating, he realized that he was endowed with a miraculous game-like system, which enables him to increase his own stats and transcend the limits of the human body. This system even has a game-breaking ability to save and load in real life!
In this new world that’s akin to a 2-D game, he just wants to enjoy life and head for a glorious future... However, he is quickly embroiled in a complex plot. Can he unlock his true potential and utilize his system to break the shackles that confine him and discover the truth about his previous body’s circumstances? 

Ian wasnt that far away from reality. I didnt like to leave the comfort zone inside those walls. It was safe. But the flurry of pain and need curling above that topless icy shelter, like a gathering storm of cries and tears, called my heart to jump out from it at times, pushing me to help those who were in a greater need of shelter. The Humane Society of Berryford and PETA were my short escapes from that cold enclosure. And most recently, a boy named Ayo from Yoruba, Africa, had joined those breakouts, too.
Did they know I was doing all of this? No, and I didnt want them to. Did Gran know about this? Yeah, she was the one receiving the mail.
Well, sorry to disappoint you, but not even methe Queen of Icytopia and Egotopiawould show my goodies for the entire world to see, I told Ian, masking the hurt with sarcasm. Believe it or not, I like better the physical thing and doing something more personal than doing something that narcissistic. And anyway, in case you didnt know, those campaigns are only for celebrities.
Ian was staring at me, his usual loose stance now stiff. A faint trace of regret sharpened the emerald in his eyes. So he did notice the hurt in my voice. Dafne, he uttered softly, using that voice people drew on whenever they wanted to reach someones hand to soothe the pain away. I didnt He never finished though. He trailed off when Buffy sat down between his stretched leg and the one dangling off the couch.
She pressed a button on the remote control she was holding, and then leaned over Ian, settling her head on his chest.
He sighed, as if in resignation, and asked while encircling her waist with his arm, What are we watching?
No way! I protested once I aimed my eyes on the screen and the symphonic song flew into the room. We are not watching that thing. Its like half a day long. Only menopausal housewives can stand this.
How can you say that? Buffy lifted up his head as if offended. Titanic is one of the greatest screen romances of all time. Everybody loves it, even guys, right Ian? She turned and asked him for confirmation.
A giant boat being ripped in half and Kate Winslet naked? Sure, he said with a shrug and looked at me, giving his approval.
Ugh. Something told me I wasnt going to get any support from him. When did I get it anyway? He obviously didnt want to disagree with Buffy. He was playing the good-boyfriend part. I stood up, left the plate on the coffee table, and reached the small shelf stuffed with girly movies. There had to be something not so cheesy. Buffy couldnt be that brainless.
What about Mean Girls? Buffy suggested when she noticed I wouldnt let go of my hunt, which turned out to be more and more difficult every second.
Okay, maybe she was brainless. I will pretend you didnt mention that, I said without looking at her, crouched on the floor still looking for the impossible.
Never Been Kissed? Its a funny movie.
I scoffed. Bring me a thermos of espresso and an alarm clock.
What about While You Were Sleeping? Ian added to the parade of ideas. A successful giant-eyebrowed douchebag gets run over by a train and goes into a coma so his older brother can get his hands under his girls pants. You would like that.
No, she wouldnt, Buffy said. Too sweet and romantic.
Ignoring them, I finally raised from my hunt with two DVDs in hand. This one doesnt look that bad, I said, pushing in front of me a movie called When Harry Met Sally, an oldie from what it looked like.
Ian seemed suddenly really interested. The movie that introduced men to spotting the signs of women faking the Big O, he said with a smile.
I nearly choked. Okaythis one is out. I said putting it back hastily, as if my hand had unexpectedly been burned. What about The Phantom of the Opera? I held up the other case. Id heard about the novel before, written by some French guy a long time agoapparently, it was a classic of French literatureand the Broadway musical, but Id never read or seen any of those. It looked pretty interesting, dark.
Buffy frowned in interest. I havent seen that one yet. Its a musical. Ian gave it to me last week. She turned around and placed a small kiss on his lips. They were stretched all over the couch now, side to side, Buffys head resting on the crook of Ians arm.
He pulled out a stunning smile, filled with a perfect row of white as snow teeth, and said while looking down at her, Lets see it.
Maybe Linda was right and Ian was truly in love with Buffy. The way he looked at her, as if she was his own glowing sun on earth, said lots of poems. An image is worth a thousand words. And it definitely did. They looked like two lovers, prisoners of their own fascination for each other.
But instead of feeling relief, I felt the increase of worry. There was still something I didnt like about all of this.


When not writing or doing book covers, Tatiana Vila can be found binge-watching series, painting cool abstract stuff, eating way too many candies, and fantasizing about interior design makeovers. Her motto: let the mind run wild.
Check out some of her cool book cover designs at her website:
www.viladesign.net

Ice Queen. That's what everyone calls Dafne at school. The girl with the striking looks of a Raven Princess but whose cold-steeled touch freezes everyone in her way. Her reputation works for her and she even likes it. People don't mess with her—except for her sister's infuriatingly handsome boyfriend, Ian, who loves pushing her subzero temper to its limits.

Life in Berryford is flowing exactly as she wants it—no drama, no boy trying to get into her pants—until she starts noticing odd, glazed-eyed students everywhere. Something weird is happening and, unusual enough for her, she needs to find out why. But when people start falling into a coma with no reason, among them Dafne's sister, she decides to take the matter in her hands, because if her intuition is right, this isn't something doctors or virologists can fight. This is something…more.

With frustration and guilt leading her way, and Ian forcing himself to her side, Dafne will step onto a road that'll open her eyes to why ignorance is bliss, why hate is so close to love, and why our imagination might be the most dangerous weapon ever known.



The candles, moonlight, and the scents of the nearby honeysuckle produced a wonderful romantic ambiance, beyond anything Liberty could have imagined.Keats continued to surprise her, his esoteric overtures proved refreshing and thrilling. Now they were intimate friends, not legal adversaries.
Relaxed, happy, Liberty talked about her family, and Keats reciprocated.Both his parents were educators, his father a high school chemistry teacher, and his mother an English Lit professor at University."During her college days in the late seventies," he revealed, "she got into poetry and literature, the high end stuff.For as long as I can remember dad always bowed to mom and her tastes. Of course, she always had good taste, still doesup to a point."
He chuckled."I guess in a weak moment, dad allowed mom to name the children, so I became Byron and my younger brother got Emerson.He doesn't mind the name so much, says it's better than Ralph Waldo."
Liberty smiled."I think you both received strong, noble names.Just think, you could have been Percival Shelley."
Keats groaned."Please!Can you imagine me as Percy?I don't think I would have been taken seriously no matter what I did."
Then he went on to tell her that he'd always been interested in law enforcement, cops and robbers his favorite boyhood game. On TV, he watched crime dramas religiously like Law and Order and CSI, as well as classic episodes of MacGyver, Dragnet and Magnum P.I.After high school, he signed on with the sheriff's department, his first job as a deputy at the county jail.But not content to drift along in his career, he took night classes in criminology and forensic science.His education helped him to make sergeant and then land the job of director of the newly-formed special cases unit.
When he finished, Keats sat back. "So, anything else you want to know, Ms. Sloane?"
She took him up on his offer."How did you get the scar on your face?"
He grinned."I accidentally came across three tough drug dealers in a dark alley.They took out knives, and we fought."As he spoke, his finger traced the thin red line down his cheek."I got the scar but they got the worse end of it."
"You took on all three?" she asked, trying not to look incredulous, not sure if she could believe him or not.
He laughed."Hell, no!I just made that up to sound heroic and dashing.Actually, my brother did it, but not on purpose.We had been sledding down a snowy slope, and when we came back up to the top of the hill, Emerson slipped on a patch of ice and threw up his sled as he fell.I happened to be standing right next to him and the sled runner sliced a neat path up my cheek.He got a safety lecture from our dad and I got six stitches."
Liberty smiled."I think I like the other story better."
"Me, too," he admitted.
The evening had wound down, the magic dissipated, and Liberty knew she should be getting home.Keats asked her to stay over, but she declined.It seemed too soon, too sudden, and he agreed."You're right.We should go slow and easy.I need to ask you out on a legitimate date."
"Only if you want to."
"I want to," he murmured.
"Good."
He came to her, cupped her face in his hands.Liberty noticed the depths of his eyes, dark, fathomless, and now hard and glossy where they had been soft and dusky minutes before.They also held a sharp intensity that seemed to emanate from the very core of him.
She allowed him to give her a good-night kiss.As before, the feel of his lips on hers caused automatic heat to pool between her legs and a wild river of blood to gush through her body.She opened her mouth at his insistence and felt a delicious tingle as his tongue touched hers.He tasted of wine and garlic, heady and appealing, just as her mouth must taste to him. 
When his fingers began to caress her neck and shoulders, Liberty wisely shied away.He had almost pulled her in again, to such giddy pleasure and desire.She didn't have to glance down to know he already had an erection.But not tonight, no more tonight.
"Thank you for a wonderful evening," she told him on a more formal note. "And thanks for the information."She had almost forgotten about his revelation concerning the Baumgards, father and son.
Keats offered an expression bathed in shadows, giving away nothing of his feelings now."I'm glad you had great time.I did, too.So, I'll call you tomorrow...if you're not too busy."
"Oh, I think I can shuffle things around in order to take your call."
"Please do."
She wondered about his darkening mood."You're not upset that I have to leave, are you?"
"Of course not.It's been a long, but satisfying day for both of us.I need rest, you need rest.And we can always pick up where we left off tomorrow, or the next day or the day after that."As he smiled, his gaze and expression softened a bit and offered some light through the rough shadows.
Liberty smiled, too, knew she could stay all night if she really wanted to, but she forced herself to break the spell.Before she gathered her clothes and changed, she ran her hands down the silky fabric of her makeshift gown.Like Cinderella, she thought, from party dress to street clothes.And Keats, from a somewhat grittier version of Prince Charming back to tough cop with an age-old scar.The palace ball now turned back into a swimming pool and patio in Alexandria, Virginia.Of course, she wouldn't leave a glass slipper behind or drive away in a pumpkin carriage; she had only her navy pumps and a Caddy that needed cleaning.
Yet she felt a pang of uneasiness.Perhaps she was afraid to know what lay beneath the surface of the fairy tale, preferring to skim on top, bereft of any expectations.Liberty could understand this fantasy, a suburban take on an old story, until it ran its course like real-life romances often did.
But at least it was fun while it lasted.




Marva Dale is the pen name for author Debra McReynolds.  Retired from the public relations field, Debra now spends her free time indulging in her passion for writing.  "I used to fill my school notebooks with stories," Debra relates, "and then add artwork to go along with them.  My second grade teacher, Mrs. Daley, predicted that I would be a writer one day."
A fan of the mystery genre, she enjoys crafting tales with a twist of suspense, a touch of romance, and a bit of humor. 
Debra and her husband, Dale, make their home in El Paso, Texas, with their dog, cats and rabbits.

Sexy, black lawyer, Liberty Sloane is asked to defend a deaf public relations executive accused of killing a well-known physician. Dr. Daniel Baumgard, known for his philanthropy, just opened a new shelter for abused women, although he also ran a women’s healthcare clinic that offers abortions. Madeline Kime promoted the doctor’s endeavors through her PR agency while harboring deep secrets concerning the Baumgard family, including the doctor’s son, Rhett, a congressman, and his socialite wife, Savannah. So who hated the doctor enough to stab him in the foyer of his own home? Liberty has a number of suspects on her list, including a pro-life group, not to mention the additional crimes of stolen clinic files and a blackmail scheme. To complicate matters, she has to fend off the advances of one-time boyfriend Preston Durrell, a private detective, while entertaining a new romance with the officer on the case, Sergeant Byron Keats. Worse, Liberty planned a Caribbean vacation with her BFFs, but has to postpone it in order to defend her client for murder one.


He sat in his chair and rubbed his cheek. Karl French. Up-and-coming black attorney. Smart, handsome, rich. She could do worse. She wasn't settling for the first guy to look her way, was she? He felt incredibly sad.
When Tim got home that evening he changed into jeans, biker boots, and a leather jacket. He walked out to the garage and started his Harley. He hadn't ridden in a few years. He drove it out into the driveway and checked the gauges. Everything looked good. He dusted off the helmet and slipped it on his head before zooming off.
He rode into Kentucky and down Dixie Highway remembering the old days. Corrine used to sit behind him, her delicate body molded along his back, and he would be thinking about how much he couldn't wait to get back home to make love to her. 
He went faster.
He parked along the Ohio River and sat on his bike watching the sunset. Then he rode to the Madd Crab to have a few beers. 
Martier returned home at a little before eight. The lights in Tim's house were out. She walked by grimly. She hadn't gone to mass. She had nothing to say to God. Instead she'd walked to the library. She decided to borrow some movies and music along with books. The movies had all looked stupid: stories about spacemen, boogeymen, fast cars, and drug dealers. She asked the librarian to pick something for her. The older woman had been happy to do so. 
"Let's stick with the classics. Do you like romances, mystery, suspense …"
"All of the above—as long as there is nothing scary in it." Martier didn't think she could deal with watching a scary movie and then turning out the lights and seeing the shadows of the trees against her darkened walls.
The librarian gave her a classic Alfred Hitchcock movie called Marnie and another with Sidney Poitier called A Patch of Blue. Martier thanked the woman, and after checking out a new romance novel, she found a Mariam Makeba CD to listen to. She then called the African cab driver who again only charged her $15. She wondered if he would ever charge her more than that no matter where she was going.
She gave him a quick goodbye and hurried into her darkened house. She turned on the light in the kitchen, lit one of the scented candles, and slipped in the Mariam Makeba CD. It played softly as she sautéed some fresh vegetables with a chicken breast for her dinner. She kicked off her shoes and hummed to the beautiful music. Martier closed her eyes and danced with herself. This music—it was home. She couldn't remember home, but she knew the feeling the music brought. She decided that she would try to listen to African music every single day of her life. 
It was after eleven before she climbed into her bed. She had sobbed through and loved both movies. Before climbing into bed, she checked once more for Tim's houselights. He still wasn't home. Nodding, she closed her eyes. Priscilla. Rich. White. Big rack.

II

Jakob was cursing when he saw the bike. It was 12:37 a.m. "Damnit, Tim. It's not Friday! And I can't freaking drive a motorcycle with a drunk man on the back." 
"I'm not drunk." Tim weaved on his feet. The ground came rushing up to meet him. 
When he woke up again he was in a cab with Jakob. He touched his split lip. He was more sober now and tried to remember if he'd gotten into a fight this time. "Where's my bike?"
"Back at the bar."
He knew better than to complain. Jakob was glaring out his window. 
What a shitty thing for him to do. He got Jakob out of bed on a work night. But somehow he had gotten into his brain that it was Friday, and well … It still wasn't a good excuse.  
"I think I fucked up," he mumbled. 
"You think?" 
Tim's shoulders drooped. "I mean with Martier."
"Martier?" Jakob's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"I think I … have feelings for her."
"Shit. Don't do that to her, Tim. From what you told me—"
"Don't do what to her?" Tim interrupted.
"You don't fuck with a girl like that, Tim!"
"I wasn't going to do that! That's what you do Jakob, not me."
"It's the same thing, Tim," Jakob snapped. "Except the girls I'm with know the deal. The girl who lives in your back yard doesn't. You won't do that to her."
"I wasn't," Tim said. "I'm not. Look, if I just wanted that then I'd do like you and hire assistants for how big their tits are. And you're fucking wrong if you think they all know the deal. Some of them really think you love them, Jakob."
They rode in silence the rest of the way back to Tim's house. 
Before he got out of the cab, Tim reached into his wallet and pulled out enough money to cover the ride. As the cab drove off, he looked at his best friend. He felt sick but not from the alcohol. "I'm sorry Jakob. I was out of line."
Jakob turned to Tim. "Whatever." He got into his car without waiting for Tim to enter the house and drove off. 
Tim cursed. I feel like total shit. So this is what it felt like to lose Jakob's friendship.
III

Tim again had family court for the entire day. 
Martier accepted another lunch date with Karl, and it was Korean this time. He ordered something called ban chan to go along with the grilled meats and vegetables. She loved it, including the kimchee. 
"You pack it away for such a small woman," Karl said. "I admire that."
Martier found out that Karl was 27, owned a $600,000 condo in the city, and had a four-year-old son. 
"His mother and I just didn't work out. But I see him every other weekend and I get him two weeks in the summer."
"That's sad," she said. "A little boy without his daddy there."
"I'm just a phone call away," Karl said. "But you are right. I'd love to have children with a woman who will actually stick around." He searched for her eyes. "Martier, would it be too forward if I asked you out to dinner tonight?"
"Tonight? Well, I'm not sure …"




Pepper writes stories that span the gamut from humorous to heartfelt, however the common theme is crossing boundaries. Pepper's unique stories often tackle taboo topics such as mental illness and homelessness. Readers will find themselves questioning their own sense of right and wrong, attraction and desire.
In addition to writing, the author is also an artist, an introverted recluse, a self proclaimed empath and a foodie. Pepper Pace can be contacted at: 
pepperpace.author@yahoo.com

Jane used to have a different name, a different life—but that was before she was rescued from the refugee camp after the Rwandan genocide and brought to the convent to be raised. Now she is being dismissed, told to go out into the world. 

Tim Singleton lost his wife to breast cancer less than a year ago and yet the pain and anger is still fresh in his mind. When Corrine died, so did Tim’s faith…so when he received the call from the convent, Tim isn’t quite sure why he agreed to help the young African girl with a job. 

She didn’t quite fit in with the others at the law firm that wore thousand dollar Chanel suits while her clothes were picked with care from the donation bin at the church. At nearly six feet tall, the shy girl tried to become invisible in the hectic world around her. But if her ill-fitting clothes didn’t draw attention to her, then it was a beauty that couldn’t be hidden so easily.

Soon Jane sees Tim as not only her benefactor, but her one true love. But can Tim finally open up and allow someone else touch his heart? Can he forget their difference in race and age? And more importantly, would being with him mean the loss of her innocence?


The bell rang. Lizzie put away her lunchbag and turned her science manual to the proper lesson for the day. She pushed any thoughts of Dario out of her mind as she wrote Plant Life Cycle on the board.




On the walk over to her car, dragging her huge rolling crate of papers to grade at home, her thoughts turned back to Dario's message. Should she give him another chance? Maybe he really meant what he said and he realized that she was too good to let go. Maybe he wanted to start all over again. How many countless romances did she read where the hero or heroine made a huge mistake, choosing someone else who wasn't worthy of their time to finally realize that the hero or heroine was who they should've picked all along?

There were two classic novels that flashed in Dinah's mind- Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen was the master of writing about people who realized their mistakes and took steps to fix it. Maybe in a twenty-first century guy's way, that's what he was doing, just like Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennett, and Anne Elliott.

"Ugh," she groaned as her crate toppled over to the side as the elevated sidewalk ended. It happened every day without fail, and every day without fail, Dinah said she would be on the look out for it. As she rearranged her crate to continue on to her car, she berated herself as well for overthinking this whole Dario situation.

They went out on one freakin' date. He didn't follow up like countless other guys did, and now he just wanted to talk to her. Maybe she should give him a chance. What if she didn't and he did turn out to be someone that was going to be important in her life? What if the intense feelings she felt after their date were justified?

Ok, she thought, just talk to him. Don't make a big deal about it. Feel him out. If he continues to be a jerk or if he does the disappearing act again, block him.


Once she opened the trunk of her car to deposit the crate, she slid into the driver's seat and took out her phone and opened up Messenger.


No new messages from him. She guessed he was still waiting for her response. She still had a few questions to ask him, but there was no way that she was going to give the okay for them to officially talk to start over again so soon.

Dinah:  How did you find me on FB?

Dario: I looked up your first name. Not many Dinahs in Miami.

So he actually searched for her. That confirmation made her feel somewhat good, that he thought of her and took the actual time to search and find her. She wrinkled her brows. Something wasn't adding up.

Dinah: Why didn't you just send a message on my cell?

Dario: I don't have your number anymore.

Dinah: Uh… how?

Dario: I got a new phone.

Dinah: Ok.

From then on, Dinah and Dario texted every day. She didn't have to say yes or no to talking to him, she just did through her actions. 

But just texting wasn't enough for her. She wanted to meet him again. Dinah didn't know why he delayed in asking her. So one night, right before she was going to call it a night and go to sleep, she took the big leap.

Dinah: So… are we going to hang out soon?

Dario: Well, when do you want to?

Dinah: Maybe this Saturday?

Dario: Sure, Where to?

Dinah: Maybe we can try something new… like hanging out on the beach?

Dario: South Beach or on the actual beach?

Dinah: The actual beach… maybe Key Biscayne? It'll be cool to just walk on the sand. I'm tired of just going out to eat.

Dario: Ok. Sounds cool.

She furrowed her brows in doubt. He was being too blasé about this. A tinge of frustration coursed through her. 

Dinah: You do plan on actually showing up, right?

Dario: Why wouldn't I?

Dinah:  Because you stood me up last time.

Dario: When did I stand you up?

Dinah: When we planned to go to Starbucks.

Dario: I never confirmed.

Dinah's mouth dropped open and she held the phone in her hands as she jumped off the bed, her thumbs moving furiously on the screen.

Dinah:  What? I gave you a place and date. I asked you the day of and you said yes. I asked you two times and you never responded.

Dario: Yeah, that means I didn't confirm.

Dinah: That's pretty crappy and wrong.

Dario: Things happen. But…did you ever NOT have a good time when we hung out?

Dinah: We only hung out once and that's not the point. I waited for you to tell me a time and you never did, so how can I trust that you won't do the same thing now?

Dario: I won't. Scout's honor.

Dinah: Were you ever a scout?

Dario: LOL. No, but I promise. I'm going to show up on Saturday.

Dinah: You better, because it will look so shitty if you leave me hanging, especially when I WILL be there waiting.

Dinah placed the phone on her nightstand and ran a hand through her hair. Did she totally mess this up? Was she acting too desperate? She couldn't help it. She didn't want a repeat of a few months ago to happen again and if he even thinks of doing that again, she'd block him so quick he wouldn't know what hit him.

No, she acted fine. She was standing her ground. There were moments to be nonchalant and show a too-cool-for-you attitude, but with a guy standing up a girl you had to tell him what was allowed and what wasn't. This time, she needed to set the date, place, and a specific time and hold him to it.

Dinah: So this is the plan. No excuses. This Saturday at Key Biscayne, seven o'clock. I will be there.

Dario: Ok. I'll be there too.


Dinah exited the app and plugged in her phone, ready to do her ritual of shutting off the lights in her apartment, brushing her teeth, and getting all snuggly in her bed before letting herself fall into a deep slumber. But as her head hit the pillow and the darkness of the room enveloped her, she thought of how she either made the best decision of her life to meet him, or made the biggest mistake by wasting any time on Dario.

Lizzie Garcia and Dinah Sanchez are women that are miles apart but have one thing in common- They are desperately looking for true love. 

While both find who they each think is the perfect man through online dating, the two men they meet are completely different as far as personalities are concerned. 

Lizzie meets David Gutierrez - a rich, extremely handsome, sexy man who is too good to be true, until his ex shows up. 

Dinah meets Dario Guerra, the hottest guy she has ever seen who awakens a desire and hunger in her that she has never known. The only problem- at times, Dario pulls away from her and doesn't seem as attentive. There are problems with his ex- girlfriend and Dinah is eager to help him become a better man. But what if it becomes too much and too painful for her to bear? What if there is another, better man who is just right for her?

Though Lizzie and Dinah's love path veer off in many ways,  their lives are connected by one simple thread.

The car I was riding on had stopped in front of the luxurious mansion, a mansion that looks so classic and spooky at the same time. the door beside me opened, I immediately stepped out of the door. Then saw Marvel who had also come down and was welcomed so warmly by the many servants.

I actually don't want to be surprised by the welcome in front of me, because I know that Marvel is very rich. Of course the waiter who stood on the right and left and was welcoming us, is not extraordinary. This may be very common for him.

But for me? Don't ask, the waitress looks like there are 50 people right now. made me feel reluctant to step into the luxurious mansion in front of me.

&quot;Come on, why are you silent?&quot; Marvel makes me grimace a little, why isn't he having any romances to me? I'm the Queen .. yes even though I hesitate to say this in front of him. But what else? He  said like that, I just kept thinking about something...

Tsk! I followed his very wide footsteps, following from behind to be precise. Because Marvel really didn't hold my hand at all. he walked very fast, but still looked relaxed and was tall and muscular. so perfect when seen from behind like this.

 We walked quite a distance, until we came to a large door. At the door there, several people were already standing.

Maybe it's his family?

There was one man standing in the middle, quite old like him. I mean, I think it's old. But his face still looks fresh and charming.

Then on the right was a beautiful woman with wavy hair, long red in color. Her dress is black with a very prominent cleavage. I grimaced in my heart, Why is her body so perfect? did he have plastic surgery?

Ahh forget that Ele! You have to focus on your life only.

Then on the left, there are women too. Her figure is very motherly, Her face looks very tired. But it does not cover the beauty that radiates. so graceful and classy, ​​her face really looked like a goddess descending from the sky. Her clothes were simple, in such a beautiful long dress. Her eyes are brown and her hair is black, rolled up so neatly. His smile was immediately obvious, as Marvel and I walked closer.

Is she Marvel's mom? May be.

Don't forget the man behind the three people, a man who seems to be the same age as Marvel, his face is firmer and quite sinister.

Next to him was another man, but from his face it was quite young. Maybe the same age as me? ah .. what am I? How can you guess the age of the Salvador family? Do I want to die today? No-no .. Don't think all kinds of things Ele .. Be nice and don't think too much.

"Yours sincerely, Your Royal Highness the King of Salvador. Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Thrakia. Empress Arsinoe." I heard very respectful words from Marvel's lips, Marvel crouched half body. I, who was still standing behind him, somehow crouched down and looked down respectfully. Though I don't know what this kind of thing is for.

And what was he saying? King and queen? Ah .. I just like entering the era of the medieval kingdom.

"Get up son .. welcome back home." Said a man who said earlier was the King of Salvador, His voice was very heavy and also Hoarse. Marvel wake up, I'm up too. I didn't dare to look them in the eye up close, I chose to just look down.

"Thanks Dad." Marvel's voice came again.

"My son, finally you came back son." a soft voice that was so melodious, unconsciously made me lift my head. In front of me, Marvel has embraced the woman who I said was a very elegant face. like a goddess for me ..

I smiled a little, because I saw Marvel who was so tightly hugged his mother. Yes .. I'm sure it's his mother.

"Mom, I'm sorry I haven't been back in a long time." Said Marvel.

"Don't apologize, Mommy knows you must be very busy abroad." The beautiful woman said to share the goddess.

Marvel and his mother released a hug, Marvel kissed his forehead. A very beautiful sight for me ..

"You came with your Queen ?."  I don't know whose voice it was, that voice was quite disturbing in my ears. because the voice was so cynical and so cold.

When I looked at the source of the voice, that's when I saw a woman who seemed very cheesy. But I really wouldn't dare say such a thing, I could die sooner. If you say stupid things at the first meeting.

But you have to know, That woman really looks like a slut! And why do I hate her so much. even though she hasn't done anything to me, just asked to Marvel.

"Of course, my vow is to bring my queen to my election day, as the rightful King of Salvador." Said Marvel in a very cynical voice.

Oh .. I know now, looks like that woman and Marvel don't have a good relationship. No wonder my mind immediately felt unhappy, ahh ... do I now have Inner Strength with Marvel? Tsk! Again my brain thought something nonsense.

"I've always liked Your confidence is Marvel." The woman said again.

"I'm glad to hear, that you are praising me at this time, because usually you would never praise." Marvel answered in a haughty tone.

I know the situation is heating up right now, ohhhhh .. Will there be an argument? Why am I so happy?

"Let's just go in, don't talk at the door. That's not good." The king of Salvador said quickly, making Marvel sound his sighed tired.

"I will introduce my Queen to you first, her name is Eleonore Victorine." Marvel stopped his own father's footsteps, making me feel bad now.

"I know."  King Salvador said, Ah .. it hurts! You know how it feels when a father himself says very coldly to his son? I mean, at least he said something nice to me or to Marvel.

At least say, Nice to meet you Eleonore. That's better, instead of him saying so quickly that he already knows me .. ckckckck .. is this the manners of rich people like their family?

I saw Marvel who was already holding his hand very tightly, then saw the four people in front of him immediately stepped inside. Meanwhile, here Marvel and his mother are still standing with strange faces.

"Don't think about it son, you know how your Daddy is." Marvel's mother said .. "Hi Ele, I'm Marvel's mother .. You can just call me Mommy Arsi or Mommy. It's up to you kid, let's go inside." Arsinoe took mine and Marvel's hand simultaneously.

Refta is a boy from a simple family who managed to qualify for an elite private school in his city.
He was announced on the school noticeboard with the lowest score among all the students who took the test simultaneously.
But who would have thought he was hiding his true intelligence and abilities, his desire to live freely and enjoy his life, made him trapped in many of the problems he faced, besides that he was also liked by many women and also made many friends.
A journey of Refta with many stories in it.

Wen Xinya slowly put down the phone. Her pupils were dim with traces of malevolence. A chilly calm was cast over that delicate face, adding to her elegant features a measure of aloofness, cruelty and harsh beauty.
Her fingers brushed lightly across the mobile phone in her hand, as gentle as the petals of a flower. Her lovely lips curved slightly, bringing with it an exquisite sense of wonder.
The people who hurt her Grampy. She would never let a single one of them off.
Xia Ruya getting disfigured from the car crash, living a life worse than death.
Ning Shuqian, are you ready for me?
"Who called you?" Si Yiyan enveloped her in his arms. Her soft body emitted a faint fragrance, gradually arousing him.
Since understanding Xinya's rebirth and seeing that cotton purse, his desire for Xinya had grown increasingly strong and was nearly at uncontrollable levels.
Alone in desolation, fated to a lonely life!
Actually, he more or less guessed that the Si Yiyan of the previous life—having missed out on the one and only chance for his heart to be moved—had spent the rest of his life lonely and isolated, moving along like a zombie until the end. Even at the moment of death then, he had never experienced such a gut-wrenching and extreme bliss as he did now.
"The detective agency." Wen Xinya leaned into his arms. After being with Si Yiyan for so long, there was no way he could keep his bodily reactions from her.
She had told Si Yiyan about the turning point of her rebirth and he had also guessed the truth. It was just that they had tacitly agreed never to bring up that matter. She had indeed been wretched beyond belief during her previous lifetime. But she didn't need Si Yiyan to show her any pity. She had her pride and Si Yiyan understood that.
"Have you made the necessary arrangements to deal with Ning Shuqian?" Si Yiyan knew that Wen Xinya held a trump card against Ning Shuqian. She had yet to use it all this while as she was just waiting for the right opportunity to do so.
Now that Wen Haowen had some suspicions about Ning Shuqian and had even raised his guard against her, their relationship was no longer too strong to break. The prime time to deal with Ning Shuqian had arrived.
Wen Xinya smiled coldly. "Mmm, I will definitely make Ning Shuqian's life a living hell. She will regret not learning her lesson the previous time."
Ning Yuya had gone missing and that was only the beginning. If Ning Shuqian really thought that her daughter had been kidnapped, then she would be making a huge mistake. Wen Xinya did not resort to such petty tricks. When she played, she went big.
Si Yiyan held her waist as his slender fingers strummed the middle of her abdomen like a guitar, teasing and seductive.
The slow, gentle rhythm thumped against her heart, making Wen Xinya's body go weak. "I am quite tired!"
In the past few days, Si Yiyan behaved like a "sex addict" with an insatiable appetite for her. On the other hand, she acutely realized that the rebirth had a huge effect on Si Yiyan. Turning around in the dead of the night to find the person beside was no longer there. The sheets on the other side of the bed had long gone cold.
Seeking out his silhouette, she would enter his study to see a calligraphy writing on a bookcase: "Alone in desolation, fated to a lonely life!"
The penmanship was fierce and swift, nearly penetrating the paper!
The strokes thick and solid, inciting awe and terror!
And beside it, using the same type of calligraphy, were the words: "Through thick and thin, until death does them apart."
The penmanship was refined and graceful, looking completely effortless!
The strokes were classic and elegant, stylish and exquisite!
The same calligraphy but displaying two such wildly different styles and vastly different destinies!
She thought about it. She had happened to hear Si Yiyan mention before that when he was young, they invited a fortune-teller to tell his fortunes. Looking at those two calligraphies, she vaguely understood the meaning represented by these two very different destinies. 
Her heart ached for Si Yiyan with an unmentionable pain! 
These few days, she had let Si Yiyan do whatever he wanted, never raising any resistance.
Si Yiyan drew back his finger and sighed softly. "I won't touch you tonight."
Xinya didn't have Si Yiyan in her previous life.
But in this life, Xinya completely belonged to him. They still had a long life together ahead of them. There was no need for him to rush their love so desperately.
Wen Xinya kissed Si Yiyan gently on the corner of his lip. "Yan, in this life, we will go through thick and thin together, until death does us apart!"
This was Si Yiyan's destiny for this life!
The light in Si Yiyan's eyes wavered. He held her shoulders. "Gu Yuexi is back. Do you wish to meet him?"
He remembered that Xinya had been rather curious about Gu Yuexi and always wished to meet him. But for the past few years, Gu Yuexi was constantly running between Russia and Italy and they didn't have a chance to meet.
As expected, Wen Xinya's eyes brightened with excitement written clearly across her face. "I have always wished to meet him as you regard him so highly. Just what kind of great master would have Yueze and gang avoiding him like a venomous viper!"
Si Yiyan owed a large part of his present-day status and power to Gu Yuexi. Whenever Si Yiyan mentioned Gu Yuexi, he didn't speak like they were of a superior-subordinate relationship, but more like they were longtime friends.
She was more aware than anyone else in the world how arrogant Si Yiyan was. Having been with him for so many years, she had never known him to have many friends. Si Yiyan embodied the phrase "it's lonely at the top" perfectly.
So, she had always wanted to know just who this Gu Yuexi was to be viewed as a friend by Si Yiyan.
Si Yiyan covered her eyes and said in a low voice, "Displaying such keen interest in another man in front of your boyfriend-cum-fiancée-cum-future husband—aren't you worried I will be jealous?"
At the mention of Gu Yuexi, her limpid eyes—which sparkled like the brightest star in the sky—lit up almost blindingly. He couldn't help feeling somewhat jealous at that.
Wen Xinya reached up to pull down his large hand and glared at him. "I am just curious, don't be so petty!"
If he could be jealous even of his good friend, then Wen Xinya really had nothing left to say.
"You should not be curious about any other men apart from me." Si Yiyan demanded in an overbearing manner.
Most romances start from curiosity. Although Xinya was not the type to shift her affections just because of a sense of curiosity, he did not want Xinya paying too much attention to other men.
"Overbearing!" Wen Xinya pouted unhappily as she glared at him.
She might be curious about Gu Yuexi, but it was only because of his relationship with Si Yiyan.
"Don't look at me like that, otherwise I will change my mind and ravish you right now." Si Yiyan gazed meaningfully at her. She probably didn't realize just how alluring she was with her eyes wide and blazing with anger.
Wen Xinya was utterly speechless. Could they still enjoy their fooling around even after reaching such shameless depths?


Originally born from a wealthy family, she ends up leading a vagrant life for fifteen years. However, when she is eventually found by her family, she falls into another devious plot and eventually dies tragically. 

Fifteen years after her rebirth, ravenously raging for revenge, she tears down the hypocritical mask of the foster daughter who had taken her place, and reduces her greedy stepmother and stepsister back to their original sorry states. 

To the jerk's profession of his deep love for her, she only has one thing to say, "Get the hell out of my life. The love you speak of humiliates love!" 

Regardless of the appearances of you monsters, I’ll take in it my stride with my capability, building a business dynasty of my own, sitting in the depths of my riches, bathing in the glistening limelight of the world. 

A certain rich empire's CEO: "Don't mind me. I'm just leaving my mark here to declaring my possession rights; I’ll wait patiently for you to grow up!" The queen's mighty return with commercial warfare fully within her grasp, she navigates the power struggles with skill and verve. When it comes to scheming conspiracies, all she has to say is, "Who are you again? Don’t even bother!"

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