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Six years ago, she was framed by her wicked sister and was abandoned by her then husband while she was pregnant.Six years later, she started anew with a different identity. Oddly, the same man who abandoned her in the past had not stopped pestering her at her front door.“Miss Gibson, what’s your relationship with Mister Lynch?”She smiled and answered nonchalantly, “I don’t know him.”“But sources say that you were once married.”She answered as she tucked her hair, “Those are rumors. I’m not blind, you see.”That day, she was pinned on the wall the moment she stepped in her door.Her three babies cheered, “Daddy said mommy’s eyes are bad! Daddy says he’ll fix it for mommy!”She wailed, “Please let me go, darling!” 
Being second best is practically in my DNA. My sister got the love, the attention, the spotlight. And now, even her damn fiancé.Technically, Rhys Granger was my fiancé now—billionaire, devastatingly hot, and a walking Wall Street wet dream. My parents shoved me into the engagement after Catherine disappeared, and honestly? I didn’t mind. I’d crushed on Rhys for years. This was my chance, right? My turn to be the chosen one?Wrong.One night, he slapped me. Over a mug. A stupid, chipped, ugly mug my sister gave him years ago. That’s when it hit me—he didn’t love me. He didn’t even see me. I was just a warm-bodied placeholder for the woman he actually wanted. And apparently, I wasn’t even worth as much as a glorified coffee cup.So I slapped him right back, dumped his ass, and prepared for disaster—my parents losing their minds, Rhys throwing a billionaire tantrum, his terrifying family plotting my untimely demise.Obviously, I needed alcohol. A lot of alcohol.Enter him.Tall, dangerous, unfairly hot. The kind of man who makes you want to sin just by existing. I’d met him only once before, and that night, he just happened to be at the same bar as my drunk, self-pitying self. So I did the only logical thing: I dragged him into a hotel room and ripped off his clothes.It was reckless. It was stupid. It was completely ill-advised.But it was also: Best. Sex. Of. My. Life.And, as it turned out, the best decision I’d ever made.Because my one-night stand isn’t just some random guy. He’s richer than Rhys, more powerful than my entire family, and definitely more dangerous than I should be playing with.And now, he’s not letting me go. 
Three years ago, Evelyn Blackwell was a wolf-less Omega, betrayed, rejected, and cast out of the Bloodbane Pack.She walked away with nothing but her unborn daughter and the ashes of a bond she once believed in.Now she's back.Not as someone's Luna, but as the founder of a medical empire, a world-renowned doctor,And the fiercely protective mother of a bright, wolf-less little girl.Her ex-mate, Alpha Calvin Wolfe, expected her to fade into obscurity.But the moment he sees her again, confident, radiant, and entirely out of reach, he knows he made the biggest mistake of his life.She doesn't want his apology.She doesn't want his pack.And she sure as hell doesn't want his pity.He falls to his knees, remorse all over his face."Evelyn, I love you. Can we get back together?"She scoffs,"Alpha Calvin, the cheater, you're not so sweet anymore."Her twin sons drop to their knees,"Mom, we only want you!"Evelyn waves them off,"No thanks, I already have an adorable daughter now." 
It all starts with a single photo Avery McPherson posts on social media—one that accidentally captures Lara Womack's dog in heat.From that moment on, Avery finds herself the target of vicious slander. Using AI, someone fabricates explicit content of her and spreads it online to ruin her reputation.Determined to fight back, Avery reports the malicious defamation to authorities. However, all she gets in return are empty promises and indifferent shrugs.In growing despair, Avery finally picks up the phone and calls her husband of three years, Elijah Tarver."It's just some AI nonsense. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?" he says, his voice cold and dismissive.But almost immediately, he arranges a special press conference to clarify the situation about Lara's dog.At that very moment, a message pops up on Avery's phone. It's from her stepbrother, Walter McPherson."There's only one month left before our agreement expires. After that, it's up to you whether to stay or leave."Without thinking twice, Avery answers, "I'm leaving.""After three years of marriage, do you really have no feelings for him at all?" Walter asks, his expression a blend of surprise and relief.Everyone has always believed Avery's love for Elijah was boundless."Yes, my love for him is gone."And so has my love for you. 
On their engagement day, her fiancé cheated with her sister, and pushed her down the stairs even though she was pregnant!Five years later, Charmine Jiang made an impactful return, rooted with a deep hatred for scumbags. She was cold-hearted, ready to fight for the family money, eyed to become a supermodel. She was ready to stun the world.Although she was determined to make her own money for revenge, hordes of men still insisted on helping her, spoiling her.“Who offended my lady? Get the gears ready!”“AK999 ready, I’ve got the scumbags! Dad, Mom, please bring me a little sister!” 
Arya Vitale, the daughter of his sworn enemy was supposed to be a bargaining chip
A pawn in a blood war but from the moment Giovanni De-Santis laid eyes on her, he didn’t see a pawn… he saw his
So he took her
Stole her from her wedding, forced her into a contract marriage, and branded her with his name in every way that mattered
To the world, it was a business strategy
To him she was never meant to be his, it was an obsession
But she isn’t the fragile princess he expected. She’s smart, sharp, hot-headed, sassy, and far too good at making him feel things he buried long ago
And when she runs away he hunts her
Because Giovanni doesn’t lose
Not his empire
Not his war
And never the woman he’s marked as his own
But some wars can’t be won with bullets
Some secrets refuse to stay buried
And the deadliest betrayal may not come from his enemies at all…
What happens when the one thing he can’t control
is the only thing that could destroy him is the only thing that could destroy him?
And a war that demands blood….even if it’s hers. 
She was out of options, she needed something, she needed to do something - she needed money so she agreed to work in a sex house, as a sex worker.She joined the house and started her first training on how to be a perfect sexy girl, how to make a man go crazy with just a touch. But then, something happened along the line in the sex club house, she met the most powerful, cold,never smiling CEO last prince.She didn't just meet him because she wanted to, but, because he ordered for her service, for her to serve him, pleasure him whenever he needed her. She didn't have a choice, she had to do it. The pay was too high, no normal lady would ever refuse him, no one at all. So, she started her job on how to pleasure and please the prince until he was no longer in need of her service.Her name is pink......! Amanda worked for money as a sex worker in one of the biggest sex house until she met a VIP, who turned out to be a charming prince and also her old friend. 
As Liam White’s fiancée, I spent years putting him first—his needs, his dreams, his happiness. I stood by him through every storm, silenced my doubts, and convinced myself that love meant sacrifice.But when the gun was raised and the world narrowed to one split-second decision, he didn’t choose me.he, without hesitation, shielded his first love—Sophia.And in that moment, I realized: no matter how much I gave, no matter how deeply I loved, I was never going to be his first choice. 
My parents hate each other. They enjoy tormenting each other the most.
My older sister, Nicole Shields, has inherited their brutal and ruthless personality traits from them. She's cruel and obsessive by nature.
But no matter how lunatic and cruel my family is, they spoil and pamper me to no end despite the fact that I'm pure and innocent.
I should've enjoyed my life in luxury and comfort, but I ended up getting abducted into the rural mountains when I was ten years old. After that, I got disfigured and beaten up so much that I became mute.
Once I'm all grown up, I can only work as a food delivery rider in order to put food on the table.
One day, I have to take a bumpy route. Because of that, I accidentally ruin the cake that a rich scion has ordered.
I can only kneel on the floor while showing my documents proving that I'm disabled. At the same time, I keep apologizing silently to the scion.
Still, the scion tramples all over my hand with his shoe. Slowly, he breaks my fingers, causing me to almost faint from the immense pain.
At that moment, a woman with a slim figure walks into the private room. The scion releases me before running over to grab her hand.
I see that familiar figure in my blood-tinged vision, making me call out to the depths of my memory silently.
"Nicole…" 
"From today onwards, I will take every decision of your life. What you will eat, where will you go, when will you speak, what you will wear it will be all as I wish. And if you dare to defy me then till now it must have been crystal clear to you how far I can go to keep my words," his voice unsympathetic and cold, causing a shiver down her spine.
Out of fear she was not even able to raise her head and kept her eyes casted down.
He lifted her head up with his forefinger, underneath her chin and stared directly into her mesmerizing hazel eyes.
"Understood?"
Her throat was parched and her mouth was dry. Her tongue felt heavy in her mouth. The seam of her lips was cracked and pasted with each other and she couldn't find enough courage in herself to say anything using her tongue, so she just nodded and casted down her eyes again.
He raised her chin more now with his forefinger and thumb, indicating her to look in his eyes and she did so.
"Understood?" He asked again and raised both his eyebrows, warning her.
"Yy....ye..ss" she croaked out. Her eyes were widened with fear and hands were fisting the bedsheet. Her cheeks were imprinted with red finger marks.
"Good. Now take of your clothes and fulfill your duty" he ordered.
She only pleaded him with her eyes. Clearly, she didn't want her wedding night to turn out like this. 
Mercity's richest man, Adam Alvarez, has been comatose for three years. His wife, Celine Tate, cares for him throughout. But when he wakes up, she finds a flirty text in his phone. His first love is back in the country.
His friends, who have always looked down on Celine, laugh about the matter. "It's time for the ugly little duckling to get kicked to the curb now the swan is back."
Only then does Celine realize Adam has never loved her. She's nothing but a poor joke.
So, one night, Mr. Alvarez receives a divorce agreement from his wife. The reason for the divorce—there's something wrong with his health.
Adam goes after Celine, his expression dark. That's when he discovers her standing under gleaming lights, looking gorgeous in a long dress. She's suddenly become a medical expert.
When she sees him, she smiles. "Are you here to see an andrology specialist, Mr. Alvarez?" 
Lilith Verona’s life looks perfect from the outside. The mansion, the husband who gives her everything, except freedom. Behind closed doors, Lucian’s love is control, his affection another kind of prison.
Then Damien Blackwood walks into her world, Lucian’s estranged brother, all charm and danger, with eyes that seem to recognize every piece of her she’s been forced to hide. Their connection is instant, reckless, and impossible to resist.
What begins as a spark becomes an affair that threatens to consume them both. But the closer Lilith gets to Damien, the more she realizes the truth: nothing about her marriage, her past, or even her identity is what it seems.
And when the lies start to unravel, Lilith will have to decide who she really is… the woman her husband made her, or the one she’s finally brave enough to become.
Because in a world built on power, betrayal, and blood, there are no saints between us. 
Bella Thompson assumed a new identity and entered into a three-year marriage contract with Justin Salvador, hoping to win his heart with her unwavering devotion.To her dismay, Justin hastily presented her with the divorce papers as soon as their contractual period expired. Heartbroken, Bella signed them and returned home, resuming her identity as the heiress of the Thompson business empire.From then on, Bella no longer hid her remarkable talents. She was not only a billionaire heiress, but also a medical prodigy, a world-class hacker, and a fencing champion.Determined to get her revenge, Bella went all out to humiliate her ex-husband’s childhood sweetheart at an auction. She also became her ex-husband’s biggest business rival.Finally, Justin confronted her, saying, “Bella Thompson! Must you be so ruthless?”Bella sneered and retorted, “How I treat you now is only a fraction of the cruelty you subjected me to back then!” 
Three years ago, she was a poor judge of character. She was willing to donate her kidney and become disfigured for an a**hole. However, not only did that man cheat on her, he had even nearly caused her to lose her life!Three years later, she regained her beauty. Upon her glorious return, she swore to make all a**holes pay for what they did.It was widely known that Stanley Batton, the wealthiest tycoon in Atlantis, was a cruel man feared by many. Although he had the facial features of a passionate man, he was known for his heart of ice.People constantly speculated on the kind of woman who would be able to open his heart.However, to everyone’s surprise, he kneeled on one knee under the spotlight, and in front of every known media company, to tie a butterfly knot on her shoe.“Stanley Batton, what do you really want?” She seemed panicked and flustered.He laughed at himself. “Xyla Quest, no one else but you can take my life away!” 
Charlotte Simmons was not just betrayed by her fiancé, who cheated on her with a mistress. Her family business was also taken from her, and she was tricked into sleeping with a stranger on her wedding night. She eventually gave birth to a stranger's child! Her fiancé used her adultery as an excuse to dump her in public, making her the laughing stock of the city. That night, Charlotte Simmons drank herself to oblivion and vowed to seek revenge. However, when she woke up, she found herself lying in Zachary Connor’s bed! She was even more surprised when Zachary asked her to marry him! "Marry me and I’ll make you shine." Who was Zachary Connor? He was known as the emperor of darkness and he also happened to be filthy rich! There were rumors that he was gay. Well, who cared? He was a douchebag anyway, so she decided to go along just so she could punish him for his behavior! They signed and made their marriage official. From then on, Charlotte Simmons got ready and started her plan to torment Zachary Connor. After tormenting him, she knocked on his door that night and said, "Mr. Connor, I want a divorce." However, the next day, Charlotte Simmons walked out of the room with a pale face. "How dare you try to leave when you’re already mine?" 
She was always the good girl. Until heartbreak made her reckless.
Elena Sinclair thought marriage meant forever.
But five years in, her “forever” has become a gilded cage of pain and betrayal.
She’s the wife who couldn’t give him a child. The barren disappointment. And for that, her husband offered her a cruel compromise… an open marriage. One that gave him the right to find someone who could carry his heir.
The next day, he brought a pregnant woman home. The same woman who was first introduced as his cousin.
The humiliation doesn’t end there, his mother lashes out… hurling insults and even fists, while her husband turns a blind eye. Not once has he defended her. Not once has he shown her love. She’s nothing more than a placeholder… a name on a marriage certificate.
The cruelest part? She loved him. She loved him long before the vows, long before the lies… so deeply it blinded her to who he really was.
Now, to make him jealous, she turns to the one man she should never touch: Jaxx Moretti, her husband’s younger brother. The dangerous one. The black sheep of the Sinclair family. The man who once made her high school years hell… and now has every reason to destroy her husband's legacy.
What starts as a twisted game soon ignites into something raw, addictive, and completely forbidden.
But Jaxx isn’t just her escape. He’s everything her husband isn’t. Because the deeper she sinks into Jaxx's bed… The harder it becomes to crawl back out.
Content Warning: This book contains mature themes intended for adult audiences (18+), including explicit sexual content, toxic relationships, manipulation, and emotional trauma. Reader discretion is strongly advised. 
BLURB
."Ever have that feeling nothing you ever do matters?"
This is Lila Vitale's story, being overshadowed by her elder sister all her life no matter the efforts she puts in.
Finally, she is put in the spotlight when her elder sister, Lily, abandons her husband because he went blind, and she ( Lila) has to be the replacement by pretending to be her.
Lila is not happy about this at first but steps up to the challenge as she is finally seen and relied on by those she cares about.
Lucien, a year later regains his eyesight due to surgery. Lila, hopeful to be set free by the truth, gets disappointed when her sister Lily miraculously appears to take back the place she abandoned and the man Lila had grown to love.
To make matters worse, Lila realizes she was just a pawn being used all along and overhears death plots about her unborn child.
As the betrayal deepens, Lila tries reaching out to Lucien who treats her like a pest, hurting and giving her no choice but to disappear. Not too long after, Lucien figures out the truth and seeks out for her but isn't he too late?
Will Lila ever want to let him back into her life again, especially when she is hell-bent on revenge?
EXCERPT.
"You have to come back, Lila. To me. You and our children". He whispered gently, his blue eyes filled with care towards me, his hands on my cheeks, stroking them softly.
I closed my eyes, rubbing my face against his palm, enjoying the texture. How I had longed so much for this.
"Our children? Remember Mr. Knight. I never married you neither are my bastard children yours". I commented, repeating his exact same words five years ago as the side of my lips curled up in disdain. 
“Genesis. Your eyes, they just glowed right now,” Killian spoke, his hands cupping my cheeks, his hands felt gentle almost as if he was holding a flower, I wouldn’t mind being a flower. Flowers are beautiful. My mind wandered off again, and I heard the voice in my mind let out a small snicker.“What about my eyes?”“They changed…” He let go of my face, and I felt like I had been deprived of the sweetest feeling. I wanted it back. But I had to soldier on.“Don’t yours when you communicate with your wolf,” I asked tucking the small strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes following my movements intently, tensioned filled the air.********************************************************************************************************************************************Genesis was a loner living as a slave in a pack that killed her family; some people didn't even know she existed. She believed that her future was bleak and is doomed to forever be a slave for a pack she hates with all of her might.what happens when she meets meets her fated mate who turns out to the the Alpha King Kilian a thousand year old Lycan who has a fierce and cruel reputation and who has publicly announced to the supernatural world countless of times that he did not wish for a mate.Will he reject her?And what will happen when Genesis finds out just how powerful she really is, and who her parents really were. 
Rebirth. Revenge. Romance.
In her past life, Delia was blind to love. Betrayed by her cousin and ex, she discarded her "crippled" husband Curtis-only to die disfigured and alone.
Now she's back.
This time, she tears up the divorce papers and clings to Curtis's side-only to discover he's not weak at all. In fact, when he rises from his wheelchair, the world bows.
"You're mine-body and soul," he growls, his voice like velvet and steel.
She's the one seducing him now-until he's addicted, crazed, and can't live without her.
She'll crush her enemies, reclaim everything they stole, and love the man who once gave her the world.
This time, she'll give him back everything-and more. 
Suzanne Yates has been Jenson Lambert's lapdog for a decade. She stuck by him when he was a nobody and accompanied him as he made his way to the top. Yet ultimately, she loses to Seline Yates.
She decides to give up on him and salvage her career. She's a miracle doctor, genius hacker, renowned lawyer, invincible gamer, famous designer, and award-winning actress… She's all of those things, which means she's also great at teaching a scumbag and a scheming bitch a lesson!
Jenson looks at Suzanne imperiously and says, "You're worthy of being my woman now, Suzanne."
Austin Hall suddenly darts forward to kick him aside. "How dare you try to get involved with my woman?"
Jenson is terrified. "M-Mr. Hall?"
Austin gently tilts Suzanne's head up. He asks dangerously, "Are you out here seducing other men again?"
She pales. She's about to flee when he sweeps her off her feet. 
He kissed me breathless, senseless—he had me wanting, shamelessly panting against the cool glass of the courtyard, open for anyone.“We can’t! Someone could see—!”“Let them," he husked against my neck. "I want them to see.”My name is Ayda Sabine, once the princess to the illustrious Emerald Lake pack, now a single mother living a life of destitution in Eventide City. My status has been stripped from me, banished by my parents for my digression of falling outside my betrothal agreement. To make matters worse, I don't remember who the father of my son is. All I can recall are his golden eyes. However, when the opportunity arises for me and my son to ascend the social ladder as the personal stylist to Narcissa Onasis of the Diamond Spring clan, I finally get the opportunity to find the man who could be my true mate. If Narcissa's fiance, Prince Sebastian of the Obsidian Moon doesn't stop me. Alpha's Secret Mate is created by Claire Wilkins, an eGlobal Creative Published author. 
Bonnie Shepard, a country girl, is the talk of the town. Rumors say she's a loser who loves fighting and fooling around.Her fiancé dumps her, and the esteemed Knight family distances themselves, causing the Shepards no small embarrassment. But when the world uncovers her true identity as the nation's leading researcher, everyone is awed.To their surprise, she's not only a math genius, but also a chess prodigy, a medical guru, and a kickboxing expert, outshining even the wealthiest tycoon on the Forbes list.Prominent figures and affluent heirs vie openly for her affection."Bonnie, will you marry me? I'm fit, and I’m the most romantic and considerate partner you'll ever find. Hell, I'll even handle all the household chores!""Bonnie, choose me, please? My family owns a mine, and you can buy anything you want!" Ivor Knight, the CEO who once spurned her, regrets it so much that he can only say, "Fuck off, okay? She's mine!" 
Wynter Quinnell has never known that she's not related to the Yates family by blood. When her childhood sweetheart and the rest of the world turn on her, the Yates family kicks her out and tells her to search for her biological parents in the hole she'd crawled out from…Wynter laughs it off. She's about to stun everyone by revealing her secret identity, but it turns out the "hole" the Yates family had mentioned is actually the richest family in Kingbourne, the Quinnell family!Over the course of a single night, she goes from the Yates family's fake daughter, who's despised by everyone, to the actual daughter of the richest man in the country. She also has six brothers who absolutely adore her!Her eldest brother is a domineering president. "Let's pause the meeting right here. Get me a ticket back to the country—I wanna see who are the people who have the nerve to bully my sister!"Her second-eldest brother is a famous celebrity. "Cancel the function. I'm gonna take my sister home right now."Her third-eldest brother is a god in his industry. "Postpone the competition. Nothing's more important than my sister."This rocks the country!The Yates family regrets every wrong move they make, and Wynter's childhood sweetheart tries to win her back.But before she can reject him, Dalton Yarwood, the president of Yarwood Corporation and the son of the renowned Yarwood family, proposes to her. It makes her the talk of the town! 
The party had come to an end and the tables were in disarray. The middle aisle had been decorated and now only trampled flower petals remained.
Alice timidly walked over to Tony and watched him drink the glass of wine, said heartily, "You've already drunk quite a lot, don't drink anymore."
He turned his head to look at her with a hint of anger, growling at her with some slurred words, "None of your business, get out!"
Alice froze, but still stubbornly tried to grab the refilled glass, only to have him fling it away. Wearing high heels, she lost her weight for a moment and stumbled a few steps before stopping. Her ankle was broken and she drew in a breath of cold air, holding it back.
The people around her couldn't bear, advising her in a peaceful manner, "Tony has drunk, so don't be angry, sister-in-law. Teach him a good lesson when he is sober." 
At her lowest point, Jasmine Scott signs an agreement with Calvin Ford's mother, marrying Calvin in exchange for financial support.
For three years, she plays the perfect wife—gentle, obedient, and endlessly patient. She cares for Calvin, helping him recover from both his disability and his anger, guiding him to stand on his feet again.
She thinks they might just make it work. But then, Olivia Zeller, Calvin's true love, returns.
On a stormy night, Calvin doesn't hesitate to abandon Jasmine just to pick Olivia up.
Later, he lies about a business trip, only to secretly attend a concert with Olivia. He even brings Olivia home and flirts with her right in front of Jasmine.
Jasmine finally decides to end it after one too many disappointments. She files for divorce.
...
The next time Calvin sees Jasmine is at a glamorous banquet. His dull and boring ex-wife now stuns in haute couture, glowing with grace and elegance.
When he catches her giggling at another man, eyes sparkling, Calvin snaps and seethes with jealousy. He corners her and growls, "Jasmine, who gave you permission to be with another man?"
Without missing a beat, Jasmine slaps him. "Who let you off your leash? Touch me again and I'll report you for sexual harassment!"
...
Jasmine moves into a new home, where she meets a gentle and dependable neighbor named Joshua Sutton.
He teaches her how to trust again, treats her with care, and spoils her like a princess. Every time she struggles, he stands behind her quietly and steadily.
Dates, love confessions, a proposal, even the wedding—he plans everything down to the tiniest detail. She doesn't have to lift a finger.
And that's when Jasmine finally realizes this is what it feels like to be truly cherished. 
Valeria Neal brings her daughter to the hospital for a check-up, only to discover that the attending physician is her long-separated boyfriend.After seven years, she has already changed her name and shed all her excess weight, transforming from an overweight woman to a slender beauty.He doesn't recognize her and has no idea she has secretly given birth to his child.Her daughter, Selena Neal, clutches her hand. "Mommy, why are you crying?"Valeria can't answer her, only wanting to turn and run.In her youth, she had dared to chase that man who was so far out of her league.…At Stredview University, a scandal broke out. The campus heartthrob, Sebastian Grant, reserved but refined, was secretly dating someone. His mystery girlfriend? A chubby, ordinary woman.She became the target of endless ridicule and malicious gossip.It wasn't until a familiar, cold, husky voice admitted that their relationship was for fun since he would be leaving the country soon.…Valeria ended that bitter, one-sided love.However, meeting him again shatters the quiet life she'd built for herself.She tries desperately to draw a clear line between them, only to find herself tangled up in his sheets.He threatens her, cajoles her, feigns illness, and even shamelessly drives away every man who comes near her."Sebastian, don't you get it? I have a boyfriend now," Valeria says.Inside the Maybach, he grips her waist and kisses her like a madman. "Then let me be your secret lover. I'm richer than him, younger than him, and I can give you a better life."Seven years ago, he kept their love a secret. Seven years later, he's willing to degrade himself and be her secret lover.Valeria calls him crazy, but Sebastian says he's just crazy about her. 
Alex Thompson, the most popular guy on campus, finds my alternate Instagram account. He starts bragging in the dormitory.
"You know that ice queen from the history department? She's not that hard to pursue after all. All I did was invite her to watch a few games, and she agreed to be with me.
"Aren't you guys curious about her alternate Instagram account? Check it out."
Xavier Chapman, one of Alex's roommates and the captain of the ice hockey team, rushes over rowdily. "Alex, isn't it obvious? She's definitely into you."
Illya Armstrong, Alex's other roommate and a robotics genius who has just won the dean's scholarship, snorts in disdain and continues reading his book.
Alex checks the first post.
"To get closer to him, I agreed to go out with that dumb, muscular quarterback."
He looks at the second post.
"Of all people, why does he have to be Alex's roommate?"
Finally, he reads the third post.
"I can't stand Alex anymore. I'm going to confess to his roommate in three days."
The three campus heartthrobs who live together go quiet. 
"Ms. Keane, the test results are not very favorable. You've been diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer. If you refuse treatment, you'll likely only have several weeks left to live—not even a month. Are you sure you wish to proceed without treatment? Does your husband agree to this?"
The doctor asks me over the phone.
"I'm sure… Yes, he agrees to this as well," I reply.
I gaze around the empty room after I end the call, feeling unbearably upset. I used to think the pain was just my recurring gastritis, but it's actually because of a tumor.
Sighing, I turn to gaze at the photo on the desk.
Silas Huntington, who's 18 in the photo, stares right back at me.
Even after all these years, I can still remember the day we took that photo. Snow had dusted our hair white, which made Silas ask whether this counted as us growing old together. 
My husband's little sweetheart is threatening to break up with him again. He’s drowning in misery, drinking so much that he landed in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer. Half dead, he mutters, "She’s the only one who dares to mess with me like this."
Then he grabs my hand and asks, "Honey, you’re a woman too. How do I get her to forgive me this time?"
It’s true. He’s cheated so many times, but this Vivian is the only one he actually cares about.
My phone buzzes—it’s a message from Vivian.
"Mrs. Carter! Please keep your husband in check! As a woman, don’t you have any pride left? Tell him to stop bothering me!"
I let out a sarcastic laugh and, just like always, ignore her.
On Eric’s fifth day in the hospital, he blew up my phone with calls. His mood was a mess as he yelled at me, "I’m in the hospital! Why haven’t you come to see me? Do you even care about your husband at all?"
I stayed calm. "I’m afraid if I show up, you’ll fall for me all over again."
........ 
During her five years of marriage, Teresa Sutton has selflessly devoted herself without complaint.
She raises her child, is respectful of her in-laws, and gives her husband ample personal space.
Yet, her selfless dedication earns her a husband who keeps a lover on the side. He gifts her cars and houses. He arranges jobs for her. He kisses and hugs her. He even gives her piggyback rides.
Hoping to make her straying husband settle down, Teresa decides to try for a second child.
She thinks Cameron Langdon's willingness to have a second child with her means he acknowledges her identity as Mrs. Langdon. Instead, the reality is that her husband fears the risks of childbirth for his young lover, so he makes Teresa the breeding tool.
Despite losing her husband, Teresa thinks she at least has her daughter for company. However, her own flesh and blood she raised has also become someone else's snuggle buddy.
In the end, Teresa loses all feelings in an instant. She terminates her second pregnancy and is determined to get a divorce. She wants neither her husband nor her daughter.
While Teresa waits for the divorce formalities to be processed, her husband, who once never came home, now corners her in the living room.
"I thought we'd have a second child?" 
"Young lady, whose bastard is that inside you?"
"Don't you know any shame? Is this how I raised you?"
The living room was warm, yet a cold sweat broke out across my back. I stroked my swollen belly, looked at their outraged faces, and suddenly let out a low chuckle.
"You really don't know?"
Father crushed his cigarette butt savagely into the ashtray, sparks flying up before dying. "How would we know what shameful things you've been up to out there?"
"The kidnappers," I said softly, my voice like a snowflake landing on a hot iron plate. "Don't you remember? That year the kidnappers took both me and Liza. They wanted a 500,000 ransom. You only scraped together half, saying 'save the real child first.'"
My parents' faces instantly froze, like the surface of a frozen lake. They even seemed to forget to breathe.
"Later, you took Liza back. The kidnappers kept me for three more months." I touched my belly, fingertips registering a faint flutter of movement inside. "Did you really think I escaped on my own?"
But none of that mattered anymore. Because I was going to die. 
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