Qin Yuan transmigrated into a novel and became the main villain. ... more>>

He also found himself as the devoted simp for the heroine of this world.

However, Qin Yuan decided to abandon the path of simping, as he knew exactly what the heroine was truly like, having full knowledge of the novel’s plot.

When the heroine told him, “I don’t like you,” he calmly agreed and canceled their engagement, one that had been arranged by his past self.

Who was he, after all? He was the Holy Son of the Heavenly Vault Holy Land, the Young Master of the Great Emperor’s Family!

He was exceptionally talented and undeniably handsome.

With all these blessings and multiple identities, why would he continue simping for a fake noble heroine? That was simply out of the question.

With the awakening of the Destiny Villain System, Qin Yuan embarked on a journey to seize the protagonist’s opportunities and torment the heroine relentlessly.

In the end, the protagonist realized that the heroine was useless and discarded her. It was only then that she regretted her choices and finally remembered Qin Yuan’s kindness.

“Qin Yuan, I realized that I still have feelings for you…”

“What? You want to enter my Human Emperor Banner?” <<less

In her past life, Lanyin was praised by everyone as a virtuous and exemplary wife, but she ultimately met a tragic end, falsely accused of adultery and divorced. ... more>>

She was driven out of her home by Xiao Ye, abandoned by her own family like worthless tr*sh, and in the end, she watched helplessly as Xiao Ye and her younger sister flew off together, while she perished alone in a fire, suffering a lonely and miserable death.

Reborn to the third year of her marriage to Xiao Ye, just as the newly widowed Gu Qing was brought home by Xiao Ye, the delicate woman wept incessantly, while her usually cold and silent husband grew frantic with worry. Looking at the pair before her, Lanyin suddenly felt it was all rather ridiculous. All her tragedies stemmed from this unfair marriage.

If that was the case, then she no longer wanted it.

After the divorce, Lanyin bought houses and shops, living a flourishing and prosperous life. Meanwhile, Xiao Ye gradually grew unaccustomed to the change. But when he mustered the courage to seek out Lanyin, he saw her walking and laughing together with Qi Yubai, the rising star of the court.

It was the first time he realized that Lanyin could also smile so radiantly.

Lanyin had always followed the rules and never wronged anyone. If there was anyone she owed, it was Qi Yubai from her past life, the man falsely accused of adultery with her. He could have risen even higher, but was dragged down by her. Unexpectedly, after the divorce, she gradually grew closer to him.

Qi Yubai was cold and solitary, but Lanyin, who had been walking alone in the darkness, felt a long-lost warmth and affection from him. He told her, "You are not unworthy of love. You just hadn’t met the right person before."

*

Qi Yubai, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, was cold and restrained, like a snow-covered pine on a cold mountain or green bamboo under the moonlight. He was the ideal man in the hearts of all young women, yet someone they admired from afar, too intimidated to approach. Everyone thought that a man like him, an unattainable flower on a high peak, would never bow for a woman in his lifetime.

Unexpectedly—

On a snowy day, as a group of people walked through the snow in search of plum blossoms, before they could even see the flowers, they caught sight of him standing with Gu Lanyin, who had recently divorced. Amid the falling snow, his umbrella tilted mostly over her, snow gathering on his shoulders, while his usually cold and indifferent eyes held a faint smile.

Qi Yubai had lived two lifetimes and secretly loved Gu Lanyin for both.

In this lifetime, since he had finally taken her hand, he would never let go. <<less

(Immortal Cultivation+Meeting a Perfect Match+Shura Field+Invincible Flow+Upgrade Flow+Playing the Pig and Eating the Tiger)... more>>

---

What is cultivation? When I think back to the past, cultivation was, as a baby, kicking my legs over and over again—kicking on the bed, kicking on the ground, kicking every single day. Cultivation was, as I grew older, swinging my sword again and again—slashing here, cutting there. Cultivation became, as I matured, the repeated harmony of yin and yang—busy tonight, and busy again tomorrow night. ... My name is Xu Ming. I have never cared about the stipends given to me by those sect masters, noble ladies, or princesses.

I said to her, "Can you give me a room closer to yours? I need to report my work to you at any moment." Even if I accomplish nothing every day, I just want to watch how she cultivates. I... <<less

Reborn to 1996, Bei Yao became a four-year-old little dumpling, living opposite the world’s catastrophic devil who had a crush on her twenty years later. Devil Pei Chuan was now five years old, with disabled legs and inferiority complex. ... more>>

Later they became seventeen, Bei Yao became a “school flower” of her high school. Pei Chuan froze, clasped his wheelchair tightly, and warned her, “Don’t say you like me, or else …” Bei Yao hugged his neck and smiled sweetly at him. Pei Chuan couldn’t help but hold her waist, and his suppressed emotions broke out. Belonging to his heart for two lives, Bei Yao wanted to know what the devil was like. <<less

I thought I was the heroine, but I wasn’t. I knew it as soon as I saw my cute little sister that I’ve never met before. She’s the heroine. My shiny younger sister was the heroine everyone loved, and I was just an accidental bonus. ... more>>

The woman will love the man, and the man will also love the woman.

But I’m not my younger sister, so why do I keep getting tangled up with the male lead? Meeting him was the worst. The problem is, I’m starting to fall in love with him. He loves my sister, and the whole story will go the way it was supposed to.

“Let’s stop now. Let’s put everything down and disappear.”

I ran away from the climax where he said he would marry my sister. There’s no need to have extras under a flashy spotlight. So I packed up and ran away…

Why is this man here? There was madness in his eyes while looking at me.

“Did you hate me so much?”

“What?”

“This is where you trampled after my proposal and ran away immediately.”

Bloody eyes, tears? Is he crying?

“Wait a minute. A proposal? What are you talking about?”

“It’s no use running away again. I’ll follow you wherever you go.”

The blazing eyes were unfamiliar.

“I’m the only one who’ll see it.”

What did you just say?

“I’ll make it as if you couldn’t breathe without me.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“That day. You didn’t answer me.”

Aha. Got it. I don’t know why, but my sister must have divorced him. Otherwise, The Duke, who hated me, told me that…

“Let’s get married.”

You wouldn’t propose, would you? <<less

The two private high schools have merged. The big bosses/fish of both schools find one another displeasing to the eye, and engage in both open and hidden conflict.... more>>

Sui Houyu looked at his counterpart and curled his lips disdainfully: He puts on such airs but can’t behave like a person.

Hou Mo stared back and sneered: Quite the Helen of Troy isn’t he – pretty enough to start wars over, and has quite the temper. Forget about being the most handsome guy in the school, you can be the school belle.

Sui Houyu had a manic mood disorder and severe insomnia but found that as long as he was close to Hou Mo, he could fall asleep. From then on, Hou Mo had an additional little grumpy monster by his side.

After winning a doubles tennis match, the partners who then would arrange to duel/fight against one another on the rooftop, could only be Sui Houyu and Hou Mo. After their teammates found out about the matter, they were filled with anxiety.

After some time, Sui Houyu returned with his lips were slightly swollen, and the corners of his mouth bruised, causing everyone to be furious with Hou Mo on his behalf.

When Hou Mo returned to the class, he had tooth marks on his throat and had lost two buttons on the top of his shirt. He quickly explained to Sui Houyu: “I really didn’t smile at any girls while we were playing. That’s just how my face looks.”

Everyone can disperse now…

Interviewer: Please use four words to describe what you think about him?

Hou Mo: I like him so much that I can’t stop touching him/ put him down.
Sui Houyu: F* it.

Reporter: What sort of hobbies do you have?
Hou Mo: Groping fish.¹

Sui Hou Yu: Beating up monkeys.²

Notes :
[1] Refers to lazing on the job, but the ‘yu’ for fish is a homonym for Sui Hou Yu’s ‘yu’
[2] Monkey Hou is a pun on Hou Mo’s name <<less

Zhu Xiang, a professor of agriculture, found himself transported to the chaotic era of the Warring States in the Zhao Country. After much hardship, his life began to improve. His elder sister, who had run away with a wealthy merchant, left her nephew in his care, explaining that she had formed a relationship with another wealthy merchant and couldn’t take care of the child.... more>>

An indignant Zhu Xiang initially considered giving the child to someone else, but then he learned that the child’s name was Zheng, and his father was none other than Sun Yi, a noble from the Qin state. Zhu Xiang was bewildered. “My nephew is Ying Zheng? But my sister’s name isn’t Zhao Ji; it’s Chunhua!”

Determined not to let the future First Emperor disappear from history, Zhu Xiang decided to grit his teeth and tighten his belt to raise the young Emperor Qin. With a “ding,” the cultivation system came online, and he could exchange goodwill with historical figures for superior crops. Tears filled Zhu Xiang’s eyes as he kissed the young Emperor Qin on the forehead. “Truly worthy of being the Future First Emperor! You’re amazing! Just watch, your uncle will cultivate a vast empire for you!”

Many years later, Emperor Qin Shi Huang would still recall his childhood memories. His uncle held his small hand and walked through endless fields, pointing to the vast golden fields that stretched to the horizon. “Zheng, my nephew, your uncle has a dream – to plant superior crops across all the lands bathed in the sun and moonlight, so that everyone in the kingdom can have enough to eat.”

“Uncle, Zheng can conquer all the lands under the sun and moon and give them to you for farming, how does that sound?”

“Ah? Hahaha, that sounds great!” His uncle let out a hearty laugh, lifting him onto his shoulders. “Wherever Zheng’s kingdom expands, your uncle’s fields will follow.”

A large hands firmly holding onto the smaller one. “It’s a promise.”

—Attention—

1. This text has a casual style with modern vocabulary, and the characters use contemporary language and dialogue, not following ancient customs (e.g., using ‘you and me’ instead of ‘thou and I’). It’s a heartwarming story about raising a young emperor and daily life in a relaxed farming setting.

2. Characters and major events have been adjusted for the sake of the plot. There are many fictional characters and events, with references to historical records. Please don’t expect historical accuracy.

3. All readers are equal in this genuine reading community. Please don’t criticize or belittle other readers who enjoy this text just because it doesn’t suit your taste. I’m just a humble writer; I’m not worthy of such treatment.

4. I kindly request that you refrain from recommending this text on other stories or criticizing other stories here. Let’s all be respectful and considerate. (m(-_-)m) <<less

"Must I give up on a happy marriage?... more>>

My parents—despite being parents—are still disgustingly lovey-dovey.

Yet when I imagine myself in their place... I can't help but think, I want that too.

Fine then—I'll use my future-sight to hunt down that perfect partner!" <<less

I found myself transmigrated into an R-19 romance fantasy novel, where the male lead's overwhelming charm stood out.... more>>

It was a story about two protagonists, who grew up in completely opposite environments, falling for each other so deeply that day and night blurred together.

I was just an older sister figure who briefly appeared during the male lead, Rian's, childhood.

Our parents were acquaintances, so we met a few times, but after that, we had no further connection. In the novel, my existence was so insignificant that even my life or death was unknown.

I had no intention of interfering with the original storyline, but the moment I saw Rian smile at me, I made up my mind.

I wanted to help Rian in any way I could so that he would never lose that smile.

To slightly alter the original story, I tried to prevent Rian's family from being embroiled in a rebellion.

However, all my efforts were in vain, and in the end, Rian's family fell to ruin, just as the original story dictated.

***

Ten years later, I reunited with Rian.

The beautiful boy I once knew had grown into a man far more handsome than I had ever imagined.

“I think I’m going to get married soon.”

“Really? Congratulations.”

At the mention of marriage, Rian smiled brightly and congratulated me on my upcoming wedding.

However, a few days later, the man I was supposed to marry suffered a major accident and broke off the engagement.

My next fiancé also met with an accident, and the one after that ran away due to gambling debts, leading to yet another broken engagement.

As a result, rumors spread throughout society that marrying me would lead to death or injury.

No one wanted to marry me.

Amidst all this, the one who reached out his hand to me was none other than Rian.

t/n: side stories are R19 <<less

"I was possessed into a 19+ tragic BL novel.... more>>

And as the sickly son of a family that traumatized the main character...

At this rate, I'll be brutally killed by the main character who will come back for revenge later.

For the sake of a peaceful life different from the original story, I devotedly cared for the captured main character and safely sent him back.

'I haven't forgotten about you for a single moment, hyung.'

The main character who should have gone far away and lived happily has returned!" <<less

Yao Yao was abandoned by her family. She wandered the streets, trying to find her way home, but was instead drawn in by the tempting aroma of steaming meat buns.... more>>

The young heir to the noble house (the Shizi) found her adorably silly and endearing, so he carefully brought her home.

Though she was just a maid, the young lord personally fed and pampered her, raising her with great care. Following behind him, she lived a life of luxury and splendor.

Later, her family was released from prison and came to take her back. Yao Yao once again became the treasured daughter of her parents. No one knew that she had spent over ten years by the side of a noble young lord, loved and cherished beyond measure.

Until one day, at a banquet granted by the Emperor, she sat quietly with her family. Mistaken for a crude country girl, she was mocked and humiliated by the daughters of nobility. Fearing her parents would be upset, she held back her temper and said nothing—her eyes simply reddened with silent tears.

Suddenly, the familiar aroma of peach blossom soup drifted to her nose—

It was a flavor she had longed for, never able to forget.

Yao Yao looked up and saw him—sitting close to the Emperor, young yet already holding immense power, the Shizi was smiling as he looked at her.

His eyes were just as gentle and lingering as they had been when they parted.

“Yao Yao,” he said softly, “come back to me.” <<less

Lin Qian, a gaming expert on Earth, a true "pay-to-win" warrior! After an unexpected accident, he is reborn in a different world.... more>>

However, in this new world, aside from having a slightly better cultivation talent, he doesn't possess any special skills. He explodes the furnace when refining pills, turns weapons into scrap metal when crafting, and knows nothing about formations or other life skills.

But Lin Qian accidentally discovers that the vast empire he once ruled over in the game, which dominated the server, has followed him through the rebirth.

What was once just a bunch of data—invincible generals, legion commanders, and an imperial army numbering in the billions—has now come to life, swearing unwavering loyalty to him! <<less

During the ritual of summoning demons, Aiwass finally recalled the memories of his past life. This is supposed to be an online game that has been published and operated by its own company for six years. Now his adoptive father is the leader of the latest version of the villain organization.... more>>

And he will reveal his identity six years later, and he will hesitantly jump back from the protagonist. In the end, because he decided to block the fatal blow for the player character, he was killed in the cutscene CG by the big brother who was rooted in the black without even having a chance to enter the book. — but it’s not a big problem. Because Aiwass also knows many secret promotion paths that are exclusive to the player character, as well as the various path rules that serve as secret knowledge, he will surely be able to reverse his unfortunate fate……

So now there’s only one question left. “According to the original plot, shouldn’t I have been saved by the protagonist before this breaking ceremony began?”

Aiwass, who was tied to the ceremonial table as a sacrifice, fell into deep thought. ——————

This book is also known as “When the Plot Skips Players Into the Game World” Keywords: Victorian Fantasy, Amber Flow <<less

I was once reborn as the protagonist of a crappy galgame, only to meet my end by overworking myself to death trying to save the world. But when I opened my eyes again, I found myself reincarnated once more—this time as the female protagonist in the sequel. Determined not to become a wage s*ave again, my familiars, who shared my disdain for working overtime, came up with a cunning plan. ... more>>

By becoming the childhood sweetheart of the original male protagonist, creating perfect memories together, and deepening our bond through our youth, I could turn him into someone who couldn’t imagine living in a world without me…

Familiars: Now, for the final step. On the night of his proposal, when the ring is slipped onto your finger, a monster will appear and tear you apart before his very eyes. This will surely leave him with a lifetime of regret.

Nagine: ???

Congratulations. You’ve created the strongest protagonist, who will now ruthlessly eradicate all evil. <<less

Song Yunhui is the young master of the Song family. When he was young, his mother died of illness and his father married another woman, bringing him a younger brother.... more>>

Since then, he has never experienced the feeling of being held in the palm of someone’s hand.

He studied hard and practiced calligraphy and piano with little success, failing to gain anyone’s love and appreciation.

As soon as he entered the entertainment industry, he was accused of being jealous of his younger brother’s fame. He was accused of stealing scenes while acting, of lip-syncing while singing, and people even accused him of having bad intentions while saving a fellow actor who fell in the river.

Finally, he was successfully blacklisted all over the Internet, and everyone condemned him.

After rescuing the actor who fell into the river, he fainted. When he woke up again, Song Yunhui discovered that this world is a book, and his brother is the protagonist. Song Yunhui is simply the cannon fodder obstacle on the protagonist’s path that everyone hates.

His father likes his younger brother. The person he likes likes his younger brother. Even the internet only likes his younger brother.

No matter what he does, no matter how well he does it, no one will care.

Song Yunhui thought about it.

If you don’t like someone, leave. If people don’t like you, don’t force yourself.

After he packed up and announced his retirement, he found a small villa in a small town. There, he would write songs by himself and occasionally stream while singing and playing games to support himself.

From time to time, he’d go to the neighbors house and poach a meal. It’s a very comfortable life. <<less

Jing Mian is a game streamer who never shows his face. Even after joining a professional team, fans could only see the player sitting in the corner of the competitive stage, wearing a hoodie with pale skin, performing smooth and fluid techniques, and a set of warm almond eyes that glinted faintly beneath the dark mask.... more>>

Until one day, during a livestream mishap, people caught a glimpse of him eating noodles at home through the camera. The chat exploded that night.

"His real face?! What kind of ethereal beauty is this!!"

"He could have relied on his looks to make a living, but he chose to become a world champion with his skills??"

"Look at how quietly he's eating noodles, it's melting my heart…"

"How can he be so well-behaved!"

…

A few seconds later, the sound of unlocking was heard in the live stream.

The live stream room fell into silence. The young man on camera appeared to be halted for a brief while, his expression flickering with anxiousness. But he was a step too late, unexpectedly meeting the gaze of the voice's owner.

"Mianmian."

A cold and deep voice cut through the microphone the next second: "I told you, you can't eat instant noodles at home."

The young man stammered with a shocked expression on his face, "Why… did you come back early..."

He was swiftly picked up by the tall figure and disappeared from the camera before he could finish his sentence.

All the viewers: ?!!! <<less

On Christmas Eve, I, Kanata Miyauchi, has been betrayed by my girlfriend, who is also my childhood friend.... more>>

After I finished shopping at the mall, on my way back home, I saw Umi holding hands with some guy I don’t know.

I’ve known Umi ever since I can remember. She is the most important person to me in this whole world.

But why…why did she do this to me?

How could she ever cheat on me behind my back… <<less

After ninety-nine lifetimes of reincarnation, Ling Yun, who kept transmigrating as the villain of this world, still failed to defy the heavens and change his fate.... more>>

He wanted to save his junior brothers and sisters, save his master, save the sect, and save the world. Resolutely, he chose to become a true villain, to oppose the Child of Destiny. Yet in the end, he still died by their hands.

Since that’s how it is, he decided to quit being the villain and escape. The world is so vast—I want to go see it for myself.

He wanted to see for himself: without him, the villain, what kind of path would these so-called Children of Destiny take?

As for his junior brothers and sisters, his master, the sect, and even the entire world… he could only say one thing—good luck to you all. <<less

On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, I prepared a table full of dishes, waiting for my wife, Lin Muyao, to come home and celebrate together.... more>>

However, she sent me a message saying, "Hubby, I promised my parents I'd go home to celebrate with them. You eat by yourself, okay? Next year, I’ll definitely spend Mid-Autumn Festival with you."

But her first love had already posted on his social media moments earlier—not only did he share a nine-grid collage of the two of them, but he also added a caption: "True love means that even if you can't be together, your hearts will always remain connected."

Lin Muyao not only lied to me but also liked his post.

I ate my meal in silence, then casually left a comment: "Wishing you both a happy ending."

The next moment, Lin Muyao called me, her voice urgent and sincere as she explained, "Hubby, I didn’t mean to lie to you. I was just afraid you’d be upset... I just felt sorry for Wang Chuan being alone..."

I let out a soft scoff and, for the first time, hung up on her first.

Since her heart and mind were entirely focused on her first love, I chose to let go and give them my blessing.

Yet, when I no longer loved her, she was the one who regretted it the most... <<less

A young writer with social anxiety but a very active inner monologue × Her cool and aloof doctor neighbor.... more>>

(Pseudo-sibling relationship, eight-year age gap, HE)

A bittersweet, angsty, and slightly comedic story of a second-chance romance.

Ye Nansong wakes up to find someone sitting next to her—her ex-girlfriend, who she broke up with five years ago.

And she's holding her hand tightly!!

This ex is Yan Yun, her neighbor who is eight years older and has an aloof personality. Ye Nansong had once moved heaven and earth just to make Yan Yun her girlfriend.

And then, one day five years ago, she dumped her.

Seeing the expressionless look on the person beside her, Ye Nansong snatches her hand back.

Her heart is pounding with anxiety and fear. Surely Yan Yun isn't going to mu*der her on the plane... right?

But instead, her ex-girlfriend reverses her usual cold attitude and says gently, "Long time no see."

This scares Ye Nansong so much she nearly fumbles for the parachute under her seat to make an escape.

They say a gentle knife is the most terrifying, and today, Ye Nansong finally understands what that means.

She somehow survives until they land in a Nordic country.

Her ex calls and tells her she's been robbed by local muggers...

A stranger in a strange land, the ex-girlfriend moves right into her house.

The ex is like a completely different person, no longer the cold woman from her memories, but gentle and proactive.

........

"Nansong," she whispers, "are you going to abandon me again this time?"

The endless sorrow in her voice threatens to drown Ye Nansong.

Ye Nansong lowers her gaze and strokes her girlfriend's soft hair.

"I won't run anymore... I'll never run again this time..." <<less

A night of drunkenness sent Zhi Nian back in time to the day her childhood friend was diagnosed with a terminal illness.... more>>

Looking at the boy sitting beside her, Zhi Nian made a firm decision—to cultivate a bond called “friendship” with Gu Fan, and to fill his remaining three years with beautiful memories.

Three days later: “I… I want your contact info.”

One month later: “W-What? You want me to marry you?!”

Three years later: “Mmm~ Gu Fan, I just…” <<less

Wang Zhenxing found himself transmigrated into a world composed of numerous urban fantasy novels. ... more>>

To his surprise, he became a handsome and wealthy "diamond king" admired by many.

At the very start, he discovered that the protagonist's stunningly beautiful mother secretly harbored feelings for him. However, the plot's setting painted a grim picture—he was nothing more than a disposable supporting character, meant to serve as cannon fodder for the novel. Even worse, he lacked any remarkable abilities!

Damn. What a situation.

Just as despair loomed, a system appeared and presented him with a choice.

[Option 1: Follow the original plot and play the role of the kind-hearted character who supports the protagonist’s mother. Maximize your usefulness, and then meet your inevitable end. Reward: "A grand funeral," complete with the protagonist personally engraving the words "Good Brother" on your epitaph.]

[Option 2: Defy the plot. Reject the role of a mere supporting character. Embrace your destiny as a villain and eliminate the protagonist! Reward: "Regain your abilities" and acquire the "Villain Aura."]

Was there even a need to deliberate? 

The choice was clear. 

Option 2, without a doubt! <<less

“This Holy Son of the Absolute Void Holy Land is way too pathetic, isn’t he? Is it really worth it to grovel like this for a woman?”... more>>

Su Mo was curled up under his blanket, holding his phone and reading a novel while criticizing its content.

But in the next moment, a blinding white light flashed before his eyes, and the scene around him suddenly changed.

When Su Mo regained his senses, he realized he had become the Absolute Void Holy Land’s Holy Son from the novel!

He had transmigrated? And into the body of a simping Holy Son, no less!

Su Mo was stunned for a moment but quickly came to his senses. He wasn’t someone who would grovel! There was absolutely no need to follow the original plot of the novel!

Grovel before the Saintess? Ha, no way!

Now that he was here, not only would he not grovel, but he’d go all in with this Saintess!

After all, he was a villain! Living as he pleased was the best way to go!

With that thought, Su Mo approached the Saintess.

“So, you’re the Saintess, huh? I’ll show you what it means to be indifferent! I’ll show you what it means to give me the cold shoulder!”

Su Mo charged forward with all his might and boldly went for the Saintess!

When the protagonist of the novel heard the news, he instantly lost his composure, feeling as though the sky was collapsing.

That woman was supposed to possess a divine physique, and now she had been ruined just like that?

From that day on, Su Mo’s journey down the path of a great villain only became more intense. <<less

If human life could continue to grow stronger indefinitely, reaching infinite heights, then one day it might connect with the heavens!... more>>

…

… <<less

“Oh my, from childhood friends to fiancés- just look at how sweet they are together.”... more>>

“Isn’t it wonderfully romantic?”

No. Not even close.

“They’ve been inseparable since their academy days, haven’t they?”

Well, at least that part wasn’t a lie.

It all began at the Academy, where I was drowning in an endless flood of marriage proposals. Each day brought another hopeful suitor, another practiced speech, until that moment when everything changed.

“Then how about me?”

“What about you?”

“As a marriage partner.”

Those four simple words from Aivert changed everything. Before I knew it, I had signed away my freedom in an elaborate dating contract with my closest friend.

We crafted the perfect illusion – the inseparable couple, so in love we couldn’t breathe without each other. I would have bet my life we were nothing more than friends.

As time slipped through our fingers, the contract’s end loomed closer. I should have felt something – regret, perhaps? Instead, my heart sang with one thought:

“Finally, I will be free soon!”

Just when I thought we could finally end this embarrassing charade…

Fate had other plans.

—Clank.

The sound echoed like thunder in my ears as I stared, dumbfounded, at the handcuffs binding my wrist to Aivert’s.

Of all the twisted turns my life could take…

***

“Well,” Rodella thought, trying to be practical, “since we’re stuck together, we might as well make the best of it. This should make our act more convincing, right?”

How naïve she was.

The key to their freedom dangled from Aivert’s fingers as he tilted his head, his expression shifting into something she’d never seen before.

“What if I were to destroy it – would you be disappointed?”

Rodella’s eyes grew wide. Before her stood not the timid and cautious childhood friend she remembered. This was someone else – familiar yet strange, wearing an expression that stirred strange emotions within her.

“You said it yourself. That madmen need to be restrained.” he murmured, the chains rattling softly between them. “If these chains come off…”

If I become distant from you, if I lose this chance.

“I think I might go mad, so what should I do?”

Aivert’s gazes were intense and unyielding, demanding an answer to a question that went far deeper than mere handcuffs.

And for the first time since this charade began, Rodella found herself completely speechless. <<less