/0/71022/coverbig.jpg?v=c8e0002ddbab3592017121a451fff6c3)
Heiress Evelyn Laurent has everything-beauty, wealth, and the world at her feet. But when her father's empire teeters on the brink of collapse, she's forced into an arranged engagement with Sebastian Wycliffe, a brooding heir to one of England's oldest and most secretive dynasties. At first, the arrangement seems like a simple transaction-her charm for his wealth-but Evelyn quickly realizes Sebastian's family is hiding more than their fortune. Cold, calculated, and obsessively drawn to her, Sebastian introduces Evelyn to a world of dark secrets, where love and power intertwine dangerously. As Evelyn becomes entangled in Sebastian's shadowy world, she's forced to confront the price of her gilded life. Will she escape the darkness-or inherit it?
.
The Wycliffe Estate loomed ahead like a relic of a bygone era, its ivy-draped turrets piercing the fog-drenched sky. Evelyn Laurent's heels clicked against the cobblestone driveway as she stepped out of the sleek black car, her chin tilted high, her silk scarf fluttering in the cold wind.
She refused to shiver. She refused to look back at her father, whose sharp commands had brought her here. Instead, she focused on the towering figure waiting on the stone steps.
Sebastian Wycliffe.
His tailored suit couldn't soften the severity of his presence. With his dark hair neatly combed back and his gray eyes fixed on her, he was as unyielding as the estate behind him.
"Miss Laurent," he said, his voice low and deliberate, as if tasting each syllable. He descended the steps with measured grace, offering his hand.
Evelyn hesitated. She had shaken countless hands before-politicians, celebrities, men who thought their charm could match her own. But something about Sebastian's calm, unreadable demeanor made her pause.
When she finally placed her hand in his, his grip was firm, his fingers cool against her skin. "Welcome to Wycliffe," he murmured.
She smiled, the perfect picture of poise, masking the unease clawing at her chest. "Thank you. It's... impressive."
Sebastian's lips quirked into the faintest shadow of a smile. "It will be your home soon. I trust you'll come to love it."
Evelyn didn't reply. She couldn't. Because as the heavy doors of the estate creaked open, a chill swept over her that had nothing to do with the autumn wind.
Deep down, she knew.
This wasn't just an engagement.
It was the beginning of something darker.
In a bustling high school in Seoul, every student has a unique "temperature"-an unseen atmosphere that they carry, shaped by their personalities, friendships, and dreams. For some, it's a cold front of distance and mystery; for others, a warm glow of kindness. But in the fast-moving currents of high school life, these temperatures can shift without warning. Seongwoo Kim, a quiet, observant student who blends into the background, has always been good at reading others' "temperatures." He thinks he has everyone figured out-until he meets Jihoon Park, a transfer student with a frosty exterior but unexpected warmth beneath the surface..
"Ahh!" She was in a moaning mess. She did not want to feel anything for this man. She hated him. His hands began to move all over her body. She gasped when he pulled down the back chain of her dress. The chain stopped at her lower waist, so when he zipped it off, her upper back and waist were exposed. "D-Don't touch m-ummm!" His fingers rolled around her bare back, and she pressed her head against the pillow. His touches were giving her goosebumps all over her body. With a deep angry voice, he whispered in her ear, "I am going to make you forget his touches, kisses, and everything. Every time you touch another man, you will only think of me." - - - Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he doesn't give a damn about rules and laws, as he only likes to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?
As far as everyone was concerned, William had married Renee under duress. Now that his one true love was back—and with child—they couldn’t wait for him to abandon Renee. Surprisingly, Renee was candid about the situation. "To be honest, I’m the one asking for a divorce every single day. I want it even more than any of you!" But they brushed off her remark as a paltry attempt to save face. Until William made a declaration himself. "Divorce is out of the question. Anyone who spreads false rumors shall face legal consequences!" Renee was at a loss. What was this crazy man up to now?
"Miss Brown, I am the butler here at your service," the butler replied. "My master wants to buy the baby in your belly." "What?!" Does that mean the abortion didn't take place? Did they kidnap her from the operating table just to buy the baby? But why her? "You..." Alice was about to ask a question, but the man in front of her calmly continued, as if he had expected her question, "You're pregnant with his child, and he needs a child. That's all I can tell you." Alice was forced to sign a surrogacy contract and eight months later gave birth to two healthy babies. Fortunately, the man was unaware of her daughter's existence. It wasn't until five years later that fate brought them together again...
Kara Martin was known as Miss Perfect. She was a beauty with good personality and successful career. Unfortunately, her life changed at one night. She was accused of adultery, losing her job, and abandoned by her fiance. The arrogant man who slept with her did not want to take responsibility. He even threatened to kill her if they met again. What's worse, Kara was pregnant with twins and she chose to give birth to them. Four and a half years later, Kara returned to work at a large company. As the secretary, she would frequently face their notorious CEO. Kara thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as it turned out ... the CEO was the father of the twins!
My boyfriend called, "Baby!" as he jumped out of bed and scrambled to pull his pants off the ground. "Please, I can explain my love." Shutting my eyes, I inhaled deeply and tried not to cry when I realized that my dream of the man not being my boyfriend had been dashed. "What?" I asked, "What do you want to explain?" How did you lie about having a business meeting while you were in bed enjoying yourself with my best friend, even though I told you I was in serious pain, is that it?" I stood there, my heart pounding, and tears streaming down my face...
Iris grew from an orphaned child to the adopted daughter of the Stewart family at age ten, finding warmth in her nominal uncle Vincent's kindness. Seven years later, she became his secret lover. When Vincent's engagement was announced, gossip spread about the notorious playboy CEO finally settling down. But only Iris knew the extent of his cold, two-faced nature. Iris fell for Vincent and, through tears, begged, "Marry me," only to be met with his frosty refusal. Defeated, she accepted a lawyer's proposal, sparking public excitement. Then, on her wedding day, Vincent pleaded desperately, "Don't marry him…"