Ethan always viewed Nyla as a compulsive liar, while she saw him as aloof and insensitive. Nyla had cherished the notion that she was dear to Ethan, yet she felt coldly rejected when she realized her place in his heart was insignificant. No longer trying to break through his coldness, she stepped back, only for him to alter his approach unexpectedly. She challenged him, "If you trust me so little, why keep me around?" Ethan, who had once carried himself with pride, now stood before her with a humble plea. "Nyla, I've made mistakes. Please don't walk away from me."
The winters in Ulares were bone-chilling, but inside Cloudscape Mansion, the air was thick with warmth and passion.
"Ethan... take it easy..."
Nyla Green's voice wavered as she gripped the corners of the pillow. The dim glow of the bedside lamp painted her flushed cheeks in a soft, rosy hue, adding a playful intimacy to the moment.
"And how should you address me?" Ethan Brooks teased, his voice a low rumble as he leaned in, grazing her ear with his teeth. His warm breath sent shivers down her spine.
"Uncle Ethan... please..." she gasped, her voice catching as she curled into his embrace.
Ethan's lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. Her obedience always thrilled him, and her breathless pleas only added fuel to the fire.
It was a dynamic he relished. He loved when she called him that both in and outside the bedroom. It served as a reminder as well as a way to spice up their intimacy. Nyla always found herself with no choice but to address him that, embarrassed and annoyed.
Two weeks apart had only heightened Ethan's need for her. His business trip had been long, and he'd missed her body. Despite having had sex with Nyla many times, he still found her body irresistibly attractive. He naturally wouldn't settle for one round.
Sensing his desire, Nyla moved against him, her lithe body swaying as she sought to meet his needs.
"Being so eager tonight, aren't you?" Ethan murmured, his tone laced with amusement.
"Don't you like it when I'm eager?" Nyla whispered, her voice coy yet tinged with boldness. "Uncle Ethan... it's been a while since we tried something new."
He arched a brow, his grip tightening on her waist as he shifted their positions with ease. The hunger in his eyes was undeniable.
"Then don't disappoint me," he said, his voice thick with authority.
Nyla swallowed hard, her face turned away as she braced herself, determined to please him. She had a favor to ask tonight, and she knew Ethan wasn't the type to grant requests freely.
By the time their fevered exchange finally finished, the early hours of morning had crept in. Nyla lay tangled in the sheets, her skin marked with faint impressions of their passion, the cool air biting at her exposed legs.
She propped herself up as Ethan emerged from the bathroom moments later, his lean frame illuminated by the pale light. Droplets of water clung to his chest and slid down his chiseled abs, leaving little to the imagination.
He lit a cigarette, settling into the armchair by the window, his mood seemingly lighter than usual. "What is it you want?" he asked, exhaling a plume of smoke, his tone casual but sharp.
"Will you give me anything I ask for?" Nyla's voice was soft, hesitant, her hopeful gaze fixed on his sharp, handsome face.
"Depends on what it is," Ethan replied evenly.
"I want to be Mrs. Brooks."
The warmth in Ethan's expression disappeared, replaced by a glacial stare that sent a chill down her spine.
Nyla's heart sank as he let out a mocking laugh. He crushed the cigarette into the ashtray with deliberate force, as if snuffing out her boldness. "I've been too soft on you," he said coldly. "You think that gives you the right to ask for something like that?"
Nyla bit her lip, her hands trembling as she clenched the sheets. "Callie's back, isn't she? You're planning to marry her, aren't you?"
Callie Higgins-the name itself was enough to twist Nyla's gut. She was Ethan's first love-the woman who had once saved his life from kidnappers when he was eighteen. After the incident, their families agreed that Ethan and Callie would get engaged when the time was right.
Ethan's expression flickered, just for a moment, but it was enough for Nyla to know she'd struck a nerve. She'd been with him for two years; she knew him well.
"I just want a status. You know how hard it is for me in the Brooks family. Without protection, I-"
"Protection?" Ethan cut her off, his tone sharp. In a flash, he was in front of her, gripping her chin firmly. His dark eyes bored into hers, fierce and unyielding. "Do you think I don't see through you, Nyla? You think you're worthy of being Mrs. Brooks?"
Lyric had spent her life being hated. Bullied for her scarred face and hated by everyone-including her own mate-she was always told she was ugly. Her mate only kept her around to gain territory, and the moment he got what he wanted, he rejected her, leaving her broken and alone. Then, she met him. The first man to call her beautiful. The first man to show her what it felt like to be loved. It was only one night, but it changed everything. For Lyric, he was a saint, a savior. For him, she was the only woman that had ever made him cum in bed-a problem he had been battling for years. Lyric thought her life would finally be different, but like everyone else in her life, he lied. And when she found out who he really was, she realized he wasn't just dangerous-he was the kind of man you don't escape from. Lyric wanted to run. She wanted freedom. But she desired to navigate her way and take back her respect, to rise above the ashes. Eventually, she was forced into a dark world she didn't wish to get involved with.
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…"
Chandler Su who had cheated by her boyfriend then got drunk at a bar. To take revenge, she grabbed a man randomly and took him to the room. After a crazy night, Chandler found the strange man was a super handsome guy the next morning. Shy and shocked Chandler run away after leaving 150 RMB and scorning the man of his poor bed skills. However, she never thought the story would become so dramatic as the next day, she found out that the new coming president of her company was exactly the man she slept the last night! Worse than that, this new boss seemed very narrow-minded as he asked Chandler to come to his office on the first day.
Blinded in a crash, Cary was rejected by every socialite—except Evelina, who married him without hesitation. Three years later, he regained his sight and ended their marriage. "We’ve already lost so many years. I won’t let her waste another one on me." Evelina signed the divorce papers without a word. Everyone mocked her fall—until they discovered that the miracle doctor, jewelry mogul, stock genius, top hacker, and the President's true daughter… were all her. When Cary came crawling back, a ruthless tycoon had him kicked out. "She's my wife now. Get lost."
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours." Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them. Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman, unlike any he had known. She surprised and delighted him. But will Daisy take him back? Can their son keep them together? Can the rift between them be healed? Pick this one up and find out!