Chapter 5 The Slap

"Every alligator here is Sebastian's prized possession, but they're all dead because of you." Olivia laughed charmingly. "As compensation, I'll give you to the remaining alligators. That way, your five years of loving him won't be in vain." Hearing rustling from the bushes behind her, Adriana's body immediately trembled. "Olivia, you're insane! I curse you to never live happily with Sebastian and to die a horrible death!" Olivia laughed coldly. "Sebastian himself said that the alligators here haven't been fed fresh meat in a long time. If you want to hate someone, then hate him." The fear of death and Olivia's words crushed Adriana's chest like a heavy stone. It felt like her heart was being gripped by someone, the pain was so intense she could barely breathe. Sebastian's decision... Even at the end, he had no intention of letting her body go. To such an extent he hated her. Adriana smiled bitterly, tears welling up in her eyes. •••• Adriana Hudson had loved Sebastian Kingsley with all her heart, only to face the most painful betrayal. He had cheated on her with her own stepsister, Olivia. As if that wasn't enough, on the day of their wedding, he ordered his mistress to throw her into an alligator pond to kill her. Not only did she die a tragic death, but she also lost the child she was carrying. In that moment, Adriana swore that if she were given a second chance, she would never love him again. Now reborn, Adriana is determined to make those who wronged her feel the pain of betrayal a thousand times over. But why is Sebastian so determined to cling to her this time, even protecting her from those very people? Wasn't Olivia the woman he loved? Sebastian: "Riana, you can learn to trust me." Adriana only looked at him in silence. The pain of being devoured by alligators still haunted her, so could she trust him again? And perhaps... Perhaps what happened in her past life wasn't as she had imagined. Lies, vengeance, and conspiracies swirl around them once more, but this time, will their love survive?

The night I caught my boyfriend cheating on me with my best friend shattered me and if he could betray me with my best friend, then I'd betray him in the most brutal way possible, seducing the one man he swore was off-limits. His uncle. Caesar Dominic Calder. Cold. Ruthless. A notorious playboy billionaire who ruined women for sport. Too powerful to resist. Too dangerous to control. A man whispered about scandals, feared in boardrooms, and fantasized about in bedrooms. I thought it would be just a sweet, simple revenge-a filthy, reckless one-night stand to scorch my ex where it hurt most. But when Caesar discovered I used him, I didn't get rage. I didn't get punished. And he didn't push me either. Instead, he got me pinned against his office wall, his hand wrapped around my throat, his mouth at my ear, growling, "You want revenge, kitten? I'll give you revenge. But don't forget-you're mine now." Now I'm torn between destroying my ex...and surrendering to the only man who makes me feel alive. The man I should never want. The man who could ruin me as easily as he ruins everyone else. My ex's uncle. It took me a while to realize this wasn't about revenge anymore. It's about him and me, drowning in his darkness, his touch, and his claim. I crave him every second of my life. I should run. I should fight it. But every time he breaks me, I beg for more. And worst of all? I'm falling for him. My ex's forbidden uncle.

Emma Grace has loved Ethan Hunt for as long as she can remember. As his wife, she gave him her heart, but all he ever gave her was cold indifference. When she was nearly assaulted and he turned a blind eye, too consumed by his lingering feelings for his first love, Emma finally broke. She let go of her futile love and poured herself into her career. To everyone's surprise, Emma thrived. Her talent and determination caught the attention of the company's top executives, and despite sabotage and jealousy from rivals, she rose through the ranks with confidence and grace. Ethan began to see her in a new light, especially as the woman he once idealized revealed her true, selfish nature. Now, Ethan wants to win back the woman he had taken for granted. But Emma has changed. She's no longer the devoted wife who waited in silence. Will his late love be enough to heal old wounds or is he already too late?

After two years of a loveless marriage, Maria Lewis was handed a cold divorce agreement. But she didn't leave quietly. She gave James Bennett one last drink, seduced him for a final night, and disappeared-secretly pregnant with his child. Five years later, Maria returns as a powerful member of a secret organization, with two adorable kids and an identity he never saw coming. She's no longer the woman who once begged for his love. She's confident, untouchable, and completely out of his league. Now, the man who once looked down on her clings to her, desperate to win her back. But Maria has her own plans: protect her children, crush her enemies, and make James regret every choice he made. She left with nothing, but returned with power, babies, and no mercy.

When the enigmatic Mrs. Blackwood finally emerged in River City, she set the whole town abuzz. Arrested and imprisoned for the attempted murder of Mr. Blackwood's once-cherished first love, she vanished behind bars. Outside the prison, Mr. Blackwood kept his daily vigil-waiting. What finally came out, though, was Mrs. Blackwood's lifeless form. and a baby boy. Six years later- Clara Walton returned, no longer bearing the name Blackwood. By her side stood a bright-eyed, handsome little boy. When she saw Mr. Blackwood again, she met him with a radiant smile. "Mr. Blackwood, I'm married now. I suggest you mind your manners." With a sly smirk, he replied, "It's true-you're married. But that doesn't mean I can't pursue you. After all, I'm still free-and single." Clara: ".."

On her way to her father's funeral, Elaine Foster was nearly killed by a hitman hired by her stepmother. But when she woke up, she had somehow become Audrey Parker, the wife of a powerful business tycoon. "Hahaha! Now I can cling to my CEO husband and crush those scumbags!" she thought gleefully. Before she could even celebrate, her so-called husband coldly tossed a divorce agreement in front of her. "Audrey Parker, sign this. It's your last chance." Divorce? Not a chance! She'd rather lose her life than her marriage. "My love for you is as boundless as the rushing river, as unstoppable as the Yellow River in flood! How could you bear to leave me?" The CEO's lips twitched, and after a long pause, he managed only one word: "Leave." Elaine took a step closer, batting her eyelashes as she playfully poked his chest. "Leave... and roll right into your arms?" "Shameless." She clasped her hands together in mock courtesy. "You flatter me." From that day on, she embarked on a fearless journey-backed by the mighty CEO, no ghost or demon could touch her.