12 Miles Below - Chapter 23: Things of Metal And Pride

Not even a year into their marriage, Ian Kane, who had passionately pursued her for six years and loved her dearly, found a new love outside.At the heart-wrenching moment, Vera Sheridan finally saw clearly: this marriage was nothing more than a cage meticulously designed by him.In the name of love, he acted to imprison, solely to break her wings, claim her as his own, and see her as a personal possession.Vera Sheridan was heartbroken.With a divorce lawsuit, she took Ian Kane to court.The man knelt before her, eyes full of deep affection, “Honey, the one outside is just a fling, I've always loved you. Stop making trouble, let's go home.”Vera Sheridan refused to settle.Ian Kane, with eyes red from anger, held his new love and sneered at her, “Vera Sheridan, you are cold and dull, not to mention a cripple, yet I never despised you. Be good and come home, you are still Mrs. Kane!”Vera Sheridan, disheartened, insisted on divorce.When they met again, Ian Kane almost didn't recognize Vera Sheridan.Under the spotlight, she danced gracefully, enchanting and dazzling, just like when they first met.He followed her backstage, heart pounding, only to see her warmly embracing Noah Grant, the prominent legal figure in The Capital Circle.Ian Kane's heart ached as if cut by a knife, and his eyes immediately turned red with regret...[Frenzied ex-husband chasing wife drama + Legal bigwig from The Capital Circle rising to power]

It was started with a harmless request, “Jessica, clear out a room for Zoey, she'll be moving in with us for the time being.”Jessica's marriage soon ended when that 'guest' climbed up the ladder, from a guest room downstairs, to Jessica's bedroom, and then, her husband's bed.After losing in the fight for her husband's attention and love, Jessica realized it was time to wear back her garment of dignity and respect. She signed the divorce papers and left the country.Two years later, she returned as the heiress to a conglomerate, but her husband was at the airport, waiting to welcome her home.“When did I say I didn't love you, Jessica?” he asked.

“Look, I don’t need to be the strongest — I just need to be slightly stronger than the guy trying to kill me.”---Zayn Eldrake was nothing more than a nameless extra in the grand tale of summoned heroes — a disposable swordsman in the legendary Hero of Light’s party, fated to die in an early battle against the monsters of the Apocalypse.But when he awakens in this doomed body with memories of his past life, he refuses to meet the same pathetic end.He knows the story. He knows the heroes. He knows their strengths, their weaknesses… and most importantly, their women.With the power of [Devourer’s Pact], Zayn can consume the abilities of those he defeats, transforming himself into something far greater than a mere extra.Strength, magic, divine blessings — everything in this world is his for the taking. And if fate itself stands in his way? He’ll devour that too.

Sara Falcone, the eldest daughter of the prestigious Falcone family, has always been bright, ambitious, and determined. Groomed to take over her father’s empire, she quickly rose to prominence as the company’s CEO, earning respect in the business world.But when Falcone Industries teeters on the brink of bankruptcy, her world begins to crumble.Desperate to save her family’s legacy, Sara turns to the last person she ever thought she would, her greatest rival, and once, her secret crush: Luca De Augustino.Cold, calculating, and infuriatingly powerful, Luca offers her a way out, but at a cost. In exchange for rescuing her company, she must agree to a contract marriage with him.Luca De Augustino, heir and CEO of the mighty Augustino Group, was raised to lead without compromise and to never bow to anyone. Yet there was one person who always challenged him, Sara. Years ago, when she confessed her feelings, he shattered her heart with cruel rejection.Seven long years have passed since that day, but fate brings them back together. Now, bound by a one-year contract marriage, Sara must navigate a dangerous game of pride, power, and unresolved emotions while Luca sees this as his chance to finally claim the one woman who once loved him.~~~~~“You think I'll help you just because you pathetically kneel in front of me!” Luca chuckled. “What happened to the woman who always held her head high in pride?”“If you don't want to help me, then just say so!” Sara raised her voice. Standing up, she turned to leave when Luca grasped her hand, thus making her turn to him.“Fine, I'll help you. But there's a condition,” Luca pronounced.“And what's this condition?” asked Sara.“Become Mrs. De Augustino. In short, marry me, Sara Falcone.”~~~~~*All the names and places used in the story have nothing to do with the reality. It's a fiction.*