Leveling Up through Eating - Chapter 6.1: Garlic Bread and Soup

In the residence of the Duke of Zhenguo, the legitimate young miss, known for her icy demeanor, had transformed overnight.She, who usually regarded no one, woke up to confront anyone she saw with a few harsh words, using her frail body to intimidate so much that no one dared to touch her.Afterwards, this legitimate young miss began taking on retainers, nurturing powerful officials, engaging in commerce, and recruiting troops… Every act so shocking and audacious, it defied the norms and provoked fear in all who spoke of her!Yan Wanqing was seen as an enchantress and a disaster by the people, a thorn in the flesh and a nail in the eye that the ministers wanted desperately removed, an entity everyone shunned as if she were a venomous snake.Only the Crown Prince Mingyue, descending from the divine altar, in the dark, godless alleys, grasped her neck and repeatedly asked her, “Will you marry me or not?”

Aurelia Holt had quietly sacrificed her career to be a stay-at-home wife for her husband, Blake Carson, so that he could work full time while also pursuing his dream of becoming a successful producer in the future.But on the night of their second wedding anniversary, she watched her husband come home with another woman in his arms. It was Stella, his first love whom he was never really over.“She is already upset, you don’t have to make her feel worse. Is it wrong to show care and concern for my friend?” He argued as he clenched his jaws and kept his gaze steady on my face.“She isn’t just your friend, she was your ex, your first love. And isn’t it so convenient that everytime she needs you or something happens whenever I just want to spend some time with you?”He had always chosen Stella over her, putting her needs and feelings above hers. And that night, she finally had enough.“All you ever care about is Stella!” I continued to yell so loudly that I could practically hear my voice ringing in my ears. “You always do this! You always choose her over me, you always put her feelings above mine.”I watched as a smirk tugged at Stella’s lips as she watched me argue with my husband over her. Blake walked to her side, wrapping his arm around her as she curled her fingers around his arm with a pitiful look.“Stop yelling, you are scaring Stella. Why can’t you be more understanding and stop being so self-centered? Not everything is about you!”The last thing she remembered was her running out into the pouring rain and the next thing she knew, she was asking a stranger to marry her. That stranger was Xavier Wilder, the billionaire CEO of one of the most successful companies in the country. But there was more to him that Aurelia didn’t know just yet, something he was hiding from her.Together, she vowed to make her ex-husband’s life a living hell. There were only two things he cared about the most―his reputation and his ego. And she planned to destroy it all, bit by bit.

After being betrayed by her fiancé and cousin on her wedding day, Zara, reborn with memories of past mistakes, vows to rewrite her destiny. Impulsively, she marries a stranger to keep her ex at bay, not realizing Snow is far from a mere call boy.Snow Zephyr, a wealthy CEO and alpha of the Ivory Crescent Pack, needs a contract wife to appease his father and secure his position. When a bold, determined woman proposes a marriage of convenience, Snow agrees, unaware of the chaos she will bring into his life.Zara's defiant choice provokes her parents' fury, leading to her being cast from the company and forcing her to find work elsewhere. She lands a job at Aurora Conglomerate Inc., only to discover that her new boss is Snow, the very man she married—and her ex's uncle. Sparks fly as their mutual attraction grows amidst the darkness of his family's secrets and looming threats.Zara’s strength and independence captivate Snow, who begins to see her as the potential Luna his pack needs. Together, they face vengeful ex-lovers, kidnapping plots, and deadly rivalries. As Zara's powers awaken, she must confront the reasons behind her family's disownment, the hidden clauses in her marriage contract, and her ultimate role in Snow’s world.When their marriage of convenience deepens into a genuine partnership, a new challenge emerges in the form of a fated mate. Will Zara fight the dangers that await or embrace her true destiny?**EXCERPT**“I... didn't want to be late for work. You seemed busy, so I thought I'd get a head start.”Snow raised an eyebrow. “Really? Or is it because last night affected you so much that you couldn't stand being around me?”“Don't flatter yourself, Snow. You didn't affect me at all.”He smirked, stepping closer. “Is that so?”His fingers brushed my chin, tilting my face up. My pulse quickened. “We're at work,” I snapped, swatting his hand away. “This isn't professional.”“You're my wife,” he murmured. “You're supposed to obey me at all times.”I bit back a retort, a hint of rebellion flaring within. Slowly, I stepped closer, letting my fingers graze his chest. His smirk wavered for a second when his wolf reacted and Snow bit his lips.“Careful, Boss,” I purred seductively. “Don't hurt those lips. I'm sure plenty of girls would love to kiss them.”Snow leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. “And you? Are you dying for a taste?”Caught off guard, I hesitated, then regained my composure as I looked him in the eyes. “Unlike other girls, I have strong resistance against—”I didn't get a chance to finish when Snow's lips crashed onto mine with a fierce kiss that left me breathless.***************MATURE CONTENTParticipating in the Viral Book Call Contest. Kindly Support Me!

*NonRape-General langauge*Liora’s life takes an unexpected and cruel turn when she’s sent to the royal court as a concubine for the disgraced Prince Lucien, a man whose past is shadowed by betrayal and loss. Stripped of his royal title, Lucien has long distanced himself from love and loyalty, existing in a cold, indifferent world.Thrown into this world of palace internal battles, power struggles, and betrayal, Liora must face not only Lucien’s frosty demeanor but also the dangerous secrets that lurk within the court. Every move she makes is watched, every word is questioned. Yet, despite his distant nature, she can’t shake the feeling that beneath the hardened prince lies a man struggling with the ghosts of his past.As Liora tries to find her place in this hostile environment, she faces a constant dilemma: Can she warm the prince’s cold heart and heal his wounds, or will she fall victim to the very same forces that tore him apart?'Can she thaw lucien’s frozen heart, or will his haunted past consume them both?'Arranged marriage,Disgraced prince,Court intrigue,Royal concubine,Forbidden love, Political drama, Palace secrets, Unwanted bride, Betrayal. Haunted memories, redemption,Royal court drama, second chances