Re: Blood and Iron - Chapter 418: Cities of Light, Shadows of Silence

18 and naive, Belle Hart thought marriage would end her misery, only to realize it had just begun!What started as a promising love turned out to be a facade, would Belle choose between a second chance or leave? She met her mate, the Duke, who she proposed to when she came of age.A month in, things took a turn. The Duke leaves for war before she could inform him about her pregnancy, only for him to return with a mysterious woman whom he claimed to be his new wife! The audacity! Trouble ensued and Belle suffered a miscarriage as a result.…“What did you just say?” He asked, his gaze darkening.“You heard me well, I seek a divorce. I wish for us to go our separate ways,” she replied, her voice steady as she met his gaze with confidence, though inwardly she was shaken by his presence.“You are my mate, Belle, and I am yours. Divorce is the most foolish notion you could entertain. Do you believe any man would take a worthless creature like you as his wife?” He scoffed, his words biting, causing her heart to ache.…The Duke's refusal pushed Belle into the arms of the king. All she had to do was bear him an heir and he would help her get her revenge!“I want you to marry me, Your Majesty, and aid me in seeking my revenge against the Duke and those who have wronged me. In exchange, I shall bear you an heir before you help me,” she said, her voice steady and full of purpose.What will the choice be?

At nineteen, Alex Lane's life revolved around caring for his sister, Iris, after their parents' death. When Iris was diagnosed with Breast cancer, Alex turned to running illegal packages to pay for her treatment. His life spiraled into chaos after running into problems with the most dangerous gang in the city, the BlackWolf Gang.Things turned ugly quickly when Alex and his sister, Iris, were hunted down by the BlackWolf Gang and unfortunately killed.But death wasn't the end.Nemesis, Goddess of Divine Retribution, saw in Alex the perfect instrument of karmic justice. She granted him rebirth as Andre Atlas, son of a reclusive billionaire, and gifted him the Karmic System—a power that grew stronger with each crime he committed, especially those serving as poetic justice against the powerful.Now, as Alex builds his criminal empire from the shadows of high society, with each crime bringing new supernatural abilities he will achieve his one goal.His goal: Destroy those that took everything from him!

He, without doubt hates her.
What did she do to deserve his hate?
The person who she treated well like a brother did not even bother to notice it...

Years passed…

He needs to get married.
He needed a wife.
So she offered herself.
It was a marriage that will benefit both parties he said.

(Warning: Mature Content - R-18)The Ultimate Heartbreaker Reincarnates, Only to Find Himself a Pathetic Pushover?In his past life, he had gone out of his way to win their affection, humbling himself to the point of self - annihilation. But how did they repay him?His first love abandoned him for a wealthy heir, mocking him as delusional and naive.His childhood friend despised his devotion, pretending not to recognize him when they crossed paths.And the queen bee of the school? She sneered at him, refusing to even glance in his direction.But now, the man has been reborn—cold, detached, and effortlessly commanding both power and allure. Women fall under his spell without hesitation.Until one day—His first love appeared before him in a slinky strapless dress, her eyes shimmering with tears, her voice trembling: “Please… give me another chance, Master. I’ll do anything you ask…”His childhood friend was pinned against the door, her breath uneven, her gaze filled with desperate longing: “Master, even if it’s just as your secret lover—I’d be willing…”The once - arrogant queen bee shed her coat, leaning close to whisper in his ear, her breath warm and shaky: “Master… please, let me make it up to you…”He let out a low chuckle, his long fingers trailing over their heated cheeks, his eyes glinting with mockery and disdain. “You want me now?” he murmured, his tone icy. “Too bad. You’re too late.”