The Stepmother's Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era - Chapter 56 - The Contest Between Women

“....She was his drug, he was her water...”.............Arissa had always been an avid fan of freedom. She hated nothing more than being tied down to a relationship, especially when she was still in her early twenties. Yet, her parents had come up with an ultimatum marriage proposal.Strong-willed, confident, independent, and wild Arissa was forced to be humble to her parents and grant their wish of doing something extreme to her to save the life of someone she loves to a fault...And let's not forget, she lives for that person.Fast forwarding to Nicklaus Wyatt, we have a successful, cold-hearted, and Dominant CEO. On the outside, he is the most successful man on planet Earth and the most eligible bachelor but on the inside, he is an extremely damaged and broken soul of no repairs.His mysterious Aura also made it extremely hard for anyone to come close so, they just admired him from a distance.He only has one wish and that is to expand his empire more and not some stupid marriage proposal. So, do we think he would accept the marriage deal??.......“I'm your wife and yet, we live like strangers do!” Arissa seethed, gripping his tie in her fist as she tried to support herself. “Of course, it would eventually result in something as ridiculous as a cheating scandal. We aren't even acting like a normal couple should!” She emphasized lowly.Bringing her hand to wrap around his neck, she suddenly missed her footing again and then, she braced herself for the fall about to come but surprisingly, a strong arm for the second time in a night, held her waist firmly.Arissa smiled drunkenly as she made herself comfortable in his strong arms. Bringing her both hands to his checks, she gave them a pinch.“You were scared I would fall?” she asked him with a drunken smile. Yet, that smile was quickly replaced with a frown when she met with nothing but a cold gaze in reply.She pouted and brought her hand to his mouth. Tracing his lips with her slender fingers, “We don't even kiss” she complained with a smile, and at the same time, unknown tears slipped from her eyes.Nicklaus stared at her tears and down at her plump-tinted red lips. He stared at her face again and at her eyes that are already fully stocked with tears and without a second thought, he bent slightly and gave her a light kiss on her lips.SPOILER ALERT::Don't expect a fast romance. Romance would come late because both ML and FL are hard to tame.Their relationship would also go through numerous ups and downs, including occasional break-ups, aggressive ex-girlfriends, attempted murderers, and more.But, would their love strive through all the obstacles or would a few blows and manipulation crumble themDisclaimer: cover is not mine.Daily update, 14 chapters a week. Bonus chapters when pleased.I need all the support I can get from you all I also promise to put in my best.Thank you for reading and supporting sweethearts.....

SynopsisElian was once a healer—a rare one. His body fluids could cure any wound, and because of that, he was treated not as a person, but as a tool. Abused and violated by both men and women in his own guild, Flameborne, he endured unspeakable horrors in silence. In their final battle against the Demon Lord, they abandoned him like discarded trash.But death was not the end.The gods took pity. Reborn as Caelan Virelith and blessed by a goddess, he awakens in a new world with a powerful gift: the ability to form Essence Links—magical bonds forged through intimacy that unlock skills, power, and potential. Still a healer, but no longer powerless, Caelan begins his journey not only to grow stronger, but to hunt down those who broke him... and make them kneel.This time, he decides who gets saved.--Content Warning:This story contains mature themes, including sexual content, abuse, and revenge. It is intended for readers 18+ only. Reader discretion is advised.

Michael Alastair never mattered. In a world where strength was everything, he was nothing—just another powerless kid, easy to break and easier to forget. When his tormentors finally took things too far, his story should have ended in that alley, bleeding and alone.But fate had other plans.In the void between life and death, a voice spoke. Cold. Sharp. Amused. [NEW TALENT UNLOCKED: WRITER’S LEGACY]. A system unlike any other—sarcastic, relentless, and strangely invested—offered Michael a power beyond reason and a purpose he never imagined. Now, armed with an SSS-rank ability and a mission to rise, he’s back. And this time, he won’t just survive—he’ll rewrite the rules.

“Shi Xi: This is so exhausting. I’m going to retire from showbiz, and go home to inherit my family fortune.

Netizens: How can a fake rich daughter inherit a family’s fortune?

After waking up, Shi Xi clenched her fist. “I must work hard. I will not inherit the family fortune!”

After transmigrating as a fake young lady who would have a tragic end, Shi Xi wanted to stay away from the original script to save her life. She decided not to follow the development where she would inherit the family fortune, fight for the male lead, and be thrown into the river to feed the fishes! And so, Shi Xi gave up on the family fortune, and started overcoming challenges in the entertainment industry!

However, everything was going swimmingly for her in the entertainment industry, so why did everyone assume that she was leading a tragic and aggrieved life?

Her wealthy parents: Our dear daughter, hurry up and come home to inherit the family fortune.

Her brother with a sister complex: With your brains, you’re not suited to stay in the entertainment industry. Just come home and live a good life until you die. I’ll take care of you.

Her aloof older sister, aka the female lead: Only I can bully my sister.

The domineering male lead, aka her sister’s fiancé: I’ll always be by your side.

Shi Xi backed away, screaming on the inside, ‘Don’t come near me, main characters!’

A gentle two-faced bigshot villain stopped her. His spoke gently with a voice that allowed no room for rejection, saying, “Are you staying away from them because you want to be with me?”

[One-on-one showbiz + Group pampering + Sweet love + Bigshot villain + Real and fake rich young lady]