To Be a Power in the Shadows! - Chapter 120

Due to unfortunate circumstances, “Ari” Ariel Matisse lived in the slums of Los Angeles, also known as Skid Row.One night, on his way home, he was killed while witnessing an old man getting beaten.When he woke up, he had been thrown into a dumpster, and a strange screen flashed across his eyes, and no matter how he looked at it, it reminded him of a status window in a game.[System Integration Complete!][Become a Global Music Superstar!]For some reason, he gained a system that wanted him to join a survival show and become a globally famous idol.If he refused to complete his given tasks, he would die.But if he succeeded, he would have the money and power to change his life as well as get revenge against the person who killed him.P.s. this story is kind of a love letter to LA and the amazing blend of cultures (American, Asian, Hispanic, African, etc) that can be found there. I hope you all fall in love with the area as much as I love it.

She gave up her dream of shining on the ballerina stage —for him.She sacrificed her self-respect —for him.She forgot her true identity —for him.But even after all that, she couldn’t compare to the woman who held Ryan’s heart.Arwen Quinn, heiress of prestigious Quinn family, realized too late that no matter what she did, she would never win Ryan’s love. The future that awaited her was a life trapped in endless misery of a loveless marriage.So, decisively, she ends their relationship and walks away. What she didn’t expect was that in breaking free from Ryan, she had opened the door for Aiden to enter her life — a chance that he had been waiting for.Aiden Winslow, an enigmatic CEO isn’t just mysterious —he is determined, and won’t allow to take Arwen away from him again.____Excerpt:Aiden narrowed his eyes, “Are you sure about this?”“If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have asked,” Arwen replied coolly. “Stop dawdling. If you’re unwilling, I’ll find someone else who can get the marriage certificates today.”His expression darkened as he pulled her close. “Once offered to me, it’s mine alone.”Unfazed, Arwen asked, “So, do you accept? If yes, we’ll get the certificates now.”“On one condition,” he said. “I don’t do contract marriages. The woman I marry will be the woman I share my bed with. If you agree, then we’ll—”“Not a problem. Let’s go,” Arwen said without letting him finish, pulling him into the Civil Marriage Bureau.

Shen Yinning was originally the Crown Prince Lu Ying's childhood sweetheart and fiancée, but due to her father and brother's rebellion, she was exiled to Gan State and married to a minor local official as the daughter of a criminal. Meanwhile, Lu Ying gloriously married her cousin Shen Yunxi as his Crown Princess Consort.Three years later, Shen Yinning returned to the Capital with her husband. Everyone praised the Crown Prince and Princess for their mutual respect and harmony, and Shen Yunxi often flaunted in front of her how loving she and the Crown Prince were. However, only Shen Yinning knew that the seemingly restrained and honorable Lu Ying came to her chamber every night, completely disregarding the fact that she was now someone else's wife, secretly claiming her and keeping her as his Forbidden Fruit...

[Warning: Mature Content, R18+]Camilla Watson-Veston was left with no choice but to leave her wealthy life behind and raise her son alone as an ordinary employee. A woman filled with rage and anger because of the betrayal of her one true love is indeed very dangerous.When all she could think of was revenge, karma has its funny way of rewarding those worthy with what they deserve. Sometimes not just one, but two or more blessings at once.What will Cammy do if the universe gives her not only two options to consider but three or more?Will she be able to choose which path she should take when nothing seems to be the right one?When freedom costs too much and happiness is hard to reach, will life turn Cammy into bitter from sweet?**********Story Excerpt:“You’re fucking stunning, Cammy, and don’t let anyone make you think otherwise. Your husband’s a fool for letting you go. I’m going to show you exactly what you’ve been missing. Even if it’s just for tonight, I promise you won’t forget me. After this, I’ll be the only man in your mind,” Greg said before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.Was it wrong to accept it just because she was married, even though the man she was married to had been betraying her time and time again?Her mind let go of logic; she no longer cared if what they were doing was forbidden. She had made up her mind to surrender herself to him completely, letting him do whatever he desired with her tonight.So she whispered, “Turn off the lights…”Greg smirked, knowing the switch was just within reach, but instead of turning the lights off completely, he dimmed them to the faintest glow without removing his gaze from her.“Forgive me, Cammy. I cannot turn it off completely. I want to see your face when I take you to heaven over and over again while you are screaming my name.”Her hands traced his broad, strong chest, feeling its strength and solidity.‘Oh God, I’m touching another man’s body!’ she shouted silently in her mind.Before her courage fully faltered, she felt Greg gripped on her wrist, as he released her lips, and whispered, “Not yet, Ms. beautiful. Let's take it slow… I want you to remember our time together as your best without any regrets. I want you to remember me as the man who made you feel important and wanted.Tonight you're the only woman in my life. The only woman my eyes see and my mind thinks of. You are mine, and mine alone. Do you understand?!”**********A song excerpt that mirrors the emotion of the book.***The song is not mine.***I remember back when we were in loveAnd we followed the fire in our heartsWe moved every mountain we touchedAnd we danced in the light of the starsI know nothing beautiful lastsBut when I get to heaven I'll askTo go back to when we were in love…