Captured Hearts: The Substitute Bride's Gambit - Chapter 54 - Squeeze Every Last Drop of Value Out of

Time is an illusion, and reality is a fragile thread in Kael's fractured world.Kael's life is defined by darkness, memories that flicker in and out like glitching shadows. Struggling with haunting nightmares and terrifying hallucinations, he finds himself trapped in a reality that doesn’t make sense—a reality where time is breaking, and nothing is as it seems.When a mysterious red notebook, filled with cryptic symbols, falls into his hands, it opens a gateway to a world where the laws of time no longer apply. Every hour, every minute, every second twists and warps, and Kael begins to realize that something—or someone—is manipulating time itself, pushing him to the edge of his sanity.But he's not alone. A girl, whose existence is as twisted as the world around them, seems to be connected to his suffering. Kael's bond with her grows as they both search for the truth behind their disturbing experiences, yet the more they uncover, the deeper they fall into an abyss of despair and madness.The Pulse, an unfathomable force that distorts time and reality, pulses through their very existence. As Kael inches closer to the truth, he faces a devastating choice—one that could either save them or shatter everything they hold dear.Time is collapsing, the Pulse is awakening, and Kael must confront the horrors lurking in the fractured timeline before it consumes them all.

Transmigrated into a novel after her death, Su Jin has an engagement with Lu Xi, the legendary and unrivaled male protagonist, that was arranged between their families. After the revelation of her identity as the adopted daughter swapped at birth, she had no right to the engagement; that belonged to her sister, the female protagonist. In fear of interfering with the novel’s ending, she avoids him… But why is he ignoring the female protagonist and chasing her instead!

The Perfect Fiancé Code:

1. Support his fiancée

2. Unconditionally support his fiancée

3. Protect his fiancée unconditionally regardless of who or whom is present

Lu Xi felt that he should be able to accomplish this.

Su Jin: QAQ, please don’t do this…. I’m supposed to be the cannon fodder sultry ex-fiancée that you were going to dispose of!

Lu Xi: I have always been waiting for the moment that the 22-year-old Su Jin, you, would finally open her eyes.

- Description from Novelupdates

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!

He was about to join the beta test on the newest VR games, Second World.

But an anomaly threw him into a world with familiar rules, a rule he usually only experienced in a game.

Now he must use his past gaming experience in this new world.

It was no longer a game, it was survival! A strive to reach the highest level possible.

Equipped with dual-class of melee and magic user, John was set on the path to become the strongest character in this brave new world.