MTL - Close to You - Chapter 20

“I never spent a dime from your debt, you both lost it gambling always…” Another slap landed on Astrid's face and this came from none other than her dad, Josh.“You ungrateful brat, it's only the request I am pleading for,” Josh let out and then a sardonic smile escaped her lips.She wiped the tears from her face and now stood from the ground.“I am not going to get married to a man old enough to be my father.” she declared firmly this time not avoiding eye contact with her dad that much.“What?” Josh's voice countered.“Why for once can't you love me?” She cried out her hands moving to her chest as she tried to hold in her tears.Josh moved closer to her, lifting her by her chin roughly, “Then do this one favor for me and save us from losing everything I have ever worked for,” His voice was a bit calm but stern, one could tell he didn't care about Astrid.********Astrid Daniels who is hated by everyone and is known as the faso of family is forced to get married to the man arranged by her father to protect his company from plummeting and also help in paying his debt.She refused but then was told by her dad that he would help pay for her mum’s surgery if she was doing his wish.Since she was a high school drop she couldn't get a good job to pay for her mum's surgery so she needed to agree to her dad’s proposal.On the day of her wedding ceremony with the older man, things turn around when she goes into the wrong hall and gets married to one of the richest men in their city and also her crush.What fate do you think awaits her?

In a world torn apart by rifts that release dangerous monsters, Espers—humans imbued with powerful abilities—serve as humanity's last line of defense. But the power of an Esper comes with a price. Overuse of their abilities leads to dangerous corruption, a force that can destroy them from the inside out. This is where Guides come in: individuals with the unique ability to calm the corruption within Espers and restore their balance.Rowan Mercer, an S-class Guide, is one of the best in his field, capable of stabilizing even the most dangerous Espers. He has worked quietly behind the scenes, helping those in need, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he is called to work with Lucian Vaughn, an S-class Esper whose immense power and unstable corruption levels make him a dangerous threat to himself and others.Lucian, a tall, stoic, and enigmatic figure, has long fought against the growing corruption within him. At first, his relationship with Rowan is purely professional—Rowan as his Guide, helping him to stay in control. However, as their interactions grow more frequent, their bond deepens in ways neither expected. What started as a simple duty soon turns into a complex relationship where power, trust, and vulnerability collide.As the world around them faces escalating threats from rifts, Rowan and Lucian must navigate not only their personal challenges but also the dangerous world of Espers and Guides. Their bond will be tested as they fight together against the corrupting forces that threaten them both.In Corrupted Bonds, survival isn’t just about battling monsters from the rifts—it's about fighting the darkness within themselves and finding a way to stay connected in a world that’s constantly pulling them apart.

Li Li became a chubby, unremarkable tabby cat. Right after his Litter Shovel Officer broke up with his girlfriend, he received a Comprehensive Network slot and successfully became a Comprehensive Network player.However, it seems like his Litter Shovel Officers have encountered some trouble! This is a bit troublesome for him, but what can he do?He’s a good cat. Li Li took out a treasure from his pocket and tossed it:“Take it, Litter Shovel Officers. You have been strengthened.”