Romance

Alden Crestfall remains cold and distant to his wife, Thalia Marquette, even after two years of being married to each other. Furthermore, they only have sex once a month as previously agreed.
Thalia smiles and accepts Alden's condition out of love for him. She trusts that one day, she'll make Alden love her in return.
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Thalia catches Alden and his sister-in-law, Kiera Hollindale, getting it on in his office. As Thalia watches them going at it like wild, lustful beasts, she realizes Alden isn't as sexually disinterested as he claims to be.
It's just that Thalia isn't the woman Alden loves.
Any hope that Thalia had dies in an instant, and she divorces Alden before taking control over her family business once again.
When Thalia's name is listed in Fortune Global 500 and becomes her country's first female billionaire, Alden shows up with a bouquet of 999 roses to beg her for forgiveness.
"I was wrong, Lia. Please give me another chance," he says.
In response, Thalia takes a step back.
Meanwhile, the famous and prestigious scion, Darius Backshaw, suddenly appears and pulls Thalia into his arms.
"Screw off, you piece of scum! Don't you dare taint my wife's eyes with your presence any longer!" Darius exclaims. 









After five years of marriage, she thought that she had successfully made him change his mind and have feelings for her.It never occurred to her that he would send her to prison for trusting another woman.She decided to go back to her family along with the baby in her belly.Her brothers were in an uproar!Aaron Mullen, her eldest brother, ordered, "My five younger brothers, listen up! Guarding Amelie and teaching the playboy a lesson is our top priority!"Rex Mullen, her second brother, said, "Amelie, chin up. Here, take this black card. Go ahead and go shopping as long as you are happy."Mark Mullen, her third brother, said, "Jewelry is all I have. Amelie, take as many as you want."Sergio Mullen, her fourth brother, stood up as well.Tyler Mullen, her fifth brother, was the same indignant.And Daron Mullen, her sixth brother, doted on her the same.Everyone went all out, afraid that the apple of their eye would be unhappy.Amelie Mullen smiled heartily.On the contrary, Lamont Byron regretted it so much and set out to get her back. 



After being evicted by the Gray family, Shannon Gray magically becomes the heiress of an affluent family.
The Gray family regrets kicking her out and wants the Jensen family to give them half its assets as compensation. Shannon sneers and uses a truth-telling talisman to expose the Gray family's true colors and the skeletons in its closet. Similarly, when a scumbag refuses to leave her alone, she easily makes him have nightmares every night.
Her cousins look down on her and think she's a disgrace, but the head of the Shaw family comes knocking on their door, looking for her. "As long as you're willing to save my daughter, I'll agree to any condition you have!"
The head of another affluent family that's never gotten along with the Jensen family shamelessly comes knocking, too. "I was a fool for acting the way I did in the past. I'll announce to the world that I'm your lackey as long as you're willing to help me!"
Later, even Shannon's cousin, who once detested her, becomes her loyal follower. "She's the best cousin ever, and I'll curse anyone who dares say a word against her!"
After everything that's happened, the Jensen family finally snaps to their senses and realizes that Shannon, whom they'd thought was a pitiful little thing, is a master at geomancy and divination.
Shannon needs to rid people and places of malevolence, save lives, and suck up to a bigwig. She can't help saying, "I'm exhausted."
Benjamin "Bigwig" Cooper takes the initiative to share her burden. "You don't need to suck up to me. I'm already yours." 
I've loved Chris Gildon for a decade, but all he says is, "You're boring as hell. I couldn't be any less interested in you."He turns and spends his days and nights with another woman.We've known each other for ten years, but nothing comes from our relationship. I decide that I don't want to be his second choice anymore.Later, I get engaged to someone else. Chris knocks on my door in the middle of the night. "Maddie…""What can I do for you, Mr. Gildon?"As soon as the words are out of my mouth, a man's sexy voice rings out from the bedroom. "Babe, where did you put my underwear?"Chris staggers and spits a mouthful of blood before me. Sometime after that, I see that he's posted a story on his Instagram. It writes, "Once you miss out on someone, it stays that way for life. She might love you now, but that doesn't mean she'll love you forever. So, appreciate her while you have her." 




Arya Vitale, the daughter of his sworn enemy was supposed to be a bargaining chip
A pawn in a blood war but from the moment Giovanni De-Santis laid eyes on her, he didn’t see a pawn… he saw his
So he took her
Stole her from her wedding, forced her into a contract marriage, and branded her with his name in every way that mattered
To the world, it was a business strategy
To him she was never meant to be his, it was an obsession
But she isn’t the fragile princess he expected. She’s smart, sharp, hot-headed, sassy, and far too good at making him feel things he buried long ago
And when she runs away he hunts her
Because Giovanni doesn’t lose
Not his empire
Not his war
And never the woman he’s marked as his own
But some wars can’t be won with bullets
Some secrets refuse to stay buried
And the deadliest betrayal may not come from his enemies at all…
What happens when the one thing he can’t control
is the only thing that could destroy him is the only thing that could destroy him?
And a war that demands blood….even if it’s hers. 
Liora once believed that her marriage to Adrian would last forever, until slander destroyed everything. In one night, she lost her husband, her family, and her self respect. She was kicked out of her home while pregnant and nearly lost her life. When the world closed its doors on her, Liora chose one thing: to survive for the sake of her unborn child.
Years later, she returned with a new identity and an unwavering resolve. She rebuilt her life from scratch, raised Nolan alone, and buried the name that had once destroyed her. Yet fate brought her back, straight to the city that had once cast her out.
An unexpected encounter between Adrian and Nolan reopens a past he had been avoiding. The undeniable resemblance triggers truth after truth to be revealed, including the betrayal hidden behind Serena's name. As the Vale family's secrets are exposed and danger approaches, Liora finds herself caught between two men: Adrian, the father of her child, and Damien, the unexpected protector who appears as she is building a new life.
Amidst a storm of threats, conspiracies, and love that never truly dies, Liora must choose: to move forward without looking back, or to reopen the door that once consumed her entirely. As Nolan's safety is threatened, all the wounds, longing, and regrets force them to face the reality that the family that once shattered might still be able to stand again.
But this time, Liora won't let anyone bring her down again. 
A DARK, EROTIC BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE.
"Ah, oh my God, it's coming again..." I moaned, my head thrown back, my vision blurring.
My mouth was open, and I mumbled incoherently, my legs spread wide, facing my boss, Ethan Blackwood.
"Using your virginity to seduce me? In exchange for the power I hold, is that it?"
"You succeeded."
He thrust even more violently into the depths of my soul.
In the shudder of orgasm, he rolled me over, making me lie on my back.
I gasped, feeling him penetrate me more deeply than ever before.
———
"That night, I caught my fiancé sleeping with my sister. From that moment on, I stopped being a good girl."
For seventeen years, Leah Harnes had been blindly loyal to her fiancé, until one day, she caught him in bed with her sister.
Heartbroken.
Desperate to forget as she watched her beliefs crumbled.
So she did something unbelievable: She spent the night with a handsome stranger.
However, her entire world came crumbling down when she discovered that the man was her ruthless, powerful boss.
Ethan offered her a cruel contract: her body in exchange for his power.
However, a man like Ethan would never be gentle.
No romance, no caresses.
He only knew control, pleasure, and pain.
She vowed to hate him.
He vowed to possess her.
Caught between a treacherous stepmother, a vengeful ex-boyfriend, and Ethan's dark obsession, Leah was caught in a vortex of lies, desire, and revenge.
A man like Ethan, who despised being touched, but now, he craves the touch of only one woman—Leah.
And he would never let go of the only woman he truly desired.
Not in this life, not in the next.
~* One Night Of Revenge Turned Into A Lifetime Of Obsession *~ 

Nicole’s life changed drastically when she was reunited with the Riddle family. “Nothing is more important than my sister,” said her eldest brother, the domineering CEO.“You are still a student with no income. Take my credit card and spend however you like,” said her second brother, the financial expert.“I will allow no one to bully you at school,” her third brother, a top student, said.“Why did I compose this song? Because it would put a sweet smile on your face when you hear it,” her fourth brother, a talented musician, said.“You're so delicate. Let me do the dirty work for you if you want to beat someone up,” said her athletic fifth brother.Just when Nicole was barely accustomed to the pampering of her five brothers, she found herself having a fiancé, a nemesis from whom she had hacked a hundred million dollars.She needed to cancel the engagement, no matter what. But he pressed her against the door and said, “How can you run away just like that after stealing my money, you brat?”“Even if I don’t run, I don’t have the money to pay you back,” Nicole acted tough.“Oh, yeah? Then I will take you instead of money.” He then carried her on his back and took her away. 
He is the most powerful Alpha of the werewolf clan, and he disdains women, but in order to be the heir he must marry a woman, he is forced to pair with a human woman, this woman is very weak, he can easily kill with one hand She, the first time he saw her, he viciously threatened her to stay away from him, but he slowly found that his heart was a little different.He always pays attention to this woman, always watching her distracted, and after a long time, he finds that he has fallen in love with a human being!But does this human love him?Sabina looked at Alpha, who was very unusual recently, and let out a sweet smile. Her smile was warm in the sun, but there was no trace of love in her eyes.She doesn't want to live with a werewolf forever, even if her partner is the most powerful werewolf king. 


Forced into marriage three years ago by her adoptive parents, Lillian Moore found herself wedded to Lennon Nixon, who lay in a coma. Throughout their marriage, Lillian diligently cared for Lennon, hoping for the day he would wake. But when that long-awaited moment finally arrived, it shattered her expectations.Instead of gratitude or affection, Lennon delivered a chilling blow. "Let's get a divorce!" His words cut deep, leaving Lillian stunned and heartbroken.Seeking solace and a fresh start, Lillian embarked on a journey to find her biological parents, discovering the love of three adoring older brothers along the way. It was a chance for a new beginning, a life she longed to embrace.Summoning her courage, Lillian approached Lennon with the intention of ending their marriage, prepared to step into a future of her choosing. However, to her surprise, Lennon's remorse was palpable. He expressed deep regret, pleading for a second chance and expressing a desire to salvage their relationship.Caught between the pain of the past and the flicker of hope for their future, Lillian found herself torn. Will she be able to find forgiveness and trust in her heart again? Only time will reveal the fate of their love. 
Ariana York is a proud woman, but she sets her pride aside to pursue Elijah Linden, a cold, distant man. Her wish comes true, and she finally marries him. However, after marriage, she realizes he has someone else in his heart.Ariana becomes the laughingstock of the city's upper crust. Once, she fights with Elijah and jumps off a building. The debacle is recorded and uploaded online—the whole city mocks her.When Ariana wakes up, she's lost all her memories of Elijah."Who are you, mister?""Pulling the amnesia trick isn't the trend anymore, Ari. I won't divorce you."Ariana turns and leaves without hesitation.Three years later, an adorable little girl accidentally runs into Elijah. He sees the woman he's dreamed of countless times approach, and he blurts out, "Ari, is this our—"Ariana is holding a handsome man's arm. "Mr. Linden, allow me to introduce you to the father of my child!" 
Alex Thompson, the most popular guy on campus, finds my alternate Instagram account. He starts bragging in the dormitory.
"You know that ice queen from the history department? She's not that hard to pursue after all. All I did was invite her to watch a few games, and she agreed to be with me.
"Aren't you guys curious about her alternate Instagram account? Check it out."
Xavier Chapman, one of Alex's roommates and the captain of the ice hockey team, rushes over rowdily. "Alex, isn't it obvious? She's definitely into you."
Illya Armstrong, Alex's other roommate and a robotics genius who has just won the dean's scholarship, snorts in disdain and continues reading his book.
Alex checks the first post.
"To get closer to him, I agreed to go out with that dumb, muscular quarterback."
He looks at the second post.
"Of all people, why does he have to be Alex's roommate?"
Finally, he reads the third post.
"I can't stand Alex anymore. I'm going to confess to his roommate in three days."
The three campus heartthrobs who live together go quiet. 



WARNING: MATURE CONTENT! An EROTIC-ROMANCE story!***Since high school, Isla Peterson, a college student, had a crush on her brother's closest friend. She wished to be noticed by the man not just as a young sister, but also as a lover. She begged her brother, Apollo, to invite him to her 18th birthday party. Because her brother adores her, he eventually agreed. She was overjoyed when her long-time crush arrived—her wish had been granted.After reaching the legal age, Isla relaxed during her after-party and assured her brother that she would only drink a little. However, she got drunk and involved herself in a situation that forever changes her life. She had sex with her long-time crush, Zero, the famed womanizer.Zero Cohen is a well-known monster in bed who prefers extreme sex over making out. He only had one rule: "keep up with his pace," and he will lavish you with joy. Zero didn't realize it was Isla he claimed that night because they were both drunk at the time. And he admits, the lady was too good for first-timers. He began to crave her body, and every time he saw her, his pet hardened and desired to delve deeper into her core.But can they really expect to go very far in this game? What if they have to face their difficulties? Will one of them give up, or will they fight? What could it bring if the playboy faces his downfall? 
“Relax, Eden. Open the box, hand over the contents, and everyone will be fine.”Even with a mask on, I can tell this robber isn’t your typical criminal. There’s something about him that makes my body respond… that makes me want him to take me instead.***Eden Smith’s normal life as a bank teller is interrupted the day the Golden brothers walk. Dante and Ryder have been watching the bank, and Eden, for weeks. Eden is taken a hostage. When she has a chance to escape, finds she is tired of her abusive boyfriend and normal life. With the Golden brothers, that could all change. All it takes is one look from the brothers for her to find herself doing things she never would’ve dreamed imaginable!Will Eden leave or will the brothers claim her? Eden must decide if she will go back to bank telling or dive into the Golden brothers’ lifestyle luxurious, steamy—but dangerous—lifestyle.Trapped Between the Mafia Brothers is created by Scarlett Rossi, an EGlobal Creative Publishing author. 
After her miscarriage, Sabrina Frye turns into the wife Nester Blackwell has always demanded.
She stops sharing the small joys of her day and the frantic, late-night calls when he doesn't come home.
Even when she is framed in a street scam and taken to the police station, the officers tell her she can leave if a family member posts bail, but she tells them that she has no family.
She calmly spends the next seven days in a cold cell.
A week later, the heavy iron gates of the station open with a metallic clang at dusk. As Sabrina steps down the stairs, a black Maybach screeches to a halt in front of her.
The door swings open, and Nester steps out. Dressed in a tailored suit, he's tall, with near-perfect body proportions. Like always, he looks cold and untouchable. 

One accident led to An Xin waking up in the body of her best friend. The once domineering Miss An was now suddenly the gentle Madam Ye, but this does not mean that she is without thorns. The first thing to solve, is this cold and unapproachable husband of hers that makes her pity her best friend. At the same time, perhaps squeeze a pretty penny off some hustle, and save up so she can travel. Perhaps she will find a few hunks on the way and her newfound life would not be boring at all. But wait, why is the once unapproachable husband suddenly so clingy? Good sir, I am not your wife, and marrying me is impossible. Unless...you promise to spoil me for the rest of my life, love me like nothing else, and to and over all your wealth and influence, and to be content coming home to do the chores and cook for me everyday. Perhaps then, I would sit on the couch and cheer you on! 
“Do you know how many nights I’ve thought about those? How I imagined sliding your dress up and seeing you in them… in my room, or my office… gagged so you wouldn’t scream my name?”
“Say the word, Renata,” he whispered, voice rough. “And I’ll have you right here… where anyone could knock. Where you could get caught with your husband’s father’s cock inside you.”
She gasped.
But she didn’t say no.
********
One reckless night. A stranger’s touch. Her ruin.
The night before her wedding, Renata surrendered to a man whose name she didn’t know… A man who made her tremble, moan, and beg for more in the shadows.
The next morning, he was at the wedding hall too…Watching her walk down the aisle to his son.
Domingo Serrano.
Powerful. Predatory. Possessive.
And he’s not done with her.
He wants her again. And again.
Once a week. No excuses. No escape.
But Renata isn’t just drowning in lust and shame.
She’s chasing answers. Her parents were murdered under the guise of an auto accident. The killer is hiding behind the walls of the Hidalgo empire.
Santiago, her charming husband, has secrets.
Lady Constanza, his mother, wears lies like pearls.
And Domingo? He’s the darkest of them all.
Now Renata’s playing with fire, and carrying a secret that could burn everyone:
She’s pregnant.
And she doesn’t know if the father is her husband… or his father. 


Even the coldest heart would soon grow warm if she kept holding on to it. That was what she believed. That was why she became his unloved placeholder of a wife. Unfortunately, all her devotion only led to a heartless divorce. “She’s awake now,” he told her. “Step down and step away, you miserable knock-off.”Then, he left. When he came back, it was because he needed her to do something only an impostor could do: go to jail for his dream girl’s crime. Deirdre McKinnon was condemned to perdition. She lost her baby before it was born. She lost her face to violence. She lost the ability to see. It was two months of a hell-like nightmare. At last, something died inside her heart. Two years later, she found herself another man, but when Brendan Brighthall met her by pure happenstance, a new feeling was born in his heart: jealousy. There were no means too terrible, no scheme too underhanded—not if it meant he’d possess Deirdre’s heart again. And yet, she simply refused to love him anymore.“What do you want me to do, Deirdre McKinnon?! What must I do to go back to the good old days?” His eyes turned red. “I’ll give you everything I have!”“You gave me a copper trinket two years ago. It was a sorry excuse for a wedding ring, and yet I cared for it as though it was the most precious jewel in the world…“But now? Nothing you can give would be even remotely worthwhile. Not even you.” 
Bonnie Shepard, a country girl, is the talk of the town. Rumors say she's a loser who loves fighting and fooling around.Her fiancé dumps her, and the esteemed Knight family distances themselves, causing the Shepards no small embarrassment. But when the world uncovers her true identity as the nation's leading researcher, everyone is awed.To their surprise, she's not only a math genius, but also a chess prodigy, a medical guru, and a kickboxing expert, outshining even the wealthiest tycoon on the Forbes list.Prominent figures and affluent heirs vie openly for her affection."Bonnie, will you marry me? I'm fit, and I’m the most romantic and considerate partner you'll ever find. Hell, I'll even handle all the household chores!""Bonnie, choose me, please? My family owns a mine, and you can buy anything you want!" Ivor Knight, the CEO who once spurned her, regrets it so much that he can only say, "Fuck off, okay? She's mine!" 
When Emelie Hoven was hopelessly in love with William Middleton, she almost ended up losing her life. But to William, she was only someone convenient who he thought couldn't live without him.And so, she decided to stop loving him.William didn't like that Emelie was too calm, too rational, and too independent. Later, his wish came true—he got to see her relying on someone and being gentle.He wasn't the recipient, though.On the day of Emelie's wedding, she smiles brightly as she sits on a chair and waits for her groom and his groomsmen to pass the test she and her bridesmaids have set up for them. The atmosphere is lively. Suddenly, William shows up out of nowhere.He gets on one knee before her and holds her hands, looking like he's almost worshipping her. "Leave him, please. Come with me. You loved me first, didn't you?" 




After eighteen years in the Tate family, Paige Tate suddenly found out that she wasn't her parents' daughter.Their biological daughter was back, and Paige was abandoned. They were about to send Paige back to her hometown, which was an allegedly poor county...However, the so-called poor county turned out to be the area where the most expensive villas in the country gathered!Overnight, she went from a fake daughter of a relatively rich family to a real daughter of a top family!Her biological parents doted on her unconditionally. They allowed her to have at least 1.6 million dollars as her pocket money, drive whichever luxury car in the garage she favored, buy whatever customized luxuries in the world she pleased, and choose any top school she preferred.If she didn't want to go to school, she could kill her time with the family business!What shocked Paige the most was that she had a fiancé...Her fiancé proposed to break off the engagement, and Paige didn't give a damn. However, she was confused by what happened afterward. He had proposed to break off the engagement, and then he clung onto her as if he was a completely different person!He became so clingy and handsy.Paige was annoyed. "Who are you, Sir?""Baby, I am your husband.""I don't have a husband. An ex-fiancé who wants to break off our engagement is all I have."Martin Stowe, the world's richest man, feared by everyone in the world, was speechless.He wanted to punch himself as he was so silly that he called off the marriage without even meeting Paige... 
Nina had married Jason for ten years.And she once thought she had married a rare good man.However, she hadn’t expected he would kill her one day.He made a fool of her in the name of marriage, snatched her family’s fortunes and even eliminated all of her families just to please his true love.He made full preparation and killed her. Luckily, she was reborn and went back ten years in life.This time, she swore revenge on him – she would ruin his reputation, bring a downfall to his family and give his lover a miserable ending. Those who had hurt her in her previous life must pay the price in this life!Hence, the first thing she did after rebirth was to go back on the wedding with Jason Gu and married his sworn enemy in the previous life, Johnny. Nonetheless, she didn’t expect that Johnny was a bigwig whom she shouldn’t approach.She thought it was just a convenient marriage and they would not develop any feelings towards each other, after marriage, however, she realized she was spoiled by that bigwig. 
17 years ago, Hera Youngworth was switched at birth. 17 years later, her biological family, the Everetts, manages to track her down. To her dismay, her father is scornful of her, and her grandmother dislikes her. Even her so-called fiancé has nothing but contempt for her.Her father, James Everett, tells her, "There's no way the Gaskell family will accept a country bumpkin as their daughter-in-law. For the sake of both our families, we'll make a public announcement about you being our adoptive daughter."Her grandmother, Mildred Barker, snaps, "Your grades are abysmal; you don't deserve to sleep in a room meant for members of the Everett family. A guest bedroom is all you deserve!"Her fiancé, Zyler Gaskell, says, "Giselle is the true daughter of the Everetts, and she's the only one worthy of me. Get lost, you country bumpkin!"Hera's reaction to all of this? She couldn't care less.Later, her name frequently makes headlines.Secret No. 1: Hera's the mysterious genius who got perfect scores on her SATs!Secret No. 2: Hera is actually Raven, the infamous hacker!Secret No. 3: Hera is at the top of the Divine Forum's list!Secret No. 4: Hera is the one who holds Mr. Killian's heart!The list goes on.This plot twist humiliates those who previously looked down on Hera. They get on their knees before her and beg her for help, but a certain someone teaches them a lesson and turns them down without hesitation.Bernard Killian gives them an arrogant look and dominantly announces, "Hera is mine and mine only."Then, he turns to Hera and says pitifully, "Look at how incredible you are, Mrs. Killian. I hope you'll take me under your wing in the future."Hera gives him a cold look. "Drop the act, Mr. Killian. Your secrets have long been laid bare." 
Callan kissed me thoroughly, fanning the flames between us before nibbling my lip.Craving more, I opened my mouth in sweet invitation. He ran his tongue along mine, and then deepened the kiss. I clung to the sides of his shirt, swaying into him. Callan’s hands drifted down to grab my bottom and pull me fully against him. I could feel his hardness against my thigh.“Callan…” I whispered as his lips trailed down my neck.“Mhm?” Callan murmured against my skin.“Make love to me.”***After a breakup hat led to the loss of her business, Isla has a no-dating policy when it comes to coworkers. She’s a woman with something to prove, and no man is going to take it from her this time.Except, perhaps, CEO Callan. After a steamy night, Callan is determined to break down Isa’s icy walls.Can Isa let go of the past and risk it all forCallan? Or will she be just another new girl?Not Just Another New Girl is created by Scarlett Rossi, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author. 



Bella Thompson assumed a new identity and entered into a three-year marriage contract with Justin Salvador, hoping to win his heart with her unwavering devotion.To her dismay, Justin hastily presented her with the divorce papers as soon as their contractual period expired. Heartbroken, Bella signed them and returned home, resuming her identity as the heiress of the Thompson business empire.From then on, Bella no longer hid her remarkable talents. She was not only a billionaire heiress, but also a medical prodigy, a world-class hacker, and a fencing champion.Determined to get her revenge, Bella went all out to humiliate her ex-husband’s childhood sweetheart at an auction. She also became her ex-husband’s biggest business rival.Finally, Justin confronted her, saying, “Bella Thompson! Must you be so ruthless?”Bella sneered and retorted, “How I treat you now is only a fraction of the cruelty you subjected me to back then!” 


Three years ago, she was a poor judge of character. She was willing to donate her kidney and become disfigured for an a**hole. However, not only did that man cheat on her, he had even nearly caused her to lose her life!Three years later, she regained her beauty. Upon her glorious return, she swore to make all a**holes pay for what they did.It was widely known that Stanley Batton, the wealthiest tycoon in Atlantis, was a cruel man feared by many. Although he had the facial features of a passionate man, he was known for his heart of ice.People constantly speculated on the kind of woman who would be able to open his heart.However, to everyone’s surprise, he kneeled on one knee under the spotlight, and in front of every known media company, to tie a butterfly knot on her shoe.“Stanley Batton, what do you really want?” She seemed panicked and flustered.He laughed at himself. “Xyla Quest, no one else but you can take my life away!”