Ethan Cagney, secretly the Dragonlord of Cagney Sect, kept his true identity hidden from his wife of three years. Their marriage ended when he caught her cheating with a wealthy scion. To her, Ethan was nothing more than a lowly food vendor, destined for mediocrity. Meanwhile, Rose Ziegler, his fiancée, knew only that Ethan was a divorcee and a humble vendor. She still agreed to marry him, unaware of his true identity.
Chapters: 0
Three years ago, Sophie Lane uncovered a cruel truth: her adoptive parents took her in not out of love, but to shield their biological daughter, Ruby Lane, from bad luck. Fueled by jealousy over Sophie’s beauty, Ruby persuaded their father to send Sophie to an old man as a bed companion. In a desperate act of self-defense, Sophie fought back, injuring the man, which gave her family the perfect reason to lock her away in Cray Asylum—a place as nightmarish as hell itself.
Celine saves Jack's life, and they spend a night together due to a spiked drink—which results in her having triplets. Years later, Rose poses as Celine, taking credit for the fried rice that won Jack's heart. As Celine helps Jack's hotel, he falls for her again. Through their kids, Jack realizes Celine was the one all along.
Chapters: 0
Sold to a nightclub by her ex-husband Noah Pike to pay off debts, Maya Bell is forced to part from her daughter Emma. She only gains enough power to fight for custody seven years later, but Noah and his new wife get in her way and even try killing her. With help from Sean Vale and Jack Lane, Maya eventually reveals her high status and power, saving Emma and sending Noah and his wife to prison.
Gregory was imprisoned because his wife and daughter framed him for theft, and they even caused his mother’s death for his stepbrother. Heartbroken, he got a divorce and rebuilt his life as a chief engineer, winning Sabrina’s heart. Crowned with success, he stormed back to drag all conspirators to justice.
Chapters: 0
Jareth Zane unexpectedly time-travels and becomes the live-in son-in-law of the Lacy family. After being humiliated and set up by Draven Wycliffe, he uses the knowledge from the future to develop a purple dye that saves the Lacy family from a crisis. With his great talent, he invents gunpowder and designs various types of firearms and cannons, successfully defusing many conflicts between Xevoria and Bryndor.
Cora Bowers is a bookworm, that just graduated with an MBA from Harvard. She is a really smart girl, with the weight of the world on her shoulders. She needs a job quickly to be able to help her parents pay the bills. She goes in for an interview for a job that she really needs, and while she is waiting to do her interview, she gets hired for another position, as a Personal Assistant for one of the hottest bachelors in New York. Collin Lauder works hard, and he doesn't have time for normal relationships. He dates models and actresses, and he doesn't want a real relationship anyway. To Colin, Cora is just a plain jane that never wears makeup and always has her hair in a bun. She dresses badly, as he clothes are not nice enough, and to him, that makes him look bad. She is a direct reflection on him and his company, and she isn't making a good impression. He wants her to quit and leave the job to the PA who has done it for the last 40-plus years. Cora makes a deal with an up-and-coming designer, she will model for him, and he will let her keep the outfits that he makes especially for her. As Cora's appearance and clothing start to improve, so does Collin's impression of Cora. He wants to get with her eventually, but first, he wants to try out the new "it girl" on the modeling scene. And what will happen when Collin finally figures out that the gorgeous new model "Shea" is actually Cora, modeling under her middle name?
Chapters: 0
After being betrayed by her beloved, Tasha Rowan, a courtesan from the past, is transmigrated into a frail young woman in the modern world. To afford the surgery she needs, she becomes a maid for the Potters, determined to win the heart of their heir, Dean Potter. Despite her fear of romance, Dean falls for Tasha, and she begins to develop feelings for him as well.
Chapters: 0
Growing up together, Laura Depp and Jake Carter promised to marry after college. But on the day of their wedding, as Laura stands outside City Hall in her gown and holding a bouquet, she realizes she is nothing more than a joke Jake used to amuse Vivian Lown. Heartbroken and humiliated, she hands the bouquet to a scorned laborer and impulsively proposes marriage—unaware that he is, in fact, the wealthiest heir in Osted.
Unemployed Frank Lloyd found himself back to the 1980s, when he embarked on a love story with his beloved Chloe Simmons, all in pursuit of his grand dream of becoming the Master Chef. Although Frank initially pledged his future to Chloe, fate had other plans, leading him to become captivated by Rosie Quill. As he pursued his aspirations, Frank delved into the realm of modern marketing, ventured into live-streaming sales, and spearheaded a new fast-food concept, ultimately culminating in a showdown among culinary titans and navigating the intricacies of love and cooking challenges.
Chapters: 0
Growing up together, Laura Depp and Jake Carter promised to marry after college. But on the day of their wedding, as Laura stands outside City Hall in her gown and holding a bouquet, she realizes she is nothing more than a joke Jake used to amuse Vivian Lown. Heartbroken and humiliated, she hands the bouquet to a scorned laborer and impulsively proposes marriage—unaware that he is, in fact, the wealthiest heir in Osted.
Tim Shaw, decisive in action and shrewd-minded, comes out to see the world at his master's request. He falls in love with the heroine, Rosie Golding, at first sight. After curing Rosie of a rare illness, he starts to do the best he can to protect her. Through a series of dramatic events, he first acts as an underdog and then successfully turns the tide, bringing the wicked to justice and upholding righteousness. He ends up being together with Rosie.
Chapters: 0
Ruth, the daughter of the richest family, is supposed to meet her family-arranged fiancé, Damien. But she arrives at the restaurant disguised as Rose, a cleaning lady, to finish the mission. It so happens that "Stephen", the security guard she crushed at first sight, is exactly Damien, who has also been hiding his identity to avoid the meeting. And a marvelous relationship unfolds between the two young people with their secret identities...
Chapters: 0
Freelance photographer Melody Bale is forced into an engagement with CEO Aaron Zahn, a man she deems dull and keeps at a distance. Misreading his kindness as warning signs, she pulls away—only to fall prey to someone who wishes her harm. Through Aaron's steadfast protection and unwavering devotion, Melody discovers the truth of his heart, and love blossoms between them—pure and true, like roses in summer's tender kiss.
Viki had been living on the streets since she was a child. When the Pratts found her, her three brothers treated her aloofly and all favored the foster girl Sibel. When the Pratts went bankrupt, Sibel got away with the money. Viki worked multiple jobs, and her three brothers rose again. On the day when the Pratt Group went public, Viki died trying to save a man. When she opened her eyes again and realized she was reborn, Viki refused to return to the Pratts. She thought that she could live her own life in this way, but it turned out that her three brothers seemed to be different from how they acted in her last life. Not only did they not avoid her, but they tried every possible way to get closer and please her. A mysterious man showed up, who was even more needy than her brothers and also stuck to Viki.
Chapters: 0
In her past life, Wendy Schultz was an innocent and kind girl who suffered a miserable death due to the schemes of a plotting girl. Given a second chance, she seeks revenge and fights against her former tormentor's family. Amidst conspiracies and deep-seated hatred, Wendy encounters Finn Gabriel, a top model, marking the start of a pure love story between them.
When her stepmother tried to sell her as a concubine, desperate Rose seduced Ethan, the elegant heir of a powerful family. By day they maintained propriety, yet by night they shared forbidden passion. She planned to disappear once he married, until she discovered the truth beneath his grace: a dangerously possessive man who would never let her go.
Chapters: 0
Ein privates Video macht Josie zur Zielscheibe der Verachtung. Sie erfährt, dass ihr Freund hinter den Demütigungen steckt. Aus Verzweiflung erfüllt sie die Verlobung ihrer Schwester, deckt Missbrauch auf und flieht. Im Ausland gewinnt sie Vertrauen zurück – bis ihr Ex sie erneut entführt.
Jasper Tate, the leader of Hall of Mar, left his fiancée Khloe Flynn at a bridal shop for an urgent mission on the front lines. Khloe waited three years, sure of his good cause. When he was finally back, however, he had a car accident while rescuing Khloe. Despite his vegetative state, Khloe stayed loyal, enduring scorn and insults. With Jasper's awakening, the Lord of War rose again to reclaim his throne, setting things right and punishing the bullies.
Chapters: 0
Aelia Brown once believed she was blissfully wedded to the perfect man for three years, only to realize that he was the one who orchestrated her life's downfall. Under the facade of marriage, he cunningly played with her emotions and plotted to take over her family's fortune. Even the child she carried became his pawn. Reborn into a new life, Aelia is determined to tarnish his reputation and exact revenge on those who caused her harm!
Lily Henderson, an ambitious but financially struggling woman breaks up with her overly possessive and abusive boyfriend a day before an all-important interview which she hoped would be her big ticket out of poverty, and help her forget her morally questionable past. To convince her Ex, Mathew Gregor, that she is no longer interested, Lily pulls a crazy stunt halfway through their dinner in a restaurant. She passionately kisses a stranger, Tristan Hawthrone, and convinces him to play along. After a one-night stand with Tristan, Lily arrives late for her important interview the next day, only to be stunned by the sight of Mathew Gregor, who had just become the CEO of the company she was interviewing for. In a shocking twist, Mathew hires her for the job, but he has ulterior motives. Days later, Lily receives a call from Tristan, asking for a meetup. In exchange for money and a taste of luxury, he asks her to act as his fiancé to fool his visiting mother. Lily is ambivalent. At work, she confides in her friend/co-worker Elizabeth about the exasperating maltreatment from Mathew and the strange man she had met. Elizabeth also confides in Lily about a man she was supposed to meet. They have no idea they are talking about the same person...
Chapters: 0
Ein privates Video macht Josie zur Zielscheibe der Verachtung. Sie erfährt, dass ihr Freund hinter den Demütigungen steckt. Aus Verzweiflung erfüllt sie die Verlobung ihrer Schwester, deckt Missbrauch auf und flieht. Im Ausland gewinnt sie Vertrauen zurück – bis ihr Ex sie erneut entführt.
"Aren't you my fan? Do me a favor. Be my girlfriend." Nora Yeadon thought she was dreaming. After all, why would the award-winning actor, Calvin Reeves, offer her a chance to date? Was it true? Or could it be that he wanted to get something from her? In fact, Nora was right. Calvin wanted her to be his girlfriend for three months so that he could get rid of a persistent micro-influencer. Her reward would be $200,000. There was no reason for Nora to reject Calvin's offer. She needed the money for her grandmother's treatment, and at the same time, Calvin's younger brother hired her to find out about Calvin's dirty secrets. To top it all off, the micro-influencer was Nora's stepsister, whom she hated so much. However, things started to change when Nora and Calvin fell in love with each other. They saw their relationship through rose-colored glasses, but how could it have a happy ending? There were people who wanted Nora and Calvin to break up: her stepsister, his brother, and also a manager who was in love with him. And if that was not bad enough, Calvin's ex-girlfriend suddenly appeared after being missing for so many years…
Rose Smith wakes up to find herself as the villainous ex-wife in the story "A Wife Hard to Pamper." In this role, she takes advantage of the villain's accident-induced stupidity to abuse him and her son, steal company secrets, and neglects her sick daughter. Now, to avoid the villain's comeback and revenge, she has to embark on the difficult path of winning their favor.
Archery champion Julia Lowe travels back in time to the Rose dynasty and becomes the grand princess. Her intelligence and skillful archery attract both her husband, Zeno Shaw, who is forced to marry her, and the chancellor, Lance Wiley. In the end, Julia's wisdom makes her the crown princess.
Corrin Roosevelt was adopted after she got separated from her parents, and left the mountains for a fated encounter at the age of nineteen. Five years later, she became known as an idiotic young lady, her daughter helping to set her up with Wallace Beckham. Meanwhile, Wallace initially mistook her identity, but ended up confirming who she was. After getting married, Corrin continued acting dumb as she grew in power and influence. Ultimately, the two managed to tear off each others' masks, finally interacting as their true selves. From there on, their relationship deepened, leading them to true love along the way.
Jane Shirley, a popular socialite in Jakarta. Sheltered from hardships since childhood, she never knew that genuine affection could be fake. Meeting Henry Steven was a meticulously woven trap set by him, a destined calamity for Jane. Jane loved Henry like a moth drawn to flame. She knew he was unhappy, thus she tirelessly offered him happiness. She only knew of his deep-seated hatred but never imagined it was directed at her. It wasn't until their engagement day when Henry forced Jane to kneel on the icy ground, witnessing him drive her father to suicide and her mother to fatal humiliation. He injured her right hand, unveiling his vengeful motives. All love and affection shattered like illusions. Plunged from heaven to hell, that day marked the dividing line in Jane's life. Afterward, Jane was wrongfully committed to a mental asylum by the malicious Una Bolton. Her child was ripped alive from her womb and she had been tortured for three long years. No one expected this delicate young lady to survive. Three years later, Jane crossed paths with Henry again, now a powerful lord with the world at his command, while she lived as a lowly dancer, devoid of dignity. Even the dominating figure, Henry, dared not meet Jane's eyes, each look capable of painfully subjecting him to death. Henry, almost frenzied, sought to confine Jane by his side, willing to sacrifice anything to keep her. However, Jane, numb to emotion, remained unchanged before his belated love and attempts to make amends. Henry realized that the love he once relinquished with his own hands could not be reclaimed, no matter how hard he tried. As Una hired assassins, their relationship faced repeated crises. What future awaits this pair of devoted, embittered lovers amidst the unfolding fated drama?
Framed by his stepmother, Alexander trains in the mountains, mastering supreme martial and medical arts, eventually commanding the Summit Holdings. Sent away to honor an engagement, he aids his fiancee, solves her corporate crises, avenges his mother's death, and rises to become the undisputed ruler of Rose City.
Seventeen years ago, Ashla Becker was thrown into the mountains by her biological father and stepmother, who seized her inheritance. Adopted by seven experts, Ashla returns in a domineering manner seventeen years later—now a master of medicine and a hidden wealthy person. She successfully interrupts the wedding of her fiance and stepsister, becoming a subject of ridicule among the elite. Perry Edgar, unhappy with the arranged marriage, opposes Ashla. However, Ashla fiercely beats up the spoiled rich kid, exposes her stepsister's hypocrisy, and bravely reclaims her inheritance, impressing Perry. Perry proposes a sham marriage, but he unexpectedly falls in love with Ashla after their fake marriage, becoming a protective husband. Their relationship evolves through a series of love, hate, and passion.
Nina Gunn was betrayed by her younger sister, Rosie Gunn, who not only took her man and her fortune but also attempted to take her life. Five years later, upon returning to the country as a CEO, her first act is to acquire the Gunn Group. She vows to reclaim everything she lost five years ago!
Humiliated on her own wedding day, Ava’s childhood crush becomes her cold, distant husband. Married for status, not love, Ava enters a world where appearance is everything—and she’s never been enough. Mocked and dismissed, she quietly decides to prove them all wrong. But her transformation isn't just physical—it's a journey of self-worth, passion, and rediscovering her own voice. What she doesn’t expect is Alfie—her aloof husband—starting to see her for who she really is. The girl he once knew. The woman he can’t ignore. As the lines between duty and desire blur, Alfie finds himself falling—hard—for the wife he never thought he needed. (中文IP原型热辣滚烫之华丽变身)Ava Croft是个自信可爱的大码千金。她被家族安排嫁给自己儿时的玩伴公子Alfie Harrison,一场为了门面而举行的联姻,却从婚礼起就沦为笑柄:Ava在红毯上摔倒被群嘲,新郎冷眼旁观,名媛Sloane当众羞辱,全城媒体都等着看她笑话。婚后,Ava住进豪门庄园,遭遇冷暴力、隐形羞辱和持续的外貌攻击。野心勃勃的名媛Sloane处处刁难、造谣,连佣人都不尊重她。Ava崩溃——她开始锻炼、变美、反击,只为一件事:证明他们有多么肤浅。
Ex-special forces Jean gave up her military career for love, only to be belittled by her husband. When he mocked her as 'useless', she left with her parents' ashes. No one knew this 'Secretary Jean' was once a fighter pilot, top scholar, and even mentor to an elite hacker. After burying the past, she rose again.
Audrey Lindsay was called by her husband Elmer Foley and mother-in-law Rosie Rowe to the courthouse to get divorced. Rosie looked down on Audrey, claiming the Foleys were about to cooperate with the Premier Group and that Audrey was unsuitable for Elmer. Though Audrey claimed to be the Premier Group CEO, no one believed her. After seeing Elmer's true nature, Audrey agreed to the divorce. Wanting custody of their daughter Dory, Audrey was instead framed when she witnessed Rosie abusing Dory. Driven out of the Foley home, Audrey suffered humiliation from Elmer's lover, Flora. Determined to prove her identity, Audrey attended the Premier Group gala. Revealing her status, she turned the tables on Flora and Rosie, causing Elmer to regret. An assassin targeted Audrey, but Elmer risked his life to save her. Moved by Elmer's sacrifice, Audrey reconsidered him. Their relationship deepened until Audrey forgave Elmer, heroically defending him and defeating the villains.
The Scarlet Specter is reborn as Scarlet Jones, a bullied girl in her past life. This time, she regains her beauty and combat skills. A chance encounter with Henry Quinn, a powerful figure in the Capital, sets her on an extraordinary journey. She overcomes all obstacles, taking down anyone who stands in her way.
Cillian Quade, a common man left by his wife, rose to become the Lord of Northwatch. He led the Northwatchers to great victories, facing war and love’s challenges. In the end, he won the war, kept his country safe, and found love with Princess Sienna, living happily together.
Maggie, a kind-hearted girl from a modest family, earns her place at a prestigious university through hard work. She catches the eye of wealthy and handsome Jonathan, and they quickly fall in love and marry, with both families' blessings. One day, Mandy invited Maggie for a hike up the mountain, but little did Maggie know that her so-called friend would betray and plot against her. Driven by jealousy of Maggie's perfect family, Mandy tried to take her place by pushing her off the cliff, only to end up falling herself. Mandy's fall left her legs crippled and her manipulative actions caused a crisis in Jonathan and Maggie's relationship. With Mandy's scheming ways, Maggie set out on a quest to clear her name and prove her innocence.
Heiress to America’s most powerful family and a legend of commerce who has shaped major financial conglomerates worldwide, Lillian Carter disguises as a janitor in Manhattan’s preeminent Dawson Group, scorned by her husband and mother-in-law. After the divorce, Lillian reclaims her queenly aura. Strong-willed and unafraid of power or challenge, she is favored by God and a rose with thorns. The stark contrast after her divorce leaves her ex-husband reeling and sparks the curiosity of the Dawson Group’s CEO, Charles Dawson, who remains unaware of her true identity.
Summer and Julian’s seven-year secret crush unfolds from a fleeting seaside encounter to a fateful college reunion. Amid misunderstandings and family obstacles, their feelings quietly grow. As graduation approaches, a heartfelt confession with roses and a ring marks the journey from school uniforms to wedding vows.
Only when Lydia unexpectedly awakened beside a burly hottie did she learn she had transmigrated into the jilted fiancée from a novel, who was framed for infidelity with Edwin by her ex’s family. Exposing the plot, Lydia swiftly married Edwin, who then rose to prominence as she thrived, charting their path to happiness.
Living under the control of a stepfather, Cleopatra has faced challenges in her quest for survival. Despite the circumstances she possesses a determination that cannot be crushed. Enduring one hardship after another, Cleopatra holds onto the glimmer of hope that some day she will break free from the shackles of her situation and carve out a better tomorrow...生活在继父的控制之下,克莉奥佩特拉在寻求生存的过程中面临着种种挑战。尽管环境如此恶劣,她却有着无法被击垮的决心。经历了一次又一次的磨难,克莉奥佩特拉抱着一线希望,希望有一天她能摆脱困境的束缚,开创美好的明天......
In the small college town of Cedarbrook, we find Brandon, a brilliant but introverted 19-year-old undergraduate student. He's your stereotypical nerd, the guy who's there for everyone but often overlooked. His best friend, Sarah, is the complete opposite—a lively and outgoing young woman. Unbeknownst to everyone, including Sarah, Brandon carries a deep and secret crush on her. As the story unfolds, we witness their unbreakable friendship. They navigate the challenges of college life together, with Brandon providing constant support, often putting Sarah's needs before his own. Unfortunately, their friendship is tested when Sarah finds herself in a toxic and abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Mark. Brandon's pleas for Sarah to leave Mark go unheard, as she's blinded by her love for him. Despite the heartache, he remains steadfast by her side, vowing to protect her. When a final, violent altercation between Sarah and Mark lands her in the hospital, Brandon is the only one there to care for her...
Blood contract is an enthralling series that chronicles the captivating journey of Rosy, who after losing her job and her sense of purpose, meets Sam, a wealthy vampire who proposes to hire her as his contract bride. Although Rosy feels intimidated by Sam's dark world, she takes the offer, thinking that it could be her only chance to make something of her life. As Rosy navigates her new position as a contract bride, she becomes increasingly aware of the dangerous and enigmatic world of vampires, as well as the ongoing power struggle between Sam and his younger brother, Ken. The competition is centered on who deserves to inherit their family's enterprise after their father's death – a ruthless and cunning vampire leader.
After eight years of widowhood, Eve bought Kane Conqueror and brought him home. Despite the great poverty of life, she believed that good people will be rewarded. However, Eve's deceased husband Cedric abruptly returned and made the decision to leave Eve. In the end, Eve and Kane overcame their obstacles and lived forever.
Father and Stepmother: "In a few days, we will have all the money we need, and she will no longer be a problem for us. If Alpha Ethan buys her, our financial troubles will be over." I'm Rosalie, and I couldn't decide if this was the best or worst day of my life. I was finally escaping from my father and stepmother, but only so they could sell me to the Alpha of Drogomor. Stepmother:“Be on your best behavior. If he doesn’t buy you, you’ll be rotting in the basement with the rats.”
Liam is an ordinary, hardworking young man whose mother is suddenly hospitalized with a severe illness, urgently needing surgery. He scrambles to gather funds for her medical expenses. However, fate deals him a cruel blow when he witnesses his beloved wife kissing a wealthy playboy at home. Heartbroken and enraged, Liam struggles to accept this betrayal but focuses on securing the money for his mother's treatment. Despite his pain, he asks his wife to return his savings to cover the medical costs. During their argument, the wealthy playboy sends a thug to deal with Liam. In the ensuing fight, Liam is struck on the head and falls into a coma. When he awakens, he discovers he might have gained the ability to foresee the future. Using this newfound power, he exposes the thug's secrets and predicts his future, scaring him away. This shocking revelation offers Liam a glimpse of new opportunities.
After Rosalind died from shock upon discovering her "sons" were actually her husband's affair-born children, she returned to her childbirth day. This time, the betrayed wife vows ruthless retribution against the scheming mistress and duplicitous husband who stole her life's devotion.
Transported to a fantasy realm as a frivolous playboy, Ethan Turner, the pill refiner, has his elixir field damaged attempting to harm Doris Lynn, the city lord's daughter. Utilizing his pill refining skill and the Cauldron of Nature's Creation, his cultivation surges. Ethan triumphs over adversaries, earning Doris's affection.
Rosonya Sherman followed her grandfather's wishes and married Byron Schofield, but the mysterious man turned out to be a fool, which made Rosonya and her mother suffer a lot of taunts and ridicule among the Shermans, and even faced the risk of being expelled from the family. Despite her mother's and grandmother's persuasion, the beautiful and kind lady never abandoned her grandfather's choice of a husband, and devoted herself to taking care of Byron. By chance, Byron's long-lost memories are reopened after a bump on the head. It turns out that he is the third son of the famous Schofield family, with enviable assets. Because of this, he was poisoned, leading to his disillusionment. Regaining his memories, Byron begins his revenge plan, first of all, to help his wife, who has never left him, to regain the respect and status she deserves...
Laureano, the powerful president of Synthara Group, was betrayed by his adopted son, Joe, who planned to kill him and seize control of his empire. Meanwhile, Sharif, a determined self-made entrepreneur, rose from humble beginnings to build a global business empire that captured the world’s attention. As Sharif embarked on his journey to challenge the corporate landscape, fate introduced him to Sharon, the woman who stole his heart at first but betrayed him later for money. Balancing his ambitions and newfound love, Sharif funded Sharon's education while navigating the high-stakes world of business and passion.
Three years ago, to thank the Cruzes for saving his life, Roger Flynn got engaged to Jesse Cruz. Later on, during a fight, he was injured again, leaving him disabled and dumb and turning him into an object of universal derision. Three years later, fortune finally smiled on him, gifting him the Healing Sect's legacy. With renewed clarity, he promised unwavering devotion to Jesse. He rose above past abuses, seeking justice and digging into the scheme behind his suffering!
After years in the depths of Shadow Purgatory, the legendary Warden Loman returned to the capital with a vengeance. As he rose to dominate the ruthless business world, he not only helped his wife reclaim her family's lost empire but also uncovered the sinister forces behind the conspiracy that had led to his downfall. With the city's peace hanging by a thread, Loman faced his enemies one final time, determined to protect everything he held dear—and to reclaim the life he had been forced to leave behind.