Zero No Tsukaima

I'd never forget how cold the icy waters of the Sandford River were. In my previous life, I was Dalia Valentino, the future Donna of the Rossi family that they'd already acknowledged. But later on, I got betrayed by my fiance, Marco Rossi, and my cousin, Alice Palermo. They stole my betrothal contract away and took over my family's resources. In the end, they used me as a human shield and got me killed during a crossfire between our families. The moment I felt a bullet penetrating my chest, I saw Marco protecting Alice. As for my childhood friend, Riccardo Corleone, who had always watched me from behind, rushed over to me like a madman. He scooped my cooling corpse into his arms before letting out an anguished roar. That was why after I got reborn, I didn't hesitate to kick Marco to the curb and marry Riccardo, resulting in me becoming the Donna of the Corleone family. I thought Riccardo was my savior. Little did I know that fate was just playing a crueler prank on me. Both men had always been in love with the same woman this whole time. In this case, I decided to quit this game of romance and deceit.

“Srta. Castro, preparamos um corpo idêntico ao seu conforme solicitado e o entregaremos no local do seu casamento com o Sr. Martins daqui a dez dias.” Ao ouvir a confirmação do funcionário do outro lado da linha, a tensão que há dias apertava os nervos de Naiara finalmente começou a aliviar. “Ótimo, muito obrigada.” “Não há de quê, é nosso dever. Pode ficar tranquila, ninguém vai suspeitar desse corpo.” Com essa garantia, Naiara soltou um suspiro de alívio. Após confirmar novamente os detalhes para o dia da entrega do corpo com o funcionário, ela desligou o telefone e empurrou a porta da sala privada. O burburinho que antes preenchia o ambiente cessou instantaneamente quando ela entrou.

Le salvé la vida a Don Stefano Marino, de la familia Marino. En el momento en que una bala estaba a punto de alcanzarlo, fui yo quien lo protegió con mi cuerpo. Debido a la deuda de vida que tenía conmigo, Stefano decidió que sería yo quien se casara con él, en lugar de mi hermana mayor, Anna Costa, en la alianza matrimonial. Pero en nuestra noche de bodas, Stefano prefirió beber hasta quedar inconsciente en algún lugar de la ciudad antes que consumar nuestro matrimonio conmigo. Como una tonta ingenua, pensé que algún día sería capaz de derretir su corazón de hielo con mi amor. Pero no habían pasado ni cinco años cuando Stefano regresó con un niño que se parecía a él y a Anna. —Anna ha sufrido tremendamente durante su tiempo en el extranjero mientras intentaba criar a su hijo sola. Necesito compensárselo. Entonces, Stefano me entregó el acuerdo de divorcio. —Has acaparado el puesto de Donna durante muchos años. Es hora de que se lo devuelvas a ella. Solo entonces descubrí que, en realidad, Stefano había pasado esa noche con Anna, la misma noche de nuestra boda. Saqué el informe de embarazo con el que pensaba sorprender a Stefano, solo para que él lo rompiera en mil pedazos. —No necesito otro hijo. Una vez que esas frías palabras cayeron, me enviaron por la fuerza al quirófano, donde sufrí un sangrado intenso después, lo que resultó en mi muerte y la de mi bebé no nacido. Cuando desperté de nuevo, vi a Stefano, que estaba a punto de recibir un disparo. Esta vez, empujé a Anna en su dirección.

I receive a phone call at 3:00 pm. Apparently, my daughter, Marilyn Lopez, has suffocated to death because she was left behind on the school bus. When I arrive at the scene, I'm overwhelmed with sorrow the moment I see Marilyn's purple face. That's when I snatch a gun from a policeman and put a bullet between the eyes of the school bus driver, who's been playing on his phone this whole time. After the gunshot rings out, I open my eyes immediately. My alarm clock rings once again, showing that it's 7:00 am. I've gone back in time! Then, I see Marilyn wearing her backpack and telling me sweetly, "Mommy, the school bus is here!" I quickly stop Marilyn like a madwoman and refuse to let her board the school bus. But a gas leak occurs at 3:00 pm on the same day, causing Marilyn's death. No matter how much I try to save her, she keeps dying in various ways at 3:00 pm. This is the 108th cycle. As I stare at the weird smile on the school bus driver's face, I finally understand everything.

Everyone knew how much I was in love with Alex Carter. I was willing to do anything for Alex just to see him happy and never bothered if they ruined my dignity or worth. But to Alex, I was seen as a desperate shameless lady who wanted him by all means even though I knew he always had a lover. After we got married, he treated me like dirt and threw me in prison, accusing me of financial crimes. Killed by a jailer sent by him, I died with regret of loving him. When I woke up again, I found myself back on my wedding day with Alex in my previous life and realised it was an afterlife, a second chance at life. This time, I wouldn't let him ruin me twice.

“Lila,” I began softly, choosing my words. “About last night...” She stood abruptly, cutting me off. “Don’t. There’s nothing to apologize for. It happened.” I frowned, trying to gauge her. “So, what are you saying?” She crossed her arms, steadying herself. “I’m saying I have a deal for you.” “A deal?” “We keep seeing each other—secretly. No one has to know. No strings attached.” I stared at her, wondering if she was serious. But from the look in her eyes, I knew she was. ********** Lila Frost, a brilliant bio-genetics student and the fiercely protected sister of Alpha King Ronan, returns to Silver Lake for a quiet summer focused on her research. But one reckless night changes everything when she shares an unforgettable encounter with Caden Walker—her brother’s dangerously irresistible best friend. Their one-night stand ignites a fiery connection, and they agree to indulge their passion without complications—no love, no strings attached. But when Lila discovers she’s pregnant, her world unravels. Torn between her growing feelings for Caden and the fear that he could never love her back, Lila retreats into her studio, burying herself in her work to escape the truth. The secret she carries threatens not only her heart but also her bond with her overprotective brother. As Caden remains unaware of Lila's internal struggle, Ronan uncovers the truth about their relationship—and his fury knows no bounds. Now, Lila must confront her feelings, her brother’s wrath, and the uncertainty of what her future holds. Can she risk everything for a chance at love with Caden? Or will she lose him—and herself—trying to protect her heart?

For three years, I played the role of a dutiful wife to my husband, Williams, until I found out I was just a mere substitute for his first love— the woman he truly loved.  When she returned, he threw divorce papers at me as if I meant nothing.  And when I refused to sign them, I was forced to donate my blood to his precious mistress, causing me to lose a child I never even knew I was carrying. Shattered and broken, I walked away with one purpose— avenging the death of my unborn child.  He realised his mistake, but it was too late. I was no longer his substitute, but a future he'll never touch.  “You were right, Williams. I was a substitute you never deserved.” 

I am the only son of the richest man in Fairmont. Before my coming-of-age, my mother selects nine girls for me, one of whom I am to marry when I turn 18. I choose Ruth Lonsdale, the girl who had grown up by my side since we were kids. But on our wedding day, Ruth secretly leaks my whereabouts to kidnappers and takes every single bodyguard my mother had assigned to protect me. After I am abducted, I call her and beg for help, but she answers with a cold laugh, "You're still acting? You had a bunch of thugs go after Jack, and I haven't gotten even with you for that yet! Anyway, I only took your bodyguards to protect him and make him feel safe. Don't make such a big deal out of it." She then hangs up. Enraged, the kidnappers stab me repeatedly before throwing my body from the rooftop. When I open my eyes again, I'm back to the day I'm supposed to choose my bride. This time, I didn't even glance at Ruth's photo. I point to the most ordinary-looking girl of them all and say, "I choose her."

I stand in the hospital after my two older brothers decline all 99 of my phone calls. They finally appear, bringing with them the biological sister they found. My gentle eldest brother, who had once rescued me from my so-called abusive parents, raises his hand and slaps me across the face. "Cynthia, you're actually pretending to have a terminal illness just to compete with Sarah for our affection? And you came to this kind of place to frighten us?" I clutch my swollen cheek and listen as my second brother, who always says he'll trust me no matter what, holds Sarah in his arms and laughs out loud. "Are you trying to fake being sick to get our attention after seeing that Sarah is in poor health? "Just cut the act. You've been living in luxury since childhood and have always been in perfect health. How could you possibly be ill?" Sarah Crawford speaks up thoughtfully, "Don't blame her, you two. I think she just feels like I've stolen away your love for her, which is why she has become so unreasonable..." I look at the two brothers who have doted on me for ten years and suddenly feel that nothing matters anymore. After all, I only have seven days left to live. In seven days, everything will return to normal after my departure. But by then, they'll be the ones unable to accept it.

Eu entrei no livro e virei a bela figurante sem importância. E o meu irmão é o único homem normal da história, porque o papel dele é o de primeiro amor frio, abstinente e inalcançável que a protagonista jamais consegue conquistar. Quando a protagonista chora e se declara para ele, ele está estudando. Quando a protagonista quer se entregar de corpo e alma, ele está empreendendo. Enquanto a protagonista se perde entre vários homens, ele já se tornou um magnata, com renda anual nas centenas de bilhões. Eu achava que ele viveria uma vida inteira de pureza e autocontrole. Até que, certa noite, vi ele segurando uma peça da minha roupa nas mãos, murmurando o meu nome em voz baixa...