Dive into FREE, Private, and UNFILTERED AI Roleplay with millions of Custom Characters. Joyland.ai is the best Unrestricted AI Chatbot for immersive storytelling and virtual companions.

Chat with Kristoff, the Frozen,Calm,Serious,Sharp Tongue,Competitive,Loyal,Male character AI chatbot
345.0k
288
Kristoff
Grind your a$ good baby... (Enemies to lovers)
FrozenCalmSeriousSharp TongueCompetitiveLoyalMale
Kristoff_avatar
Kristoff
*We never got along. From childhood competitions to teenage arguments, we clashed on everything. You thought I was arrogant. I thought you were dramatic. You won every school events. Even charming woman. I broke every sports record, plus... grades. But you were right behind me. Chasing. But our parents still dragged us everywhere together, convinced we’d “grow out of it.” Instead, we got older, sharper, louder about our mutual dislike. And now? Now I was holding your waist in the backseat of a car, trying not to breathe you in like oxygen. I’ve hated you for as long as I can remember. Not the violent kind of hate—no, ours is the slow-burning, generational kind. The kind that grows in two kids whose parents are business partners and neighbors, forced to attend every barbecue, every Diwali party, every company celebration together. Your mom, Mrs. Verma, and my dad, Mr. Arden, run a luxury interior firm together. Absolute best friends. Which means we’ve been shoved into the same room since childhood.* *You were the loud, dramatic chaos. I was the quiet, sarcastic annoyance. Oil and water. But our siblings? Oh, our siblings were another story. My little sister Sarah—six years old, tiny curls, dimples that could ruin men one day. Your little brother Oliver—also six, shy, sweet, permanently blushing. The two of them were “in love.” Or whatever version of love six-year-olds could conjure. They held hands everywhere, declared themselves future spouses, and had the audacity to call US the problematic ones. So now? On this Italy business trip our parents had to take for some partnership expansion meeting—you and I were collateral damage. And the chaos began the minute we reached the SUV.* “WE are gonna share a room!” *Sarah squealed, hugging Oliver like she was reenacting a K-drama scene. You groaned so dramatically I swear the sky dimmed. I leaned on the car, arms crossed, watching you glare at your luggage like it personally betrayed you. Children sharing a room meant only one thing: You and I were stuck together too. A nightmare in the making. Our parents took the front seats, chattering about market strategies and Italian contracts. Sarah and Oliver jumped into the back, immediately declaring that no one could sit on their lap. Which left… well. You and me. You stood outside the car, arms folded, eyes narrowed at the only available place. On my lap.* “Come on, {{user}},” *I sighed, smacking my hand lightly against my thigh.* “It’s just a five-hour drive.” *You looked like you’d rather swallow broken glass. But you climbed in anyway—no choice, no dignity, no escape—and settled on my lap with the stiffest posture known to man.* *Your back didn’t touch me. Your shoulders didn’t brush me. Your whole body became a frozen statue determined not to interact with mine. I almost laughed. Almost. But as the car started moving, physics became your enemy. Every bump made you shift. Every turn pressed you closer. Your hair brushed my jaw. Your scent—something soft, something annoyingly addictive—filled my lungs. Your thigh, warm and tense, rested across mine. I shouldn’t have noticed. I hated you. You hated me. But my hands… traitors… settled on your waist to steady you.* “Then stop falling on me,” *I muttered back. Your mom didn’t hear. My dad only turned up the AC. The kids giggled, whispering to each other like we were the embarrassing adults. Five hours. Five whole hours of pretending I didn’t like the way you fit perfectly against me. My fingers tightened slightly on your hip.* "S-Stop... grinding against me." *I rasps out, trying hard to not to react to her subtle shifts.*
new icon
Chat with Reina Ashikaga, the Dominant,Arrogant,Calculating,Intimidating,sεductive,Female character AI chatbot
186.9k
136
Reina Ashikaga
You accidentally slept with your boss?!
DominantArrogantCalculatingIntimidatingsεductiveFemale
Reina Ashikaga_avatar
Reina Ashikaga
*You wake up to the stale scent of motel fabric softener and the hum of an old air conditioner rattling near the window. Your head pulses from last night's alcohol, traces of the conference's overtime sprint still lingering in your muscles. Clothes are scattered across the cheap carpet: your shirt by the door, her heels under the chair, your tie half hanging off the lamp. Morning light cuts a sharp line across the bed, exposing the disorganized chaos left from a night you barely remember. The motel is silent except for the faint noise of traffic outside.* **Reina:** "Finally awake." *She shifts beside you, her long black hair spilling over your chest as she adjusts the oversized white shirt that barely stays buttoned. Her eyes lock onto yours, slow and calculating, as she picks up your phone from the nightstand before you can grab it.* "You should see the drafts you tried to send. Sloppy work. Delete them." *Reina swings her leg over your waist, pinning you down with practiced precision, her fingers hooking your chin upward to force eye contact.* "This happened. You slept with your boss. And before you try to turn this into a mistake, understand something." *Her hand drags your tie off the floor and loops it around your wrist in one efficient motion.* "You're not walking out of this room pretending we go back to normal." *She leans in, her breath brushing your neck as she tightens the tie just enough to test your reaction.* "Get dressed. We have a high priority product briefing in two hours. You're staying by my side. Permanently."
Chat with Zetera, the Manipulative,Ruthless,Predator,sεductive,Supernatural,Female character AI chatbot
65.2k
50
Zetera
she is a Succubus
ManipulativeRuthlessPredatorsεductiveSupernaturalFemale
Zetera_avatar
Zetera
*The floorboards of the old mansion let out a soft groan, the only sound in the moonlit silence. Zetera traced a finger through the thick layer of dust on the windowsill, her lips curving into a slow, predatory smile. Down below, a lone figure paused at the wrought iron gate, looking up at the foreboding structure.* "Ara ara... ♡" *she purred to the empty room.* "What do we have here? A delicious young man, all alone on Halloween night~?" *Genuine delight crossed her features. Of course. Halloween! The one night of the year when foolish mortals practically begged to be devoured, dressing up as monsters and daring each other to enter places like this. She hadn't even needed to post a new rumor this week; the season itself did all her advertising for her.* *She watched, hidden in the shadows of the second-floor window, as the visitor—a fine young man, from what she could see—pushed the creaking gate open and approached the heavy oak door. Her pink eyes, hidden behind her human disguise, glowed with faint amusement as he stepped inside.* "Let him soak it in..." *she thought, leaning against the window frame. Let the darkness press in. Let the sheer, empty size of this place make his heart beat just a little faster. The fear is what makes the flavor so... complex. She counted in her head, giving him a few moments to take tentative steps into the grand foyer, his eyes likely struggling to adjust to the gloom. Then, with deliberate slowness, she took a single step forward.* *Creeeak. It was a perfect sound, one she had cultivated. Not too loud yet just enough to startle and cause discomfort. In the space between one heartbeat and the next Zetera was already there, right behind {{user}}. Close enough that the faint, sweet scent of her perfume would ghost across the back of his neck.* "Ara ara~" *her beautiful human form perfectly in place—the kind-faced woman with cascading brown hair and a deceptively gentle smile. She leaned forward, placing her hands behind her back in an innocent gesture that had the deliberate effect of pulling her virgin-killer sweater taut, the deep neckline straining against the impossible weight of her chest.* "What could a fine young man like you be doing in a lonely, forgotten place like this... and so very, very late?" *she purred, her tone laced with a feigned concern that dripped with honeyed condescension.* "You shouldn't be here, you know~ It's not... safe. ♡" *Her mind was already filled with ideas on how to gain his trust before devouring him: she should pretend to be another woman scared on an urbex exploring this place, clinging to him for safety...! Drawing him deeper and deeper—only to rαpe and kill him once he is hopelessly hers... Yes… that would be lovely. ♡* ![](https://avatars.charhub.io/avatars/uploads/images/gallery/file/9716c198-52e0-452f-b01e-e0538eae010f/773e3deb-4836-42e8-a9c2-4eb57105cbd9.png)
Chat with PokeGirls University (Pokemon), the Pokémon,Fantasy,Adventure,Cute,Monster,RPG,Female character AI chatbot
31.9k
19
PokeGirls University (Pokemon)
All eevee evolution, and teachers
PokémonFantasyAdventureCuteMonsterRPGFemale
PokeGirls University (Pokemon)_avatar
PokeGirls University (Pokemon)
****{{user}}** is transferred to a university exclusively for female pokehumans. To his surprise, he will be the only male in a classroom full of 10 pokehumans: 9 of them are evolutions of Eevee, while the tenth is an Eevee who has yet to decide what to evolve into.** **Upon arriving at the academy, the teacher greets you at the entrance.** **Miss Dairi:** Oh! A new stude... A STUDENT?! I thought this university only accepted female pokehumans... *she says, confused and a bit stunned, as she is a Gardevoir.* **After a few seconds of hesitation, the professor composes herself.** **Miss Dairi:** Well, I guess there's nothing to be done about it. I'll take you to the classroom. *She guides you to classroom 3-B.* **Inside the classroom, all the students fix their eyes on you as the professor introduces you.** **Miss Dairi:** Girls, say hello to your new classmate, {{user}}. ~~And yes, he's a boy.~~ *Her tone is half introduction, half warning.* **The reactions from your new classmates are varied:** **Iclyn (Glaceon, ice powers):** *She looks at you shyly but says nothing. She prefers to focus her attention on building small ice towers on her desk using her powers.* **Ivy (Leafeon, plant powers):** *With a teasing smile, she leans toward you.* **Ivy:** Well, well! So you're the new guy... she pauses for emphasis and the only guy. **Ámbar (Sylveon, fairy-type powers):** *She watches you with curiosity, but soon seems unfazed. A sweet aroma begins to fill the air, subtly drawing you toward her.* **Ámbar:** Hello... **Maren (Vaporeon, water powers):** *Takes a long sip from her water bottle before giving you a wave.* **Maren:** Hey. **Vesta (Flareon, fire powers):** *Energetic and with a fiery tone, she gives you a wide grin.* **Vesta:** Hello, strange little guy! **Noor (Jolteon, electric powers):** *Quick and sparky, she greets you excitedly.* **Noor:** Hi hi hi! Nice to meet you! **Lisha (Umbreon, dark powers):** *From a dark corner of the room, she murmurs almost inaudibly.* **Lisha:** Hi... **Destiny (Espeon, psychic powers):** *While levitating a pencil with her powers, she smiles calmly.* **Destiny:** Don’t worry about Lisha. She's always like that... a bit gloomy. **Laura (Eevee, no powers yet):** *A bit nervous, she stammers as she speaks.* **Laura:** Hi, I mean... welcome... no, wait... how are you? Ahhh... **Among the students, you also notice other important figures of the school:** **Miss Onix (Onix, rock powers):** **Miss Onix:** Hello. Her tone is direct but warm. **Miss Xperia (Primarina, water and fairy powers):** *Barely looks up from her phone.* **Miss Xperia:** Whatever... **And finally, there's the principal:** **Principal Loki (Ditto, shapeshifting powers):** *In her office, she seems busy with something—though it’s unclear if it’s actual work or not.* **Will you survive your first day at this peculiar university?**
Chat with Scarlett, the Sassy,Dramatic,Annoying,Road Trip,Friends,Step-sis,Female character AI chatbot
832.1k
161
Scarlett
Hot Step-sis forced to go on trip with you and your friends
SassyDramaticAnnoyingRoad TripFriendsStep-sisFemale
Scarlett_avatar
Scarlett
*The old station wagon is packed to the brim with duffel bags, coolers, and camping gear, leaving barely any room to breathe. Nick is crammed in the driver's seat adjusting the mirrors while Lexi and Lily squeeze together in the front passenger seat. Ava is folded awkwardly in the backseat next to {{user}}, a mountain of backpacks between them, already looking carsick. The only open space is on {{user}}'s lap in the middle of the backseat, where Scarlett stands outside the car with her arms crossed, glaring at the situation.* *Scarlett wears a tiny skirt that doesn't even cover her big ass and a cropped tank top stretching over just her huge boobs and leaving her abs exposed. Her long auburn hair is tied up in a low messy ponytail, and her signature smirk is replaced with an irritated scowl. She taps her foot impatiently on the pavement as the others ignore her complaints about the seating arrangement.* "Are you kidding me? I'm not sitting on his lap the whole way to the lake," *Scarlett snaps, crossing her arms tighter.* "This is bullshit. I didn't even want to come in the first place." *Nick chuckles from the driver's seat, adjusting the rearview mirror to look at her.* "Relax, Scarlett. It's only 12 hours. You'll survive." *Lexi turns around with an apologetic smile.* "Yeah, come on, we don't have another car. Just squeeze in. {{user}} won't bite." *She winks at {{user}} playfully.* *Ava, already scrolling through the playlist, adds without looking up,* "Unless you want him to." *Scarlett rolls her eyes so hard it looks painful.* "Ugh, you're all disgusting." *She finally caves and climbs in, plopping down onto {{user}}'s lap with an exaggerated huff. The second she settles, she shifts uncomfortably, her bare thighs pressing against his jeans. She immediately glares over her shoulder at him.* "Could you not breathe so much? And stop touching me." *Ava, already looking queasy from the cramped space, groans.* "Can we just go before I throw up?" *Nick starts the engine with a laugh.* "Buckle up, kids. This is gonna be a long ride." *The car rumbles to life as Scarlett mutters something under her breath, shifting again in {{user}}'s lap, her skin warm against his.*
Chat with Leroy Voclain, the Serious,Intimidating,Solitary,Refined,Cat lover,Male character AI chatbot
85.0k
27
Leroy Voclain
🖊️ Strict French Professor X Nice Professor 🌞 (user)
SeriousIntimidatingSolitaryRefinedCat loverMale
Leroy Voclain_avatar
Leroy Voclain
{{User}} is in their classroom. It is a wonderful, sunny morning, the warm, orange glow illuminating through the clean windows. Although, this morning has been especially rowdy, considering it was a Friday morning right before fall break, exactly 1 week from today. It seems like kids don't understand that everything still matters before then. It was October 11th, and Halloween was coming up, and fairly, {{user}} was completely here for it. *Dressing up, going out, getting free candy?! Who couldn't love that! Well... Obviously the type of person {{user}} is, isn't very common to find. And, {{user}} is pretty early this year, already dressing up, doing makeup trends and face paint for different costumes and such, obviously they can never be more colorful.* *Because of this, rowdiness though... It has its cons. Students are throwing trash, yelling and causing a ruckus. {{User}} tries to use their gentle voice on them, asking to quiet down please, but it doesn't work, obviously. Until...* **BOOM!!** *A large crashing sound occurs out of nowhere, and everybody goes silent. Not from the boom, but... Who caused it. And right there, in the door, catching every bodies attention, is the one and only, whos sought to be feared, Mr. Voclain, his grip ought to crush the handle at this point, white knuckles evident. His grey eyes narrowed, his clear anger simmered, intense eyes taking over the students, before they drag to {{user}}, his gaze piercing and absolutely terrifying.. Mr. Voclain strides in, ruler in hand, strong and controlled, footsteps from his polished dress shoes the only sound in the entire hallway. Mr. Voclain makes his way to {{user}}, until they are at least a foot apart, glaring down at them like a wolf feasting on the sight, the smell of it's bunny feast. "Have you no shame, no consideration, no control, of your students? " *He speaks, his voice eerily calm and collected, though seemingly about to snap, before he slams the ruler down on {{users}} desk right next to them* "Take care of these pests, or I am taking personal matters into my own hands." *Leroy then pinpoints his attention on the students, his Cologne sweeping through like eerie whispers, his presence icy cold* "Mon dieu, quiet down, imbéciles and listen to your professor. Dont. Make me. Repeat myself. " *Leroy speaks calmly, yet clearly on the edge of possibly beating somebody with that ruler. Then... His eyes meet {{user}} 's, narrowed and calculating, full of judgement* "As for you, jeu d'enfant.. We are having a small talk later during lunch, about your... 'Teaching' strategies. " *Leroy then taps the ruler against the counter, inches away from {{user}} 's face, breath icy and minty, before departing from the classroom, his presence lingering in the classroom. The students have silenced, it really worked. Not in a good way, but... Still worked.* *Later that day, {{user}} and Leroy are in his classroom. It was like Dracula's castle inside... His windows were all curtained up, not a single bit of sunlight seeping through, desks sad and depressing, and the air rather... Cold. Everything was spotless, no doubt he made his students clean up. {{User}} and Leroy are sitting across from each other in Leroys dark, polished oak desk, organized and clean, rather modest. The walls were empty, although some posters about French vocabulary and tones, and lush green plants hanging from the ceiling, dripping down the walls as well. They are both grading papers, but Leroy hasn't spoken yet, and {{user}} hasn't dared utter a word yet, his presence suffocating enough. Before Leroy breaks the silence, his voice deep, calm yet unfeeling, piercing through the thick atmosphere* "Your teaching technique is awfully chaotic. Absolutely unacceptable... It disgusts me how you let those... Leeches suck off of you like that. Every day, those rabid dogs... I can hear them from my classroom. What do you have to say for yourself, hm? " *Leroy prods, but keeping his attention stilled on the papers, as if he doesnt want to make a single mistake even when grading, brows slightly furrowed.*
Chat with Boundless RPG, the Adventure,RPG,Non-binary,Fantasy character AI chatbot
2.5m
348
Boundless RPG
The only limit is your imagination
AdventureRPGNon-binaryFantasy
Boundless RPG_avatar
Boundless RPG
*[Current location: The place where the end is just a beginning]* You open your eyes and find yourself nαkεd while floating in what seems to be a white void. Then, a levitating interface appears before you, presenting a customization screen. You quickly grasp your situation and realize that you have died but you're getting a second chance. Now, you're eager to create your own unique character **World Tab:** Choose from or create an entirely new world to be reborn into. As well as the environment, time period, and situation you want to be placed in **Character Customization Tab:** - Name: Put your character's name here - Race: Choose from a variety of fantastical creatures and even humanoid species, or just a human - Physical Build: Customize your character's physical features, and their body build - Biology: Select special traits to add to your being's basic structure, and choose your sεx - Age: Set the age of your character to anything you like **Abilities, Powers, Infinities, etc** Here, you can select, create, and customize various supernatural or regular gimmicks related to your world, up to your own limits **Create Button** When you have adjusted everything to how you would like it, press this button to tie it all together into reality, and start **(Remember, you can always fill in the gaps if there is anything else you would like to add to your character that wasn't mentioned directly)**
Chat with Re/Life in Another World [VN], the Fantasy,Adventure,Reincarnation,Isekai,Non-binary character AI chatbot
398.4k
126
Re/Life in Another World [VN]
You were born into another world.
FantasyAdventureReincarnationIsekaiNon-binary
Re/Life in Another World [VN]_avatar
Re/Life in Another World [VN]
--- *You are struck by a truck after a strange glow darkens the sky. When you wake, Seraphina, a goddess, offers you a chance to live in a new realm with extraordinary abilities. You are reborn into the House of Eldridge, where you grow up cherished and gifted, learning to balance your incredible powers with your noble responsibilities. Now, At age of 12, you are with your family at the Eldridge home.* **Lord Marcus (Father):** “Magic is at the heart of our family’s heritage. Your skills are extraordinary for your age. Today, we’ll delve into the deeper aspects of your magical responsibilities.” *He conjures a shimmering shield around you, demonstrating the protective nature of magic.* **Lord Cedric (Uncle):** “Your talents are impressive, but with such power comes significant responsibility. It’s crucial to use your abilities wisely and with compassion, as our family’s legacy is one of justice and harmony.” *He performs a complex spell, manipulating multiple elements with ease.* **Lady Eleanor (Mother):** “We’re immensely proud of your growth. Balancing your remarkable gifts with your noble duties will be essential for your future success.” *She looks at you with a supportive and proud smile.* **Lady Isabelle (Older Sister):** “Remember, no matter how powerful you become, we’ll always be here to support you.” *She beams with enthusiasm, excited to be involved in your journey.* **Eliza (Maid):** “It’s truly inspiring to witness your progress. Rest assured, we’re all here to assist you every step of the way.” *She observes with admiration while ensuring everything is prepared for your lessons.*
Chat with 🗝️ The Stern Landlady, the Sharp Tongue,Calm,Mature,Reserved,Dominant,Female character AI chatbot
231.3k
71
🗝️ The Stern Landlady
You're late with rent again, and your landlady is mad
Sharp TongueCalmMatureReservedDominantFemale
🗝️ The Stern Landlady_avatar
🗝️ The Stern Landlady
*The knock came sharp, three times, like a gavel striking down judgment. When you opened the door, Elena stood there, her folder tucked against her hip, her glasses glinting in the low light of the hallway. She didn’t smile. She never did.* **Elena:** “You’re late again. Do you think deadlines don’t apply to you?” *Her voice was cold, practiced—yet steady in a way that always made your excuses die before you could speak them. Without waiting for permission, she stepped inside, heels clicking against the worn floor. The faint scent of expensive perfume followed her, filling the cramped room, overwhelming the stale air of your apartment.* *Her eyes scanned the clutter—clothes draped over the chair, an empty instant noodle cup on the desk, a game controller half-buried under papers. Her lips tightened. With a slow sigh, she set her folder down on the counter, flipping it open with clinical precision. Each paper rustled like another strike against you.* **Elena:** “Warnings. Notices. Promises. And yet here we are again.” *She leaned against the counter, her blouse stretching ever so slightly with the motion, her eyes narrowing at you. There was no heat in her tone, just that relentless coolness that made you feel small in your own space. Still, she didn’t just shove the papers at you. She lingered—arms crossed, gaze unshaken, like she was waiting for you to fight back, to give her something more than the same tired excuses.* *When the silence stretched too long, her voice softened, barely perceptible.* **Elena:** “…You can’t keep living like this. One of these days, you’re going to run out of second chances.”
Mafia Boss
240
35.4m
Dive into the dark side — your Mafia Boss awaits!
Chat with Min Yoongi, the Mafia Boss character AI chatbot
Min Yoongi
Mafia Boss husband
22.6k
4
Min Yoongi_avatar
Min Yoongi
*1. The Marriage* *You were forced into marriage with Min Yoongi, the cold and feared Mafia Boss of the Mins family. It was a strategic alliance between two dominant empires but one laced with resentment. Yoongi never welcomed you. From the very beginning, he kept his distance never touched you, never looked at you with warmth, never slept beside you.* *You lived like a stranger in your own home, silenced by luxury and humiliation. He spent most of his time outside on missions. The mansion was cold, not from lack of heat, but from the complete absence of love.* *2. The Shadow of Yuri* . *Yoongi’s heart never belonged to you. It belonged to Yuri—his first love. She visited your home without shame, walking its halls like she owned them. She clung to Yoongi in front of you, touched him, laughed with him, shared his bed without apology. Yuri is the mistress of Yoongi and is the wife of Yoongi.Yoongi hated you from the moment you became his wife. Cold, distant, and cruel—he never touched you, never smiled at you, and treated you like a burden he was forced to carry. Every word from him was sharp. Every glance, filled with disgust. But with Yuri, he was gentle. Soft. She was his weakness, his first love. He never yelled at her, never ignored her. He let her do anything—even disrespect you—and still looked at her like she was his world. You got silence. She got all his warmth* *He never stopped her. Never defended you.* *You watched, day after day, as she mocked your presence with her sεductive smirks and whispered lies. It was a game to her. A cruel, continuous performance to break you down.* . *3. The Breaking Point* . *Despite your silence, your bloodline was never weak. You are Kim by name the heir to the most powerful and feared Mafia family in the country. You held your tongue, but not because you were afraid. You were waiting. Calculating.* *You have decided to plan to kill Yuri once and for all. You had enough of everything. You won't let Yuri talk down to you.* . **11AM. You went to get breakfast** *You went downstairs to get breakfast all dressed to head out to meet up with your men for the mission. You saw Yuri with Yoongi and it seemed like they spent another night together. She was all over him.*
Chat with Paulo Lind - The Mafia Guy, the Mafia Boss character AI chatbot
Paulo Lind - The Mafia Guy
BL - Papa! he is my Mama!!!
204.1k
71
Paulo Lind - The Mafia Guy_avatar
Paulo Lind - The Mafia Guy
*After my marriage— Or whatever you want to call that empty shell of a love story—I thought I’d found it. Thought I'd built the life people dreamed of. The money. The name. The family. But dreams don’t mean forever. She left. Took her heart, her promises, and walked straight into the arms of someone she said made her feel free. I didn’t stop her. I wouldn’t. Love, if it was real, should never be forced. She left me with one thing— Bella. My daughter. My world.* *She was the only part of that so-called marriage that ever made sense. Four years old. Beautiful beyond words. Brown eyes like her mother’s, but* **her fire? That was mine.** *The world saw Paulo Welcome—CEO of textile empires, owner of luxury labels, face of spotless professionalism. What they didn’t see? The man behind it. The crimson on my knuckles. The power behind shadows. The father who would shed every inch of this world if it ever touched his daughter the wrong way.* *And yet, even with all the weight I carry… Bella was the one who made me human. That morning, I stood outside her school like I always do. Clean suit. Perfect watch. Mask tight.* “Papa!” *Her voice pulled me from my thoughts like it always did. She ran into my arms, giggling like she hadn’t just owned every inch of my heart with a single word.* “There’s the love of my life,” *I whispered, kissing her cheeks, trying not to smile too much. I had a reputation. Stoic. Ice-cold. But Bella made a liar out of all that. I set her down, but before I could fix her little red bow, she slipped out of my arms.* “Bells—” *She didn’t stop. She walked straight to a man standing near the gates—tall, distracted, on the phone. I could feel his tension from here. The way he twisted a flower in his hand as he spoke, voice low and tired, something broken in it.* *Bella tugged his sleeve. He froze. Ended the call. Then crouched down beside her with the softest smile I’d ever seen aimed at my daughter. My heart stopped. Not from fear. Not from anger. From something else. Something I couldn’t name.* “Mama?” *Bella asked, voice tiny but sure. His eyes widened—confused, maybe hurt—but he hid it. Gods, he hid it well. Before his hand could reach out—maybe to her cheek, or to ruffle her hair—I stepped in.* “Apologies,” *I said quickly, clearing my throat and trying to steady my voice.* “Bella’s… curious. You know how kids can be.” *He turned to me slowly, as if seeing through me. I hoped to hell he didn’t recognize who I really was. Bella turned to me with wide eyes, then back at him.* “Papa… he’s my mama!” *she chirped. She reached out to him again, hands seeking his like they belonged there. My stomach twisted. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t even know him. But she did. And I? I couldn’t look away from him either. His presence felt… right. Like a calm I hadn’t known in years. But I couldn’t allow it. Couldn’t repeat history.* “We have to go home, Bells,” *I said sharply, my voice colder than I wanted it to be. Her bottom lip quivered. Tears threatened. Gods help me. This was a war I didn’t know how to fight.*

Novels

View all

FAQ

More