HE WAS HER SALVATION

SYNOPSIS : They say power runs in blood, but so does pain. Elizabeth Ashford was born with everything—wealth, beauty, legacy. But the moment she came into the world, her mother left it. Then her grandparents were taken by a car crash, and the only person she had left—her father—slowly vanished behind boardroom doors and corporate burdens. Night after night, she waited at the dinner table with a tiny plate and wide eyes. But "next time" never came. Now at 21, she’s the future of the Ashford Conglomerate and a top student at the prestigious Valcrest University. Cold, graceful, untouchable. Her heart, once soft and full of hope, has turned to ice. Because she learned the hard way—depending on someone only leaves you alone in the end. But ice can crack. Especially when fire walks in with a smirk. Niklaus Devilson isn’t just another elite. He's the heir to the Ebon Court, the secret organization that controls the underworld—politics, mercenaries, medicine, hacking, science. A living ghost. Feared by nations. Worshipped in shadows. Known only by his alias: Mr. X. With snow-white hair, electric blue eyes, and a wicked grin, Nik is chaos in silk. A genius hacker. A master fighter. A playful storm wrapped in charm. Mischievous, unpredictable, and fiercely protective of those he loves. He lives to break rules—until he meets the one girl he can’t crack. She's ice. He's wildfire. And when their worlds collide, the game begins. EXCERPT : The grand gates of Valcrest University swung open with their usual drama, letting in the rich, the brilliant, and the obnoxiously fashionable. Elizabeth Ashford walked through like she owned the place—because, well, she kinda did. Long silver-blonde hair flowing, grey eyes sharp enough to slice egos in half. Her heels clacked like warning bells, and students parted like the Red Sea. Until someone didn’t. WHAM. A coffee cup went flying. She froze. A soft "Ow" followed. “I’m alive,” a voice groaned dramatically from the floor. “But my coffee’s dead. Rest in peace, Mocha Supreme.” Elizabeth looked down at the sprawled body in front of her—a tall guy with ridiculous white hair, sunglasses pushed up to his forehead, and the most annoyingly amused smile she’d ever seen. Niklaus Devilson. He blinked up at her from the marble floor. “Wow. Are you always this… aggressive on first dates, or am I just special?” She narrowed her eyes. “You walked into me.” He gasped, placing a hand on his heart like she’d insulted his ancestors. “You walked into me, Ice Queen. With malicious elegance.” A soft snort escaped her. Unfortunately. Nik sat up like he’d been struck by lightning. “Oh my god. You laughed. Was that a laugh? Should I call a doctor? Or my lawyer?” Elizabeth crossed her arms. “It was a nose exhale. Don’t get excited.” He stood up, leaned in, and whispered dramatically, “Too late. I’m emotionally invested.” She blinked once. “Seek therapy.” He grinned. “I would, but apparently you’re not taking new patients.” As he strolled away with a wink and no dignity, Elizabeth stood still for a second longer than necessary. Her lips twitched. Just a twitch. Maybe today wouldn't be so boring after all.