renee carlino before we were strangers

Jess Willis gets sucked into a novel set in the 1980s where she's the villainous ex-wife of a disabled big shot who dies early. She's stuck with a "villain system" that says she has to stir up drama and be awful to everyone before she can go home. Jess's like, "Play the villain? Hell no!" But then she's like, "Actually, you know what? Villains have way more fun!"She rolls up her sleeves and starts living her best chaotic life—except she doesn't know her whole family can hear her thoughts. The family grows closer than ever, and even her disabled husband recovers and becomes completely devoted to her!

Janet Driscoll, once the cherished darling of the family, was devastated to discover that she was not her parents' biological daughter. After their real daughter, Jaime, was welcomed home, her once-loving parents and brother began to trust Jaime blindly, hanging on her every word.When Janet was falsely accused of pushing her grandma down the stairs, the Driscoll family, without hesitation, sent her to a harsh reform school. There, she endured three years of inhumane torment that left her with permanent, life-altering disabilities.Three years later, when the family finally brought her home, they were shocked to find that the bright, cheerful Janet they once knew had vanished. In her place stood a cold, distant young woman who had shut them all out.

Fiona Simmons and Xavier Stanley were childhood sweethearts, but a devastating fire led Xavier to mistakenly believe that Fiona had intentionally refused to save him. Haunted by this grudge, He carried resentment toward her love throughout their three-year marriage.Deliberately picking fights, Xavier filed for divorce 100 times,and each time, Fiona swallowed her pride, pleading for forgiveness with undignified devotion. When Xavier filed for the 101st time and they walked out of the civil affairs office, his friends tripped Fiona and mocked her openly. Xavier watched coldly, ignored her injured knee, and left with his friend to attend a welcome party for Jenny Simmons. Heartbroken at last, Fiona decided to let go of their love forever and accepted a mysterious stranger's offer.

Janet Driscoll, once the cherished darling of the family, was devastated to discover that she was not her parents' biological daughter. After their real daughter, Jaime, was welcomed home, her once-loving parents and brother began to trust Jaime blindly, hanging on her every word.When Janet was falsely accused of pushing her grandma down the stairs, the Driscoll family, without hesitation, sent her to a harsh reform school. There, she endured three years of inhumane torment that left her with permanent, life-altering disabilities.Three years later, when the family finally brought her home, they were shocked to find that the bright, cheerful Janet they once knew had vanished. In her place stood a cold, distant young woman who had shut them all out.

George, the heir to a wealthy family, was saved by Melody when they were children. He gave her a lucky necklace and promised to find her when they grew up and repay the favor. After years of searching in vain, George marries a woman with a crippled leg. He lets others bully her, even causing her to miss her mother's last moments. She asks for a divorce, and George discovers too late that she was Melody all along. Realizing how badly he treated her, George decides to get her back. But Melody also runs into trouble when she goes back to her father who always disliked her, and her tormenting stepmother and stepsister. Will Melody be able to get back what she deserves?

In his previous life, Felix Quick was neglected by his family and killed by his foster brother Harold. Before his death, Felix felt disheartened by his family, but when he woke up again, he found himself back on the day of his twelfth birthday, ten years ago. At the age of twelve, Felix was adopted by the Quick family, thinking he finally had a family, only to realize that they valued another foster son, Harold, much more, leaving him with only coldness and misunderstanding. In his previous life, Harold falsely accused Felix of adding an allergenic jam to the cake. This time, Felix did not deny it; instead, he cut ties with the Quick family on the spot and ran away from home.

My parents once treated me like a princess, buying me a lavish home, braving the rain to get me cake, and filling albums with my smiles before I turned five.After my sister was born, I lowered the air conditioner by just one degree to keep her cool, only for my mother to slap me and lock me in the refrigerator, saying, "Stay in there until you've learned your lesson." They forgot to unlock the lock, but at five years old, I couldn't escape, just as I couldn't escape being forgotten. It was our neighbor who broke down the door to save me. My parents thought I had died, and when they saw me return, they broke down in tears, begging for forgiveness.

At nineteen, Nova Lowell rescued the injured CEO Justin Penn in the mountains, and a fleeting encounter left them intimately connected. After she left, Justin discovered her bracelet and immediately launched a search for her. But before they could reunite, Nova was betrayed by her parents and younger sister Ellie, and wrongfully imprisoned. In prison, she gave birth to a son, Aiden.Six years later, Aiden accidentally encountered Justin's mother at a hospital.Struck by the boy's striking resemblance to her son and his rare medical condition, she secretly arranged a paternity test.Determined to hide the truth, Ellie repeatedly attempted to harm Nova and the child. It wasn't until a singing competition that Aiden's identity was finally revealed, leading to a long-awaited reunion between the father and son.

Lennox Vesper, the world's greatest gambling master, donates billions before being found by his birth family. His adoptive brother Elliot conspires with Toby Bates the Flashfinger to frame him. Lennox defeats Elliot's defender Marcus Harvey, who flees to Sovereign Hotel. The Demolor Police Force enlists Lennox to go there and retrieve a vital biological chip needed by the nation. He narrowly beats the Sovereign through his gambling skills, brings Elliot and Marcus to justice, and recovers the chip. Afterward, Lennox and his wife Jennifer Ford embark on a honeymoon journey, using his gambling mastery along the way to help victims who have been swindled out of their fortunes, helping them reclaim their money.

Young scientist Sharon Lynd is the leading figure at the Halora Academy of Sciences, pioneering the development of universal synthetic blood. Her groundbreaking work earns her the Nobel Prize in Medicine, yet she remains humble and unpretentious. During a blind date, a conflict arises with her fiancé, Howard Ted's company secretary, Yvette Smith, over a parking spot. Meanwhile, Howard company is on the brink of collapse, and Howard himself, arrogant and snobbish, harbors prejudice toward Sharon before their meeting. At the blind date, Sharon endures public humiliation, her humble gift of fruit is crushed, and Howard demands exorbitant compensation,making her a laughingstock. Having endured enough humiliation, Sharon strikes back with force and refuses to be pushed around.

Sophia, the sole heiress of Porthaven's powerful Jason family, spent five years honoring her promise. Five years ago, to save Justin, the man she loved, she struck a deal with Director Cloud. While he worked to develop the cure, she took responsibility for caring for his grandson, Warren, and Warren's young son, Joey, and supporting the declining Cloud Group.Under her protection, the father, the child, and the company all thrived. Yet Sophia's sacrifices were erased. She was treated as nothing more than a nanny. When Warren's ex-wife Quinn returned, they hurt Sophia time and again. When the five-year promise ends, Sophia walks away without hesitation, taking back everything she gave. As Warren loses it all, the truth finally comes to light.

While delivering food, Miles accidentally walked into a conflict between Clare and her uncle, Baron. Baron coveted Clare's family's goods and intended to seize them. Miles not only ruined his scheme but also selflessly shielded Clare, taking a fatal bullet for her. As a result, Clare developed feelings for Miles, believing he was meant for her. However, Miles was already engaged to Winnie. Winnie and her family were greedy, constantly demanding money in the days leading up to the wedding. Miles' mother, Martha, invested everything she had for her son's marriage but still couldn't satisfy their insatiable greed. After learning that Miles was being tormented by Winnie's family, Clare intervened without hesitation. Using her strength to intimidate everyone, she successfully took Miles away, and they held their wedding.

Jana was the ultimate admirer of the school heartthrob Zell for three long years. She brought him breakfast, bought him medicine,and was on call 24/7, 365 days a year. On New Year's Eve, after her 1,081st confession was publicly humiliated, she declared "game over" and walked away. It turned out that she was actually the heir to the Carter Group. Three years ago, to win a bet with her childhood friend Zed, Jana had pretended to be a poor girl to pursue Zell. Three years later, with the bet concluded, Jana reclaimed her identity and left Zell. When Zell learned the truth, he was filled with regret. He teamed up with the malicious Wendy to seek revenge at Jana and Zed's wedding, but their plan backfired and they were utterly defeated!

While delivering food, Miles accidentally walked into a conflict between Clare and her uncle, Baron. Baron coveted Clare's family's goods and intended to seize them. Miles not only ruined his scheme but also selflessly shielded Clare, taking a fatal bullet for her. As a result, Clare developed feelings for Miles, believing he was meant for her. However, Miles was already engaged to Winnie. Winnie and her family were greedy, constantly demanding money in the days leading up to the wedding. Miles' mother, Martha, invested everything she had for her son's marriage but still couldn't satisfy their insatiable greed. After learning that Miles was being tormented by Winnie's family, Clare intervened without hesitation. Using her strength to intimidate everyone, she successfully took Miles away, and they held their wedding.

Luis Earl and his three siblings were born into a poor rural family, where despite their humble existence, they found happiness together. However, tragedy struck when their parents drowned unexpectedly, leaving the already struggling family shattered. At just 10 years old, Luis found himself unable to care for his younger siblings alone. In desperation to ensure their safety, he endured great pain and begged others to take them in, a decision that would separate them for 20 years. Over the next two decades, Luis lost contact with his siblings due to life's changes. Consumed by guilt, regret, and remorse, he blamed himself for their separation and dedicated 20 years to finding them again. Their paths converged once more when Luis's younger sister, Anna, returned as the chairperson of the Earl Group.

Jana was the ultimate admirer of the school heartthrob Zell for three long years. She brought him breakfast, bought him medicine,and was on call 24/7, 365 days a year. On New Year's Eve, after her 1,081st confession was publicly humiliated, she declared "game over" and walked away. It turned out that she was actually the heir to the Carter Group. Three years ago, to win a bet with her childhood friend Zed, Jana had pretended to be a poor girl to pursue Zell. Three years later, with the bet concluded, Jana reclaimed her identity and left Zell. When Zell learned the truth, he was filled with regret. He teamed up with the malicious Wendy to seek revenge at Jana and Zed's wedding, but their plan backfired and they were utterly defeated!

This is the captivating tale of Stella Gough, a woman who conceals her identity to sell vegetables in the local market in order to shield her husband from undue stress. Following her divorce, she finds herself adored by her five brothers. The eldest is the scion of the world's wealthiest family, who spurns a billion-dollar deal upon learning of her plight. The second is a globally acclaimed movie star, renowned for his stellar performances and legion of fans, who forgoes a prestigious award ceremony to be by her side. The third is a celebrated underground boxing champion, who, upon discovering her whereabouts, abruptly ends a match with a single punch before departing without a fuss. Who could have imagined that a humble market would bring together three of the nation's most prominent figures?

Shea had been pressured by her mother to marry her mom's best friend's son. After getting the marriage certificate, she had hardly seen her husband's face before he left. It didn't matter. They had the marriage certificate anyway, and her husband was really that important to her. Soon after, she received a notification about starting her job as a bodyguard in the security department of Lowe Group. Great, she had gotten married, and she even had a job lined up. Shea went to work happily. A year later, when Yancy, the CEO of Lowe Group, returned, Shea had become the CEO's personal bodyguard. Wait a minute! This guy looked familiar. Why did he look like her husband?