what is once upon a time about

The U.S. nuclear medical professor Charlie Clare quits his career for family, but is abandoned as his wife and daughter favor his love rival Isaac. After suffering his family’s ignorance, he decides to leave for the Unicorn Project, which he designed for healing his daughter’s neuro-skel birthmark as his life work. But unaware that Charlie’s burning his life for them, his wife and daughter deepen the rift with Charlie upon reunion and eventually destroy everything Charlie left for them with their own hands before realizing their errors, only to find it too late.

Carol, a part-time food delivery worker who lost her mother, coincidentally helped the grandfather of Denton's wealthiest man. Later, this elderly gentleman tried to fix his grandson Nigel up with Carol. In order to repay the debts left behind from her mother's medical treatment, Carol agreed to marry Nigel for the sum of $200,000. Nigel, pressured by his grandfather, entered into the marriage reluctantly and hid his identity from Carol. However, their feelings for each other gradually grew as they started living together. Yet, Nigel's concealed identity remained a ticking time bomb in their relationship. Events such as Nigel's mother visiting their home and the party hosted by Nigel's group further fueled Carol's suspicions about Nigel's true identity, leading to a series of tense yet comical situations.

Village doctor Shannon Lewis worked hard to pay for her fiancé Nathan Hardin's college education, only to discover that he had already married another woman in the city.Heartbroken,Shannon cut ties with Nathan. During this time,she accidentally saved the life of a pursued mafia boss,Kyson Pearson, who fell in love with her at first sight and proposed to her. Though ruthless and decisive in his dealings outside, Kyson became an obedient and doting partner at home. Through a series of near-exposures and sweet, amusing interactions, Shannon fell in love with Kyson and eventually learned about his true identity. Meanwhile, Nathan's wife, Paige, fearing that Shannon would continue to pursue her husband, schemed against her at every turn. In the end, Nathan and Paige paid the price for their selfishness and mistakes.

At a lavish banquet in Metrovale, billionaire Ethan proudly introduces his new wife from the countryside: "My wife is gentle and soft-spoken—she's new here and not familiar with all your city games. Please look after her."But the guests know better. This "gentle" woman, Roxelle, once single-handedly took down an entire gang—ten men, no problem. Ethan insists she's "innocent and romantic,"while global business tycoons are secretly begging for her cooperation after her groundbreaking research shook the world economy. What began as a marriage of convenience slowly turns into something real. Until one shocking revelation changes everything—Ethan's beloved daughter… is actually Roxelle's own child.

Ice-cold CEO Maddison Perkins adopts a gifted little boy named Arthur to safeguard her family's company. At just six years old, Arthur is not only a child prodigy with incredible strength, but also fiercely protective of his mom. Time and again, he steps in to defuse crises—and in doing so, chips away at Maddison's guarded heart with his boundless love and warmth. When Uncle Brendon makes move after move to bring them down, Maddison and Arthur team up,outsmarting him at every turn to protect what's rightfully theirs.

Xandra Quinn has only ever had her grades. So when school heartthrob Robert Miller confesses publicly, she shocks everyone by saying yes. She knows it's a trap set by her jealous rival Amelia Moore, but why refuse? Xandra stops studying, openly wasting time with Robert, while Amelia celebrates her "victory." What she doesn't know—Xandra already has a Harbard offer. On exam day, Amelia mocks her, only to find Xandra revealed as the national top scorer—with a perfect score.

When Vicky Evans was ten, she took Ryan Seymour in and took him as a little brother. Unexpectedly, Ryan fell in love with her. Vicky didn't know what to do and went abroad to avoid him. Five years later, Vicky caught her fiancé cheating on the night she came back. However, Evans Group faced a financial crisis. Meanwhile, she started to find out some secrets about Ryan.

Commander Phillip Nunez of Draconia returned home triumphant after concluding his military campaigns, only to discover that his long-lost son had just been located. He immediately ordered that his son be treated to the finest luxuries, seeking to make amends for the years of neglect.Meanwhile, his son Arnold Lane was on the brink of release from prison. Three years earlier, Arnold had taken the fall for his wife Suzanne Townsend, only to learn of her infidelity upon uncovering his true parentage. Determined to assert himself, Arnold resolved to reveal his identity at his wife's engagement banquet, confronting her and her paramour.

Wyomia Quinn, the eldest daughter of the Quinn family, accidentally had a one-night stand with Julian Yates, the CEO of the Yates Group. Later, she was pregnant but had an accident that made her lose her memory. She spent six years abroad before coming back. Upon returning, Wyomia wanted her mother Maeva Sanum's ashes placed in the Quinn family's grave, but her father and stepmother demanded she secure a billion-dollar contract from the Yates family first. After reuniting with Julian, the two were riddled with misunderstandings. With the help of their adorable daughter, Sheila Yates, they gradually found their way back to each other.

Joanna, daughter to Europe's wealthiest family, chose love over her status and wed David Kerr. She became his behind-the-scenes supporter, using her resources to establish a fashion company for him. At a social gathering, she fell victim to a deceitful drink orchestrated by Vivian, David's childhood friend, narrowly avoiding a compromising situation. In her dire moment, a stranger came to her rescue. Upon regaining consciousness, Joanna was startled to find the infamous "Black Wolf," Ryan Cabell, was the man who had saved her. Assertively, Ryan offered to fulfill all Joanna's desires if she agreed to be his girl.

Nora gave everything she had to save her husband Elijah, and their son Ryan, both of whom pretended to be suffering from liver cirrhosis. She worked herself to the brink, only to discover during a part-time job that it was all a lie.The illness was fake, and Elijah was no poor, ordinary man. He turned out to be a powerful billionaire. It had all been a twisted game between father and son, with her love as the prize. Shattered by betrayal and humiliation, Nora walked away, determined to take back control of her life. But by the time Elijah and Ryan realize what they've lost, it may already be too late.

Mandy's son and daughter-in-law, eager to make money from a bride price, pressured and threatened her—a widow for many years—into marrying Seth, a man in a vegetative state due to a car accident. With no way to refuse, Mandy went through with the marriage, feeling scared and reluctant. However, she was surprised to be warmly welcomed and treated kindly by Seth's daughter, Kira. At first, Mandy resisted the idea of staying, but over time, she grew more willing to remain by Seth's side. What she didn't realize was that Seth was slowly regaining awareness, deeply touched by her presence and care...

Nora gave everything she had to save her husband Elijah, and their son Ryan, both of whom pretended to be suffering from liver cirrhosis. She worked herself to the brink, only to discover during a part-time job that it was all a lie.The illness was fake, and Elijah was no poor, ordinary man. He turned out to be a powerful billionaire. It had all been a twisted game between father and son,with her love as the prize. Shattered by betrayal and humiliation, Nora walked away, determined to take back control of her life. But by the time Elijah and Ryan realize what they've lost, it may already be too late.

Six years ago, Shirley was betrayed by her adoptive sister, Sandra, losing her parents and having a one-night stand with a stranger, Sean. Ten months later, Sandra became Mrs. Quain, secretly eliminating Shirley. Miraculously surviving, Shirley transformed into the alluring dealer Quill Yale, infiltrating Sean's casino to seduce him and reclaim what was stolen. As her plan unfolds, she uncovers the truth about their past connection. Together, they expose Sandra's deceit and discover their own path to happiness.

Yasin Craig, the heir to the prestigious Craig family and a special forces soldier, survives a plane crash during his final mission, only to be saved by battlefield doctor Xenia Jones. When Yasin regains consciousness, he has no memory of who he is. Meanwhile, Yuna, who stumbles upon the ring symbolizing Yasin's identity, is determined to secure wealth and status. She deceives Yasin's mother and becomes the adopted daughter of the Craig family. Fearing that Xenia might uncover the truth, Yuna starts to aggressively undermine her. Unable to remember his past, Yasin finds himself protecting Xenia—and in the process, unexpectedly regains his memory.

Mabel Bullock never asked for immortality. When she accidentally bonded with the "System," she thought it was a blessing. She loved Nicholas Parrish enough to die for him. But to him, her "gift" made her deaths meaningless. When his first lover, Dana Scott, gets targeted by killers, Nicholas coldly orders Mabel to take her place.Mabel agrees, but what he doesn't know is that this is her last chance at survival.By the time Nicholas sees her lifeless body stay dead, the man who stopped counting her sacrifices is forced to face a truth even immortality couldn't fix:Some regrets outlast forever.

Rachel Sheldon's world was turned upside down when she was drugged and woke up in the bed of Barrett York — the most powerful man in the city. When she discovered she was pregnant, Rachel disappeared from the spotlight, determined to raise the child in secrecy. But on the very day she gave birth, Barrett found her. Fiercely independent, Rachel was unlike any woman Barrett had ever met — and he couldn't stay away. As he launched a relentless pursuit, Rachel's hidden identities were revealed one after another, each more surprising than the last. Drawn to her strength, Barrett began to fall — and so did Rachel. Slowly, she opened her heart to the man she had once tried to escape. What had begun as an accident just might have become forever.

Lionel Cain awakens in the Slumber Cavern and is rescued by Elara Blade, the chief disciple of Everblade Sanctum. Outwardly appearing as merely an "outer sect disciple" with an "ordinary body and fate," he is actually a mysterious figure with the gaze of an ancient, possessing shocking alchemy and cultivation techniques. After joining the sect,Lionel casually refines a divine pill that transforms into a dragon upon completion, astounding both the sect and the prodigy Lyra Frost.Meanwhile, Ashford's sorceress leads an army to their borders due to continent-level secrets, while various factions scheme in the shadows.Lionel works to elevate Everblade Sanctum's status while investigating the truth behind ancient seals and the severing of heavenly destiny, as the sect competition and greater storms approach.