Sarah Lowe, the school beauty, starts a side gig as a "custom girlfriend" online to quickly raise money for her grandma's medical bills. By pretending to be clients' girlfriends, she earns some extra cash. An unexpected meeting at a club connects her with Charlie Lawrence, a notorious wealthy heir from her school.
After enduring relentless abuse from her three brothers, the younger sister volunteered for a human cryopreservation experiment—sleeping for three decades, three brothers regret.
After losing her family in a fire, Bai Xiaoran is adopted by the Ou family. A chance encounter with Mu Hanchuan leaves her pregnant and forced into marriage. She discovers her "true love" is the arsonist's son, while Mu saved her life. She forgives, keeps the baby, and finds happiness with him.
To cover her mother's medical bills, Phoebe Joyce reluctantly agreed to marry the comatose Keon Penley in her half-sister Camila's stead. Unexpectedly, he was the guy she had fallen for at first sight! When Phoebe was kidnapped, Keon came around just in time to rescue her. He then proposed a one-year contract marriage, during which he hurt her repeatedly due to Camila's schemes. When their deal was up, Phoebe insisted on leaving. Yet, he wouldn't let her go...
Once mocked as a “poor girlfriend,” she stuns everyone at the party—revealed as both a lost heiress and the boss of a deadly syndicate.
"Please, please use a condom." Her voice was pleading, but he remained unmoved. His eyes were filled with greed and desire, completely ignoring her plea. She felt desperate, realizing she had no control over the situation, only able to passively accept reality. She knew she had to protect herself, but she also understood that this man had become an integral part of her life.
Chelsea was auctioned off like an object, but Jerome rescued her and discovered her true identity. He made Chelsea stay by his side and seek redemption for her father's sins. Yolanda set Chelsea up, leading to Jerome punishing her and donating her kneecap bones. However, when a teacher in an art studio drugged Chelsea and attempted to assault her, Jerome arrived just in time to save her.
Former racing legend Chase Walker has lived under the radar as a humble mechanic in countryside for five years. However, the Raptor Riders shows up, challenging the locals to a high-stakes race. With the town’s future at stake, Chase must decide: stay hidden or dust off his skills for one last ride. Can the washed-up champion outdrive his past—and save their home?
Riley Young and Noah Walker once loved each other. After his affair, he shamefully agreed to divorce, hoping she'd return. When Riley is diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, Lucas Lewis rescues her, fakes her death, and gives her a new identity. Now she returns with a second chance.
"I'll protect you until you marry," vows Erik, the mysterious guardian of the rebellious heiress, Lilah. "If not you, anyone will do," she snaps, believing his care is mere duty until she sees his wedding gift—a subtropical island touched by snow, each flake whispering his forbidden love.
Mary joins a tour with her memory-impaired husband to relive their past, but a mistaken identity leads to humiliation by the guide. When the truth comes out, the guide falls into regret and ruin—while Mary and her husband rediscover their long-lost sweetness.
Former dynasty Princess Emma is imprisoned with her mother. Crown Prince Ethan falls for her despite their conflicting identities. After she escapes but is kidnapped, he risks his life to save her, making her reconsider their love.
Miranda discovers her fiancé, Henry, cheating and ends their engagement. She partners with Simon, forming a "love contract." Unexpectedly, they achieve their goals before the wedding, prompting Miranda to end things. Her decision hurts Simon, but his absence makes her confront her true feelings. Realizing her love for Simon, she puts aside her pride, and they come together for a future filled with happiness.
This article discusses the story of Sophia being retrieved by Grayson's family, but being instigated by her adopted daughter Olivia. After being imprisoned for three years, she was framed many times. Finally, with the help of her senior Tristan, she decided to leave, but she went through twists and turns and ushered in a new life five years later.
Song Ke'er, trapped by poverty, is pushed into a life she never chose. When she crosses paths with Fu Yanxiu, she faces endless challenges in work and life, but his unwavering support draws them closer. Together, they navigate pregnancy, betrayal, and family secrets. As Fu Yanxiu uncovers a hidden conspiracy, Song Ke'er reveals her true identity. In the end, love triumphs, and justice is served.
Chase, a well-known playboy, suddenly agreed to a marriage that the elite circle looked down upon. The elite were all shocked. One day, Chase, drunk, cornered Yvonne against the wall and, blushing and furious, exclaimed, "I've liked you for sixteen years! Can't you see that?"
During a bridal ball toss, two sisters cast their destinies into the air. The elder’s ball lands with a nobleman; the younger’s, in the hands of a beggar. One rises to glory. The other dies in regret—until time turns back. Given a second chance, the younger sister rewrites the moment. But what if the beggar holds a secret, and fate has its own design?
After breaking up with Fu Yan to marry Fu Yun, Shi Chu faces mistreatment from the Fu family. Fu Yan misunderstands her motives, believing she struck a deal with them, while Zhou Ning'er repeatedly schemes against her. After a near-fatal fall into the sea, Shi Chu is saved by the Ye family. Upon returning, she exposes Zhou Ning'er's malicious acts and the truth behind Fu Yun's car accident. As Zhou Ning'er intensifies her scheming, Fu Yan comes to Shi Chu's rescue. The two finally clear their misunderstandings and find their way back to each other.
Irene works at a nightclub to fulfill her late mother's wishes. An unexpected encounter with Julian Chilton changes her life. She joins a renowned company only to find Julian is her boss. Things take a surprising turn when she discovers she's pregnant, a secret Julian soon uncovers.
Left heartbroken at the altar, Liana impulsively marries Jacob, a mysterious billionaire hiding his own pain. What begins as a cold agreement transforms into a journey of passion and healing. As they navigate meddling exes, family drama, and corporate battles, will their whirlwind romance blossom into true love, or will their pasts tear them apart?
Fang Sixue, the young mistress of Jinxiu Pavilion, is betrayed by her fiancé Zhang Qiao and a maidservant. To make matters worse, her father is framed by Zhang Qiao and thrown into prison. To save her father and Jinxiu Pavilion, Fang Sixue seeks the help of Mo Tingyun, the military governor of Nancheng. Through a series of chance encounters, Fang Sixue and Mo Tingyun begin to develop feelings for each other, leading to a sweet yet bittersweet love story.
After catching her unfaithful boyfriend in the act, Yvonne swiftly moved on and entered into a flash marriage with Henry. However, misunderstandings regarding Henry's stepfather caused Yvonne to separate from him. Yet, as time passed, Yvonne gradually discovered that Henry had a thing for her from the very beginning. Through a series of complicated events and emotional turmoil, Yvonne and Henry found their way back to each other.
Adopted by the wealthy Liews, orphaned Selene lives a dream—until the real daughter returns, turning love into neglect. Desperate, she joins the mysterious Sleep Project to escape for 30 years. When she wakes up, what awaits her in this new world?
Ji Fu, in place of her younger sister, marries the man she has secretly loved for years, Zhou Yuyan. On their wedding day, Zhou Yuyan leaves for abroad. Seven years later, he returns, and by then, Ji Fu has changed her name to Tang Ning. They unexpectedly have a one-night affair. Zhou Yuyan, who initially disliked her, slowly starts to develop feelings for her, but he remains unaware that the woman he has fallen in love with is actually his own wife.
One is the president of the Lee Group, the other is an ordinary white-collar worker in the company. By sheer coincidence, the two of them come together and form a happy union. However, the road to a successful relationship is full of challenges... From love at first sight to deep affection, watch how this couple sparks the flame of love.
Physician Lily Walker saves a secret agent and is caught in warlord conflicts. Commander Ethan Moore imprisons her to find the truth but falls for her. Misunderstandings arise as he thinks she doesn’t have feelings for him and she involves his uncle. Amidst war, rivals become allies in their love.
Orphan Jessie Smith accidentally has a one-night stand with her boss, Tane Lee. To protect herself, she decides to leave, but she leaves behind a resume, which leads to Tane Lee mistakenly thinking Jessie's best friend, Shell Lane, is the one he spent the night with, and they become a couple. As Tane Lee's secretary, Jessie tries to avoid him at work but can't help falling for him. When she discovers she's pregnant and decides to confess, she finds out Tane Lee's mysterious girlfriend is actually her best friend. Trapped in a dilemma, Jessie chooses to step aside for them. However, Tane Lee eventually learns the truth. The two then engage in a game of cat and mouse, from frenemies to soulmates, and eventually the star-crossed lovers became a couple.
Shen Zhixin and Fu Chengjing are forced into marriage due to misunderstandings and conspiracy. After marriage, Shen Zhixin tries to escape Fu Chengjing, but through life-and-death experiences and rebirth, she gradually discovers his deep affection for her. Eventually, the two confront family grudges, uncover the truth, and solidify their love.
Cindy, a human girl, accidentally awakens Skyler, an emotionless vampire king. Bound by a curse that forces them to share emotions and pain, Cindy becomes the unexpected key to restoring Skyler's humanity—and his ability to love.
Sarah, an independent woman yet often tied down by family matters, is pressured by her stepmother to go on a blind date. Though reluctant, she agrees for the sake of family harmony—never expecting this meeting to bring such a dramatic change to her life.
After her divorce, Paige sets up a food stall with her daughter. A boy named Ton adores her cooking and encourages her into a whirlwind marriage with his father, Rylan. Paige devotes herself to the new family, and Rylan—a top billionaire—secretly provides for them. Affection blossoms after their marriage.
Amidst the turmoil of the Republic of China, Lu Jinyi, a once-privileged heiress, is exiled after a betrayal shatters her family. Five years later, driven by vengeance, she returns to uncover the truth and reclaim her honor. But nothing is as it was—her stepmother and sister, Lu Xinran, now stand as her fiercest enemies.
After two years of blissful marriage, Sierra Byers's world shatters when her husband, Ethan Jones, catches her entering a hotel with another man. Without a word of explanation, Ethan divorces her, leaving Sierra heartbroken and confused. For three long years, Sierra waits in Chancago, desperate for a reason behind his abrupt departure. When their paths cross again, Sierra is shocked to discover that Ethan is now the director of the TV series she's starring in. In addition, she learns that Ethan had mistakenly believed the editor of her novel was a man who was keeping her, leading to their dramatic split.
Emily Parker reunites with James Murphy, the heir she secretly loved. A game brings them closer, but his love games and ex entangle them. When he defends her, will their youthful love prevail?
A small-town girl. A cold-hearted CEO. One unexpected pregnancy. What starts as a contract marriage soon spirals into a whirlwind of secrets, jealousy, and a shocking truth that could change everything. Will love conquer all, or will their deal end in heartbreak?
Jason, new at Berlin Schwingert High, intrigued Joe. Joe, unaware he fell for a boy, felt drawn to Jason's depth. They discussed freedom and frequented their secret rooftop. Meanwhile, Joe, an avid chess player, bonded with an online opponent, whom he mistakenly assumed was a girl, sharing his feelings with Barron.
To pay off her family's debts, Keyla Cline secretly married Davon Wells. When she got her dream job, she found Lisa Kinston, her archenemy, was her subordinate! After handling Lisa, Keyla faced another hurdle when her high school classmate impersonated her. Ultimately, she overcame all challenges and found happiness with Davon.
June and Jim are a pair of betrothed individuals who have never met. Due to the matchmaking oftheir elders, the two, who were originally prepared to call off the engagement, ended up sharinganightofpleasure.June, fearingembarrassment, fled without gettingagoodlookatherpartner.Meanwhile, Jim, finding a resume belonging to June's best friend Penny, mistakenlyidentified his fiancée as Penny. At the same time, Jim became June's boss and selected her as hisassistant.Penny, fearing that her impersonation of June's fiancée would be exposed, launched aseries of targeted incidents against June. The intricate relationships among the three unfold thisconvoluted and coincidental story. Fortunately, true lovers eventually find their way to eachother. In the end, Jim and June discover the truth and fall in love genuinely, eventually marryingeach other.
Zora Marlow's fiancé, Yates Shimton, saved Quita Chadwick during a car crash, leaving Zora behind. Rescued by Yates's uncle, Stephen Shimton, Zora lost her memory and mistook him for her husband, proposing to him. This time, Stephen vowed to protect her.
Poor Annie becomes surrogate to pay debts. Sperm mix-up makes employer refuse payment. Desperate, she finds biodad Jason - shocked billionaire. Manipulative Catherine & obsessive ex sabotage trust. As she considers abortion, Jason learns truth too late. Post-surgery escape: Can they reconcile?
After her mother died, Lucy Lance lived with her father's new family—but couldn’t stand him and ran away. One drunken night, she stumbled into the wrong room at a banquet and became Ethan Sterling's "antidote." From then on, the man once allergic to women couldn’t stop clinging to her, spoiling her endlessly.
Hua Yao, the 99th descendant of the Hua family, conceals his identity and falls in love with Gu Ran. Upon learning that Gu Ran is pregnant, he decides to reveal his true identity and marry her. However, an accident leaves Hua Yao paralyzed, and he is unable to disclose his background. Gu Ran remains by his side, working hard to care for him and giving birth to their son, Hua Qi. Years later, Hua Yao shows signs of recovery. When Gu Ran goes to visit him, she is humiliated by the director's son and relatives. Hua Yao eventually wakes up and, with the help of his family, seeks revenge on her behalf. Realizing all that Gu Ran has sacrificed for him, Hua Yao decides to give her a grand wedding. However, Gu Ran's relatives strongly oppose, believing Hua Yao has deceived her. In the end, Hua Yao uses his abilities to defeat his enemies, preserve the family business, and successfully marries Gu Ran, leading to a life of happiness.
To pay for her brother’s treatment, Lily accidentally spends the night with Henry, her crush for eight years. Moved by his sincerity, she believes they’re meant to be—until her brother, Johan, wakes from a coma and won’t let her go. Now, Henry faces a tough battle to win her over.
General's daughter Emily Wilson lost her mother early and went blind after her father and brothers died in battle. Her vicious relatives scheme to force her into marriage. At the breaking point, she meets the ruthless yet equally scarred Prince Michael Parker—and wagers on love through marriage.
After a chance encounter in a hotel room, Claire finds herself pursued by the enigmatic and devoted Charles, who’s secretly loved her for years. As Charles helps her escape the betrayal of her nephew, he uses his charm, wealth, and unwavering affection to win her heart, determined to make her his lady no matter the obstacles.
Nan Wan and Gong Yan were childhood sweethearts, but on the eve of their arranged marriage, tragedy struck—Nan Wan's father died, and her mother fell into a vegetative state after a mysterious accident. Gong Yan became the prime suspect, and Nan Wan was filled with hatred toward him. Over the years, Gong Yan quietly sought the truth, hoping to clear his name and win back her trust. Meanwhile, Gu Huaiyuan, the adopted son of the Gu family, supported Nan Wan through her hardships. Though uncertain of her feelings, she was moved by his care and eventually agreed to marry him. However, just before the wedding, Gong Yan returned, forcefully disrupting Nan Wan's life and attempting to stop the marriage. At the same time, Nan Wan's mother began to show signs of waking. The truth behind the tragedy was about to be uncovered…
Having a three-year contract marriage with Clara Stone, Max Lowell hoped to use her family's power to find his lost first love, Yulia Scott. Near the contract's end, Clara introduced him to Yulia without knowing that she was the girl he had been searching for. She regretted what she had done when Max and Yulia got married.
Six years later, Wen Shumiao reunites with her first love, Xie Jin. Though she thought she'd moved on, seeing him throws her off balance. He sets aside his pride for her. They both torment and save each other, mending what was once broken. Adapted from the Tomato Novel "His Bite Marks" by Mi Xiaoxi.
After a one-night stand, Emily agrees to a contract marriage with Andrew to save her comatose mother. His unwavering care during their marriage helps her exact revenge on her toxic ex, stepmother, and stepsister, and aids her mother's treatment. As love blossoms, Emily sheds her contractual reservations, truly letting Andrew in.
Yvonne, while working, meets CEO Michael, and they unexpectedly had a one-night stand. Michael's family ring, left with Yvonne, is stolen by her foster sister Yolanda. Mistakenly, Michael takes Yolanda home, thinking she's the girl from that night. Later, Yvonne's real grandfather finds her, and she reappears in everyone's lives.
Holly Harvey had had a secret crush on Rex Massey for eight years. One year ago, Holly became Rex's lover. She thought as long as she stayed by his side, he would eventually fall for her. Yet, she was wrong. Disheartened, she put an end to this improper relationship. By a strange twist of fate, however, Holly became Rex's lover once again due to her sister's illness. So, would things be different this time?
Ria takes over her mom's night shift at a hotel. There, she runs into Tyler, who's been set up. The two have a wild night together... Ria thinks it was just a one-night stand, but soon finds out that the job she applied for is actually to be Tyler's assistant. As they start working together, Tyler begins to fall for Ria. Just then, Tyler's so-called girlfriend Renee discovers their relationship... The love triangle is an eternal theme, and it seems all relationships are headed in this direction.
In his quest to neutralize the internal fire poison, Logan March successfully secured an Ice Beauty through a two-billion bid. However, upon her awakening, the enchanting figure began displaying an endearing and coquettish demeanor towards Logan, catching the typically reserved individual off guard. Whether it was craving nourishment or seeking comforting embraces, Logan found himself navigating uncharted territory. As time passed, an unforeseen bond blossomed between them. Just as emotions were deepening, the true identity of the captivating ice beauty began to unravel...
Elise Kauf found herself sold to the most affluent family in Egrila, the Whites, by her stepmother. She entered into marriage with Liam White, a man in a coma who had previously rescued her. Despite his condition, Elise devotedly tended to Liam. However, her ex-boyfriend James White, sought to conspire with her against Liam, but Elise refused. James then subjected Elise to constant oppression and targeting. In a moment of humiliation and punishment for Elise, Liam finally awakened...
Amidst a series of astonishing misunderstandings, Anna finds herself at the wrong hotel for a blind date, only to encounter the right partner by sheer chance. Is this fate a cunning web of political intrigue or merely a serendipitous misadventure? As their interactions unfold, Anna gradually realizes that she's falling for this unexpected companion. However, just as their paths seem to align harmoniously, the undercurrents of a brewing love triangle begin to stir, signaling that the true complexities of their entangled fates are yet to unravel.
After 8 years of pursuing Eric Baker, Alice Young was abandoned on their wedding day. Luke Evans swept in to propose to her, and they quickly got married. As Luke helped the Youngs through their crisis, he faced trials together with Alice, often clashing with Eric. Finally, Luke won her heart, and they lived happily ever after.
Bankrupt and defeated, Claymere's once proud heir, Grayson Wright, unexpectedly married Adeline Sanders. Convinced he was after her wealth, Adeline had no idea that his "bankruptcy" was a ruse to get closer to her. From sworn enemies to steadfast partners, the duo fought to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. Along the way, Adeline discovered her heart softening toward the man she never thought she could love. A tale of romance, redemption, and second chances unfolded.
Awake as a married village woman, Dr. Linda Grant plans to divorce her aloof military husband, Michael Stone—until he saves her and stirs new feelings. As she adopts orphans and fights villains, her medical skill in a crisis exposes a spy plot and family strife. Nearing medical school, she and Michael secure a hard-won future.
Megan worked multiple jobs to afford her grandmother's medical expenses. One day, she was asked to help disrupt a matchmaking event, where she encountered a man named Alex. Determined to break free from his controlling uncle's influence over his marriage, Alex chose to enter into a flash marriage with Megan, and the two became contractually bound as husband and wife.
Maya and Leon, once engaged and deeply in love, fall victim to a scheming woman, Ada Hill. This leads to Leon developing hatred towards his fiancée Maya. Their relationship turns into a tumultuous battle of love and enmity. In the end, will they be able to clear up the misunderstandings and uncover the conspiracy?
Framed by her adoptive sister Snow, Nina lost everything after a night with gambling king Ethan. Six years later, she returned disguised as dealer Shela, intent on seducing him and destroying Snow, now his wife. But as the truth emerged, their game of revenge twisted into something deeper.
Three years after walking out on Leon, Evelyn was forced into an arranged marriage while he rose as a financial titan. She thought what would greet her was vengeance, but she was trapped in his entanglement that reignited with passion. As buried truths about their breakup surfaced, the business king now knelt at her feet.
To save her family, Tiana Cruz was forced to lie to her boyfriend Bryce Nash, who therefore believed she was a gold digger and left him for a rich man. What she didn't know was Bryce was the only heir to the Nash family, the richest in town. What he didn't know was the cure for his unmentionable disease was her... Fate was cruel, but as it turned out, she was his cure, his meant-to-be, and his one and only.
Sophia Bennett's mother favored her brother Henry, exploiting Sophia to fund his life. Henry even sold Sophia to Mr. King. In her darkest hour, she met Alexander Carter, a man allergic to women. A night of passion left Sophia pregnant with triplets. As their lives intertwined, they healed each other's deepest wounds.
Before passing away, the heroine's grandfather pressures her to marry a billionaire in the capital. They plan to divorce in three months, but he falls for her. After divorcing, she moves abroad and discovers she's pregnant. After she returns home, he discovers their child and begins to pursue her. Eventually, they clear misunderstandings and become a true couple.
After years of cruelty and betrayal, Evelyn Sterling finally cuts ties with her toxic family. With William Ashford—who has secretly loved her for eight years—at her side, she rises as a brilliant designer, shatters Charlotte's schemes, and wins both her career triumph and a heartfelt marriage.
Techin sends his enemy’s daughter, Pimpa, to a psychiatric hospital. Two years later, he marries her. Although he relentlessly torments Pimpa, he eventually finds himself falling helplessly in love with her.
Syria, facing family bias, quit her job due to her brother's debts. In desperation, she planned to interview Yancey Zenter, heir of Harbor City's most influential family, to save her career. Known for his indifference toward women, Yancey unexpectedly found himself drawn to her, and their encounter sparked a real romance.
Famous movie star Ethan Pitt, believing his first love Andy rejected him for being poor eight years ago, returns to her fashion magazine as a method actor and makes her his assistant for revenge. What he doesn't know is that his mother forced Andy to leave him back then, and she's been secretly raising their child alone all these years. When the truth comes to light, Ethan must fight to win back the family he almost lost forever.
Jack Lee time-leaps to his confession day—but shocks everyone by pursuing Claire Gordon, his classmate's mother. A mysterious system grants him power, yet a hotel banquet turns his victory into a scandal. When even Claire doubts him, Jack reveals his true strength. The ice queen finally speaks—and nothing will be the same.
A servant's daughter shamelessly seduced the Young Master of the Moore family, even forced him to marry her on the excuse of unplanned pregnancy. Such a woman deserved to be kicked out, so everyone believed. Little did the people expect, though, two years later, Young Master Moore held the woman’s hands and begged her to stay. The woman smiled, "Young Master, you said one should get down on his knees when begging."
Joyce Grove met her friend's uncle, Jason Saul. After learning about their engagement, they got married immediately. At first, they lived in separate rooms due to Sigel Gosling's attempts to sow discord. Later, they gained a deeper understanding of each other and lived together. As misunderstandings were resolved, their love grew stronger, and secrets from their past were revealed. With Jason's support, Joyce finally got rid of Sigel, and after overcoming various trials, Jason confessed to Joyce.
Everyone knew Joanna Leighton was a girl who was never afraid to love or hate, including her brother, Blake Leighton, and her two childhood friends. Joanna even renounced her position as the Leighton family's heiress to marry an ordinary man. Joanna chose money over love, but it was not the same for her husband. For him, money could certainly buy love. He did not know Joanna's true identity and forced her to get a divorce so that he could be with the daughter of a rich family. Joanna was heartbroken, but a failed relationship could not stop her from starting a new life. After all, she had a secret.
After being betrayed by her boyfriend, Sean Fletcher, Joanna Johnson finds herself protected by his brother, Henry Fletcher. The two go from a fake marriage to truly falling in love. Henry's gentle care heals the emotional wounds in Joanna's heart, teaching her courage and independence. Through misunderstandings and eventual understanding, they journey together, showcasing the beauty and strength of true love.
Lucy Swain, a villainess in a romance novel, marries mute Marvin Seal yet belittles him. Envying the heroine, she commits misdeeds and suffers humiliation. Awakening, she woos Marvin through heartfelt talks. Amid clashes, their bond deepens into love. Overcoming adversaries, they confess their feelings and embrace bliss.
When her true love marries someone else and his beloved leaves, they find each other through an arranged marriage. Respect turns into support as he helps solve her problems, and she backs his every decision. As their hearts begin to heal together, their former loves unexpectedly reappear.
Shunned by her family and betrayed by her boyfriend, Celeste enters a fake marriage with Blake, who has secretly loved her for years. He fiercely protects her and reveals her hidden identity as the top designer "Nightshade." As secrets come to light, Celeste realizes Blake has always been her devoted guardian.
The female bodyguard Nina mistakenly identifies Shaw as her target while on a mission, leading to their unexpected acquaintance. Later, Shaw hires Nina to be his personal bodyguard, and thus begins their complicated love-hate relationship.