Dear Bubblegums, I hope you're all doing well. Welcome back! ♡

First of all, this story is entirely a work of fiction. Every character, name, place, organization, event, and incident in this book has been created from my imagination. Any resemblance to real people, places, businesses, organizations, or events is purely coincidental.

I don't have detailed or complete knowledge about all professions or real-world systems, so there may be inaccuracies or elements that are not fully realistic. This is a work of fiction, and certain situations or details are included for storytelling purposes rather than real-world accuracy or feasibility. I still try to keep things as accurate as possible, especially regarding professions and real-world details, but some aspects may be simplified or not perfectly precise.

English isn't my native language, so I truly appreciate your patience while reading. If you notice any grammatical mistakes or awkward sentences, you're always welcome to correct me kindly. Constructive criticism is something I genuinely appreciate because it helps me grow as both a writer and a person. Feel free to share your opinions, theories, or even scream at me in the comments I absolutely love reading them.

However, hate, unnecessary negativity, or disrespect won't be entertained. This little corner is my safe space, and I hope it becomes one for you as well.

There is no cheating in this story. If, at any point, something feels suspicious or confusing, trust the process. Everything happens for a reason. One thing is certain: I would never give a cheater a happy ending.

This book is rooted in mystery and suspense, with elements of dark romance woven throughout. At its core, it is a twisted story with deeply flawed and complicated characters. Please approach it as fiction and read responsibly.

This is a dark, intense romance, not a light-hearted read. If you prefer softer stories, this book may not be for you. The themes in this story belong to the dark romance genre and are meant to remain within fiction. I do not support, glorify, or encourage abusive, toxic, or harmful behavior in real life. Please enjoy the story while keeping a clear distinction between fiction and reality.

The characters in this story are very complicated both the MMC and FMC. And when I say complicated, I truly mean it. Their emotions, thoughts, actions, and everything about them are not meant to be easily understood. You may question them, misunderstand them, or even get frustrated with them. That's intentional.

The main trope of this story is Marriage in Trouble, and I promise this story will do justice to the trope. Their marriage isn't simple. There will be misunderstandings, emotional distance, secrets, insecurities, and many things that will test their relationship.

In my other two ongoing stories, I've already mentioned that my FMCs are strong. This FMC is different. She is weak in many ways, but she is not spineless.

She has Selective Mutism and a deep-rooted inferiority complex. There will be many situations where she wants to speak up for herself, defend herself, or say what she truly feels, but she simply can't get the words out. And that's okay. She won't suddenly become strong overnight. Her insecurities may even get worse before they get better. You might feel irritated with her sometimes or wish she would speak up, but that's the way I've written her. Not everyone is strong from the beginning.

She will have character development. She will slowly learn, grow, and find her own strength. So please be patient with her journey. She will grow and become the best version of herself.

And then we have the MMC. He is basically the definition of "I don't give a fuck." His behavior might make you want to throw a brick at him, and honestly, that's fine. He has Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (CIP), meaning he cannot properly feel physical pain, and alexithymia, meaning he struggles to understand and express his emotions.

So, his body doesn't properly warn him when he's hurt, and his mind struggles to understand what he feels. That's why he may seem cold, distant, and emotionally unavailable even toward the FMC.

But there's more to him than what you see.His story isn't simple, and neither is their marriage. So trust the process.

As for my writing style, I love writing emotions in their rawest and most detailed form. Whether it's love, hatred, grief, obsession, desire, heartbreak, violence, or revenge, I don't enjoy sugarcoating feelings.

I believe some emotions are meant to be uncomfortable, some moments are meant to hurt, and some scenes are meant to leave a mark. If a chapter is supposed to make your heart race, break, or ache, then I've done my job.

As a writer, I share a deep bond with my characters they are more than just words on a page to me. I truly hope readers can feel that connection as well.

I respectfully say that they not be compared to other fictional personalities, as it feels disrespectful to both creations.

An author pours their heart, soul, and countless emotions into shaping these characters, and constant comparisons can unintentionally take away from their individuality, depth, and the effort behind them.

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© 2026 Bargained souls is an original work of fiction created and written by [Nyraxverse].

All rights are strictly reserved.

This story, along with its characters, plotlines, settings, and dialogues, is the sole intellectual property of the author. It may not be copied, reproduced, translated, distributed, or adapted in any form digital or print without the author's written consent.

Any unauthorized use, including plagiarism, reposting, screenshots, or edits, is a direct violation of copyright and will result in immediate reporting and legal action.

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This story contains mature, dark, and potentially triggering themes as part of the characters' journeys and is intended strictly for readers 18+. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

Includes themes such as:

• Flawed, possessive, and obsessive characters • Graphic violence & murder (gore), abusive language & mental/physical abuse • Emotional dysregulation, psychological manipulation, and toxic relationship dynamics •Suicidal thoughts and self-harm references, PTSD • Control issues, emotional dependency, and broken trust • Blackmail, family conflict, and societal/parental pressure • Violence, aggression, and trauma responses •Alexithymia •Congenital insensitivity to pain •Selective Mutism •Deep-rooted inferiority complex • Explicit sexual content, gritty language, and power-play dynamics; sexual content (orgasm denial, begging, edging, bondage), sex in different places •Dubious Consent (Dub-Con) • Various kinks (including but not limited to somnophilia, semi-exhibitionism, praise, etc.)

• Morally grey situations and mature subject matter

(Additional trigger warnings will be included at the beginning of relevant chapters as the story progresses)

If you are sensitive to dark themes, please proceed with caution. Your mental health matters. Always prioritize your well-being..

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Where vows are bargains and souls are

the price... turn the page.

A dark twisted tale of

romance by

Nyra ♡

With lots of love and chummis 💋