Maria only wanted one thing in life, a normal world with her parents. She made sure to get them the life they needed. She almost succeeded in getting that when she got admission to one of the top university in her town. But her life turned upside down by the bad boy Mike who she hit on the mall.
It was a chilly November night.
Like every other night, I woke up from the deadly noise of my dad coughing from the other room. I jumped from my bed. My bed can hardly be called a bed. It was in a terrible condition that could nearly hold me. My family was poor with hardly enough to fill up our stomachs. Our house was in a terrible condition that a minor storm was enough to eradicate it. If only I could find a job, I may be able to help my parents.
I was the only child of my parents. They were cobblers who work day and night to feed me and provide me with proper education. During some days they earn only a little that they even forget to fill their stomach. Dad used to earn very well a few years ago, but now he couldn't earn so much because of his poor health. He loved designing and making shoes for everyone. He always made me many lovely shoes when I was little. Little pink princess shoes, blue glitter ones, and red boots. But fate ruined us.
All my life I watched their miserable state. I never complained about my life, even to God, because I don't want to blame anyone.
My dad had health issues. He could not work for more hours because of his condition, so I used to help him whenever I get time from my studies. All our savings went to his medicines.
"Maria, fetch the water from the kitchen." My mother ordered.
I rushed to the kitchen and poured some water for my father.
I ran back to his room and gave the water to him. He was shaking from the cold. My mom helped him.
She was trying hard to control her tears. I rubbed the back of my dad so that he can control his breath. I know he was trying so hard.
Our little earning was not enough to buy him medicines. The doctor said that he needs better medication to get his health back, which reminds me I need to work harder besides my studies so that I may help him. I will be 18 next month. The first thing I needed to do is to find a part-time job that won't be a disturbance to my studies. I made a promise to my parents that whatever hardship I was facing I won't go back from my studies.
I looked to the ceiling and sighed " We need to find a new house. A small one will be better. That is the first thing on my bucket list."
I went to check on my parents.
"Oh, they fell asleep. I need to get back to my room. I am feeling tired." I took the old woolen blanket from the cupboard and covered their bodies.
I went back to my room. Hundreds of thoughts came to my mind, but I rolled on my bed to get better sleep.
The next day I got up from my bed early in the morning feeling half sleepy and tired. I went to the bathroom. After freshening myself, I went back to my room and put on my blue blouse and knee-length black skirt. I tied my hair in a messy bun and went to the kitchen to cook something.
I checked on my parents before going to the kitchen. They were sleeping soundly. So I went back to the kitchen to cook something for my parents. I made pancakes and coffee for my parents. I served everything on the table and went to call my parents for eating. Then I rushed to my room to get ready to go to my class. After I got myself ready, I went to eat breakfast with my parent.
I washed the utensils and cleaned the kitchen. After waving goodbye to my parents, I rushed to the bus stop. Yes, I needed to catch that stupid bus before it was too late.
My school was situated a few kilometers away from my home. My school was like a second home to me. The only place I enjoyed. The heaven on earth and the teachers there were really friendly, especially my language teacher Miss. Rachel Sunny. She was like a second mother to me, who always helped me during critical conditions.
My closest friend was Nancy. She was a sweet young, bubbly girl who was so close to me. She had been my best friend since we were six.
"Hey, Maria. Good morning. " Nancy rushed and hugged me as soon as I entered the classroom.
"Oh look at you glowing early in the morning. I am jealous " she made a face that looked so funny to me.
"Look at you cracking jokes early in the morning. I am jealous of how you are so enchanting and energetic early in the morning, " I copied her face.
"I wasn't joking. So are becoming beautiful day by day. You need to tell me your secret. " She said.
"So how is my bestie doing, " She added.
"Nothing new, dear. It's the same, sleepless nights and nightmares that won't give me peace to my life and mind, " I replied to her.
" I am so sorry, dear. I almost forget about your parents, " She added.
"It's okay Nancy "I smiled.
" Everything is going to be fine one day "She smiled and hugged me.
" All you have to do is get to that college miss Rachel told you about Maria " she added.
I smiled at her.
That night I dreamed about the fairy tale life that I always wished I had. In my dream, I saw a boy. He was handsome, tall. and well build. I saw him coming towards me. His feathery lips touched mine. His warm hands hugged me. I shivered from his touch.
But the stupid alarm woke me up. I tried to remember his face. But it was all blurred. I cursed the alarm clock. I never had a boyfriend before. I always wished I had one. So he comforts me from all these troubles I had in my life. I was interested in boys who were friendly and not cold ones.
"Ouch "
A loud thud along with an electric spark traveled my body.
"Shit" I cursed.
Looks like my little toe gave a warm kiss to the wooden leg of my bed. Seems like my boyfriend will be one hell of a guy. Even my toes can't stop thinking about him.
"Is it considered betrayal to develop feelings for your best friend's boyfriend? What about when fate intervenes, and he turns out to be your destined mate? You might think it's luck and thank the moon goddess for such a twist of fate. That's what I believed until the love of my life uttered those dreaded words: 'I want a divorce!' As I stared at the pregnancy test in my hands, I realized it was better to keep my secret to myself. My name is Violet, and this is my story."
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Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.