I am Kira Reed and for as long as I can remember, I have worked in his company. But I had enough! He's such a despicable man to the point I couldn't resist his tyranny. Or maybe that's what I want to make myself believe. Who am I kidding? Besides, the holidays are coming and I really want to go home this year. ............... "Get your filthy hands off her!" I yelled at him, placing myself between them. Mark did not sit idly by and responded accordingly. "You have no right to come into her life like that and pretend nothing happened," he said, taking the attack posture. "Who said nothing happened?" I shouted at him, placing my hands on the collar of his shirt. I could hardly control myself, as I've never been good at keeping my anger in check.
KIRA
I am Kira Reed and for as long as I can remember, I have worked in his company. But I had enough! He's such a despicable man to the point I couldn't resist his tyranny. Or maybe that's what I want to make myself believe. Who am I kidding? Besides, the holidays are coming and I really want to go home this year.
***
"Are you sure this is what you want, Kira? Think again, this man won't take you back," said Alana, one of my supporters in this company.
"I've never been more sure, Alana. You know I can't stand him anymore!" I shouted, closing the door to my office.
"Won't you at least wait and give it to him in person? He'll get mad, you know. Especially now that he won't find someone so soon to replace you."
"You think I care? I'll leave my resignation on his desk and leave. I have to be on a plane to Hollow Peaks by 6 PM."
"OK. Regardless of what happens here, I'm glad you're spending Christmas and New Year with your family," Alana said wistfully.
"You know you're invited too. Plus, my brother would really enjoy it," I said and winked at her.
"Hey!"
"What? You know better than me that there are some sparks in there. Maybe the magic of Christmas will open up some more minds. Anyway, I need to wrap this up and go packing at home. There's a lot to sort out."
"I'm gonna miss you, baby"
"You can visit me anytime," I said and held out my arms. Alana stepped into my embrace. We didn't stay hugged for too long because I didn't want my co-workers to notice anything. Only Alana knew I was leaving.
Just like a feline, I walked into my boss's office and placed my resignation on the desk. I looked around a bit. Knowing how tyrannical Gabriel Bates was, the office was in complete contrast to his personality. No room for regrets. Maybe only that this was my only source of income. But I would be alright.
When I got home, I didn't know where to start. I loved this apartment. My parents had bought it for me when I moved to London. They said I needed a place of my own, so I didn't have to pay rent. It cost a fortune and, although I objected, my parents insisted.
I didn't pack too many clothes. After the holidays, I was planning to come back and look for another job.
I was looking out the window when my cell phone rang. It was Gabriel, but I didn't answer. I initially thought he wouldn't care that I was leaving, but there was a big event coming up over the company that I was part of. He was definitely calling to tell me I was being irresponsible.
Outside it was already snowing with big flakes, and there were only three days left until Christmas, but if I didn't count today, which was ending anyway, there were only two.
Finally, the cell phone stopped ringing.
And that was the last noise I heard from Gabriel Bates. Or so I thought.
***
"Look! There she is!"
My mother and brother approached me as I waited for them at the airport's arrivals area in Hollow Peak's airport. I couldn't hide my joy and a broad smile lit up my face. I haven't seen them in a long time.
My brother hated the big city, so he stayed behind and helped all the animals here. He was a vet.
I knew how much my mother loved me, but she also condemned me because I was the youngest and the only one who hadn't gotten married. Whenever we were together, she would always find something to criticize about me.
She always said that my biological clock was ticking and that I would remain an old maid in my twenty-seven years.
"Dear, have you been sleeping lately? It's awful how you look"
And that was her.
"Thank you, mom. That helps"
"I'm not saying it the way you are probably thinking. You're gorgeous, but..."
"I'm alright, mom. Just a bumpy flight, nothing more"
But that was not all. Somehow, my mind wondered at Gabriel's stunned face when he saw the resignation letter. I explained nothing to him in that letter, just that I quit. But that was only for me to know.
And there was more. Along with my resignation, my heart remained there, torn to pieces. Another secret of mine.
Everyone else knew I couldn't stand Gabriel anymore, but I was actually running away and put some distance.
The only way I could have done it fearlessly was leaving London for the holidays.
Now that I arrived on Hollow Peak, it overcame me with a deep sorrow that I would not ponder. Did I appear awful? Entirely convinced I was. Because the man I lost my heart to would never feel the same way about me as I did about him. So distance was actually the only way.
And in a week, when I would return to London, it would be to my cozy apartment and no job, no letter of recommendation from my previous employer, and no opportunities. All of that was almost as awful as the broken heart I was keeping to myself.
My chest hurting wound was incredibly annoying.
This Christmas, I might well be a complete Grinch, but my family couldn't possibly know the whole depth of my problems, so...
I have to fake happiness.
I was thankful, though, that we were spending this Christmas as a family. This was the honest truth.
"I'm so sorry, Alana and Brad couldn't make it. I would have loved you guys to meet the man who stole my heart."
"Me too, sis. I should meet him so he would know that you are not alone and that you have someone to take care of you," my brother said from somewhere behind my mother. He didn't change at all. The beard made him a little more mature, though.
"Come on, Joe, you're upset that Alana couldn't make it, but you'll get over it. Come here, I missed you so much," I said and hugged him like crazy.
And that was the additional issue I would have to manage during the week. Inquiries and remarks regarding my fictitious partner, who I shouldn't have created.
"I missed you too, sis, but you are mistaken. I don't even remember... Alana... or how you said her name was"
"It's Alana, and... ugh, nevermind. You know how I hate crowded places, so if we finished here we might as well go home," I told them, looking around.
There was great excitement. I wasn't the only one who came home for the holidays.
"This is the best thing to do, especially since I'm going to spoil you with my treat. My hot caramel white chocolate. I bet you missed that too"
For the love of God, I had forgotten about that. There were no holidays without his special treat. These were the moments when I realized how much I missed my family.
"Joe, you just convinced me. Let's go, I am starving too," I said, looking back on my shoulder like I was afraid anyone would see me.
Calm down, Kira. He wouldn't have the guts to come all the way here. Or would he?
Anna had it all, a perfect life and a loving husband. But destiny has its own plans. Switching tickets with a young musician, her husband Marco dies in a plane crash and her world crumbles upon her. Unable to cope with the pain she remains locked in her house refusing to face reality until her nightmares come to life. Dreaming how people would die she has one week to track them down and save them. Now she has to begin a race against the clock and save as many as she can. Being overwhelmed she finds relief in listening to young saxophonist Enzo Buonaurio. Little did she know he had an unintentional final word in her husband’s early passing. What will happen when Anna dreams of Enzo's death? Will she be able to forgive and save him? Or let destiny play its card?
When Teresa Bradley, a young journalist with a passion for photography, meets Sebastian in a park, she becomes captivated by his beauty. Trying to capture his emotions, she falls into a river, risking her life. A powerful bond forms between them after Sebastian rescues her. As Teresa tries to make sense of her terrifying experience, Lettice, Sebastian’s great-great grandmother, kidnaps her, revealing secrets about her own existence. Bash is determined to save his human Luna, so he's gathering an army with his cousin Liam and their pack. Despite the chaos and danger, a beautiful love story blossoms, with challenges to face. Teresa accepts her destiny and the bond she shares with Bash, but the threat is far from over. Rejected by her family, Lettice turns into a vengeful hellhound consumed by hatred and seeking revenge. Will Lettice's revenge be the downfall of the Kielder Pack, or can Sebastian and Teresa keep their family and lives safe?
“You dared to disturb Pharaoh's sleep? My curse will fall upon you and your descendants in three generations like a hundred knives!” Adrienne Webster, an enthusiastic archaeologist, is determined to discover the tomb of Pharaoh Khem-Amon in the Maani Valley. Disbelieving in curses, she disturbs the eternal sleep of the great ruler and thus brings upon herself the curse of the God of Death, Anubis, to live and die in Ancient Egypt. Reincarnated in Kamilah's body, the daughter of the discovered Pharaoh, she encounters love in the person of Anubis as he carries her in his boat to the Underworld. Will he rescue her in time or will it fulfill the curse? Join Adrienne on her adventure in Ancient Egypt as well as in the present, living her beautiful love. But will that be enough when the God of Chaos, Seth, returns to take revenge on Anubis? Read on to find out!
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
Iris grew from an orphaned child to the adopted daughter of the Stewart family at age ten, finding warmth in her nominal uncle Vincent's kindness. Seven years later, she became his secret lover. When Vincent's engagement was announced, gossip spread about the notorious playboy CEO finally settling down. But only Iris knew the extent of his cold, two-faced nature. Iris fell for Vincent and, through tears, begged, "Marry me," only to be met with his frosty refusal. Defeated, she accepted a lawyer's proposal, sparking public excitement. Then, on her wedding day, Vincent pleaded desperately, "Don't marry him…"
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
She was a diamond covered by ashes.... King Dakota was known as the most Powerful Alpha King of all times - more powerful than any other King that had ruled from his lineage. He was cold hearted, introverted and dangerous in anger. Cursed by the Moon goddess, King Dakota had to get married to three wives all in search of a male child that would become his heir, but it was impossible as the curse would only let his wives bear she -wolves. But on a different day, the King meets a lady who offends him and as a punishment, he took her home as his fourth wife. Her name was Shilah. Shilah was a powerless wolf and as a result, was disregarded and intimidated by all. But, when she begins to do things that the King had never felt for years, he began to wonder who she really was. Slowly, she crawled her way into his icy heart and turned out to be something nobody ever expected - a storm.
It's true what they say about marriage: one partner's always happier than the other. ~~~ Julie's world is shattered when her husband, Ryan, reveals that he wants an open marriage. His reason: he needs a child as they've been unable to have one. Julie reluctantly agrees to save her marriage. The next day, Ryan returns home with his secretary, confirming Julie's long-held suspicion that their affair was taking place behind her back. Julie, heartbroken and enraged, seeks solace in a bar, where she meets a fascinating stranger named Luke, who changes the game. Julie confides in Luke over drinks, and he proposes a risky plan: he will act as her "boyfriend" to turn the tables on Ryan. Julie agrees, setting off a chain of events that will challenge everything she thought she knew about love, loyalty, and herself.
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”