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Ayumi Clark always dreamed of a happy life filled with love and a supportive family. She achieved her goals of having a home, a career, and true friendships. However, her search for love led her into an abusive relationship, leaving her fighting for survival. As Ayumi endures physical and emotional abuse, she realizes something is wrong. Trapped in a cycle of violence and fear, she begins to doubt herself and her choices. She must heal the pain inflicted by someone she believed loved her. With the support of her friends, particularly her best friend Kaléo Coleman, or Léo, she seeks the abuser and confronts her past traumas. During this journey, Ayumi and Léo discover their feelings extend beyond friendship. Together, they navigate their doubts and strive to find true love. Yet, Ayumi must first learn to love herself and overcome her own traumas. Through this emotional and inspiring story, Ayumi fights to overcome her past, discovering her inner strength. With her friends' help, she learns self-worth and finds genuine love. As Ayumi and Kaléo face their challenges, they realize that love and compassion are key to healing their traumas. They understand that true love accepts and supports them through their darkest moments. Together, they confront their fears and overcome obstacles that attempt to separate them. They discover that unity and love provide true strength. Despite their hardships, they find hope for a happy ending and an exhilarating journey of triumph, love, and friendship.
"Like in a fairy tale... the princess locked in the tower!"
Thus, she became incommunicable, and in brief moments of confrontation, I found myself just like my father! Unable to control myself because before I knew it, I was already punishing her. Not that I entirely enjoy punishing my wife, but a part of me feels satisfied, fulfilled, and happy.
On the night I went out to celebrate the signing of a major contract, I ran into Marieta and was enjoying my evening when I was spotted by the pompous idiot. We ended up arguing, and without warning, he punched me. Before I could react, he was on top of me, delivering more punches, and I ended up inventing a little white lie. But with my wife, he wouldn't have that chance, and at that moment, my night was over.
I arrived home filled with anger and found her sitting in the living room, reading a book. When I told her that my friend had returned, I observed her eyes light up, and I felt even more hatred. She has no right to love anyone apart from me. Actually, I had known for some time now, but now she is mine. Only mine!
We had an argument, and just as I was about to confront her, she dropped the bomb. I remembered my mother and didn't want this for either of us. The argument shifted focus, and now it was about her sick desire. Not knowing what to do, I left the house to think and realized I had forgotten my cellphone. I returned and looked for her, but couldn't find her. I went to the bedroom and heard her whispering his name.
I entered the bathroom with a smile on my face, knowing what her reaction would be. The cellphone was in her hands, and she looked at me with tears streaming down her face and red eyes. I walked up to her and, as I brought the device to my ear, I heard that imbecile's voice calling my wife. In that instant, the monster within me surfaced, and I embraced that feeling, tired of not letting it have any fun.
I threw the device against the wall and grabbed her by the hair, saying:
"Now I will take care of you, my dear!"
I took her to the bedroom, and her fighting with all her might was magnificent. Without thinking twice, I slapped her across the face. She stumbled, falling and hitting her head on the corner of the nightstand. As soon as I saw her lying on the floor, disoriented, I climbed on top of her, holding her face.
"It's time for your punishment, my dear. You will learn not to lie to me or betray me."
I raised my hand...
•••••••• 🌺🦋🌺 ••••••••
I blink my eyes and see my mother begging not to be beaten. However, my father is relentless with each slap and punch. I close my eyes to avoid witnessing my father punishing my mother, but it doesn't help much because once again she screams, and she screams a lot.
"Open your eyes, kid," he says, but I still keep my eyes closed, and my hands are covering my ears.
In less than a few seconds, my hands are forcefully pulled away from my ears, and he yells again, "Open... Learn to be a man!"
I open my eyes, and he returns to her, climbing on top of her already weakened body, and starts punishing her again. With each blow, I hear my mother's painful moans grow fainter. He stands up and starts kicking her lifeless body, and after the final kick, he turns around and walks towards me...
•••••••• 🌺🦋🌺 ••••••••
I blink my eyes repeatedly, and there she is, my wife, unconscious and bloodied on the floor. I look at my hands, and they're covered in blood. I stand up, turn around, and head towards the bathroom. I wash my hands and look at myself in the mirror, seeing my blood-stained clothes. I take them off and go to the closet, putting on another outfit. I approach her, kneeling to try to feel her pulse, but there's nothing. I'm certain that she's gone.
"Ah! My love, look what you made me do. Now I'll be without you, my sweet girl," I run my fingers through her blood-soaked hair, and if I didn't know it was my princess there, I wouldn't recognize her.
I take a deep breath, looking at her and etching that image into my memory, immortalizing the smell of blood and the silence it brings.
"I will miss you, my love!"
I looked at her lifeless body, unrecognizable, shaking my head. Even though I know she won't hear me, I say:
"Now you're fine, and as promised, no one else will have what's mine. Would have, since you're gone..."
I grab a sheet from the closet, spread it on the bed, pick up Ayumi, and place her on the sheet, wrapping her in it. I pick her up again and leave the house, heading for the car. I place her in the back seat and go to the garage, where I grab a shovel and toss it in the trunk before getting into the car. I uncover her face and smile. I start the engine and leave the garage, engaging in lively conversation with my deceased wife throughout the journey. I head to a place I loved as a child, and as soon as I arrive at the nature reserve, I park the car and step out. Since it's dark, I leave the headlights on to illuminate the path. I walk a few kilometers with the shovel in hand, whistling. Ayumi's body rests on my shoulders, and I find the perfect spot. I carefully place her on the ground and begin to dig. Once the hole is deep enough, I drag her body into the grave. I look around and see and hear nothing. Everything here falls silent to witness my little work of art. My attention returns to the person I could once say I loved.
"A perfect resting place, the one you sought and found, Ayumi," I grab the shovel and start covering her with dirt, still whistling. I turn around and begin to walk, but something reminds me.
"I'll let Coleman know you left some memories!" I smile, heading back to the car.
To many, the heart is just a muscle or a symbol of love. But for Lunna, it represents so much more: strength, truth, justice, and even fear. After a heartbreaking loss, she finds herself trapped in the shadows of her past, with fear as her only companion. Like the little girl who once trembled under the covers, she still counts her heartbeats, trying to calm the pain that seems endless. But this time, something changed... true love appeared. In the midst of emotional storms, Lunna and Adam are put to the test. Fate separated them, but love brought them together. Can the wounds of the past be healed? Will love survive so many secrets and challenges, or will it be consumed by suffering? As they fight to reconnect their hearts, Adam must confront his past and decide if he's ready to fight for his first love. Lunna, on the other hand, must learn to see beyond appearances if she wants to uncover the truth that's been hidden all along. On a journey full of intense emotions, revealed secrets, and hearts put to the test, the flame of love will have a chance to reignite. But will destiny grant them a happy ending, or lead them to a surprising conclusion? *This book contains emotional triggers. It does not feature explicit content, and the author does not write erotica.*
In a job interview at the museum, fate sets up an exciting twist in Ava's life. Amid uncertainties and apprehensions, an unexpected encounter brings forth a unique and transformative love. Overcoming challenges and disappointments, she discovers an extraordinary companion: her best friend and ex-brother-in-law, Ravi Lockwood. Together, they tread a path filled with surprises and triumphs wrapped in a contract. Can love to arise in the most unexpected moments? A story of overcoming, respect, and true love that will warm the heart of anyone who ventures into this surprising journey.
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…"
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
Natalie used to think she could melt Connor’s icy heart, but she was sorely mistaken. When at last she decided to leave, she discovered that she was pregnant. Even so, she chose to quietly leave his world, prompting Connor to mobilize all of his resources and expand his business to a global scale—all in a bid to find her. But there was no trace of Natalie. Connor slowly spiraled into madness, turning the city upside down and leaving chaos in his wake. Natalie finally surfaced years later, with wealth and power of her own, only to find herself entangled with Connor once again.
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."