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Quinlan, a restless and determined individual, finds himself at odds with his mother's constant lectures on being a role model. Faced with the impending arrival of his mom, he swiftly takes action, locking his bedroom door in an attempt to buy himself some time. As his mother's voice echoes outside, Quinlan contemplates the possibility of moving out and becoming roommates with his best friend, Teagan. Despite Teagan's persistent rejections, Quinlan remains confident in his ability to sway her. Just as he contemplates his next move, his mom's voice cuts through the barrier, mentioning a conversation about his younger brother, Jersey. Though Quinlan feels the weight of responsibility to set an example for his brother, frustration tinges his response, emphasizing his preoccupation with more immediate concerns such as homework.
I hear the footsteps echo in the distance, signaling the impending arrival of my mom. Quickly, I leap off my bed and hastily lock my bedroom door before she has a chance to get too close.
"Quinlan! Where are you?" her voice calls out.
Don't get me wrong, I adore my mom more than anything, but enduring yet another lecture on proper role-modeling is pushing me to my breaking point. If I have to sit through another one, I might just pack up my things and move out. Seriously, I mean it this time. Especially now that my best friend Teagan has her own apartment, the possibility is there. Although she consistently declines my offers to become roommates, I know I can wear her down eventually. No one can resist my unwavering determination, after all.
"Quinlan?" I hear my mom's voice through the door, her hand checking the barrier between us. "I know you're in there. Listen, I need to talk to you about Jersey."
Ah, my little brother. The sole sibling I'm supposed to set an example for. Thankfully, he's the only one who still bothers to stick around. The twins, on the other hand, are far too consumed by their social lives to spare much time for family matters.
"I'm busy, Mom!" I shout back, frustration seeping into my voice. "Homework!"
"You're out of school and not taking summer courses. Open up," my mom insists.
Little does she know, I'm actually in the midst of a significant project. However, I choose to keep this information to myself, fully aware of how she would react if she discovered the truth.
Reluctantly, I rise from my seat and crack the door open, meeting my mom's inquisitive gaze. "Mom, seriously. I'm working on some financials right now, and I really need to focus," I explain.
"Financials? For what?" she asks, her brow furrowing.
"Just a project one of my... uh... professors assigned me towards the end of the semester. It's extra credit stuff," I hastily respond, hoping she'd buy my explanation.
She frowns, skepticism evident on her face. "How do you expect to get extra credit for a class that has already ended?"
I roll my eyes and huff out a frustrated sigh, as if she's the one being unreasonable. "Mom, can you please give me a break? It's not like I'm doing something terrible here. I'm simply working."
"Jersey just devoured another chapstick," I chuckle. "Jersey definitely has an eclectic taste. I guess we should appreciate his adventurous nature."
She places her hands on her hips, her frustration evident. "One of these days, Jersey is going to get sick from your carelessness. I need you to start acting more responsibly when it comes to him."
"Mom, I'm twenty-two. I'm an adult," I retort.
"Adults don't leave hazardous things lying around for babies to put in their mouths," she reprimands.
"Mom, seriously? Jersey is already twelve years old and as bright as a broken lightbulb. It's time to stop blaming me for his lack of common sense," I reply before slamming the door in her face and locking it again. A victorious dance ensues as I revel in the satisfaction of knowing my choice of words will provoke her. She knows it's all in good humor and that I would do anything to protect my little brother, but that doesn't mean I won't stir the pot whenever I can. Pushing her buttons is quite thrilling.
"Quinlan, open this door!" she demands.
"I will if you stop breathing down my neck," I bargain.
"Open it."
"I'll tell Dad."
A pause ensues as she contemplates her next move. We both understand what will happen if I involve him. He's not fooling himself that my little brother will become the next brain surgeon. We all accept the reality that the kid will barely graduate sixth grade, except for my mom. And my dad isn't a fan of her habit of blaming others for Jersey's nonsense, so she tends to save it for when he's not around.
"You better be earning extra credit on your project," she finally remarks.
"Oh, trust me. I am," I reply with confidence. This summer, I'm determined to help my best friend reclaim her rightful inheritance no matter what.
"I need you to take Jersey to his doctor's appointment later."
"What time?"
"Two o'clock. I have to meet with his therapist and devise a new plan for him. The current one isn't yielding great results."
"Fine, I'll handle it. Now please leave me alone so I can focus."
"Quinlan?"
Her voice carries a tinge of sadness, and I can't help but open the door. "Yes, dear mommy?" I grin, trying to lighten the mood from our previous conversation.
"I would appreciate it if you could please be more cautious about leaving tempting things within reach of your brother," I calmly and rationally express. I playfully lean out of the doorway, hoping for a kiss. When my mom complies and kisses me, I flash a smile. "Don't worry, Mom. When I am rich and famous, I'll pay to have him taken care of in a nice home," I reply, quickly retreating into my room and locking the door before she can catch me.
"Quinlan! That's not funny!" she calls out.
"Yes, it is," I respond, returning to my bed. Deep down, we both know I would never take such action, even if it could make everyone's lives easier. My brother Jersey, although energetic, lacks the same level of intelligence as other boys his age due to a birth canal accident. He can be quite a handful, but we adore him nonetheless. It's likely that he will become my roommate when our parents are no longer able to handle him. And when that time comes, I might just let him indulge in all the chapstick he desires. After all, it smells good and it hasn't harmed any of us when we've tried it before.
"I'll send him up," my mom's voice fades as she walks away down the hall.
"Mom, no!" I shout, stumbling towards the door. I swing it open just in time to see her disappearing around the corner. "Mom! I have work to do!"
"You're an adult. Adults often work and take care of kids," she says.
"But he's not my child!"
"Figure it out, Quinlan."
"Stop calling me Quinlan!" I slam the door shut, allowing frustration to release through steam coming out of my ears. Damn. Foiled again. Now, how in the world am I going to complete this report in time for Teagan's attorney appointment?
Deep within the majestic surroundings of the Grand Canyon, nestled amidst untamed beauty, resides a wealthy and reclusive billionaire. Jeffrey Benson, a man of unparalleled riches and power, finds solace in his luxurious retreat. With a multi-billion-dollar empire instantly at his command and mistresses whisked away at his beck and call, he commands an air of dominance and authority. No one crosses the formidable Jeffrey, as he has become disillusioned by the deceptive and perilous nature of women he's encountered in the past. Enter Bethany Sinclair, a young and innocent soul, reminiscent of a delicate English rose. Driven by the desperate need to save her fledgling business, she ventures into Jeffrey's grand lair, seeking his support. However, Bethany's fate hangs by a thread, with a mere ten minutes to convince the ruthless billionaire to extend his aid. Within these fleeting moments, Bethany must navigate a life-altering decision, one that could shape her destiny indelibly. She can choose to depart, succumbing to defeat and allowing her debts to consume her ambitions. Alternatively, she can embrace the audacious gamble, brave enough to step into Jeffrey's opulent world and settle her debts in the depths of his embrace. The stage is set for a captivating dance of power, desire, and unforeseen consequences. As Bethany and Jeffrey collide in a perilous game, the undeniable pull of their mutual attraction becomes irresistible. Yet, can they navigate the treacherous paths of their own pasts and find solace in each other's arms? Will their arrangement be a fleeting respite or ignite an unquenchable flame?
In "Wynne's Wish," Wynne Sommers finds herself at a crossroads in life with no job, no money, and no place to live. Desperate for a solution, she comes across an advertisement for the Cinderella Ball, a chance for her to find a husband by the end of the month. Against her friend Laura's protests, Wynne decides to take a leap of faith and marry a complete stranger. With determination and a belief in the power of fairy tales, Wynne sets out on a journey to find her knight in shining armor. But will this unconventional approach lead her to true love or bring a whole new set of challenges into her life? Find out in this heartwarming and enchanting romantic tale.
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!
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."
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
When Zora was sick during the early days of her pregnancy, Ezrah was with his first love, Piper. When Zora got into an accident and called Ezrah, he said he was busy, when in actual fact, he was buying shoes for Piper. Zora lost her baby because of the accident, and throughout her stay at the hospital, Ezrah never showed up. She already knew that he didn't love her, but that was the last straw for the camel's back, and her fragile heart could not take it anymore. When Ezrah arrived home a few days after Zora was discharged from the hospital, he no longer met the woman who always greeted him with a smile and cared for him. Zora stood at the top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, "Good news, Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us anymore, so let's get a divorce." The man who claimed not to have any feelings for Zora, being cold and distant towards her, and having asked her for a divorce twice, instantly panicked.