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He opens the door and walks away. How could he just walk away like nothing had happened? The way he talks makes her wonder if she has made a mistake or not?
Cherry Dawson looked at the antique grandfather clock, the long hand ticking closer to the number twelve. The ticking noise was keeping the rhythm of her heart pounding. She was anxious and scared to be entering her new workplace. Who would have thought Cherry would end up here, cleaning and scrubbing the mansion of the prestigious Sparks family? The thought made her stomach twist in a knot. All Cherry wanted was to provide for her mother, a woman who had given her life and so much love.
But being here was the only way Cherry could think of to bring in some money, to ensure that her mother got the medical treatment she needed.
She had arrived early, wanting to leave a good impression, despite her nerves. She knocked gently on the front door, and was greeted by Mrs. Hettie, the head housekeeper. She was a tiny, elderly woman, whose face was lined with wrinkles, and her grey hair was pulled back into a bun. She looked at Cherry suspiciously.
"You must be the new girl," she said, in a voice that sounded like sandpaper. "I'm Mrs. Hettie. You're to follow my instructions to the letter, and not to step out of line. Do you understand me?"
Cherry nodded, feeling intimidated by the woman's harsh tone. She felt small and out of place. She followed Mrs. Hettie down the long corridor, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. They came to a stop in front of a large, mahogany door. Mrs. Hettie turned to Cherry.
"This is the main foyer," she said. "You are to keep it spotless at all times. It is the first thing that guests see when they enter the mansion, and it is of utmost importance that it is kept pristine."
Cherry nodded again, taking in the vastness of the room. It was filled with antique furniture, and paintings hung on the walls. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting rainbows of light across the floor. It was the most extravagant place Cherry had ever seen, and she wondered what kind of people could live in a place like this.
Mrs. Hettie handed Cherry a bucket and a mop, and showed her how to clean the floor. Cherry worked quickly, her heart beating in her chest. She didn't want to make a mistake. Finally, she was finished, and Mrs. Hettie inspected her work.
""I suppose it will do," she said, in a grudging tone. "Now, I'll show you the rest of the house."
They continued their tour, and Cherry's eyes widened at the opulence and grandeur of the mansion. Mrs. Hettie led her up the sweeping staircase, to the second floor. Here, there were more rooms, each more extravagant than the last. Finally, they reached a room at the end of the hall.
"This is the master bedroom," Mrs. Hettie said. "It belongs to Mr. Sparks, the head of the household."
Cherry's breath caught in her throat. She had heard rumors about Mr. Sparks, that he was a cruel and ruthless man. She had heard whispers that he had made his fortune through unscrupulous means, and that he was not to be crossed. But as she stood in front of his bedroom door, all she could think of was how she was going to keep it clean.
"Don't forget to dust the crown molding," Mrs. Hettie said, as she turned to leave. "I'll be back to inspect your work in an hour."
Cherry gulped, feeling a knot of dread in her stomach. She looked around the room, taking in the mahogany furniture, the silk sheets on the bed, and the crystal vases on the dresser. She took a deep breath, and got to work. She dusted every surface, swept the floor, and made sure that every inch of the room was spotless.
When Mrs. Hettie returned, she was clearly impressed. "Well done," she said, in a tone that sounded almost grudging. "You may have a future here, yet."
Cherry felt a sense of relief, and she hoped that this would be the start of a new chapter in her life. Little did she know that this would be the start of a journey that would take her to places she never could have imagined, and change her life forever.
It was only the first day, but already Cherry was feeling the weight of her new responsibilities. She was starting to wonder if she had made the right decision, coming to work at the Sparks mansion. But then, she thought of her mother, and her resolve strengthened. She would do whatever it took to make sure that her mother got the medical treatment she needed.
But as the days went by, Cherry started to notice strange things happening in the mansion.
She would hear strange noises in the night, and see shadows moving out of the corner of her eye. She tried to brush it off, telling herself that it was just her imagination. But then, she started to see things that she could not explain. One night, as she was cleaning the library, she saw a shadow move across the room. She looked up, and saw a figure standing in the corner, staring at her. Her heart started to pound, and she was too scared to move. The figure took a step towards her, and she let out a scream. The figure disappeared, and when she turned on the light, she saw that there was nothing there.
Cherry was shaken, and she wasn't sure what to think. She tried to tell herself that it must have been a trick of the light, or her imagination. But she couldn't shake the feeling that something strange was going on in the mansion.
As the weeks went by, the strange events continued. One day, when she was dusting the dining room, she saw a figure out of the corner of her eye. She turned, and saw a tall, dark figure standing in the doorway. The figure was dressed in a black cloak, and its face was obscured by a hood. The figure started to move towards her, and she felt a wave of terror wash over her. She tried to run, but she felt like her feet were frozen to the floor. The figure got closer, and she could feel its cold breath on her neck. Just as it was about to reach her, the sound of a door slamming echoed through the mansion. The figure disappeared, and she was left standing alone in the dining room.
Cherry's heart was pounding, and she felt like she was about to faint. She didn't know what to do, so she ran to her room and locked the door. She sat on her bed, trembling, and tried to make sense of what had just happened. She knew that she had to tell someone, but she was afraid of what they would think. She decided to confide in the only person she felt she could trust, Mrs. Hettie.
Mrs. Hettie listened to her story, and her expression was grave. "I'm afraid I have some bad news," she said. "I think you are being haunted by a ghost."
Cherry felt a chill run down her spine. "What do you mean?" she asked.
"The figure you saw, it sounds like the ghost of Mr. Sparks' first wife. She died under mysterious circumstances, and there have been rumors that her spirit haunts the mansion."
Cherry was shocked. "What do we do?" she asked. "I don't want to be haunted!"
"Don't worry," Mrs. Hettie said. "I will help you. There are ways to get rid of a ghost." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small pouch. "This is a special blend of herbs that will help keep the ghost away. Put it under your pillow, and it will protect you."
Cherry took the pouch, and put it under her pillow that night. She lay in bed, and tried to relax. She was still afraid, but she was starting to feel a little calmer. Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, she heard a creaking noise in the hallway. She froze, and listened intently. It sounded like someone was walking down the hall, and then there was a knock on her door. She was too scared to move, and she waited in terror for what would happen next.
After a few minutes, the door slowly opened, and Mrs. Hettie entered the room. She looked at Cherry, and smiled. "There is nothing to be afraid of," she said. "I just wanted to check on you."
Cherry let out a breath of relief. "I was so scared," she said. "I didn't know what to do."
"It's all right," Mrs. Hettie said. "I'm here to help you." She sat on the edge of the bed, and took Cherry's hand. "Now, try to get some sleep. Everything will be all right."
Cherry nodded, and closed her eyes. She tried to relax, and soon she drifted off to sleep. As she slept, she dreamed of a peaceful meadow, with a warm sun shining down on her. She felt a sense of peace and contentment, and she knew that she was safe. The dream seemed to last forever, and when she woke up, she felt refreshed and calm.
Cherry stretched, and looked around her room. It was still dark outside, and she realized that she must have slept in. She got out of bed, and noticed that the pouch of herbs was still under her pillow. She smiled to herself, and decided to keep it there. She felt like it had protected her while she slept
June, a young wolf marked as the pack's outcast, has endured years of mistreatment following the tragic death of the former Luna in a rogue attack. On her 18th birthday, June discovers that the Alpha King’s womanizing son is her fated mate. Rejecting his advances, she decides to leave the pack, determined to find a new life free from disdain and uncover the truth behind her mother’s death. As she journeys away from the pack, June stumbles upon disturbing secrets suggesting that the former Luna’s death was not an accident but a murder orchestrated by high-ranking wolves to seize power. Fueled by a need for justice, June seeks answers to these mysteries and crosses paths with Rowan, a wise elder wolf who reveals her special heritage and unique empathic powers. Under Rowan’s guidance, June undergoes rigorous training to master her abilities, discovering her role in the pack’s future is far greater than she ever imagined. Her quest for the truth leads her to a fateful encounter with Alpha Ray, a powerful and enigmatic second-chance mate with a dark past. Together, they navigate a complex relationship, driven by shared pain and a mutual desire for justice. Will June’s be able to confront with the wolves responsible for her mother’s death? Will she accept her lineage when she finds out?
Sophia and Xander's love is put to the test as they navigate the cutthroat world of high finance. From the heights of success to the depths of betrayal, their relationship is pushed to the limit. Will their love prevail, or will the secrets and lies tear them apart? Dive into a world of power, wealth, and passion in this unforgettable tale of true love and redemption.
In the mystical realm of Aethoria, where the skies raged with eternal storms and the land trembled with ancient magic, a young apprentice named Eira stumbled upon a forbidden artifact. The relic, known as the Starheart, held the power to control the very fabric of reality.
She didn’t know why she was alienated by her brother, who had been close to her since childhood. Until the night she turned eighteen, she heard his wolf growl MATE! How can a mate bond exist between biological siblings? A prank by the Moon Goddess? Or......
She let it ring and ring, but there was no answer. Leaving the phone ringing, she reached over and tried to find a pulse. Terror struck her as the unimaginable slammed into her mind. He had no pulse. He couldn’t be dead. What happened? Oh my God, what was going on? Needing the comfort of her baby, Chris, she rushed to the nursery. Chris was laying in the crib. Clothed in the sleeper and matching cap she had so tenderly dressed him in earlier in the evening, he wasn’t moving. The stiff body of her son testified to the horrible truth she could not accept - both Jim and Chris were gone. She sat in the rocking chair in the nursery, her dead baby in her arms. For hours she stared ahead, not caring what happened to her, and not knowing what to do next. She couldn't cry. She tried to pray but she didn’t know what to pray for and for the first time in her life, she did not get any comfort from praying. Her mind was too numb to accept the unacceptable. Jim and Chris couldn’t be dead. Her amazing life couldn’t be over. What happens next... Find out...
"Who is she?" I asked, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "He met her at the Alpha training camp," he said. "She is a perfect suitor for him. It snowed last night, indicating that his wolf is happy with his choice." My heart sank, and tears made their way down my cheeks. Alexander took my innocence last night, and now he is taking that thing in his office as his Luna. **** Emily never shifted on her 18th birthday and became the laughingstock of the pack. When her old crush, Alexander Black, returns from Alpha Training, she never expected him to be her mate. After a night of passionate love, Emily finds out that young Alpha Alexander has taken a chosen mate. Heartbroken and humiliated, Emily runs off and disappears from the pack. Now, five years later, Emily is a high-ranking warrior in King Alpha's army, specializing in sensitive matters. When her best friend invites her to a night of music and laughter, she never expects to run into her mate, Alexander. Will Alexander figure out it is Emily? Will he chase after her, and most of all, will Emily be able to keep her secrets safe?
Joelle thought she could change Adrian's heart after three years of marriage, but she realized too late that it already belonged to another woman. "Give me a baby, and I'll set you free." The day Joelle went into labor, Adrian was traveling with his mistress on his private jet. "I don't care whom you love. My debt is paid. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." Not long after Joelle left, Adrian found himself begging on his knees. "Please come back to me."
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
6 years ago, Lydia suffered a brutal betrayal orchestrated by her own husband and step-sister, who drugged her and framed her. In a twist of fate, she ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Don't even remember what he looked like. Later, in the throes of death, she discovered the truth about her mother's death all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, she lost everything. 6 years later, Lydia returned with her genius son, vowing to exact revenge on all her enemies! Little did she know, she encountered an incredibly familiar man at the airport! *** The man was briskly pushing open the door to the restroom, heading to the urinal. Even with such a mundane action, he did it with unparalleled elegance and grace. Lydia, following him in a daze, saw his fierce lower body and suddenly snapped back to reality. She let out a high-pitched scream, instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, her cheeks flushed, and stood there stiffly, unsure of what to do. Lambert furrowed his brows slightly but remained calm as he continued to relieve himself. The sound of water hitting the urinal made Lydia's face even redder. She angrily shouted, "You pervert!" Little did Lydia know that Lambert, seeing her in this state, had a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Memories from many years ago flashed through his mind, and his heart couldn't help but stir. It was her!
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"
On their wedding night, Rogelio wrapped his fingers around Marian's neck and spat at her, "Congratulations! From now on, you live in hell!" The reason for his wrath was that he believed she was responsible for the death of his elder brother. So, he married her but refused to touch her, determined to make her suffer for the rest of her pitiful life! However, due to an unforeseen accident, Marian was forced to sleep with Rogelio in order to save him, and she ended up getting pregnant. Concealing her pregnancy, Marian lived cautiously under Rogelio's watchful eyes. He hated her and relentlessly humiliated her, yet he would never allow anyone else to lay a finger on her— "Mr. Bailey, your wife got into a fight with someone!" Rogelio secretly took action, eliminating that person completely. "Sir, your wife claimed that all of your family's wealth belongs to her!" Rogelio quietly transferred all the shares to her. Unaware of all this, Marian only wanted to escape, but Rogelio pulled her into his warm embrace, whispering, "Mrs. Bailey, where do you intend to go with our unborn child?"