Lily, once a promising actress, abandoned everything to protect the man she loved from the clutches of his dark past. Now, 15 years later, she lives under a new identity, as a doctor at a hospital in Cannes. Her peaceful life is shaken when fate puts her ex-husband, a famous actor, in her path once again. After saving him from a car accident, she finds herself dragged back into the world she left behind. Confronted with the shadows of her past, Lily must find the courage to face the truth and reveal the wounds she tried to hide, not only to save herself but also to protect other innocent victims.
The dazzling shine of the silver sequins on my dress was reflected in the mirror in the couple's bedroom. The luxurious limousine, elegantly parked outside my house, was waiting for me to take me to the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. At the age of 21, I found myself nominated for a prestigious Hollywood Film Academy Award, being recognized as the best supporting actress. At this pivotal moment in my career, I was shining like the brightest star in the vast sky of the film industry.
However, behind this dream, a dark and deteriorated reality was hidden, revealing itself between the curtains and cameras.
Even after being elegantly dressed, I chose to abandon the dazzling glitter ensemble. I stripped off my sumptuous jewelry and dress, taking advantage of the fact that Jack, my partner, and talented actor, had already gone to the ceremony before me. I was quick to follow through on my meticulously planned escape plan. I slid the prepared suitcase from under the bed, changed my look by adopting a straight black wig, and collected the falsified documents obtained on the underground market for the trip. I went down to the car, adopting Lily's new identity and leaving behind the name Sara Jim. In less than half an hour, I was already in the international airport hangar, ready to board the chartered plane. The driver hired exclusively for this route was rewarded to disappear, keeping my actions in absolute secrecy.
The private plane took off an hour after I left Los Angeles airport. I anticipated that Jack would only notice my absence when he noticed that my face was not among those indicated. Our relationship was kept strictly secret, thus escaping the uncomfortable lenses of the paparazzi that disturb the lives of celebrities. On the plane, I toasted with champagne and, at the same time, cried over the difficult decision I made. Leaving him was not simple, but at that time it was the only viable solution. Today, 15 years after I left, my heart still flutters wildly when I remember those intense moments.
*Chapter 1- Lily*
Amid the tranquility of the cafeteria at the main hospital in Cannes, I was trying to relax after undergoing a six-hour surgery. Little Béatrice, just four years old, had been the victim of a serious accident and I had fought hard to save her. My body ached under the surgical lights, and the smell of formaldehyde permeated my lab coat. I was so tired that I didn't notice the place filling up within a few minutes, while someone turned on the TV. My thoughts were focused on the salad and the juice, my stomach growled with hunger, after more than eight hours without eating anything.
At that moment, Candance entered, as always relaxed.
"Lily, Lilly. Are you well? Wow, Lily, you look like a mess! How was the case?" She asked, standing next to me, looking around the room, placing a coffee in my hands. I told her about the challenges of surgery.
"Are you really okay?" He asked with concern.
"Yes I am. Why? What crowd is this at the cafeteria?"
"Friend, what world do you live in? Today is the opening day of the Cannes Film Festival. The city is teeming with magnificent artists." I smiled nervously, as there was no point in thinking about festivities at that moment.
"I left home without eating and when I arrived, there was already a rush here at the hospital, I finished a surgery that lasted almost six hours. The child is only four years old and wants me to remember the Cannes Film Festival, Candance?"
"What a bad mood this is! The child is alive, thanks to you, doctor."
Immediately, I noticed the rudeness in my voice when I spoke to her. Candance, after mumbling an appropriate response, bit the sandwich harder than usual, still standing next to me. This indicated his dissatisfaction.
"I apologize" I said, stroking his hand, "and sit with me. I'm tired, and you know how I feel after surgery, especially when it involves a child."
"You don't need to say sorry. You are stressed. Just focus on work. Lily, how long has it been since you had fun with a man? What's wrong with watching famous actors walk the red carpet? You need to relax, woman. In life, not everything is work. There is life beyond this hospital. Have you ever stopped to think about it?"
"Okay, okay. So I suggest we enjoy the glow of the red carpet."
I looked at the television that Candance and half the hospital were watching... The room was full of ecstatic women. That was when on TV I saw the image of Jack Alton, my old love from the past, who had just arrived and was walking down the main corridor. My heart skipped a beat when I recognized him after so long.
"Beautiful, isn't it, Lily?" Questioned my friend, observing my eyes fixed on the screen. My eyes were stuck there, unable to look away. He was older, but still stunning. His wide smile brought back memories of how he used to smile at me, especially on busy mornings when they were both involved in recording, writing, and media.
I blinked quickly, trying to escape Candance's question.
"I do not know him. You know it's rare for me to watch movies, series and things like that."
"I'll ask again, friend. In what world do you live in?"
"I live in the world of work, which I love, by the way. And occasionally some kind of relationship and lots of reading. You know how much I like reading."
"But, tell me, even so, looking at the television now. He is incredible! Can you imagine if I met him in person?" Candance sighed, almost as if in a daydream.
"Do you think you would live in a fairy tale?" I replied seriously, but with a mischievous smile. "Like Cinderella. You would be the Cinderella, and he would be the rich, charming and handsome prince."
She let out a laugh.
"No, I would just take a photo."
He also smiles. She had this gift; Even though she was serious and, at times, frowning, Candance always managed to make me smile. I looked back at the screen, and now my eyes were fixed on the images of him alone, in increasingly stunning poses.
"Lily, you're not falling in love with Jack, are you? Don't take your eyes off the screen. Look at all the women in the cafeteria. It's a tough competition." She joked.
I thought quickly and decided it was time to leave. I stood up and kissed the tall woman on the cheek, with light hair, green eyes and skin as clear as snow.
"Enjoy your actor's vision. I need to rest and go home to sleep."
" I'll come by so we can go work together."
"Yes, commander." I joked, making a sign of agreement.
"I mean, I'm on duty today. I'll have coffee at your house."
My old residence, by the sea, on the main avenue, was my refuge.
***
I sat on the boardwalk and breathed in the sea breeze. It was spring; the sun warmed the heart and the flowers bloomed in the flowerbeds. The building, which I lived in, had three floors and six apartments. Nobody knew, but I was the owner of it all. Apartment rentals provided me with extra income. Despite being a recognized surgeon in the city, my salary would not be enough to acquire a building worth millions of euros. So, this was one of my well-kept secrets.
Tired of the sea air and with the darkness already intensifying, I headed home, which was just a hundred meters away.
****
Without understanding my own reaction, I entered the apartment and went straight to the television. Something drew me back to the award ceremony of the famous festival. Damn the time when Candance and all the nurses in that department decided to watch the arrival of the celebrities. Why did I have to see him at that moment, after fifteen years?
I sat down with a glass of wine in my hand and waited for the best actor category to be announced. Jack was the favorite. Despite not following his career, while I was on the boardwalk, I read about it. When he took the stage as the night's big winner and thanked the audience, I realized I had never forgotten him, not for a moment. Leaving him was the hardest decision of my life.
I didn't regret the choice. At the time, I forced myself to believe that he didn't love me enough to notice what was going on behind the scenes and under his own nose. I tried to relax by drinking the bottle of wine and lay down right after Jack left the stage. I lay down, exhausted, but memories of the past came and went. Fragments of a distant past. I remember that, after catching a glimpse of her face in my memory, the last words I whispered before falling asleep were: "Today I am Lily, doctor, neurological surgeon."
***
I woke up to Candance making noise in the kitchen. She rented apartment number two and shared it with two other nurses. Since we met, she has never had breakfast in her own apartment. The white blonde, of French nationality, was preparing pancakes.
"Good morning, Miss Sunshine" was the affectionate way she called me. She said that in the first year of residency, when I entered the hospital, all eyes turned to me. My friend says to this day that I glowed. - It looks like you had a private party here. "He said, lifting the empty wine bottle, I sat on the sofa, still sleepy."
"Yesterday was tense, it helped me relax. That's why I slept so well."
"That's not what your dark circles say. Lily, you're always tense. I need to repeat this to you every day, who knows, maybe you will believe and try to change."
I got up and gave her a firm kiss on the cheek, that was always how I made her shut up. I went to the bedroom, went into the bathroom and did my morning hygiene. After getting dressed appropriately for my run, I went back to the kitchen and sat down to drink coffee.
"How was the shift?" I asked, while she was looking at her cell phone, sitting at the table.
"Quiet. Some drunk after the festival party. Other crazy people got hurt when they jostled to see the artists. But overall, I even managed to get some sleep. And are you off today?"
"Yes, I'm going to run on the beach. Stay at home, clean up."
"Just don't wake me up, I need to sleep a little more."
"Yes, commander" I said laughing, "even though you don't live in my house, I'll try not to wake you."
I had a cup of coffee and got up and walked to the door.
"Aren't you going to eat the pancake? I did it with so much care." She told me, making a sad face.
"When I get back. With a full stomach, I won't be able to meet the day's goal."
"I'll leave it in the microwave."
"Thanks." I said, throwing an air kiss and leaving the apartment.
I ran along the boardwalk, two kilometers, and stopped scared. A crowd was gathered on the boardwalk in front of the Ritz Hotel. I thought it was an accident and was ready to help, but it wasn't that. Crazy women jostled to see someone in the window. They screamed, cried, almost tore their hair out.
Memories of a past, lived in these same conditions by me, came to the surface, but soon dissipated when I was bumped and ended up on the ground. The young woman was embarrassed and helped me up.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to knock you down." Said the teenager, no more than fifteen years old.
"What's going on here? You guys look crazy." I said, getting up irritated.
"Actor Jack Alton is at the hotel and will go out for a walk. It's a chance to see it up close. I'm sorry again." asked the girl.
"Alright, no problem. I only give you one piece of advice, stop living this illusion." He said, already crossing the street to go up the alternative route, a side street to the right of the hotel, where there was no one. I had a crazy urge to talk about the tactics actors used to deceive fans, like the one who pushed me. I just didn't do it because I had already given the message, I didn't want to make her more disappointed with the reality behind the scenes.
I climbed up the side of the Ritz. The intention was to bypass the hotel and return to the beach, along another side street, where there might not be any more crowds. As soon as I passed the garage, a speeding car came out and turned in the opposite direction to me. What caught my attention was the sudden braking that the driver gave right after turning right. I took the opportunity, even out of curiosity, to see if anything had happened, to tie my shoelaces and bend down.
I stopped, looked back, but the black windows prevented me from seeing anyone inside the vehicle. After packing my shoes, which took a little longer than usual, I continued on my way. There were still 4 km to complete the route. I told Candance: "it was only two", but I felt the need to run much more than that. The adrenaline was high, as well as a strange suspicion regarding the car that was parked there for a few seconds. The feeling was bad and, at the same time, a strange longing.
"What could it be?" That's what I asked all along the way.
Imagine a once radiant planet, Jetiah, a paradise of light, life and water, now overshadowed by the shadow of an evil entity, the Greater Commander. More than a century ago, he claimed Jetiah, extinguishing the light of Thuman's star that gave life to the planet. But in the midst of the darkness, a ray of hope emerges. An ancient secret prophecy tells of two children who would witness the rebirth of Thuman's star. These young people, Sarati and Alair, are destined to become the guardian couple, the last spark of hope for Jetiah. However, the path to fulfilling your destiny is fraught with challenges. Forced marriage, violence and a fateful encounter that unites them on a desperate mission to find answers before darkness prevails. The Rebirth of Hope is an epic fantasy of adventure and sacrifice, where courage battles fear. A story that delivers a powerful message of purpose and faith that will echo through all generations of Jetiah and into eternity.
“In ‘In love with a Korean', immerse yourself in Julia's thrilling journey of self-discovery, where her quest for identity intertwines with overcoming losses and the formation of heartwarming family bonds. The relationship with Young-Chul adds a touch of mystery and sensuality, exploring love amidst irresistible cultural challenges. This is more than just a book; it's a promise of a compelling narrative, full of fascinating personal discoveries, surprising revelations, and heart-touching moments of resilience. Get ready for a rich and complex story—a literary journey through the intricate webs of life, culture, and love.”
For three years, Jessica endured a loveless marriage while her husband pretended to be impotent. His lies unraveled when a pregnant mistress surfaced. After six months of secretly collecting proof, Jessica threw him out and built her own billion-dollar empire. After the divorce, she transformed into an irresistible figure, attracting admirers. As she left her office one day, she met Kevan, her ex-husband's brother. He stepped in, confronting her. "Was I just a tool to you?" Jessica's lips curled into a calm smile. "How much compensation do you want?" Kevan's voice softened. "All I want is you."
To outsiders, Aileen was the adopted daughter of the Jefferson family, dismissed and scorned by all. Yet, in the underground racing world, she thrived as the dark rose, savoring the thrill and speed of night races. But her life took a new turn when Derek returned home, leading to a passionate night that diverted Aileen from the Jefferson family's path. Derek, the ruthless heir to the Jefferson legacy, tactfully steered the family's ambitions. Despite his control, he found himself captivated by Aileen-his adopted sister, business partner, and an exceptional racer-drawn to her enigmatic allure.
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
On her wedding night, Natalie's stepmother set her up to marry Jarvis, a disfigured and disabled man. Fortunately, she managed to escape, but little did she know that later she would fall for the man she was betrothed to.Jarvis pretended to be a poor man, but he didn't think that he'd fall head over heels for this woman.Their life went on until one day, Natalie found out her boyfriend's little secret."Huh? How could you have billions of dollars' worth of assets?" she asked in disbelief.Jarvis didn’t know how to respond.Being met with silence, she gritted her teeth angrily. "They said that you couldn't walk, but as far as I can see, you're strong enough to run a marathon."Still, he remained silent.Natalie continued, "They even said that you only have a few years to live. What about now?"Finally, Jarvis opened his mouth to explain. "Honey, this is all just a misunderstanding. Please calm down. Think about the baby.""Jarvis Braxton!"The man knelt down immediately.
Evelyn Brooks' life has been completely transformed ever since her parents died in a terrible accident. She went from grieving to being forced into an arranged marriage to a man who never gave her a second look. After his disastrous relationship, Edward Richards vowed never to trust in love again-that is, until he learned to love his arranged wife. Before it turned out to be desired, the marriage was first arranged and unwanted. But will "love" be sufficient to preserve their union?
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?