Maia Beaufort has lived her 17 years on Earth as Han Ma Ri, until the day her mother puts her on a plane and her past is taken away from her by her estranged father, with the promise that she would be able to return home someday. As an already struggling artist, Maia sees no other choice but to take advantage of this opportunity to secure herself the best future she can, until the day she can finally leave her horrid new life behind. Reign Ferrante has tried his best to live a normal life, away from the daunting secrets that plague his every waking hour. Setting up an art shop was his only saving grace of holding onto the one true part of himself and the hopes of leaving his unwanted life behind. But the arrival of a striking girl with a headstrong attitude and a talent too gorgeous to be hidden away might just change his outlook on life. What will happen when these lost souls find each other?
"Now listen, this is only temporary. Just until graduation, then you can come right back," my mother said for the last time as we waited outside the airport gate.
"Why do I have to live with him? What are you doing that you can't take me with you?"
She rolled her eyes and sighed. "Han Ma Ri, you're almost a grown woman now. Stop complaining and do as I say. Your plane is going to leave soon, do you have everything?" She looked down at my single suitcase and a carry-on bag.
"Yeah, everything I'll ever need. Bye, Mom." I waved to her and turned toward the gate. I knew she wasn't going to stick around to see me leave, she was probably already gone off to whatever rich affair she was having now.
No one wanted a single mother with a teenage daughter.
So, the best way to fix that is to eliminate the daughter, I suppose.
Now, here I was being carted off to the States to live with my father and his new CEO's wife and daughter. He left my mother years ago after she found out he was having an affair with his boss. It wasn't long after the divorce that he moved in with her in their villa mansion in Florida.
It was a rather long plane ride from Korea to the United States. I popped in my headphones and decided to browse through the different music styles I'd be exposed to while I was there and brush up on my English since I assumed my father had already ditched his former poor background.
I soon passed out and the ride flew by, no pun intended.
My father was waiting for me at the gate, but he was the only one. I cringed at his high-end suit and fancy shoes, not liking the new look of my father.
"There you are Maia, you were supposed to land hours ago," was the first thing he said to me after 7 years of not seeing each other or even speaking.
"That isn't my name, and the second flight was delayed." I tried to walk past him but he grabbed my arm.
"While you are here, you will be addressed as Maia Beaufort. Han Ma Ri isn't a suitable name for this culture, I don't want you to be picked on or left out because of your background."
I ripped my arm out from his grip. "You mean my poor background. Yeah, I would expect that you would want to hide where you came from. I've already had one parent abandon me, no need to pretend like you actually care about me."
I walked past him and out the door to the awaiting car. I knew it was my father's based on how much it stood out and the driver waiting on the side who opened the door as soon as he saw me. I rolled my eyes and groaned, but reluctantly got in.
My father ranted on about the new private academy I would be attending and what would be expected of me when we got to the house, but most of it I drowned out through my headphones. There was one band I was able to like when I listened to some English music and I went through their songs as I tried to enjoy the ride.
We drove through what looked like a separate small town with tons of old shops and houses. My eyes stopped when we slowly passed by what looked like an art store, but what really caught my interest was the painting that was advertised outside.
It was an oil painting in the traditional Chinese art style. It was beautiful beyond words and it was the kind of work I aspired to create. Sadly, I had to leave most of my art products at my mother's, the only thing I was able to shove into my suitcase was the art easel my grandmother used to use.
She passed it down to me when my father divorced my mother when I was only 10 years old. She saw that I liked to distract myself by drawing pictures at a young age, I was relatively good. She introduced me to painting little by little, but my talent took off by age 12 and I have been painting ever since.
My mother had given me a bit of money just in case my father was cheap and greedy when I got here, but he handed me a bank card as soon as I landed and said he would load money onto it every week for me. Which meant I could go and buy new art supplies right away if I could escape my oppressive father and stepmother.
We arrived at the large villa and I couldn't believe my eyes at how huge the place was, I felt like I could get lost inside of it. My father didn't let me dawdle and rushed my stuff inside.
Waiting in the foyer was my new stepmother and sister.
"Maia, this is my wife Sarah and her daughter Bianca. You both will be going to the same school starting tomorrow."
"My name is Han Ma Ri, it's nice to meet you," I said monotonously.
Sarah seemed a little shocked when I said that, and Bianca just cringed. My father chuckled and ushered me up the stairs and to my room. He said nothing before he closed the door and let me unpack.
I flopped onto the large bed and took out my phone, hoping to see something from my mother that this was all a huge prank, and I would be going home tomorrow.
But there was nothing, of course.
I was stuck here for at least half a year, but who knew if my mother was going to actually come back for me, or if I was going to be abandoned once more. If that was the case, the best thing I could do to secure my future was to take advantage of this opportunity at school and get into a great college.
I just have to keep my head down and work my ass off until then.
With this thought, I turned over in bed and started unpacking my suitcase but stopped when my door banged open, and Bianca stood there.
"I hope you know; that no one is going to accept you at school. Especially with a name like Han Ma Ri, what kind of name is that?" She was already showing her true colours, she wasn't even trying to hide her spitefulness.
I understood her envy, she had been the only child who had lived a lavished life all to herself, and now someone new had come into the mix and she was worried I was going to take everything away from her. But chances were she also wouldn't believe me if I said I could care less, there was no point in engaging in her taunts.
"That's fine, I'm not here to make friends," I said.
She huffed and thankfully left. I was expecting much more than that, but it seemed she was only just beginning. I would have to walk on eggshells around her, great.
Isla Thatcher has given up everything she has ever loved: her looks, her confidence, and her passion for dance. The day a drunk driver takes her mother is the day her beautiful life turns bleak, and to make it all worse, she gains a personal bully. Ace Huxley, star hockey player and captain, has rigid good looks and he will do anything to pick on Isla Thatcher and remind her that her life is miserable. There has never been a particular reason why, but anyone would find someone as mysterious as her weird. But what happens on the day they are reunited, but only one can recognize the other? Isla has regained her confidence and is ready to take life head-on with everything she has missed, but she never expected she would also be given the chance of a lifetime - to bully the bully!
Meet Rylee Parks. JV Cheerleader, kick-ass bowler - and she is in love with her best friend's brother. Meet Aiden Reed. A varsity Football player, he can drink Ireland under the table and would do anything to protect the friend he sees as a brother. This is Rylee's first year of University and her last year of fawning over a boy who will never look at her the same. But what happens when Aiden is finally woken up to the realization that Rylee won't stay the small and innocent girl she always has been, and his time with her is quickly running out?
Amira Altaha has lived her entire 18 years alongside the natural - and supernatural. In her hometown city of Morrowfalls, it isn't unknown to be working side by side with a furry friend, or scaly, or one that floats. She can't imagine life without this diverse culture, especially not her longtime boyfriend, Isaac Lund. Despite their differences of her being a human and him being a werewolf, it takes one meeting during junior year of high school for them to fall head over heels for each other. Amira understands that one day Isaac might find his mate in someone who isn't her, but he makes his own vow to be with her until the very end. This promise is upheld for five blissful years - until the day Isaac turns 18, and meets Eris Morin, daughter to the Alpha of the Silverhowl Pack - and his new mate. ~ “Is this another attempt at avoiding me?” he asks. Goosebumps rise on her skin as his lower lip subtly brushes against hers while he speaks, his breath warm and sweet on her tongue. “What if it is?” She is surprised at how strong her voice sounds despite how much her chest is trembling. His fingers tighten their grip on her chin and waist, his already dark eyes darkening further. “I’ll say this only once so listen close, sweetheart – there isn’t anywhere in this world you can go where I won’t find you, and as cute as this game of dog and squirrel has been, I am only willing to play for so long. It’s best for you to give up now; I always win.”
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.
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
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…"
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"