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.
The morning sun of autumn, even hidden behind the clouds, peeks through the windows of the charming cottage in Hallstatt, painting the room with soft, golden hues. The much-awaited day has finally arrived: the interview at the Lockwood Art Museum in Vienna. My hands are trembling with nervousness. I sit down as I watch the carefully chosen clothes spread out on the bed, yet I remain undecided on which one to wear. I've spent days planning every detail, and now it's time to prepare myself for the journey to the big city.
This is an opportunity I can't afford to miss, and I am determined to make a good impression.
I rise from the bed and make my way to the bathroom, where a relaxing bath awaits me. I discard my pajamas into the laundry basket and step into the shower. Turning on the faucet, the warm water starts to flow over my body, washing away the built-up tension. Ever since I applied, I've been studying and reviewing everything I learned in college, as well as the courses I've taken. I know I need to be confident for the interview, and the feeling of freshness after the shower helps calm my nerves.
After stepping out of the shower, I wrap myself in a soft towel and cross the room, but upon glancing at the bed, I realize that none of the options appeal to me. I walk over to my wardrobe, open it, and my eyes are immediately drawn to it: an elegant navy-blue dress that fits me perfectly. I bought it especially for an important occasion, and I believe it's the right choice for this moment. Wearing it, I'll convey professionalism and confidence.
Carefully, I put on the dress, feeling it mold to every curve. Then, I spend some time admiring my reflection in the mirror. My curly brown hair cascades over my shoulders, and I decide to leave it loose, just giving it a touch of definition with a bit of spray. I apply light, natural makeup, enhancing my features without appearing overdone. I grab my coat and my purse, where I had already placed a copy of my resume and some important notes the night before. I open the door to the room, but before stepping out, my gaze turns to the stunning landscape stretching beyond the windows. Hallstatt, the picturesque town by the lake, will always be my refuge and source of inspiration. I know my home will always be here, but now, I need to move forward.
The clock on the bedside table announces it's time to leave. I adjust my dress, make sure everything is in place, and head to the living room. There, a simple breakfast is already prepared, but my nerves make me realize I'm not hungry.
"Good morning, my princess," Grandma says, entering the room with a cake in her hands.
I look at her smiling, walk up to her, and give her a kiss. Since I was little, when I felt sad, I would run into Grandma's arms. Her lap always calmed me like no one else.
"Good morning, Grandma."
"Sit down and have a hearty breakfast before you go."
"I'm not hungry, Grandma."
"Nonsense, sit down and eat. The journey is long."
"Alright," I say, taking my bag off my shoulder and placing it on a chair next to me, along with my coat. I sit down and pour myself a cup of coffee.
Grandma puts a piece of cake on the plate in front of me. I take a bite and start eating...
"Wow!" I exclaim, covering my mouth. She looks at me and smiles. "It's delicious, Grandma," I say after chewing.
"I made it especially for you," she smiles, returning to her meal. "So, how will it be when you get there?"
"I'll have the interview, and if all goes well, I'll be living with Leila."
"Melinda Mitchell's daughter?"
"Yeah, she works at the museum and she helped me a lot. Leila said she spoke about me to the museum owner, and he himself called me for the interview."
"She said that?"
"Yeah, but of course, I also sent out several resumes."
"Look, you know I don't like those people. That girl isn't one to help others. We know that family only does something expecting something in return, and besides, she always likes to keep her things to herself."
Flashback on.
The alarm clock rings, announcing the long-awaited day. I can hardly believe that the time has finally come to pay for the pre-university course. I open the drawer where I kept the money, the result of my savings and Grandma's help. It's all there, counted and organized.
"Today's the day. I'll secure my spot in the prep course," I say, smiling and then start coughing.
I take a deep breath, and I've been like this for a few days now. A stubborn and persistent fever embraces me as I descend the stairs, and Grandma approaches, placing her hand on my forehead.
"What's this, child? You're burning up. Go take a shower and then to bed! I'll make something warm for you to drink," she says, turning away.
"Grandma, today's the day I pay for my prep course. I need to go," I say and start coughing, throwing myself on the couch.
"You're not going anywhere, princess!"
She insists that I stay home, that I take care of myself. I resist, but she manages to convince me.
"Grandma, please, take care of the money. I'll ask Leila to take it to the prep course teacher. I can't miss the registration," My grandmother agrees, and I get up, going to the phone to call my friend.
As soon as I spoke to Leila, she volunteered to help me. I trust her, after all, we've been friends since childhood.
∞••••♥••••∞
"Relax, friend. I'll drop this off there and be back in no time. You'll be fine," I smile and accompany her to the door.
"Thanks, Lê, I don't know what I'd do without you," I say, and she smiles, turning and heading towards the gate.
I enter and throw myself on the couch, curling up on it and turning on the TV.
Days later...
My grandmother was approached by the teacher, demanding payment that, according to him, was not made.
"Grandma, I asked Leila to deliver it. The money was with her!" I say confused.
My grandmother tries to explain it to me, but I don't understand. Leila has always been reliable, at least until now. I go to the phone and call Leila, who answers on the second ring.
"Leila, the teacher is demanding payment from Grandma. What happened?" I ask, and the response doesn't come.
"Ava, I... I lost the money."
"What?" Incredulous, I question, not believing what I'm hearing. "How could you lose it? That's not possible!"
Leila tries to justify, explaining that she was afraid to tell, but her words don't lessen the impact of the revelation.
"You couldn't have just told me? It was my future at stake, Leila!" I say furiously.
"Forgive me, friend, but I was so scared, that's why I didn't tell you."
"Leila, that was wrong, you've harmed me! Why didn't you tell me sooner? We would have figured something out and paid. And now? What am I going to do?"
"I know, Ava. I messed up everything," she says, crying on the phone, and I sigh and hang up.
My grandmother, upon learning the truth, mixes indignation and sadness, takes me by the hand, and we go to Leila's house, which is three houses down from ours. The lost money was not just an amount; it was my dream slipping through my fingers.
"How could you do this, Leila? I trusted you!" I say, sad and holding back tears. "You should have told us, we would have found out anyway."
"If you had told us, Leila, I would have paid for the course," my grandmother says.
"It was a mistake, Ava and Grandma. I should have told you earlier," she says between sobs, her words losing strength.
"Now there's nothing we can do, I just have to make up for it. These things happen, even I could have lost the money myself," I say, sighing.
"I'm sorry!" she says, and I hug her.
"Let's put this behind us and move forward."
Leila smiles, wiping away the tears, and then Grandma and I return home.
"I can't shake the feeling that this story isn't adding up. I'm sure she didn't lose the money at all, and out of anger or jealousy towards you, she didn't pay the teacher. We know she wanted to take this course, and since she couldn't, and you could, she did this out of spite."
"Of course not, Grandma! Leila is my friend."
"Only if she's a friend from hell," she says as soon as we enter the house, heading to the back porch, leaving me alone in the living room.
Flashback off.
Grandma has always been suspicious of Leila, ever since my money went missing when I was a teenager. We never forgot that small loss, but I let it go and understood that she could have actually lost the money and not stolen it as Grandma thinks.
"What's that, Grandma! Leila and I have known each other since we were kids. We planned together to work at the Lockwood Art Museum and agreed that if one of us got in first, we'd recommend the other," I say, taking another sip of my coffee.
"Oh, and it's been three years since she's been there."
"Grandma, she couldn't recommend me earlier. We know she needs to have the boss's trust for that."
"Hmm, I see! That girl doesn't fool me. She only gets close to you to drain you or to take advantage of all the good things that happen to you."
"Yuck, Grandma!" I say, looking at my watch. "I need to go, it's a long way to Vienna from here." I wipe my mouth with the napkin and get up from the table.
"Girl, you didn't even eat properly!"
"I'm nervous, Grandma, I can't. But the coffee was delicious," I comment as I rush to my room to brush my teeth.
When I return to the living room, Grandma is clearing the table.
"I'm leaving, Grandma. Wish me luck!" I say, and she puts the cup she was holding on the table, approaches, and hugs me.
"You don't need luck, my love. Everything's already worked out. Just trust yourself," she says, stepping back. "Go safely, and may God guide your path, protecting you."
"Amen and thank you, Grandma," I say, kissing her cheek and smiling, grabbing my bag from the chair. I grab the car keys from the sideboard and open the door.
"Thanks for the coffee, Grandma! It was really delicious. And thank you for trying to make me feel calm."
"Stop flattering me and go already, girl! Otherwise, I'll melt like butter."
"It's not flattery, Granny, you've always been by my side in tough times. Your strength motivates me every day and encourages me," Grandma hugs me affectionately.
"My princess, I'll always believe in you. Now go and shine!" She says, and I step back smiling, blow her a kiss, and leave.
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.*
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.
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?"
Her fiance and her best friend worked together and set her up. She lost everything and died in the street. However, she was reborn. The moment she opened her eyes, her husband was trying to strangle her. Luckily, she survived that. She signed the divorce agreement without hesitation and was ready for her miserable life. To her surprise, her mother in this life left her a great deal of money. She turned the tables and avenged herself. Everything went well in her career and love when her ex-husband came to her.
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
She thought she was the love of his life, and he became the love of her life that fateful day she had seen him at the pack's party. Selene Grace was only a replica of Alpha Leo's real mate, and when he spotted her, Leo immediately claimed her as his Luna in order to suppress the rumors of him being mateless. Being unable to conceive turns Selene's marriage into a nightmare, and as if that wasn't enough, Alpha Leo finally reunites with his long time lover and mate, rejecting a pregnant Selene as a result. 5 years later, Selene, a now successful doctor, receives an invitation to the moon shadow pack in order to rid the pack of a deadly disease which has struck it. Will Selene return back to the pack which had caused her so much pain, and what would she do when she realizes that she is mated to the Alpha who had betrayed her in the past?
Chloe Miler, a naïve young woman, waits shyly to spend Valentine's Day with her boyfriend, but is betrayed on that day when she witnesses him entangled in bed with her own sister. Chloe's heart is broken when her heartfelt love for him is trampled on in an instant. *** Lionel Williams, the mysterious billionaire, the top of the pyramid, is handsome as hell. His eyes are set high, but he is drugged, has a one-night stand with a strange woman, and is humiliated by that unknowing woman with her money! His instincts tell him it's not that simple, and he's going to find her out!
Veronica is an eighteen-year-old omega who falls into an emotional breakdown when her Mate, who was soon to be the Alpha of the Sun crest pack, turns against her, hurls hurtful words at her, and rejects her on the night of the full moon festival because he and everyone in the pack, including her, thinks she is an omega. As if the pain of rejection, helplessness, and worthlessness wasn't enough, she lost her best and only friend to the cold hands of death when rogue wolves attacked their pack. Right in the presence of her mate, she was tagged as someone who always attracted problems and calamities anywhere she went and he turned a blind eye and watched as she was banished from the pack. With hatred for her life, she runs deep into the woods that were off-limits and jumps off to end her life, but in a turn of events, something else happens. What would her mate do when he finds out that Veronica is not who he thinks she is? Will she be able to forgive him? What fate lies ahead for them?