Samantha Colline De Jesus lived a simple, happy life. She had a loving older brother, a kind best friend, and a carefree life. But everything changed the moment she crossed paths with a stranger one rainy evening-a moment sealed by a kiss she never saw coming. That kiss unraveled secrets she never imagined existed, stirring memories she thought she'd never have to face. As the rain poured down, so did the walls she had carefully built around her heart. And how do you move forward when one fleeting moment redefines everything you thought you knew?
"I hope that one day, you'll remember me."
***
SAMANTHA
"Sammy, I'll head out first, okay? I really need to go home early today because it's my parents' anniversary. You know, bonding and all," my best friend Mich said as she retouched her makeup.
She held a compact mirror in her right hand and a foam puff in her left. I didn't know what it was called, but it was where she kept her powder.
I wasn't into makeup, so I had no idea what it was called.
She kept glancing at her wristwatch and looked at me with pleading eyes, as if silently begging for my permission and hoping I wouldn't get mad at her.
We had planned to eat together at the newly opened restaurant near our school, but she didn't expect to be included in her parents' anniversary celebration tonight. So, there wasn't much I could do about it.
As if I'd get mad at her, right? She's my best buddy, after all.
"Sure, it's fine. Geez, stop looking at me like I'm oppressing you. I'll let you go, okay?" I said, shaking my head. "And tell your mom and dad I said happy anniversary, okay? I wish them even more years of love and strength."
I smiled at her, and she sighed in relief.
"I'm off, Sammy," she said before planting a kiss on my left cheek. "Bye! Take care on your way home, okay?"
I nodded in response, and she ran off toward the school gate. Before she could go too far, she turned back in my direction.
"Message me when you get home!"
I nodded again.
She waved at me, and I returned it with a smile.
"You too! Have fun!" I called out.
She hopped on a jeepney and disappeared from sight. Quietly, I packed up my things. Once I was done, I walked out of the school gate.
I decided not to take a jeepney since the weather looked nice tonight. The breeze was cool, and it wasn't raining. Walking would save me some fare money, too.
As I walked, I rubbed my palms together to create warmth and pressed them against my neck.
I didn't have a jacket with me today, and my uniform-a simple white blouse with a red ribbon in the middle and a skirt just above my knees-made the cold even worse.
Dark. Cold. The streets were mostly empty. Thankfully, the streetlights provided some illumination, so I could still see my way.
bzzt bzzt
My phone vibrated in my pocket, so I took it out.
"Oh, it's Rica," I muttered to myself before reading her message.
Rica was my brother Kristoff's girlfriend. I didn't know how they managed to stay together-Rica was so kind, while Kristoff was, well, a troublemaker. Maybe opposites really do attract?
"Colline, go home now. It's already 8 PM. Your brother says you're not home yet. Don't stay out too late."
I typed a quick reply as I walked.
"Okay."
That was all I sent because I didn't have much else to say.
It took me longer than usual to type because I kept making typos. I couldn't even manage a simple "Okay" without messing it up. My hands just didn't want to cooperate sometimes.
After sending my reply, she didn't text back.
Seenzoned.
Oh, by the way, I'm Samantha Colline De Jesus. A 17-year-old, fourth-year student at Domino High. I'm not exactly pretty, but I do take care of myself. Hygiene is the one thing I can manage, so why wouldn't I?
Sometimes, I still get breakouts even though I try to care for my skin. In fact, I've got a new pimple on my cheek today. It's so annoying, but I refuse to pop it.
I don't know why pimples won't leave me alone. Maybe they just really like living on my face.
"Ugh, great."
I looked up at the sky as I felt water droplets on my head. That's when I realized it was raining, even though there hadn't been any signs of it earlier tonight.
I quickly pulled an umbrella out of my bag, opened it, and continued walking.
As I walked, a thought crossed my mind: why does our house feel so far away right now? Time seems to drag when you're bored and don't have anyone to talk to.
I suddenly missed Mich. Whether we took a jeepney or walked, we were always together. It was rare for me to walk alone like this.
I was about to turn into an alley that led to our house when someone suddenly grabbed me.
"Miss, can I take cover under your umbrella?"
I turned to look at him and nearly gawked at how handsome he was.
Handsome. Smooth-skinned. Fair.
He didn't even seem to have any pimples. His messy hair suited him, and his pale lips added to his charm. His posture and stance screamed masculinity.
I quickly averted my gaze and nodded as an answer to his question. I wasn't sure why I agreed, but I felt bad for him. It would be a shame for someone that good-looking to fall ill because of the rain, right?
To be honest, he really did look pitiful. He didn't have an umbrella and was already soaked. His lips were trembling, and he looked so pale.
Even under my umbrella, it seemed like he might get sick anyway.
We walked in silence, with only the sound of the rain filling the air.
I wanted to say something to him, but I was afraid he'd think I was trying to get his attention, so I stayed quiet.
"Miss," he finally broke the silence.
I turned to him, meeting his gaze as if to ask why he was speaking to me now.
I couldn't find the words to reply. It felt like he was draining all my energy and strength just by looking at me.
I was used to seeing handsome guys since most of my male classmates were good-looking-some even more so than him.
But why was I reacting this way to his presence?
What kind of mystery did he hold to render a girl like me speechless?
He looked into my eyes, his gaze so intense it made my knees weak. It felt like he was pulling me out of my senses.
Then his eyes shifted to my lips. I didn't know why, but I found myself biting my lip as I noticed how serious his stare was.
I hadn't meant to show him what I did, but I couldn't help myself. It was as if I wanted to know what it would feel like to have his lips against mine.
Oh, what a scandalous thought, Samantha!
I was about to look away and put some distance between us, but what happened next caught me completely off guard.
He pulled me closer, and the next thing I knew, our lips were pressed together.
Warm. His lips were so warm, and I could feel every ounce of heat they held. His hand rested on my waist, pulling me even closer to him.
I couldn't hold myself back anymore. I returned his kiss, closing my eyes as my left hand rested on his neck while I still held the umbrella in my right hand.
I could feel his deep breaths and the rapid beating of his heart, matching my own.
He deepened the kiss even more, and all I could think was how intoxicating it felt. Addictive. I didn't want it to end.
I didn't even know him, but something about him told me we shared a deep connection.
Suddenly, I pushed him away as reality hit me. He was a stranger. This was wrong.
"W-Who are you?" I asked, my breath heavy as I tried to regain composure.
He stepped closer, and for some reason, I couldn't move. My feet felt glued to the ground, my eyes locked on his.
He leaned in close to my ear and whispered, his voice sending shivers down my spine.
"I hope that one day, you'll remember me," he said before walking away.
I was left standing there, stunned, watching him as he disappeared into the rain.
"Do you want to play a game with me?" Ash asked, leaning forward as he caressed my chin. I raised an eyebrow. "A game?" "A love game..." He placed his lips on my ear, slightly licking my earlobe. "Whoever falls in love first, loses. If you're really confident that you won't fall for someone like me, then play the game with me." Ash bit my ear, and a pool of hits struck my body. "What can you say, Miss good girl? Are you in?" **** Sapphire only wanted peace. She did her best to become a wallflower so no one would notice her. She avoided everyone, especially Ash Cassius Coleman, the son of the owner of the University where she was studying. She hated Ash, his guts, his frequent make-outs with different girls...And that hatred caught Ash's interest. Suddenly, the rebel billionaire came into her life, wanting her to fall in love with him. But does Ash really like her? No. He was just challenged and curious as to why his charms didn't seem to affect Sapphire at all. And that was the reason why he decided to ask her to play a game. A love game.
Everyone knew Cinderella and her story. She lived a vicious life when her divorced parents needed to work in the Royal Palace and left her alone. Her stepmother and her two stepsisters did nothing but mistreat her, not until that party happened. A fairy grandmother, a dance, and a fallen shoe. Cinderella and the prince were married and lived happily ever after. Or... did they? What would happen if the princess everyone adored throughout their life was the antagonist everyone would hate if they only knew? What if the beloved princess... is the true villainess?
He had a heart covered with ice, but for her, he'd burn himself to ashes... and the world under her feet. *** Beckett Clainfer wanted to find his parent's murderer. With that in mind, he endured every pain for the pleasure that's about to come - Reputation, wealth, and a drug den that suffices his needs and luxuries. However, when Vivianne entered his life, everything went chaotic. He sinfully fell in love with her when he should have never been involved with her in the first place... Especially when she wanted him dead more than anyone else. He's willing to do anything to save her, and he was willing to cross the line as he joined Foedus Corporation in Agrianthropos City for her. But could he find salvation in Hell? *** Vivianne Allamino had been suffering throughout her life. Being forced to take over their illegal family business in leverage to her mother's safety scared the shit out of her. Since childhood, she was trained... and was controlled like a mere puppet. And now, she was done tolerating all this shit. She just wanted everything to end. Now, she tried to kill him. But the cold-hearted billionaire wanted to save her. Could he?
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Letās get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the companyās CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. Whatās worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldnāt thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesnāt seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that heās different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
"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?
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wifeās countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. āLetās get married again.ā
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true originsāa lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. "It's time to reveal your true identity, darling."
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?"