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In a world where swipe-left culture reigns, a disillusioned young woman believes her generation has lost sight of genuine connection. Convinced that true love is unattainable, she adopts a carefree attitude, seeking fleeting encounters instead of meaningful relationships. But as she navigates the shallow waters of casual dating, she unexpectedly stumbles upon a profound connection that challenges her assumptions and rewrites her narrative
'Seriously?' Lisa mutters, her voice laced with frustration, resignation, and a hint of desperation.
She settled into her plush couch, surrounded by the warm glow of table lamps and the soft hum of the TV. She stares at her phone, a portal to a world of potential connection, scrolling through the endless stream of tinder profiles. Her thumb swiped, dismissing each candidate with a growing sense of despair.
'Everyone seems to have found their person, but here I am, swiping. Is there something wrong with me? Am I unlovable?' Lisa whispered to the room, the self-doubt crept in, a familiar, unwelcome companion. She couldn't help but feel like she was stuck in a never ending cycle of shallow conversations and meaningless encounters.
'Lis' Rachel's voice, gentle as a summer breeze, interrupted her downward spiral. 'What's going on?'
Lisa startled, her phone slipping from her grasp. Rachel stood behind the couch, concern etched on her face. 'Nothing,' Lisa lied, hastily wiping away tears.
Rachel rounded the couch, settling beside Lisa. 'Don't 'nothing' me. You were lost in thought, and your aura screams sadness.'
Lisa sighed, surrendering to Rachel's empathetic gaze. 'Just feeling hopeless. Everyone's coupled up, and I'm still swiping through Tinder.'
Rachel wrapped a comforting arm around Lisa's shoulders. 'You're not alone, Lis. And true love isn't a swipe away.'
'I know,' Lisa whispered. 'It's just hard to see everyone moving forward while I'm stuck.'
Rachel pulled her into a gentle hug. 'You're not stuck, Lis. You have other amazing things going on in your life, and the right person will come to see your brilliance very soon. And I'll be here, holding your hand through the wait.'
They share an intense, soul soothing embrace. Rachel's gentle squeeze easing the knots of frustration from Lisa's shoulders.
'You're not alone, Lis,' Rachel said with a reassuring smile as they slowly parted, their arms lingering for a moment before adjusting their positions on the couch.
As they sat together, the Tinder profiles forgotten, Lisa felt a sense of peace settle over her. Her gaze met Rachel's, her eyes shining with gratitude. 'Thanks, Rach,' she said, her voice barely above a whisper. 'What would I do without you?'
Rachel's face softened, her smile warm and gentle. 'You'd probably be a hot mess.' She teased, chuckling softly. But her expression quickly turned serious, her eyes locking onto Lisa's. 'That's what friends are for, Lis. To pick up the pieces, to offer a shoulder, to remind you of your own strengths.'
Lisa's lips curved into a smile, her heart swelling with emotion. Rachel was more than just a friend. She was a lifeline, a beacon of hope in the darkest moments.
Lisa and Rachel's friendship was forged in the vibrant crucible of university life. They met during freshman orientation, bonding over shared laughter and nervous excitement. They understood each other's emotional landscapes, actively listened and offered comfort. Their differences complemented each other. Lisa's introspective nature found balance in Rachel's outgoing personality and Rachel's spontaneity was tempered by Lisa's cautious wisdom. Rachel who had always been the outgoing, confident one, expanded Lisa's social circle and her presence provided comfort. Lisa on the other hand, offered stability and organisation, her honesty kept Rachel grounded and helped her confront vulnerabilities.
Post-graduation, they decided to share an apartment. Their home became a symbol of their unbreakable bond. Their living situation allowed them to support each other's growth, celebrate milestones, and navigate life's challenges side by side.
'You always know how to make me feel better,' Lisa said, her voice laced with sincerity.
Rachel's hand reached out, her fingers brushing against Lisa's. 'That's because I'm the best therapist couch-surrogate-life-coach friend ever,' she joked, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
The silence that followed was comfortable as they lounged on the couch. Rachel's expression transformed from empathetic listener to mischievous plotter. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement, her voice remained gentle, but her words carried a hint of strategic intent. 'Lis, do you ever think about how far we've come since University?' Rachel asked, her tone introspective.
Lisa's gaze drifted, lost in thought. 'I guess... not often enough.'
Rachel's smile was knowing. 'We've grown so much, Lis. We've built careers, and found our own paths.' Her voice paused, hanging delicately in the air. 'Don't you think it's time to celebrate that?'
Lisa's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the unspoken direction of Rachel's words.
'And what better way to do that,' Rachel continued, her tone deceptively casual, 'than attending our university reunion party?'
Lisa's gaze snapped towards Rachel's, her brow furrowed in alarm. 'What? No. Absolutely not.'
Rachel's smile grew, her eyes crinkling at the corners. 'Hear me out,' she coaxed, her voice low and enticing. 'It's the perfect opportunity to prove to yourself how far you've come. You're not the same person you were back then.'
Lisa's resolve began to fray, Rachel's words insidiously eroding her defenses. Rachel sensed the vulnerability and pressed on. 'Imagine walking into that reunion, head held high, confidence radiating from every pore. You'll show them the incredible person you've become.' Rachel's words painted a vivid picture, her enthusiasm infectious.
Lisa's resistance waned, replaced by a flicker of curiosity. Rachel detected the shift and sealed the opening. 'We'll make it a weekend getaway-laughter, memories, and a closure.' Rachel's eyes locked onto Lisa's.
'I guess we'll see.' Lisa conceded.
The following days blurred into a flurry of preparation. Lisa and Rachel coordinated outfits and reminisced about old times. Before they knew it, the day of reunion arrived.
Lisa stood in front of their bedroom mirror, smoothing her dress and taking a deep breath. Rachel, busy styling her own hair, watched with a knowing smile.
'Ready to slay this reunion?' Rachel asked, winking.
Lisa rolled her eyes good-naturedly. 'You're enjoying this, aren't you?'
Rachel chuckled. 'I'm just proud of you. We've got this, together.'
They finished getting ready and walked into their cozy living room.
Rachel handed Lisa a glass of champagne. 'To new beginnings,' she toasted. Lisa clinked her glass against Rachel's. 'To closure.'
The Distance Between Us follows Zoe, a shy high schooler who falls for Patrick, her best friend's twin brother and former bully. Their romance blossoms, but Patrick's parents push him toward Elizabeth, a family ally's daughter obsessed with him. Elizabeth's jealousy leads to a brutal assault on Zoe, leaving her traumatized and driving the couple apart. Though they move on, their love lingers. Unbeknownst to Patrick, Zoe carries a life-altering secret; she's pregnant with his child. Years later, fate brings the truth to light.
Warning! Mature Contents! ***Excerpt*** "You belong to me, Sheila. I alone am capable of making you feel this way. Your moans and body belong to me. Your soul and your body are all mine!" *** Alpha Killian Reid, the most dreaded Alpha in all of the North, wealthy, powerful and widely feared in the supernatural world, was the envy of all other packs. He was thought to have it all... power, fame, wealth and favour from the moon goddess, little was it known to his rivals that he has been under a curse, which has been kept a secret for so many years, and only the one with the gift of the moon goddess can lift the curse. Sheila, the daughter of Alpha Lucius who was an arch enemy to Killian, had grown up with so much hatred, detest and maltreatment from her father. She was the fated mate to Alpha Killian. He refused to reject her, yet he loathed her and treated her poorly, because he was in love with another woman, Thea. But one of these two women was the cure to his curse, while the other was an enemy within. How would he find out? Let's find out in this heart racing piece, filled with suspense, steamy romance and betrayal.
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."
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”
Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true stature—the wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
When Zora was sick during the early days of her pregnancy, Ezrah was with his first love, Piper. When Zora got into an accident and called Ezrah, he said he was busy, when in actual fact, he was buying shoes for Piper. Zora lost her baby because of the accident, and throughout her stay at the hospital, Ezrah never showed up. She already knew that he didn't love her, but that was the last straw for the camel's back, and her fragile heart could not take it anymore. When Ezrah arrived home a few days after Zora was discharged from the hospital, he no longer met the woman who always greeted him with a smile and cared for him. Zora stood at the top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, "Good news, Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us anymore, so let's get a divorce." The man who claimed not to have any feelings for Zora, being cold and distant towards her, and having asked her for a divorce twice, instantly panicked.