Novels by Paroj-Paroj

Rubbing the bottom of my nose, I can smell the approaching change of the season—just like the shift in my mood. "Dad organized the event, and a lot of people are coming tonight. I believe he told me it’s a celebration of the 37th year since the company opened," Bree explained while I pouted, my eyes scanning the names of the invited guests. Ever since Dad landed here on the coast, I haven’t seen him, but Bree said he brought his work with him. I’m neither happy nor upset about it. Technically, it’s not exactly work—just related—but it still makes my bones jitter, whether from annoyance or something else I can’t quite name. "He’s bringing a date with him," she added. "Does going there require bringing a date?" I raised an eyebrow, squinting at a particular name on the list. Valerian Blackwood. It was written in beautiful golden calligraphy, perfectly matching how elegant and powerful he is. But in my eyes, he’s still a bastard. "It’s a must. A ridiculous rule Dad made for tonig

I hadn't considered any day special—until yesterday. I feel like the heavy thing that had been making my heart feel like it was about to explode is suddenly gone, and now there's just peace.But no matter how magical the scene was, I like to take things slow.And when I say slow..."What are you doing here?" I spat as soon as I opened my door and found Valerian holding a bouquet of sunflowers and a jar of... pickles?"Just came here to visit my pregnant Elodie," he said comfortably, lifting what he had in his hands.Arching my eyebrows, I gave him a deadpan glare.Just because we settled one thing doesn’t mean we’re already fine. I still want to play hard to get, and nothing goes fast—aside from his... No, no, no. I’m not going back to that kind of mindset anymore.I've refreshed my mind, and I am no longer a sinner. Or so I assume."This is private property, Mr. Blackwood. I suggest you back off before I call the police," I warned him, but as expected, it didn’t faze him—not even the

Still enduring the hard pounding of my heart, I entered the restaurant with my chin up like nothing had happened."Keep it together," I grumbled to myself.I had a business to deal with. My personal life should be set aside. I would cry about it later.My heels hit the carpeted floor. The smell of expensive edibles lingered in the air, along with the chatter polluting the area bathed in golden lighting."Ms. Beaumont?"A man clad in a stylized black suit stood up from a chair, offering me his hand and a formal smile."Atticus Lark, Larkvish Corporation. My good old friend, Mr. Kaufman, asked me to personally bring you his apology and also to inform you that he won't be able to join us for this meeting." He handed me a bouquet of flowers.His neatly brushed back salt-and-pepper hair seemed like it was smothered in butter leaving just a group of strand dangling before his forehead like Superman.He had a scarf around his neck that matched the color of his hair, a swaying cross earring o

"Dad..." I picked up his call while driving myself to the building.I know my father is a great man. He has his flaws, and he let those flaws ruin us. But just like Bree, he's straining his best to fix our relationship as a family.Was it my fault that I found it hard to trust anyone? I forgave, but it's hard to forget. It was marked in my head."Missed you here at the resort," he said, his voice carrying a hint of his age. "Lois mentioned that you're heading to a meeting. I just wanted you to know I'd like to spend time with you while I'm here."Parking the car, I let out a soft exhale. "Sure," I replied."I know you still feel a sense of resentment towards me, daughter. I only wanted what I thought would make you happy.""I don't—" I plopped the back of my head against the headrest, closing my eyes as I turned the engine off. "I don't hate you, Dad. Remember, I already forgave you.""Doesn't feel like I'm forgiven, Elodie.""Look, Dad, we'll just talk later, okay?" I cut him off, no

Clinging closer to my cardigan, I felt the gushing wind brush against my skin, blowing my long hair.I watched as the waves lapped by the shore.The resort was doing well; it was bustling behind me—the staff rushing, the guests laughing, and glasses clinking. But I felt like I was on the other side of the world, just watching this scenery from behind a glass.It had been almost two months. Fifty-three days without him, to be exact.No calls, no messages.What kept me updated about him were the papers—the things written in the news. His business, his relationship with his shareholders, his status in life.He was open to the media, aside from what was really personal.Valerian was true to his word when he said he would keep his promise—from the moment he let me go until now.Letting out a soft sigh, I placed my hand on my small but noticeable bump. My baby was growing. Our baby.My life was moving forward every second, but I think my heart was unwell. It was paralyzed in time, right at

My breath hitched as he placed the last piece of the puzzle. He had aided the jumbled pieces, but still… I'm incomplete.Bree, my own flesh and blood—she betrayed me. Now I understand why she kept pushing me to him. And Dad? Valerian said it all. He was part of this too.Valerian planned this. All of it.My second chance. My engagement. My life with him. I thought this was a fresh start. I didn’t know it would come with a new, more painful trouble.It’s like my whole system shut down, and the only thing I could feel was my heart pounding against my ribs, fueled by my sharpened fury and… heartbreak.“They knew all along, and they let you?” I said. My voice was barely above a whisper, but it cracked like thunder, exposing the storm building up inside me. My eyes clouded.“Don’t blame them, Ellie. If you’re going to be mad at someone, it should only be me,” he said bravely, accepting where he was wrong, denying nothing. “I asked them myself. I made them promises. They only wanted you to

MICHAELMarried, patched up the past, and currently facing some challenges."Whoa!" I exclaimed as a flying vase welcomed me the moment I entered the house. It nearly hit my face if not for my quick reflexes."I don't want to see your face!" Natasha shouted, catching me off guard.I knew she was in a bad mood when I left this morning, but what had I done wrong?Setting the vase down on the floor, I was greeted by another jar, but this time, I failed to catch it, and it hit the wall, shattering into pieces."Baby, what's wrong? What did I do?" I asked, completely clueless about the situation."You were seeing another woman!" She accused, grabbing a flower vase from the coffee table."Baby! Baby! Stop, okay? Let's talk this through.""Talk?" She threw the vase, hitting the door. "Only guilty people would want to talk because they know they were caught!""What?" I sighed, walking closer to her."Don't you dare take another step, Michael Montero," she pointed her index finger at me, but I

NATASHAI let out a yelp as Michael suddenly scooped me up from the ground when we entered the house.The entire day had been a mix of nervousness and excitement. Now, we're wrapping it up by expressing the love we vowed in front of the altar and, well... by making love."How does it feel to finally be my Mrs. Montero?" He inquired, kissing my jaw as we climbed the stairs."I haven't felt it yet, but I think I'll find out once we get to the bed," I mischievously replied, knowing he enjoyed it.The way his face lit up and his eyes sparkled, I knew my naughty Michael enjoyed it when I let myself go wild. He likes it whenever I ride along in his mischievous side."Oh-ho, you definitely will," he chuckled, pushing open the door to our bedroom and gently laying me down on the bed, being careful not to hurt my stomach. "I want to be rough, but I can't, right?""Nope," I shook my head, biting my lower lip."That's a shame," he whispered before leaning in to kiss my lips.I could sense his ex

MICHAELThe church is ready, everyone is prepared, and I am all set. However, what's not ready is the schedule; Natasha is still not walking down the aisle.Aaron's laughter beside me only adds to my irritation. "Chill, man. I'm pretty sure Tasha won't run away this time. She's head over heels for you."Choosing him as my best man might have been a mistake. I could have picked Quintus instead, but he insisted on giving up that spot and settled for a seat in the audience. But, Pierce intervened, insisting that they both accompany Natasha down the aisle together.The process of the wedding was a challenge, it was a lot of work, a lot of planning, but now, everything was perfect.I just wish that Natasha will see this as what she expected it to be."You're sweating. I bet you'll be drenched like someone poured a bucket of water on you once she finally arrives," he teased.Rolling my eyes, I silently prayed that I wouldn't do anything inappropriate in the church, or I'd end up in hell soo

NATASHAPromises are being fulfilled one by one, leading me closer to exchanging vows with the person I want to spend my life with."Are you really sure about your choice?" Laura's question felt weighty, as if we were discussing something serious, even though we were just ordering a slice of cake at the café."I clearly said I wanted it," I replied matter-of-factly. "You're acting like you're footing the bill," I added, handing the girl at the bar the money to settle everything I ordered."I'm just worried about you. Michael mentioned you've been into sweets lately. Have you seen all the treats you ordered? All sweets," she gestured towards the three paper bags being readied at the counter. "Yes, you asked for one slice, but did you order every flavor available?"Looking around with a pout, I noticed how Laura's nagging had caught the attention of some customers."If you plan on bloating up like a balloon, you might want to postpone the wedding because the gown won't fit," she teased.

MICHAELI can feel the coldness of her hands against mine; I can see how edgy she becomes as she fidgets on her seat for the past few minutes.The soft song coming from the speakers isn't loud enough to drown out the loud beating of her heart because from where I am, I can hear it."Relax, baby. No one's going to eat you here aside from me," I joked and squeezed her hand lightly. "Unless you need me to ease you down. I'd be glad to attend you in one of the rooms available in Dad's house," I whispered to her.I expected her to scold me and slap my shoulder, but instead, she stood up and pulled me with her.Looks like her hormones are getting stronger and stronger. I like it when she's the one insisting.Passing by Richie, who's carrying a tray of food, probably for Nathaniel, I nodded at him when he looked at us with a frown. Must be because the party is about to start, and we're heading back inside the house.Wincing, I discreetly pointed at Natasha, and he already knew what it means.

NATASHAMy choice was right to drop everything I planned ahead and settle at home, in bed with my husband.I feel like a woman, a strong person while he makes me weak at the same time."You're-- you're pulling back," I said, noticing the way he doesn't move the way he did back then. Every thrust he gives me is careful and slow, tickling me."Shhh...." he hushed me before claiming my lips and kissing me endearingly. Every suck he makes on my lower lip urges me to make a sound, and every time he thrusts deep inside me, I catch my breath.My fingers run through his hair, yanking and pulling. Wanting him closer."I missed you so much," he whispered in my ear as he moved inside me.The air between us is supposed to give us the freedom to breathe properly, yet we only feel suffocated. Our skin begins glistening, sweat rolls in a breezy morning.The wind coming from the open balcony door can't outdo the heat we're making."Ah!" I scream when he hits the right spot, deep. "I'm coming," I gasp

EPILOGUE"... a massacre happened at the subdivision of **** at ****, Queensland, Australia. The police released a statement about the tragedy this afternoon and it was said that the tragic end of the lives of these people happened in the morning. The neighbors have reported the multiple gun shots that disturbed the neighborhood this morning. Two girls have witnessed the gunmen but haven't spoken anything from shock...""... the identity of 17 bodies are the family of known doctor of **** Dr. Carl Hamilton himself, his wife -Amy Hamilton-, his 3 daughters- Finley, Dolora and Ezra Halmiton- and 2 granddaughters - Helga and Gia Beaver, an AFD agent Ricochet Zimmerman, his wife Lucy Jameson-Zimmerman and daughter Judy Zimmerman, the former Detective Won Kenji, Former Inspector Hank Walker, Leonardo Olaso, a billionaire and a philanthropist Alexis peterson and his family Luke and Sandra Peterson, a pregnant woman identified as Lyka

•THE LAST CHAPTER•"I already killed you." Kenji coughed blood, his hands are trying to suppress the blood streaming out from the holes of his body.Klyde protruded his lower lip, paired it with a frown. "Do I look like a ghost to you?" He asked the former Detective and squats beside him while holding a 45 caliber gun in his hand and suck a breath, trying to be a psycho as who he is. "Aren't you scared of me? I'm alive, awoo!!" He acted like a ghost caring a kid and cackled loudly."You son of a b*tch." Kenji grunted, having a hard time breathing from the blood choking his throat.His eyes landed on the people he was with just a while ago. Having fun, eating, laughing together, having a good time. Until they were caught off guard. Armed men came barging in from the front door holding automatic weapons that finished the whole of the family's life, including the two kids. Leaving jone of them

•THE STORY LEFT BEHIND•Years earlier..."HQ, we have eyes on the suspect. Commencing force entry." He reported to the station."Clear upstairs.""Clear downstairs, he's alone."Breaking in the house and they all pointed their high powered gun at him. And there Klyde just sat there with clenching jaw."Klyde McMarrow, you're under arrest." Detective Won announced and pick a hand cuff from his pocket.He protrudes his lips. "You know I'm watching my favorite show, drinking my favorite scotch, sitting on my favorite couch and inside my favorite safe house. Now I get to see someone who's not in my favor of seeing." He uttered and placed the glass down and raised both of his hands. "I surrender." He casually says full of cockiness and even smiling.Detective Won harshly took both of his hands behind him and made

•THE REUNION•~Second to none, second to no one, for he who stayed at first and the last, for he who started the mess and will keep it going until he finish what was left in the past.After so many a day and a night passed, horrors of the Harmonica Fall tragedy has been long forgotten by many people, although some are still in fear to reminisce that view.It's been long peaceful in that small town ever since, many families that lived there stayed, some left, some never visited the town, some are sober from the incident happened.The Hamilton's vacation house has been empty ever since. The McMarrows Mansion has been eaten by the forest. The victims of the monster have been long gone and in peace.But out of peacefulness, there is this one man who left all the dreadful stories in Harmonica Fall. Tending to strike it's darkness somewhere else. Wanting

•THE NEW LIFE OF BRENNER•"Thank you for accepting my invitation. It means so much to me." Joshua Brenner sits adjacent to Finley hamilton that dressed herself decently for a formal dinner he invited her for."It's nothing, besides I have no schedule for tonight." She smiled at him and straightened her posture. "So, what kind of proposal do you actually have in mind to offer?" She "formally" asked him.Joshua has his hands t above the table, veiled with a thick table fabric. The light is dimmed, enough for a comfortable, cozy, relaxing atmosphere of this fancy restaurant they are in. White plates and organized utensils beside, clear glass to sip from poured little by a deep violet wine. All are relaxed, composed and clear but not him."No need to be that formal. It's nothing business... truthfully. I'm sorry I lied about it." He leans a bit forward with his tensed shoulders are aching from

•THE NEW LIFE OF WALKER•Inside that nursing home where his dearest grandmother stays bed ridden from her old age and in the situation of badly needing an operation to her bones, Walker carries a good news for her."My dear boy, how I missed you so much." The old Mrs. Walker smiled as soon as she saw the only grandchild that cares about her. "Come here and give me a hug." She opened her arms wide, inviting him for a hug, and who is he to say no?"Grandma." Walker walked closer to her and give her what she asked. "I missed you too, grandma." He whispered to her dearest person."I know, Hank. I know." Her old voice echoed through his ear, and it sounds like a thousand angels singing a song for him."I have good news for you, grandma." He pulled out of the hug and sits on a chair next to her bed. "I finally got the money for your operation, you're going to be healed, grand

Sitting on the toilet, I can’t help but entertain my troubled mind because of what I saw yesterday. I had to tell a little white lie to Tamara when we ran into each other in the lobby after flying fifteen floors in a hurry. Thank goodness for her—she distracted me with food and… well, she had to ask about this and that stuff. But after last night, I just can’t bring myself to be productive. Not until the clock basically screamed at me to get my ass up. “He’s a manwhore,” I muttered out of the blue, shaking my head. “And the woman he was with? She’s married. They’re having an affair!” Is that something I should tell Tamara? I’m pretty sure if that news reached his parents, his inheritance—and all the money he’s swimming in—would be gone. Kaput! “So, what if he faces his worst?” I questioned myself, trying to rationalize it. “Auntie Tamara put me there to keep an eye on him, after all.” The logical, no-nonsense side of my brain raised its hand, but then my cowardly side shoved it

Oceans in palms. Yeah, it’s possible—because I have them now. I stood right in front of the department manager, Thessaloniki—or Miss T, as she insisted.The moment I stepped into Miles Shipping Corporation's building, I felt like an alien who accidentally beamed down to a parallel universe. Everyone was dressed like they were auditioning for a black-and-white movie, and me? Well, Tamara clearly forgot to warn me about the corporate dress code when she shoved me here.I glanced around, making sure no one was staring, then discreetly yanked the lining of my bikini panties. They’d been staging a mutiny against my butt for the past hour.“What’s your name again?” Miss T asked, biting into her “type-two-diabetes-on-a-plate” breakfast. Her penciled-in eyebrows were arched so high they could’ve reached the ceiling. Her sharp, judgmental eyes bore into me like I’d just informed her how struggling her heels are too carry her weight.What did I even do to her?She inspected my ID like she was a

"Half a million dollars?!" I exclaimed, staring at the check my unofficial auntie and benefactor handed me. "Auntie, what kind of job are you offering me? You're not selling drugs, are you?" She laughed, the kind of deep, heartfelt laughter. "You silly girl, I wouldn’t go through all the hardships I’ve been through just to end up in jail. Sweetheart, I’m smarter than that." Figures. Tamara Shawn, a former beauty queen, a public figure who married a trillionaire. She was almost perfect, at least in the public's eyes. In mine, she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever met—inside and out. "I’m just asking for a little favor," she added, holding her fingers close together as if it were no big deal. "A ‘little’ favor for a million dollars?" I raised an eyebrow. That’s a little hard to believe. I’ve just finished college, and I’m not dumb enough to think there’s not something fishy going on here. She waved me off. "Do you remember my godson, Johnny Miles? You both went to the same sc