Broken Illusions
Lena Mitchell had always believed in fairy tale promises—love conquering all, a happy ending within reach. Her life with Daniel, a billionaire embodying her dreams, seemed perfect. Their courtship was a whirlwind of luxury and charm, but once married, cracks began to show. Late nights, unexplained absences, and Daniel’s growing distance hinted at trouble. Lena ignored them until she found undeniable proof of his betrayal: texts, photographs, and evidence of an affair with the alluring Cassandra Morgan. The revelation shattered Lena’s world, turning her once-idyllic life into a prison of deceit.
Yet, Lena refused to be broken. Determined to uncover the full extent of Daniel’s duplicity, she resolved to confront him and expose every lie. Her journey would be perilous, diving deep into Daniel’s shadowy world and the dangerous figures within it. But Lena was resolute; she would reclaim her life, confront the betrayal, and emerge stronger from the wreckage of her shattered dreams.
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Chapter: Chapter 36: The Web TightensThe early morning sun filtered through the gauzy curtains of Lena Mitchell’s apartment, casting long rays across her makeshift war room. The table was cluttered with maps, marked documents, and photographs, each piece a fragment of the vast and sinister puzzle she and her team were determined to solve. Coffee cups stood forgotten at the corners, their contents long gone cold.Lena stood in front of the large corkboard dominating one wall, her arms crossed over her chest as she studied the web of connections they had pinned there. Strings of red thread linked faces to locations, bank accounts to transactions. At the center of it all was Daniel, his carefully curated image of respectability shattered into a thousand shards by the truth.Sophia’s voice broke the silence. “I’ve been looking into the remaining shell companies,” she said, holding up a tablet. “One of them—Orion Enterprises—seems to be a key player. They’ve been routing funds to offshore accounts tied to Daniel’s name.”Lena
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 35: The Depths of DeceitLena Mitchell sat at the edge of her leather armchair, a glass of untouched wine trembling in her hand. The once-ornate dining room, with its gilded moldings and lavish chandelier, felt like a hollow echo of the life she once cherished. Papers were strewn across the mahogany table—photographs, financial documents, and maps—all pointing to one harrowing conclusion: Daniel’s empire wasn’t just corrupt. It was lethal.The quiet hum of the late evening was broken by the subtle vibration of her phone. She glanced at the screen. Sophia Reed. Her trusted friend and investigative journalist, Sophia, had become an unexpected ally in untangling the web of deceit that encased Daniel’s life.“Sophia,” Lena answered, her voice heavy with fatigue.“Lena,” Sophia’s tone was urgent, “I’ve found something… unsettling. You need to see this in person. It’s about Daniel’s recent transactions.”Lena’s heart sank. It seemed every new discovery dragged her deeper into a darkness she was desperate to escape.
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 34: Breaking the SilenceLena sat in front of her computer, staring at the blinking cursor on her screen. The decision she was about to make wasn’t just another step in the investigation—it was the point of no return. Over the past months, Lena and her team had gathered irrefutable evidence of the network’s extensive corruption. They had uncovered a web of deceit that stretched from the highest echelons of political power to the darkest corners of organized crime. Now, it was time to break the silence.The exposé was almost ready. Hundreds of pages of damning reports, testimonies from whistleblowers, financial documents, and legal correspondence that tied the network’s key players to a string of illegal activities. It was all there, laid bare in a narrative that would shatter the complacency of those who had turned a blind eye to the network’s influence.The air in Lena’s office was thick with tension as the final pieces came together. She had already made contact with multiple media outlets—trusted journalis
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 33: The Silent ConfrontationLena stared at the message glowing on her phone screen, her pulse quickening with each passing second. The words were brief but chilling: “Your home is not safe. Trust no one. Someone close is part of it.” The text had no name, no identifier. It was a warning from the shadows, sent to shake the very foundation of her security.For a moment, Lena stood frozen, her mind racing through possibilities. Who could have sent this? And more importantly, who could be the traitor in her circle? She had always known the network’s influence was vast, but for it to have infiltrated her team so deeply—that was a bitter truth she wasn’t prepared to accept.The first step was obvious: protect herself. But beyond that, Lena had to unravel the web of deception that had silently encroached upon her efforts. The network was cunning, and it had grown more desperate as their hold on power crumbled. If she didn’t act fast, the consequences could be fatal.Later That NightLena moved through her home quietly,
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 32: A New AllianceThe news came through a private message late one evening, well past the hour Lena usually reserved for anything resembling rest. The name on the screen stopped her cold: William Blackwood. She recognized it immediately—a name once synonymous with the highest echelons of power, privilege, and law, and someone deeply enmeshed in the network they were trying to dismantle. For Blackwood to reach out now could only mean one thing: a game-changing twist in their battle against the network.Lena’s immediate reaction was suspicion. Blackwood had spent years representing powerful individuals tied to the very corruption she and her team had exposed. He was a lawyer notorious for his ability to exploit legal loopholes and ensure that his clients walked free, no matter the evidence stacked against them. But why would someone like him turn on the very people he had protected for so long? The message was simple:“Lena, we need to talk. I can help you, but time is running out. We have a common enemy
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 31: Caught in the CrossfireThe celebration didn’t last long. The weight of their partial victory had barely settled when the real battle began. Exposing the corruption within the network had been monumental, but in its wake, a more volatile storm was brewing. Those who had their power and interests threatened by Lena’s investigation were beginning to fight back. Hard.It started subtly, at first—an article questioning the legitimacy of the investigation, whispers among influential circles that Lena and her team had fabricated evidence for personal gain. It wasn’t unexpected. The network’s remaining allies were scrambling to salvage their reputations, doing everything they could to discredit Lena and her team. But soon, the smears turned into something more sinister.The phone calls came in the dead of night. Anonymous voices threatening her to back off, to stop digging. Then came the hacking attempts on their internal servers, their email accounts flooded with phishing attacks. It was clear: the remnants of the
Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Shattered Reflections
Every orphan dreams of one thing—finding a home.
When my parents finally found me, I thought I was the luckiest girl alive. But the moment I stepped through their door, I saw her—a girl my age, dressed like a princess, calling them "mom" and "dad." That girl, Cassia, had been living the life that should have been mine. She was their pride and joy, while I was nothing but an outsider.
In front of others, she played the perfect sister. Behind closed doors, she made sure I knew my place. I was her shadow, her punching bag. She was my tormentor—my fake sister.
I thought my husband could save me from the misery of that home. He was kind, gentle—or so I believed—until he demanded I give up my unborn child, because the only baby he wanted was hers. Betrayed by the two people I trusted most, my world crumbled as I bled alone on an operating table, my life slipping away.
But destiny had other plans. I was given another chance—a chance to rewrite my story.
This time, I’m ready. I’ll expose Cassia for who she truly is. I’ll protect everything that was stolen from me. I’ll no longer be the weak girl in her shadow.
I’ll become my own strength, and Cassia will never have power over me again.
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Chapter: Chapter 78 (Epilogue)Elara stood at the edge of a cliff, the wind tousling her hair as she looked out over the vast ocean stretching endlessly before her. The sky was a brilliant blue, the sun warm on her skin. As she took in the scene, a sense of peace washed over her, unlike anything she had ever experienced before.This was a moment she had never imagined. Not in her darkest days, not even in the moments when she dared to dream of a better future. And yet, here she was—standing at the precipice of her new life, stronger and more certain of herself than she had ever been.Behind her, a soft voice called her name.“Elara.”She turned and smiled as Lucan approached, his eyes filled with the same warmth and love that had been there since the day they had first met. He had been with her through everything—through the pain, the uncertainty, the healing. And now, he was by her side as she stepped into this new chapter of her life.Lucan reached for her hand, pulling her close. “Are you ready?”Elara smiled, h
Last Updated: 2024-10-18
Chapter: Chapter 77Elara sat on the balcony of her apartment, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The day had been long, filled with meetings for The Phoenix Project and preparations for upcoming events at the gallery, but now, in the quiet of the evening, her mind wandered to something deeper: reconciliation.She had come so far, but there was still one last piece of her journey that remained incomplete. Healing wasn’t just about finding your strength and using it to help others; it was also about forgiveness—both of yourself and those who had wronged you. And in her heart, Elara knew that the final step of her journey required something she had once thought impossible: building bridges, not only with her past, but with the people she had been estranged from for so long.Elara had learned long ago that forgiveness wasn’t about excusing someone’s behavior or pretending the pain they caused didn’t matter. Forgiveness was about freeing yourself from the b
Last Updated: 2024-10-18
Chapter: Chapter 76The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the Hawthorne Gallery, casting a golden glow over the artwork on display. Elara stood in the center of the room, taking it all in. This gallery—once a symbol of her family’s wealth and legacy—had transformed into something far more meaningful. It was now a place of healing, empowerment, and resilience, reflecting the journey she had taken to reclaim her life. But as she looked around the space she had built, Elara realized something: her journey wasn’t over.She had found her own strength, her identity, and her voice. But now, standing at the edge of something greater, Elara felt a new sense of purpose stirring within her—a purpose that reached beyond her own story and into the lives of others. It wasn’t enough to simply heal from her past. She wanted to use her experience to help others who had suffered as she had. She wanted to become an advocate for those who, like her, had been betrayed, manipulated, and silenced.Elara had disc
Last Updated: 2024-10-18
Chapter: Chapter 75The air was crisp and clear as Elara walked through the city streets, her steps steady and sure. The early morning sun bathed everything in a soft golden light, casting long shadows that danced between the buildings. But for the first time in years, Elara didn’t feel like she was walking in anyone’s shadow. She had spent too long there—too long letting others define her, letting fear hold her back. Now, she walked freely, fully aware of the power she possessed within herself.It had been a long road to this moment. A road filled with heartbreak, betrayal, and loss. But through it all, Elara had learned one of the most important lessons of her life: that her strength didn’t come from anyone else. It wasn’t tied to her family’s legacy or her relationships. It came from within—an inner reserve of resilience and determination that had been there all along, waiting for her to embrace it.This morning was different. It wasn’t just another day of running the gallery, another day of curating
Last Updated: 2024-10-18
Chapter: Chapter 74The air felt different now, crisp and clean, as if the weight of the past had finally lifted, leaving space for something new. Elara stood in front of the mirror in her apartment, studying her reflection with quiet contemplation. The woman looking back at her was both familiar and foreign—familiar in the sense that it was her own face, but foreign because she was seeing herself, truly seeing herself, for the first time in years.This was the face of a woman who had reclaimed her life, her identity, and her sense of self after years of betrayal, manipulation, and pain. This was the face of someone who had been broken but had learned how to piece herself back together, stronger than before.Elara smiled softly at her reflection. The shadows that had once haunted her eyes were gone, replaced by a quiet confidence and inner strength that she had fought so hard to regain. She was no longer the woman defined by what had been taken from her—her childhood, her family’s love, her inheritance,
Last Updated: 2024-10-18
Chapter: Chapter 73The world had changed for Elara, though perhaps it hadn’t changed as much as she had. As the winter melted into spring, Elara felt the same sense of renewal within herself. The burdens of her past—once so heavy they felt insurmountable—had lightened, fading into distant memories. What had once been a long, arduous journey of pain, betrayal, and self-discovery was now evolving into something entirely new: a life lived on her own terms.Elara had found herself again.The gallery was quiet that morning, bathed in soft light as the city outside came to life. She stood in the center of the space, looking around at the artwork that filled the walls, the sculptures that lined the floor. Each piece represented a moment of transformation, of creation born out of struggle, and in that way, it was a perfect reflection of her journey.For so long, Elara had felt as though she was walking through life as someone else’s shadow—first as the forgotten daughter stolen away, then as the sister manipula
Last Updated: 2024-10-18
Chapter: Chapter 104 - Rewarding you…POV KaydenAfter we got back to Chicago, I went to Yohan for a routine checkup. Knowing him, I was half-expecting him to make some snide remark. Sure enough, he had a smug look on his face as I sat down.“Mr. Marshall, I think you could consider taking that drug more often,” he smirked. “You seem rather… energetic.”I shot him a look, not bothering to respond. He must have seen Zara and me together recently because he didn’t let up.“Don’t be so serious, Mr. Marshall. A joke here and there won’t scare a girl away.”“Any other tests you need to do?” I asked flatly.“Fine, fine,” he sighed, getting a needle ready. Then, out of nowhere, he started again. “You know, Miss Wilson’s personality is actually quite complementary to yours. She’s carefree, while Miss Jensen was always a bit uptight. You two are like… concave and convex pieces, fitting together perfectly.”I caught the mischievous look in his eyes immediately. He was speaking in double entendres, and his implication was obvious. F
Last Updated: 2024-10-28
Chapter: Chapter 103 - Ski ParkWhen I walked into the room that morning, I could immediately tell how awkward Zara felt. She sat there, her face bright red, her body still a little disheveled from the night before. I knew she was thinking about everything that had happened, probably trying to reconcile her usual reserved self with the bold actions she’d taken for my sake.I approached her, trying to check on her arm. She winced a bit when I touched it, and that’s when I realized just how much I had pushed her the night before. I was in no state to think clearly back then, consumed by the effects of the drug, and she had gone through all of it with me, without complaint."Does it hurt that much?" I asked, frowning as guilt gnawed at me.She waved it off, pretending it wasn’t a big deal, but I could see how sore she was. “I must have used too much strength…” she muttered.I couldn’t help but feel responsible for what I had put her through. "I’m sorry..." I told her, feeling the weight of what I had done sink in.She
Last Updated: 2024-10-24
Chapter: Chapter 102 - This is just the startPOV KaydenI stood by the window, my body burning with an unbearable heat, the cold winter night outside in stark contrast to the fire inside me. The reflection on the glass showed a man drenched in sweat, his skin flushed, muscles tense. I couldn't calm myself. The drug was wreaking havoc on me, pushing me to my limits, testing my control.I heard Zara approach from behind, her steps light but determined. Her voice cut through the haze, "Really, let me help you. It’s been a few hours already, and you’re still not well..."I clenched my fists. The last thing I wanted was for her to see me like this, to be caught in this mess created by someone else’s malicious intent. But there she was, stubborn as always. I couldn’t bear to have her close, and yet I couldn’t push her away."Who needs you to help? Didn’t you understand when I told you to get lost?" I shouted, hoping to scare her off. Maybe if I could make her leave, I could deal with this myself.But Zara never backed down. "No, I’m n
Last Updated: 2024-10-23
Chapter: Chapter 101 - I can’t control myselfPOV ZaraI was sound asleep when my phone suddenly rang. I groggily reached for it, only to hear an unexpected voice on the other end.“Zara.”It was Monica.I immediately sat up in bed, confused and still half-asleep. “Miss Jensen?” I asked, my voice puzzled. What could she possibly want at this hour?She didn’t waste any time. Her tone was sharp and condescending, as if she had been waiting for this moment. “What are you doing?” she snapped.I blinked and tried to stay calm. “I was sleeping,” I replied honestly, still unsure what this was about.“Very well. I guess you’re tactful enough to know your place and not try to disturb Kayden and me,” she said with a smugness that made my skin crawl.I was tired of this back and forth with her. I decided to just lay it out. “I’ll be direct. I respect whatever is going on between you two, and I won’t interfere. You’ve just never believed me,” I said, keeping my tone as even as possible, even though my heart was already beginning to race. I d
Last Updated: 2024-10-22
Chapter: Chapter 100 - Just fix himI arrived at the restaurant where Monica had already made herself comfortable. She had dressed up for the occasion, her eyes gleaming with something I couldn’t quite place, and I was immediately on edge. This was supposed to be a simple dinner, but from the way she was looking at me, I could tell she had something else on her mind."Kayden, you’re here," she smiled, motioning for me to sit. "I waited so long for you. Come and try this house drink. I specially asked them to bring it from the cellar. It’s a premium red wine."I sat down, already feeling uneasy. Something about her excitement seemed off, but I couldn’t place it. She kept staring at me, and I couldn’t figure out why. I glanced at the wine she poured and shook my head slightly."It’s better not to drink too much wine. It’s not good for your body," I said, trying to deflect.Suddenly, her eyes welled up, and tears started falling. I was caught off guard. Had I said something wrong? Her emotions had been so fragile lately, a
Last Updated: 2024-10-21
Chapter: Chapter 99 - I’m comfortable nowI was in the middle of reading a document when Zara suddenly popped up with a bright idea.“Kayden, let’s go to the indoor ski park.”I looked up from my work, slightly amused. "No," I said, shaking my head."Why not?" She always got this look when I denied her one of her spontaneous plans.I chuckled and said, “It’s meaningless to put on so many clothes. If we’re doing something active, we might as well go to the pool. It’s more... pleasing to the eyes.”She immediately grabbed a pillow and tossed it at me. "Perv."I couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction. But she didn’t give up. She never did.“Come on, let’s go try it out, Kayden.... Honey, I’ve never been to a ski park before.”That word, “Honey,” always had a strange effect on me. It was like she knew the exact button to push.I sighed, feeling a bit helpless. She knew exactly how to get her way. I reached out and rubbed her head. "Fine. Let’s go."Her face lit up immediately. “Heh heh. Thanks, Honey. You’re is the best!”I trie
Last Updated: 2024-10-20
Forbidden Thirst (Crimson Shadows Book #1)
In the shadowed alleys of Ravenwood, Celeste Osborne finds herself irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic and dangerously alluring Lucian Bathory. Hired as an au pair for the mysterious Bathory family, Celeste quickly discovers that Lucian is no ordinary man—he’s a centuries-old vampire with a thirst for blood and a hunger that goes far beyond the physical.
As Celeste is pulled deeper into Lucian’s dark world, the boundaries between fear and desire begin to blur. Her days are filled with tension, but it’s in the secret hours of the night that their passions ignite. Lucian’s touch awakens something wild within her, something she never knew existed, but it comes at a price. His world is one of power, danger, and ancient rivalries, and loving him means embracing a darkness that could consume her whole.
As their forbidden romance intensifies, Celeste must decide if she’s willing to surrender to the seductive pull of Lucian’s world, where every kiss could be her last and every touch could bind her to him for eternity. In this tale of love, lust, and immortality, Celeste will learn that some desires are worth risking everything—even her soul.
"Crimson Shadows: Forbidden Thirst" is Book I of the Crimson Shadows series. It is a dark and passionate story where love and danger entwine, pushing the boundaries of what it means to surrender to desire.
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Chapter: Chapter 16As I go down to the dining room in the evening. Today's events are still foremost in my mind. What a day! As if discovering the university and the courses weren't enough. I got to know Sarah better, and I also got a little closer to Peter.Well, it seems that I didn't just make friends either. As I think about Caroline and Logan, I start to worry. If those two always behave like that they haven't finished causing me problems! I hope that things will calm down soon. For the first time since my arrival at the mansion, the dining room is empty. Since everything is ready. I take a seat. I'm so hungry!While I'm wondering whether I should wait or help myself right away, Draven joins me. "Good evening Celeste! So how was your day?""Hectic!""I wasn’t expecting such an answer! Things were as bad as that?""The classes were ok, I only had three hours in all and we mainly talked about the coming year.""Repetitive but essential, no doubt. Did you make any friends?" Why is everybody curious ab
Last Updated: 2024-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 15Once we reach the manor, Lucian parks the car near the huge fountain. The engine is still running when I step out.I walk past a confused Draven who must be wondering what I'm doing with his brother. I hasten the pace when I hear Lucian behind me. "With pleasure, little thing! Look forward to the next time." I climb up the front steps a little too quickly and run into Peter, as I reach the top. "Sorry!""Are you okay?""The day was full of twists and turns and didn't end very well!""What happened?""I found myself between Logan and Lucian!""Oh...""Yeah, like you say." I enter the manor. Peter is still with me when I cross the big hall. I decide to go straight to my room.We both go upstairs and as we walk down a corridor, I start talking again. I need to get things off my chest. "I thought Lucian was the most unbearable guy on Earth, I found worse! “Logan is a bag of muscles with no brain." Peter says, as he keeps up the pace."He seemed to be more of a drag to me.""That's what
Last Updated: 2024-10-29
Chapter: Chapter 14Lucian's behaviour is one of my main problems. I don't know what to do with him. Becoming his friend seems impossible, and avoiding him is equally unlikely, given that we both live under the same roof."You seem very thoughtful?""I was thinking about Lucian." Sarah's gaze darken at once."We don't get along very well."Sarah sighs. "Allow me to give you a piece of advice: stay away from him as much as possible.""I agree with you, but it's not easy, should I remind you that I live with him?""Yes, seen from that angle, but nevertheless you still don't have to spend all your time with him. The house is big enough, no?""Yes, but he always finds a way of running into me. It's as if he did it on purpose.""Okay, so it's more complex than I thought, between you two." she rubs her chin looking deep in thought."I absolutely have to get him out of my head!""Reason more to get out as soon as you can!" Sarah exclaimed."Yeah. I'll have to have a discussion with Draven about my hours off. T
Last Updated: 2024-09-26
Chapter: Chapter 13ACCORDING to my schedule, I have only one lesson this afternoon. I hurry, intentionally because I don't want to cross Sarah or Lucian. He drives me mad! And Sarah, well it's different. I like her but she's hiding things from me. And I don't like that.I hurry up to the aisle. At this time, during the lunch break, the gardens are crowded. I try to think of a way to learn more about Amelia Forbes and her sudden disappearance. I am now convinced that the Bathory's are connected with it. I'd like to have more details. After all, there's no harm in wanting to learn more about the family you're living with.If I'm in the slightest danger, I may as well know as soon as possible so as to run for my life! The best thing is to take advantage of my visit to the library to try to glean some information. Perhaps I can find some newspapers that write about the tragedy, as it happened only a few weeks ago.As I get to the library, I am surprised by the vastness of the room. The high ceilings and t
Last Updated: 2024-09-23
Chapter: Chapter 12As we continue our lunch, talking, we're suddenly interrupted by someone calling out to us."Hey, hello Sarah, you must introduce me to your new friend!"A young man was so up to us, accompanied by the blonde girl who I saw Lucian with this morning.She is literally dangling on his arm and immediately makes me think of a leech. She doesn't seem happy to see him take an interest in us. Without behaving to ask, he sits down at our table with a womaniser smile on his face.Who does he think he is? Just because he's good looking doesn't give him all the rights and let alone invite himself to our table. He leans towards me, giving me a wink, probably thinking that I'm gonna faint from Ecstasy on the spot. I refrain from rolling my eyes. After all, I did want to make new acquaintances, this may be the chance."Celeste, this is Logan. He's our fantastic quarterback. Logan, this is Celeste. She just moved to Ravenwood!""So, you're new. I thought so too." He makes an observation."Is it that
Last Updated: 2024-09-23
Chapter: Chapter 11"Hey Celeste, I thought you'd taken this course!""Oh, Hey, Sarah! What are you doing here?""I managed to take a few of the same options as you. Like that it'll be more fun!" She leans forwards and gives me a hello hug before sitting on the seat beside me.I won't be as lonely as I thought after all. In a flash, my anxieties dissipate. I thought the class would never end. The professor was as excited as a mollusc dying in the sun. I hope the next ones will be more interesting, otherwise, it's gonna be boring as hell. As I leave the auditorium, Sarah seems to have decided on following me."Come on, let's get some fresh air, I have an hour to kill before my next class." We stop at a vending machine for a coffee, then continue to wander through the corridors."I always get bored the first few days of the term, nothing much happens." Sarah tells me."You're right, our last class wasn't exactly captivating. I hope the professors will be more dynamic.""They better be because this last one
Last Updated: 2024-09-08
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