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 44: A Tenuous TrustLena Thompson had always known that trust was a fragile thing, but now, as the investigation stretched deeper into the labyrinth of corruption, it felt like a ticking time bomb. Every relationship was suspect. Every conversation had hidden layers. Every ally had the potential to be a traitor.In the aftermath of the breach, paranoia settled over the team like a suffocating fog. The revelation that someone within their ranks had been feeding information to their enemies had left an open wound, one that refused to heal. Lena had long prided herself on her ability to read people, to understand their motivations, but now that confidence had been shattered.There was too much at stake to make another mistake.She sat at the long conference table, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the wood. The office was dim, illuminated only by the glow of a laptop screen. Across from her, Michael Edwards leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his expression unreadable."Tell me I’m wrong," she sa
Last Updated: 2025-02-19
Chapter: Chapter 43: The Price of RevengeLena’s world was unraveling.The deeper she pushed into the abyss of corruption, the more vicious the enemy became. She had expected retaliation—threats, intimidation, even legal counterattacks—but nothing had prepared her for the full force of their revenge.That morning, as she stepped into the office, the tension in the air was suffocating.Jessica Ramirez, her tech specialist, was hunched over her laptop, eyes darting frantically across the screen. Michael Edwards stood beside her, his jaw clenched as he scrolled through files on his tablet.Something was wrong.Lena barely had time to set her bag down before Jessica’s voice cut through the silence.“We’ve been breached.”Lena’s stomach tightened. “What do you mean, breached?”Jessica’s fingers flew across the keyboard, pulling up a series of corrupted files and red warning messages flashing across the monitors. “Someone hacked into our system. They’ve wiped files, corrupted data, and—” she hesitated, swallowing hard, “—they have
Last Updated: 2025-02-19
Chapter: Chapter 42: Into the AbyssLena had always known corruption ran deep. She just hadn’t realized how deep.The investigation had long since passed the point of exposing Daniel Mitchell’s crimes. That had been the surface—just the tip of something far more insidious. Now, she and her team were wading through an ocean of deceit, uncovering a network so vast and interconnected that it blurred the lines between government, business, and crime.Inside their secure operations hub, the air was thick with exhaustion. The walls were lined with charts and documents, connecting powerful figures with illicit activities in an intricate web of greed and betrayal. Monitors flickered with intelligence reports, coded messages, and financial records spanning decades.Jessica Ramirez, her tech specialist, stood by a large whiteboard, marking new connections as they appeared. “It’s bigger than we thought,” she muttered, highlighting a name in red. Senator Raymond Holt.Lena frowned, staring at the new addition to their growing list
Last Updated: 2025-02-19
Chapter: Chapter 41: The Dangerous IntersectionLena Thompson stood at the edge of a war she could no longer see the boundaries of.The investigation had spiraled beyond its initial scope. What began as an effort to dismantle Daniel Mitchell’s empire had evolved into a full-scale battle against an elite syndicate desperately trying to preserve its power. The facade of legitimacy was crumbling, but in its place, new alliances were forming—dangerous, unseen, and far more aggressive than before.In the secure conference room, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Screens flickered with encrypted messages and intelligence reports, revealing a disturbing new development.Jessica Ramirez, their tech specialist, typed furiously as she brought up a set of intercepted communications. “These messages confirm what we suspected,” she said, her voice tight. “The remaining factions in the network are regrouping. They’re not scattering; they’re consolidating.”Lena leaned forward, her fingers interlaced, her mind processing every possibility. “W
Last Updated: 2025-02-19
Chapter: Chapter 40: The Hidden EnemyThe empire had fallen, but the war was far from over.Daniel Mitchell’s arrest had sent shockwaves through the business and political elite. The once-invincible tycoon now sat in a high-security prison, awaiting trial, while the media feasted on his downfall. Investors scrambled to distance themselves, board members resigned in disgrace, and long-time allies found themselves suddenly vulnerable.Lena Mitchell watched it all unfold from the privacy of her penthouse, the television flickering with endless news segments dissecting the scandal. Her attorney, Jessica Carter, sat beside her, flipping through legal briefs.“The SEC is launching a deeper investigation into Mitchell Industries,” Jessica said, scanning the latest updates. “The stock’s in free fall. If they don’t find a way to stabilize, they’ll be bankrupt by the end of the quarter.”Lena sipped her coffee, her expression unreadable. “Good. Let it burn.”Jessica looked at her, studying her carefully. “Are you sure about that? Y
Last Updated: 2025-02-19
Chapter: Chapter 39: The Fall of the FaçadeThe Mitchell empire had once been untouchable. Now, it was on fire.Outside the courthouse, reporters swarmed like vultures, cameras flashing as a row of microphones stood waiting for the press conference to begin. The city had been gripped by the unfolding scandal, each revelation more damning than the last. The once-glorious reputation of Daniel Mitchell was unraveling in real time.Lena stood at the edge of the chaos, watching from a distance. Dressed in black, her face unreadable, she was a stark contrast to the manic energy of the journalists shouting for a statement. Next to her, Jessica Carter, her attorney, adjusted her blazer and exhaled sharply.“This is it,” Jessica murmured. “Once the DA speaks, there’s no coming back from this.”Lena nodded, gripping the railing in front of her. “Good.”The cameras turned as District Attorney Philip Langston stepped onto the podium. His expression was grave. He cleared his throat and adjusted the microphone before addressing the sea of fl
Last Updated: 2025-02-19
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 20A ray of sunshine filtering through the curtains wakes me, but I have real difficulty emerging. I've clearly lost the habit of going out dancing! Sarah brought me home around 3:00 am. My mouth is a little pasty, I stretch, glance at my alarm, and literally, leap up!It's past 11 o'clock! I was sure I'd set the alarm, but when I check, I see that it's not the case. What's going on? I rush into the bathroom to take a fast shower and almost slip in my hurry. Great! That would be just what I need, a fractured skull! I dress as fast as I can and quickly brush my hair. I look like a hot mess, but I'm out of time. I rush down the stairs and almost miss a step. I just manage to grab the bannister and avoid tumbling all the way down.Once downstairs, I come face to face with Draven, who freezes before I bump straight into him."Oh Draven, I'm really sorry. My alarm clock didn't go off. I really don't know why. I'm sure I set it yesterday, it should have worked. But I'll make up for it, I'll pr
Last Updated: 2025-01-28
Chapter: Chapter 19Looking up, I see Lucian coming into the bar with his friends. I try to pretend I haven't seen him but something happens. The room becomes tense. Lucian has the kind of aura that makes people turn towards him. I hear him mumble something but I can't clearly make out what he's saying.I can feel him gazing at me. He attracts me like a magnet. As I look up, I already know I'm making a mistake, but I fall into the trap and stupidly plunge my eyes into his. I feel something of an electric shock, his gaze is so intense.For a moment the bustle of the bar seems to disappear. I don't look down. I just stare a him with a kind of fascination. I can't help it, he literally hypnotises me with his bewitching look and I suddenly want to be near him. I lay my face in my hands and let out a long sigh. I should find him unbearable and yet I can't hate him. Far from it. He smirks a little as his friends order beers. I swallow, uncomfortable, and look around me.I try to see if other people have seen h
Last Updated: 2025-01-28
Chapter: Chapter 18Back at home, I'm excited! I haven't been out to have fun since my parent's death. I know it's going to be good for me. I choose my outfit with great care and take the time to comb my hair, and do my make up.Laura comes into my room. I catch her eye in the mirror and can immediately see that something's wrong. She sits down in the bed, dragging her awful teddy behind her, and looks at me sulkily."What on Earth's the matter?!""I can't understand why you're going out!""Well, because I have a free evening, and I'm going out to enjoy myself a bit!”"But that's not fair, you're paid to take care of me, so you can't go out." I finish putting on my earrings, then sit down next to Laura. "You don't have your say in it." She takes on a haughty air making me frown. "That's what you think!""Oh no, I know it, for certain." I get up to grab my jacket and bag. "That's the way it is Laura. You'll have to put up with it!"The child scowls and crosses her arms around the 'adorable' cuddly toy.
Last Updated: 2025-01-27
Chapter: Chapter 17When I wake up, I can't wait. This is my first day of freedom. No classes or babysitting! Yes!I get up quickly and dressed casually. I then go down into the dining room, over excited with my head full of plans for the day. Everybody's up already, except for Laura. I greet everyone while gobbling down a few muffins. I can feel their eyes on me and notice that surprised look on their faces."What? It's the most important meal of the day, isn't it?""Of course, you can eat as much as you like." Draven says. Without a word or look at me, Lucian gets up and leaves the room. I hear the door slam, then his car starting. Whenever I think I'm moving in the right direction with him, Lucian takes three steps back. I quickly chase these thoughts from my mind and smile at the two remaining brothers. "I'm going to take advantage of my free time to get books that I'll need for my classes. I think I'll go for a wander and take it easy.""I'll come with you." Peter offers.I'm in too much of a good
Last Updated: 2025-01-27
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
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