Novel-novel oleh Rain

Hunter’s grip on the steering wheel was like iron, his knuckles white against the black leather, as he pulled into his driveway. The moment he killed the engine, the low hum of the car fading into the evening’s quiet, his phone buzzed again, a sharp, insistent vibration against the console.Sophia. Again.He ignored the call, a flicker of irritation sparking in his chest, and stepped out of the car, slamming the door shut with more force than necessary. The evening air was cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and distant honeysuckle, but his blood was boiling, a hot, turbulent current beneath his skin.Evelyn and her stupid lover boy Edwin.The two names were on repeat in his head, a relentless, torturous mantra, feeding the jealousy that gnawed at his insides, a ravenous beast consuming his peace of mind.She was with him right now.Probably laughing. Probably smiling while looking into each other’s eyes.Had she already let him touch her the way she used to let him? The way she us

Hunter sat at the head of the long, sleek conference table, staring at the financial reports spread in front of him. The numbers blurred together, his grip tightening around the pen in his hand. The room was filled with the low hum of conversation, the occasional shuffle of papers, and the faint click of a keyboard. But Hunter wasn’t listening. He was supposed to be focused. This meeting was important—his company was finalizing a major acquisition, and every executive in the room was waiting for his decision. The deal was worth billions, and the stakes were high. But his mind was elsewhere. Evelyn. Edwin. The way she had looked at him last night, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and defiance. Like she had moved on. Like she didn’t care anymore. The memory burned in his chest, a slow, smoldering fire that refused to be extinguished. A sharp voice cut through his thoughts. “Mr. Blackwood?” Hunter’s head snapped up. His CFO, Marcus Reed, was watching him expectant

Evelyn sat on her couch, staring at the untouched cup of tea in front of her. Edwin had been talking for the past ten minutes—about how toxic Hunter was, about how she needed to cut him off for good—but her mind was elsewhere. She could still hear the sound of Hunter’s car speeding away, could still picture the flicker of something dangerous in his eyes before he left. Jealousy. Possession. Something she shouldn’t have cared about. But did. “Evelyn?” She blinked, snapping back to the present. Edwin was watching her, concern etched across his face. “What?” He sighed. “Were you even listening?” Evelyn rubbed her temples. “I’m tired, Edwin. Can we not do this right now?” His jaw tightened. “Fine. But at least tell me you see it now. He hasn’t changed, Evelyn. He never will.” She swallowed. “It’s not that simple.” Edwin scoffed. “It is exactly that simple. He’s a selfish bastard who only cares about himself. You don’t owe him anything—not your time, not your pi

Breakfast was torture. Not because of Grandma Blackwood—she was as sweet and oblivious as ever—but because of Hunter. Evelyn could feel his eyes on her. Watching. Waiting. As if he expected her to slip, to react, to—what? Fall into his arms like a fool? Not happening. She focused on her food, answering Grandma’s questions with polite enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Hunter played the perfect, doting husband, chiming in at just the right moments. His hand occasionally brushed hers, his arm rested behind her chair—it was all for show, of course. But her body refused to believe that. By the time breakfast was over, Evelyn was exhausted. Hunter helped clear the dishes, chatting easily with Grandma as if nothing was amiss. Meanwhile, Evelyn sat frozen in her seat, replaying that moment at the table. The way he had looked at her. Like he meant it. Like they weren’t pretending. Her chest tightened. She needed air. --- Escape to the Garden Evelyn retreated to the backyard, ta

Evelyn lay stiffly on the couch, staring at the ceiling. The dim glow of the moon cast soft shadows across the room, but it did nothing to ease the restlessness buzzing under her skin. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—anger, frustration, and something else she couldn’t quite name. Something that made her chest ache and her throat tighten.She could still hear Hunter moving around in the bedroom, could picture him sprawled across the bed like he belonged there, like he owned the space—like he owned her. The thought made her jaw clench. *No. He doesn’t get to affect me anymore.* But that was a lie, wasn’t it? Because no matter how much she wanted to deny it, the past still lingered between them, thick and suffocating. It was in the way he looked at her, the way his voice carried that familiar teasing edge, the way his presence seemed to fill every room he entered. It was in the memories she couldn’t escape, no matter how hard she tried.She turned onto her side, pressing the pillow

Evelyn barely slept.Every time she drifted off, she’d wake to the weight of memories pressing down on her. The familiar scent of Hunter’s cologne mixed with the warm cedarwood of his skin made her chest feel tight.She hated that even now—after everything—his presence still had an effect on her.When the soft glow of dawn filtered through the lace curtains, Evelyn decided she had had enough. Carefully, she slipped out of bed, making sure not to disturb Hunter. He lay on his back, one arm flung across the pillow, his bare chest rising and falling steadily.For a moment, she just looked at him.It wasn’t fair. That he could sleep so soundly while she was drowning in emotions she didn’t want to feel.Shaking off the thought, she grabbed a robe and tiptoed out of the room.The kitchen was warm, filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and something sweet. Evelyn found Grandma Blackwood at the stove, humming softly as she flipped pancakes.“Good morning, sweetheart,” she said, smili

2 years later - The stage, still shimmering under the golden wash of the spotlights, echoed with the thunderous applause even as the velvet curtains descended, sealing off the spectacle. Selena stood at the heart of the stage, her chest heaving, her breath coming in ragged, triumphant gasps. The final, soaring notes of her performance, a culmination of years of relentless dedication, hung in the air, a testament to her talent. Yet, the audience's roaring cheers, a wave of unabashed adoration, confirmed what she already knew: she had captivated them.She had done it. She had finally reached the pinnacle she had so ardently pursued.From her early days as a precocious prima donna in the grand opera houses, where her crystalline soprano had enchanted audiences, to this very night—her Broadway debut as the leading lady of a prestigious opera troupe—her journey had been a testament to her unwavering spirit. Yet, as she took her final, graceful bow, her gaze fell upon a familiar sight wait

The soft glow of the fireplace flickered across the dimly lit living room, casting long, dancing shadows that painted the walls with a warm, intimate hue. Julian leaned back on the couch, his arm stretched along the top, a silent observer of Selena as she tucked her legs beneath her, creating a cozy nest of her oversized sweater. There was something about the way the firelight danced in her eyes, catching the subtle flecks of gold and amber, that made his chest tighten with a complex mix of tenderness and a vague, unsettling apprehension. He’d always admired her quiet strength, but tonight, there was a fragile vulnerability that both captivated and worried him."You've been quiet," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that barely disturbed the stillness, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The simple gesture was meant to be comforting, a gentle reminder of his presence, but he felt a flicker of unease at the way she flinched slightly, as if startled by his touc

Selena's breath hitched as Julian planted a series of soft, wet kisses down her neck, his teeth gently nibbling at the tender skin. His hands roamed freely across her body, leaving goosebumps and a warmth that felt like wildfire wherever they touched. He caressed her breasts, teasing the nipples until they were taut with desire.Feeling the firmness of his erection pressed against her, Selena couldn't resist any longer and reached down to stroke him slowly. The base of his cock felt thick and velvety in her grasp. Julian let out a deep moan that reverberated through her entire body, sending shivers dancing along her spine.Their limbs tangled together, Selena's legs wrapped around Julian's waist as their bodies moved in perfect sync. Their breathing grew ragged and desperate, their exhales and inhales mingling together in a symphony of passion.Julian's gaze lingered on Selena's flushed face and he paused for a moment, his pupils dilating with unbridled lust. "You are so beautiful," h

Every day was a new adventure, every moment a testament to their connection, their bond growing stronger with each passing hour. They explored the city together, sharing kisses in the rain, and dancing in the moonlight, their laughter echoing through the streets, their love a constant, steady flame, burning bright, warming their hearts.It was perfect, it was bliss, it was everything she had ever wanted, and as the days passed, and the months turned into years, Selena couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, fairytales could come true after all."Marry me," he whispered one night, his voice a low, husky murmur against her skin, his eyes filled with an intensity that made her heart ache."Aren't we already married?"He smiled. "I want to marry you again, grand and happily."She nodded, her smile a promise, her gaze filled with a love that spoke volumes, her answer a silent declaration of her devotion.He smiled, his expression tender, his gaze filled with a deep, unfathomable aff

They returned to their home at night.Home.Selena loved how the word felt on her lips, a promise, a hope, a dream come true.That night, after a romantic dinner in a dimly lit restaurant, their meal accompanied by a string quartet and a glass of rich, velvety wine, Julian led her upstairs, his touch reverent, his eyes dark with a passion that mirrored her own.When he touched her, when he kissed her, her mind went blank, a haze of desire, and her body, her body was on fire, aching, longing for the feeling of him, the warmth of his skin against hers, the intimacy of their shared pleasure.He gently pushed her on the bed and hovered above her.She felt his hand brush the sensitive spot on her stomach, moving up to her breasts and cupping them, teasing them, and she couldn't hold back the moans that escaped her lips.She closed her eyes and arched her back. His hot, wet mouth enveloped her left breast while his thumb circled the nipple of her right.He sucked, nipped and bit until the p

Paris was everything Selena had imagined, and yet, it was also so much more. It was a living, breathing dream, a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents that resonated deep within her soul. She had seen the postcards, read the novels, watched the romantic comedies, but nothing, absolutely nothing, could have prepared her for the sheer, intoxicating reality of being here. The city hummed with a vibrant energy, a palpable sense of history and romance that permeated every cobblestone street, every ornate building, every whispered conversation. Every corner held a story, every street exuded a timeless charm, and every glance Julian sent her way, every touch, every word, amplified the magic tenfold.Their first morning in Paris, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains of their bedroom, Julian had woken her with a gentle kiss on her forehead, a feather-light touch that sent a shiver down her spine. "Get dressed, sweetheart. We’re going out." His voice, a low, husky rumble, w

Ryder’s POVThe academy was alive with its usual chaos—students laughing, gossiping, living their meaningless little lives. But my eyes were focused on only one thing. Lily. She moved through the hallways like a ghost, her head down, shoulders hunched, as if she were trying to disappear. A pathetic sight, really. But it was amusing how she still held herself together after everything I put her through. Most people would’ve broken by now, but not her. No, Lily had this quiet resilience that made tormenting her all the more satisfying. I leaned against my locker, watching as she hesitated by her own, fumbling with her books. Her hands were shaking. Was she still thinking about yesterday? Good. Vanessa’s shrill voice snapped me out of my thoughts. She was talking to some of her friends, but the moment she saw me looking at Lily, she walked over, a smirk playing on her lips. “Still obsessed with your favorite toy?” she teased, trailing her fingers down my arm. I scoffed. “Hard

Lily’s POV Hunter’s arm was steady around my trembling waist as we left the academy behind. I barely registered the cool evening air outside, my mind still churning with the echoes of the day’s cruelty. His quiet determination and unspoken concern were a small comfort in a world that had so often made me feel utterly invisible. The drive home was shrouded in silence. The city lights blurred past the window as I stared out into the dark, my thoughts a jumbled mess of humiliation and despair. Every passing streetlight reminded me of the cruel laughter in the cafeteria and the relentless, cutting words that had scarred me so deeply. I felt small—broken even—yet somehow, Hunter’s presence anchored me. When we finally pulled up in front of our house, its warm glow and familiar silhouette should have offered solace. Instead, as the front door swung open, I saw my mother, Olivia, standing there, worry etched deeply into her face. Her eyes immediately locked onto mine, and in that momen

Lily’s POV I sat in the empty locker room, Hunter’s hoodie wrapped tightly around me like a shield. My fingers curled into the soft fabric, my mind replaying everything that had happened today—Vanessa’s cruel laughter, the humiliation in the cafeteria, Ryder’s sharp words that cut deeper than any wound. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to push it all away. I was so tired. Tired of running. Tired of hurting. Tired of him. The door suddenly burst open, making me jump. Hunter strode inside, his chest heaving, his jaw clenched so tightly that I swore I could hear his teeth grinding. His fists were still balled at his sides, his knuckles white. I could feel the rage radiating off him. “Hunter?” My voice came out small, uncertain. He didn’t answer immediately. He just ran a hand through his already-messy hair, exhaling sharply. Then he turned to me, his dark brown eyes burning with something fierce. “Are you okay?” The anger was gone from his vo

Lily’s POVI could still feel Ryder’s presence long after he had left me in the hallway—like a stain that wouldn’t wash away, a shadow that clung no matter how much light I tried to find. I hated him. I hated him with everything in me. The way his voice dripped with arrogance, the way his smirk made my blood boil, the way he seemed to enjoy making me feel small. But worst of all? He was right. No one was going to save me. Hunter tried, but I knew—even he wouldn’t be able to stand against Ryder for long. Ryder wasn’t just a bully. He was a storm, tearing through everything in his path, and I was caught in the eye of it. I slammed my locker shut, ignoring the lingering gazes of the students who had witnessed what happened earlier. Some of them pitied me. Others found amusement in it. But none of them would do anything about it. Because Ryder Kingston owned this school. And me? I was just another toy for him to break. I forced myself to walk toward the cafeteria, ke

**Lily’s POV** The rest of the day dragged on, but my mind was nowhere near my classes. My thoughts kept circling back to Ryder and what had happened in the cafeteria. Why had he defended me? Since when did he stand up to Vanessa?The questions gnawed at me, relentless and unyielding. Ryder had never been the protective type. If anything, he thrived on seeing me suffer. He’d always been Vanessa’s enabler, her partner in cruelty. So why had he stepped in today? Why had he stopped her? And most importantly—why did Vanessa look scared of him?That was the part that stuck with me the most. Vanessa, the queen of this twisted high school hierarchy, had looked... terrified. Her usual smug confidence had shattered in an instant, replaced by something raw and primal. Fear. Real fear. I tapped my pen against my notebook, staring blankly at my notes. None of it made sense. Ryder had always been a storm, unpredictable and destructive, but this? This was different. This felt calculated, de

Lily’s POV The next day at the academy, Sam found me by my locker, looking hesitant. “Lily…” she started, biting her lip. I turned to her, raising a brow. “What?” She sighed. “I just—I wanted to say I’m sorry. About my birthday party. About Vanessa. I should have stopped her.” I stiffened at the mention of her name. The memory of being shoved into the pool, struggling for air, Ryder’s smirk lingering in the background—it all came rushing back. I forced a small smile. “It’s not your fault, Sam.” She looked guilty. “I should have done something.” I shrugged. “It’s over now.” But we both knew it wasn’t. Because Vanessa wasn’t done with me. Later That Day – Academy Cafeteria I sat alone at my usual table, picking at my food and trying to ignore the stares. People always stared. Whether it was because I was the Alpha’s stepdaughter or because of Ryder’s cruel games, I didn’t know. Or maybe I did. Just as I was about to leave, the sound of heels clicking against