awkward silence

Humiliated, belittled, mistreated, rejected because of her silence, Emma has no hope for the future. Until she meets Michaël Keller, the son of the most powerful man in town and also the richest. Michaël has everything going for him, extraordinary beauty, influence but above all power, everyone expects him to go out with a girl from his background but he falls irremediably in love with Emma. In a society where appearance takes precedence over everything, how are these two teenagers going to be able to live their love and brave all the obstacles? Between pain, sadness and tragedies, can love despite the handicap survive?

“You dropped your spoon,” the stranger says as he grabs it. “I’ll go get another,” and the stranger goes to fetch another. When he gets back, Gianni is clinging to life because of his hunger. He is barely managing his posture. Quickly, the stranger gives the spoon to him. But as soon as it reaches the latter’s trembling hand, it falls to his bed sheets. “I can’t hold a spoon,” Gianni is despairingly disheartened. Moments of silence fills the air until the stranger’s warm hand holds Gianni’s chin open. “Open your mouth,” the stranger says as he feeds him with a spoonful off bouillabaisse. Surprised, Gianni feels the luxury of comfort once more. The stranger’s hand is so warm and comforting. He could not help but feel shy and embarrassed. “I’m sorry,” Gianni silently says. “I’ve caused you too much burden.” “It’s no problem,” the stranger wildly smiled. His smile makes Gianni’s heart throb faster than a fleeting flame. “You should regain back your strength,” the stranger continues feeding Gianni, “so that you can repay your debt with your life.” “With my life?” Gianni gulps and coughs. The revelation completely surprises him. “What do you mean?” “Your family disowned you. You have nowhere to go. You do not have any money on you nor any possessions to repay that service that I have done for you,” the stranger explains. “Thus, you shall pay back by serving as a butler." Gianni suddenly becomes the butler to the prince, who develops an interest towards the latter. How will their relationship blossom and unfold in spite of the challenges and rivals that rock their world?

“MATE!” “NO!” “I didn’t ask!” “Still No, my mate killed me long ago.” Silence… “You killed your mate?” “No!” “Aw! I got a broken doll! “ The smug bastard grinned. -- Mallory´s life didn’t go as planned, even after she believed her true fairytale had started. Betrayed, beaten, and broken beyond repair, she welcomed death when it finally came. The moon goddess granted her a new life, a choice. She chose to remember. Haunted by her past and trauma, she devoted her life to *unalive* the worse criminals, humans, and shifters. Working for the council, she managed to keep running from her nightmares. Suffocating the pain and panic attacks by escaping into subspace, guided by Mr. Bear’s firm hand. Love is not in Mallory´s world; she doesn’t want it. Don’t deserve it, and the mere thought scare her to the core. Why would two mated males have such care for her? Why would another claim her as his? She doesn’t recognize them as mates—any of them. But that doesn’t seem to scare them away. Reverse harem, BDSM, revenge, trauma, triggers! Torture, human trafficking +++ Not a beautiful romance but a dark romance with lingering trauma.

Sifting through the view, I caught a glimpse of two figures out on the field, fighting. Focusing on them, I realised that it was Beta Matthias and Alpha James, they were sparring, training. Chests bare and glistening with sweat, I couldn't help but stare. "I'm liking this new view,” chimed in Atonia, interrupting the silence, “I could get used to seeing this.” "Mmm… I- what?! No! You cannot have a crush on our Alpha,” I exclaimed, flushing red, feeling the heat run through my body. "Well it seems that I am not the one with the crush, you are!” she teased, chuckling down our bond. "I am not! I do not have a crush on the Alpha, that's absurd, Atonia!” I retorted, feeling flustered. "Right… so why haven't you stopped watching him then?” Atonia asked, amusement in her voice, "oh and look, he's looking at you.” She was right, he was staring right at me, watching as I watched him, a smirk on his face. I need to get away. I need to take my mom and run away from this place. I can't leave her here, not with him, not with my father. This town has become a prison, my own personal hell. With the cruel punishments from my father and the constant sneers, lies and rumours spread about me by my ex-best friend and my ex-boyfriend, I can't take it anymore. They used me, hurt me and threw me away and now, well it's their personal duty to destroy me completely. My name is Amelia Baker, my father is the Alphas' second in command, the Beta, a cruel, vicious man. I will get away. I will be safe. I will be free.

"Mr. Johnson, we're in the office–" Ethan takes another step towards me, making me step backwards; although we both know it's fruitless. "So what? You may be the Director, but have you forgotten the terms of our contract?” He pulls me flush against himself, my heart racing as I reply, "For the next three months, I will do exactly as you say.” He tugs on my hair to tilt my head back, brushing his lips against the exposed curve of my neck. The sensation is electrifying, melting my initial inhibitions. "Good." In one swift motion, he spins me around; and before I know it, Ethan has cuffed my wrists to the desk, leaving me breathless and utterly at his mercy… "Ethan..." "Let it go, Ashley…" That's all I need to push me over the edge. Both my mind and body are under his spell, and I'm going to let him claim me… *** Ashley Waverly’s world shatters when her parents die suddenly. Determined to save her company at any cost, she seeks help from the most ruthless businessman, Ethan Johnson. The heartless Ethan agrees to help her, but on one condition: she has to sign a contract with him. Ashley saves her company, but the business arrangement turns into a nightmare, as Ethan doesn't miss any chance to break her soul and humiliate her. Ashley endures his cruelty in silence, only to disappear the day her contract expires… not knowing Ethan has started to fall for her. After five years, fate has again rolled its dice and both of them have crossed paths. But this time, Ashley is not alone… she has a cute little four-year-old son. Will they find redemption and a second chance at happiness, or will the scars of the past tear them apart once more? ***

Ashlyn hasn't spoken a word since the age of eight, and her heart's never felt more protected. But, when the confident and ever so charming Derek stumbles into her quiet little world, her emotions-and forbidden desires-have never been so loud. For twenty years, silence is all Ashlyn Holland has known. Haunted by the memories of her father, and the harrowing song of the ocean that stole him from her, Ashlyn maintains a safe distance from the rest of the world. Treading carefully the sea of fear and anguish that surrounds her, Ashlyn is determined to do all she can to protect her heart from such a tragic loss striking again. In silence, she grieves. In silence, she is safe. In silence, she finds the strength to breathe. But the silence can only last so long... Derek Moreno is charming and devoted, and quick to see through every wall Ashlyn erects. With his arrival in town, defences fold and walls begin to crumble, the songs of her heart reaching new heights. Together, they crest twin tides of fate, the silence she'd once sought engulfed by his gentle touch, and the whispers of a love thought impossible. For the summer, Ashlyn welcomes the noise. The disruption. But, the ghosts of Derek's past will no longer remain silent, and their deafening power has the potential to drag them both into a current strong enough to drown them amidst their heartache.

Michael Damari is a secondary school student who is about to turn 18. He is a gentleman, quite awkward around girls and very protective of his family. With only few weeks to his final exams, Michael isn't quite prepared for all life has in store for him within those crucial weeks. When his younger sister, Ola becomes a victim of bullying, he realizes he needs to do something and due to his family's financial constraint, he decides to get a part time job at a cafe. However, his new boss, Donny, seems to be selling more than just delicious coffee. He meets Cindy, a pretty socialite from a wealthy family, but is she really good for him? The bigger question is, can he get through the next few weeks in one piece and just how much will his decisions affect those he loves?

“Are you thinking what I'm thinking?” she whispered, pushing her hips against his. The way his pupils dilated nearly did her in. Ethan: There are only two things that make billionaire Ethan White's heart race: fast cars and Laura Corbett. Unfortnately, Laura wants nothing to do with his playboy ways. Ethan thnks that everyone has the wrong idea about him, including his stalker, and he's determined to prove them all wrong. When Ethan's business partner wants to open a new car R&D facility in Colorado, he jumps at the opportunity to be closer to his two passions. Laura: Thrust into the new responsibility of raising her siblings by the death of her parents, Laura Corbett doesn't have time for awkward hookups, let alone a relationship. So when the billionaire she had a one night stand with shows up in town, she pretends he doesn't exist. She can't let anything come between her and her family. But nothing can prepare her for the way that Ethan connects with her brother and sister. And she can't deny the fact that jumping in his bed makes her come alive. Everything seems like it'll be normal again, maybe even better than normal. But Ethan's stalker disagrees...

“I will choke you to death till you beg for me to stop but I won’t. I will make you pour out all the water left in your body with my tongue”. In a sudden and tense encounter, I found myself desperately seeking answers from him. But his silence only fueled my frustration. With emotions boiling over, I couldn't contain my anger, clenching my fist as I shot him a piercing look. Undeterred, I pressed on, demanding a response, my annoyance growing palpable. However, his explosive reaction caught me off guard, as he silenced me with a fierce command, his grip on my face sending shivers down my spine. The chilling intensity of his eyes left me paralyzed, consumed by fear. I realized I had provoked a dangerous force, a man exuding an aura of unapproachable defiance. Tears welled up as his grip tightened, and my helplessness only deepened. The emotional storm between us unveiled a side to him that was ruthless and merciless, living up to the ominous title he bore. With a final, venomous word, he tore away a bandage and stormed out, leaving me to grapple with the unsettling encounter that had just unfolded.

Serena hesitated for a moment before asking the question that had been weighing heavily on her mind. "What if I'm pregnant? Would you still proceed with the divorce?" The silence in the room was thick and palpable, and her heart began to race as she waited for Rick's response. She looked at him expectantly, hoping against hope that he might have a change of heart. However, Rick's face remained cold and expressionless as he spoke. "I love Gina and I'm committed to building a life with her. I'll do whatever it takes to remove any obstacles from our path, even if that means getting rid of the child in your womb, assuming there is one." The words hit Serena like a ton of bricks, leaving her feeling hurt, angry, and scared all at once. She couldn't believe that Rick was willing to go to such lengths just to be with his ex again. Serena was once a subservient daughter-in-law, but she never complained. All she craved was her husband's affection, which she thought she had. However, she never realized that her husband was merely using her for his benefit. Rick initiated the divorce. Fuelled by rage and agony, Serena discards her submissive facade and returns to her family. She vows revenge on Rick for the pain he caused her.