Novel-novel oleh Rain

The day's emotional turmoil had taken its toll on Evelyn. After their heart-wrenching conversation in the attic, she had retreated to the living room, seeking the soft comfort of the couch. The gentle rustle of the evening breeze and the rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock were a soothing lullaby. She had curled up, a book resting unread on her chest, and without realizing it, she had drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep. Hunter found her there, a quiet, vulnerable figure in the soft lamplight. Her hair was a messy cascade of dark waves against the cream-colored cushions, and her face, in the peaceful repose of sleep, was a study in soft vulnerability. All the defenses, the walls she had so painstakingly built, were gone. He felt a profound, aching tenderness swell in his chest. He moved quietly, a silent shadow in the room. From a nearby chair, he retrieved a thick, woolen blanket, one that Grandma always kept there. With meticulous care, he knelt beside the couch and gently

The morning was one of those rare, perfect days in early autumn, where the air was crisp and cool, and the sun cast a golden glow over everything it touched. Evelyn, feeling stronger than she had in weeks, decided to take a longer walk in the garden. She felt a profound sense of peace, the result of her slow but steady physical and emotional recovery. Hunter was nowhere in sight, and the solitude was a welcome companion. She walked slowly, savoring the feeling of the soft grass beneath her slippers. The scent of damp earth and late-blooming roses filled the air. She passed the small indoor garden Hunter had made for her, a small smile touching her lips as she admired the vibrant green of the ferns. Her heart, so recently a clenched fist of resentment, was now a more open, vulnerable thing, accepting his care and the burgeoning hope it offered. As she rounded the corner of the house, a sudden, familiar wave of dizziness swept over her. It was a remnant of her recent illness, an unwel

The quiet sanctuary of Grandma’s house, with its scent of freshly baked bread and the gentle rustle of leaves, was now a façade. Beneath its peaceful exterior, a silent war raged, with Hunter at the center, a ghost moving between two worlds. The one where he was a patient, attentive caretaker for Evelyn, and the other, a ruthless strategist meticulously dismantling a man's empire. Nico, true to his word, had become Hunter’s eyes and ears in the city’s underbelly. The inside information began to pour in, a steady stream of data that was as valuable as it was dangerous. Nico’s texts and encrypted emails were a dark mosaic of James’s life: a hidden ledger detailing money laundering through a chain of seemingly legitimate restaurants, an address for a safe house in the hills, a list of associates with their own secrets, and the location of illegal shipments disguised as international exports. Hunter spent his nights in the study, the only light coming from his laptop screen. He was sett

The quiet stillness of Grandma’s house, once a sanctuary, now felt like the calm before a storm. Evelyn’s gradual thawing, her tentative acceptance of his presence, was both a source of immense relief and a constant, gnawing fear for Hunter. He knew that their fragile progress, her safety, her very freedom, hinged on one man: James. The legal battle, while a necessary first step, was a slow-moving beast. Hunter had to move faster, more discreetly, in the shadows where James truly operated. He spent his nights in his study, a ghost in the silent house, hunched over his laptop. The legal proceedings were moving forward, but Hunter's real work was happening on a parallel track. He was meticulously investigating James’s movements, his shell corporations, the seedy underbelly of his business empire. He knew a man like James wouldn’t simply surrender to legal pressure. He would retaliate, and his targets would be Hunter and, more importantly, Evelyn. Hunter knew he couldn’t fight this bat

The quiet hours after sunset were Evelyn’s. Once Grandma had retired to her room and Hunter was safely occupied in his study, Evelyn would retrieve a small, leather-bound journal from beneath the loose floorboard in her closet. It was a secret sanctuary, a space where she could unspool the tangled threads of her thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or vulnerability. The air still held the day's warmth, a soft counterpoint to the turmoil in her heart. She would write by the soft glow of a single lamp, her pen scratching softly across the page. Her entries were a raw, honest chronicle of the days at Grandma’s house, of Hunter’s quiet presence, and the bewildering softening of her own heart. Dear diary, He fixed the music box. He planted the indoor garden. He even tried to cook curry, and the entire kitchen filled with smoke. I saw him, of course. He was so mortified. And I… I actually smiled. A real one. I can’t believe it. I'm writing this down so I don't forget. So I rem

The afternoon sun, which had been a warm and constant presence, suddenly gave way to a bruised, grey sky. Evelyn was in the far end of the garden, lost in the quiet contemplation of a new sapling she had planted. She was so absorbed in the simple, grounding task that she didn’t notice the first heavy drops of rain. By the time the sky opened up, releasing a sudden torrent, she was too far from the porch to make it without getting soaked. A frantic dash proved futile; within seconds, the front of her clothes was plastered to her skin, her hair was slick with rain, and cold rivulets ran down her face and neck. She finally reached the shelter of the porch, breathless and shivering, a frustrated laugh escaping her lips as she stood there, dripping. She looked up. Hunter was standing in the doorway, a soft, woolen towel clutched in his hands. His expression was a familiar blend of concern and a quiet, almost heartbreaking, intensity. He didn't speak, just held her gaze for a long, heavy

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

The journey from the courthouse to her new "home" was a blur, the tinted windows of the sleek black car obscuring the outside world, much like the opaque future ahead of her. When the vehicle finally slowed, Layla felt a tremor of apprehension. She was led out not to a towering mansion, but to a luxurious modern house nestled on the edge of the city. It wasn’t ostentatious, but its clean lines, expansive glass panels, and meticulously manicured gardens spoke of understated wealth and impeccable taste. It was far, far nicer than anywhere she had ever lived, a stark contrast to the cramped apartments and the suffocating atmosphere of her adoptive home.As she stepped inside, the cool air enveloped her, carrying a faint scent of fresh flowers and expensive wood polish. The interior was a symphony of modern design: high ceilings, polished concrete floors softened by plush rugs, minimalist furniture, and large windows that offered breathtaking views of the urban sprawl blending into the d

The steel door clicked shut with a soft, ominous thud, the sound echoing in the opulent silence of the room. Layla rushed forward, her hands pressing against the cool metal, testing the handle. Locked. Of course. She turned, her glare finding the two impassive men in suits who stood just outside the door, guardians of her gilded cage.“Let me out,” she demanded, her voice trembling despite her attempt at authority.One of them, a man with eyes as unyielding as granite, offered a polite, almost regretful smile. “I’m afraid Mr. Frost’s instructions were quite clear, Ms. Hayes. You are to remain here until you’ve come to a decision.”“My decision is to leave!” she retorted, frustration and fear clawing at her.The other man, equally stoic, merely inclined his head. “With all due respect, Ms. Hayes, that is not an acceptable answer to Mr. Frost.”Layla stared at them, helpless. They were polite, yes, but their politeness was more terrifying than any overt threat. It conveyed an absolute,

The world dissolved into an oppressive, suffocating darkness. Rough hands, impersonal and unyielding, bound a thick cloth around Layla’s eyes, plunging her into a terrifying void. The muffled roar of traffic, the subtle shifts and turns, told her they were moving swiftly through the city. Each bump and swerve sent a fresh wave of nausea through her. She was a parcel, an object, stripped of her agency. The fear, a cold, sharp blade, pierced deeper with every passing second.Eventually, the movement ceased. The doors opened, and the chill of an air-conditioned environment washed over her. She was guided, prodded, through what felt like a vast, echoing space. Footsteps, crisp and precise, clicked on a hard floor. The air grew colder, almost icier, carrying with it the scent of expensive polish and a faint, masculine cologne. It was a scent she dimly recognized, a ghost of memory from that terrifying, forgotten night. The blindfold was yanked off, the sudden light searing her eyes. She

Layla woke with a pounding headache and a mouth as dry as sand. As her eyes adjusted to the unfamiliar bedroom, her heart froze. There was a man beside her, muscular, shirtless, and undeniably gorgeous. But he was a stranger. And she was naked.Flashes of the previous night hit her like knives, not as dialogues, but as vivid, brutal recollections of events. She remembered her adoptive parents, their faces contorted with fury, their shouts echoing in her ears as they accused her of "ungratefulness" during another one of their endless arguments. The memory of a stinging slap, a dizzying blow, and the coppery taste of blood in her mouth was sharp, followed by the frantic scramble to escape their violence, tearing her shirt in the process as she finally broke free, blood on the fabric.Barely having escaped that nightmare, she sought refuge with her boyfriend, Mark. The image of his apartment door, slightly ajar, the soft glow of a lamp within, was etched in her mind. Then, the gut-wre

Lily’s POVThe rest of the school day unfolded in a surreal, almost dreamlike state of forced normalcy. It was a carefully orchestrated performance, a collective act of denial played out against the backdrop of ringing bells and echoing hallways.No fights erupted, no sharp, sarcastic jabs were thrown my way, no cruel comments were uttered within earshot. The usual undercurrent of tension that often simmered beneath the surface of my interactions with Ryder and his entourage was strangely absent.But the silence that filled the void was far more deafening, more oppressive than any verbal assault. It was a thick, suffocating blanket that stifled the very air I breathed, a constant, aching reminder of the unspoken truth that hung heavy between us.Ryder didn’t speak to me again after that first, chillingly possessive “mate” jab in the morning. He moved through the crowded classrooms and bustling hallways as if I were invisible, a mere figment of his imagination. His booming laughter ech

Lily’s POVThe morning sun, usually a welcome sight, felt like an unwelcome intruder, its harsh, unforgiving rays streaming through the classroom windows as if determined to expose every raw nerve I had desperately tried to bury beneath a fragile veneer of normalcy the night before. It illuminated the dust motes dancing in the air, each one a tiny, mocking reminder of the chaos that now reigned within me.School felt different today. Colder, somehow. Quieter, despite the usual morning bustle of students. Or maybe that was just my perception, the world around me muted and distorted as I walked through the familiar hallways like a ghost, a spectral presence pretending that everything was normal when the very foundations of my existence had irrevocably shifted.They were my mates.Ryder.Hunter.The words echoed in the hollow chambers of my mind, a relentless, insidious mantra that felt more like a curse than a blessing. Each syllable carried the weight of my past pain, the chilling unce

Lily’s POVThe walk back into the grand hall felt like traversing a tightrope suspended over a chasm of unspoken truths. Sam’s steady presence beside me was the only anchor in the swirling vortex of my emotions.My heartbeat hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat that echoed the chaotic rhythm of my thoughts. My skin felt strangely disconnected, alternating between icy chills and sudden, unwelcome flashes of heat. The invisible thread that tethered me to them – Ryder and Hunter – seemed to tighten with each step I took toward the throng of smiling strangers and the looming table laden with brightly wrapped gifts.I forced a smile onto my face, a brittle, carefully constructed mask that felt alien and unnatural, as if it had been crudely glued there. My mom’s eyes, scanning the room, finally locked onto mine, and her entire face illuminated with a radiant joy that pierced my carefully constructed defenses. “There you are! We were starting to worry, sweetheart. Everyone’s waiting

Lily’s POVI stood there, by the edge of the shimmering turquoise water, the cold night air clinging to me like a damp, unwelcome shroud. The distant sounds of the party – the muffled laughter, the faint strains of music – seemed to mock the turmoil raging within me.The golden flickers of light spilling from the mansion’s windows danced across the surface of the pool, a distorted reflection of the joy I couldn’t share. My dress, a flowing expanse of soft blue silk that had felt so promising just hours ago, now felt heavy and constricting against my skin, a tangible representation of the weight that had settled in my soul.The door behind me creaked open again, the sound slicing through the stillness of the night. I didn’t need to turn to know who it was. The soft, rhythmic click of heels against the cool tile was unmistakable. Slowly, reluctantly, I turned to see my mother—Olivia—walking toward me, her silhouette framed by the warm glow emanating from the doorway. Concern was etched

Lily’s POV“Mates… mates… they’re our mates,” my wolf kept whispering, a mournful lament that echoed within the confines of my skull. It was a sound I had never heard from her before – a raw, wounded cry that tugged at my heartstrings despite my fierce resistance.“No,” I choked out, my voice a mere breath against the stillness of the night. My hands gripped the edge of the pool, my nails digging into the rough cement, as if I could anchor myself to reality, to the life I knew before this impossible revelation. “No, it can’t be. It can’t be.Of all the people in the world, the moon goddess, the supposed architect of our destinies, had to choose them? The sheer injustice of it was a bitter pill that threatened to choke me.Ryder—the devil incarnate, the golden boy whose casual cruelty had haunted my high school years. The one who tormented me with his cutting words, who humiliated me with his dismissive glances, who had even, on that horrific night, slapped me across the face, a brutal

Hunter’s POVThe celebratory air in the grand ballroom evaporated the instant that single, earth-shattering word echoed in the deepest recesses of my being. It wasn't spoken aloud, not by human tongue, but by the ancient, primal part of me – my wolf.Mate.The pronouncement hit with the force of a physical blow, knocking the breath from my lungs and sending a jolt of raw, untamed energy coursing through my veins. My wolf, usually a steady, watchful presence, surged forward with a ferocity I hadn't anticipated, a guttural snarl of pure instinct ripping through my consciousness.Mine. Ours. The claim was possessive, absolute, echoing the undeniable truth that resonated within the very core of my soul.No. The denial was a reflexive whisper in the face of such overwhelming certainty. No way. Not her. Lily? The quiet, almost invisible girl who navigated the halls of our lives like a ghost? The one Ryder… the one we had both, in our own ways, overlooked?And yet, despite the shock, despite