Semua Bab Beyond the Shadows of Desire : Bab 1 - Bab 10

In the quiet town of Greenwood, where the sunsets cast long shadows over worn-out houses, a story of survival unfolds. This is the tale of Alexander "Xander" Stone, a young boy whose early life was marred by darkness and despair, yet whose spirit burned bright with determination and resilience.From the moment Xander was born, the odds seemed stacked against him. His father, Robert, was a volatile man with a short fuse and a penchant for destruction. The walls of their modest home bore the scars of his anger, and the air was thick with tension. Xander's mother, Emily, a woman with a heart as gentle as a summer breeze, became the target of Robert's rage.In those early years, Xander learned the art of silence. He witnessed the bruises that painted his mother's delicate skin, the tears that streamed down her face, and his own small body bore the marks of his father's wrath. But a vow formed deep within Xander's young heart – he would protect his mother at all costs. He knew that reveali

Emily Stone stood in the doorway of the conference room, her eyes scanning each face around the large oak table. The room buzzed with an energy she hadn't anticipated, a mixture of surprise, uncertainty, and perhaps a dash of betrayal. The memo had been clear; she was retiring. But that was news to her.Before she could utter a single word in protest, her son, Alexander "Xander" Stone, started the presentation. The first slide flashed on the screen, revealing an image of a fashion design studio. The world seemed to spin around her as she read the words beneath the image: "Emily's Design House: A New Era in Fashion."Images of sketches, fabric swatches, and runway shows filled the screen, showcasing the vision Xander had brought to life. Emily's mind raced, unable to comprehend how he had known about her dream, a dream she had long abandoned in the face of adversity.The room transformed into a sanctuary of fabrics, colors, and designs. It was a startup fas

Alexander "Xander" Stone sat in his sleek, modern office, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the self-help publishing company he had built from the ground up. The walls were adorned with motivational quotes and success stories, serving as a constant reminder of his mission: to empower individuals to overcome their insecurities and unlock their true potential.Today was a pivotal day for Xander. He had spent countless hours poring over ideas, searching for the next big venture that would not only revolutionize his company but also transform the lives of its readers. And he believed he had struck gold.His employee, Michael, had approached him with a unique concept— a contest aimed specifically at helping chubby, thick women build self-confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to pursue and attract any man they desired. It was a bold idea, one that challenged societal norms and embraced the beauty of diversity. Xander saw the potential and was determined to turn

Alexander "Xander" Stone was buttoning up his crisp white shirt, the cool morning light filtering through the windows of his Company's high-rise penthouse, when his phone buzzed on the marble countertop. It was a text from Jennifer Stanley, a renowned TV executive and the show's producer. Xander and Jennifer were at the helm of the new reality TV show Xander had pitched months ago, an endeavor that promised to disrupt the conventional narrative of beauty and confidence on television. The text read, "See you at the studio, Xander. We have a long day ahead of us, and a lot to discuss."With a smirk, Xander slid his phone into his pocket and finished getting ready. Things were about to get underway and fast.The day ahead was a crucial one – it was casting call day. The studio was bustling with activity by the time Xander arrived. He grabbed a steaming coffee and a chilled iced tea from the complimentary coffee and food bar, bracing himself for a day of inte

Alexander "Xander" Stone arrived at A Puff of Havana, the cigar lounge that felt like a step back in time, with its vintage décor and a gentle haze of smoke lingering in the air. This was a place of solace where business executives and old friends alike could indulge in the timeless ritual of smoking and conversation. Today, it was the site of a pivotal meeting between Xander and Eleanor Bonny, a meeting that could change the trajectory of his latest venture.Eleanor walked into the lounge, her heels clicking on the polished wooden floor, a sound that commanded attention. She was fifteen minutes early, not out of eagerness but strategy. Her eyes quickly swept over the layout, noting the exits and corners, the patrons absorbed in their own worlds, and the staff moving with practiced discretion. She was a woman who liked to control the narrative, and understanding her surroundings was a part of that.Though she hadn't intended to find him so soon, her gaze found Xand