All Chapters of Wingless: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

10 Chapters

Chapter 1. Escape

1. EscapeNote: This book does not intend to body shame, demean, or target anyone. It's told from the perspective of someone who's been bullied because of her body shape. My intention is not to hurt or offend, but to shed light on how cruel societal standards can be. I have personally experienced the agony of being compared to others, and I am staunchly opposed to it. Every person carries their own unique beauty, and that deserves to be celebrated. Please remember: this is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Enjoy the journey.

Last Updated : 2026-07-22

Chapter 2. Safe Place

2. Safe PlaceMy hands trembled as I hesitated between pressing the doorbell and turning around. Will he accept me? I knew he loved me dearly, but he loved Mom more. What if he supported her? What if I had simply traded one battlefield for another?Taking a shaky breath, I finally mustered the courage to press the glowing button. The sound echoed faintly inside, accompanied by shuffling footsteps. My heart raced as the lock clicked. When the door opened, relief washed over me, releasing the tension in my shoulders.There he was, the one person who never made me feel like I was too much or not enough."God, I've missed you so much," I said, wrapping my arms around my grandfather, Alistair.Alistair was more than just my paternal grandfather; he was my anchor and secret ally. He was in his seventies, but he still had broad shoulders and sharp eyes, and he carried himself with the same confidence that must have defined his youth. Some people mistook him for my father, and I could underst

Last Updated : 2026-07-22

Chapter 3. Striking Presence

3. Striking PresenceI turned away from the balcony railing and felt the cool night air on my skin. My thoughts returned to why I was here. I never imagined I'd have the courage to stand up for myself. But today I didn't have a choice.If I hadn't slipped out that window and left my parents behind, they would have continued to believe their cruelty was justified, that their impossible expectations were a fair price for my life.I felt a surge of pride that I had finally taken a stand. But beneath it was a deeper fear. They would probably hate me now. Perhaps they always did. All those years of bending over backwards, chasing a sliver of approval, hoping to see pride in their eyes was all gone.Unlike my siblings, Elizabeth and Rogan, I’d never been enough. My little sister, fifteen years old, could fall down again and again and end up in their arms. They'd have her back. Me? I was the black sheep that didn't fit their perfect mold, or society's stifling standards. I'd been on my own a

Last Updated : 2026-07-22

Chapter 4. Rowan Architects

4. Rowan ArchitectsAs I clutched my portfolio like a lifeline, the taxi whizzed through New York's chaotic streets. My lips moved in silent prayer, a desperate call for courage. This wasn't just any firm; it was THE firm. Rowan Architects. Getting this internship would be more than a paycheck. It would be validation, a fresh start that I made out of my own determination.When the cab came to a halt, I craned my neck to look up at the towering structure. It was breathtaking: glass and steel fused in perfect symmetry, screaming innovation. It felt like I was walking into a future I had imagined a thousand times before. I straightened my blazer, took a deep breath, and walked towards the entrance.The receptionist greeted me with a professional smile and directed me to the interview room. When the door swung open, three pairs of eyes focused on me: two men and an elegant woman.“Good morning. I’m Ximara Lyris Adler. It’s an honor to be here.”The interview progressed in a blur of questi

Last Updated : 2026-07-22

Chapter 5. The Letters

5. The LettersI stood in my office, my hand still wrapped around the strap of my bag, listening to the air conditioning cycle on and off. It took a moment to realize what had stopped me.There was an envelope on my desk. It hadn’t been there when I left.The paper was plain, set neatly at the center of my workspace; my name was written across the front in careful, deliberate script.Ximara Lyris Adler.I hadn’t left anything behind. I was sure of that. And no one had come into my office while I was gone. I always locked the door. Always.I didn’t move right away. The longer I stared at it, the more out of place it felt, like a prop placed slightly off-mark. Finally, I set my bag down and crossed the room. The envelope was cool beneath my fingers. I slid a nail under the flap and tore it open.There was no signature, initials, or identifying mark at all. Just a single sheet, folded once.I scanned it quickly at first, then again, slower this time.Congratulations on your promotion. Yo

Last Updated : 2026-07-22

Chapter 6. Argentina

6. Argentina“Passengers, please fasten your seat belts. We’re cleared for takeoff,” the flight attendant said, her calm, polished voice cutting through the cabin.It still didn’t feel real.Stephan Rowan had handled everything with his usual precision. It was reassuring in a quiet way. I pulled my seat belt tighter until the cool metal dug into my palms. Just a week earlier, I’d been pacing my apartment, overwhelmed by doubts about the racetrack project. And now I was here, strapped into a plane, chasing an opportunity I couldn’t afford to let slip away.It all traced back to one conversation with Alister.“Mara, this is your chance,” he’d said, steady and sure. “It’s huge, yeah, but you should take it. Walk away and you’ll regret it forever. Even if you mess up, you learn. So say yes.”“The pressure feels like too much, Ali,” I’d admitted, my hands twisted nervously in my lap.“Pressure makes diamonds,” he shot back without hesitation. “Say yes.”Something clicked after that. I nodd

Last Updated : 2026-07-22

Chapter 7. Arthur Vance

7. Arthur VanceI honestly couldn’t believe what was happening. One second I was bent over my sketchbook, completely lost in a dressing room layout, and the next, a voice pulled me straight out of my head, a voice I recognized instantly.“Nice room,” he said, casual and effortless, like he was commenting on the weather.My pencil jolted across the page. My heart slammed so hard it stole my breath as I turned around, and there he was.Arthur Vance.His dark hair was messed by the track breeze, a faint smile playing on his lips. He wore a worn-in jacket that made him look impossibly real, like he’d stepped straight out of every teenage daydream I’d ever had. The man I’d crushed on for years was standing right in front of me.“A-Au…” I stammered, squeezing my eyes shut for a second and forcing myself to breathe. “M-Mr. Vance,” I finally managed, though my voice wobbled badly. Every ounce of confidence I’d built vanished the moment he looked at me. His eyes were warm and steady, and sudde

Last Updated : 2026-07-22

Chapter 8. Mixed Signals

8. Mixed SignalsI sat curled up in the corner of my hotel room, the darkness pressing in on me, a letter clenched in my trembling hands. The words replayed over and over in my head—I’ll always be around, through every high and low—each line sliding down my spine like ice. The door was locked. The curtains were pulled tight. Still, it didn’t feel enough. The room suddenly felt thin and fragile, like whoever wrote the note could see straight through the walls.Back in New York, I’d convinced myself the letters were a stupid prank from someone in the office. But this? Here? In Argentina? My stomach twisted, and I was sure now that it was someone from outside who had closely followed me. Someone had followed me across continents, and watched me settle in. He had the audacity to slip an envelope under my door.My phone buzzed from across, the sudden light from it making me flinch. I crawled towards it, and grabbed it with shaking hands.It was a text from Arthur Vance. My pulse jumped, my

Last Updated : 2026-07-22

Chapter 9. The Ball

9. The Ball Third Person's POVA sharp knock broke the reverie. When Ximara opened the door, a hotel staffer stood there holding two sleek boxes tied with ribbons—definitely more than the single dress Lara had mentioned.“For Ms. Adler,” he said quickly, already turning away before she could ask anything.Confused, Ximara hauled the boxes inside and texted Lara right away.Hey, two boxes just arrived. Is that right? I remember you mentioning a single dress.Lara responded almost instantly.Two? That’s strange. Stephan only ordered one. Let me check with him.Curiosity got the better of her, and Ximara opened the first box. Inside lay a deep blue gown, it was beautiful, elegant and flowing, with a small card tucked on top: From Stephan & Lara: wear this if you like.The second box held a striking red dress, vivid and daring, the fabric practically glowing. This one had no note. Her phone buzzed again.It was shop error maybe, Stephan only ordered one. Lara texted. They sent an extra. Ke

Last Updated : 2026-07-22

Chapter 10. The Kiss

10. The KissThird Person's POVXimara smoothed the hem of her cream blouse and adjusted the light scarf at her neck as she crossed the plaza.Arthur’s text replayed in her mind—Meet me at 7. Plaza Dorrego. Let's grab dinner.Arthur waited beneath one of the lamps, sleeves rolled, jacket open. When he saw her he smiled.“Hey,” he said. “You look great.”“Thanks,” she replied, feeling heat creep up her neck. “You too.”“I found a spot,” he said, nodding toward a side street. “Good food.”“Sounds perfect.”They walked together, shoulders brushing now and then, the moment settling into something comfortable without effort.The trattoria he chose was tucked at the end of the lane—small, intimate, its walls lined with faded photographs and shelves of old wine bottles. They took a corner table.“So,” he began, leaning in slightly, “tell me something I don’t know about you. Something off the grid.”She laughed softly, surprised by how easy it was to open up. “Okay… when I was little, I wante

Last Updated : 2026-07-22

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