Fading facades: love beyond the deal Novels & Stories

"Thank you for once bringing me home and staying with me through that long, bitter winter. But this is the last time we'll ever meet. Please, don't make me hate you. I'm not worth this." Ian stared at her, dazed. The most painful farewell didn't involve screaming or crying. Instead, what hurt most was when she wiped away his tears with a determined look that they would never meet again.

Then I said sorry and left. With just two dollars left, I went to the pharmacy and then headed home. After getting home, I went to my grandfather's room and picked up his photo, holding it close. "Grandpa, I'm sorry. I couldn't live up to what you expected. You said, if you like someone, you should pursue them boldly, without regrets. But, Grandpa, it's exhausting. I give up. Can I go to the other side and keep you company, Grandpa? I’ll take silence as a yes."

The storm, both metaphorical and literal, had passed, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, forgiveness, and the unwavering strength of love. In the grandeur of the Sullivan mansion, where opulence met redemption, a new era dawned for a family that had weathered the fiercest of storms. And amidst it all, Marvis and Jace's love story unfolded, a beacon of hope that even in the darkest of times, love could prevail.

"One month, let’s play boyfriends as I will do my best to flirt and prove to you that you cannot stay away and help yourself, but fall in love with me.” Fair deal as he is confident that he will win as his path should only be to the safe zone of just how he built his life. Sky nods as he accepts. “DEAL!” To the run of things and the new deal that’s brewing, will you find out who will lose? "I’m yours no refund." ----- Anonymous -----

My phone buzzed with a call from my husband, Daniel Knapp. I answered, my face blank. "It's late," he whispered. "I'm crashing elsewhere tonight. Happy anniversary!" His voice was thick with desire, underscored by Vivian Duffy's exaggerated moans in the background, loud enough for me to hear every syllable. "Slow down!" she whined. "By the way, isn't today your anniversary with Jesse? Tell her I said happy anniversary." I let out a bitter chuckle, the absurdity stinging. The call ended, leaving me alone in the hollow house. The decorations I'd spent the afternoon arranging mocked me, as empty as our marriage had become.

After they heard my story, my parents felt terribly sorry for me. Adam said callously, "Well, we had to let you suffer the bitterness of love before you'd finally understand how well we've been protecting you all this time." But despite his words, I could see the veins standing out on the back of his hands. His expression was so dark he looked like he wanted to grab Liam and beat him up right then and there. Cecilia hugged me and said comfortingly, "Alright. Let's not think about such depressing things anymore now that you're home. It's just a diamond necklace. I'll buy you a few more accessories tomorrow, enough that you can just wear a different one every day."

“Love was never on the table.” “Why? Because of that loser Daniel?” she pressed. “Are you really letting that fool dictate your view on love?” I turned my gaze away, “No, of course not,” I said, rising to my feet. “This has nothing to do with Daniel or that I never gave your men a chance. You are actually right they are nice men but I have no heart to offer any man, it stopped beating four years ago” I plainly stated and requested her to change the topic or I was going to leave.

Stacy was frowning even as she cut Martin short. She knew that his love was genuine, but his duplicity was equally genuine—perhaps far more than any love he could give. And she didn't want this love that had already been tainted. With those words, she started past him to return to the homestay, but he caught her hand, "No… I won't marry, you're the only one I love—" Stacy glowered, refusing to listen to his regrets and stared pointedly at his hand as she snapped coolly, "Let go of me."

🌹Aurora 🌹 The reception was over, and the once-bustling ballroom had quieted to a soft murmur of departing guests. I found myself alone in a secluded corner near a large window. Outside, the city’s lights twinkled in the distance, a reminder that life continued beyond the walls of the estate. Here, in the stillness after the celebration, I allowed myself to face the truth of my heart.

Another said, "All 99 love letters were written in every possible way. How scary are those lovestruck fools!" One asked, "Isn't she supposed to be the most talented woman in Quintessa University? Why is she pining so obsessively?" Isla's heart sank when she heard the unforgiving mocking. She pushed past the crowd and started tearing the love letters down. Sadie's sharp voice sounded just as Isla finished taking down the last piece. "Isla confessed to you so many times, Emmett. So, how fond are you toward her?" Emmett's voice sounded as cold as usual when he uttered, "Not at all."