Familiar Zero 소설 & 이야기

Arlo grew up knowing exactly where he stood on the edges of a world that was never meant for him. The son of a servant in a house built on power, rules, and silence, he learned early that some lines should never be crossed. Especially not with someone like Nikolai. Cold. Untouchable. Dangerous in ways Arlo never questioned. Until the day Nikolai started paying attention. What begins as something quiet—familiar, almost harmless—turns into something neither of them can control. Because in Nikolai’s world, desire isn’t just forbidden. It’s dangerous. And when someone from that world decides Arlo doesn’t belong anywhere near him… Staying might cost him everything. But leaving? Might be the one thing Nikolai won’t allow.

During a rainstorm, I wait at a bus stop for three hours, but Joanne Sanders never shows up to keep her promise to pick me up. Just as I'm about to hail a cab, I see her secretary post an update on social media. In the photo is a familiar car dashboard. The caption reads, "Thanks to my boss for driving me home!" In the past, I would have bombarded Joanne with calls and messages, demanding an explanation. But this time, I simply move my finger across the screen and like the post. After I leave without a word, carrying my luggage with me, she panics and searches for me everywhere. She says, "I can change. Please don't leave me."

Time The greatest revelation of our universe. Rhythmic, eternal, valuable. It is always watching, acknowledging, and recording. The moment he realized the heavy truth, he knew he had to act fast. In the rubble of heaven and hell, he chose the familiar warmth of home- Her. The one whom he selfishly broke, betrayed, lied, and eventually lost. The story uncurls its threads, making him realize importance of each breath. What was left unsaid must be said now before this time slips from his fingertips, demolishing the second chance. Treading the thorny path of redemption, wearing a bleeding heart on his sleeve, the Devil professes a tale of undying love, while craving forgiveness from the soul that was bound to his. Endlessly

She doesn’t remember her past. But someone dangerous does. When Soledae Young wakes up with no memory of who she is, the last thing she expects is to be rescued by Sebastian Hunter—a devastatingly handsome billionaire with secrets of his own. Hired as his personal assistant, their professional boundaries blur fast, and Soledae finds herself tangled in a passionate game neither of them is ready to lose. But just as desire ignites into something deeper, ghosts from Soledae’s forgotten past come calling—and they aren’t here for closure. A familiar face emerges in the shadows: Sebastian Miller, a man who might be more connected to Soledae than anyone suspects. As enemies close in and secrets unravel, Soledae must decide who to trust—before her past destroys her future.

My mom was a brilliant programmer. She created an app called "Shake for Allowance." After my brother and I downloaded it, she told us, "From now on, this is how you'll get your living expenses. On the first of every month, just shake your phone. Whatever number you get is the amount you'll receive. "The range is from zero to ten thousand dollars." At first, I was excited. Every month, I shook my phone with anticipation. However, every time, the result was the same: 0 dollars. My brother, meanwhile, always landed the highest amount. "Wow, sis, your luck really sucks," he said. Even when he showed me the transfer record for ten thousand dollars, there was a smug smile on his face. When I confronted Mom, she brushed it off, saying my luck was bad and that no one else was to blame. With no other choice, I worked three part-time jobs just to support myself while studying. On the night before my final exams, I collapsed from exhaustion and died. When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the very day my mom created the "Shake for Allowance" app.

​One fake fiancé. Two dangerous secrets. Zero room for error. ​Zoey Aguilar has lost it all: her wedding, her status, and her pride. To survive her ex’s high-profile gala with her head held high, she needs a miracle. Or at least, a very convincing fake fiancé. ​But the man who shows up isn't the escort she hired. ​Enter Christian Bellucci. Reclusive, powerful, and cold, he’s a billionaire who doesn't play games unless he’s winning them. He needs Zoey just as much as she needs him, and he’s willing to lie to the world to get what he wants. ​As their "relationship" becomes a public obsession, the lines between acting and reality begin to blur. Caught between a past that won’t let go and a man whose calm control hides a storm of devotion, Zoey realizes she’s trapped in a web of family pressure and deadly jealousy. ​In this game of revenge and ownership, Zoey must decide: is she reclaiming her life, or is she becoming his most prized possession? ​Walking away once cost Zoey her reputation. This time, it might cost her life.

How will you feel when you end up with the same person you were trying to find an escape from? How will you feel when you end up in a one-night stand with your Ex-husband? Her eyes fluttered as she felt the morning cool breeze brushing against her bare body, which was semi-covered with a quilt. Although her eyes felt heavy to even blink, her other senses were high alert. She could hear the bird chirping outside the windows, she could smell a familiar masculine cologne, her body covered with goosebumps with the presence of someone familiar, and her heart beats rapidly on its own accord. That's when her brain registered her surroundings and could recollect her last passionate night with someone who would be her soon-to-be ex-husband. How? When? Why? She mentally slapped herself, but then she couldn't hide the contentment. She felt as if she was complete now. She couldn't stop but feel happy again. Why? Why does she feel like falling in love again? "I see you are still the w***e you were back then," his words broke her little dream she just thought of. "A desperate woman like you, who can with her ex-husband, can no wonder w***e around any men." He said with no remorse. "I did the right thing by divorcing you. How much do you charge for a night?" he smirked, looking at her teary face. "Here! Take extra 200 bucks for the sake of our old times." She vowed never to cry in front of her husband, but what he said just now shattered her soul beyond repair. Her quivering body and hollow eyes didn't hide the agony she felt at that very moment. "Sorry for loving you."

I'd been assigned overseas for three months, but I wrapped up my work ahead of schedule and flew home early to spend New Year's Eve with my wife. While waiting for a ride, I scrolled through TikTok and came across a video captioned: [Marrying the one you love feels like winning a war.] Then the scene shifted, and my world tilted. The bride slung over the groom's shoulder… was my wife. At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. But then I spotted familiar faces—her relatives, unmistakable in the crowd. I didn't hesitate. I checked the hotel location tagged in the video and shoved my phone toward the taxi driver. "Change the route. Take me here," I said. "I'm going to catch them in the act."

***The cover is taken from Google*** I wince when my bangles dig into my skin,forcing a smile,hoping my boredom didn't show in my movements. I inwardly roll my eyes when my father makes introductions. What lame crap. They obviously know each other. Why make intros? I hiss when my sister steps on my foot,making me looking up. I glance at a middle aged couple, freezing when I made eye contact with an all too familiar grinning face, my vision landing next to her, hoping it was just a bad dream, my heart stopping and finally turning into an icicle when I stared into eyes of the most unexpected person, the person looking back at me, but not quite acknowledging me.

In the picturesque coastal town of Altea, Spain, lives Estrella Marquez, a young woman whose heart beats to the rhythm of adventure. Working in her family's seafood restaurant, she dreams of a world beyond the familiar shores. One fateful day, amidst the vibrant melodies of a local music festival, Estrella's path crosses with Samir Benali, a charismatic French Moroccan musician. Despite their differing backgrounds, a connection sparks, leading them on a journey that transcends borders and challenges tradition. Against all odds, they discover that love, like music, knows no boundaries. With echoes of Spanish and Moroccan culture, the novel paints a vivid portrait of love's resilience and the transformative power of shared dreams. Waves of Wanderlust: The Altea Odyssey is a journey filled with the intoxicating notes of love, the clash of cultures, and the harmonious melody of two souls finding their way in a world that often demands conformity.