I Quit Being The Villain Novels & Stories

"Yeah, he's my real-life hero." Quade hummed and his playful grin morphed into something a little more sinister, "I'm not much of a fan of heroes. I've always told my girl, it's the villain that will burn down the world for you, damn the consequences." "That's a bit extreme." Quade shrugged, "Sometimes people need to feel an extreme kind of love." Victor glowered at Quade. This time he didn't ask for my hand, he took it and weaved our fingers together before baring his teeth as his friend.

The reply came slower than usual, the three dots appearing and disappearing several times before his answer finally landed. Killian: I know. That's the worst part. I've spent five years assuming I was the villain in someone else's story. Turns out I might just be a man who fell in love with the same woman as his brother, at the worst possible time, for all the wrong reasons at first. I read it twice, then a third time, something tightening painfully in my chest. You're not a villain, Killian. No,came his reply, almost instantly this time. But I might not be the ending either. And for the first time in my life, I think I'm finally okay with that.

he sighed, “I have no excuse for what I did. I'm a terrible father and I know that, but please forgive me and let me fix my mess.” “Now that's the thing,” I snarled. “My hatred for you has escalated to all rich people, not only because of what you did, but because they killed Timmy! I’ve seen how rich people like you treat people of lower class. I will make them all suffer, and I certainly don't mind being the villain.” “You're not a villain, Kevin!” Taylor yelled the moment I reached the door, about to go outside. I smirked and turned slightly to the left. “Villains aren't born, father,” I whispered, “they're made!”

“Because I know your brand deals, and being associated with a bullying tyrant just because you want to ruin our lives? That’s the perfect icing on the cake. Negative press isn’t like the good kind; the bad one can uproot everything you’ve ever worked for. All your followers may be loyal, but your brands won’t be. Because the second they realize you’re not the fake bitch online, they’ll pull each and every deal away from you, and leave you to die with nothing.” That does it. That’s where her entire demeanor changes. “You wouldn’t.” “I would. You’re not the anti-hero in this story. You’re the villain. Nothing you try to convince the world of will change that! Move on with your life, Courtney.

“Do you know what the worst part is, Lila? I didn’t start out hating them. I just wanted justice. I wanted someone to pay for what happened to Isaac, for what they did to my family. But every time I got close to the truth, they shut me down. They silenced me. They made me a fugitive. And at some point, I realized… if they wanted me to be the villain, fine. I’d be the villain. I’d be the monster they fear, because monsters can tear down their towers, Lila. Monsters don’t play by the rules.”

Carter lowered his gaze. Men weren't much different, really. He was proof of that. But he had seen enough now to regret everything. He wanted to pursue Rhea again. The chances were slim, but he still wanted to give it a try. He had been wallowing for so long. It was time to stand back up. Carter finally spoke. "Kate, drop the act. Stop trying to paint yourself as the innocent one. If one person calls you out, perhaps that's a sign of bias. But if three people call you out, can you still call it that?"

The evidence was cold and hard. “And finally,” I said, looking straight into the lens, “Barnabas has admitted to me that these accusations are false. I won't be sharing those private admissions out of a shred of respect that I still have left. But I hope this makes things clear. I’ve been turned into a villain because I had the nerve to walk away from a marriage that was destroying me. I’ve lost a lot of things lately, but I refuse to let them take my name.” I clicked the stop button.

I was about to be dragged up to give a speech. About to end up being set up to look stupid in front of everyone. This was happening again. Different details but the same outcome if I let it play out. Why was I panicking? I knew what was coming. I knew their entire playbook. Why was I acting like a victim all over again? The thought hit me clearly and sharply. Become the villain before the villain becomes the villain. If they wanted to set me up I would beat them to it. I would control the narrative.

“You wanted the truth. I gave it to you. Now it’s your turn to hold up your end of the bargain.” He moved before my brain could even form words. Then faltered. “I believe I’ve been lenient enough.” He said quietly. “Don’t force me to become the villain you already believe I am.”

“Is it? I still came ready to pay extortion. Still played by his rules. Still let fear drive my choices.” “You protected our family. That’s not wrong.” “Isn’t it? I spent months telling kids at the youth center that violence isn’t the answer. That there’s always another way. And the first time I’m really tested, I fall right back into old patterns.” “You didn’t—” “I did. And Viktor saw it. That’s why he walked away. Because he proved his point. I’m still the same person I always was. Just with better PR.” He dropped the bags. Walked to the bedroom.