Lent: Stories

“Six million,” the translator said. “And your daughter belongs to the Moretti family.” I wasn't a bride; I was a debt settlement. Sold to settle my father's gambling debts, I was handed over to the most feared man in the underworld: Dante Moretti. They call him the #SilentDon. He hasn't spoken a word in five years, ruling the city through cold violence and terrifying shadows. He is a #PossessiveAlpha who doesn't negotiate—he owns. But I have a secret. I’m not just a trophy wife. I am a #SecretGenius, a master strategist who can dismantle an empire before the first shot is fired. I thought I could outsmart a man who doesn't speak. I thought this #ArrangedMarriage was my cage, but I was wrong. Dante didn’t buy me for my beauty. He bought me for my mind. He’s been watching me for years, waiting for the perfect moment to trap me in his world. In this #MafiaRomance, the stakes are lethal. As rivals circle and blood spills, I realize the most dangerous thing about the Silent Don isn’t his silence—it’s the way he looks at me when we’re alone. I am bound to a monster. And the only thing more dangerous than being his enemy? Being his obsession.

After my family went bankrupt, I begged my fiancé Ryan to pump cash into our business. He didn't just refuse. He turned around and got engaged to someone else. When I was at the end of my rope, Ethan Brooks stepped up, tossing all his savings into my family's mess. Sadly, we missed our shot, and our company crashed. My parents couldn't handle it. They jumped off a building. Even so, I was thankful to Ethan and married him to pay him back. Three years later, at Lily Carter's birthday party, I overheard her talking to him. "You tanked the Harper family so I could win that bid. Won't Kelly blame you?" "For you, I'd give up everything. I'll just make it up to her." My blood ran cold as I realized our marriage was all a lie. The one he loved was Lily all along. I turned and left. If he was that hooked, I'd set him free.

Sejatinya setiap Raga yang bernyawa membutuhkan Lentera untuk menerangi jalan gelap yang akan ia tempuh didalam hidupnya. Tapi bagaimana jika lentera memilih pergi dan meninggalkan Raga seorang diri didalam kebingungan yang penuh kegelapan? Mampukah Raga hidup tanpa Lentera-nya? Mampukah Raga berjalan ditengah kegelapan untuk membawa kembali Lentera agar hidupnya yang gelap kembali terang dan dipenuhi sinar kebahagiaan seperti yang selama ini Raga impikan dalam diam? *** Kisah Raga dan Lentera. Dikemas seapik mungkin untuk kalian para penikmat cerita. Silahkan mampir jika berkenan. Tinggalkan jejak ya, agar kami tau kalian salah satu penyukanya. *** Raga dan Lentera *** 12 Februari 2021 *** Ardha Haryani dan Siska Friestiani

"W-wait! Someone's comi- ah!" Dylan's gasps were muffled with a kiss that made his legs go weak. "Want me to stop?" The whisper made him shudder. "...no, b-but there's-" "Then be a good boy and focus on me. Spread your legs.” Dylan as an innocent college student knew what he wanted in a guy and coincidentally, the Waltson’s, their new neighbor, had a son Theo who was a perfect fit. But sadly straight and also not single. Aiming to drink out his sorrows at the school party and move on was an act he did not see ending with him sleeping with someone, but having no idea who it was the next morning. Soon, his hunt for the truth gets narrowed down to the Waltson's, and he gets faced with the late realization that Theo wasn’t the only son of the Waltson's. With his elder brother, Lucas, and a mute twin, Kyle, his options of his drunk one night widens from one to three. Lucas and Theo had been present at the party, and Dylan saw his only chance of knowing the truth was getting closer to them. But to do that, he needed the help of Kyle who was anything but nice to him. His constant glares, his mischievous smiles, and his hand signs that get interpreted into nothing but lies. Almost like he was trying his best to keep him away from his brothers. And just when he thought that, he takes up the initiative to search up a sign Kyle had shown to him.  ^^You and him are never going to work out. I'll make sure of that.^^ In the game of finding out what Kyle meant by that, he stumbles across something even bigger. The Waltson's secret

---Cali is an international and an expensive runway model and was married to Hadrian Calypso Forbes, a multi-billionaire guy based on Dubai, after refusing to marry the son (Luca Amadeus Turner) of her dad’s bestfriend. She then lived a happy and financially better life with her husband and son, but just as they say-life is like a ball, you will not stay in your place or position forever, but always remember that just as the ball, never forget to bounce back. ---Calista Payne Aurellian, just like her name she’s been completely surrounded by pain throughout her life. After spending 10 years in prison and paid 2 billion dollar penalty for being accused with such a heinous crime that she never did. She will bounced back to get her life, her son, her company and image she had a decade ago. With the mission and plan she had, would she be able to restore again everything or will she continue to mourned and silently scream in the middle of the night forever?

"In case you didn't know princess, YOU–ARE–MINE!" His resonant voice whispered deep in her oblong–shaped ear. His hot body pressed against hers. "I'm YOURS!" Goosebumps waved—focus was lost" "YES!" ••• Amethyst Corvus is an enchanting offspring of a wizard named Alcina of the NIXIE 'LAOPE FOUNTAIN. Her mother was brutally executed right before her sinfully alluring emerald eyes. Raised by a village of FAUNS that her mother entrusted her to. Just like any other tribe of FAUNS, the rules were oppressive and strict. She had to rough it up until maturing the age of twenty-one. Growing up with no more information, nothing but RETALIATION—the terminology 'love' was never anywhere close to being in her witchy vocabulary until she was claimed after exchanging an accidental kiss with a renewed ALPHA MALE of the FRIDOLF PACK. Liam Fluss, a werewolf raised by a well-known and powerful EPHRAIM. The strongest Alpha FRIDOLF has ever had—charming and two faced. A witch she was, Amethyst intended to retaliate for her mother's death. As days marched by, love grew and she starts to fear that her mate will learn that she is a witch involved in the killings of his parents. Will he leave or continue obsessing over her after finding out?

With the rise of a new crime lord who calls himself the 'Silent Man', Goldfinch is brought to disruptions. A small town in west California, known for being home to numerous criminals. However, no villain in the history of Goldfinch has come close to being as sinister as the Silent Man. Four friends, convinced they can defeat the Silent Man and bring their town to peace, start their adventurous journey, not aware of the tests and life-threatening events the rough road holds for them.

In the glittering heart of the city, where power plays and secrets intertwine, Serena Ward lives a life shadowed by her past and guarded by her independence. An Omega determined never to be tied down, she never expected a chance encounter with Lucien Vale — the formidable Alpha heir to one of the city’s most influential empires — to unravel everything. One intoxicating night burns between them, fierce and unforgettable. But when morning comes, Serena vanishes, leaving Lucien with nothing but questions — and a hidden truth neither is prepared for. Weeks later, Serena discovers she’s carrying triplets, each bearing the unmistakable mark of their Alpha father. Alone and defiant, she disappears into the quiet outskirts, determined to protect her children from the ruthless world Lucien inhabits. Bound by a cold marriage contract to the enigmatic Clara, Lucien’s life is a tightrope walk between duty and desire. When fate brings him face-to-face with Serena and the children he never knew existed, the collision threatens to shatter his carefully constructed world. Amidst corporate intrigue, family betrayals, and the harsh glare of the public eye, Serena and Lucien must navigate a storm of secrets, passion, and dangerous alliances. And when a shocking revelation about the marriage contract comes to light, loyalties are tested, and hearts are broken. Will love prevail in a city where everything, even the strongest bonds, can be bought — or lost forever?

​Zwei Menschen. Ein verbotenes Grab aus Kalk und Pigmenten. Und eine Wahrheit, die tödlich ist. ​Die renommierte Restauratorin Isabella bekommt das Angebot ihres Lebens: In einer abgelegenen, prachtvollen Villa in Italien soll sie ein jahrhundertealtes Fresko freilegen. Doch schon bei ihrer Ankunft spürt sie, dass die Mauern der Villa mehr verbergen als nur alte Kunst. Ihr Auftraggeber, der unterkühlte und machtbesessene Enzo, kontrolliert jeden ihrer Handgriffe über ein Netz aus Kameras. Er ist ein Mann, der keine Fehler duldet und Gefühle als eine tödliche Schwäche betrachtet – eine Lektion, die er blutig lernen musste. ​Während Isabella Schicht für Schicht den alten Gips abträgt, stößt sie auf ein Geheimnis, das niemals das Tageslicht hätte sehen dürfen. Ein Auge starrt sie aus der Wand an – ein Zeuge eines Verbrechens, das Enzo um jeden Preis unter Verschluss halten will. Trotz seiner ausdrücklichen Warnung, nur das Auge freizulegen, treibt Isabellas unbezähmbare Neugier sie weiter. Unter ihrem Spachtel erscheint ein schreiender Mund, und mit ihm die Gewissheit: Dieses Fresko ist kein Kunstwerk, es ist ein Grabstein. ​Als der ehemalige Polizist Paolo Rossini vor den Toren der Villa auftaucht und Isabella vor dem Schicksal ihrer verschwundenen Vorgängerin warnt, muss sie sich entscheiden. Rossini bietet ihr die Flucht an, doch die dunkle Anziehungskraft zwischen ihr und Enzo ist längst zu einer gefährlichen Fessel geworden. ​Enzo merkt, dass er die Kontrolle verliert – über das Geheimnis, über sein Haus und über sich selbst. In der staubigen Stille des Ateliers prallen zwei Welten aufeinander: Isabellas Drang nach der Wahrheit und Enzos Wille, sie im Dunkeln zu lassen. Doch je näher sie sich kommen, desto klarer wird: Wer die Schichten der Vergangenheit freilegt, muss bereit sein, unter ihnen begraben zu werden. ​Die Wahrheit will gesehen werden. Doch manche Blicke überlebt man nicht.

When the House Fell Silent is a gripping and emotional family saga that delves into the lives of five siblings — Abby, Aubrey, Tshepo, Mathapelo, and the youngest, Gail — after the sudden death of their father. The novel explores the struggles of grief, the challenges of responsibility, the shadows of abuse, and the weight of family expectations. As the siblings navigate the complexities of marriage, work, and personal trauma, their mother emerges as a steadfast pillar, guiding them through turmoil while facing her own battles as an unemployed matriarch. With in-laws disputing the will and old family wounds resurfacing, the narrative captures the resilience, heartbreak, and courage required to survive. Told with intensity and sensitivity, this novel is a tale of love, loss, and the enduring strength of family bonds. Through trials and triumphs, When the House Fell Silent is ultimately a story of hope, healing, and the voices that must rise to reclaim a family’s future.