Malcolm Bright Novels & Stories

The plane touched down in Tripoli at dusk. Behind me, the sky was on fire. I pulled out my phone and typed a message to my husband, Don Vito Hart. [I'm here. I came to bring you home.] No reply. I called his underboss, Enzo Stark. His voice was hesitant. "You… you really went to Libya?" An explosion rattled the terminal windows. My heart slammed against my ribs. "Which district is he in?" A long pause. Then, quieter: "He never left the country." His voice dropped to barely a whisper. "The business trip… it was a lie." The line went dead. A photo appeared on my screen. Time-stamped today. Vito was smiling. Bright, but something behind his eyes looked tired. His arm was wrapped around a woman. They were blowing out candles on a birthday cake. I recognized her instantly. Rosa Quinn. The woman he'd knelt and sworn on his mother's grave never to see again. Three years ago. I still had the scar on my own palm where I'd made him swear. Vito had forgotten. Today was my birthday too. My phone buzzed again. "Sera, the truth is—the Don never ended things with Rosa. We all knew. But you two seemed so happy… no one dared tell you." I read the message twice. Then I slipped the phone into my pocket. There was no need to pretend anymore.

When my colleagues find out that I'm pretty good at cooking, they start organizing dinners at my place. Lucy Holt, one of the junior accountants, suggests that we split the groceries evenly between us. As a result, I don't think I can reject their request without being rude. On my last day of work, the group gathers at my place for one last meal. "You're such a good cook, Jess! We'll all be transferring you 500 dollars later. It's just a token of our appreciation," Lucy declares with a bright smile. But the very next day, she sends me a message. "Hey, Jess. You know it's illegal to operate an unlicensed catering business from your home, right? Your house will get sealed off for further investigation. More importantly, the value of goods has passed the threshold of 10,000 dollars, which means the fine you'll have to pay is probably going to be about 20 times that amount. "Since we worked together, we decided not to report you to the authorities. We'll just settle this matter privately. All you have to do is give us the fine you would've had to pay instead." This is how I realized that, combined with yesterday's meal, the total amount they've given me for groceries thus far is exactly 10,001 dollars.

Many years ago, Katniss had to face the bitter truth about the person she loved the most. After waiting for months to tell him about her pregnancy following years of longing, she witnessed her husband marrying another woman right before her eyes. It was a brutal betrayal. She was humiliated and accused of infidelity, with claims that the child she carried was the result of an affair. Her mother-in-law and husband demanded she sign the divorce papers. With the last shred of her dignity, Katniss agreed. “Sign the divorce papers and leave!” her husband demanded firmly, not giving Katniss a chance to explain. Filled with anger and disappointment, Katniss replied, “You... you will regret this. I am truly innocent. This is just manipulation from people who want to destroy me!” Katniss was left alone with her child and fled the city, trying to find a new life after such a severe betrayal. Living was a daily and nightly torment, but she endured it for her daughter, her little princess, the light of her life. But fate had other plans. Katniss eventually became a symbol of respect and admiration among the people. Her life finally seemed bright and promising—until she met him again, the man she hated so much. Will Katniss forgive him after all he has done to her? Especially after she discovers all the secrets James has been hiding from her—secrets that will make Katniss question her feelings for James once again?

On the day I successfully conceived through IVF, my CEO boyfriend—the sole heir to a nine-generation business empire—finally agreed to marry me. Yet, after a flight of more than ten hours, I landed only to be greeted by a public announcement of his marriage to his secretary, with journalists watching from every angle. The secretary eagerly showed off the marriage certificate, fresh off the press. "Don't worry, everyone. From now on, I'll personally supervise Mr. Lane for the rest of our lives." When the journalists spotted me, they all focused on me, hoping I'd cause a scene. However, I merely smiled and congratulated the couple. "You and Mr. Lane are perfect for each other, Ms. Quinn. I wish you both a long and happy marriage." Everyone was shocked. No one had expected such generosity from me—Harold's girlfriend of nine years. As I turned to leave, Harold darted over to defend himself with a scowl. "Leila worked day and night with me on this international project. She refused every bonus and only asked to experience the fairy-tale romance of marrying a CEO. We already agreed to divorce once the project is over. I'll make it up to you with an even bigger, better wedding." Then, his voice softened. "For the sake of our baby, don't cause trouble, okay?" With a bright smile, I slapped his hand away. "Who told you the baby's yours?"

[Urgently Need Breastmilk. Compensation Negotiable.] Eileen Sharp used to be a straight-A student with a bright future until she met her ex-boyfriend and became pregnant. Now a single mother, Eileen needed a second job to make ends meet. Eileen laughed. This was either a joke or a forty-year-old man with a weird kink. She wanted to scroll away, but she had bags of breastmilk in the fridge, and money was tight. Did it matter what the old man did with it, anyway? She risked getting kidnapped. The moment she saw him, she was dazzled. . Billionaire Dominic Presley was engaged to Hollywood’s sweetheart. He had all the money in the world, but it couldn’t buy his infant son formula he could keep down. His fiancé would rather die than breastfeed, choosing to go on a trip instead of staying with their son. Dominic needed a miracle. It was a sweet angel with bags of breastmilk in her arms. The attraction was instant. Can Dominic ignore his growing attraction to Eileen to save his engagement? This woman would save his son, but she was the forbidden fruit he couldn’t refuse. This wouldn’t end well, he knew. Eileen knew her time with him was short. She was her boss. She hated herself for lusting after a taken man. But she hated herself more for wishing the crying little boy was her own. She loved him at first sight, more than his gorgeous father. And she wished she would never part. Can she leave when the time comes? Or will she steal the family she dreams of?

They shattered her heart. Now she's back to ruin their world. Kate once had it all - love, friendship, and a bright future. Until one tragic night changed everything. Her boyfriend cheated on her. Her best friend betrayed her, orchestrating the car crash that nearly took her life. Desperate for a second chance, her wish was granted. Four years later, she's no longer the naive girl they left behind. Now known as Taylor Cosgrove, CEO of TAC Limited. She's back in City S, with one goal in mind, "destroy everyone who betrayed her". But as the lines between the past and present blur, Kate uncovers secrets darker than she ever imagined. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes the truth might not just ruin her enemies, but her new life as well. Love. Lies. Betrayal. Redemption. And one devastating secret that changes everything. "Isn't it obvious, Kate? I did it because I love you". Unable to tell the truths from the lies, Kate is trapped in the webs of her past. **** THE PAST "Where were you?" A girl with blond hair sobbed, barely keeping her eyelids opened. "You promised to always protect me...." "But I'm here now", he whispered softly, cradling her in his arms. "This is all your fault, I'll never forgive you". Her hands went limp, as the words left her mouth. She had lost consciousness. An ambulance wailed in the distance. The sky turned dark and gloomy.

On the day I'm set to give birth, a rogue crashes his car into the convoy that's meant to transport me and Alison Cranwell to the hospital for a prenatal check-up. My water breaks the moment the crash happens. A mixture of blood and amniotic sap soon dyes my seat crimson. At the same time, intense pain flares from my abdomen. My Alpha mate, Caleb Bright, rushes over immediately and hoists the doctor by the collar. "You must protect the she-wolves and their pups!" Warmth floods my heart at that moment. It continues spreading throughout my body until I get wheeled into an operating theater. Since the general anesthesia has yet to fully take effect, I can vaguely make out Marcus Knight, Caleb's Beta, speaking to him in a lowered tone. "The thing is, Alpha Caleb, Luna Selina is suffering from heavy bleeding as well. But we only have one vial of the most effective Lunar Grass essence left. If we don't use it on her, I'm afraid that she and the pup will—" "Alison is pregnant with my dead brother's only pup. She must not be harmed no matter what," Caleb states icily. "Selina is very strong, and her wolf can endure her grievous wounds. As for that pup… well, we'll have another one in the future." But what Caleb doesn't know is that I didn't just lose my pup that night—I've lost the last trace of love I have for him as well.

On the first night of our graduation trip, the class representative, Gordon Perkins, suggests that we draw lots in order to get our rooms assigned to us. "Let fate decide the pairs who get to stay in the same room as long as they have the same number, regardless of their gender! Imagine how exciting this is!" Throughout my four-year college life, Ivan Decker and I have been in a relationship for three of those years. No one knows about our relationship, though. I pull out a ball from the box and await my partner. When it's Ivan's turn, he draws out a ball with the number seven. Gordon raises his voice immediately. "The other lucky person who gets to stay in room seven is… Rebecca Benson!" Rebecca, the young woman whom Ivan has pursued in a high-profile manner in the past, goes bright red. Everyone cheers on them right away, claiming that Lady Fate really wants them to be together. But I'm the only one who stays silent. No one knows that I've heard Gordon secretly tell Ivan something before it's time to draw lots. "Look for the ball with the raised dot. I specially saved those ones for you and Rebecca." As I look at Ivan, who walks over to Rebecca and picks up her suitcase for her with a soft smile, I find myself smiling as well. It turns out that Ivan never plans on making our relationship official despite having waited for him for three years. This time, I decide to be the one who leaves first.

My parents think I'm not ladylike enough, so they buy themselves a docile and sweet AI daughter called Serafina Moretti. On the day Serafina is brought home, I get bullied by the entire family. Papa hates the fact that I'm really bad at studying, unlike Serafina, who's quick to pick up on the knowledge after being taught for the first time. Mamma wrinkles her nose at my bright and active personality. Apparently, I'm not quiet enough, which annoys her and gives her a pounding headache all the time. My older brother, Dario Moretti, even berates me all the time. "You're a disgrace to the Moretti family! What else are you capable of doing other than eating and sleeping?" Even Serafina has the gall to make fun of me, so I shove her to the floor out of anger. Mamma's expression darkens immediately. Then, she delivers a heavy slap across my cheek. "Serafina is your sister! If you're as docile as she is, you won't annoy me to the point I keep having headaches! "It's time for you to learn how to be a docile and understanding daughter in a behavioral correction academy!" So, I'm forced to study there. Two years later, my family picks me up from the academy. They keep calling my name, and yet I never respond to them. Professor Luca Caruso corrects them smilingly, "Mrs. Moretti, you must say the words, 'Activate.' Only then will NS-5 boot up on her own."

Selene Rivers was an upcoming singer and her future was bright until the moment when she received a phone call which was supposed to elevate her but ends up ruining her life. During the night, she was declared a fraud, beat up on the street, run over by a car and charged with committing a crime she never committed. Her husband framed her. Her songs were stolen by her best friend. And the world thought that she was dead. Selene lost her voice, her face and her child who she believed was dead at birth in jail. Somebody wanted her to go permanently. The job was nearly done by a gang attack, but was rescued by billionaire Ronan Blackwood, who is the best friend of her husband, and provided her with a new name, a new face, and a second life. Now Selene is willing to reclaim all the things that had been stolen. With a new name she comes back to the music world and reveals the lies, the betrayal, and the secrets that took her to the hell. Her revenge, however, reveals a bigger truth, that her son is alive, and he has lived under her roof all along. As she struggles to seek justice and reclaim her life, she begins to feel something she has never anticipated, that is, love, comfort, and security in the arms of Ronan. Her past tried to bury her. Her opponents attempted to mute her. But she is done running. This is the time she will have her voice back. This time she will save her child. This time, it will be her own choice of the future.