Our Shared Shelf Novels & Stories

I was the one largely responsible for Jillard Group's success. I remembered when she used to look at me with such devotion, saying, "Jillard Group is thriving now, so you don't have to exhaust yourself anymore, Shawn. You can just focus on our family and me. I'll also transfer the majority of the shares to you so that you'll have peace of mind."

I said. He shrugged. “I know, because I tried to punch the shelf thinking it was ordinary wood, but it was wood that was laced with wolfsbane. So I broke my hand while trying to open it.” “Shit,” she muttered. “So what do we do?” He shrugged. “Nothing. We just sit down in this boring-ass meeting and listen to what the elders have to say. I don’t think we should be trying to disturb ourselves with whatever petty thing that’s hidden behind that shelf.”

Lucien Arden took the throne. He crowned Rosalind Hartwell empress. And Evelyn Hartwell—the principal wife who had fought at his side all the way from embattled prince to emperor—was given only the rank of Imperial Consort. The day the decree came down, Silverleaf Palace was completely silent. Every servant kept their head lowered and hardly dared to breathe, afraid that Evelyn would weep, or throw things, or come apart the way any consort does when the emperor's favor leaves her. Evelyn simply accepted the decree, calmly. “I thank His Majesty for his generosity.” There was no movement in her voice and nothing in her face. Even her beautiful eyes held not the slightest trace of grief.

Together, we’d really keep them on their toes even more so with double the cravings, mood swings, and late-night snack runs! Shelly joins in my laughter, and for a moment, we revel in the lightheartedness of the idea, knowing that whatever happens, we have each other’s support and friendship to rely on through all the ups and downs that life might throw our way.

‎ ‎"You sleep here. With me. In this bed. Every night.“ ‎ ‎"I'm not sleeping with you,“ I said. Scooting back on the bed away from him. ‎ ‎Alessio unclipped his watch from his wrist. Set it on the nightstand. Then his shirt. One button at a time from top to down. ‎The scar through his eyebrow caught the light from the city. ‎ ‎"I don't share beds with anyone,“ he said. His shirt hit the floor at his feet. ‎His chest was all muscles and old scars. " Ever. But I am making an exception. For you.“

“You can. You will. Come here.” He came. I put both hands flat on his chest—felt the heartbeat under the cotton, quicker than it should have been, because he was genuinely bothered by this shelf in a way that I found so transparently, absurdly dear that I had to press my lips together for a moment before I spoke. “The shelf is perfect,” I said. “It is exactly what I wanted.” “It holds four books, Estelle. And it’s crooked.” “I am not going to let you redo this shelf. Because you made it. I don’t want another one. I want this one.”

The thought is a small, bitter comfort because nothing stings like betrayal. My gaze slides left and locks on the bookshelf. Old wood, a little scuffed, shelves stuffed with returned paperbacks and a few knick-knacks, mismatched bookends, a ceramic owl, a stack of defunct menus someone shoved in a hurry. The bottom shelf sags, the base leaning a fraction out from the wall. Whoever stocked it last time did a sloppy job. It is not anchored. My brain flips through possibilities like cards, fast and clean.

Inhaling deeply, my eyes widened as they lowered from the bell, as I smell a familiar scent I’d recognize anywhere. My eyes rolled into the back of my head as I stop in my tracks. Shane stops, and when I open my eyes, they lock on something at the end of the room. I lift my chin, and my gaze travels up, up, up the tall bookshelf. Grazing over the beautiful real wood shelving, natural aesthetics, plants, and rows of books. A bookstore. Shane dragged me into a bookstore.

Shadrach requested. "Sure, let’s get going," Cooper replied. As they arrived at the bustling shopping mall, Shadrach stood at the entrance, surrounded by the sounds of chatter and footsteps echoing around him. Entering the store, he listened intently to the laughter and joy that filled the air. The warm atmosphere enveloped him as he walked down the aisles, his hands brushing against various shelves. “What about this one?” Cooper suggested, picking up a soft, plush bear. “It’s really cuddly and perfect for a newborn.”

thing wasn't over yet. May gently hit her wine glass with a small fork, and everyone stopped talking after the clinging sound. "Now, before we start tearing this delicious turkey apart, I want to toast to our family and Azriel as well for becoming a part of us. Now we can confirm that Shirley and Arch aren't the only pretty ones here." Everyone laughed and nodded simultaneously.