Rules Of Civility Synopsis Novels & Stories

ZIRA POV The sterile hospital room smelled of antiseptic and fear. I sat beside my father’s bed, clutching his hand as if letting go would make him slip away forever. His eyes fluttered open after hours of unconsciousness, weak but clear. The monitors beeped steadily, a small mercy after the chaos of the last twenty-four hours. “Zira…” His voice was raspy, barely above a whisper. “My strong girl. Always fighting the world.” Tears stung my green eyes. “Dad, I’m so sorry. The scandal… the videos… I never wanted any of this to touch you.”

Snapshots flashing in my mind. "Getting changed here," Jennifer said. "I know. I'm sorry." I slowly backed away into my bedroom, like stepping away from a gunfight. After that we had a talk. I had a little fold-out card table I used for meals, so I brought that out. We both sat there staring at our hands. "I'm sorry about before," I said, "But I think we need some ground rules. You've got to let me know when you're changing like that." "I didn't want to interrupt your call," Jennifer said.

"I'm to smile at you adoringly. Rule number two: Sleep in the same bed regardless of personal feelings. Rule number three, any grievances or concerns are to be addressed in private, away from Arielle or public view." Her voice trailed off as she continued reading, her eyes moving faster across the page. "So basically..." She looked up at me. Her expression shifted from disbelief to real anger, the kind that told me I was about to get ripped apart. "I'm your puppet. I smile when you want. I perform when you want. I keep my mouth shut about anything that bothers me unless we're safely behind closed doors where no one can see your perfect marriage falling apart." "I'm asking us to choose civili

When her turn came, she didn’t stand. “Briarcrest teaches us that order is neutral,” she said calmly. “Those rules exist outside power. They don’t. Every rule chooses who it protects.” Murmurs rippled. Alaric spoke next. “Rules are tools,” he said evenly. “They’re only as moral as the hands that wield them. Without enforcement, ideals collapse into noise.” Nyx glanced at him. “And without challenge,” she added softly, “enforcement becomes tyranny.” For a moment, the room held its breath.

‎ ‎I didn’t ask. ‎ ‎The rule was clear. ‎ ‎No other men will touch you. Ever. ‎ ‎The door closed behind us when we arrived at the mansion. ‎ ‎Click. ‎ ‎Locked. ‎ ‎Ethan loosened his cufflinks slowly, deliberately, as though savoring every second. ‎ ‎“Do you know which rule you broke?” he asked quietly. ‎ ‎“Yes,” I whispered. ‎ ‎“Say it.” ‎ ‎I swallowed. “No other men are allowed to touch me.”

Cain grumbles, looking at me as if I was about to cheat on him, "Actually, you know what? I think there should be another rule: reciprocity. If you break my other rules and kiss him, you must kiss me too." "Sorry, do these stupid rules only apply to you?" Asheron asks, "You sound desperate and insecure, kid, relax. We can both kiss her." "No. I don’t want to see you all over her all the time," Cain crosses his arms, looking at us like an angry toddler, "No kissing. But in case you mess up… the reciprocity rule can save you from my fury." I let out a chuckle and shake my head; he’s so ridiculous. And I love it.

“Sandra, you’re truly a blessing.” “Thank you, ma,” Sandra replied. “Dinner is ready.” As they settled at the dining table, things were calm—for a while. But it didn’t last. Cecilia picked up a piece of meat from the soup just as Alex reached for the same one. “Can you be more civilized?” she snapped, pulling it into her plate. Alex scoffed. “You think meat is your personality trait or what?” “I’m not in the mood for your childish tantrums,” she fired back.

It was hard convincing her we had to leave America and start a fresh life, but with time, she grew tired. I hoped in this life that nothing would bring Oliver to Tokyo, at least until Sophie outgrows this face, he knew her with. But there were times I had second thoughts about how I handled everything. If I had told Oliver everything, it would have been easier. I did not know how it would turn out. I mean, I was the only one catching feelings for him and I did not expect him to break his rules. He appeared to me as someone that upheld rules, especially the ones he made. Even though the reason he made the rules turned out to be a façade.

another said. I heard a female scream and I rushed into the shadows without thinking. I could see their figures now. “Stop!” I said.” Will you see what you are doing?” “Who are you,” one asked. “I mean do you care to see how dirty what you are doing is,” I said calmly. One has already raised his fist and was coming to me.” Why you bastard…” I dodged his punch and moved back. “ Whoa! Easy man,” I said.” You almost got my handsome face ruined.”

my serious nature returned; the aura of an alpha enveloped all of them. “Now, let's go over what we discussed at home.” “Nicky, you first.” “Okay, first rule, under no circumstances should you fight; fighting is not allowed.” "Neil." “Second rule, under no provocation should we fight, and also no gambling.” "Nora," I could already feel a headache coming as I looked at her. “Third rule, no fighting, no killing, no maiming, no pranks on people, no breaking up relationships, no illegal business, no stealing, no smoking, and most importantly, for every good deal, get your money in cash or kind.”