Sad Truths

This an autobiography of a man's childhood day, the horror and the dread that he went through, it also comprises of other happenings that made up his childhood day: both sad and happy moments.

Lily at age fifteen wanted to be so many things, but a werewolf was never part of it. Actually, she never thought of it either, because this story isn't about Lily at fifteen, nor is it about any damn werewolves. This story is about 23-year-old Lily Hills, waking up to the dead body of her one-night stand in a motel. The same man, Damien Kalashnikov, was to tie the knot the next morning, and Lily was slated to handle the magazine publishing the glamorous wedding events. Lily who just wanted an adventurous night for once in her life, was now accused of murdering a ruthless Russian Mafia boss. Just as all hope seems lost, Dimitri, Damien's identical twin brother and infamous "Beekeeper," saves her, he proposes a shocking solution: a contract marriage, with conditions for both parties to meet. The wedding, initially intended for Damien and his bride, will proceed as planned – with Lily as the new bride. As Lily and Dimitri navigate their complicated relationship, he commissions her to write his biography. With each passing day, secrets unfold, and shocking truths surface. Their bond deepens, but danger lurks. With a surprise pregnancy raising stakes, it seemed Damien left a souvenir. A Russian Roulette began. Albeit, a typical Russian will say to you: Когда река молчит, шепчет ли она секреты рыбам? (When the river's voice is silent, does it whisper secrets to the fish?) Even in silence, hidden truths may be shared, and secrets can be revealed in unexpected ways. Will Lily, wife to the Omertà Mafia Don ‘The Beekeeper’ eventually find out what happened that night?

After a devastating valentine's breakup, Miracle never expected to find herself caught in a web of deceit and desire. A mysterious stranger approached her with an offer she couldn't refuse. Three million dollars to be a fake girlfriend to his wealthy client, with one catch: falling in love with him disqualifies her from the deal. Skeptical at first, Miracle agrees to the arrangement, but she quickly realizes that it's not as simple as she thought. Especially when her client turns out to be the infamous Leonel Hamilton, a billionaire with a reputation for breaking hearts without mercy. As Miracle navigates the complexities of their fake relationship, she finds herself torn between her desire for money and her growing feelings for Leonel. But when some truths are revealed, she must decide if the contract is worth the risk or if the lure of money is too strong to resist. Read on to discover the rollercoaster of romance and deceit.

Sad, alone, and broken. Aurora is an orphan and a week away from her 19th birthday. Happy and terrified as it will be the beginning of the end. Saved by an unlikely stranger she takes a chance to learn the truth about her world, and all the beings in it. Making the biggest choice of her life, she jumps in with both feet! Finally happy in her new life, terror ensues as her worst nightmares are realized. When the smoke clears there is an even bigger catastrophe and she must figure out how to save everyone!

My son, Jasper Cole, won the gold prize in an art competition. When I took off my apron and rushed to the award ceremony, I found that the painting titled 'Mother' was not of me but Maeve Leighton, my husband's secretary. Maeve pretended to be troubled as she told my son, "Your mom will be sad when she sees this painting." However, Jasper was unperturbed. "What does her sadness have to do with me? She's an ordinary-looking and incompetent housewife, always nagging me about what I can and can’t do. She's too strict with me. It's annoying! Maeve, I wish you were my mother. My dad doesn't like my mom at all. He's only happy when he's with you. He's only with my mom because he feels obligated." My heart broke at that moment. Since he no longer wanted me as his mother, it was pointless for me to stay. I called my dad. "Dad, I want to go home. Can you pick me up?" My dad could not believe it. He answered after a long pause, "Of course. I'll come pick up my brilliant daughter in three days."

"Just join me for a drink perhaps?" Her bushy brows rose suggestively at me. She knew my answer, she knew what I'd say. I grabbed the bottle off her scrawny hands and said "You know, for a one time thing, this has become a regular." To be honest, I was actually looking forward to meeting up with her. Not that I was going to admit it to her face. "Like therapy sessions from two dumb, ill-favored kids. Who are trying to give each other easing words." She was right. Though her stumbled movements indicated a slight intoxication. Suddenly, out of the awkward moment, she looked up at me with a sad smile and said. "I might be a street girl but is it too bad to wish for a normal life? Go to proms? Have new clothes? Shelter? Love? Do I not deserve?" Her teary eyes searched deep into my soul. I was unaware of the lack of distance between us. When did we get so close with barely an inch barrier? "Flare..." that was all I could say because then all I could feel were soft lips against mine. Her lips! And it felt so nice. Subconsciously, I grabbed her little body and went for another kiss, this time, a deeper kiss.

There are a lot more truths in the books we read, than we’d like to admit. What if a book delves into the lives of the very town you live in? Reveals to you some personal stories of people you know? Or thought you knew. Bookstore owner Kevin Ellison faces this truth when a mysterious book shows up in Through a Mirror, Darkly by Kevin Lucia. Through a Mirror, Darkly is a Supernatural Thriller collection masked as a novel. With elements of mystery, suspense, and otherworldly horror, Through a Mirror, Darkly successfully delves into the worlds of Lovecraft, Grant, and the mysterious Carcosa. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing Arcane Delights. Clifton Heights' premier rare and used bookstore. In it, new owner Kevin Ellison has inherited far more than a family legacy, for inside are tales that will amaze, astound, thrill...and terrify: An ancient evil thirsty for lost souls. A very different kind of taxi service with destinations not on any known map. Three coins that grant the bearer's fondest wish, and a father whose crippling grief gives birth to something dark and hungry.

Aria was born with nothing; an orphaned girl in a cruel world that only ever wanted to break her. Raised in a pack that never accepted her, she survived in silence… until the day Alpha Lucien, who is her ruthless, cold-blooded stepfather sank his teeth into her neck, marking her as his mate. Trapped in a twisted bond with the man who should’ve protected her, Aria fights to resist the pull of the forced connection. Every touch, every word, every dark promise he whispers is meant to dominate her spirit. But Aria won’t break easily. Not even under the torment of betrayal, pain, and an unwanted claim. When his stepbrother named Kael appears bearing eyes filled with sorrow and secrets of his own, Aria’s world begins to shift. There’s something different about him. Something dangerous. Something… familiar. As hidden truths unravel, enemies rise from the shadows, and a forbidden past resurfaces, Aria is forced to choose between submitting to a destiny she never asked for or fighting for the freedom and love, she’s always deserved. In a world ruled by alphas, marks, and power, can an orphan girl defy fate and reclaim her life before she’s devoured by the darkness?

Bianca’s childhood was marked by loss and hardship. After her father’s sudden death when she was young, she was forced to live with her cruel aunt, enduring years of mistreatment and neglect. Despite the darkness surrounding her, Bianca’s resilience and strength carried her through the years. In high school, Bianca found solace and love in Ethan, a kind and caring boy who saw her for who she truly was. Their deep connection blossomed into a passionate relationship, but just as things seemed to be falling into place, Ethan disappeared without warning. His abrupt departure was driven by a secret threat that he believed could destroy Bianca’s life. Heartbroken and confused, Bianca never knew the real reason for his departure, and worse, she was left with a life-altering secret—she was pregnant with Ethan’s child. Years later, as an adult, Bianca applies for a job at a prestigious company, unaware that it belongs to none other than Ethan. Their reunion is charged with unresolved emotions and painful memories, and neither is sure how to navigate the stormy waters of their past. As they are forced to work together, they begin to confront the hurt, secrets, and love that never truly faded. Slowly, they rebuild their trust, facing the painful truths that kept them apart. Together, they fight for their second chance at happiness, but Bianca must decide if she can truly forgive Ethan and embrace the love they once shared. In the end, *Depth of Pain* is a story of healing, redemption, and the power of love to overcome even the deepest wounds. Bianca and Ethan’s journey is one of rediscovery, where they learn that the only way to move forward is to face the past head-on.

Francine Forenbach is the Green River Pack's Princess. The great Alpha King's daughter. At the age of 14, the Forenbach family adopted an unknown civilian. The Forenbach provided him with garments, food, and shelter. Azure's life has always been sad and lonely since he was born. But as he entered the Pack, he began to rethink the decision that had always surrounded his mind. Francine developed feelings for Azure. As they mature, Azure finds himself vulnerable, realizing that his feelings for his adoptive sister are not the result of their shared childhood. Now that they are both consenting adults, the two must figure out how to understand their feelings before things get even more complicated. He couldn't possibly love her. Francine is forbidden to love. It is a sin to love her. She is his younger sister. But the question is... how could he resist those innocent brown eyes?