Smiley Riley Novels & Stories

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and she offered a small, careful smile. “Thank you,” she said softly. Ivy frowned, genuinely confused. Her brows drew together as she searched Riley’s face. “For what?” Riley’s lips curved faintly, the smile tinged with something tired. “For stopping him from smoking.” Ivy blinked, the tension in her posture easing just a fraction. “That’s what this is about.” Riley nodded, her hands clasping loosely in front of her as if grounding herself. “I tried. For years. Doctors tried. Friends tried. Threats, ultimatums, reason. Nothing ever worked.”

His smile was as magical as a witch's magic. Riley's phone rang and she picked up. It was Stuart's call. Stuart: "Hey, Ril-boo! Where have you been?" "Ah well, my phone was broken, sorry I couldn't inform you about it." The smile was wiped from Christian's face. He clenched his hands tighter.

Michelle felt the weight of Raymond’s gaze pressing down on her as she stared at the video on his phone. The grainy footage played continuously, showing her in a tense argument with a tall, handsome shadowed figure. Her heart pounded violently, and she clenched her fists, knowing she could no longer avoid the truth. She needed to tell Raymond the truth. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "His name is Richard Smith." Raymond's expression was cold, but his grip on the phone tightened. "And who exactly is this Richard Smith?"

After all, we were all friends for a very long time, and just because I was no longer with Damian didn’t mean I had to stop being friends with them. Riley was my best friend after all. “Oh Ari…” Riley said, her tone softening. Riley was currently pregnant and very emotional, so by that tone, I knew too well that she was only seconds away from crying. “What?” I laughed. “You keep smiling.” “Because I’m happy.” I smiled, and that somehow made her eyes water. “Oh no.” “Oh yes.” She pointed dramatically. “Can’t you see I’m already emotional, please don’t do this to me.” She said, and I burst out laughing.

The crowd burst into laughter. Loud. Riley’s ears rang. The laughter sounded distant, like it was coming from underwater. Her face burned with shame. Her hands trembled violently at her sides. Ken gently helped her stand straight again, as though he hadn’t just humiliated her in front of everyone. Riley forced a nervous smile. Her heart was still pounding. Everything felt unreal. Like a bad dream she couldn’t wake up from. Just then, Don R.J. Hale stepped forward. He smiled warmly and patted Riley’s back softly.

To prepare me for life in the Moretti underworld, my boyfriend, Adrian Moretti, had his childhood friend, Chloe Marino, arrange a robbery drill for me every month. At first, they only stole my phone. Then came a knife in a parking garage, followed by someone tailing me late at night. Once I even opened my eyes in the middle of the night to find a masked man sitting on the edge of my bed with a gun pressed to my forehead. Afterward, Adrian told me, "Evelyn, if this is enough to scare you, you're only going to hold me back." Today was the twelfth time. A bullet grazed my ear and buried itself in the wall. Blood ran down the side of my face. I fell to the ground while Chloe stood at the curb, l

I asked with a small smile displayed on my face. I continued to converse with her over the phone, and I must say that she is a jovial girl. No doubt about it. "Good night Mia. Sweet dreams, don't let the bed bugs bite." I said lovingly with a sweet smile on my face as I ended the call. I placed the phone on my chest and thought about how happy I would be if Mia was to accept my proposal when suddenly I heard a clap behind me. I quickly turned around and saw Riley glaring at me with her arms folded under her breast.

“Just... scared shitless this is the post-beta high. That when the novelty wears off, you’ll miss the version of me that could fuck for hours without needing a breather or burning breakfast.” Riley searched his eyes. Then she smiled, small and sharp. “Good thing I like the real version. Burnt toast and all.” She kissed him, slow and reassuring. “Besides, the game never made me laugh the way you do when you’re trying to be smooth and failing.”

Mia wanted me to feel the sting of isolation. But I had traveled these southern trails long before Blake Turner ever bought my first contract. "I haven't walked these shores in ages," I replied coolly. "I think I’ll visit some old allies instead. I’m sure they’d be honored to host me at their estate, so you can cancel my room. I’ll manage." Mia’s eyes narrowed. "Just be on the set on time, Hart. Don't test my patience." Riley, who hadn't said a word, just watched with a smug, silent grin. She was savoring the sight of Mia "disciplining" me. Is she still dreaming of a comeback? Riley’s scent mocked me. This coast is where I finally bury her.

I stood in the middle of the living room, facing the security camera's blinking red light, practicing my smile again and again. Looking into the lens, I spoke softly, like I was leaving a message for the Mom who'd watch it someday. "Mom, look. I practiced the perfect smile again today. "Lift the corners of my mouth fifteen degrees and show eight teeth. The books say that's the most sincere smile. The one that makes people feel warm. "I've practiced so much my face hurts... but that's okay. "When you watch this tomorrow... will you tell me I did a good job? "Will you finally believe I wasn't lying to you?"