The Family Novels & Stories

As far as family goes, they’re all I have… and Tyler doesn’t know anyone else. The thought hits me out of nowhere. They’re my family—but is Tyler part of it now, just because we’re married? Even though the marriage wasn’t planned and I’m only staying here for three months? What do I even call him that doesn't sound strange? He’s my husband… but is he a part of my family? This wasn’t supposed to be so complicated. When I reach my room, I unlock my phone. Several missed calls from my uncle and aunt. Two messages from Max. One from Vanessa. A few emails—definitely work-related—so I ignore them.

It didn't take more than a couple hours for the rest of the town to know what had happened to the Carrigan's family. It wasn't nothing new, but it seemed that rumours flew like trees in a storm. Richard had heard people mumbling about the disappearance of his daughter, about how it had been a terrible accident and how it was hard for them to look at their son.

I took the phone from Hector's hand. The screen displayed a brand-new post from Mom. The accompanying photo featured the living room of our family home, with a few dishes laid out on the coffee table. The gathering was small—just Mom, Dad, Cody, and his family. The caption read, "Family dinner. The family is whole and complete. Life moves on, no matter who decides to skip out." Beneath the post, a dozen comments from relatives and neighbors had already piled up, offering validation and comfort.

It was an unknown number, so I rejected it, only for it to ring again. This time, I answered on speaker. “Hello, is this Miss Harper Grey? We’re calling from a TV program called Family Forever. Your mother contacted us and said you’ve been influenced to cut ties with your parents. We’d like to invite you onto our show to have a proper conversation with your family.” “I’m not going.” “Miss Grey, we’d like to help you reunite with your family–” “There’s no need for that.” With that, I hung up and couldn’t fall back asleep again after that.

"Tommy, we'll take you out after dinner. There's something going on nearby today. It'll be a lot of fun." Dad put his arm around my shoulders, the warmth of his palm seeping through my clothes, almost scalding. Talia quietly transferred some of her own money into my account, moving so carefully it was as if she were afraid of startling me. Mom sat across the table, smiling, her eyes full of quiet satisfaction. This family looked like they loved me, like everything was warm and perfect.

When the rogues kidnapped me, my father, my brother, and my fiancé wouldn't even give three hundred dollars as ransom. Yet they threw tens of millions dollars at my adopted sister's birthday celebration while I was butchered by rogues who never got their payment. The adoptive sister’s parents died saving me, and after my family took her in, she became the center of attention—and the most important person—in our home. But when they got my death finally, they all fell into deep sorrow.

It also signified a little more seriousness and responsibilities in terms of Spears INC. In case I hadn’t made it clear, I run a multibillion-dollar company. My parents had died six years ago, just in time for my eighteenth birthday, and in turn, left the company in my care. No risk was taken because I have been in the family business since I turned 12. I watched him stand up and straighten his crisp white shirt, before turning to him. I watched him with some adoration but my ‘alter ego’ was irritated by him already. Why did he smile so much?

“Then find her someplace else.” I wasn’t backing down. “Frost!” His voice dropped into a dangerous growl. “You’re being unbelievably selfish. Fianna’s husband died for the family—she’s a widow of the family. As the future Donna, you should know how to treat the relatives of our fallen men. And she’s your sister!” Future Donna? Selfish? I looked at him—at that righteous fury like he was some saint—and all I felt was a bitter, humorless laugh rising in my throat.

"Be careful there, contact us if you have problems there." “Mom, can I not use family power? It's just a small event, I don't need help. " Melody said annoyed because his family always relied on power, he felt isolated when he was with his friends when they found out that he was the son of the Syalendra conglomerate. “Alright… alright, I think that's enough. We don't have much time so you will miss the flight later. " Said Miska looking at her watch. Miska and Melodi went out to the car the driver had provided. Today he will drive his own car, there is something he wants to convey to his younger brother.

"So what if I hit you? If it weren't for you, Athena wouldn't hate me, and my family wouldn't be falling apart! "All of this is because of you. You ruined everything, you bitch!" Sophia stood frozen, her mouth agape in shock. "But… didn't you say we were a family? Isn't Jackson fond of me?" Jackson shot back instantly, his expression icy, just like the way he used to look at me. "I never liked you! You're the reason I lost my mom. I hate you! "We were never a family—not with you." Mason's expression was just as cold, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Get the hell out."