The Ones We Leave Behind Novels & Stories

“Today’s going to be slower. Softer. We’ve cleared the afternoon of all group sessions—it’s yours, except for the couples, who have to be at the couple track program. But before that, we invite you to begin this last day in quiet reflection. Head over to the pavilion when you’re ready—we’ve set up cushions and journals in a shaded space for our Personal Journaling Ceremony. It’s mandatory, as it’s a sacred part of closing this journey.” She reached into her satchel and placed four small, pieces of paper on each table, one for each of them. “These are yours to keep. The prompts are written on it, things to guide you if you’re not sure where to begin.” She tapped the paper gently. “Prompts lik

I've had one fatal flaw my whole life. I can't find my way anywhere. Not just bad with directions. The second I leave somewhere familiar, I can't tell north from south. I could walk through an intersection, turn around, and be completely lost. My best friend Irene, my brother Victor, and my fiancé Alex decided this needed fixing. They called it "survival training." They'd swap out my driver at underground auctions. Disappear while I was checking cargo at the docks. Leave me stranded in places I'd never been, then tell me with straight faces it was all for my own good. I got used to it. But today, they went too far. I stepped into the restroom for a few minutes. When I came back, the private

Alessia picked it up. Her name was written on it. Again. Another message. Another secret. She opened it slowly. Inside was a photograph. Her. Lorenzo. Six years ago. The night everything ended. But this was not a photograph she had ever seen. Because in the background stood someone else. Someone who had witnessed their final goodbye. Someone who knew the truth. On the back of the photograph were six words: You left because they made you. Alessia's hands began to shake. Lorenzo looked at the photograph.

Together, we drove into the unknown, leaving behind the shattered remnants of a wedding that should never have been. ®✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓THE END

On the day of our family trip, I wake up early, only to find the house empty. As I wonder what is going on, a message from my younger twin brother, Carson Smyth, suddenly pops up in the family group chat. "Oh, no! I forgot to update in this group chat that the departure time has been moved forward!" The very next second, the message is deleted. I stare blankly at the empty chat, my eyes stinging. So they have another group chat—one that doesn't include me. Still reeling, I get a call from Mom. "I'm sorry, Caleb. The departure time was moved up by an hour, and I forgot to tell you. Hurry and take a cab here! You might still be able to catch up—" My older sister, Carina Smyth, cuts her o

On the day Evan Carter was supposed to meet my adoptive parents, his phone was turned off all day. As my future husband, he had confidently promised me the night before that he would win my parents over. Yet even after the server had refilled our glasses for the sixth time, I still couldn’t reach him. A few hours later, I came across a post from Evan’s assistant, Maya Collins. In the photos, Evan was sitting on her family’s couch with bags of expensive gifts around him, keeping her parents company. The caption read: “My family has been pressuring me to get married nonstop. Thank you to my amazing boss for stepping in and pretending to be my boyfriend so I could get through this!” Evan

His mother wiped her tears and said, "It's over, Ethan. That project Stella joined—it'll last ten, maybe twenty years. She's gone. The two of you were never meant to last. "Heartbreak happens. It's part of life. You need to move on. Find someone new, someone you truly love." "No. I am not letting her go!" shouted Ethan.

My words sent a shockwave through Derick and Jasmine, their faces a picture of pure horror. With a sly grin, I hit play on the recorder for all to hear. Jasmine's moans and Derick's breathy gasps were not the only things captured; their treacherous whispers filled the room. "Thanks for swapping the kids, darling. Our little one's destined to rule the roost now! "Lily's boy is your own blood. He's sick, and we're just leaving him to suffer. Doesn't that break your heart?"

I stood up and gave her one last look. The face I once dreamed about suddenly looked so strange and ugly. "Shirley, "This is the last thing I'm doing for you. "After this, we're even. We don't owe each other anything anymore," I said and walked away. She froze, then started screaming like crazy, "Max! You selfish idiot! You can't go! "You're heartless! You're so ungrateful! I was blind to marry you!" I did not turn back. I stepped out of the detention center.

The words Divorce Agreement blurred immediately as tears hit the page. I stood there for a long time, staring at them. At last, I folded the papers and put them away. I could not stay here anymore. I did not want this family anymore. I was going to leave the Vieri family, and I was going to leave Serafina. If no one had ever truly wanted me from the start, then I would be the one to walk away.