The Stolen Hope

Melanie Collins was the perfect wife—caring, strong, and dependable. For the last few years, she had managed her husband’s messy family, and business alone while waiting for her husband to return from studying abroad. But when he finally came back, Melanie’s world fell apart—he wasn’t alone. Along with him was his 'best' friend. Broken and confused about the change in her husband, Melanie didn’t know where to turn. And then she stumbled into another cold reality. Everything she had believed was a lie. Seething with anger and humiliation, as she tried to come to terms with the betrayal, an unexpected person steps into the picture, intent on seducing her and conquering her. The only problem? The man was her ex brother in law... And against her better judgment, she is attracted to this bad boy... But as Melanie tried to make sense of the changes, she discovered there was more going on than she ever imagined. Had both brothers loved really fallen in love with her? Or was she just a pawn in a bigger game? excerpt Since he had already been leaning against the table, he simply slid onto it, and with one swift motion, he hooked his boot around the leg of her chair and pulled it—pulled her—closer.The sudden movement made her jolt slightly, and when she looked up or rather when she looked ahead, she found herself staring directly at the zipper of his jeans... She looked up then and met his gaze. He caught her chin," Would you like to check if I am only pretending, sweet melon?"Melanie stiffened. And then pushed back her chair suddenly, so that Adam almost lost his balance, as she stood up. Before he could balance himself, she placed her hand on his shoulder, her fingers brushing against his neck.  Adam stiffened, his eyes glittering as he waited to see what she would do next. And she, of course surprised him as her other hand, slowly settled on the inside of his thigh. And then, the hand on his shoulder started to move. Her fingers tracing the side of his neck before lifting as she shot a glance to the corner of his mouth. The little piece of metal glinting there. She flicked at it lightly, barely a touch, but Adam could feel the heat all over his body, as she leaned in close, her lips barely a few centimetres away...so that they could both feel each other's breaths… She smiled slowly then. "Careful, Adam," she murmured, her voice playful, but carrying the unmistakable edge of a challenge. "Keep pushing, and I just might call your bluff."

A child who has experienced the death of a parents and bullying from classmates, living a difficult life alone in the world, and always holding kindness and hope, ultimately achieving academic success, love, and new family

"Who are you?" "I am your husband." "No, my husband hates me to the point that he hasn't slept in the same bed as me for years. He avoids me, recoils at my touch, and finds every excuse to stay away. But you... you show me love and affection. You are not the man I married."

For ten years, Elena Morrison gave everything—her heart, her career, and even her family—to a man who cast her aside for another. When her world shattered, she leapt to her death, only to wake up a decade earlier. Determined to rewrite her destiny, Elena vows to avoid the man who betrayed her and protect her future. But her plans take a sharp turn when she uncovers the truth: she isn’t just a discarded wife. She’s a stolen heiress, and her entire life has been a lie. Now caught in a whirlwind of forbidden love, family secrets, and dangerous schemes, Elena finds herself in a sudden marriage with Victor Sterling, a man as dangerous as he is alluring. Together, they must uncover a tangled web of deceit that stretches back decades. Will she reclaim her life, or will the same forces that destroyed her before rise again to take everything?

Abigail’s only crime in life was being born as the mute daughter of the deceptive maid, who drugged her boss and got pregnant for him… or so she thought. All her life she had to serve her stepsister, Genevieve, attending to her every whim. While Genevieve used every opportunity she got to make Abigail’s life hell, even to the point of seducing Abigail’s boyfriend. On the night she resumes college, Abigail crosses path with Jamal Jonas, a heartbroken elusive billionaire, who leaves behind a stuffed animal that belonged to his first love. Abigail keeps the stuffed animal, which stirs her long lost memories. Five years later, Jamal shows up again, but this time as Genevieve's new live-in driver. Working for Genevieve quickly places him near the supposedly mute and intelligent Abigail who he doesn’t immediately recognize, and soon enough, Jamal finds himself pulled in by Abigail's charms. Jamal quickly realizes there is more to her than meets the eye, and there might be more connecting Abigail to his first love than Genevieve.

Foreign wish, scrambled dream. I know her wish, but does she know mine? A twilight that begins in school, bringing with it cryptic secrets. Do I really want to know... The true nature of this place? A simple story of a hero and a demon king.

For as long as anyone can remember, the sky has been sealed beneath a thick, black shroud, blocking out the sun, stopping the rain, and stilling the wind. Life has withered in the darkness, and survival is a constant battle. In the scattered settlements that remain, people cling to what little resources they can salvage—deep wells, fragile greenhouses, and fire-warmed shelters. *** Azure grew up in a world where survival left no room for dreams—but they dreamed anyway. Every day was a fight against hunger, cold, and the unyielding weight of the blackened sky, yet deep inside, they held on to the stories their grandmother told. Tales of sunlight, of rain, of wind stirring the leaves of trees they had never seen. Most dismissed such things as fantasy, but Azure could never quite let them go. Years of hardship have made them resilient—strong enough to endure, sharp enough to navigate a world that gives nothing freely. Their body bears the marks of a life spent in scarcity, their hands rough from labor, their expression often guarded. Yet beneath the hardened exterior is a relentless ember of hope, one that refuses to be snuffed out. When their grandmother falls ill and reveals the secret of the stolen sky, Azure does not hesitate. This is more than a quest for a cure; it is proof that the world was not always meant to be lifeless. Determined, resourceful, and unshaken by fear, they set out on a journey that will test not only their body but the belief they have always clung to in the quiet corners of their heart: that the world can be more than this. That it should be.

“You should have stayed poor and forgotten, John. But instead, you tried to reclaim what I took from you. So I took everything from you, starting with Sarah.” John has been living a lie. His life, his family and his friends all lies. John always thought he had a normal life but the flashes of the past always hunts and keeps telling him that he is more. In a family full off lies and Deception will john truly find who he is, would he sacrifice his lover for the truth or would he continue to live a "NORMAL LIFE"

"I’ll be gone for almost a year. What kind of woman would wait that long for a man?” Selina went still and said quietly. "A woman who love deeply would wait." A woman like her. She would have waited for Nicki. She had waited, even when he had abandoned her. Damon noticed the shift immediately. His eyes narrowed slightly. Then, slowly—“You. You would wait for him.” Selina looked up. For the first time since they had met, her guard slipped. Her eyes held something raw. A quiet, devastating vulnerability. She didn’t lie. She simply said, "Yes" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Readers, Before diving into the story synopsis, let me introduce you to an exciting world of interconnected tales, each exploring different themes and ultimately coming together in a grand narrative. Welcome to the Shadowverse: An Epic Interconnected Universe I’m thrilled to introduce you to the Shadowverse, an expansive and experimental universe where stories and characters are deeply interconnected. Within this universe, I’ve created three distinct narratives, each with its own rich journey and character development. While each story concludes with a proper and satisfying ending, they all contribute to a grander narrative that reaches its peak in the final chapters of Rebirth of Hope. 1. Rebirth of Hope (Fantasy and Adventure: New Tropes) In a fractured world, powerful bloodlines clash in a deadly tournament to rebuild the Alderson Disk, Earth’s last hope for survival. As alliances shift and rivalries intensify, a prophecy looms, foretelling a savior who will guide humanity’s fate. The future of Earth hangs in the balance as the tournament unfolds. 2. Shadow Ascension (Villain) Delve into the rise of darkness within the Shadowverse as ambitious figures seize power through any means necessary. This story explores the motivations and machinations of those who will stop at nothing to reshape the world in their image, setting the stage for an epic confrontation. 3. The Obsidian Voyage (System) Embark on a daring journey across uncharted realms as explorers seek the lost secrets of an ancient civilization. The stakes are high, as the knowledge they uncover could either save their world or doom it, with every decision impacting the broader Shadowverse. Throughout these tales, you’ll discover references and connections between the stories, which I will highlight in the chapters where they appear. These connections weave a complex and engaging web that leads to a thrilling conclusion in the Shadowverse. I hope you enjoy this new experimental concept as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it. Your support and feedback are invaluable as we explore this universe together! Welcome to the Shadowverse where every story matters, and where your adventure is just beginning. Story Synopsis: In a future where Earth lies in ruins, the destruction of the Alderson Disk has left the planet shattered, with half of it uninhabitable. The remaining half is divided into 14 nations, each ruled by powerful bloodlines with unique abilities tied to ancient weapons. These bloodlines have governed their lands for centuries, but survival is becoming increasingly difficult as resources dwindle and the wasteland encroaches. The only hope lies in a prophecy that foretells the Reborn Disk, a tournament to choose a warrior who will guide humanity in reconstructing the Alderson Disk. However, there is a lingering fear that the prophecy might be wrong, and the chosen warrior could be the very force of pure evil that leads to destruction instead. Thorne Malrath, a warrior from the Malrath bloodline, is skeptical of this prophecy but finds himself thrust into the tournament, where the stakes are higher than ever. Beyond the shattered lands live the Outlanders, non-bloodline survivors who have mastered science and technology. They seek to rebuild the Alderson Disk for their own survival, leading to a clash of ideologies with the bloodline warriors. As both groups race to gather the vast resources needed, they must confront ancient secrets, deadly creatures, and the vast challenges that lie ahead. The story follows Thorne, King Tiberius, Olivia, Garek,Lucien, and other powerful warriors as they navigate a world where science and magic collide. They must unite with the Outlanders to rebuild the Alderson Disk, but mistrust and old grudges threaten their fragile alliance. With the future of Earth hanging in the balance, the final battle will determine whether the world is reborn or falls into chaos.

In a world where medieval castles stand alongside neon-lit cyberpunk cityscapes, two young souls embark on a journey that will test the limits of hope in the darkest of times. Daglan and Rozeree, adopted siblings with intertwined fates, set out across a continent teeming with diverse races and conflicting technologies. As they grow from innocent children to battle-hardened teenagers, their paths diverge but remain connected by the shadows of their past. Rozeree, haunted by trauma she can't escape, seeks to forge her own identity in a world that seems determined to define her. Meanwhile, Daglan is driven by a singular purpose: to avenge his parents' murder and rescue his long-lost sister from the clutches of darkness. But in this realm where swords clash with holograms and magic mingles with machinery, nothing is as simple as it seems. As Daglan closes in on his parents' killer, he must confront not only the demons of his past but also the harsh realities of a world where hope struggles to survive. Will Daglan find justice and redemption? Can Rozeree outrun her demons and claim her own destiny? Or will the darkness that threatens to consume them both prove too powerful to overcome? Dive into this dark fantasy where medieval lore collides with futuristic innovation, and discover whether the flame of hope can truly endure in the face of unimaginable adversity.

a world were the favoured rule while the unfavoured crawl across the ground. faith is a power in this world the heavens,hell or neutral all fight for authority and faith. Follow the protagonist as he finds a path to take control of his destiny away from the chains that cripple his life. a path of efforts,belief,truth and hope. pather: we hear what you say, hope you don't mind joining us in this interactive story.

I thought nothing of my past until me and my mother abruptly began moving into a completely different state. I can't believe it all was a lie. Sometimes you have to take someone else's job and do it for them.

Two men. One woman. A love torn apart by fate, betrayal, and obsession. Sophie Laurent had a life full of love and promise in Annecy, where Adrien, her devoted boyfriend, planned a future filled with joy and dreams. But fate had a cruel plan in store. Sophie was ripped away from her family and Adrien, sold into the hands of Lucien Marchand—a wealthy, enigmatic man haunted by the ghost of his dead fiancée, Amélie. Lucien sees Sophie as more than just a captive. Her striking resemblance to Amélie makes her the perfect pawn in his dark game of revenge. Forced to impersonate the woman Lucien once loved, Sophie is thrust into a world of luxury and torment, where her every move is scrutinized, and her heart is at war with itself. While Sophie clings to the memories of Adrien's tender love, Lucien’s unpredictable passion begins to consume her. His every glance ignites a fire she wants to resist, and his every touch blurs the line between hatred and desire. But as secrets unravel and hidden truths about Amélie’s death come to light, Sophie realizes she is at the center of a storm that could destroy them all. Adrien, relentless in his search for Sophie, refuses to give up on the woman he loves. But when he finally finds her, will she still be the same Sophie he knew? Or has her heart already been stolen by the man who was supposed to be her captor? In a tale where passion burns hotter than revenge and love becomes the ultimate battleground, Sophie must navigate the dangerous ties binding her to two men. Will she reclaim the life that was stolen from her, or will her fate forever belong to someone else? Love, betrayal, and obsession collide in this unforgettable story of two hearts bound by destiny and one woman caught in the crossfire.

This planet is home not only to humans but also to countless other races: beasts, elves, vampires, dwarves, and many more. Beyond these sentient beings, there are animals that have undergone mutations—creatures known as monsters or mutants. When these monsters are killed, they vanish without a trace, leaving behind no bodies, no corpses, and no lingering scent. This mysterious world is called Cronos . At the heart of this tale is a young man named Lucferre Caelum , who dreams of bringing peace to Cronos—a world where monsters no longer terrorize humanity, where people can travel freely without fear, and where life unfolds in harmony. Unlike most, Lucferre possesses an extraordinary ability: he can see the dark mist enveloping the monsters. However, when he tries to share this truth, no one believes him—not even his childhood friend, who outright denies his claims. By the age of sixteen, Lucferre had already joined the military. By twenty-three, he rose to become a first-class squadron leader—an elite soldier with the rank of Major. His journey takes a dramatic turn when he is tasked with escorting the Prime Minister to the city of Nubesturrim . What was supposed to be a simple mission quickly spirals into disaster when a colossal dragon-like creature appears, throwing everything into chaos. Lucferre loses consciousness during the ordeal and awakens in a wooden hut deep within an uncharted forest. It is here that Lucferre learns the horrifying truth: all of this destruction is the work of Demons . Determined to restore balance, he resolves to eliminate the Demons plaguing various regions, weakening their influence before confronting the strongest Demon of them all. Along the way, Lucferre meets new allies who reignite his hope, proving that his dream of peace is no longer just a distant fantasy. “I will help you,” one ally declares. “I will stand by your side until the end of our days.” Throughout his journey, Lucferre receives guidance from Goddesses and Angels alike. Even his childhood friend joins him as a trusted comrade, shouting, “Count me in—I’m fighting alongside you!” There is also someone who has waited for him for centuries: “Since the day you were born, I have been by your side. From afar, I watched you grow day by day, week by week, year by year… until the moment you fell from the skies…” But Lucferre’s path is far from easy. As he battles the forces of darkness, he faces betrayal from unexpected quarters. A false deity accuses the real Goddesses, sneering, “She is nothing but a Demon, just like the man standing before you. Why risk your lives for her? Kill her before it’s too late.” When Lucferre demands to know who this voice belongs to, it answers with chilling pride: “…I am God.” Among the challenges Lucferre must face is a monstrous foe he encounters early in his journey—a creature so powerful that he knows he will have to confront it again in the future. Betrayal cuts deep, shaking Lucferre to his core. “…Why did you succumb to the darkness?” he cries out. “Why didn’t you fight back before it was too late?” Yet, despite the betrayals and hardships, Lucferre refuses to give up. He presses forward, driven by his unwavering determination to achieve his dream. The future, once foreseen by the Goddesses, has now become unpredictable. Lucferre must forge his own path, guided by his instincts and the prophecy that whispers of what he might accomplish if he succeeds. His ultimate goal remains unchanged: to create a peaceful world, free from the shadow of Demons.

After several months worked in the most craziest circumstances, fully pressure and consentration to pull The International Emporium Corp out of the crisis finally all become dust in one blink. The Feng Empire Corp had aqcuisitioned their company mercyless and brutal. Maximillian Feng, President of The FEC did not give them the slightest space to be negociated. Emporium was taken over in a lightening and lethal attack. Her father, Mr Kent Lim as the President of Emporium was defeated viciously. Known widely as a respected, cold-handed and skillful man in corporate and investment world, finally became a loser in one night. One week after aqcuisition he got heart attact and passed away cause of deeply depression and sadness His daughter, Aiden Lim ... stood alone in the world to challenge the demon king, Presiden of The FEC, Maximillian Feng. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. ........ The time arrived finally... !!! She faintly listening his step moved forward to the executive meeting room and the door opened slowly by her secretary. A handsome-evil looked like- man was entering the room with his dominant, aloof and arogant style. Stood in front her face to face like an ancient god, very powerful and aristrocratic at the same time who wanted to punish the sinner. She held her breath for awhile and gazed deeply into his. His piercing eyes met with her cold gaze sharply... and she realized that the battle would be continued through his domineering way. Cruel and heartless...!!!

she is a product of a secret lab experiment, has only known captivity—until now. At 25, she breaks free, driven by a burning question: Who is she, really? With the help of Yi Chen, a powerful CEO captivated by her resilience, she begins to unravel the dark secrets of her past. Can she bring justice to those who tormented her? Will her quest for vengeance lead to freedom—or further destruction? As love and revenge collide, she must decide: How far is she willing to go to reclaim her life?

She was waiting for the man of her dreams to come along. Unbeknownst to her she had to find him. A chance encounter changes everything for her until her old life drags her down. Fighting to return to him she falls deeper in love with this amazing man.

Billions have perished, leaving only a few million survivors. After his death, Eric is summoned to another world that has been nearly destroyed by corruption. The gods’ influence has all but vanished, and it is up to him to rally the remaining survivors, reclaim the land they lost, and restore the gods’ cathedrals. In doing so, he grows stronger, inching closer to awakening the gods from their eternal slumber. Time is running out. Not only are unimaginable abominations preparing to strike, but Eric faces a deadly challenge from within. His system, a mysterious force aiding him, comes with a dire warning: [WARNING] [Each time the system responds, it consumes host essence. When essence runs out, the host’s soul will perish along with the system.] [Recommendation: Communicate only when absolutely necessary.] [Current essence: 940] [1 essence = 1 word generated by the system.] [Choose your next words wisely.] ---------- If you’re brave enough to join us, the Abyss Watchers can be found here - https://discord.gg/3evkMwNyZC

I wish I had noticed. did I really know him? Essten....Lione.... Darcy

Aqua is a young man who works for a secret agency called the DCA. However, he is currently in distress and needs help due to a mysterious situation happening in his city. Young girls between the ages of five and fifteen are constantly going missing, causing parents to keep their daughters indoors. Aqua is frustrated because he is only an assistant at the agency and feels helpless in the situation. His close friend Max left him due to his jealousy and he ended up getting involved in something dangerous. Meanwhile, a man named Hajun is after Aqua and has already killed his girlfriend, Jennifer. The situation is dire, and Aqua desperately needs assistance in solving the mystery and stopping the kidnappings.

A dying world, rotting from within. A boy cursed by it, yearning for freedom. Dragged into a game of divine deceit, Yuki Veritasis walks the path of Ascension—where hope is a sin, and survival demands sacrifice.

HOPE is the only charge in us which enables us position at different aspects of LIFE. H- Happiness, O- Optimism, P- Purpose/Promise, E- Endurance. The Choices you make, make your life. Love is Hope, and hope is the reason why we are still living.

Once a beloved celebrity, the male protagonist now stands at the depths of despair, his hopes and dreams shattered after a public downfall. Burdened by the weight of his past, he has lost all motivation to continue, convinced that his life will never return to the way it once was. Just when he has lost all hope, he crosses paths with a girl who becomes his unexpected beacon of light. Her kindness and warmth slowly revive his spirit, guiding him back toward a brighter future. But as they grow closer, a tragic turn of fate reveals a heartbreaking truth. While the protagonist heals and begins to reclaim his life, he discovers that the girl he loves has been facing her own battle—a battle that, in the end, leaves him grieving in silence. Her love remains as a light in his heart, but it's her absence that ultimately becomes his greatest challenge. The story explores how, even after healing, life can deliver a blow that no one can prepare for, and how the love of one person can change everything, even in the face of loss. If all dreams are broken, is there still an open door for hope?" A passionate celebrity loses everything after an accident that leaves him disabled, while a girl continues her search for hope.

A girl who thinks her situation determines her future.

[COMPLETED] Lorelai is an unwanted princess; a puppet in the hands of the royal family. Born weak and raised loyal only to her kingdom, she has no real power and is constantly abused by both her stepmother and her son. Her value lies in one thing only––marriage. Thus, she is to marry Duke Kalder, an old but powerful and influential man whose previous wives have all gone missing under mysterious circumstances. That is until she meets him. Tall, dark, strong, mysterious, irresistible, seductive. The King of Lycans. The King of Beasts. The Gypsy King. One who was once a slave now controls the biggest and strongest, most feared kingdom of the continent. And for some reason, he has his eyes set only on Lorelai. Important note: this is a historical fantasy novel and in its context, the word "Gypsy" is only used as a name of a nomad tribe and is not used as a slur.

Mankind's reign came to an end as AIs now rule the world purging it from humans. Those even gained consciousness reducing the chance for humanity to live as they used to. This upheaval happened because of renown scientist who led the creation of a new type of robot during his researches on artificial intelligences. These were released to kill humans when, in December 2132, this scientist made a speech directed at mankind. Is there is a chance for everything to return to normal after such events? Well, I would say that there is still Hope and it is all it takes. [ WPC 282 Contest ] ========== Additional tags: #detailed #serious #romance (putting this here for female lead as my novel 'does not have a gender' but be aware that the plot will not revolves around romance, the primary tags are self explanatory) ========== Author Note: I'm going to do weekly release after my participation to WPC 282. I also wanted to add that my main character is a female and not a male despite the male lead (because, apparently, you cannot put female lead and action or adventure...).