Oc Quiet Simple Graceful Wine

The clock ticked past midnight, each second echoing like a hammer in the hollow silence of the apartment. Rain lashed against the windows, the storm outside mirroring the tempest brewing in Emily’s chest. She sat rigid on the couch, her fingers digging into the upholstery, eyes fixed on the door. David’s keys jingled in the lock, his laughter—warm and carefree—seeping through the wood before he did. He stumbled in, tie askew, the sharp tang of bourbon on his breath. But it wasn’t the alcohol that made her stomach churn. It was the cloying sweetness of jasmine perfume clinging to his collar—a scent that didn’t belong to her. “Where have you been?” Emily’s voice trembled, though she’d rehearsed the question a hundred times in her head. David froze, his smile dissolving. “Work ran late. You know how it is.” “Work ends at six, David. It’s *midnight*.” She stood, her legs unsteady. “And since when do you wear lipstick to the office?” His hand flew to the smudge of crimson on his white sleeve—a shade too bold, too *alive* for the muted tones of their marriage. His face hardened. “You’re imagining things.” “Am I?” She stepped closer, the jasmine scent now suffocating. “Or is it *Jane* from accounting? The one who ‘just needs your help’ every time I call?” His laugh was a cold blade. “You’re paranoid. Always picking fights—” “Paranoid?” Her voice cracked. “You haven’t touched me in months! You come home smelling like *her*, lying to my face—” “Enough!” He slammed his fist on the table, a vase rattling. “I’m tired of your nagging! What do you even do all day? Sit here and wait to accuse me?” The words struck deeper than any slap. Emily’s breath hitched. “I gave up my career for you. For *us*—” “Us?” He sneered. “There *is* no ‘us.’ Just you, digging through my things like a desperate—” She didn’t see his hand move. The crack of his palm against her cheek split the air, her head snapping sideways. She stumbled, clutching the wall as the taste of copper bloomed on her tongue. David loomed over her, his eyes wild, foreign. “You… you pushed me to this,” he hissed, grabbing his coat. “Clean yourself up. You’re pathetic.” The door slammed. Emily slid to the floor, tears mingling with the blood on her lip. Outside, thunder roared. But beneath the pain, a spark ignited—a flicker of defiance. Her gaze landed on the shattered vase, its jagged pieces glinting in the lamplight. *Pathetic.* The word echoed, twisting into a vow. She would rise. Not for him. Not for “us.” But to make him regret the day he underestimated the woman he’d reduced to ashes. -**Chapter One: The Scent of Betrayal (Continued)** The air hung thick with venom. David’s chest heaved, his earlier bravado fraying at the edges. Emily wiped her bleeding lip with the back of her hand, her eyes blazing. “You think Jane *wants* you?” she spat, her voice a razor. “Or does she just pity the man who needs to steal confidence from a bottle and affairs to feel alive?” David’s jaw twitched. “Shut up.” “Why? Because it’s true?” She laughed, cold and sharp. “You’re a cliché, David. A middle-aged fraud in a tailored suit. Even your *precious* promotion—did you earn it, or did you cry your way into it like you did when your father called you a disappointment?” He lunged forward, but she sidestepped, her words relentless. “Jane must be desperate. Or blind. Tell me, does she know you couldn’t even—” “I said *shut up*!” he roared, his composure crumbling. “Couldn’t even *what*?” she taunted, stepping closer. “Finish a sentence? A marriage? Or is that why you’re so bad in—” The slap exploded like a gunshot. Emily’s head whipped sideways, her body crumpling to the floor. The world blurred—a kaleidoscope of shattered glass and spinning shadows. Her cheek burned, but worse was the silence that followed, broken only by her shaky breaths.

Noah Carter is a 16-year-old with a past shrouded in mystery. After the sudden death of his parents when he was just a child, Noah’s life was altered forever. Raised by his grandmother in the sleepy town of Willow Creek, Noah has always felt like an outsider, his past a puzzle he can never quite piece together. The story begins when Noah stumbles upon a cryptic letter left by his late father, hidden in an old Bible at his grandmother’s house. The letter contains a mysterious message, “The hidden light is near. Trust in the Lord, and you will find it.” This discovery forces Noah to question everything he thought he knew about his family—and his father’s untimely death. What was his father involved in? And why had Noah been left with so many unanswered questions? As Noah digs deeper into his father’s past, he uncovers a map, a book filled with cryptic symbols, and a trail that leads him to a hidden temple buried beneath the town. The more he uncovers, the more he realizes that his father’s secrets are part of something much larger and far more dangerous than he ever could have imagined. When a strange figure warns Noah that he's on the wrong path and that he’s not ready for what’s coming, Noah is forced to reckon with the choices he’s made. The temple—what was his father protecting there? And why are others trying to stop him from uncovering the truth? As Noah races against time, pursued by mysterious forces and unsure who to trust, he discovers that he is no longer just searching for answers—he is at the heart of an ancient conflict that could alter the course of history. With each step closer to the truth, the danger grows, and Noah must decide whether to turn back or risk everything to uncover the legacy his father left behind. The Hidden Path is a thrilling, supernatural journey into secrets buried deep beneath the surface of a quiet town, where one boy’s quest for answers might just be the key to unlocking an age-old mystery—and unleashing something far more powerful than he ever imagined.

[THE COVER OF THE NOVEL ISN'T MINE IT IS CREATED AREKUSHISU_1 ] Adrian Cross never believed in justice—only in settling scores. When he returned home from years in the special forces, he found his adoptive father, John Rico, and his two younger brothers slaughtered in betrayal. Their killers walked free, shielded by power and corruption. Adrian didn’t mourn. He didn’t hesitate. He hunted them down, one by one, until there was no one left to kill. And when his revenge was complete, so was his purpose. He died that night, bleeding out with no regrets. But death wasn’t the end. He woke up in the body of Franz Kafka—a college student in a world he recognized. It was the setting of Requiem of Two Worlds, a novel he had read back in high school. A cliché power-fantasy story where the protagonist built a harem while rising to the top. But Franz Kafka wasn’t in the original story. He wasn’t a villain, a side character, or even a name mentioned in passing. He simply didn’t exist. None of it mattered. Nothing ever did. His past life was over, his revenge fulfilled. Now, he was just a man with no purpose, drifting in a world that wasn’t his own.

Resonance, when the world finally hears its own echo, will it resound in harmony or fade into a hollow monotone?

What if you were transmigrated into the body of a villain who isn't even bulky but still is trash enough to be the reason for the death of his family? You, too, would curse him despite being him, right? Our Protagonist did that, too, but not for long. He isn't stupid- ...perhaps he is, but he learns from his mistakes. Inside being a character of a game that will soon be destroyed by the force otherworldly forces, the Protagonist will take action soon. In this journey from being in the body of trash to being the strongest to save the world to escape the game's reality, what can go wrong?

Yamada naoto, a skilled member of a renowned yakuza family known as Tachimagumi was entrusted by his boss to take care of his daughter Tachima kanade who has big attitude, they began to live in a certain countryside since the all out war between Tachimagumi and the arch rival family of a Tachimagumi, Yuzurigumi has began but kanade has been troubled ever since they fled from her mansion, she started her school as a 1st year in middle school but what awaits her there was something even yamada didn't expected. The daughter of the arch rival family of Tachimagumi is also enrolled in the same school where kanade is enrolled, her name is Yuzuri Kyoko...

In The Quiet Embrace, a young man battles deep emotional turmoil while trapped in the shadow of his family’s tragic past. The novel explores themes of loss, trauma, love, and the inescapable consequences of past actions. The story unfolds through two perspectives: that of a grieving son and his mother, Gloria. The son, Ike, is emotionally distant, barely speaking, and withdrawing from the world after the death of his father, Jonah. Gloria, drowning in alcoholism, reminisces about the love story that once defined her life—a love that ultimately led to suffering. Flashbacks reveal Jonah’s past as a gang member who, despite his attempts to leave that life behind, could not escape its grip. His choices eventually lead to his death in a tragic accident, leaving behind a broken family. Gloria, once hopeful for a perfect life, finds herself spiraling into despair, while Ike struggles to find meaning in a home that reminds him only of loss. As the novel progresses, questions arise: Can Ike break free from the cycle of trauma, or will he succumb to the same quiet suffering as his mother? Will Gloria find redemption, or will she continue her self-destruction? The Quiet Embrace is a poignant exploration of how the past clings to the present, shaping destinies in ways no one can predict.

City Grit and Grace: The Pulse Within follows Olivia Hayes, a woman on the brink of her thirties, as she navigates the relentless pulse of urban life. Torn between the demands of a corporate career and the yearning for authentic self-expression, Olivia finds solace in her writing and in the unpredictable rhythm of the city. Amid the intoxicating pull of a charming musician and the grounding presence of a soulful poet, along with unwavering support from her steadfast friend Aisha, Olivia learns that true success is defined not by society’s expectations, but by the honest expression of her inner voice. This novel is a vivid portrayal of urban life, exploring themes of ambition, heartbreak, and self-discovery as it captures the raw beauty and enduring heartbeat of the modern city.

As a human, I should be miles away from any large shifter event. Especially the annual Mate Hunt. A hunt for mates. Doesn't that sound barbaric? Yeah, it's as bad as it sounds. Several packs in the area gather as their newly minted adult wolves shift. Females are let into the woods first and are given an hour's head start, just before sundown. Then it's time for the males, ostensibly thrown out to hunt down the scent of their fated (or chosen) mates. It isn't an event for the faint of heart, and it's definitely no place for someone who can't shift. So why the fuck am I here, running my little human heart out, chased by what sounds like an entire pack of wolves? Great question. I don't know, either. But I'm here. Surrounded by howls fueled by the thrill of the hunt. Feet bleeding. Lungs freezing. I am so fucked. ---- R18. Dark themes, including but not limited to: Murder, attempted murder, a stack of dead bodies, betrayal, mild sociopathy, an ML who appears to bathe in red flags despite his favorite color being green, an unwarranted hatred of blueberry muffins, and pillow thievery.

in his original life he was a cop who was stabbed to death while walking out of the movie theater just got done watching Halloween ends now he's in the Halloween universe as Lori strodes brother Halloween - Halloween ends

(AUTHOR'S NOTE: This book is a revision of a previously started book I began writing entitled “Cursed Are The Blessed”; which is no longer being written.) Just after the Demon Lord's forces decimated the Shadow Hunter Pack, the last known Acrilian werewolf pack, the Luna's daughter was secretly whisked away to the Rainier Pack, along with the grandniece of the current Matriarch of the Clan of the Old Order. Unfortunately, for all those who took it upon themselves to get involved, they soon become targeted by the Demon Lord, because one of the main objectives of the demons' assault on the Shadow Hunter Pack was to exterminate the Luna's daughter...who is destined to become the demons' greatest threat.

Alexander, un estudiante normal vive su vida como todos, pero un accidente sobrenatural le da un poder más allá de la imaginación humana. Al final descubre que su mundo normal, no es tan normal. Fantasía, Urbano, Varios Mundos, Romance, Harén

In the modern world, Kazuya Takumi was a skilled metalworker specializing in forge welding, a craft few truly mastered. His life was simple, dedicated to his trade, but a tragic accident in his workshop sent him to an early grave. However, instead of fading into nothingness, he awakens in another world—a land of swords, magic, and mythical creatures. Reincarnated as Gail Stroud, the son of a humble village blacksmith, he retains all his knowledge and skills from his previous life. While the world is filled with adventurers, knights, and powerful mages, Gail has no interest in battle or heroics. Instead, he dreams of a peaceful, quiet life spent perfecting his craft, creating legendary weapons, and running his own forge. However, his unparalleled smithing abilities quickly attract attention. From noble knights seeking unbreakable swords to rogue adventurers wanting custom gear, everyone seems to want a piece of his work. Even the royal family and powerful warlords begin taking notice. With skilled hands and a stubborn desire for tranquility, Gail must navigate a world that constantly tries to pull him into its chaos—all while staying true to his simple dream of being a blacksmith, not a hero.

Every empty book and paper has potential for a great story, it is the job of the writer to discover it. This story is a test and experiment for me, discovering the story as I go.

This is a compilation of one-shot stories (ini adalah kumpulan cerita one-shot). Sometimes it's made with heavy angst, chaotic minds, and your most likely nightmares-to-be. Sometimes it's as relaxing and sweet as your morning with a chamomile tea. You choose it.

The spreading of the Word (even if not always word for word) and glorification of the Lord our God. (NOTICE: Some pieces (namely songs) are not original. All will be given credit to in the title [the parentheses] should anything not be written by me). (NOTICE NUMBER TWO: I am not a preacher or pastor of any kind. I am not perfect by any means and I am not forcing what I learn unto anybody. There are things I will be wrong about and things that may need to be corrected. But at the end of the day, the goal is to make everyone aware of the Lord, His Word, and its life changing impact. I'm always learning new things in general and I have my own questions. So, we're all on this journey together. I hope this book inspires you all to open your hearts to God and allow for Him to lead you in life :)

Labeled “weird” and always alone, she’s built walls no one dares to cross—until he does. A warm, curious transfer student changes her world, proving that love can bloom in the unlikeliest places.

Minxi grew up disguised as a man to protect her from her enemies. Minxi was shattered from not being accepted by anyone other than her mother and uncle. Until the death of her mom changed everything. Those who get in her way will regret it. “Stop looking at me that way, your not having your way this time” “You cheeky thing, you did this on purpose” “Whatever” giggles “Just wait till we get home”

A man played an immersive game that he started playing thanks to his brother. With his brothers help, he got an overpowered build on his character. Unfortunately, his brother died and he stopped playing the game alltogether because it reminded him of his brother. One day he hears that the game is about to get shut down, and he goes there to say farewell to the thing he and his brother spent so much time on. But when the moment where he was supposed to be logged out, he finds himself still in his character. Strangely the NPCs start talking more freely and that the capital city where they were on was suddenly in a strange forest. What will he do in this new environment? What kind of people will he meet? (Note that the setting starts kind of like Overlord, the anime/novel) Surprisingly many parental figures appear in the series, mostly fatherly, though not examplary.

Elara feels like a ghost wandering through the noise and chaos of high school, feeling completely disconnected from everything around her. Her thoughts are killing her, her voice is almost inaudible, and she feels like a puzzle piece that doesn’t belong in the picture. A loner and a thinker, she spends her time in books and her journal, desperate for connection but too afraid to take the chance and get rejected. Elara has always kept people at arm’s length, and things change when a classmate, Asher, suddenly takes an interest in her. Elara begins to on a journey of discovery of herself, confronting her feelings of loneliness and gathering the courage to open up. Along the way, she realizes that the same thoughts and emotions that made her feel like an outcast might actually be the tools she needs to build real relationships and find her spot in a world she once thought she’d never be a part of. The Quiet In-Between is a story about loneliness, self-discovery, and the strength it takes to reach out in a world that seems unattainable.

If there was anything Adonis Vivaldi thought would tame him, it definitely wasn't matters of the heart. But when he meets a certain sweet and fiesty red head, All manner of control and restraint seems to chalk out of the picture. Fresh out of college, Yavannah Constantine moves to Italy to stay with her brother only to find herself under the sensuous and unnerving gaze of her brothers boss. She cannot explain neither can she deny her bodies reaction to this irresistible man. A unplanned encounter causing a spark that would burn for years or would the mischievous and sly hand of fate douse what was yet to bloom.

(don't read it if you don't love the protagonist is anime addict) Ars Segrain was just an ordinary high schooler and anime addict until he discovered an extraordinary power: the ability to copy people’s knowledge and make it his own. At 16 years old, Ars was broke and struggling, but his life took a dramatic turn when he saved a man’s life from a group of thieves. That man turned out to be the chairman of an elite school, who offered Ars a place at the prestigious institution. Now, Ars finds himself surrounded by the sons and daughters of aristocrats, determined to prove himself. His goal? To surpass everyone in the world in terms of knowledge. It might sound ambitious, especially for a teenager, but Ars has a secret weapon: A cheat skill that allows him to copy and retain another person’s knowledge. With this ability, Ars is ready to turn the world upside down. From mastering complex subjects to outsmarting his peers, there’s no limit to what he can achieve. But in a world filled with unknown geniuses and experienced minds, Ars’s journey is just beginning. Join Ars Segrain as he navigates the challenges of elite academia, competes against the best, and strives to become the ultimate genius. Read my novel. I promise you’ll love it.

Mo Xiao slowly regained consciousness in a desolate mechanical ruin. His head ached intensely, and his memories were like scattered sand, impossible to piece together. The pungent smell of rust filled the air. Twisted metal debris all around was emitting wisps of smoke. What made his blood run cold even more were the monsters wandering among the ruins. They had strange figures, some like a grotesque fusion of machinery and flesh, emitting low - pitched roars. Mo Xiao curled up in fear, not knowing where he was or why he was there. However, the instinct for survival quickly calmed him down. In this perilous place, he clenched his trembling fists and decided to explore his own background and the truth behind this apocalyptic world.