Trisha Vasquez prides herself on being in control-of her cases, her instincts, and the relentless pursuit of justice. For nearly a year, she has been chasing The Puppeteer, a faceless mastermind who leaves behind elaborate crime scenes and cryptic messages, each one seemingly meant for her. Every clue feels like progress. Every step forward brings her closer. Until she finally catches him. But something doesn't add up. The pieces fall into place too perfectly, the victory too smooth. And as the truth unravels, one question haunts her: Was she ever really chasing him? Or has she been in his grasp all along? - Disclaimer: This story contains themes of violence, and morally ambiguous actions that may be unsettling to some readers. It explores dark and malicious actions, including graphic descriptions and harsh language, which are integral to the storyline. Reader discretion is advised.

Fate has a way of rewriting stories, blurring the lines between past and present. When Raven wakes from a coma, she clings to the name of the man she lost-only to find comfort in someone who looks, speaks, and feels just like him. Drawn together by grief and the need to heal, she and Caius form an undeniable bond. But when the truth unravels, so does the fragile trust between them. As echoes of the past resurface and unfinished stories demand an ending, Raven and Caius must face the question-were they ever meant to find each other, or has fate been playing with them all along?

The Black Organization was his creation, a network of elite agents and endless resources. It operated in the dark, striking fear into those who abused their power. To the world, it was faceless-led by a mysterious figure no one could trace. Only selected agents knew the truth. Felix Kaizen Renaldi was the one pulling the strings. Once, he had a family. Once, he had a name. But the Branwen Holdings, his rival, had taken it all from him. That night of fire and blood had turned Felix into a ghost, burying his identity along with his past. Now, he was Black - the leader of the organization and its deadliest agents. Every mission brought him closer to his ultimate goal: to destroy the Branwens and everyone like them. For Felix, this wasn't just revenge. It was justice. And he would stop at nothing to see it done.

Fame had taken everything from him. His name, his choices, his heart. What once brought him joy became a burden, and the music he loved turned into chains he could no longer bear. So he walked away. No grand farewell, no explanations, just silence. And in that silence, he searched. For the boy he used to be. For the dream that once felt like his own. For the happiness he had let slip away. And he found her again, the one he should have never left behind. But time was unforgiving, and some goodbyes came far too late.

Some races never really end. Solana had spent years ahead-faster, bolder, always leading the way. And Zyon? He had spent just as long chasing, always a step behind. But time has a way of changing things. Now, the boy she once knew was back, no longer trailing but standing right beside her. Taller. Different. And with a smirk that said he wasn't here to follow anymore. This time, the race was just beginning.

Prologue: Slipping Away I don't let people in. There's no point. Sooner or later, everything fades-dreams, plans, even time itself. I learned that the hard way. The future isn't something I think about anymore. Not because I don't want to, but because I know it isn't mine to have. It's easier this way. Keep moving. Keep existing. No hopes, no attachments, no regrets. And then she came along. Athena. Too stubborn, too bright-standing like the most magnificent lamp of heaven in a world I've already dimmed. She wasn't supposed to matter. I wasn't supposed to care. But something about her made me hesitate. And hesitation is dangerous. - [UNDER REVISION] "One Real Smile" will undergo revision to enhance clarity and provide a deeper understanding of the story. Additional chapters will be included to elaborate on details that were not fully explored in the current version. Thank you for your support and patience as I work to improve the narrative.

"There was a man before, his name is Mark. He was a prince who fell in love to Marchesa. Pero hindi sya nagustuhan ni Marchesa despite of everything that Mark have done for her. Until one day, Prince Mark created a necklace, and give it to her woman together with a white rose. Marchesa told him na mamahalin nya lang ito kapag ang talulot ng puting rosas ay naging pula." I stopped and I look into her eye. "Mark stab himself, ibinuhos niya ang kanyang dugo sa puting rosas kaya naging pula ito not knowing na Marchesa is just testing his love for her. That day, prince Mark died in the name of love. Thats the history of that necklace babe." dagdag ko pa.

One who dares to defy a world that rejects him, determined to reshape his destiny. One who carries the weight of an ancient prophecy, the final piece that could save-or destroy-the world. One who commands darkness, her heart fueled by vengeance, seeking to avenge a fallen bloodline. Three souls, bound by blood, yet each facing their own war. Different paths. Different battles. But one fate that binds them together. In a world teetering on the edge of chaos, will they rise or be consumed by the darkness they seek to conquer?