|| Featured FREE story with exclusive paid chapters - previously a paid story || When Haley discovers the truth behind Xavier, whose silence holds a deeper meaning, she sets her mind on making his life better one small step at a time. ***** Haley Rosamond is happy with her simple life, content under the wing of her father. Well-protected, she has no idea of the darkness surrounding Xavier Hunt, with his all-black attire and infrequent presence in school-accompanied by his bruises and scars. That is, until Haley catches a glimpse of Xavier's reality and is made to question everything she knows about family and life in general. The truth, she realizes, couldn't be more different from everything she has heard. Supported by her father, Haley sets her mind on helping Xavier any way she can, and what begins with tutoring sessions, free food, and random acts of kindness blooms into friendship and something a little more. But when Haley's admission into her dream college and another tragedy in Xavier's life threaten to undo everything she has worked for, Haley needs to decide if she'll stick by Xavier or simply be another person in his life that disappears. [[word count: 80,000-90,000 words]] Cover designed by Holly Thurston

[Formerly titled Billion's Bride] [STATUS - EDITING] "I want a church wedding." "You want a church wedding?" He seethed. "Are you also open to consummating this holy matrimony?" Her eyes shot up to meet his. Her heartbeat could be heard in the quiet room after the true meaning of what he was asking, settled in. "Believe me, Em, if I take you to that altar, it will be to honor every last vow I take." His eyes travelled briefly to the erratic rise and fall of her chest. "Now tell me, Em..." fixing his gaze back on hers, he asked, his voice low, "Are you willing to share my bed?"

The passionate story of Tessa and Hardin continues as family secrets, deep betrayals, and career opportunities threaten to tear them apart.

This is the sequel (continuation) of After. Hardin and Tessa's relationship will be tested in ways she never expected, but he knew of all along.

Tessa Young is an 18 year old college student with a simple life, excellent grades, and a sweet boyfriend. She always has things planned out ahead of time, until she meets a rude boy named Hardin, with too many tattoos and piercings who shatters her plans.

[01/07/2021] - [13/04/2023] "You can't keep going around like a fucking maniac and treating me like shit. That isn't how relationships work," Sophia's voice was havoc as she verbalized her emotions. "That isn't how we work..." Tired, vulnerable and agitated at not only him, but herself. How could she let herself get this far, in such little time? He looked down, ashamed, not wanting to respond. His heart felt like it was beating faster than it should've. "I forgot how it felt to love you." As soon as those words were uttered from Sophia's lips, his world broke apart. Gone, in just a matter of seconds. - - - When Sophia Adam moves to a new town, she wishes nothing more than a boring, new life, to separate herself from her past. Moving meant completing university and getting a clerkship with a judge. Moving meant making refreshing new friends, and meeting a mysterious guy that seems hell-bent on getting to know her. To Sophia, moving to a new town was everything she imagined and more. She just didn't expect her past to follow.