The journey called life is full of surprises. You never know what awaits you around the next corner. Many people find solace in the thought that God has a plan and will never give you more than you can handle. But is this just a comfort, a lie? Elizabeth, with dreams of becoming a great artist, is suddenly faced with a diagnosis of lupus. How will she find the strength to follow her dreams when her body betrays her? Will she be able to paint her destiny, or will the disease color everything gray? Her brother Robert is a photographer who captures moments of love through his lens. His passion for photography is what keeps him alive. But when he himself falls in love, it changes him completely-the girl he falls in love with changes his life forever, but fate throws unexpected and severe trials at him. Will love withstand the storms, or will dark clouds overshadow his happiness? Will he keep a secret that could ruin his life? Alexander, with big dreams, has a heart that belongs in the kitchen and the restaurant business. Rising in his stepmother's restaurant, he believes he has found true love. But is this love genuine, or is it just an illusion, shining on the surface but hollow inside? Courtney runs away from home to escape abuse and find her place in the world. What will she discover on her journey? Will she find the love and acceptance she has always sought, or will new obstacles confront her with new questions and doubts? Their lives intertwine in an exciting tale of hope, pain, and overcoming difficulties. Will they find their place under the sun, or does fate have other plans for them? In a world full of unexpected twists, can belief in oneself be the strongest weapon?

#4 Grand winner of Open Novella Contest 2024 🏅 _________________________ Regina Patrissia, the hundredth consort of King Rex III enters his harem at the age of eighteen. Widely known as the "Quiet Mouse" whose existence was ignored by all, in two years the "Quiet Mouse" has become a ferocious predator who could put anyone's intelligence, beauty and skills to shame. But the only opponent in her field was her husband, the Sun of the Empire, Emperor Rex, a genius in military strategies and cold in attitude. How would fate tie the two contrastingly similar figures when external forces outnumber them, betrayal lurks in every step and disloyal eyes watched their every conscious move? •─────────✦❀✦────────• Current Word Count: 20 K + Primary prompt: #59 Reincarnating into my favorite novel wasn't what I had in mind when I was begging for a second chance. Other prompts: #2, #16, #20, #24, #25, #26, #28, #35 and #48. •─────────✦❀✦────────• Cover Credits: Alfaesha Banners Credit: AngeBlancRose 🏅ONC 2024 Round One Qualifier 🏅ONC 2024 2024 Round Two Qualifier 🏅ONC 2024 Round Three Qualifier 🏅ONC 2024 Longlister 🏅ONC 2024 Shortlister 🏅ONC 2024 Top 5 Finalists 🏅ONC 2024 4th Grand Winner 🏅Featured on Historical Fiction RL 🏅Winner of EC Fiction Awards