High school parties were never dangerous to Valentina Ferrari. They were familiar: loud music, her best friend at her side, nights that blurred into laughter and freedom. Until one party that changed everything. After a brutal assault by three star basketball players from her own school, Valentina retreats into numbness, unable to speak about what happened or protect herself from the ongoing intimidation that follows. The boys remain untouchable, their power growing as hers disappears. Each day becomes a test of endurance as Valentina is forced to coexist with the people who broke her. Trapped in silence and numbness, Valentina struggles to survive a life where justice feels impossible and trust feels dangerous.

Liana Vescari has always been the nice one, the girl who smooths over arguments, puts others first, and never asks for more than she's given. At eighteen, in a family everyone admires, her kindness is praised as maturity, her silence mistaken for strength. When she was fifteen, her older sister's boyfriend, charming, trusted, and deeply woven into their family, began crossing lines so subtly that Liana convinced herself it was nothing. She didn't want to be dramatic. She didn't want to hurt anyone. What felt like care slowly became control, and by the time she was old enough to understand what was happening, she had already learned to blame herself for not saying no. Determined to protect her family's image and her sister's happiness, Liana keeps quiet. She tells herself she's fine, even as depression settles in and bulimia becomes a way to punish her body for taking up too much space. Survival, she believes, means enduring without complaint. When three new friends enter her life and offer a kind of safety she's never known, Liana begins to question whether being good should hurt this much. But as her abuser tightens his hold and the truth threatens to surface, she faces an impossible choice. Speaking up could finally free her, but it may also cost her the family, identity, and love she's spent her life trying not to disappoint.

Alessandro Russo, rules with six sons who kill as silently as winter rain. Elio was stolen years ago by a mother slipping into madness, and every drop of blood the Russos spill is spent on the same unanswered question: Where is he? Unseen by them, Elio survives in a cramped apartment, believing hunger and silence are the only ways to be good. He waits for his mom to come home, never knowing that his family wants nothing more than to cuddle him into their arms.

Evanna Halls, a 12 year old girl tries to overcome her mental illnesses while dealing with bullies in school and a divorce from their parents. After a horrific accident, she is forced to move away from her normal life and move in with her dad, who became the step-father of 6 boys, making her their newest step-sister. Jayden, the youngest boy, who is the same age as her, despises her the most. Throughout the book, his backstory, along with many other dark secrets will be figured out. Author's Note:
I wrote this book when I was a teenager, during a time when I was working through a lot of intense feelings and experiences in my own life. The story reflects that period of my imagination and emotional processing. Some of the content involves abuse, bullying, and mental health struggles, and it may be difficult or triggering for some readers. I've shared this story because it helped me feel seen and understood when I needed it most, and I hope it can offer some sense of connection or comfort to others as well. Please take care of yourself while reading.

Xander Romano has always been the quieter twin, impulsive, moody, a little dramatic. But behind the eye-rolls and sharp comebacks is a boy who feels everything too deeply and doesn't know how to talk about it. And now, he's carrying a secret far too heavy for someone his age. With five overprotective older brothers, you'd think he'd be safe. You'd think someone would notice. But Xander's been hiding more than just skipped meals and forced smirks. He's been hiding the truth. He can't tell them. Not about him. Never. But secrets don't stay buried forever.

Charlotte Monet has always been the quiet one-the perfect student, the dutiful daughter of a powerful mafia family. But beneath the glamorous life, she's been hiding a darkness no one sees: depression that has haunted her since she was twelve, the devastating loss of her triplet brother, and a predator she calls her tutor. For years, Charlotte suffers in silence, trapped between the violence outside her doors and the abuse within. Haunted by her dead brother, isolated from the only people who care, and pushed to the edge, she must fight to survive-both the shadows of her past and the enemies who would use her pain against her. --- "You did so good," I whispered into her hair. "You tried. That's everything. You don't have to go further than this. Ever. Not until you decide." A shaky breath left her. "It doesn't feel like enough." "It is," I said firmly. "It's more than enough. You tried in spite of every ghost screaming in your head. That's strength, love. That's yours." She tightened her grip on my hoodie, burying her face deeper. My hand found the back of her head, fingers gliding gently through her hair-slow, steady strokes, never trapping, only grounding. "You're safe," I murmured. "Here with me. Just us." Her reply was a whisper against my chest. "Me and you." "Always," I said. "Me and you."