|| 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

Braelyn Sawyer is the invisible little sister of Nick, Nathan, and Kyle Sawyer. Each of her brothers are popular, handsome, and players. Braelyn always hid in their shadow. A year ago Braelyn had her heart broken by her long time boyfriend Jared Harmon, and ever since then, she has stayed away from boys. She sticks to her books and her best friends, just trying to get through high school without any more drama. Then, acclaimed bad boy and player Ridge McCain comes crashing into her life and onto her lips. One kiss changes Braelyn, and a slap changes Ridge. The days go on, and the two grow closer. Falling in love is not an option for Braelyn, but she soon does. Follow Braelyn on this journey of love, high school, mean girls, laughter, and tears, and you'll soon see why people say love hurts. ×××××× Started: June 20, 2017 Ended: January 16, 2018 #26 in Romance as of January 19, 2018