The edited version of this story is now available on Kindle . But this is the Raw version and you are welcome to it. Jenna Bradshaw's life looks perfect from the outside-a comfortable home, a successful husband, and two grown children. But beneath the surface, her world is crumbling. Over decades of quiet sacrifices, Jenna has lost herself, her voice drowned out by a loveless marriage, dismissive children, and the judgment of her husband's elitist family. She has become invisible in her own life, a shadow of the hopeful young artist she once was. When her best friend Sasha tragically dies in a car accident, leaving behind two foster children, Jenna is forced to confront the harsh truths of her existence. While taking on the care of Leah and Dylan, Jenna begins a journey of self-discovery and renewal, reigniting her passion for art and finding strength in her independence. However, her decision to walk away from her marriage is met with resistance from her husband, Troy, and their children, who fail to see the quiet pain she has endured for years. As Jenna builds a new life, she learns to confront her past, embrace her grief, and reclaim her identity. Along the way, she discovers that resilience lies in allowing herself to be vulnerable and in daring to demand the love and respect she deserves. Will Troy learn his lesson or is this goodbye forever?

Flashback to the 1950s. Veronica became pregnant by up-and-coming lawyer Paul. He did the right thing and married her. However, his plans weren't revolving around forever, and Veronica overheard him talking to his former? current? girlfriend. That's when Veronica started making her own plans.

"My mother always told me not to play with fire. I guess I should've listened." ... Alana has spent her life adhering to strict rules, raised in a family where appearances meant everything. Trained to be the perfect daughter-calm, composed, and obedient-she's never dared to step out of line or show her true self. Sergei has been betrayed more times than he can count, leaving him hardened, ruthless, and haunted by paranoia. He's built walls no one can penetrate, trusting only in his own power to survive. ... When a professional encounter with an angry Sergei at Alana's job leads her to be kidnapped, she's thrown into his ruthless underworld, held captive in exchange for her life. What will happen when their lives collide in a marriage neither wants but can't resist? Will their undeniable passion spark the possibility of love or will it fade once reality hits? #1 in enemies #1 in dark #1 in darkromance #1 in mafiaromance #1 in manipulation #1 in adultthemes #1 in captive #1 in russian #1 in heartbreak

Jet's a famous author who always dedicates his books to his wife. So imagine her surprise when his latest book is dedicated to his assistant.

I fell in love with a widower, ignoring the red flags. Until I asked him point blank if, after a year, he loved me. His answer cut deep. Unable to ignore those red flags any longer, I had no choice but to walk. Unfortunately, he wasn't taking it well.

When you find out your entire marriage has been a lie... The night before our sixth anniversary, my in-laws told me that my husband had gone out on a date with his ex, and had run off on the morning of our wedding until his father forced him to come back. For six years, I thought we'd been happy and that my husband loved me. Everything was a lie. And things just kept getting worse.

He was my Destined One. He hated me for my Zeta rank. She hated me, too, but not for my rank. Because I had something she wanted.

For six and a half years, I'd been Orion's ol' lady. So I thought. When I went to tell him that I was, against all odds, pregnant, he informed me that I had been part of his cover for his undercover work. He didn't want me or our baby. Fine. He wasn't the only one with a secret life.

Aymeric was the bane of my existence. He hated me, and I felt the same about him. On the morning of my 21st birthday, my mate mark appeared and guess who was my Destined One? Aymeric thinks being Destined Ones means all our problems will magically go away and everything else will fall into place. Typical wolf mentality -- good sex will solve everything. He's about to learn otherwise.

Have you ever been taken for granted around the holidays? Everything falling on your shoulders and no one helps or expresses their appreciation? This year, I was done being overlooked. And I let it be known in no uncertain terms. Then everything fell apart, and I had to put myself back together.