[PUBLISHED under LIB] #2. "If liking you is a crime then why don't you convict me, attorney?"

After losing her entire family to a devastating typhoon, Behati joins a powerful global aerospace organization dedicated to saving humanity from disasters, only to find herself torn between duty and love when a fearless astronaut from her past becomes her partner in missions that could decide the fate of the world. *** After losing her family in a catastrophic typhoon, Behati Azalea Monzanto dedicates her life to saving others by joining UASA, a global organization that responds to disasters and worldwide crises. Now one of its most skilled flight lieutenants, she meets the relentless astronaut-pilot Rylandrien Peter Armstrong, a man connected to a painful part of her past. As dangerous missions and global threats push them closer together, Behati must confront grief, love, and the sacrifices required to protect humanity. DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Louise De Ramos

Dear Reader, The following work was found sealed in the library of a castle, belonging to an ancient noble family, in the Champagne region to the east of Paris. The dates of the events contained within are attributed to sometime in the 18th century. It appears that any other record of the Marquis featured within, and the estate that he kept, have since been expunged from historical record. It is as if there was an omertà (conspiracy of silence) which sought to erase him entirely from collective memory - one that might have succeeded if not for the astonishing recovery of these letters. It has been my duty to act as caretaker to this work since I agreed to its restoration. I have found, regrettably, that my colleagues have failed to grasp the momentous importance of these letters and their wider significance. There is, I admit, some question of authenticity that requires consideration. For my part, I have forcible reasons to believe that these letters are genuine. I have submitted the work to a broader audience, however, for precisely this object; I have hope that, by breaking outside the narrow remit of literary academia, I may yet find a willing readership committed to studying these letters as seriously as I have. As the Judge might once have heard it, so the Reader shall hear it now. Unfortunately, I must also include a notice of warning: the letters of Charlotte B--- speak of diabolical horrors and the direst human cruelty. I believe that, were these letters recognised, they would take the place as the first of the modern écritures maudits (damned writings), above de Sade or Corbière. Hence, I recognise that such subject matter is certainly not for everyone. Should you decide to turn to more pleasant reading, I certainly could not blame you. The world can be a sombre and unforgiving place without having to reflect on its grimmest parts. The choice to continue, Reader, is entirely your own. Yours faithfully, Dr. Samuel J. Collins