Ally Jackson's life took a dark turn at the hands of those who were supposed to protect her. The shadows of her father and brother's vile actions loomed over her, casting a sinister pall over her young life.
Ally's world shattered when the truth of her father's heinous crimes emerged, ripping apart the façade of the perfect family. The bruises on her skin spoke volumes - a silent testimony to the horrors she endured in the confines of her own home. Her mother, oblivious to the nightmare unfolding under her roof, was left reeling from the betrayal.
As her father was hauled off to prison, Ally's relief was short-lived as another predator emerged from the darkness. Her brother, tainted by the same twisted desires as their father, sought to claim her innocence. In a harrowing showdown, Ally fought back with a ferocity born of survival and fled into the unforgiving wilderness, a fugitive from the demons of her past. Half-naked and broken, she was rescued from the clutches of her brother's depravity, but the scars of her ordeal ran deep.
As her brother was stripped of his freedom, Ally was left to navigate the treacherous waters of healing. Counseling became her sanctuary, a fragile lifeline in a sea of turmoil, as her mother assumed control of the family business, a reluctant heir to a tainted legacy.
High school became a battleground of whispers and taunts, a harsh reminder of the isolation Ally faced. The merciless scrutiny of her peers made her a pariah, a figure of mockery and scorn. But amidst the shadows of her past, a flicker of light emerged in the form of a kindred spirit.
A girl, whose empathy shone like a beacon in the darkness, extended a hand of friendship to Ally. Then, a boy entered her life, his eyes filled with understanding and warmth. With his gentle presence, Ally discovered a sanctuary in his embrace, a refuge from the storms that raged within.
An internal voice whispered, "Call him."
But I chose not to.
I dismissed it once more, saying, "He never liked me anyway."
Yet the dilemma lingered.
"But maybe he does. The way he looks at you... it's different."
Out of nowhere, he glanced my way. My heartbeat quickened, sending shivers down my spine.
I averted my gaze, pretending to look around.
"Has he noticed me? No, wait-oh my god."
---
After switching high schools, Nina discovered a new way of life. She fell in love, made wonderful friends, and everything seemed perfect.
But Ethan-a popular boy who never focused on anyone but her-was the object of her hatred.
He was always there, always keeping her safe.
He used to annoy her endlessly.
She hated him deeply. Until she didn't.
For a while, she was content with her high school experience. That is, until something mysterious turned her world upside down.
Forced to move to a new city, Nina had to cut ties with everyone she once knew.
Eight years later, fate brings her face-to-face with him again.
"Ethan..."
He's the key to everything-the truths she never knew.
When she was lost in the dark, he always held the light.
But now, things are different.
She despises him.
He's colder than ever.
Or perhaps she fears him.
Fears that he'll leave her again.
Will their lives ever return to normal after everything they've endured?
"Maybe?"
"Maybe yes. Maybe no?"
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Started: 8 November 2021
Ended: 19 December 2022
Rewritten: December 2024
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### Rankings Goals So Far:
#1 Adolescente
#1 given up
#1 blinddates
#1 pretend
#10 twistedromance
#50 high school romance
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### Notice:
This is my first published story, and it contains numerous grammatical errors and bad editing. If you're interested in the storyline, please don't judge me too harshly based on this book. Better stories are on the way-I'm still learning and improving every day.
Enjoy! ✨