Fahmida was the Imam's daughter, Caleb was the pastor's son. They had never crossed paths until Fahmida's family moved. Not just in the same small town, but right next door to the pastor's family. With this, an unwanted feud began between the families. A battle of religion and beliefs.
Caleb and Fahmida were oblivious to these fights, of course. They were too busy in their own worlds, hoping for something that may never come. Until, that is, they are paired together for a project in school, and sparks fly. Fahmida wasn't allowed to date, she was already arranged to marry a man she didn't love. Nor was Caleb allowed to date outside the religion. But, that hadn't stopped them from trying.
Soon, though, families find out, and tear them apart. Fahmida is to move again, away from everything and Caleb. What can they do to save their forbidden relationship? Why is life so cruel?
More importantly, why does love feel so right when it's so wrong?
Ella is falling apart trying to live a "perfect" high school life. Then she meets Ren, who can see past her scars. Suddenly perfection isn't her only option.
*****
Ella Volkov is a gifted music student, but she's depressed and starting to crack under the pressure of high school. Her overbearing father won't even let her choose what instrument she plays. Then she finds herself alone at a party with Ren, her best friend's crush. She'd always thought he was rude, but after that night he's all Ella can think about. Now she's trapped. If Ella dates Ren, it will ruin her friendship with Jenny. But if she stays true to Jenny, she's losing the one person who can see past her scars. It's up to Ella to decide if she will forge her own path, or stay in the "perfect" box designed for her...
Content and/or Trigger Warning: depression, anxiety, self-harm, violence, sexual assault.
[[word count: 50,000-100,000 words]]