After a devastating breakup, Maya is determined to start over and find love again. But when she meets Ethan, a charming and mysterious stranger, she quickly realizes that there is more to him than meets the eye. Despite their instant connection, Maya senses that Ethan is holding back a painful secret.
As Maya and Ethan grow closer, their relationship is tested by the secrets they keep from each other. Maya must confront her own fears and insecurities, while Ethan struggles to open up and trust her with his deepest secrets. Together, they must navigate the complexities of love and forgiveness, as they discover that true love goes beyond the surface.
As Maya and Ethan's relationship deepens, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, as they confront the demons of their past and learn to love themselves for who they truly are. But as their love story unfolds, they must also confront the realities of the world around them, and the challenges of building a life together in a society that is often unforgiving of those who dare to be different.
Can Maya and Ethan overcome the obstacles that stand in their way, and build a love that transcends all boundaries? Or will their secrets and insecurities tear them apart forever?
As Claire aims to leave her oppressive stepfamily behind, she befriends Zion. Will he be her ticket to freedom or a distraction in achieving her dreams?
*****
Claire Olsen has had a crush on Zion Petrakis since the first time she laid eyes on him, but he never noticed, instead only having eyes on the school's it girl, Maddie Jennings. Knowing she couldn't compete with Maddie, Claire hid her feelings for Zion, satisfied with admiring him from afar. However, when a series of events led Claire closer to Zion, her feelings for him grew from infatuation to love. And despite fighting hard to keep her feelings contained by distancing herself from Zion, he was determined to show her that he's earned a spot in her life.
[[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]