Book 1 of: The Journey Series
Isaack Smith built his life around two great loves: his passion for creating culinary masterpieces and his family. As the talented owner-chef of Per Ardua, one of Manhattan's most celebrated restaurants, he thought he had everything-a successful career, a loving husband, and their precious son Angel, conceived through surrogacy. But when his husband of five years abandons them for a wealthy woman, Isaack's carefully constructed world crumbles, leaving him to pick up the pieces while protecting their six-year-old son from the fallout.
Determined to create a stable life for Angel, Isaack throws himself into his restaurant and fatherhood, his heart safely lock.
Then comes the annual Children's Hospital fundraiser, where fate introduces him to Jadziel Zayas, the charismatic Puerto Rican CEO of Zayas Enterprises.
As Jadziel's steady presence and genuine care for both Isaack and Angel begin to melt the walls around Isaack's heart, he faces his greatest challenge: learning to trust again.
With Angel's innocent wisdom, the warm embrace of Jadziel's sister Diana-and the healing power of love, Isaack discovers that sometimes the most beautiful dishes are created from life's broken ingredients.
This is a story about second chances, chosen family, and the courage to believe in love again-even when it comes in unexpected ways.
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This story comes entirely from my imagination.
Placed 1st in the Fathomless Verse Awards in the LGBTQ+ category, and 3rd in the Werewolf category - 20th August, 2025
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"Yul?"
"Yes?"
"Do you believe in fate?"
"I think...some things...are meant to be."
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Yul and Kaine were bonded by fate.
Yul had always had a certain pull towards the ravenette, ever since they crossed paths in junior high. Kaine found him irritating because he was a half blood. When Kaine found out that said half blood was his mate he refused it. No way would he accept a half blood as his mate. Turns out that refusing the bond was not as easy as saying 'No thank you.'
Yul had his own battles to fight. His once kind mother had suddenly started treating him like he was the worst monster and he had to fight through every single day. It didn't help that he was also different. Abnormally different. In junior high he met Lizzy who over the years became his grounding anchor. Without her, he may have drowned. Without her, he also would have never learned how to play the guitar and he would have never stood in front of people and sing his songs. He would have never started living his childhood dream.
After he found the courage to stand up to his mother he also got more involved with Kaine and soon found himself craving the time he spent with the handsome boy. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever see it coming that they would develop a relationship that was constantly put to the test.
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This Book is a journey for myself, to see and find out what kind of writer I want to be. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it :)
Started: 19th of March 2025
Finished: Ongoing