An AU where Cloud, Aerith, Tifa, and their friends are just regular university students trying to juggle life, love, and exams. But when a party goes horribly wrong and Zack, the heart of their group, is found dead, everything changes. With Cloud struggling to piece together his fractured memories of that night, Aerith and Tifa are determined to uncover the truth behind Zack's mysterious death. Along the way, they find themselves caught in a web of jealousy, rivalry, and a professor with a shady past. As old feelings resurface and new alliances form, the group must navigate the fine line between love and betrayal. With the stakes growing higher, they'll have to solve the puzzle before one of them becomes the next victim.
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
***
Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.