Plot Twist
đ Secrets of Silence
It was two oâclock at night. The narrow streets of the small town Noorabad were deserted and silent. The cold wind shook the branches of the trees, and dogs were barking somewhere far away. But suddenly, that silence was shattered by a blood-curdling scream. The scream was so terrifying that it felt as if someoneâs soul was being crushed. Hearing it, a few neighbors nervously opened their windows, but the darkness was so deep that nothing could be seen. Moments later, the scream stopped. Only the sound of the wind remained. By the next morning, the entire town was in chaos. The news had spread: Anwar was dead â the same Anwar who ruled over the whole town with an iron fist. People hated him, yet they feared him. His body had been found in the garden of his bungalow. On his face were signs of horror, as though he had seen something at the moment of death that was beyond description. Aliya, a reporter for the Noorabad Gazette, arrived outside the bungalow early in the morning. Cameramen, journalists, and police had already gathered there. âWas this murder or an accident?â âDid Anwarâs enemies finally take revenge?â âWas that horrifying scream his?â People kept asking questions, but no one had the answers. Aliya pulled out her notebook and began taking notes. One thought kept echoing in her mind: âThis isnât just an ordinary story⊠thereâs something hidden behind it.â At that very moment, her eyes fell upon a man standing away from the crowd. Tall, with deep eyes, and a strangely serious expression. Unlike the rest, he wasnât making noise; he was silently observing everything Aliya froze for a second. That man was Ayan. Ayan was a stranger in town. No one knew where he came from or what he did. People only knew that he lived alone in an old mansion and rarely socialized. Aliya had seen him before, but today his presence felt different⊠as though he was connected to Anwarâs mysterious death. The police chief, Inspector Faheem, tried to control the crowd: âEveryone step back! This is a crime scene. Nobody is allowed inside.â But Aliya had to do what she always loved â searching for the truth. With her cameraman, she quietly approached the wall of the bungalow and peeked inside. The body still lay in the garden. In Anwarâs hand was a crumpled piece of paper. The police carefully pulled it out and sealed it in an envelope. Aliya narrowed her eyes. âCould that paper be a clue?â Just then, her gaze caught Ayan again. He was leaving â quickly, silently, with strange seriousness. A nameless suspicion took root in Aliyaâs heart đ The Shadow of Night By evening, rumors were spreading all over town. Some said Anwar had been killed by his business rivals. Others claimed it was the result of a family feud. But the most frightening rumor was that before dying, Anwar had whispered one name⊠âAyan.â The moment Aliya heard this, she turned off her roomâs light and peered out the window. In the distance, the old mansion where Ayan lived loomed in the dark. Curiosity and fear grew inside her. âIs Ayan really the killer? Or is he being framed?â She had made up her mind â She must meet Ayan. End of Chapter 1: That night, Aliya quietly drove her car and stopped in front of the old mansion. Under the moonlight, it looked exactly like a haunted house. The door creaked open⊠and Aliya stepped inside. She had no idea she was about to enter a dangerous game where truth, betrayal, and death would walk side by side.
By dabeer hashmiabout a year ago in Chapters
Somebody's Someone - Chapter Six
The yellow glow of the lanterns still illuminated the quiet street when the first patrol car arrived, followed closely by a second. The atmosphere, which had held an air of festivity just moments ago, now felt heavy with tension. Two officers stepped outâone in his mid-40s, with a square jaw and a rigid posture suggesting he hadnât blinked since boot camp. The other was younger and leaner, holding his belt like a shield, as if authority was something to be gripped tightly. Their names were stitched across their chests: Hollins and Greaves.
By Neshzivne Dadirriabout a year ago in Chapters
When the Call Came at Midnight
The rain that night wasnât just rain. It felt heavier, like the sky was trying to wash the city away. I had just set my phone on silent when it buzzed. Unknown number. No name, no country code. Against every instinct, I answered.
By Saba Writesabout a year ago in Chapters
After The Sunset The Stars As My Witness. Content Warning.
Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months and months turned into uncertainty. Perseus held his face, elbow pressed against the table. The captain and his crew drowned out his thoughts with their drunken slurred tales most of them made up trying to outshine the other sailors. Everyone shouting at the top of their lungs, all their words meshing up to what a disaster could sound like. Perseus thought he would have gotten used to this by now, but the more he was around them the more annoyed he was by them. He couldn't lash out either because he needed them to get to wherever the gorgon resided. An eye and a tooth he silently recited over and over again like saying it would manifest whatever his clue was. Gently tagging on his inner lip with his teeth he stared at the wooden mouldy fungi-infested ceiling. He drew up images like he would the stars. An eye and a tooth he continued to recite. A cyclope maybe⊠he thought while picturing a friendly cyclope from the last time he had encountered one as a child. It did have an eye but did it have one tooth? He asked, squinting his eyes tightly as if that would make him travel faster through the memory or at least make it a bit clearer. âPerseus!â One of the crew members, Peggon, aggressively nudged, abruptly interrupting his journey through his mind. Everything he said after calling Perseus was a chain of slurred words that almost sounded like a different language. Every time Peggon paused to breathe Perseus would nod to appear attentive, patiently waiting for Peggon to find a new victim to drown in his words. He looked past Peggon, hoping to find something to distract him as he pretended. His eyes locked with young men who had already been watching him. âNot him againâ he whispered under his breath âPeggon I hate to interrupt, but I have to go outside for a bitâ Peggon laughed saying something inaudible as he made space for Perseus to move. Outside he anxiously yet patiently waited for the young man to follow him, which the young man did shortly. âWhat now,â Perseus asked not even trying to hide how annoyed he was, that had been the 8th time that day Hermes had appeared out of nowhere disguised as someone else. âFor the same reason I have been paying you a visit,â Hermes said, eyeing Perseusâ âI have the feeling you are not taking good care of my majestic sandal,â Hermes sighed aggressively a white cloud of breath escaped into the cold night. âLike all the 8 times you visited today alone and the millions of times you have shown up, I have not worn the sandals yetâ âWell I have to see for myself, I donât trust demi-gods,â He said grabbing the bag âNot god enough to be amongst gods not human enough to exist hereâ He carelessly searched the bag cutting himself with the sword that was hidden in the bag âOuch, Ouch, Ouchâ He tried to suppress the intensity of the pain, but the way he winced, threw the bag and shook gave it away. Perseus pretended not to notice what happened but the smirk on his face that tried to conceal his laughter shimmered in the dark. Hermes snapped at the site of this âYou see, you can't even be responsible enough to wrap up such a sharp object,â Perseus responded with suppressed chuckles that escaped through his nose. Hermes ignored him as he emptied the bag. He held his Sandals inspecting them with the aim to find damage. âFind anything?â Perseus asked unconcerned. âUh-huh,â Hermes jolted after looking into the bag again. âI was hoping you would show concern,â Hermes sarcastically said, showing Perseus a feather barb pinched between his thumb and index. Perseus squinted his eyes trying to figure out what he was supposed to be seeing. Hermes wiggled his wrist closer to Perseus, and there it was, thinner than a strand of hair. âWell how do I avoid this next time,â he sarcastically shrugged. âI don't know, Perseus. Maybe a fortune teller or better yet wrap the swordâ Hermes ripped a part of his clothing to wrap the sword âA fortune teller,â Perseus responded âWell no. The option you were supposed to pick was to âwrap the swordâ,â He wrapped the sword and packed everything away. âNo, I meant I could use a fortune teller,â Hermes looked at Perseus worried âI don't think they could helpâ âWhy not,â âBecause you are already being assisted by the divine,â Hermes tilted his head âCan you assist me?â âOn a condition,â He smiled âI keep the sandals and return them during your emergenciesâ âAnd how to summon you when I'm in an emergencyâ âLike soâŠâ he sat on a barrel, rubbed his hands back and forth 4 times, then clicked his fingers twice, then joined his hands with a clap in front of his chest as though praying. âNoâ Perseus frowned âI don't have time for gamesâ he dismissed âThen you really don't need my assistance,â He walked into the darkness âYou know I can find them myself,â He yelled, He could but it would take longer without Hermesâ help. âFine,â he said, causing Hermes to stop and turn to face him, âI agree,â he said gently chewing his inner cheeks. Hermes slightly squinted his eyes to study the eagerness as he approached Perseus. âAs long Athena agrees with it,â he said with a devilish smirk â14 days is all I'm offeringâ Hermes didn't look offended but a little impressed and annoyed âFine, Close to us right now are two Zolinae and Hovam. Zolinae would be the best option, a little playful, she could be a little distraction,â He sheepishly smiled âThe best Iâve set eyes on, she travels a lot to help and assist people. Let me take you to her,â He begins to lead the way. âAnd Hovam?â Perseus curiously asked. âThe devil,â he said with a disgruntled tone and posture âWorking with him is like signing a deal with the devil, and from what Iâve seen he doesnât have the gift but plays the role so perfectly, Iâm almost impressedâ âI want Hovam, lead me to him,â Perseus nodded. Hermes didn't argue but the discomfort on his face with Perseusâ decision spoke louder than his silence. âHere we are,â Hermes pointed at the only other house lit in the dark street. âAnd Cyclops don't have one tooth,â He softly smiled, rolling his eyes before leaving. Perseus watched as Hermes blended into the darkness. Perseus walked towards the house, the door was slightly opened, but before he could knock on the door, a woman busted gently through the doorway with a child. When she saw Perseus she nodded with a faint smile to acknowledge his presence, then walked off into the night leaving the door open. A man followed and stood by the entrance. âHow can I help you?â The man asked calmly with a hint of defensiveness. âHomav, I'm here in search of himâ Perseus responded, trying not to look or sound like a threat. âHe isnât available till the morning,â The man said, exiting the house to lock up. âI canât wait till the morning, it is an emergency,â he politely protested, fighting the urge to beg. âItâs late,â he dismissed and walked away. âI am Persues the son of Zeus,â He introduced himself as he followed the man. The man continued striding on. Did he not know who Zeus was? Perseus wondered to himself. Medusa. His mind pounced. âIâm on a questâŠâ the man paced faster as if trying to run. âTo retrieve the head of the mortal gorgonâŠâ the manâs pace began to slow down âMedusaâ Perseus said, the man instantly halted in his tracks. Wide eyed, he stared Perseus up and down before he strolled back into the house. Perseus stood outside the door for a short while that felt like aeon. âHovam is ready to see youâ he bowed his head signalling his hand towards the dark passage that had a light peeking from underneath the door. Perseus walked carefully towards the door as the man followed behind. When he got to the door he turned to the man behind him waiting for a signal from his silhouette, the man nodded. Perseus slid the door meeting eyes with a round older man, well dressed and at ease as though he had been anticipating this meeting. On the table he sat behind were a deck of tarot cards, crystal balls that look like enormous pearls dancing with different waves of color within and bowls displayed behind him filled with jewels and crystals. âWelcome,â Hovam signalled to the brittle looking chair in front of him.Gently he sat as he nodded acknowledgingly. âI hear you are the son of Zeus insearch of the gorgonâ âYes,â Perseus responded. âWhatâs in it for me?â Hovam raised an eye brow âIâm going to pay your servicesâ Hovam scratched his chin looking at the man who brought Perseus, he stood still behind like a statue. âGive me its head when youâve retrieved itâ He said still looking at the man âI have already promised its head to another,â âThat's all I need from you, son of Zeus,â âAnd what if it doesnt exist?â âIt does,â the man behind Perseus argued âAnd have you seen itâ Perseus turned to face him âWellâŠ,â he stopped to see if Hovam approved. âLetâs say it doesnât exist,â Hovam scratched underneath his chin âWhat did you have in mind,â he responded eyebrows furrowed still facing the man who was avoiding eye contact. âWellâŠâ Hovam cleared his throat âHave you heard of a monoceros, a stallion with a majestic horn in the center of its headâ Perseus had encountered it before but was uncomfortable about recounting that encounter. He simply shook his head, faking curiosity and ignorance. âBring its horn to me instead even if the gorgon exists since the head has been promised to another,â âYou have a dealâ Perseus looked at the tarot cards âNow for where I can find the gorgonâ âHunclox,â he signalled to the man behind Perseus âMedusa is hidden by some supernatural being. Neither my tarot cards nor my crystal ball can give you the answer you so desire,â Impatience slowly brewed within Perseus, fighting the urge to pounce onto the other side of the table. âSo you donât know where it is?â he clenched his jaw. âno one does,â Hovam shuffled his deck of tarot. âBut Hunclox has met a woman who has met the gorgon and survived it,â placing his cards back on the table âHe will go on this quest with you,â âAnd maybe you show me the head when you return,â He smirks. Perseus was almost there. As for his mother, Danae, she had overstayed her visit the moment she mentioned Perseus. Testing her fatherâs patience every day she tried to convince him the prophecy was a hoax. âYour return was meant to be exciting but you truly havent lost your touch with raining on a good day,â King Acrisius dismissed what Danae had said. âWhat would his motive be to kill you, father? You're his grandfather, his family?â Danae continued inquisitively. âWell its better we don't find out,â Danae stared at her mother hoping she would defend Perseus but Queen Eurydice focused on her meal and paid no attention to the conversation like the many times Danaeâs had brought it up since she arrived months ago. âHe is a respectful, smart, brave man and has a big kind heart like no other,â Danae said pridefully. âAnd?â The King shrugged unimpressed. âFather, if you must know,â Danae paused, preparing herself to dish out Perseusâ whereabouts. âHe is on a quest as we speak, a very dangerous questâŠâ Saying this made her hope Perseus would succeed âTo behead the gorgon,â Instantly the queen pulled her eyes away from her food shooting a glare at her Daughter and then her husband who seemed to have lost his speech all of a sudden. âMedusa?â Her mother asked, concerned. Danae nodded contently. âAlone?âEurydice asked. âYes,â Danae nodded. âDanae!â Her mother snapped âArmies that have gone after the gorgon have never returned, and you let him go alone,â Eurydiceâs concern turned into disappointment âHe could die out thâŠâ âMamaâŠâ Danae tried to intercept âFor someone who has been preaching love for your son. You sure have a funny way of showing itâ Eurydice interrupted. âMamaâŠâ She caught her breath, âPerseus has never failed, He shall find the gorgon and behead itâŠImagine the respect and power that will surround your kingdom. The kingdoms surrounding us will be singing praises. You need to welcome him to Argos so everyone knows who he is to the King,â She gently placed her hand on her fatherâs hand. She was beginning to sound like Perseus. âAnd he will bring her head,â He finally broke from his trance. Danae nodded with a smile of certainty. The King smiled seemingly impressed, contemplating welcoming his grandson back into the Kingdom, then suddenly he heard the words from the oracle years ago echoing the prophecy in his mind, His face instantly emulated disgust, annoyance and anger. âAnd what if he uses the gorgonâs head to kill me?â The king lifted himself from the table charging towards the exit. âYou don't understand,â Danae cried âMy son is in exile over a prophecy he doesn't even know about and unlike you I care about my child,â The King didn't respond or wait to hear what she had to say.
By Ropafadzo Thokozani Zinyuke (Fadzo) about a year ago in Chapters
MY CRUEL LOVE, CHAPTER 3
My Cruel Love That same night, with her mind still reeling from the club owner's words, Maya stood before the towering gates of the Shahriyar estate.. Maya stepped out of the local taxi. and stood before the towering iron gate of the Shahriyar estate. This was the house she was meant to enter as a bride. Instead, she was arriving as something else â a woman bought and delivered. After the wedding, Arman had never brought her here. The ceremony had taken place at her father's modest home. He had uttered the words "I accept" and vanished. Just like that. He went straight back to his upscale flat and left a final warning â if she ever stepped foot in his family home, he'd leave the country and never return. Arman's mother, unwilling to risk losing her only son, had left Maya at her father's doorstep. Maya had been devastated, but she had held herself together. For her father. He was all she had left in this world. Now, standing at the entrance of a home that had once symbolized a dream, she called out to the guard. When he asked who she was, she hesitated. What could she say? After a pause, she finally managed, "Mr. Arman asked me to come. He wants to talk. The guard made a call, and after a brief exchange with the housemaid, the gate opened. Maya walked in. The sight before her was surreal â like something from a movie. A royal-style duplex mansion bathed in warm lights, surrounded by a manicured garden and stone pathways leading in different directions. In the center, a marble fountain sparkled under the night sky. The garden trees were strung with fairy lights, lighting up the night like daylight. For a moment, Maya forgot why she was here. As she neared the main door, the weight of reality returned. Her fingers trembled as she pressed the bell. Inside, Arman sat on a plush sofa in his bedroom, head tilted back, eyes shut, one hand resting on his forehead. His thoughts were a chaotic mess. After leaving the club, he'd gone to his office but couldn't focus. Maya's voice kept echoing in his mind. Her words. her attitude. the way she said she'd moved on. He couldn't believe it. The same woman who had returned his money and handed him divorce papers â was now selling herself? Willingly? He knew she hadn't been with anyone before. The bloodstains on the bed told him everything. And yet, she had lied â claimed she wasn't a virgin. Why? Why would she make herself look cheap in his eyes? Restless and furious, he'd made a call. One call to the club owner, and he'd bought Maya. For a month. She should be arriving any minute now. Arman leaned back, annoyed with himself. Why had he done this? Why had he dragged her back into his life? This wasn't about love anymore. Or was it? He tried to clear his head. He had divorced Maya for one reason: Maisha. His first and only love. The woman who had vanished without a trace. Where was she? Was she even alive? He shook the thought away. No â she had to be alive. He'd find her. One day. A knock broke his chain of thought. "Come in," he said. Ruby, his personal maid, entered. She was in her mid-twenties and took care of everything in the house â cooking, laundry, cleaning. Everything. "Sir, the girl you were expecting has arrived," she said politely. Arman didn't need to ask who. He nodded. "Send her to my room. And if I need anything, I'll call. "Yes, sir. Ruby left, and moments later, another knock came. This time, it was Maya. "Come in," Arman said. She stepped in slowly. Her eyes immediately found him sitting there, calm and cold. Arman didn't look at her. "So. you finally made it. Took your sweet time. Maya gave him a crooked smile. Well, according to my manager, you rented me for a full month, Mr. Arman Shahriyar. I didn't realize my services were that impressive. Because of you, my other clients were disappointed tonight. I had someone else scheduled, actually. Got ready and everything. But when I reached the club, they said I had to come to you. So. here I am. Every word was a calculated jab. Arman stood up, clenching his fists, scanning her from head to toe. "This is what you wore for someone else?" he asked, voice laced with sarcasm. "She was dressed modestly â in ethnic wear, her hair partially covered with a long scarf. "I was going to change at the hotel," she said, stammering slightly. "You can't walk around in a sexy outfit on the street. Arman let out a dry laugh. "So, you're ashamed of the job, but not ashamed to sell yourself? And still have the decency to care about public decency? That's rich. Maya's heart twisted, but she didn't flinch. "Let's just get this over with, shall we? I'd like to finish what I'm here for and leave. Arman's eyes darkened. "You're in such a rush? Fine. Make me dinner. And I want it from you â not a maid. And I don't want a maid touching it. I want you to cook it. With your own hands. Maya blinked, stunned. "I'm sorry â what did you just say? "You heard me," Arman said, stepping closer. "I said cook. Maya frowned. "Do I look like your maid? That's not what I was brought here for. You know exactly why I'm here â and it's not to be your personal chef. Arman leaned in, his voice dangerously soft, brushing past her ear." I've paid for your time. For one month. From now on, you're mine â and mine alone. Your job is to satisfy me. In every way. You'll do exactly as I say. No questions. No attitude. No other men. Got it? Maya stepped back, chilled to her core. "Yes, Yes, you paid for my timeâbut not to be your servant. We both know what this deal was supposed to be. The rest? That's not in the deal. Arman raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you read the contract before signing? It clearly says â for thirty days, you follow all my instructions. Whether it's cooking, cleaning, or anything else â you do it. Maya's face twisted in confusion. "What contract? I didn't see anything like that. "Really?" he challenged. "Didn't your boss give you a file before you left the club? Didn't he ask you to sign it? And just like that â the memory came crashing back. Before she left the lounge, her manager had stopped her. Handed her a document and said it was just routine paperwork for all employees. Without thinking much, she had signed it. He had also given her a file to deliver to Arman. She quickly reached into her bag and pulled it out. There it was. A legal-looking contract â signed by her. As her eyes scanned the terms, her entire world crumbled. To be continued.
By Story writesabout a year ago in Chapters
MY CRUEL LOVE,CHAPTER 2
My Cruel Love That same night, after Maya agreed to Arman's cruel deal, He kissed her with a brutal hunger, leaving her lips torn. It wasn't passionâit was punishment. A cruel release of the rage he had bottled up inside him. But Maya didn't fight it. She just. took it. Silent. Still. Broken. What followed was primitive, carnalâbut completely loveless. Just Arman's fury, unleashed on her like poison, draining what little strength she had left. And still, Maya smiled. She bore it all without flinching, hiding her agony behind a practiced calm. Arman stayed the entire night. Morning. Arman stepped out of the bathroom, hair damp, shirt buttoned, face emotionless. Maya went in next and locked the door. As soon as she turned the tap, the tears began. Hot. Heavy. Endless. Covering her mouth with one hand, she sobbed quietly under the running water. Red and blue bruises lined her skinâproof of Arman's cruelty. Her body ached. But her heart. that hurt more. When she finally emerged, her pain still radiated from her fragile frame. Arman was already dressed, ready to leave. Without a word, he pulled a check from his coat pocket and tossed it at her. "Here," he said, tossing a check without emotion. "For your time. Maya bent down and picked up the check. Not a flicker of shame. Only a bitter smile as she read the amount. She looked up and said softly, "Thank you, sir. I hope the performance was satisfactoryâjust like any business transaction. Feel free to call again. Arman's jaw clenched. He stormed toward her, grabbed her hair, and yanked her close. She gasped but didn't resist. His eyes burned into hers. "Never," he spat. "Arman Shahriar doesn't sleep with the same woman twice. Feigning mild disappointment, Maya shrugged. "Oh, really? "I suppose I'll just take on someone else. This city never runs out of men with money and egos. Anyway, I have an appointment tonight. Need to shop, dress up, be ready. So if you'll excuse me. Clutching the check, she walked out with a toss of her hair. Arman stood there, stunned. Another appointment tonight? His chest tightened. A wave of unfamiliar rage surged through him. She can sleep with the whole damn city for all I care, he told himself. What is she to me? And with that thought, he walked out. Later. At the hospital. Maya's phone had blown up with missed calls. She rushed in and entered a doctor's cabin. "There you are!" the doctor exclaimed. "We've been calling all night. Why didn't you answer? "I'm so sorry," Maya said, trying to catch her breath. "I was.caught up. How is he? The doctor's face turned somber. "He got worse last night. He kept asking for you. That's why we tried so many times. Maya's heart sank. "How is he now?" she whispered. "He's stable. For now. Chemotherapy has started, but. it's the final stage. We're trying a new treatment, but the oddsâfranklyâaren't good. Are you sure you want to keep spending so much money? Maya's eyes filled with tears. "What are you saying, doctor? He's my whole world. I can't lose himânot yet. The doctor nodded gently. "Then be strong. We've started the chemo. Please make sure the bills are clearedâthe meds are very expensive. "I'll manage," Maya said softly. "Just keep the treatment going." She entered the hospital ward quietly. The man on the bed looked like a shadow of his former selfâskin stretched thin over bones, most of his hair gone, breath shallow. Her father. Maya smiled through her heartbreak and sat beside him. When he saw her, his eyes lit up. His frail hand trembled as he reached out to her. "Dad" Maya whispered, taking his hand. "How are you feeling? I spoke to the doctorâhe says you'll be up and dancing again soon. Just wait. Ashraf Talukder knew better. He wasn't afraid of dying. He was afraid for her. She was his daughterâhis only one. Beautiful. Pure. And alone. He remembered how their families had once planned her marriage with Arman Shahriar, a childhood pact between two old friends. The wedding had happened, but Arman had never accepted her. He'd refused to even take her home. Arman's grandfather had believed Maya was the only woman who could handle him. But after his death, Arman shut her out completely. Back in the ward, Ashraf looked at his daughter and said weakly, "Don't give me false hope, sweet girl. I know what's coming. I'm not afraid of deathâI'm afraid for you. This hospital. it's expensive. How are you affording this? "Dad, please." Maya interrupted quickly. "Don't say things like that. You'll recover. The doctor said the treatment's working. He pressed again, "Maya. where's this money coming from? You're not doing anything wrong, are you? Before he could finish, Maya said with a smile, "No, dad. I got a job. A multinational. Took a loan. Everything's legal. I promise. Ashraf frowned slightly, but Maya held his hand tighter. "You know how much I love you, right? I won't let anything happen to you. He stroked her hair gently. As she sat beside him, Maya's heart bled silently. Her mother had died when she was little. Her marriage had shattered. Now her father was the only person she had left. And even he was slipping away. She thought to herself: "I'm sorry, dad. I wish I could tell you the truth. But I can't. To keep you alive, I've crossed lines I never thought I would. I may not recognize myself anymore. But I can't watch you die. Please forgive me. That night. After feeding her father and giving him his medicine, Maya returned home. She popped a painkillerâher body still ached from Arman's cruelty. She forced herself to eat a little, then collapsed into bed, stifling a cry as pain rippled through her. Later, she arrived at the club. The owner called her over immediately. "Maya! Just in time. I sent you an addressâcheck your phone. You've got a new client tonight. She checked. Her eyes widened. "Shahriar Mansion? The owner grinned. "Yep. What Arman told himself was simple: "She's a liar. A player. But I won't let her go that easyânot until I break her mask." So he made the call. Booked herâfor a month. Looks like luck's finally on your side, Maya. Maya froze. A whole month. with Arman? She whispered, "Sir. a whole month? Isn't that.too much? He scoffed. "Too much? Girls line up for offers like this! You should be thankful. I've already taken the advance. You're going. Maya nodded silently. She had no choice. The money was too important. I don't know what more fate has in store for me, she thought bitterly. To be continued
By Story writesabout a year ago in Chapters
Somebody's Someone - Chapter Four
It's a beautiful, cool fall evening, and a soft breeze stirs the amber leaves across the brick-paved walkways of Willow Cove Commons, a cozy yet vibrant shopping center where neighbors gather to admire window displays and laughter echoes from café patios. Lanterns strung between the storefronts cast a warm glow on the boutique's expansive glass front, compelling passersby to pause, engage, and step inside for a final look at the day's finds.
By Neshzivne Dadirriabout a year ago in Chapters
The Great Cheese Catastrophe
Maya Chen stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, wondering if mascara could somehow compensate for a complete lack of dating skills. Her dark hair hung in what she hoped looked like "effortlessly tousled waves" rather than "I stuck my finger in an electrical socket," and she'd changed outfits four times before settling on jeans and a burgundy sweater that her sister claimed brought out her eyes. Maya wasn't entirely convinced her eyes needed bringing outâthey seemed to work fine where they wereâbut she trusted her sister's fashion judgment more than her own.
By Subhasish Adhikaryabout a year ago in Chapters
End of Man Chapter 2 - James
Chapter 2: James The raucous laughter and banter coming from the other passengers in the car belied the anxiety that James felt. There were four in total, including himself, riding in the gaudy red sports car they had boosted from a parking garage earlier that day. In an attempt to quell the anxiety tumbling around in his stomach, James tried to catch what was coming through the radio. It was difficult given that he was in the back seat and had to try to catch what was being said through the other's boisterousness.
By Chris Santiagoabout a year ago in Chapters
âThe Room with No Nameâ
She walked into the room like a question begging to be answered. Barefoot, half-robed, skin tasting of lavender and doubt. Her name was Elizabeth â soft lips, storm eyes, and a tension in her step that betrayed everything she tried to hide.
By Randolphe Tanoguemabout a year ago in Chapters









