I had just started a new job, and everything was still fresh. The office, the people, the routines — it was all a blur, but one thing stood out clearly: every Friday, my colleagues went out for lunch. It was a tradition they had, and as the new guy, I was eager to fit in. … Read more
Julian Maddox leaned against the polished counter of his kitchen, his eyes fixed on the glass of whiskey in his hand. The grand mansion outside Seattle, with all its luxury and solitude, felt empty tonight. He had everything: money, success, a thriving business empire—but not the one thing that truly mattered. There was a gnawing … Read more
It was an ordinary Wednesday morning, but as soon as I stepped off the elevator at work, I noticed something was different. The lobby, usually bustling with coworkers greeting each other and rushing to start their day, was unusually still. My eyes immediately landed on a man standing near the security guard. He was disheveled, … Read more
Anna stepped through the front door, exhausted after a long shift at the office. As she moved down the hallway, she could hear the murmur of familiar voices in the living room. It was Mikhail’s brother, Sergey, and his family. Again. “Just for a week,” Sergey had said three months ago, but it had turned … Read more
Elena’s heart pounded as she stared at the glowing screen of her phone. The call was from Alla Viktorovna, and she already knew this wouldn’t be good. Every time that woman called, it felt like the calm before the storm. “Alla Viktorovna,” Elena muttered under her breath, picking up the phone. She didn’t have the … Read more
A piercing scream from a woman echoed through the air, her words filled with fury. I looked up in alarm, barely having time to process what was happening when she burst into the yard, holding a sobbing little girl in her arms. The child, no more than six, pressed her hand to her stomach where … Read more
For years, Emma had been known for her long, flowing hair. It was a part of her identity, a defining feature that turned heads wherever she went. Her friends would often joke about it, saying it looked like she had a piece of a fairy tale hanging down her back. Emma loved her hair—until one … Read more
Maya had always been known for her wild, coily hair—a mass of thick curls that bounced and swirled with every step she took. It was her signature look, and for years, she loved the way it gave her a sense of individuality. People admired her hair, often stopping her to ask about her routine or … Read more
Sydnie Christmas, a 28-year-old gym worker from Kent, had always been known for her quiet determination and passion for singing. She spent her days helping others improve their fitness, but her nights were filled with dreams of performing on some of the world’s grandest stages. For as long as she could remember, she had always … Read more
Louisa Johnson had always been the quiet girl. She was the type of person who would blend into the background at school, shyly watching others interact and wishing she could be as outgoing as them. But deep inside, there was a fire — a dream that no one else knew about. Louisa had a voice … Read more