Angeline and Leo were childhood friends for almost 23 years. Such lasting friendship always made the outsiders surprise. Surprise for the fact that they aren’t a couple until now. Every year, Angeline would give Leo a bouquet of blue roses. The blue rose was Angeline's signature gift. Leo always thought Angeline gifted him blue roses because blue is his favorite color and roses are his favorite flowers. A blue rose means secret inner feelings of love for someone. Will Leo ever find out Angeline's subtle confession through the flowers? Or he will remain oblivious of Angeline's feelings for him? Note: This is a short story for WPC and would only consist of ten to fifteen chapters. Image from Pinterest

On the day the sun is gone and the moon takes to the sky, the gods and goddesses make peace for one reason. A little girl destined to free the world from war. blessed with gifts from the gods & goddesses which she won't find out she has until her 16th birthday.
will she follow the path laid out for her or will she make her own path?

The farther away I got from my family, my pack, and my mates, the weaker I felt. I just want to sleep forever, I wasn’t sure I could survive, whatever this was.     
 Luc: why hello you son of a bitch 
 Drogo: lower your voice im kinda busy.   
  Luc: busy with what, forgetting my baby sister and your fucking mate, so help you Drogo Hallowwood if I have to use my Alpha tone on you I will. What the fuck did you do to my sister.

Short Poetry through the male perspective.

 What do broken-hearted men have to say?

 Can you take a step into their lives and understand why they are the way they are?

 If you were a man do you think you would relate?

Rahil was about to curse Ryder when a loud shout stunned them all.
"What is happening here! This is a place of Celebration, not a place of war! Please be a good guest and don't create noise. Everyone go back to your seats," someone from the Silva Clan arrived and scolded Rahil.
Rahil was furious, but he calmed down as Major General Raul patted his shoulders.
"He's right. It's a place of Celebration. Let's get to our seats. Don't argue here," he said.
Major General Raul went to his table with Rahil.
****
Everyone had settled down, and almost all seats were filled when the door on the other side of the main hall was opened.
A group of people walked inside; all of them were wearing white robes.
The man in the lead was an old man who seemed like he was in his seventies. Behind him, two middle-aged men were walking with their wives. And behind them, a girl was walking.
Ryder was shocked as he saw the face of the girl. The girl had deep blue eyes like the sea. He had brunette hair that seemed to suit her. The girl seemed to have a height of five and a half feet.
She was wearing a blue skirt that came down to her knees and a white t-shirt. Over it all, she donned a white robe.
"Brother Ryder, are you interested in her?"
Shu noticed Ryder looking at the girl and smiled as he asked Ryder.
" Who is she?" Ryder asked Shu.
"How would I know. It's not like I come here daily. Amongst all those people, I have only met the man in the lead. He's Master Rulai Silva. He is the head of the Silva Family. If I were to guess, the people behind him should be his sons, daughters-in-law, or maybe his daughters and sons-in-law. The girl you were gawking at, should be his granddaughter," Shu informed Ryder.
" The young miss of the Silva Family? How could she..." Ryder muttered as he frowned.
"Everyone, I would like to welcome all of you here," the old man took the center of the stage as he greeted everyone.
"As you all know, today is the 21st birthday of my daughter, and it's a small party I threw to celebrate that. I am grateful that you all took the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this old man's happiness," he added.
" Anyway, let's not delay it further. I would like to introduce my little family to you. This here is my Eldest son Samuel and his wife, Samantha. He's my Second Son Milam and his wife, Daila."
The old man known as Murai Silva introduced the two middle-aged men and their wives that were standing behind them. 
"And lastly, My beautiful Granddaughter, Keia. She is the daughter of my Eldest Son, Samuel. It's her birthday today. Please give her your best wishes," Murai Silva said to everyone.
Everybody started wishing Keia a happy birthday. Shu also wished her.
Keia looked in the direction of Ryder with a weird look on her face.
"Happy Birthday to you," Ryder also wished her.
Soon, the cake was brought on the stage. The Cake was a giant Five Storey Cake with a diameter of 50 centimeters.
Keia took the knife in his hand and started cutting the cake.
****
Everyone walked up to Keia and gave her the birthday gifts that they had brought.
The Elders of the Silva Clan were standing talking with the guests. Only Keia was on the stage, getting gifts.
Soon, it was Shu and Ryder's turn to give gifts.
"Here, give her the gift of the Maxwell Family. You like her; you can talk to her this way," Shu gave a small box in Ryder's hand subtly.
Ryder smiled wryly as he nodded his head.
He walked up to the stage with Shu.
"A small gift for the birthday girl from the Maxwell Family. Happy Birthday," Ryder said to Keia as he gave her the gifts.
"Thank you," Keia thanked Ryder.
"This gift deserved to be in your hands. You know, a thief stole this gift from me today in the town outside. I had to chase after him to get the gift back. Fortunately, I was able to get it back," Ryder said in a low voice that only Keia would be able to hear.
"Lies. I stole your pur-" Keia immediately responded but closed her mouth. She was relieved that no one heard. Shu was standing at some distance.
"So it was indeed you, my cute little thief. Don't you feel any shame doing this despite being so rich?" Ryder asked as he smiled wryly.
"Don't you feel any shame chasing after a thief for a small purse despite being so rich?" Keia replied as she rolled her eyes.
"That's fair enough. Have a fun birthday.  Also, I must say, it was fun chasing after you," Ryder did as he winked at Keia jokingly before he turned back and walked back to his seat.
"This man," Keia muttered under her breath.
Major General Raul and his son also presented the gifts.
The whole event only lasted for an hour. The gifting ceremony had ended.
****
"Everyone, We have also organized a little ball dance and a nice dinner after that. But first, you all should have lunch. Our chefs have created some incredible dishes using our ancient herbs. It would be good for your body, and it would increase your strength as well. After you have lunch, you can take a tour of our mansion as a walk after eating. Just make sure you don't try to open any doors that are closed. We'll return for the ball dance after two hours," Murai Silva informed everyone before leaving with Keia and others.
****
"They left? I didn't know what to expect but birthday celebrations are like this, it's interesting. The first part seemed normal, but lunch and a ball party then dinner. It seems a weird celebration pattern. Or maybe it's different in the world of the rich?" Ryder asked Shu.
"Nah, it's definitely odd. It's a weird pattern of celebration. Still, every family has their own tradition. I don't think we can comment. Just enjoy the good," Shu told Ryder.
Soon, the food was served. It seemed like a dish that was entirely made of herbs.They left? I didn't know what to expect but birthday celebrations are like this, it's interesting. The first part seemed normal, but lunch and a ball party then dinner. It seems a weird celebration pattern. Or maybe it's different in the world of the rich?" Ryder asked Shu.
"Nah, it's definitely odd. It's a weird pattern of celebration. Still, every family has their own tradition. I don't think we can comment. Just enjoy the good," Shu told Ryder.
Soon, the food was served. It seemed like a dish that
Ryder ate the food, and he was surprised to see that it was tastier than it looked. Ryder could also see that it was good for health as he heard a notification resounded in his head that his health was permanently increased by one point after he finished eating. 


Bracelet of Immortality, the mysterious sealed item that needed 26 fragments to completely unseal. Every unsealing giving an incredible power to the user. 

First Fragment, the power of Time. Second Fragment, the Power of healing. Third Fragment, the power of...

What happens when Ryder Flynn finds the item inside the first Fully Immersive VRMMO. Why did the item follow him to the real world? Why is the Virtual World so real? 

****

A human-like System that knows too much? Why does it feel like my family member? Is it related to my strange memories?

The System used to annoy me so much with its threatening quests but why is it that now I feel each of his quest saved me and my loved one indirectly?

****

The memories of the past? Why do I remember being a god that created this bracelet? Why did I want to destroy everything. What did the other gods do?

****








...
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PS: I don't own the cover artwork. All rights of the cover belong to the Original artist. I wasn't able to find the artist. If you are the artist, you can contact me.

The day of entering adulthood is an extraordinary and important moment for every human being. In the country where Sid was born and lived, the magical frontier is eighteen. The eighteenth birthday was therefore an exceptionally important moment that most young people spent in the company of their friends or family, celebrating one of the most important days in their lives.
But Sid spent the day very quietly. First school, then work. Nobody gave him birthday wishes because nobody knew or remembered about them, or even if they knew and remembered, nobody cared about them. The shy Sid, who had been a victim of domestic violence all his life, didn't have many friends, so he couldn't expect gifts or wishes from them. His father never remembered the day his son was born, so the only gift Sid could get from him each year were more hits.
It was not, however, that Sid spent all his birthdays sad and unhappy. He had really enjoyed his birthday for years because he didn't need birthday parties or a birthday cake, gifts, birthday wishes or a song. All Sid needed was Dave, and Dave was with him every birthday.
So in many ways, the eighteenth birthday was completely ordinary for Sid. However, they were very special. Sid was just entering adulthood, and he did so in the company of the person he adored the most in the world.
The boys already had a tradition of celebrating birthdays. Sid was born in the fall, when it was already cold, but the boys always went down to the river to their favorite spot and waited for the time Sid was born.
Sid was born at seven-nine in the evening. Dave checked the time on his phone display. First, he did this every few minutes, now every several seconds, waiting for the expected time to appear.
"Happy birthday," he announced to Sid next to him, and opened a can of beer in his hand. He handed it to his friend and reached for the can for himself.
"Thank you," Sid smiled.
The boys tapped cans and began to drink. Sid's mouth twitched.
"Strange taste," he announced.
"One can get used to it. Sid, can I ask you a personal question? "
Sid lowered his head. If the light had been better, Dave would have seen the blush on his face.
"Ask," he said.
Dave swallowed.
"Have ..." he began his question, "have you ever felt like kissing a man?"
***
Arthur Floyd was considered one of the most beautiful men in the country, but he was starting to feel complexes when he was eating dinner with the three men. Each of them looked good in the photos, but the photos fail to reflect the true charm emanating from live person, leaving Arthur a little bewildered among the three very handsome men.
Kevin Moore was the oldest, but despite a certain seriousness in his face and sharpness in his eyes, he looked very youthful. Even younger than a few years ago, where Arthur had the pleasure of meeting him. Love seemed to make Kevin's complexion glow. His smile grew different, too, and Floyd genuinely wished he had tried years ago to seduce this man who had such wonderfully erotic potential. But now it wasn't too late either.
Jack Lambert was a bit younger than Moore and was considered one of the handsomest men in the world for a reason. His smile was cheeky, but incredibly warm, and even Arthur at one point wanted to be hugged by him more than to have an erotic relationship with him. Yes, Jack was very hot, but he seemed like a man who could love really tenderly and, along with physical fulfillment, also bring pleasure to the heart.
The third of the men. Martin, he was absolutely cute, but he had some deep sadness about him that Floyd had never seen in a photo. In the photos, he saw a cute boy with sparkling, merry eyes, while the boy in front of him looked as if he had deep worry inside him. Yet when he finished fifth in his rookie race, he was full of joy and enthusiasm. Has something happened in the meantime that changed the state of his heart?
This is probably what happened. Kevin and Jack knew what and they probably deliberately invited the boy to have a little fun in their company and divert his thoughts from what was troubling him. Arthur didn't mind that he was going to be part of their plan. Their plan correlated exceptionally well with his intentions.
Martin, despite his sadness, or maybe thanks to him, looked very attractive. He was like an innocent, sweet boy struggling with a serious problem. He was totally creamy.
And how to choose who to target first?
***
Sid thought he was going to choke.
"Where did ... Where did you get this question from?" he asked panicked.
"Answer please."
"I…"
What was he supposed to answer? Sid felt panic overwhelm him. He didn't want to lie to his friend, the man he loved, but he couldn't admit something like that to him! After all, Dave reacted so negatively to the mere mention of gays! If Dave found out that Sid had such desires about him, he would be either hurt or furious.
"Have you had such fantasies, such thoughts at least once in your life?" Dave insisted relentlessly. He wasn't possessive, he wasn't furious, he was just stubborn.
"I really don't know why you're asking that?" Sid was terribly confused.
"Cause if you had them" Dave moved his face a bit closer to Sid's and looked deep into his eyes. "Then I…"
Sid's heart beat madly. What's happening? What the hell is going on? Why is Dave's face so close?
Dave's eyes finally caught Sid's. The birthday boy couldn't take his eyes off those beautiful eyes with which he fell in love. No, he did not fall in love with the eyes, but with the whole man. He loved Dave all the way he was, even with his dislike of gays.
"Yes," Sid admitted, so low he could hardly be heard. At that moment, he couldn't lie anymore. He couldn't dodge. All he could do was surrender to Dave's resignation and mercy. "Sorry but yes."
But for some reason that answer was not enough for Dave.
"Did you think about me then?" he asked just as softly, and Sid felt his heart melt. Why did Dave have to speak in such a warm, soft voice that was so seductive?
"Forgive me…"
Tears rolled from Sid's eyes. He had too much emotion, fear overwhelming him. Dave is about to turn and walk away, maybe even say a few harsh words to him.
But something completely different happened.
"Happy birthday," repeated Dave, stepped even closer and cupped Sid's chin and kissed his lips ...


Sometimes dreams come true, even the impossible ones. Martin never expected to get a summer job as a mechanic at GP2 one day. As if that was not enough, he will work on his idol's car! The racing driver, however, turns out to be different than what the media shows him, as if he had something dark inside him ...
With the smell of grease, gasoline and car oil, Martin learns more about life than he could ever expect.

All events, characters and organizations are fictional. The resemblance to any real person, organization, or event is purely coincidental.

When Zhang Manyun realized that her method was effective, she looked at Xue Meining seriously. "Ning Er, think about it! Has your Brother Ling Yun ever lied to you?"
Xue Meining didn't even need to think about it. She thought to herself that Ling Yun really did lie way too many times! However, it was always towards bad guys… Brother Ling Yun had always kept his promises to her.
When Zhang Manyun saw that her daughter wasn't saying anything, she continued to speak in a gentle tone. "Since your Brother Ling Yun is a man of his words, he will definitely care about your birthday! I believe that regardless of the reason he went missing, he will definitely be back for Ning Er's birthday!"
Ever since they started talking about Ling Yun, Xue Meining had been staring blankly at her mother, and she finally asked, "But Brother Ling Yun had been missing for six days. Over the six days, so many incidents happened, but he didn't appear. Do you really think he will be here today?"
"Moreover, if Brother Ling Yun really does appear here, if he knew what happened at home…"
Zhang Manyun knew that no matter what she did, she had to convince her daughter to head downstairs. The young valley head, Hu Shaobai, of Miracle Physician Valley was here to celebrate Ning Er's birthday. If Ning Er didn't even show her face, wouldn't it be way too embarrassing and rude?
"Let's not think about that for now! Your grandpa is thinking of ways to deal with that now. Ning Er, think about it, do you really want your Brother Ling Yun to see you in this state…"
That sentence seemed to be more effective than any spiritual pill, as Xue Meining jumped out of her bed. She immediately cried out, "Mother, what time is it now? I want to bathe!"
"Aiya… Why are my eyes so ugly? Mother, what do I do now? Brother Ling Yun will definitely not like it if he sees me like this!" Xue Meining hurried off the bed and saw herself in the mirror. She was so shocked that she cried out.
Zhang Manyun took in a deep breath of air. She had spent the entire day trying to convince Xue Meining to eat or drink water to no avail. Now that she heard Ling Yun might be coming, she actually became so excited.
"Don't worry, your mother is here! I promise to make my Ning Er look the most beautiful tonight!"
Zhang Manyun naturally knew that Ling Yun wouldn't be here. However, since things had turned out this way, she needed to get Ning Er down first. In fact, getting her down wasn't of utmost importance. She minimally had to get her daughter to drink some water or have a small bite. Otherwise, Ning Er's body might fail her in a few more days.
…
In the living room, where the lights were bright, it was crowded with people everywhere. Even though people came and left, the entire living room was still filled with guests. There were a total of four tables. 
One of the tables was filled with Miracle Doctor Xue's old friends who he was on better terms with. They came to catch up with Miracle Doctor Xue, and the table was extremely noisy. 
There were two other tables filled with Xue Meining's parents' friends from all around the country. They were all wealthy people with power and status. They came to return the favor because, during their children's birthday celebrations, Xue Chengye and Zhang Manyun came by. 
There was one more table filled with seventeen to twenty-five year old youths. These were the hedonistic sons of rich parents from all the famous families in Huaxia. Each one of them was seated there joyfully, satisfied with themselves as they constantly talked about the hottest topics. They weren't afraid to flatter one another but had a tacit mutual understanding.
Among these young men, there was the young valley head of Miracle Physician Valley, Hu Shaobai, the seventh young master of Beijing's Long Family, Long Tianyu, and the fourth young master of Beijing's Li Family, Li Youmin. These three men weren't just good looking, they also came from incomparably illustrious families. Compared to the others, they were simply on another level. 
The nineteen-year-old Long Tianyu smiled as he asked, "Big Brother Li, your Li Family is so successful in all aspects. I wonder what gift you brought for Sister Ning Er's birthday today?"
Li Youmin replied in a refined manner as he smiled faintly, "Oh, I don't think it's anything great. I can't show you now, but I only got Sister Ning Er a Maybach. I'm embarrassed…" 
Other than Hu Shaobai and Long Tianyu, everyone else took in a deep breath of cold air. The Li Family was evidently not lacking in money after monopolizing Huaxia's electricity and coal industries…
Even though Li Youmin said that he was embarrassed, he was actually smiling with pride as he asked Long Tianyu, "Tianyu, your Long Family is said to be the number one family in Beijing. I wonder what gift you brought for Sister Ning Er's birthday?"
Even though Long Tianyu was young, his actions and words were rather mature, and his style was very much like the other young masters of the Long Family. He replied, "Oh, my gift is better kept under the table when compared to Big Brother Li's gift. I only brought a pearl necklace with a nine-carat pink diamond embedded in the middle. I hope Sister Ning Er will like it…"
When the others' sons heard that, all of them lost interest. They thought to themselves, How much can a pearl necklace cost? Just nine carats? The Long Family really doesn't feel shameful?
However, Li Youmin was shocked when he heard that. "Pink diamond! Brother Tianyu, it seems like your Long Family really put in quite a lot of thought to celebrate Sister Ning Er's birthday!"
One of the brainless sons asked dazedly, "It is merely a nine-carat diamond, what thoughts are there? Even I'm gifting her a fifteen-carat diamond from South Africa…"
Long Tianyu smiled faintly but didn't reply to that. All he heard was Li Youmin's explanation, "It's not about the diamond but the color of the diamond. The most optimal quality diamonds are pink diamonds, and every carat cost about one million USD… Moreover, pink diamonds above seven-carats are incredibly dazzling, beautiful, and extremely rare. Therefore, the price of any additional carat above seven-carats will definitely be more than one million USD…"
That brainless son was so stupefied that he didn't know what to say. What Long Tianyu gave was more than money, it was a rarity in the world.
Long Tianyu smiled proudly as he turned back to Hu Shaobai to ask politely, "I wonder what the young valley master of Miracle Physician Valley has brought Sister Ning Er?" 
Long Tianyu couldn't afford not to be polite because everyone knew what kind of place the Miracle Physician Valley was. Anybody that came from there would be a rarely seen miracle doctor. Miracle Doctor Xue's master was the valley master of the Miracle Physician Valley back in the day. Other people might not be aware of this fact, but Long Tianyu was naturally aware of it. Therefore, he was extremely polite to Hu Shaobai. 
Hu Shaobai smiled as he replied, "Oh, you guys should know that our Miracle Physician Valley is a remote and desolate place. My trip here… I only brought Sister Ning Er a nine-hundred-year-old ginseng. I'm waiting for Sister Ning Er to come out later, and I'll hand it to her personally." 
"The pity is that this ginseng is only a hundred years short of becoming a thousand-year-old ginseng. Sigh…"
Hu Shaobai said it was a pity and showed a sorrowful face. However, everyone could tell that he was basically flaunting! Where else can they find a ginseng that was nine hundred years old?
Hu Shaobai was scholarly and distinguished, Long Tianyu was impressive and imposing, while Li Youmin was elegant and smart. The three of them were seated there, seemingly having fun and treating each other with respect. However, they were already starting a war among themselves.
With such luxurious gifts, what more was there to say? They were clearly not here to celebrate someone's birthday! Instead, they were basically here to give their betrothal gifts!
Regardless of who Xue Meining chose, it would be equivalent to attaining the support of the Xue Family. One could even say that it would be equivalent to attaining everything from the Xue Family.
Why? Because Miracle Doctor Xue only had one granddaughter, and Xue Chengye only had one daughter, no sons!
To be honest, all the youths seated at the table had a tacit mutual understanding. All of their intentions were the same, but when they saw the gifts the three young men brought, they knew they no longer stood a chance. Regardless of status, family background, or wealth, they could forget about matching the three families competing for Xue Meining's heart.
"But all of us have been here for such a long time… Why hasn't our birthday girl come out yet? Even if she is dressing herself with the utmost care, it shouldn't take this long, right? It is already 8pm, isn't it time to start the ceremony…" 
"That's right, that's right… If Sister Ning Er isn't coming out, how can we hand her the gifts personally…"
Li Youmin smiled faintly as he told everyone, "Did you guys notice that there is still an empty seat between Big Brother Hu and Brother Long's seats? I believe someone else isn't here yet…" 
Everyone turned to look and indeed, the best seat at their table was intentionally left empty. They wondered who it was reserved for…
When everyone noticed that, they started discussing and guessing which family's son the special seat was reserved for.
There was another person staring at that seat the whole time, and that was naturally Miracle Doctor Xue. He was getting increasingly anxious as he looked at his watch. It was already 8pm, and he told himself that if Ling Yun wasn't there by 8:30, he had to start the ceremony immediately. He simply couldn't drag it out any longer than that.
Miracle Doctor Xue was specialized in Traditional Chinese Medicine and was especially good at reading a person's facial features. He could tell that Ling Yun was definitely not a person with a short lifespan. Moreover, given his judgment of Ling Yun's strength, as long as he didn't meet a Xiantian expert, he shouldn't be in any sort of trouble. Even if he couldn't defeat his enemy, escaping shouldn't be a problem. 
Even if that didn't add up, he had already given his phone number to Ling Yun. If he really met some sort of danger, he would definitely contact him for help. Additionally, there was still a Xiantian expert watching after Ling Yun in the dark!
It was impossible that Ling Yun would be in trouble, but where on earth was he hiding? Even after so many big events happened over the past six days, Ling Yun didn't appear at all. Would he really appear at Ning Er's birthday celebration today?
Ai… I can only wait until 8:30. If Ling Yun isn't here, I will start the ceremony regardless of whether Ning Er comes down or not…
Miracle Doctor Xue sighed. He couldn't be bothered with the other people, but there was still a table filled with his own friends and brothers who were waiting for him to reminisce about old times.
"Uncle Xue, when is Sister Ning Er coming down? We are still waiting to hand her our gifts…"
"Oh yes, Uncle Xue, how can we celebrate Sister Ning Er's birthday if she refuses to show her face?"
…
The table of young men was full of energy, and they could no longer wait for Ning Er to show her face. Therefore, they started boasting loudly.
When Xue Meining's father, Xue Chengye, saw that, he hurried over to ask his own father.
"Ai, it isn't as though you haven't seen what is going on with Ning Er. Why don't you go up and try getting her down…"
Miracle Doctor Xue sent a message to Xue Chengye in private.
Xue Chengye could only nod his head as he went up to find Ning Er. After a while, everyone downstairs could hear Xue Meining's loud voice. "Father, I'm not going down unless Brother Ling Yun is here tonight. If Brother Ling Yun isn't here, I will never head down regardless of what you say!" 
Everyone held their breath when Xue Meining's family walked down from the second level to the first. Therefore, the entire living room was extremely quiet when they heard Xue Meining's voice. Shortly after, everyone started guessing who this Brother Ling Yun was and why he was that important.
At this moment, a clear voice could be heard from the courtyard. "Ning Er, who says your Brother Ling Yun isn't coming? Today is your birthday, so how can you be so rude? You deserve a spanking on your butt!"
The voice wasn't high at all, but Ling Yun intentionally used his Mystical Dragon Howl. Everyone in Miracle Doctor Xue's mansion could hear him clearly!


Lingyun's tribulation has failed and he has descended onto Earth in the degenerate age. Step by step, he will rise up against the natural order!

The two people were Yuyan's boyfriend and her sister. They were in a full love making g session and didn't seem like they'll stop any soon. 

While they were having their intimate session, their enemy was already several steps ahead of them. It was not their fault, they thought they were too careful. They were really careful because if saint guide had not shown her, she wouldn't discover. As a woman,  she had her own suspicions but cleared it out because she saw goodness in everyone but unfortunately not everyone was like her. 

Saint guide started opening restaurants, jewelry stores, inns under Yuyan's soon to be identy Bai Wei. 

Her birthday was in two weeks, but the preparations were already made Wu Kang was the most happy, the day he'll get richer was already close. 

As the number one beauty and most favored person of Northern Han, many distinguish guests were going to attend her banquet. From the crown prince to officials. 

The streets of the imperial city were full. The young girls went to buy new clothes,  jewelries and gifts. The young men were searching for the most impressive gifts. 

Her birthday was the talk of the week. 

"My friend, I must go to that party. Did you hear that she'll be receiving the totality of her inheritance?  I might be lucky to befriend her"

"Many handsome young men will be there,  I must leave a good impression on one of them. We never know"

"Just the food alone will make me to go there, I might come from a noble family, but we don't have such food"

"The crown prince will be there too, I might be lucky and become one of his concubines"

The shop owners were happy each time her birthday was around the corner because their shop would always be full, generating a higher income. They'll try their best to fil their shops with nice clothes and jewelries. 
 
Bai Wei's store cloths building was divided into five different levels and had an underground level. The first level had the  cheapest clothes and the second level had clothes more expensive than the first level. For the moment only those two levels were open. 

As many people passed by, the design of the building was attractive and they could see some nice clothes in the first and second floors. Some who were curious entered to see and they were surprised. They went and told their other friends which then came to buy. 

The store was neatly arranged and clothes could be tried on before buying. You press a button yo require any assistance. You paid to people who sat beside the door before going out. It attracted many people so day after the day, new clothes were added.



Vidhi's POV 

How rude can he be?? 

Idiot... Arrogant... I hate him. 

I wanted to talk to him. But I was angry now. So I took a few deep breaths to cool my temper and called him again and this time, his phone was switched off. 

What ?? That was too much... I was thoroughly irritated. 

Who behaves like that, when someone calls to wish happy birthday?? Only he was capable of such a thing. 

" Go to hell !!! " I closed my eyes shouted in my room. 

I changed and slipped between my sheets. 

******* 

The light of dawn seeped into my room. I rubbed my eyes and walked to the window. There was a pearly glow in the sky. 

Oh, God !! it was his birthday. I had to do so much planning. 

I remembered how he banged the phone on me. I got angry again. But decided to let it be. 

I got ready and rushed out and saw bhabhi coming out of her room, I sprinted towards her. 

" Easy Vidhi... What's up ?? Why are you running in the house?? " She asked. 

" Bhabhi !! It's Shubh's Birthday. " 

" Yeah... I know. " She looked at me differently, as if she was trying to read my thoughts. 

" I am feeling guilty since I slapped him. I want to make him happy with a surprise party. " 

" But Vidhi... ' 

" Please bhabhi you got to help me. " 

" We have Moonh Dikhayi ceremony. I would have to be there. I can't possibly help you." 

" I understand bhabhi. But you would meet him today. Right??" 

" Yeah of course, Vidhi. " 

" I would do all the arrangements, you attend the ceremony. " 

" But don't take too many efforts... " 

" Bye get ready bhabhi. Don't worry I will do the arrangements. What time are you planning to meet him." 

" Around 4 PM. He has asked us to meet somewhere. " 

" Can I come with you??" 

" Yes of course. " She said and I hugged her again. 

" Thanks, bhabhi. " She smiled and shook her head. 

I went to my room to get my bag and went out for buying gifts for him. 

I got many gifts for him an expensive watch, a French perfume for men, a set of beautiful cufflinks and 2 ties and got them packed beautifully. I ordered a cake from my favourite 5-star hotel. They had the best bakery. 

I even booked a table for all of us. 

I came back and saw that the ceremony was going on. 

Bhabhi was looking so pretty as she was blushing. One of the aunties saw me and called my name loudly. I went there and greeted all of them. 

" Are Rachana, Teri vidhi bhi badi ho gayi hai aur kitni pyari lagti hai. Is ke liye bhi koi ladka dekh. ( Rachna you daughter is looking so pretty. She has really grown up, find a suitable match for her too). " She said caressing my face. I got tensed and excused myself. 

I was going to my room, when I heard them laughing and saying, " Oh how sweet, she was blushing. " 

Blushing ??? Seriously ?? Are they blind? 

I just took a power nap as I had not slept well because of that arrogant man. 

Shall I call him again ?? It is a proper respectable time to call after all. 

He is annoying... 

But why do you want to waste time on him?? He is arrogant, idiot, annoying... 

I don't know. I don't know why I even think about him. Maybe because I love him. 

Do I love him??? Or it is just curiosity, attraction or infatuation... because he is different from others??? 

****** 

I got ready to go and meet him with Bhai and bhabhi. I took special care to get ready. I wanted him to keep looking at me. 

We reached there and saw him waiting for Bhai and bhabhi. Though he was looking awesome I was shocked to see him in such plain clothes. He was wearing blue denim with a khadi kurta. 

What was that?? Was he for real?? 

Who wears just plain jeans and a khadi kurta on his birthday???? 

I felt that either he was too plain or was from another planet. 

This man had some weird choice. I mean jeans and kurta on his birthday?? I felt as if I was overdressed considering him to be in jeans and kurta. 

He saw us and smiled instantly. But as soon as he saw me, it seemed to fade. My enthusiasm dampened. I felt as if I was not welcomed. I should not have come. 

Bhai was carrying the cake I ordered and I was holding the gifts in a beautiful and expensive carry bag. 

Bhabhi went to him and hugged him he smiled again and tightened his arms around her. 

Then Bhai and he embraced each other. He then just looked at me and gave me a polite but curt nod with a formal smile. My throat felt dry somehow and I couldn't think of any words to say to him so I just wished him for birthday. 

He ordered food and beverages and they kept talking. The snacks and drinks came. Bhabhi asked the waiter to take out the cake and bring it on a big platter with candles on it. 

Shubh smiled at her and hugged her. The cake arrived and he cut it. 

He offered the cake to Sandy and Bhai and finally looked at me for the second time since we came here and then instead of offering it to me, he cut out a slice and placed it on a platter and gave to me silently. 

I took it but could not make myself to eat it. 

It seemed that I was not there for him, he didn't even once smile at me. I was feeling very bad. I gave the bag to bhabhi. She looked at me with a surprise on her face but she took it and gave it to him. 

" Oh, God !! Sandhya there was no need of all these, you know I don't believe in formalities and gifts. You didn't have to bring all this. I am just happy to see you happy with Vikram Ji. " 

" Oh c'mon Shubh, you don't like to take gifts but I love to give them and you know that. Though I didn't get the time to get you a perfect gift because of guests and ceremonies at home, I will get it very soon for you." 

" But..." 

" Let me finish... So, your perfect gift is due on me. " 

" What ?? You got me so many things. What else is left?? I don't even want so many gifts." 

" No, all this has been done by Vidhi, not us. She got you this cake and gifts and she even booked a table for all of us for dinner. " Bhabhi said. 

A few emotions came and go too rapidly on his face. He looked at me and I felt that I saw something nice but the very next moment he seemed to push that emotion away. 

" Oh, ok... thank you Vidhi, but you should not have taken so many pains. " He said and I just looked at him without any expression. I did not even want to say a single word. 

" So you will have dinner with us. Right? " Bhai asked. 

"I am sorry, but I have to go somewhere." He replied looking at me for a second. 

" C'mon Shubh, we are going tomorrow and it's your birthday. Vidhi made so many efforts.... " 

" Please sandy try and understand..." 

" Where are you going? " She asked. 

" You know where I go on my birthdays. " He said looking at her. 

" Can't you go tomorrow? " 

" But, I have already made arrangements for them. They all would be waiting for me. I can't disappoint them. " He said. 

" But... You can come at dinner time." Bhabhi said. 

" No... It will be difficult... " 

" Shubh... " 

" Let it be bhabhi... Maybe his friends are more important to him. If he wants to spend his birthday with them, it is absolutely fine. It's his special day, let him do what he wants." I said, looking at the cake as I didn't want anyone to see my glistening eye. 

" Excuse me I will be back in 5 minutes. " I said and left from there before anyone could say anything.

She is very sweet and quite childlike, has a different kind of innocence, while he is way too mature. She is too open minded whereas he is a very traditional man. She can make friends in a minute but he can't. She is an extrovert, while he is an introvert. She is shopaholic, while he hates it.She is too carefree and he is too cautious. She never thinks before doing anything and he thinks too much. Vidhi Singh Rathore and Shubhashish Singh Shekhawat are as different as chalk and cheese. But as they say that opposites attract ...Let's see if they can resist this attraction between them...

"You're positive she isn't going to prom with Aaron?" Lacy asked Max suspiciously over lunch.

He nodded, his mouth bulging with food. A minute later he answered. 

"Benjamin says he's going with Alice Wheatley. I overheard her talking to her friends yesterday; she isn't going at all."

Lacy frowned. That put a wrench in their plans. They were supposed to drug her drink at prom and take incriminating photos in a room at the hotel. 

Max did say he had a contingency plan but it left them more open to risk. How were they supposed to grab her without anyone seeing? 

He noticed her worried expression and smiled confidently.

"Don't worry, my cousin owes me a favor. I'll get him to send extra members of his security force to all three of the nearby subway stations. They're trained to be stealthy; they can tranquilize her and whisk her away in two seconds flat. In such a crowded place, no one will notice a thing." 

She felt better after hearing that. This would surely push that annoyance away from Aaron forever. Who would want to be with someone who caused them so many problems?

 Keeley would disappear from school and all of this would be over. That's what she gets for trying to fly above her station. 

They ate the rest of their lunch chatting about what needed to be done to get ready for prom. Lacy had an appointment with an exclusive stylist to do her hair, nails, and makeup.

 As one of the nominees for prom queen, it was her duty to outshine everyone else. 

Winning that crown would boost her status among the socialites her age but the greater incentive to win was that Aaron was one of the nominees for king. 

If they both won, he would have to dance with her. It might give her a chance to redeem herself in front of him. 

When the bell rang and Lacy was about to head to her next class, Max grabbed her arm and whispered in her ear. 

"I'll text you once my cousin's men have her. See you at six!"

She nodded, a cruel smile marring her beautiful features. This could be fun. 

===

Keeley grinned at her friends as they finished singing the birthday song off-key. 

She couldn't have candles to blow out at school but they wouldn't exactly fit in the donuts Jeffrey brought anyway. 

"I would've brought cupcakes but I figure you'll get enough cake tonight," he said apologetically. 

"Donuts are great! And you're right; my dad is buying me a special ice cream cake and I'll probably eat most of it this weekend."

 With just two of them and the baker of the family gone, he bought a small round cake every year from Keeley's favorite ice cream chain. She always chose the red velvet cake filled with cake batter ice cream and topped with rainbow sprinkles and Kit-Kat bars. 

Sometimes she really missed her mom's homemade birthday cakes but still looked forward to the store bought treat she only got once a year. 

"Jeffrey's present is just the donuts so open mine!" Lydia said excitedly while setting a rectangular wrapped gift in front of her. 

"Hey, these cost me fifteen bucks!" he protested but she ignored him and looked at Keeley expectantly as she unwrapped the gift. 

It was the same thing Lydia got her the first time; a mystery novel by one of her favorite authors. 

"Thanks guys! You're the best." 

They both smiled a little guiltily. 

"We wish we could go do something fun with you but senior prom only comes once. How about we go bowling tomorrow to make up for it?" Jeffrey suggested. 

"Don't worry about it; I understand. That sounds fun! Let's do it." 

The rest of lunch passed joking around and having a good time. 

As far as birthdays go, this one was pretty good so far, even with Aaron talking to her again out of the blue. 

Keeley had been caught off guard by the almost friendly birthday wishes he gave her after weeks of complete silence. 

When she saw the gift box she dreaded what might be inside since he had a bad habit of giving her insanely overpriced gifts she didn't want or ask for. 

Refusing random gifts secretly was a no brainer but turning down a birthday gift in front of her classmates would look bad. 

The contents surprised her. Sure, it probably cost more than everything in her apartment combined but it actually catered to her interests. 

Aaron didn't have the best track record of giving thoughtful gifts. When they were dating he typically gave her electronics or appliances for her apartment, which were helpful but not exactly fun.

After they got married he only gave her luxury items that would help her fit in as Mrs. Hale. Most of the time she didn't even like them but was so grateful for any tiny scrap of affection from him that she considered herself lucky. 

She was so thrown off by a present that actual thought clearly went into that she acted a bit warmer towards him than she should have and let him put it on her. 

She'd nearly forgotten that she told him about her plans to be a geneticist. The DNA strand necklace was perfect. 

Keeley had very conflicted feelings about it. Objectively, she loved the gift. But it was from Aaron! The man she hated and was doing her best to avoid! 

If she wanted to give it back, she'd have to do it when no one else was around. That was the obvious choice. 

On the other hand...would it be so horrible to keep it? 

It would make her think of him every time she wore it. That wouldn't do since she was trying her best to forget him and live her life right this time. 

It would be a pity to get rid of it though. It was a beautiful necklace; she'd never seen anything quite like it. 

She still hadn't made a decision by the end of the day. She fingered the necklace restlessly as she took the escalator down to the subway tracks. Keep it or return it? 

Returning it would mean interacting with Aaron again and he'd actually been respecting her wishes lately. That could reignite whatever flame of interest he'd had in her. 

She could keep it and just not wear it...that might work...

Keeley didn't notice the men closing in on her due to the throng of people in the afternoon rush until the tranquilizer dart was jabbed into her neck. 

One of the men wrapped an arm around her waist and made it look like she was still walking as he dragged her into the shadows.

Keeley, a simple plain Jane, hits the jackpot.  [No, she did not win the lottery!]  At least that's what she thinks when she marries the most eligible bachelor in New York City: Aaron, a wealthy cold-hearted heartthrob and Tycoon. 

She wants to show the world that she deserves her position and bends over  backward to fit into his world.

One beautiful day, Aaron hands her a document asking her to sign.  A divorce paper...

"She's pregnant, and I need to take responsibility."

That is the last thing that keeps on playing in her mind before she takes her last breath.

Keeley dies, a 'hit and run'. [End of story.  Not!]

For some unexplainable reason, she wakes up as her younger self.  A young high school girl, around the time when she first meets her cheating husband.

Remembering her life with Aaron before she died, she makes a promise to herself that she will do everything in her power to avoid him at all costs.

Will she be able to keep her promise when Aaron has his own plans as well, specifically for her?  Or will she repeat history and fall for him once more...

Why not journey with me and find out the truth behind their story.

*Cover art by polkadottedscrunchie*

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