All works

The Story of Manhattan by Charles Hemstreet

The Gerrard Street Mystery and Other Weird Tales by John Charles Dent

from book: After leaving Vienna, and long before you come to Budapest, the Danube enters a region of singular loneliness and desolation, where its waters spread away on all sides regardless of a main channel, and the country becomes a swamp for miles upon miles, covered by a vast sea of low willow-bushes. On the big maps this deserted area is painted in a fluffy blue, growing fainter in color as it leaves the banks, and across it may be seen in large straggling letters the word Sumpfe, meaning marshes. In high flood this great acreage of sand, shingle-beds, and willow-grown islands is almost topped by the water, but in normal seasons the bushes bend and rustle in the free winds, showing their silver leaves to the sunshine in an ever-moving plain of bewildering beauty. These willows never attain to the dignity of trees; they have no rigid trunks; they remain humble bushes, with rounded tops and soft outline, swaying on slender stems that answer to the least pressure of the wind; supple as grasses, and so continually shifting that they somehow give the impression that the entire plain is moving and alive. For the wind sends waves rising and falling over the whole surface, waves of leaves instead of waves of water, green swells like the sea, too, until the branches turn and lift, and then silvery white as their underside turns to the sun.

"Will you marry me?" Jasmine walked to a man standing in the corridor. Her lips parted in a soft gasp as he turned to her. His dark blue eyes stared at her in a dark, ominous way, her eyes tailed his body down, and he was down to earth. "This would do just fine." She mumbled in fear, my eyes flickering. The man looked across the corridors, but the next man was far away from him. "Me?" He pointed at his nose. "Are you referring to me?" His brows narrowed followed by a chuckled after Jasmine nodded. "A stranger?" He scoffed, his warm breath hit her face. "You go around marrying strangers?" "It's a marriage of convenience. We will go our separate ways after that." The man tilted his head slightly, barely giving it a thought. "I'm Damon, and you're mine now." ~~~~ The Stones' family will sacrifice anything-even their daughters-for power. Jasmine knew this all too well after her sister's mysterious death in an arranged marriage. Now facing her own forced union, Jasmine made a deal: survive a year of marriage, and she'll be free. But when her groom left her at the altar, she was forced to marry a stranger, Damon, to escape a more sinister fate. Damon, still mourning his late wife, agreed to the marriage, only to discover a dark mark on Jasmine-the same one left by his family's killer. As secrets unraveled, they're drawn together by shared mysteries and the threat of an ancient curse. Caught between love and blood debts, Jasmine and Damon must confront deadly family legacies and the dark fate that binds them. Can they break free from the past, or will they be each other's downfall?

January 1st, marked a new beginning, a clean slate waiting to be written. Determined to turn my life around, I'd crafted a blueprint for success, scribbling goals in my worn leather journal. "When Nate Williams saves a mysterious woman from a devastating accident, he uncovers a golden opportunity: a job at L Group, one of the nation's top corporations. But as he rises through the ranks, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to his enigmatic boss, Mia - the granddaughter of L Group's CEO. Torn between loyalty and his growing feelings, Nate navigates a treacherous landscape of corporate intrigue and hidden agendas. Will he risk everything for love and success, or must he choose between his ambition and his heart? As secrets unfold and danger lurks, Nate's future hangs in the balance."

with the beauty and charm that Arwena has, no man can even come close and touch her. She works in a club as a manager, so she is used to men fantasizing about her. until the student friends landed at the paradise club where he worked, and something caught his attention. One of the students stared at him. He was used to that kind of look so he just ignored it. but he didn't think it would lead to the point that Edward, younger than him, would like him. He passionately coaxes her until she does everything he commands even if she becomes a woman just for obeying all his commands. he couldn't help but fall for it despite the long distance and his unspeakable past to the young man. She falls again for a man who will eventually leave her because of delusions. she fell in love first with her ex-boyfriend, Max, which made her personality full of bitterness and coldness. She wanted to explain to Edward but he didn't listen to any of her explanations, instead calling her his father's mistress. Arwena did everything to prove herself and achieve something for herself. Edward returned after a few years, and when he returned he was met with a cold and rude treatment. can things be restored if the truth will be the reason for him to feel bitter and angry for Edward? Can love fix what caused everything? And finally, will he be able to get the justice that he can only find in Edward?

Two weeks shy of her 17th birthday, Charlene Ludlow accidentally met with the gorgeous blue eyed country boy named Thomas Raven who was going to turn her unadventurous, well planned upper class life, upside down. Even though her father, who was soon to be Mayor had chosen a suitable future boyfriend for her, she was already fallen head over heels for the boy, who was said to have slept on the beds of half the girls in town. Tom had never been attached to anything in his life before. When he met Charlene, he felt something that he didn't recognize, he wanted her all to himself, nothing more and nothing less. Despite how much they wanted to be with each other, they faced many challenges of circumstances, from other people and even between themselves.

The Crime Against Europe: A Possible Outcome of the War of 1914 by Roger Casement

Braston thought Molly was just a call girl when she entered his office in disguise. She had no idea what to do, even though she was a virgin, she faced that mobster just to rob him and save her family from imminent death. but ended up taking much more than a ring and keeping her identity secret, she stole much more than a ring from that mobster, and he will only find out when he is with a child whose kidnapped for revenge. However, Molly will never let it go and will do everything to get her son back without even knowing that she is in a fight, not only with a mafia man, but with her son's father.

Paul had just come in to dress for dinner; he sank into a chair, weak in the knees, and clasped his head in his hands. It was to be worse than jail, even; the tepid waters of Cordelia Street were to close over him finally and forever. The grey monotony stretched before him in hopeless, unrelieved years; Sabbath-school, Young People's Meeting, the yellow-papered room, the damp dish-towels; it all rushed back upon him with sickening vividness. Excerpt fr "Paul's Case," one of eight poetic stories in this memorable collection.

Valenzia Candiano by Giuseppe Rovani

Sinclair Lewis was a prominent American author in the 20th century.  Lewis was the first writer from the United States to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.  Lewis' books are noted for their insightful commentaries on capitalism and materialism between World War I and World War II.  This edition of The Innocents: A Story for Lovers includes a table of contents.

I poured five years of my life into Nexus, the social media giant, building its very soul from lines of code in my quiet apartment. The world knew my live-in boyfriend, Mark Davis, as the CEO of ConnectCorp, the charismatic face of our success, but they didn't know I was the genius behind the curtain. On the eve of our IPO, a critical server failure threatened to derail everything, which I, Ava Chen, single-handedly fixed, only for the doorbell to ring. It was Chloe Miller, my college rival and Mark' s new Head of Product, who sauntered in uninvited, her smile as sharp as her designer suit, to tell me my contract was "terminated, effective immediately." Fired? It was impossible, I was Nexus, the very heart of the company. My call to Mark rang once, then Chloe answered on another phone, locking eyes with me as she faked distress for her "call with Mark," accusing me of aggression. "You' re his mistress," the horrifying realization hit me with the force of a physical blow, confirmed by her cruel smirk and the photo of Mark and me she turned face down. Outside, a crowd of ConnectCorp employees gathered, pointing and whispering, eager witnesses to my public humiliation, confirming my worst fears. Then Mark' s car screeched up, and he stormed out, ignoring me to pull Chloe into a theatrical embrace before yelling, "What the hell did you do, Ava?" Before I could explain, his hand flew through the air, connecting with my cheek, the crack echoing through the silent street. The man I loved, the man I built an empire for, had just publicly slapped me for his mistress. "You' re just the code monkey who got replaced," he sneered, joining Chloe' s cruel laugh as the crowd cheered my downfall. It was in that moment, stripped of everything, that a cold, hard resolve solidified within me. When Mark, attempting a final insult, offered me our old, dilapidated apartment as severance, I grasped the USB holding Nexus' s un-uploaded core. "There' s your data," I declared, throwing the drive to their feet, forcing them to scramble like dogs. Then I walked out, leaving the life I built behind, burning it all down for a chance at true liberation.

“When can I see you again?” She pried, summoning her last drop of courage. “Next time” He replied, biting his lower lips to prevent himself from blushing. “When is the next time?” She continued. He grinned, but remained mum. Six years later, she still could never forget the image of his endearing figure standing before her when she was barely twelve years old, with his handsome face that shone brightly like the fierce sun. Eighteen year old Ariadne, got admission into Leyland university in a different city to pursue a life of her dreams; to get closer to Denver, as close as possible. She just wanted to present herself and make him see her in a new light; an adult as against the little girl in his memory. All she ever wanted is to gently walk into his heart and occupy it. Can such a simple wish come so easy?

The Crisis, Complete by Winston Churchill

After years of being groomed to take over her father's pack, Alina always believed her future was set in stone. That is, until she crosses paths with Cole, a rogue wolf with a shadowed past and a dangerous secret. Bound by a centuries-old oath that forbids their union, Alina and Cole are drawn to each other in a way that defies logic and threatens the very core of her pack. As their forbidden bond grows, dark forces conspire to tear them apart, and Alina must decide whether to follow her heart or the legacy of her pack. In the battle for love, power, and loyalty, only one thing is certain: their love will change everything.

Daniela thought finding her wealthy birth family would give her a future. Instead, they fed her to prison for their precious adopted daughter's hit-and-run. Five years later, scarred but unbroken, she walked free-only to be humiliated by the fiancé who had chosen her sister, the parents who called her pain dramatic, and the brothers who warned her not to disturb their princess. Daniela cut them off before the world and rose on her own. When they finally begged forgiveness, she only smiled. "Do I know you?" The ruthless magnate pulled her into his arms. "Anyone who had hurt my wife will pay."

The Ground Plan of the English Parish Church by A. Hamilton Thompson

Just like every other young lady at her age, she also wants to get married to the very Man of her dreams.. but things are rather better to remain a dream... Are losing her parents in such a tender age, Li Wai young, moved in with her uncle who also have a daughter who happens to be the same age as her, thank goodness they get along so well and are considered as blood sister from childhood till when they are adults.... Her uncle and Aunt took her in like their own child whatever Li Xi'an have can also be found in her room and of course the two girls do querie like other kids their age do , but when ever that happens Li Xi'an will end up being repreminded while Wei young will be pampered, but this only made her Miss her parents more.... ******** Looking at her aunt kneeling in front of her, reminding her how good she have been treated since she moved in with them. " Wei young'er , please you have to replace Xi'an I know you are not prepared for this but now the whole of Li family is in your hands, marry young master Gu and if he didn't treat you well we promise to allow you seek devoice..." She looked at her uncle who have been sitting quietly all this while with his head bowed.. realizing that he is not planning on saying anything she slowly turned to her aunt and gently squeezed her hand, helping her up, . " Get up Aunt" using her small hands to wipe off her tears, she gave them a bitter smile, " I will marry him, I will get dressed and marry young master Gu " after her gentle voice said this she ran as fast as her legs could carry her back to her room, leaving her uncle and his wife speechless but they were happy the great storm have been cleared up by her simple reply. She cried her eyes out that very night wishing her parents where with her,her elder sister Li Xi'an was supposed to be the bride but after a long disagreement with her parents she ran away living her to take her place, the two girls never wanted to be a part of an arranged marriage but dua to some problem known only to the elders concerning the family business the elders have no choice but to arrange for one of the girls to get married to the son of their business rival Gutangxing, infact like other parents this couple wanted their biological daughter to be the lucky one but the lady thought otherwise because of her child hood crush.. some one who doesn't know anything about her existence.. ******* Father you know there's no way am marring that lady, someone I don't even know , for crying out loud ! , I also heard that she has a record of visiting a phycologist.." a crazy woman " I rather die than marry her ' he said to himself over and over again. Tangxing, cryed to his father,who remain adamant about not changing his decision, " and who said you don't know her , the both of you went to the same middle School, High school and even University, so you most have met at that time maybe you don't remember, but don't worry after the marriage you will get to know each other better" he said in a final note.. Clearly frustrated by his father, he started reminding him, when he was born,how old he is and giving him reasons why he should be allowed to enjoy his youth.. His brother couldn't help but laugh at his pedigament , for the first time he was happy that he is not the eldest son of their family..... Father please don't do this to me, he quickly went to his mom but she is clearly on her husband's side especially when who ever gets married to this lady will become the CEO of Gu crops... The offer is very entirsing but I just can't spend the rest of my life with a crazy stranger..."" He said standing up... " You better get dressed tomorrow for the wedding" old man Gu snarred at him with a serious face making the others to remain calm... "I WILL MARRY HER" In the midst of the calm living room came a very clear and arrogant voice making the entire family to shiver in fear even father Gu... SOME WHERE IN TANGXING 's heart he was very happy and grateful for the intervention of his step brother .. even with his Cold and ruthless attitude he is forever nice to him and his brother ( or so he thought because this person has no clue on what family is) but why is he suddenly interested in this marriage.. Bro..." He wanted to ask but his father bite him to it.. " Who allowed you in "? " Oh!! I forgot that I need permission to come see my father, " he said nonchalantly... The door opened again and two huge men came in with guns standing behind him, dressed in a well known uniform .. What? Who gave you the right to the underground world ? Father Gu asked Furiously.. "10 years ago the Li family members made the life of a young lady miserable sending her to her earlier grave ,I want them to feel the same pain as I did then and after that I will come for you too, don't think you will excape punishment for your crimes, " he said totally Ignoring his questions...

An aspiring singer, Aria, plays in a certain concert that changes her life when she comes across her old high school bully and CEO’s heir, Lucas. Captivated by her singing, their unexpected reunion comes with his apology and her forgiveness. When the former victim and harasser leave the past behind them and start a different relationship, tragedy strikes when Lucas gets into a suspicious car accident that gives him amnesia. Could there be more to this timely accident that claimed his memory and forgot his love?