Lahat ng Kabanata ng Wingless: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

1. EscapeNote: This book does not intend to body shame, demean, or target anyone. It's told from the perspective of someone who's been bullied because of her body shape. My intention is not to hurt or offend, but to shed light on how cruel societal standards can be. I have personally experienced the agony of being compared to others, and I am staunchly opposed to it. Every person carries their own unique beauty, and that deserves to be celebrated. Please remember: this is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Enjoy the journey.

3. Striking PresenceI turned away from the balcony railing and felt the cool night air on my skin. My thoughts returned to why I was here. I never imagined I'd have the courage to stand up for myself. But today I didn't have a choice.If I hadn't slipped out that window and left my parents behind, they would have continued to believe their cruelty was justified, that their impossible expectations were a fair price for my life.I felt a surge of pride that I had finally taken a stand. But beneath it was a deeper fear. They would probably hate me now. Perhaps they always did. All those years of bending over backwards, chasing a sliver of approval, hoping to see pride in their eyes was all gone.Unlike my siblings, Elizabeth and Rogan, I’d never been enough. My little sister, fifteen years old, could fall down again and again and end up in their arms. They'd have her back. Me? I was the black sheep that didn't fit their perfect mold, or society's stifling standards. I'd been on my own a

5. The LettersI stood in my office, my hand still wrapped around the strap of my bag, listening to the air conditioning cycle on and off. It took a moment to realize what had stopped me.There was an envelope on my desk. It hadn’t been there when I left.The paper was plain, set neatly at the center of my workspace; my name was written across the front in careful, deliberate script.Ximara Lyris Adler.I hadn’t left anything behind. I was sure of that. And no one had come into my office while I was gone. I always locked the door. Always.I didn’t move right away. The longer I stared at it, the more out of place it felt, like a prop placed slightly off-mark. Finally, I set my bag down and crossed the room. The envelope was cool beneath my fingers. I slid a nail under the flap and tore it open.There was no signature, initials, or identifying mark at all. Just a single sheet, folded once.I scanned it quickly at first, then again, slower this time.Congratulations on your promotion. Yo

7. Arthur VanceI honestly couldn’t believe what was happening. One second I was bent over my sketchbook, completely lost in a dressing room layout, and the next, a voice pulled me straight out of my head, a voice I recognized instantly.“Nice room,” he said, casual and effortless, like he was commenting on the weather.My pencil jolted across the page. My heart slammed so hard it stole my breath as I turned around, and there he was.Arthur Vance.His dark hair was messed by the track breeze, a faint smile playing on his lips. He wore a worn-in jacket that made him look impossibly real, like he’d stepped straight out of every teenage daydream I’d ever had. The man I’d crushed on for years was standing right in front of me.“A-Au…” I stammered, squeezing my eyes shut for a second and forcing myself to breathe. “M-Mr. Vance,” I finally managed, though my voice wobbled badly. Every ounce of confidence I’d built vanished the moment he looked at me. His eyes were warm and steady, and sudde

9. The Ball Third Person's POVA sharp knock broke the reverie. When Ximara opened the door, a hotel staffer stood there holding two sleek boxes tied with ribbons—definitely more than the single dress Lara had mentioned.“For Ms. Adler,” he said quickly, already turning away before she could ask anything.Confused, Ximara hauled the boxes inside and texted Lara right away.Hey, two boxes just arrived. Is that right? I remember you mentioning a single dress.Lara responded almost instantly.Two? That’s strange. Stephan only ordered one. Let me check with him.Curiosity got the better of her, and Ximara opened the first box. Inside lay a deep blue gown, it was beautiful, elegant and flowing, with a small card tucked on top: From Stephan & Lara: wear this if you like.The second box held a striking red dress, vivid and daring, the fabric practically glowing. This one had no note. Her phone buzzed again.It was shop error maybe, Stephan only ordered one. Lara texted. They sent an extra. Ke