Faraway

When college applications opened, everyone gathered around my younger twin sister, Maddison Sullivan. Our older brother, Tyler Sullivan, pointed at the top university on the list. "Obviously, you're applying to Crestview University. You'll be my little sister on campus, and I will look out for you." Our childhood friend, Brandon Carter, slid another brochure across the table. "Ignore him. Come to Kingston in Arlington instead. We can spend another four years together." Mom and Dad smiled in agreement. "Being in Arlington would be perfect. You'll have people taking care of you there, and we'll have peace of mind." Only after a long while did they remember I had taken the SAT, too. "Your score isn't as good as Maddie's. Just pick any school in Arlington." Tyler didn't even look up as he added, "That way all four of us will be in the same city. We can get together on weekends." Brandon sighed impatiently. "There's only half an hour left before submissions close. Don't be careless and forget something again." I tightened my grip on the application guide. When they played make-believe as children, Maddison was always the princess everyone rushed to rescue. Tyler was the loyal knight willing to die for her, while Brandon was the prince who would cross mountains and oceans to save her. And I was always cast as the wicked witch no one wanted. It turned out growing up hadn't changed anything at all. If no one wanted me around, then I would choose the school farthest from home. From now on, mountains and miles would stand between us.

Emillia Lucille has everything. Money, looks, fame, family. You name it, she has it. Her luxury is never ending, so is her career as a model in an international agency owned by her father. Many envy her. Many tried to be her, but they failed. She is invincible. With her cold heart and charming look, she became the person every man and woman wanted and hated at the same time. But everything changed when she received a photo from an anonymous sender. A photo she ought to keep until she dies. A photo that can harm not only her career but also herself. A photo that will reunite her with her lost self and its acquaintances. Will she be able to reconnect to the past and fight the situation she was fated to face? Or will she be forever locked from it? And just like it, will she remain so far away?

I've been in a long-distance relationship with Xavier Harrington for four years. Every time we meet up with each other, the first thing he says to me is, "You've gotten fatter… and shorter." When my friend finds out about it, she jokes to me, "Maybe he has another girlfriend who's taller and thinner than you." It's supposed to be a joke, and yet I take it seriously. It explains why I've decided to travel a span of 1,800 miles just to seek Xavier out at the city he's stationed to. But that's when I accidentally stumble upon Xavier going on a stroll with a young woman side by side. I trail behind them, only to see them going to a cafe that's filled with people. There, they line up so that they can snap commemorative photos. However, whenever Xavier's hanging out with me, he often turns my suggestions down impatiently. To him, lining up at such places is a waste of time. Later on, Xavier and the woman secure a table in a restaurant. There, Xavier pulls out a chair for her before he starts setting out the cutlery for her. Even when the food is served, he will subconsciously push the woman's favorite dish in her direction. For the first time ever in our relationship of eight years, I find out that Xavier can be caring when he feels like it. I watch as Xavier chats animatedly with the woman at the table. He shares everything with her, be it the irritating experiences at work or the funny and interesting incidents that have happened to him so far. Then, I lower my head to look at the short text messages Xavier has sent to me in the past. "Time for work. It's lunch time. I'm about to nap." Suddenly, I find my relationship with Xavier extremely boring, so I dig out the invitation sent by my company regarding their outstation request and tap on it. After all, I no longer want anything to do with this flawed relationship anymore.

Beyond His World A chance encounter between an ordinary young woman and a mysterious man from another world sparks a love neither of them expected. But when he is forced to return to his kingdom to protect his throne from a power-hungry uncle, they are torn apart by duty, destiny, and the boundaries between their worlds. As dark secrets, political betrayal, and an ancient prophecy unfold, they must fight against impossible odds to reunite—before both worlds are consumed by a war that could destroy everything they love.

Natasha Hale only want to do one thing. Drink and forget the world after going through a rough break up halfway through the world Somehow she end up meeting the mysterious James Campbell

After deciding to leave Azurea and follow Clara Miller to Northwood City, I was cast out by my parents. "That girl is an orphan–what can she possibly give you? If you choose a life of hardship now, you’ll spend the rest of your life suffering! Once you walk out that door, don’t bother coming back!" I left anyway. For five years, I watched Clara rise step by step, becoming one of Northwood City’s most respected psychologists. Just as she had promised, she gave me a home. As the New Year approached, I planned to take her back to Azurea to reconcile with my parents. However, just before boarding the plane, she abandoned me again–this time for a depressed patient threatening to take his own life. She let go of my hand, her eyes full of pain. "Julian Vance… he’s just like I used to be–alone, with no one to rely on. If I don’t go, he’ll jump. I’m sorry. Just this once. I’ll catch the next flight and meet you there." Then she turned and ran toward the exit without hesitation. I stood there, staring at the two plane tickets in my hand. She had saved everyone who needed redemption. Everyone… except me. Slowly, I tore up her ticket. Then I walked alone toward the security gate and turned off my phone. What Clara did not know was this: Some journeys home, once missed, are gone forever.