Fragile Things

In the aftermath of a tumultuous three-year marriage, Maria's dreams of a gradual love-filled transformation with her husband, Thompson Brown, are shattered when she discovers his intense hatred towards her. On their wedding anniversary, as Maria prepares a heartfelt dinner, Thompson blindsides her with divorce papers, callously walking away from their once-promising union. Faced with the painful memories of years spent in anguish and isolation, Maria realizes that fighting a losing battle would only prolong her suffering. With a heavy heart, Maria signs the divorce papers, leaving behind everything acquired with the Brown family's wealth. Determined to rebuild her life from scratch, she resolves not to touch a single possession that was tainted by their broken relationship. However, unbeknownst to Maria, Thompson's life becomes plagued by remorse and regret. Haunted by his decisions, he lurks in the shadows, watching over her, hoping for a chance to win her back.

Christine has cherished her feelings for Steven since their carefree childhood, but he remains oblivious to her affection, leaving her heart aching and invisible in his eyes. Despite her heartfelt attempts to capture his attention, she struggles to make an impression on him. Then, she meets Tyler, a confident rival of Steven in business. Although his arrogance initially irks her, she feels an unexpected intrigue as they spend time together. With each shared laugh, she begins to see a different side of him, prompting her to confront her feelings. As Christine grows closer to Tyler, Steven starts to notice the shift in her demeanor and realizes his own love for her. Now, Christine faces a pivotal choice: will she pursue the love she has always wanted, or embrace the unexpected connection that Tyler offers, filled with new possibilities?

In the glittering world of New York's elite, billionaire playboy Adrian Sinclair is known for his ruthless nature and string of high-profile affairs. When a scandal threatens to tarnish his family's reputation, he is forced into a contract marriage with Ava Roberts, a fiercely independent woman from a disadvantaged background. Ava, burdened by her own secrets, reluctantly agrees to the arrangement. But their one-night stand creates an unbreakable bond, leading to a journey of heartbreak, betrayal, and unforeseen consequences. As their lives intertwine, they must confront their painful pasts and navigate the treacherous path of love. Can a fragile promise turn into a lifelong commitment, or will their deep-rooted fears tear them apart?

Araulla Jones was a seventeen-year-old who became wretched when her father was lost. Finding no peace at their home, she chose to run away. She had no one to lean on since her father left that molded her into becoming a tough and fearless woman to cover up the grief. That grief brought vengeance, and vengeance brought depth, leading to rebellion. It was when his uncle, William, took the opportunity of conspiring with Araulla about a job she had to take: she should return home and save their company her mother was about to destroy. Having a tough relationship with her didn't make Araulla hesitant of agreeing with the plan. It was up to her to make a move, as she dealt with more drama in her life. If she had to face the burden that weighed more than the world, where could invulnerability lead her?

I had always been fragile, the kind of kid who could not handle a gust of wind without losing balance and who teared up over the smallest thing. The day my biological parents found me and took me back into their wealthy world, everything had already felt unreal. Then, things got worse. Out of nowhere, an old woman came sprinting down the street and dropped right in front of the Bentley, like she had timed it perfectly. I panicked and completely froze, so I did the only thing I could think of. I dropped down beside her and started crying. However, I overdid it. I cried so hard that blood started streaming from my eyes. The old woman jolted upright like she had seen something horrifying. She shoved 500 dollars into my hands, muttered a string of curses, and ran off without looking back. Just like that, I was back with the Snyder family. The house rose in front of me, all polished stone and perfectly kept lawns, like something out of a magazine. However, the closer I got, the more my nerves kicked in, and that familiar metallic taste crept up my throat again. The so-called heir walked over, smiling like we were supposed to be close. Then, he gave me a light shove. He leaned in, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "Stay in your place. Don't start wanting things that were never yours." Right there, in front of everyone, I leaned back and collapsed. I did not move at all. He froze. His face turned red as he grabbed my collar and shook me. "Quit pretending. Get up!" A few seconds passed, then a few more, before he slowly turned his head, his movements stiff. Tiny drops of blood speckled his clothes. His voice trembled. "Mom… Dad… I think…" He swallowed hard. "I think he stopped breathing."

When a child mysteriously disappears from a small town and even his mother seems indifferent, it’s time for the new sheriff to step in. Meet Chris Baker, the new sheriff of the quiet Adirondack town of Clifton Heights. As one inexplicable case after another forces him to confront the townsfolk in The Skylark Diner, it’s the furtive Gavin Patchett that hands Chris a collection of not-so-fictional short stories that tumbles him into a world of monsters, ageless demons, and vengeful citizens. As Chris reads through the stories the veil starts to lift, and he soon questions what is real and what’s not, and whether he really wants to know. Nothing will ever be the same again. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing