Loving You After Losing You

On the eve of her engagement, she hands her family a card containing her entire savings of $300,000. Instead of gratitude, her mother reacts with cold hostility, throwing the card at her face and accusing her of trying to buy her way out of future familial obligations. Left bleeding and broken, her family remains ignorant of the devastating truth: she suffers from severe depression, and this money was meant as a final retirement gift because she didn't plan to survive past the winter.

Three of my past partners died immediately after tasting my mother’s homemade dumplings. Despite a relentless six-month police investigation that yielded zero evidence, the trauma kept me single for two years. Eventually, I took a chance on Richard Finch. He constantly pressured me to introduce him to my mother, unaware of our dark history. Yielding to his demands, I brought him home, where my mother prepared her signature dish. But a brief trip to the restroom ends in a familiar nightmare: Richard is already cold and lifeless on our sofa.

For three years, I managed Vance Sterling’s public image while being his hidden partner. After discovering his infidelity, he destroyed my livelihood and left me destitute. Seeking revenge, I spent a night with Jory Elliott, the wealthy man engaged to Vance’s mistress. When Jory later cleared my brother’s lethal gambling debts, he demanded a two-year marriage contract as repayment. I declined his fortune, refusing to be a pawn in the games of powerful men.

For eight years, Rain Zimmer lived in the shadow of Lily Smithson, her husband Joshua Thompson’s deceased former flame. Despite her devotion, Rain finally accepts that she can never replace the memory of the dead. When Joshua erupts in rage over a shattered bowl once belonging to Lily, the illusion of their marriage breaks. Rain quietly prepares her divorce papers and departs, leaving a suddenly panicked Joshua to face the reality of a life without her constant presence.

Following a rebirth sparked by a silver stake to the heart, the protagonist of The Name She Wrote in Blood chooses to sever her ties with Prince Mortlock. She redirects their blood bond to Isabella, the woman he once prioritized, even surrendering her mate's ruby necklace and wedding dress. Having died in Isabella's shadow once before, she seeks only distance. Yet, the cold prince who once abandoned her now weeps, begging her to reclaim her place as his true mate.

At their graduation party, Felicia expected to celebrate a bright future: a dream job in Paris with Barnaby and their upcoming marriage. Instead, Barnaby stuns the room by declaring they aren't going. He unilaterally decides Felicia will stay behind while he helps another student, Mamie, with her lab work. After he abandons her to rush to Mamie's aid, Felicia refuses to let him dictate her life. Reclaiming her future, she accepts the advisor's invitation to go to Paris alone.