chapter 001

"Lisa is a hopeless romantic, convinced that true love exists. Having to never experienced her father's love, she passionately believes that girls deprived of paternal affection deserve extra love. Growing up without her mother's nurturing and her father's presence, Lisa longs for genuine connection. She yearns for it morning and night, holding onto the hope that true love will fill the void in her heart."

"At 18, love will find me," Lisa thought to herself. "I want to be the first woman to bear my partner's child, ensuring no one else has been there before me. I'll work hard to secure a prosperous future, so my children never suffer like I did." With these ambitions burning within her, Lisa resolved to make her dreams a reality.

"Men adored Lisa, captivated by her ethereal beauty and enchanting presence. At 19, she met her first love, Nick Turner, who became intensely infatuated with her. However, his obsession soon turned controlling, restricting Lisa's interactions with other men. Nick's love was passionate but toxic, often crossing boundaries. In intimate moments, he would secretly capture photos of Lisa's stunning figure, betraying her trust. Lisa was unaware of Nick's darker side until he ominously threatened to post her intimate photos online if she ended their relationship. The menacing ultimatum left her shaken and terrified. She had never imagined Nick capable of such malicious behavior, and the revelation sent shockwaves through her entire being."

"Kayla wood," Lisa's true best friend, couldn't bear seeing her depressed and invited her to an upscale party filled with successful professionals. Determined to lift Lisa's spirits, Kayla persuaded her to attend. Lisa honored her friend's concern by tagging along, eager for a distraction from her woes."

"The sound of fancy heels echoed through the room, accompanied by murmurs about Lisa's stunning beauty. Suddenly, a deep, smooth voice interrupted the din: 'Hello.' I turned around to find a tall, chiseled man with radiant skin. His captivating scent was intoxicating, sending shivers down my spine. His voice was as rich and velvety as a summer cloud. I lifted my gaze, mesmerized by his striking good looks, and couldn't help but wonder how someone so handsome could exist."

''Hello!' we chimed in unison, followed by a delightful giggle. 'I'm Bernard Cooper,' he said with a smile. 'Nice to meet you,' I replied, already drawn to his charming demeanor. Our eyes locked, and I found myself lost in his chiseled features and perfect physique. 'How are you enjoying the party so far?' Bernard asked, breaking the spell. 'Not bad,' I replied. 'My best friend invited me. I don't know many people here. Just as our conversation was gaining momentum, a melodious voice interrupted us. 'Bernard!' We both turned around to see a stunning woman, perhaps six years older than me, approaching us. Her elegance and poise commanded attention."

"I wasn't expecting an introduction from her, but women can be unpredictable! She gazed at me briefly, then rolled her eyes toward Bernard, tapping his shoulder with her right hand. 'Bernard, l've been looking for you everywhere,' she said. 'Let's grab a drink together.' Bernard replied, 'As you can see, I'm already engaged here. She forced a faked smile and said, 'I'll be over there. Come soon.' With that, she walked away. I wondered why Bernard hadn't introduced us, perhaps she wasn't significant to him. Shrugging it off, I continued our conversation."

"It was getting late, already 2 a.m. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Kayla. 'Bae, it's time to go,' she said. 'The Uber is outside.' I hesitated, reluctant to leave. I had finally found someone I connected with, someone I could talk to all day and share my deepest thoughts. As I stood up to leave, he turned back and asked, 'Can we exchange numbers?' I smiled and replied."

"Bernard and I grew incredibly close, and I found myself forgetting about Nick. Bernard's sweet and romantic nature captivated me. As an interior designer at a prestigious company, he impressed me with his creativity and work ethic. He confided in me that he's single and eager to settle down when he finds love. We spent hours talking daily, and during his busy moments, l'd focus on my drawing. With my 21st birthday just a month away, I couldn't help but feel exhilarated about the possibilities. Bernard's presence in my life made everything feel exciting."

"We grew so close that I shared with him every significant event in my life. This openness deepened his caring nature towards me, making me feel incredibly comfortable around him. With my 21st birthday just two weeks away, I couldn't help but think about how special this celebration could be. Unlike previous years, where l'd gone without gifts or meaningful acknowledgments - Nick's gestures were limited to wishes and occasional financial support - I wondered what thoughtful surprises Bernard might have in store for me."

"Phone rings... 'Hey, Kayla, I'm at home. Why'd you ask?' I said. 'Nothing, just wanted to know,' Kayla replied. phone hangs

I headed to the fridge to grab some fresh fruit, seeking a calming snack for the day. As I sliced the apples, the doorbell rang, followed by a knock. bangs 'Who's there?' I called out.

Approaching the door, I peered through the peephole and was surprised to see..."