CHASING THE SUNSET
Shenderly Bentazal · Ongoing · 163.8k Words
Introduction
Damn it! This kind of feeling he is giving is insane! I keep forgetting that he is a man and I am a man.
He smiled against my skin and continued to kiss down my neck to my chest, licking all the way down as he knelt in front of me. He unfastened my pants and tore them down along with my boxers, leaving me completely naked in front of him.
My heart raced with nervousness, and at the same time, I felt embarrassed because it was the first time I had been naked in front of someone.
But I was lost in words when he grabbed my manhood and began massaging it before he took it in his mouth. I cried out, it felt so good. He went faster making me feel so good.
During his college life, Austin encounters constant blackmail and manipulation from Chase, an alumnus, and feels helpless and desperate. This stress causes his antipathy towards Chase to grow. However, as time passes, Austin comes to realise that Chase turns out to be his childhood playmate, the one who used to bring him joy and warmth. Even more shocking is Chase's professed love for him, which causes Austin's heart to falter and complex emotions to weave their way through his mind.
Chapter 1
CHASE's POV
The cool spray of water hit my skin, washing away the lingering exhaustion from practice. I had just finished my swim routine, and with my competition only three months away, every single day mattered. There was no room for anything less than complete focus. I couldn't lose this time.
Two years had passed since my shoulder surgery, and each practice brought new strength, new hope. I could feel it—this time, I was ready. I was capable of winning.
After rinsing off, I grabbed a towel and ran it over my damp hair before wrapping it around my waist. I made my way out of the shower, got dressed, and quickly gathered my gear. Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I headed toward the exit, mentally preparing for my afternoon class.
But just as I reached the exit of the pool area, I heard it—a faint sound, like a soft, broken sob coming from somewhere nearby. I stopped, the sound caught me off guard. My eyes scanned the empty poolside, but no one was there. I frowned, about to dismiss it, when the sound came again, louder this time, followed by a sudden, desperate scream.
"Why!?"
The entire pool area echoed with his words. It was a male.
He cried out once more, "Why can't it be me!?"
I can't help but think that he is going through heartbreak after hearing his rants. Does he get dumped by his girlfriend?
Taking a deep breath, I followed the sound, my steps cautious as I scanned the shadows, until I came upon him. Perched on the bench was him. His head is bent, shedding tears like a child. But I didn't show myself to him. I crept up on him, hiding in the wall next to the bench.
"What does he have that I don't have? Dammit! Why is this? I'm the one who's always with you. I'm the one who's always here for you, but why? Why didn't you like me?"
I don't know why, but listening to him makes me smile. He sounds cute. I then discovered that I was filming a video of him.
"I've liked you for such a long time, Ash. I really do like you. And it really hurts!"
"Hey, what are you doing?" I was startled that I ended up recording a video of the guy when someone spoke behind me. Turning around, I saw Matt.
"What? Nothing," I refused.
"Do you know him? Why are you—" Before he could finish his sentence, I covered his mouth.
"Sshh. Lower your voice. He might hear us," I whispered in a whisper before removing my hand.
He whispered, "Why are you filming a video of him?" He had curiosity on his face.
"What are you talking about? I wasn't recording. Let's go. We still have a class." I grabbed him and walked away before he could even ask me more questions.
"Come on, mate! I saw it! You were recording a video of that guy. Why?" Matt kept on asking me while we were walking down the hallway, heading to our next class.
I persisted in saying, "I wasn't." Matt really is a nuisance. Until you answer him, he won't stop. I won't respond to him, though. A truth.
I didn't say anything and just laughed a little, speeding up my walk and leaving him behind. "Hurry! We're going to be late!"
"Hey, wait up!" I overheard him yell from behind.
-
AUSTIN'S POV
"Ash," I called her and she turned around. She gave me a big smile upon seeing me. I walked in her direction.
We are currently on the rooftop. She said she had something to tell me, so she called me here. I'm not sure why, but when she told me she had something to say to me, I felt excited.
We have known each other since we were in middle school. And now we are in college, we are still together and our bond gets stronger. We are so close that most of the people around us mistook us to be dating. Because we do really look good together. And I have been in love with her ever since, but I just couldn't find a way to tell her how I feel about her.
I couldn't find any courage. I fear that our friendship will come to an end. However, Ash seems to be hinting that she likes me too based on her acts. Maybe we're just holding back on confessing our affections for one another.
Is this the chance? Will she now confess her feelings for me?
"Uhm, Austin. I have something to tell you." She spoke. I could see that she was nervous, and that made me nervous too, but excited.
I've been desperate to find the ideal moment to confess my feelings for her.
"Yeah. What is it?"
She bit her lower lip, and it seemed like she was thinking twice about whether to say what she wanted to say to me.
"What is it, Ash? Tell me."
She hesitated a little before saying, "Uh, well, you know. We have been friends for a long time, and uhm, I am thinking if... you could help me?"
I was confused and asked, "Help you with what?"
Was I mistaken in my thinking? Wasn't she going to confess to me?
"With Liam. I like him. For a long time. And I was thinking about confessing my feelings for him. Can you help me, Austin?"
I seemed to be deaf to what she was saying, so I was unable to answer right away. I was in too much shock to talk. I am at a loss for words. Right now, all I know is that I was hurt. This was not what I expected. I got rejected without even asking.
Liam is one of our friends. The three of us have been together for a long time, but even so, I don't notice anything unusual in Ash's actions when Liam is around.
Perhaps she's good at pretending? I can't believe this. I really didn't expect that Liam would be the one she liked.
"Austin? Are you okay?" I snapped back to reality.
"Uh, yeah. Yeah. I'm okay." I cleared my throat.
"So, can you help me?"
I'm not sure. How am I supposed to help the girl I like to confess to the guy she likes? That's torture for me. I know I can't say no, though.
"Sure. Of course." I made myself grin. And her face lit up. She was so happy, and it broke my heart even more.
"Really!? Thank you, Austin!" she exclaimed as she gave me a joyful embrace. "Thank you so much!" She added, moving her body away from hugging me. "You're the best!"
"No problem, Ash. Anyway, I have to go. I have a class in five minutes. See you later?" I lied. I just want to get away from her sight since I can no longer control how I feel.
"Oh sure! Uh, wait. I am actually planning to confess to Liam today. In fact, I have made a reservation for the two of us. I'll text you the address!" She beamed. Her broad smile remained on her face.
"Sure." I once again forced myself to smile. However, as soon as I left the rooftop, I was running blindly and had no idea where to go. I just want to go to a place where there are no people.
Until I arrived at the swimming area. I took a seat on the bench and started crying. Damn it! I've never experienced heartbreak before. I had no idea that this fucking love could be so painful.
"Why!? What does he have that I don't have? Damn! Why is this? I'm the one who's always with you. I'm the one who's always here for you, but why? Why didn't you like me? I have liked you for so long, Ash. I really like you. And it fucking hurts!" glanced at my wrists. I saw the bracelet she gave me through a hazy vision.
She gave it not only to me but also to Liam as a symbol of our friendships. However, I was in such excruciating pain that I lost control of my emotions and flung the bracelet into the swimming pool after removing it from my wrist. I am no longer in need of it! I'm done wanting it!
—
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I Loved You in Silence, You Betrayed Me in French
At my birthday party, my husband whispered to his mistress in French that he missed her. His voice was low, but I heard it all—the black lingerie, the bit about how pregnancy makes you more sensitive. His French clients around us were laughing. He turned and put his arm around me, claiming he was just helping his clients come up with sweet nothings.
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Confrontation would be too cheap. Tears are worthless. I quietly started cataloging the hidden networks my father left behind, activating the Swiss accounts.
In seven days, Zoey Smith will cease to exist. And what will my husband's reaction be?
When I Disappeared, He Regretted It
The moment the screen lit up, my entire world came crashing down.
The woman on the bed was Calista - that girl who grew up with us since we were kids. And that hand caressing her skin was wearing the wedding ring I had personally put on Matteo's finger.
"I've missed you so much..."
"You drive me crazy, baby..."
Those sweet words I knew so well completely destroyed me.
Everyone said we were the perfect couple, but who knew this marriage was built on nothing but lies?
Since he's so good at acting, I guess it's time I gave him a show of my own. I'm going to make sure everyone sees what this "perfect husband" really is...
The Family Sacrifice
I simply said one word: "Okay."
My parents and Gilbert were stunned. They rushed to have me sign the voluntary donation form, afraid I’d change my mind.
Some days later, they sent me to the operating room.
Dad said, "Yvonne will finally be saved. We're so proud of you."
Mom said, "After the surgery, we'll make it up to you."
Gilbert looked tenderly at Yvonne and said, "When you're better, where should we travel?"
What they didn't know was that the day I agreed, I'd just received my diagnosis, stage four cancer. Three months to live.
As I lay on the cold operating table, as the anesthesia began to take effect, I only wanted to know one thing:
If I die on this operating table, will they regret it?
He Never Loved Me, Until I Left
I put away the divorce agreement with a wry smile.
When he and my son completely disappeared, he finally panicked.
Three months later .
He knelt down on the streets of Chicago in despair, begging me to remarry him.
My six-year-old son looked coldly at his biological father and said, "Get lost, you bad uncle! You don't deserve to be my dad!"
He Thought I'd Never Leave
When he said he was being bullied, I believed him. When he kissed me on that rooftop, I thought he felt the same. When he asked me to transfer schools with him, I said yes without hesitation.
Then I heard him bragging to his friends: "She'd save her first time for me. Hell, she'd still be thinking of me on her wedding night."
The bullying was staged. The kiss meant nothing. He just wanted me gone—so his new girl could feel more comfortable.
He thought I'd beg. He thought I'd cry. He thought I'd never actually leave.
I left the country.
And ran straight into his stepbrother.
I Died While They Threw Her a Party
Their real daughter came home. She'd only been back two years. That's all it took to erase twenty-four.
When kidnappers grabbed us, I used my body as a shield. They beat me until something inside me ruptured. I was dying from internal bleeding, but no one could tell.
My parents wouldn't even look at me. "This is your fault! None of this would've happened if it weren't for you!"
"Get downstairs and apologize to your sister. If you can't, pack your things and get out."
They threw her a party at a downtown hotel while I died alone in my room.
I thought they'd be relieved. Maybe even glad. I thought they'd just move on like I never existed.
But when they finally learned the truth, they fell apart.
Bury Me in His Regret
The kidnapper pressed the gun to my temple and asked, "Choose your wife or your sister-in-law?"
Zachary didn't hesitate. "Let Valerie go," he said.
He actually chose to save his sister-in-law! In that moment, even the baby in my belly seemed to stop kicking.
Later, they locked me in the basement. Drugs to delay labor were pumped into my veins over and over. Zachary wanted to save the "firstborn son" status for his sister-in-law's child.
When warm blood finally soaked through my skirt, I dialed the number I knew by heart with shaking hands.
"Zachary," I whispered into the phone, "our child... can't wait any longer."
The Kidney That Killed Me
A few months ago, my sister was hospitalized with kidney failure. The doctor said she needed a transplant. My family's first thought was me—the backup daughter they'd kept around all these years.
When my husband Allen took my hand with tears in his eyes and said, "Only you can save her," I agreed without hesitation.
When the doctor explained the surgical risks and potential complications, I smiled and nodded my understanding.
My parents said I'd finally learned what sisterly love meant.
Even Allen, who'd always been cold to me, held my hand gently and said, "The surgery's safe. You're so healthy, nothing will go wrong. When you recover, I'll take you to Hawaii."
But they don't know that no matter how the surgery goes, I won't be around to celebrate.
Because I just got my own test results—I have terminal brain cancer. I'm going to die anyway.
After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms
From first crush to wedding vows, George Capulet and I had been inseparable. But in our seventh year of marriage, he began an affair with his secretary.
On my birthday, he took her on vacation. On our anniversary, he brought her to our home and made love to her in our bed...
Heartbroken, I tricked him into signing divorce papers.
George remained unconcerned, convinced I would never leave him.
His deceptions continued until the day the divorce was finalized. I threw the papers in his face: "George Capulet, from this moment on, get out of my life!"
Only then did panic flood his eyes as he begged me to stay.
When his calls bombarded my phone later that night, it wasn't me who answered, but my new boyfriend Julian.
"Don't you know," Julian chuckled into the receiver, "that a proper ex-boyfriend should be as quiet as the dead?"
George seethed through gritted teeth: "Put her on the phone!"
"I'm afraid that's impossible."
Julian dropped a gentle kiss on my sleeping form nestled against him. "She's exhausted. She just fell asleep."
Falling for my boyfriend's Navy brother
"What is wrong with me?
Why does being near him make my skin feel too tight, like I’m wearing a sweater two sizes too small?
It’s just newness, I tell myself firmly.
He’s my boyfirend’s brother.
This is Tyler’s family.
I’m not going to let one cold stare undo that.
**
As a ballet dancer, My life looks perfect—scholarship, starring role, sweet boyfriend Tyler. Until Tyler shows his true colors and his older brother, Asher, comes home.
Asher is a Navy veteran with battle scars and zero patience. He calls me "princess" like it's an insult. I can't stand him.
When My ankle injury forces her to recover at the family lake house, I‘m stuck with both brothers. What starts as mutual hatred slowly turns into something forbidden.
I'm falling for my boyfriend's brother.
**
I hate girls like her.
Entitled.
Delicate.
And still—
Still.
The image of her standing in the doorway, clutching her cardigan tighter around her narrow shoulders, trying to smile through the awkwardness, won’t leave me.
Neither does the memory of Tyler. Leaving her here without a second thought.
I shouldn’t care.
I don’t care.
It’s not my problem if Tyler’s an idiot.
It’s not my business if some spoiled little princess has to walk home in the dark.
I’m not here to rescue anyone.
Especially not her.
Especially not someone like her.
She’s not my problem.
And I’ll make damn sure she never becomes one.
But when my eyes fell on her lips, I wanted her to be mine.
Alpha Nicholas's Little Mate
What? No—wait… oh Moon Goddess, no.
Please tell me you're joking, Lex.
But she's not. I can feel her excitement bubbling under my skin, while all I feel is dread.
We turn the corner, and the scent hits me like a punch to the chest—cinnamon and something impossibly warm. My eyes scan the room until they land on him. Tall. Commanding. Beautiful.
And then, just as quickly… he sees me.
His expression twists.
"Fuck no."
He turns—and runs.
My mate sees me and runs.
Bonnie has spent her entire life being broken down and abused by the people closest to her including her very own twin sister. Alongside her best friend Lilly who also lives a life of hell, they plan to run away while attending the biggest ball of the year while it's being hosted by another pack, only things don't quite go to plan leaving both girls feeling lost and unsure about their futures.
Alpha Nicholas is 28, mateless, and has no plans to change that. It's his turn to host the annual Blue Moon Ball this year and the last thing he expects is to find his mate. What he expects even less is for his mate to be 10 years younger than him and how his body reacts to her. While he tries to refuse to acknowledge that he has met his mate his world is turned upside down after guards catch two she-wolves running through his lands.
Once they are brought to him he finds himself once again facing his mate and discovers that she's hiding secrets that will make him want to kill more than one person.
Can he overcome his feelings towards having a mate and one that is so much younger than him? Will his mate want him after already feeling the sting of his unofficial rejection? Can they both work on letting go of the past and moving forward together or will fate have different plans and keep them apart?
