Ever After Awaits
Elizma Du Toit · Completed · 201.7k Words
Introduction
There’s the charming stranger from a chance encounter, the one she never expected to see again—but fate clearly has other plans. The sweet barista at her campus coffee shop, whose smile feels like home. Her stepbrother, who makes no secret of his disdain but hides more than he lets on. And then there’s the childhood friend who’s suddenly back, stirring up memories she thought were long gone.
Navigating love, tension, and unspoken truths, she’ll learn that sometimes happily ever after isn’t a destination—it’s a journey filled with surprises.
Chapter 1
“And last, but not least, this year’s Academic Excellence Award winner, Layla Kincaid!”
I step onto the stage & accept my award and graduation certificate from Mr. Anderson, our Principal.
As I’m standing next to him to have my picture taken, my eyes slip across the crowd, looking for my mother’s auburn head of hair just to come up short. I honestly don’t know why I expected anything different.
In the last six months she has become distant, she’s never home and when she is home, she can barely deign to say a handful of words to me.
It’s because she’s met a new man, but I can’t help but feel that there is something else that I’m missing.
After the crowd cheers and claps, we all scatter through the crowd looking for our friends and family.
Becca, my best friend since kindergarten, comes hurtling towards me with a huge smile on her face, her arms spread wide.
“We’ve finally done it!” she screams in my face just before she jumps into my arms. I can’t help but smile at her.
In relation to my 5 foot 8 inch stature, her 5 foot 1 inch is basically miniature. The fact that I’m voluptuous and thick and she’s slim and lean, does not help our size differences in the slightest. But we wouldn’t want it any other way.
I lock eyes with her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Montgomery, over her shoulder and they both have huge, proud smiles on their faces.
Since day one, they welcomed me into their home and treated me like an adoptive daughter. Mrs. Montgomery is the one who taught me how to create mouthwatering dishes, bake amazing cookies and cakes, and even how to balance a household budget. Mr. Montgomery is the one who taught me how to change a tire, fix a lightbulb, hang a shelf, and even knot a tie (just in case).
“Your mom probably got stuck at work.” Mrs. Montgomery whispers in my ear when she leans in to hug me. I appreciate the sentiment but we both know that’s not the real reason she is not here.
We all pile into the Montgomery’s car and head to the local seafood restaurant that is known for its amazing dishes and superb service – Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery’s treat for our special day.
We are at the restaurant and as we wait to be attended to by the hostess, my eyes scan across the space to take in its amazing décor and atmosphere as I’ve personally never been here before.
My eyes catch onto a pair of stunning green ones that are staring right back at me. My breath catches and my heart skips a beat when the force of our stare hits me like a battering ram. What in the ever-loving-skittles is that?
As I come back to my senses, other features come to my attention: a strong jawline that could cut diamonds, golden flawless skin, dark brown (almost black) curly hair that is cropped closely on the sides but longish on top (perfect for my fingers to glide through and grab on to), a tall muscular figure that gives off swimmer vibes and a sinful mouth that is currently tipped upwards into the most delicious, panty-melting smirk. Oh my!
Becca tugs on my arm to get my attention so I can follow them to our table. I glance back one last time but he has slipped away. It might be for the best; I can’t afford any right now.
Our server comes over and introduces herself as Meghan takes our drinks orders, and hurries away to give us a few minutes to peruse the menu.
I hear Becca and her parents discussing the various menu options but I’m not giving my full attention to what’s going on around me; my mind drifting towards my mom’s MIA status, my disappointment in myself for expecting anything different, and a certain pair of green eyes.
My Shirley Temple is placed in front of me and as I go to that Meghan, my words get caught in my throat when I realize it’s green-eyes standing next to me with a decadent smile on his face.
“Hi, my name is Hunter, I’ll be taking over from Meghan. She had to step out for a family emergency. I hope that is okay with you lovely folks?” he says to the whole table, but his gaze lands on me at the end of his sentence. I’m so flustered I can feel a blush creeping up my neck and I dip my head to hide it from him. What is wrong with me? I’m never this nervous around guys!
Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery each order the fish-of-the-day special, Becca orders the paella but I’m stuck between the seafood chowder and the creamy linguine with prawns. Hunter steps up closer to me, leans down a fraction, and asks: “And what can I get you, beautiful?”
I glance up at him, blushing again, but able to find my voice, even if it sounds a bit scratchy. Am I thirsty? “What would you recommend? The seafood chowder or the linguine with prawns?”
He peers down at me, drops his voice a fraction so only I can hear him, and says: “What I would like, is not on the menu.” With that, he subtly winks at me and I’m at a loss for words. Did a fire break out in the kitchen? Why is it so hot in here all of a sudden? Does someone need to call the fire department?
I clear my throat, take a sip of my drink to give me a few extra seconds to rearrange my thoughts, and only then peer up at him through my lashes. “I’ll take the chowder, please.”
He scribbles my order down, tips an imaginary hat in our direction, and then saunters off towards the kitchen.
When I lift my head a couple of seconds later it is to Becca looking at me with a smirk on her face and an evil glint in her eyes. I know that look, it doesn't bode well for me. Urgh!
As we wait for our food to arrive, I excuse myself to run to the restroom quickly. I go inside, finish up in the nearest stall, and then stand at the sink to wash my hands and splash cold water on my neck and wrists. I need to get my composure back. I need my head in the game.
Once I’m calmed down, I exit the restrooms, and as I’m rounding the corner into the corridor that leads to the restaurant, I crash into a wall that wasn’t there 10 minutes ago. Strong hands grab my upper arms to steady me and the intoxicating smell of cinnamon and vanilla assaults my senses.
“Woah there, beautiful.”
“I’m so sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going, obviously.” Somewhere during the moment he caught me and our verbal exchange, my hands reached out and grasped onto his midsection. I can feel his taught muscles underneath my fingertips, and I have an instinctual urge to run my hands up his stomach, over his shoulders, and into his hair. Bad Layla!
Hunter stares into my eyes for a second, dips his head lower and whispers next to my ear: “You won’t hear me complaining. Feel free to bump into me anytime you want.”
I feel his breath against my skin just below my ear and I sigh inwardly. If I cant my head just a fraction to the side, he would have the perfect angle to run his nose along my neck, lick just behind my ear, and nip at my earlobe.
Instead, my fingertips tighten a fraction just before I step back and create some much-needed space between us.
“Thanks for catching me but I need to get back to the table.” I step around him to leave and as I pass him, his fingers brush against the back of my hand, tingles immediately run up my hand and straight to my heart, making me suck in a breath. When I’m three steps away from him, I peer back over my shoulder and find him rooted to the spot, eyes somewhat larger due to shock. I think he might be just as surprised by that touch as I was. Here’s hoping!
The rest of our meal goes by without a hitch except for the times that Hunter comes by our table to drop something off or collect some of our dirty dishes. I blush every time and he finds a reason to touch me surreptitiously every time.
Our fingers touch when I hand him my empty plate, him stroking his fingers over my shoulder blades when he passes at the back of my chair. Each time it’s as electrifying as the first time.
As Mr. Montgomery pays the bill, we stand to slip our jackets on. Hunter is there to offer me his hand as I go to rise from the table.
I take his hand and as my fingers carefully slip into his, I feel a small piece of paper being slipped to me. He smiles sheepishly at me before releasing my hand and turning towards Becca and Mrs. Montgomery to help them up as well.
We step outside and Becca is on me in a millisecond, squeezing my bicep and smiling at me like a loon. She didn’t miss the exchange between me and Hunter. I definitely will be getting the third degree when we get home. Yay me!
\ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Last Chapters
#160 Chapter 160: Threads and Confessions
Last Updated: 5/8/2026#159 Chapter 159: Hunter's POV
Last Updated: 5/8/2026#158 Chapter 158: Layla's POV
Last Updated: 5/8/2026#157 Chapter 157: AJ's POV
Last Updated: 5/8/2026#156 Chapter 156: Cade's POV
Last Updated: 5/8/2026#155 Chapter 155: Layla's POV
Last Updated: 5/8/2026#154 Chapter 154: Xavier's POV
Last Updated: 5/8/2026#153 Chapter 153: Hunter's POV
Last Updated: 5/8/2026#152 Chapter 152: Layla POV
Last Updated: 5/8/2026#151 Chapter 151: Layla POV
Last Updated: 5/8/2026
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His.
He doesn't know he's writing to her, either.
By the time they find out, it's too late to stop what's already happening. Far too dangerous for anyone to find out.
In an empty studio, in the middle of a rainstorm, she asks him: 'Am I the kind of girl who kisses a boy engaged to my sister?'
He doesn't answer.
So she asks: 'What are we?’
He told her not to fall in love with one piece.
She fell anyway.
And he was never far behind.
Reborn and Unleashed: The Boss Lady Takes No Prisoners
Now reborn, Vivian refuses to hide her strength. She's revealing her true identity, claiming her power, and rewriting her fate. No more submission, no more misunderstandings—this time, she'll take control of her life and her love.
As regretful brothers beg for forgiveness and powerful enemies fall at her feet, Vivian has one goal: to rise without mercy and make the man she once loved fall for her all over again—on her terms.
Filled, Owned, and Fucked by My Best Friend’s Father
He was supposed to be off-limits. Untouchable. The kind of man you only fantasize about when you’re alone in the dark with your hand between your thighs.
But the night I caught him eating another woman alive by the pool, I couldn’t look away.
And he knew it.
The moment his dark eyes locked on mine through the glass, I became prey. His filthy smirk promised one thing—he saw me touching myself to him, and he wasn’t about to let me forget it.
Now, every time I’m in his house, I can’t breathe without thinking of his mouth between my legs.
I left my cheating boyfriend behind, only to fall into something even more dangerous:
a man who could ruin me, break me, and make me beg for his cock while his own daughter sleeps in the next room.
He’s too old. Too powerful. Too forbidden.
But Gianni doesn’t ask—he takes.
And I don’t want him to stop.
Let Them Kneel
Cast out by her pack. Forgotten by the Lycans.
She lived among humans—quiet, invisible, tucked away in a town no one looked at twice.
But when her first heat comes without warning, everything changes.
Her body ignites. Her instincts scream. And something primal stirs beneath her skin—
summoning a big, bad Alpha who knows exactly how to quench her fire.
When he claims her, it’s ecstasy and ruin.
For the first time, she believes she’s been accepted.
Seen.
Chosen.
Until he leaves her the next morning—
like a secret never to be spoken.
But Kaelani is not what they thought.
Not wolfless. Not weak.
There is something ancient inside her. Something powerful. And it’s waking.
And when it does—
they’ll all remember the girl they tried to erase.
Especially him.
She’ll be the dream he keeps chasing… the one thing that ever made him feel alive.
Because secrets never stay buried.
And neither do dreams.
BROKEN TRUST
Neither of them knew she was carrying his child.
Emily’s affair didn’t just end her marriage—it erased the life she thought was guaranteed. Ryan left without looking back, carrying his anger like armor and leaving Emily alone with regret she would never outrun. Three years later, fate drags them back into each other’s world, along with a little girl who has Ryan’s eyes and a truth that shatters everything he thought he knew.
Old wounds reopen, grief masquerades as rage, and love refuses to stay buried. As parenthood binds them together and the past demands accountability, Emily and Ryan must face the question neither of them is ready to answer: is broken trust the end of their story… or the beginning of a love forged through loss, forgiveness, and brutal honesty?
The Rejected White Luna
"No... You can't do that."
Those words shattered Aria's world in front of the entire pack.
As the daughter of the Alpha of Silver Moon Pack, Aria was born with a powerful legacy. But with a weak wolf that could never shift, she became a disappointment in the eyes of her own people. She was mocked, ignored, and treated as a weakness instead of the future Luna she was meant to be.
She believed finding her fated mate would finally change everything.
Until Kael rejected her publicly and chose another.
"Because a mate who cannot shift is no mate at all. She's a weakness. And weakness spreads."
Broken but refusing to surrender, Aria leaves the only home she has ever known. But fate has a different plan waiting for her.
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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.
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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.
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**
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.
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My Husband's Secretary Wore My Dress
Those words shattered Vivian's heart.
For three years, she endured her husband's coldness and his secretary's endless provocations.
She never knew that the woman he trusted most had stolen her identity.
Or that the man she loved had secretly loved her all along.
When the truth finally came out, it was already too late.
Vivian had divorced him.
She had disappeared with his unborn child.
And she had no intention of coming back.
Five years later, the former ballerina returned as the sole heiress of a powerful family.
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The billionaire who once ignored her had gone mad.
He blocked her in the dressing room, knelt before her, and even accepted the possibility that another man had taken his place.
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Losing Vivian had nearly killed him.
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The crowd gasped as Lex pulled me into a more intimate position, his hands roaming over my body in a seductive manner.
The experience was both terrifying and magical, allowing me to feel every longing emotion through the dance.
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When the music finally stopped, my arms were wrapped around his neck, his hands resting on my back, our noses almost touching. He gazed deeply into my eyes.
The ballroom fell silent.
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Years of torment and abuse left Lilly weak, vulnerable, and believing she was without a wolf, but that didn't mean that all hope was lost.
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They would dance the night away, but as dawn approached, he would vanish into the morning sun.
Lilly had given up hope of finding a mate, having a family, and leading a normal life.
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Secrets, lies, betrayal... and a baby on the way.
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THE CHRONO WITCH: BENDING TIME TO SAVE HIM
What she wasn't ready for was finding out Zayn Ponteris had been dead the entire time.
The grief shatters something inside her. And before anyone can stop it, Kayla does something no sorceress should be able to do—she travels back in time.
Suddenly she's fifteen again, standing at their end of year formal, with Zayn alive and right in front of her, completely unaware that in another timeline she watched his parents mourn him.
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Zayn has a girlfriend. And the closer Kayla gets to changing his fate, the more she realizes her powers are bigger and more dangerous than she ever imagined.
The supernatural world is closing in. The clock is running out. And the one person standing between Kayla and everything hunting her is the same boy she keeps bending time to protect.
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The Spy Who Left
"I still can't believe she actually did it. Aria Hart, filing for divorce. Who saw that coming?"
"How long do we think it'll take before she comes crawling back?" Another voice joins the conversation.
"Three days," Victoria declares. "Five at most. She has no money, no skills, no family. Where's she going to go?"
When Aria Chen divorced billionaire Leon Hart, New York's elite sneered, betting she'd crawl back within days. She never did.
Three years later, the world is rocked when Dr. Aria Vale, CEO of a revolutionary cybersecurity empire, steps into the spotlight. The mysterious genius who built a billion-dollar company from nothing is none other than Leon's discarded wife, the woman everyone thought was just a pretty ornament.
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A story of love, betrayal, and power where the king must kneel before the queen who never needed saving.
