's Dis
are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to rea
ight
original work of the author. No part of this work may be copied, reproduced, distributed, or used in any manner
ng the hard work and c
G Disc
motional depth, as well as instances of kidnapping, betrayal, and violence. Reader discretion is advised. Some c
*~
: Cinders
ARNING &
disturbing scenes that may be triggering or upsetting to some readers. These elements are
red open, I found myself wit
nd minimalist touch. The furnishings exuded an air of expense, and numerous p
e am
rden bathed in the ethereal glow of a perfectly round moon. Flowers bloomed in abundance all around,
terribly." A male voice reached my ear
n my dreams, yet utterly unk
illuminate the surroundings, a truly beautiful smile. His black hair was slightly tousled, yet it
im in silence, my mind
was
e haunt m
perhaps a husband f
every day, every moment, I remember you.
rning, yet I couldn't miss th
y asked, my curiosity o
ory of us ever meeting. You appear in my
tching his chest dramatically, feig
always in my dreams. Were you perhaps my husband i
But... we will meet again. I will search for you no matter where you are.
Yet, within his embrace, a strange mix
y forehead, and with that ten
zation washed over me – it had all been a dream again.
been crying
ould
y dreams? My mind was a labyr
oduced myself. I am Rai
life? Perhaps like Cin
remarried before his own passing, and now
n all the responsibilities for me. However, my problem lies with her children, my step
reshening up, I donned an apron and began preparing breakfast. Ho
cooked, a cheerful light in
for you," she said, her voice brimming
ng, Mama. W
ve enough for your tuition. But, you know, it gets so boring here at home with you just doing
. I would finally go to college? My dream would come true. My
llment and all the requirements. Classes start tomorrow.
my dream to study. I promise, I won't waste this opportunity,"
ntelligent. I believe in you. Just... no boyfriends f
l focus on my studies
pplies are upstairs, by
k. You and your siblings take ca
a. Thank you so muc
come, 'nak.
ve yo
st my stepmother, yet she was incredibly kind to me. I was lucky; my stepmother wa
soon my step-siblings
sions cast a heavy
f cooking? It's disgusting, I can't eat this," complained my
ggs and bacon
ed normal, not
did you put in here?" asked
e! What's with all the drama?" inte
among them who defended
at, are you lusting after her? Trying to get on her good side?" Kuya
uya," Adrian said angri
. I covered my mouth, a knot of
were fine before you came along, but everything's been chaos sin
away, but her grip was strong, and she shoved me against the
mn it!" Adrian roared, rush
n?! She's the reason we're like this! Because of t
ything to us, so can you please just leave her alone?" Adrian sai
my bed and pressed a cool cloth to my forehead. Hi
eir behavior. You did nothing wrong, but they're an
ur siblings. Honestly, I don't know what I did wrong for them to ha
protect you from them. Just call me i
ian," I said wi
up my things since school starts tomorrow. I saw that Mama
Go ahead and organize your things t
nk goodness there was still one
eadache. They stre
d, I decided to organize my be
en. I assumed it was Adria
A cold dread washed over me, and I fro
terri
aid of what
n couldn't come in. I wanted to
push him away with all my might, but I
Please leave. I don't wa
nd tears involuntarily escaped my eyes. I want
Don't pretend you don't. You love it when I do this
Leave me alone! I'll t
at for ages, but why haven't you done it yet? Why? Because
! I don't want t
r as he grabbed my pillow an
dn't b
l the pillow away, but his
pressing the pillow agains
e was too strong. I kicked and struggled, desperately trying
d myself in a familiar place – the
was dream
s I slumped against a tree. S
ppeared in my dreams. He looked at me,
p yet. Because when I do, they'll just hurt m
side me. His expression was filled
ht a sense of comfort. I hugged him tig
nbearable, and I felt like I ne
his is just a dream. As much as I wish to be with
y dreams? And why do you seem to know me so well? Are
a gentle smile a
d in time. Don't worry, we will meet, we will be together, and I prom
u, really?"
and handed me a s
, this one was a deeper, m
gaze, I saw once again the famili
held me in a
" he whispered before the entire surro
yself lying in bed, tears
was wet
ear my bed. He stood up with a wo
e! Luckily, I had a spare key and managed to open your door befo
thank you so much," I
in. Please eat something," Adri
a meal of rice, bread, soup, and ju
for a bit when something b
near the window, and wha
a yello
e man in my dream had given