short story with surprise ending

After losing her father, Nora Smith moves with her mother into the Lowe family, where she suffers constant bullying from her stepbrothers and relentless humiliation. Her mother urges her to remain silent, but everything changes when she discovers her stepfather's plan to marry her off to her lazy stepbrother, Xavier Lowe. Refusing to accept this fate, Nora hides her acceptance to a top university and escapes, taking on odd jobs to support herself while secretly pursuing her studies. Years later, her exceptional talent catches the attention of Rivelle's leading company, Grant Corp, which funds her studies abroad. Now, at 27, Nora returns as a powerful and influential figure, determined to reclaim her life.

Joseph, the heir to the Prosperous Group, was separated from his family as a child and adopted by a kind-hearted farmer. In order to protect his adoptive sister, he was beaten into a fool. Years later, Joseph and his adoptive mother attend his sister's wedding, only to be humiliated and coldly rejected by the ungrateful sister, who refuses to acknowledge them. What she doesn't know is that the fiancé she's so eager to marry is none other than Joseph's biological brother—and in the end, she gets a rude awakening.

Tracie Reed grows up in a family that favors boys over girls, with parents who neglect her and only want to take from her. Her only source of warmth is her grandmother. During college, she receives help multiple times from Mason Walker, who secretly admires her. Due to severe nearsightedness and inability to afford glasses, she never clearly sees what Mason looks like. When they meet again years later, Tracie doesn't recognize him as Mason. To save her grandmother, Tracie schemes to trick Mason, but he turns the tables and draws her into his life instead.

The Smith family welcomed a pair of twins, and an expert claimed one a lucky star and the other a curse. He predicted that the lucky twin would become the top scholar in eighteen years. Their grandmother, valuing boys over girls, was certain that the elder brother, Joel Smith, was the fortunate one and tried to kill his sister. A kind maid, Ivy Lake, saved Zoe Smith, who was then raised as a servant in her own home. Years later, both siblings make three wishes, and soon, the Smith family becomes the richest in Halton. Their faith in Joel deepens, and Zoe suffers even harsher treatment—until the scholar's plaque arrives. To everyone's shock, the so-called cursed girl, Zoe Smith, is actually the real top scholar!

Lynn, a girl born in a remote mountainous region, worked diligently to gain admission to a prestigious university. However, her father, who favored sons over daughters, refused to support her aspirations and even went so far as to tear up her acceptance letter. In contrast, her mother sold her blood to help fund Lynn's education. Five years later, Lynn achieved remarkable success and envisioned building factories in her hometown to uplift all the villagers. However, the villagers mistakenly perceived her as a foot massage worker. In reality, she was the CEO of Honor Group.

Celeste Sawyer is the true heiress of Sawyer Group. However, she went missing when she was little and was adopted by June Jensen, a scavenger. When she grows up, she returns to her family to inherit her position as CEO of the company, while also helping June search for her missing daughter. On her first day of work, Celeste bumps into Holly Farke and notices that Holly bears the same birthmark on her wrist as June. Consequently, Celeste arranges for a paternity test between them. Meanwhile, Holly pretends to be the heiress of Sawyer Group. Celeste receives assistance from Kieran Scott, a Javoska tycoon, while Holly enlists help from Yves Graham. Gradually, Celeste's true identity begins to surface, and Holly's lies start to unravel.

Esther Yale grew up relying solely on her father, Edmund Yale, after her mother, May Dayne, left the family. Years of overwork took a toll on her health, and Esther developed cancer. Struggling to afford her father's medical expenses, she reluctantly sought help from her estranged mother, who had built a new life for herself. However, her attempt to reconnect was met with staunch opposition from her grandfather. After Edmund's tragic passing, Esther, burdened by grief and resentment, accepted a job as a caregiver in the Dayne Residence. Immersed in her mother's world, she began to uncover the depths of May's hidden love and sacrifices. Slowly, Esther's hatred gave way to understanding and forgiveness. When faced with a terminal diagnosis, Esther made the ultimate sacrifice to save her younger brother, leaving behind a legacy of love and reconciliation.

Miles, a singer from a humble background, lost his sight three years ago while saving his girlfriend from a fire. His girlfriend Jane and sister Hedy asked him to be a ghost singer for the singer York, who promised Miles he would help him debut. However, on the day York became a superstar, he broke his promise. Miles stood up to accuse York of lip-syncing but was knocked out by his girlfriend and sister, leading to his unfortunate death. In his second life, Miles was determined not to be used by others again. After regaining his sight, he exposed York's lip-syncing scandal at York's concert and showcased his own talent. He caught the attention of major players in the showbiz and signed a lucrative contract, stepping into the ranks of superstars!

After mistaking her pregnant sister-in-law for a mistress, Megan publicly humiliated Mandy, who was later revealed to be the only one able to save her son's life. When the truth emerged, the family regretted alienating their true savior.

Lauren, a battle-hardened female spy, had once been the sharpest sword of the nation, executing countless dangerous missions. However, when she learned of the tragic death of her beloved younger sister, Quinci, her world fell apart. At Quinci's funeral, Lauren was utterly heartbroken. However, what she found even more unacceptable was that on the day of the funeral, her brother-in-law, Colter, actually remarried! This blow filled Lauren with grief and rage. She decided to disguise herself as her sister and disrupt the wedding ceremony, making Colter's family aware that their actions were a profound disrespect to Quinci.

Desperate and out of options, a father sells his daughter to a ruthless butcher. The transaction ends in tragedy, leaving the girl deaf and mute. Soon after, the heartless butcher vanishes without a trace, leaving her simple-minded man to raise her. Years later, while struggling to make a living, she uncovers a shocking truth - the wealthy and influential head of the Glynnes is, in fact, her long-lost biological father.

In her past life, Xamira was betrayed by her lover and his scheming mistress, enduring eight miscarriages orchestrated by their cruelty before dying in agony. Reborn with vengeance in her heart, she married Jotham Shadforth—the ruthless billionaire who ruled Solthar with an iron fist. To her surprise, he showered her with unwavering devotion, and their passionate union soon blessed them with a child. But as Xamira plotted to make her enemies pay, a dark truth threatened to unravel her new life. Would her second chance end in triumph or tragedy?

Daria Carter, a single mother, embarked on the journey back home with her twins, Milo and Myla, for their education. To her surprise, they unexpectedly crossed paths with William Shaw, with whom Daria had a romantic fling five years prior. Upon recognizing Daria, William chose to conceal his identity, assuming the guise of a prodigal son to establish a connection with her. As their friendship unfolded amidst various challenges, marked by moments of sweetness, William found himself increasingly drawn to Daria. Simultaneously, Daria eventually discovered that William was the father of her beloved twins. In the end, love bloomed between them, leading to the formation of a complete and harmonious family unit, embracing the joyous presence of Milo and Myla.

Margaret sacrificed everything to raise her two sons, only to have her "dead" husband Channing show up at their graduation with his mistress in tow. The truth hit hard: he'd faked his death, and "her" boys were actually his love children with Vivian. The shock killed her. Then she woke up in the delivery room. She reborned. Game on.

To escape her father's meddling, Molly Jones entered a whirlwind marriage with her best friend's uncle, Hayden Griffin. However, before they could talk things through, Hayden abruptly left for an overseas trip. Years later, fate brought Molly to work at Hayden's hospital—but neither of them recognized the other. Molly even became Hayden's secretary. As the twists and turns unfolded, Molly found herself falling for her boss—and husband—Hayden. What will happen when the truth finally comes out? Don't miss this captivating story!

Eight years ago, Lily Moore thought she had lost her boyfriend forever. Heartbroken and pregnant, she entrusted her newborn daughter, Luna Moore, to her mother, Jean Lake, and disappeared from their lives. For eight long years, Lily never returned home, never once seeing the child she left behind. Now gravely ill, Jean seeks out her daughter in the city, desperate to secure a future for Luna. But Lily, now married and determined to protect her new life, refuses to acknowledge the little girl she once abandoned…

When Lily Quinn and Lucas Mosby were young, their grandparents set a marriage pact for them. However, Lucas has been living abroad, so no one mentions it. On the day he returns home as the CEO, both receive surprise calls from their grandmothers, telling them to meet at a restaurant for a blind date. That’s when they learn about their engagement. Lily, who dislikes arranged marriages, decides to ruin the date. She asks her best friend to help her find a temporary boyfriend. However, she mistakenly thinks the man who shows up is her rented date. To her shock, it’s actually Lucas, the very CEO she is supposed to meet.

Evelyn Willow, a strong female general, is honored by the emperor with the title of "Wise General" for her victories. Returning to the capital for her sister Vera Willow's wedding, she's mistaken for a beggar due to her worn clothes. Despite this, Vera fiercely defends her. But on the day of the wedding, Vera is betrayed by her entire in-law family. Evelyn uses her power to strike back, defending her sister's honor. After helping Vera annul the marriage, she arranges a new match with Caius Nelson. On the day the duke sends his betrothal gifts, both sisters unexpectedly encounter the parents who abandoned them. Evelyn decides to make them regret their actions for the rest of their lives.