Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost 1 Summary
In the first chapter of “Shattered Dreams Find Light,” Simone arrives at her boyfriend Lewis’s apartment, initially filled with excitement and hope for their second anniversary. She discovers a beautiful setup with roses, wine, and a jewelry box, leading her to believe that Lewis has remembered the occasion. However, her anticipation quickly turns to dread when she finds Lewis in bed with another woman, Sydney. The shocking betrayal leaves her paralyzed with disbelief, as she grapples with the reality of the situation and the pain of witnessing the man she loved engaged in an intimate act with someone else.
As the confrontation unfolds, Simone’s emotions spiral from shock to anger. She attempts to demand answers, but Lewis’s dismissive attitude and Sydney’s mocking taunts only intensify her humiliation and heartbreak. The confrontation escalates, revealing the deep-seated betrayals and manipulations that have characterized their relationship, leaving Simone feeling worthless and betrayed. In a moment of emotional turmoil, she lashes out and destroys the living room, seeking an outlet for her pain as she runs away from the scene.
Seeking solace, Simone turns to her best friend, Jasmine, who provides comfort and support. As she recounts the events, the reality of her betrayal sinks in deeper. Despite the emotional devastation, Jasmine encourages Simone to attend a promotion party that night, reminding her of the hard work she has put in to earn her new position. With Jasmine’s help, Simone prepares for the event, slowly regaining her confidence as she transforms herself into a stunning version of herself.
However, upon arriving at the party, Simone is met with pitying looks from her colleagues, and her heart sinks when she sees Lewis and Sydney together, hand in hand. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when Nate, their boss, announces Sydney as the new editor, leaving Simone in shock and despair. This moment underscores the betrayal she has faced, not only from Lewis but also from those she thought she could trust, propelling her into a new chapter of her life marked by heartbreak and the need to reclaim her strength.
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**Shattered Dreams Find Light**
**Chapter 1**
“Baby?” Simone called out, her voice resonating through the spacious living room of her boyfriend’s apartment as she stepped inside. The familiar scent of his cologne lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of something sweet, perhaps dessert. “Baby?” she repeated, her tone more insistent as she tossed her leather bag onto the couch, the soft thud echoing in the silence.
And then her eyes landed on them.
A stunning bouquet of roses, their vibrant petals glistening under the soft glow of the lamp. A delicate jewelry box, its surface gleaming like a promise. A bottle of wine, its label sophisticated and enticing.
Her heart leapt with anticipation, a flutter of excitement coursing through her veins. “He remembered,” she whispered to herself, a wave of guilt washing over her. Just moments ago, she had entered with the intention to confront Lewis, ready to express her disappointment over his apparent forgetfulness regarding their second anniversary and the promotion party she had been eagerly anticipating that very night.
“Lewis?” Simone called again, inching closer to the table where the gifts were laid out. As she picked up the wine bottle, her heart sank. It was uncorked, and beside it sat two empty glasses that she had overlooked in her initial excitement.
Frowning, she placed the bottle back down and made her way toward the bedroom, her pulse quickening with unease. “Lewis!” she shouted, pushing the door open with a force that belied her growing apprehension.
And then she froze, her breath hitching in her throat.
There, sprawled across the bed, was Lewis, entangled with another woman. The air was thick with their moans, a sound that twisted her stomach into knots. Shock coursed through her as she stood, paralyzed, witnessing her boyfriend engaged in an act of betrayal.
“Lewis!” Simone finally managed to scream, her voice laced with disbelief.
“Let me fucking come,” Lewis grunted, his voice a harsh mix of pleasure and irritation, completely oblivious to her presence.
Simone’s stomach churned, but she found herself unable to move, rooted to the spot as she watched him with the same rhythm that had once made her feel cherished.
“Ah! Yes! Yes!” Lewis cried out, his breaths becoming ragged as he lost himself in the moment, collapsing onto the bed in a haze of ecstasy.
Tears welled in Simone’s eyes, blurring her vision as she fought against the tide of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Gritting her teeth, she struggled to maintain her composure, her heart shattering further as she recognized the woman beside him.
“Sydney,” she gasped, the name escaping her lips like a bitter poison.
Sydney, propped up on her elbow, wore a smug smile that made Simone’s blood boil. “Hey, Simone! Lovely of you to join us,” she taunted, her tone dripping with mockery.
Simone blinked, momentarily stunned by Sydney’s audacity. Despite the chaos unfolding before her, a small part of her clung to the hope that there might be an explanation. She chose to ignore Sydney, whose legs were draped casually over Lewis’s shoulders, as if they were in a cozy embrace.
Lewis caressed Sydney’s legs, pressing kisses along her skin, and Simone’s heart twisted painfully in her chest. “What’s going on here?” she demanded, her voice trembling as she tried to sound authoritative, but the quiver betrayed her.
“What does it look like?” Sydney shot back, her smirk widening into a full grin. “We were just playing volleyball.”
Lewis chuckled at the jab, raking a hand through his hair as he turned his gaze toward Simone. “It’s exactly what it looks like, Sim. We’re done.”
The way he uttered her name ignited a fire of rage within her. She felt tears welling up, and she wiped them away furiously, sniffling as she struggled to keep her composure.
“I can’t believe I wasted two years on you!” she yelled, her voice filled with bitterness. “I gave you everything, and you can’t even have the decency to—”
“I gave you everything!” Lewis interrupted, wrapping the rosy bedsheet she had gifted him for Christmas around his body defensively. “I’m the one who wasted my time. You didn’t deserve any of it. Not my love, and certainly not the job.”
Sydney’s sneer cut through Simone like a knife, and she took a step closer, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You can’t claim you gave me the job. I worked my ass off to get there.”
Lewis scoffed, an arrogant smirk playing on his lips. “My influence got you that position. You really think Nate would hire a nobody like you if it weren’t for me?”
“Of course not,” Sydney chimed in, sitting up straight, her voice full of disdain. “We all know you only dated Lewis so his best friend could hire you, cheap hoe.”
Simone gasped, the sting of Sydney’s words hitting her hard. Tears threatened to spill over, but she fought against them. Not now. Not here.
They laughed, and her cheeks burned with humiliation. Before the tears could fall, she turned and bolted out of the room.
In the living room, she let her anger explode as she flipped the table, sending everything crashing to the floor. It was a childish act, but in that moment, she didn’t care. She needed to feel something, anything other than the searing pain in her chest.
Simone managed to hold back her tears until she reached her best friend’s house. As soon as she stepped inside, the dam broke, and she collapsed onto the floor, her chest tightening with heartache.
“Simone?” Jasmine, her best friend, called out, her voice instantly filled with concern. When she saw Simone’s state, her expression shifted to one of alarm. “What happened?”
“Lewis… Sydney…” Simone stammered, her voice shaking as she struggled to articulate the betrayal.
Jasmine sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, offering comfort. “Take deep breaths and tell me everything,” she urged gently.
Simone obeyed, her heart gradually steadying under Jasmine’s soothing presence. She hiccuped, a fresh tear escaping as she recounted the painful events.
“Sydney? The one from work?” Jasmine asked, her brow furrowing in disbelief.
Simone nodded, feeling the weight of the betrayal settle heavily on her shoulders.
“How the hell does she know Lewis?” Jasmine’s voice rose, filled with incredulity.
“From Nate, obviously,” Simone sniffled, wiping her eyes.
“That bitch. I can’t believe she did that. And Lewis? Tonight of all nights?” Jasmine’s anger flared, her voice rising with indignation.
Simone’s stomach twisted painfully. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, the pinnacle of her hard work. She had finally earned the promotion she had worked tirelessly for, rising to the position of news editor after uncovering a groundbreaking story. She had envisioned a night filled with joy alongside Lewis, marking a new chapter in their lives together.
But now, he had ruined everything—anniversary, celebration, and trust. She wasn’t even sure she wanted to attend the party anymore.
“I’m not going,” she declared, her voice firm yet laced with uncertainty.
Jasmine’s expression shifted to one of determination. “Absolutely not. You have worked too hard for this position, and you deserve to celebrate it,” she insisted, pulling Simone into a tight embrace. “You can’t let this break you.”
“But—”
“No buts,” Jasmine interjected, her voice steady and resolute. “You are going to that party. Lewis is not going to drag you down. You deserve this moment.”
“I deserve this,” Simone echoed, though doubt lingered in her heart.
Jasmine stood up, her eyes softening as she extended her hand. “Come on, let’s get you ready. It’s going to be a great night.”
Simone forced a smile, hesitantly taking Jasmine’s hand. The thought of Lewis and Sydney loomed in her mind, but she pushed it aside, determined not to let them ruin her night any further.
Together, they moved to Jasmine’s room, where they began the transformation. Two hours later, Simone stood before the mirror, dressed in a stunning red gown that hugged her curves, the hem elegantly slit to reveal just a hint of her leg. Her brunette hair was styled into a chic bun, and Jasmine had expertly applied her makeup, enhancing her features.
“You look divine,” Jasmine beamed, pride radiating from her smile.
Simone gazed at her reflection, feeling a flicker of confidence ignite within her. “Yes,” she agreed, a small smile breaking through.
“Let me go get dressed too,” Jasmine said, darting off to her own wardrobe.
An hour later, they made their way to the VIP section of Club Liberty.
Jasmine, adorned in a stunning black gown, giggled behind Simone. “I can’t wait to see the decorations and that bitch’s face. You have to show her who’s in charge now, Simone.”
Jasmine’s words struck a chord within Simone, and her heart tingled with a newfound sense of defiance. She would definitely show Sydney what she was made of.
As they stepped into the VIP section, a chill ran down Simone’s spine. Her colleagues were already gathered, but instead of the warm, welcoming smiles she had envisioned, she was met with pitying looks and hushed whispers that fluttered through the room like unwelcome ghosts.
Had she imagined it?
“What’s wrong with them?” Jasmine asked, her voice laced with concern.
The question knotted Simone’s stomach, but before she could respond, Sydney and Lewis appeared across the room, hands intertwined, an image of betrayal that cut deep.
The pain surged back, sharp and unyielding. Jasmine instinctively reached for her hand, squeezing it gently, offering silent support.
Before either of them could speak, Nate stepped forward, a glass of champagne in one hand and a microphone in the other.
“Thank you all for joining us tonight,” he began, his gaze locking onto Simone’s, holding it with an intensity that made her heart race. “But there has been a change. Tonight we celebrate Sydney; she is now the new editor. Congratulations, Syd.”
A wave of confusion crashed over Simone, her heart plummeting into the depths of despair.
What just happened?
Conclusion
In the aftermath of betrayal, Simone stood at the precipice of a new beginning, the haunting shadows of Lewis and Sydney’s treachery still fresh in her mind. Yet, as she gazed into the mirror, adorned in her stunning red gown, she felt the flicker of resilience ignite within her. The whispers of pity and judgment from her colleagues could not extinguish the fire that Jasmine had rekindled. With each step she took into the VIP section, she was no longer just the heartbroken woman left behind; she was a force to be reckoned with, ready to reclaim her narrative. The pain of that night would not define her; instead, it would fuel her determination to rise above the ashes of shattered dreams.
As the evening unfolded, Simone learned that her worth was not dictated by the betrayal she had endured but by the strength she discovered within herself. With Jasmine by her side, she faced the reality of her situation with newfound clarity and purpose. The announcement of Sydney’s promotion stung, but it also solidified Simone’s resolve to pursue her own path, one that would lead her to greater heights than she had ever imagined. In that moment, surrounded by the glitz and glamour of the celebration, she embraced the uncertainty of the future, knowing that the light of her ambition would guide her through the darkest of times. Shattered dreams may have brought her to this point, but they would not dim the brilliance of the woman she was destined to become.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter of “Shattered Dreams Find Light,” Simone is poised on the precipice of a new beginning, but the weight of her recent heartbreak looms heavily over her. As she navigates the treacherous waters of betrayal and disappointment, readers will witness her struggle to reclaim her sense of self amidst the chaos. Will she be able to rise above the pain inflicted by Lewis and Sydney, or will their actions continue to haunt her? With the announcement of Sydney’s promotion echoing in her ears, Simone’s resolve will be tested, forcing her to confront her feelings head-on and decide what path she will take moving forward.
Anticipation builds as Simone prepares to face her colleagues and the bitter reality of her new circumstances. The tension in the air will be palpable as she grapples with the duality of her triumph and her heartbreak. With Jasmine by her side, the chapter will explore themes of friendship, resilience, and empowerment, setting the stage for Simone’s potential transformation. Will she find the strength to stand tall in the face of adversity? Or will the shadows of her past continue to cloud her future? As the night unfolds, readers can expect unexpected encounters, emotional revelations, and a fierce determination to reclaim her narrative, ensuring that Simone’s journey is anything but predictable.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
