No Good Deed Goes UnpunishedResilience is taught to us through pain; Irene knows this all too well. Burdened by the death of her sister, and beleaguered by the hospitalization of her boyfriend, she trudges on.  Yet none of that prepared her for the darkness ahead, instigated by the noble act of saving another. Enter Cyrus, a smug hedonist without a shred of shame. And he's taking over Irene's life.Facing a challenge for both her physical and emotional survival, Irene's struggle becomes a psychological battle against a world that overlooks her plight.  But a greater evil is afoot, and the loathsome Cyrus may be her only chance at survival.  She is faced with hard decisions to safeguard her few loved ones, but at the cost of her dignity, principles, and even her life. This intense tale explores her resilience and helplessness, as anger and fear resurface in the face of overwhelming unfairness. ANNOUNCEMENTS This fiction has undergone redrafting.  Significant enough changes were made to plot, characters, and chapter arrangement.  Therefor the newest draft is in a second volume.  New readers, go straight to the second volume.  The old draft (or "first" volume) will be removed by December 30th.  You have been notified. * Keep your eyes on Author Comments for more detailed content advisories for that chapter.* Chapters average about 3500 words.  Story is complete but may undergo revision.* Cover made using photograph provided by Joonas kääriäinen