Novels by Grace Alegria

The gentle hum of the ocean drifted in through the balcony doors of the honeymoon suite, casting a peaceful lull over the room. The lights were dimmed, the scent of white lilies filled the air, and the bed was adorned with scattered rose petals — a romantic cliché that somehow felt just right.Valeria stood near the window in a silk robe, her heart still fluttering with the echoes of the day's whirlwind. Her fingers brushed the edge of the windowpane as she looked out at the dark horizon. The ceremony had been perfect — dreamy, surreal, and full of so much emotion that she hadn’t stopped smiling since she said “I do.”But now, reality had settled into the stillness. They were married. For real. Not for a contract. Not for image. But for love.Alejandro was in the adjoining room, changing out of his tuxedo, and each second ticked louder in her ears.Was he nervous, too?Would tonight be different now that everything between them was real?She heard the soft knock before he stepped into

The morning sun filtered through sheer ivory curtains, casting a soft glow over the hotel suite. Valeria sat in front of the mirror, her heart racing as her makeup artist dabbed foundation onto her already pale face. The scent of peonies and jasmine—her chosen bouquet—filled the air, but it did little to soothe the tremor in her chest.This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. Yet, after what happened the night before, everything felt like a lie waiting to explode.She hadn’t slept. Not after Alejandro’s ex, Camila, had shown up at the bachelorette party uninvited, with a smug smile and a folder of photos she threatened to leak.“He’s not who you think he is,” Camila had whispered in Valeria’s ear, just before being escorted out by security. “You’ll regret saying yes.”Valeria had laughed it off at the time, pretending to be unfazed. But all night, her mind spiraled—what if there was truth in Camila’s warning? What if everything she’d started to believe about Alejandro—the

It was supposed to be a fun, carefree night—a night to celebrate the end of the single life, to laugh, dance, and let loose. But nothing with Alejandro Herrera was ever as simple as it seemed.Valeria stood in front of the mirror in her hotel room, eyes flicking to the stunning dress she’d chosen for the bachelorette party. It was daring—deep red, with a plunging neckline and just the right amount of sparkle. She had to admit, it was the kind of dress that made her feel powerful, the kind that made her forget about the mess that had come with the fake engagement, the messy emotions, and all the hidden truths that neither of them had dared to confront.She glanced at the clock. Alejandro was waiting downstairs. There was no turning back.The plan was simple: a night out with her closest friends, with some champagne, dancing, and maybe a little fun that didn’t involve wedding plans. But something inside her told her tonight wasn’t going to go as planned.When she arrived at the venue—a

The countdown had begun.With less than two weeks to the wedding, the Herrera estate buzzed like a beehive. Staff rushed up and down the corridors. Event planners barked instructions. Garment bags flowed in like river currents—white silk, champagne tulle, ivory lace.But amidst the chaos, Valeria stood in the center of it all—dazed, overwhelmed, and holding a piece of pistachio cake between her fingers like it was a life raft."I can't believe this is happening," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the classical quartet rehearsing on the balcony. "I'm marrying Alejandro Herrera. And not as a decoy."Mirabel leaned over the tasting table, popping a chocolate truffle into her mouth. "Babe, you’re marrying the country’s most eligible bachelor. It’s giving Cinderella, but with espresso and legal contracts."Valeria blinked. "Do you hear yourself?""I do. And you should too. You’re glowing.”“I’m sweating.”“From love.”Valeria rolled her eyes, but the warmth spreading through her

The waves crashed against the rocks as the sun began its descent behind the Monterrey skyline, casting golden hues across the private balcony where Valeria stood. The breeze tugged at the soft fabric of her cream dress, and for once, she wasn’t thinking about tomorrow. She was lost in the silence… and Alejandro.Behind her, the glass door opened with a soft click.He didn’t speak immediately. Just stood there, watching her, hands tucked into his pockets like he was afraid if he moved too quickly, the moment might vanish.“Why does it feel like the air is holding its breath?” she asked, not turning.Alejandro’s voice was low. “Because it is.”She turned then. He was in a navy blazer, no tie, his shirt undone at the top. There was something different in his posture—unguarded. And something about his eyes… they weren’t the sharp daggers she was used to. They were oceans, stormy and unsure.“I ruined everything,” he said quietly.Her lips parted, but she didn’t interrupt. She let the conf

Paris – Late AfternoonThe silence in the car was heavy, not uncomfortable but potent—like a string pulled taut between two people who’d hurt each other more deeply than they’d ever intended.Valeria looked out the window, the city blurring past. Paris had never seemed so soft, so forgiving. Or maybe it was her heart, bruised and raw, starting to beat again.Alejandro’s fingers flexed on the steering wheel. He hadn’t taken his eyes off the road, but his voice was low, calm, deliberate.“Why didn’t you tell me about the legal mix-up?” he asked.Valeria’s breath caught.“I wanted to,” she admitted. “But every time I tried, you made it clear I was just a pawn in a business deal. A beautiful, replaceable prop.”Alejandro winced. The words stung because they were true—at least, back then.“I was scared,” she continued. “Scared that if I said something… it would all collapse. That I would lose even the illusion of being wanted by you.”He finally looked at her, just for a second, but it fel