Novel-novel oleh Christie Bassey

ARIAThe doors opened, and for a moment I stood still.I was holding my bouquet, and ahead of me was the aisle.And I was suddenly frozen in place. My father was here in his wheelchair, but weeks ago, I had made the choice to walk myself down the aisle. No one was giving me away. I had already given myself away too many times in my life, and this step of tt way and this vowas mine to make. All mine.I moved forward slowly, the train of my dress dragging against the floor, and each step of mine matched my heartbeat.Nyx and Xander were seated in the same row, stiff in their suits, their eyes fixed in opposite directions like magnets turned the wrong way. Neither had spoken a word to the other since everything went sour between them, but still, they had come. That was something. That was love, in its own stubborn shape.I kept walking.I smiled at Reed and Michelle. His arms were around her shoulders, and she looked radiant, her hands resting in her pregnancy bump. Evelyn had claime

ARIAThe twins had wormed their way under my blanket again. They always did like two little magnets who believed my arms were made to hold them forever. I wasn’t complaining, especially now when the house finally felt like a house again and not a battlefield I was tiptoeing through.Lark’s giggles bubbled up against my chest as I held him pinned to me, my chin tucked over his soft hair that still smelled like his hair oil.He wriggled, his legs kicking uselessly, the sound so bright and unrestrained that it made something open in my ribs.“Help,” he squealed through his laughter, thrashing as though I were the villain in some great adventure. “Mama won’t let me go!”“You’re my prisoner,” I whispered dramatically into his ear, tightening my hold just enough to make him howl with delight. “Captured forever by me.”Across the bed, Caspian had Nylah by the wrists, letting her swing her tiny fists at his chest while he made exaggerated groans of defeat. “Oh no,” he cried, falling sidewa

ARIAIt had been a week since Rowan was dragged out of the lobby in handcuffs, screaming like a man who couldn’t believe the world had stopped revolving around him. A week of statements, lawyers, and headlines that refused to soften. But today wasn’t about Rowan anymore.Today was about the girls.The driveway of the safe house was crowded with FBI vans, tinted windows reflecting the gray morning sky. Agents moved efficiently, guiding the girls toward the vehicles, carrying the small duffel bags they’d been given. Their faces were pale, some pinched tight, others blank with exhaustion. They were being moved again, this time to a long-term facility where therapists and doctors would help them put their lives back together.I stood near the porch steps, my arms wrapped around myself even though the morning wasn’t cold. I tried to look strong, but my throat burned.Sofia broke from the line, jogging to me with her ponytail swinging. She stopped short, her hands holding something tigh

ARIAI stood in the doorway of my office at Zane Corporation, staring at the half-packed boxes on my desk like they were funeral arrangements.That’s what it felt like, boxing up my office because I was done with this place. My five years with Bennett wasn't done yet, but there was no way in hell I was sticking around here. I didn’t even care about anything anymore. He could sue me if he wanted.Caspian leaned against the window, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a file he hadn’t opened once. He wasn’t here to help me carry boxes, he was here because he refused to leave me alone, and though I’d never admit it out loud, I was grateful.“You sure you don’t want me to just send someone?” he asked.I shook my head. “No. I started here. I’ll finish it myself.”He nodded, but his eyes stayed on me, watchful in a way that made my shoulders relax.I picked up the last framed photo on my desk. It was a picture of Nylah and Lark. The frame went into the box with a soft clink. That wa

ARIACaspian groaned, dragging a hand over his jaw like he’d said too much.I was suddenly shaking him. “Tell me please.” He smiled down at me, and there was happiness in his eyes. He reached for me, hugging me hard as though I was about to run. “Yes, I've been working with Duke. We've been bringing the girls Rowan trafficked back here to Luxenburg. We've moved them into the same house so they're safe and protected.”I stared at him, my heart climbing so high in my throat it hurt to swallow. “How many?”“Nine now.”Nine. The word smacked into me like a stone, rattling through every bone in my body. I held the edge of the seat, trembling. My hands wouldn’t stop. My whole body felt as though it belonged to someone else. It was as though this day was giving me everything and not stopping to allow me breath at all.I wasn't sure if I enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster, but I liked knowing those girls were finally safe. There was nothing better than that. “Why didn't you tell me? Why

ARIAI could have thrown the phone right out the window if it was possible. Every time I spoke to Camilla, I wanted to scratch the skin on my face right off.I opened my car door, slammed it shut and stared abruptly out of the windshield “When have I ever pretended to be a hero to Zara, Camilla? Even now you want to pretend our daughter was an angel? She was the fucking devil herself!” Camilla’s shocked silence made me realize the things I'd just said. I sat back, tugging my fingers through my hair.“How dare you, Aria? How could you? Your sister just died and that's all the sympathy you have?” Camilla squeaked in my ears. “She burned all her bridges, Camilla. I'm not sure why you would expect sympathy from the person she hated the most. I'm sorry for your loss though, please have a good day.” I ended the call, sat back and screamed into my fist.Yes, I had been foolish. I could feel the guilt warring with the need to bash my head against the steering wheel. I knew damned well it

LYSSANDRA It's Uncle Nathan. He shifts and sits beside me. He takes my hand in his gently, but I yank it back, glaring at him. “What are you doing here, Nathan?” He grimaces at my tone. “I heard…I heard about what happened with Cade.” He meant Cade making a fool of himself in front of everyone. “What does that have to do with me?” Nathan’s eyes fill with worry. “I know you're mad at me, Lyssandra. But since your father died, you can testify that I've only done what I thought was best for you.”I'm unable to disagree with that. After Father's death, I had moved in with Nathan and his wife for years, while I rebuilt the house which was burnt to the floor. “I'm sorry I called you a… that name at Erden’s house. I was just surprised.” “That's not an excuse to disrespect me that way.” I'm not in the right frame of mind to argue with my uncle. I've just found out someone has been slowly poisoning me, the last thing I need is another argument with my uncle.“What do you want, Nathan?”

LYSSANDRA My head feels like someone took a drill to it while I was sleeping. And even worse is the white light stabbing my eyes when I wake up. I close my eyes and I try to sit up, but a pair of hands press me back into the bed. “The doctor hasn't said you can move.” The voice sounds vaguely familiar, and when I hear the snap of the light switch going off, I force my eyes open again. Erden is leaning over my bed. His eyes are cold and blank, and he lifts a pillow which he placed under my head to lift it a bit. “I have to get to work. My serum…” “You haven't even asked what happened to you, Lyssandra.” He interrupts me coldly, pulling a chair closer. Erden settles into the chair, and his eyes narrow. His shirt has been pulled over his fore arm, and his hair is rumpled, maybe from running his hands through it multiple times. What's he doing here? And I know what happened to me. It's the rot. I've gone a few weeks without it. I was lucky to have that much time. “Where's Docto

ERDEN“It doesn't matter. None of this is our fault either.” People think I'm the cold, logical, and rational one. But though he's my youngest brother, Aksel is actually the cold-hearted, cold-blooded one.I stand and walk away from him to put some space between us, because I'm tempted to punch him in the face. He seems to realize that too. The door to Lys’s room opens and Doctor Michelle steps out. She looks spent, but at least she doesn't look panicked. That gives me hope that Lyssandra will be fine. She stops beside me while a nurse steps into Lys’s room. I stalk over to her. “What's wrong with Lyssandra?” Doctor Michelle looks from me to Aksel. “I have no idea who you are. I can't share her personal information with you.” She tries to walk past, but I step in front of her. “I brought her here, and she's under my care. I can't take care of her unless you help me.” Doctor Michelle darts a look back at Michelle's door, then her shoulders slumps. “I really hope I don't get sued

ERDEN“Lys? What are you doing?” She smiles up at me, then turns that smile on everyone else who is standing around, pretending not to watch the drama unfolding.“Please everyone, welcome Mr. Erden Kryne.” She starts clapping, her eyes cold despite the smile on her face, and soon, everyone else joins the clap. Everyone except Cade who looks like he's swallowed a toad. “Lys…please.” She completely ignores him, grabs my arm, and pulls me down the lobby to her office. Immediately we're in her office, she lets me go, walks to her desk, and slumps into it. Her eyes close, and I note that sweat dots her forehead. She gulps air into her lungs. “What's going on?” I question Lys. She looks stunning, beautiful with her hair tied back into a high ponytail. But she also looks like she's two seconds away from a dead faint.I shouldn't be looking at her this way, but I can't help it. Walking around the desk, I take her into my arms, lifting her out of the chair. She doesn't fight me, and tha

LYSSANDRA I'm working out the next morning when the idea comes to me. I punch the bag, jogging in place. I need a new replacement in order to throw Cade out of the company. If that's all I need to do, then why not use Erden? It's such a wild idea that for a moment, I stop punching, pull a towel from the towel stand and mop my face with it while I think. No one would mess around with Erden, everyone knows better than to get on his wrong side. I could name him CEO, and somehow force him? Bad idea, maybe beg him to pretend to take the job. Just long enough for Cade to give up and leave. I leave the gym after another thirty minutes of running on the treadmill. Thanks to these workouts, I feel so much better despite my disease. I haven't had another bout in the last week, and soon, I'll need to return to the doctor for another check up. The idea of naming Erden as CEO returns to me, and again, I put it aside for later. Inside the house, Nagia is already waiting in the kitchen. Th

ERDENThe party ends sometime after twelve. Trent herds everyone to the door and closes it behind him. “Your father would have hated that crowd.” Trent mutters. I give him a sideward glance, but my jaw locks tight. “You didn't even know the man.”Trent hadn't met my father, because by then, Aksel and Kavev had helped me kill him. “Yeah, but I've certainly heard enough about him from you.” “Come on, let's go.” I mutter, walking over to my car. It's time for a conversation with Cade. And it's better done at night, when he's relaxed his guard. I pull out my phone and call Farouk. He's one of my men, and he's been keeping an eye on Cade. “Is he still home?” I slide into my car, waited for Trent to take the shot-gun seat, then drove off. “Yes, he is. He has company though. There's a woman with him.” “Do we know her?” “I don't recognize her.” Farouk answered. I hear a muffled curse. “She's leaving now, and she's crying. Do I confront her?” A crying woman leaving Cade’s house? Yeah

TWO YEARS LATERThe garden smelled like roses and summer rain. There were lanterns hanging from old oak branches.I'd never dreamed of a wedding day catered to just my taste, but if I had, this would had been it. “You're crying.” Valentina murmured, taking a kerchief from her bag. I shook my head. “They're happy tears. I just wish Papa was here.” “So do I, buy you'll ruin your make up, and we don't want that.” I nodded, and slid my arm into Pietro’s who had watery eyes himself. “You make the most beautiful bride, Alina. I'm glad to see the day when you are happy.” I turned and hugged him hard, only pulling away when the marching band started. “Thank you for walking me down the aisle, Pietro.” “It's my honor. You could have picked anyone and you choose me.” He kissed my finger gently, and together, we walked down the aisle to Luca. Everything looked like a scene from a memory I’d want to keep forever. Because at the end of the aisle, Luca stood waiting.He looked devastatin

LUCAI didn't hear the shot from Ethan. I wasn't even sure where exactly he was shooting from, but one minute, Riot was huddled together with his guards, and the next second, his head jerked back. For a moment, it seemed he had tripped over something and the guards reached out to steady him. Except he didn't stop, he kept falling, his body folded in on himself like someone had pumped the life of him. Riot hit the pavement, blood pouring from his head shot wound, and flowing out onto the asphalt under him. None of the guards moved fast enough, and that was always a bad idea. They stopped and stared at him, as though they couldn't process what their eyes was showing them. I shoved open the SUV door and stepped out. The air was cold, smelled like rain and exhaust, but all I was looking at were the rooftops. My Glock was already in my hand, pointed up, and ready to shoot. Alvez was right behind me, grinning like this was his idea of a good time.Vector slid out on my side, his r

LUCAShe was quiet for a moment, searching my face. Then she nodded, tears welling in her eyes, but this time, they were good tears. “Yes.”I kissed her again, deeper this time, and she laughed against my lips. Leo came running over with grass stains on his knees, demanding juice, and Alina wiped her face quickly before scooping him into her lap. For a moment, everything felt easy.We sat together, sunlight burning my scalp while I watched the Leo and Maya run around the park. This was easy, I could do this. That was just before my phone rang. It was an unknown number and even before I answered, I could almost tell something was wrong. It was the prickle between my shoulders. It came and went, but it always came when there was danger. “Enjoying your day out, Luca?” a voice drawled on the other end.Every muscle in my body went rigid. “Who is this?”The man chuckled. “That’s a beautiful park, the boy and girl are cute. Shame if something happened to them.”My eyes shot to my men,

LUCADinner was loud. Louder than I’d have liked for someone who’d been shot a few days ago, but I let it happen because the kids deserved it.Maya was laughing at something on Pietro’s phone, the sound of her tiny giggles lighting the dining room.Bruno was stretched out under the table, tail thumping every so often like he was in a good mood. My plate was barely touched. Between the stitches in my side pulling every time I moved and the storm that was always brewing in the back of my head, food didn’t exactly feel like a priority. Alina sat next to me, hair tucked behind her ear, laughing as she spooned mashed potatoes onto Leo’s plate.She caught me staring and gave me this small, knowing smile that said she wasn’t fooled for a second by my silence.That’s when my phone rang. I didn’t even check the caller ID. Campbell’s voice reached my ears the moment I pressed answer.“Mila’s gone.”I leaned back, my fingers tightening around the fork I hadn’t realized I was still holding. “

ALINAHe was breathing, thank God, but his breaths were shallow, wet. My heart felt like it was splitting in two.“I’m fine,” he rasped, like the idiot he is, clutching at his side.“Shut up, you’re not fine! Stop talking!” My voice changed into a scream without warning, and I was shaking so hard I could barely see.“I am.”“Don’t you dare,” I snapped at him, pressing both hands against the wound. My palms were slick with his blood. He groaned, flinching under the pressure, and that sound nearly had me breaking into hives.Bella was still standing there in shock, her hands clamped over her mouth, the gun dangling uselessly in one hand. Her whole body shook as she whispered, “I didn’t mean to…oh my God, I didn’t mean to!”I tried to lift him, grabbing under his arms, but his weight was dead against me, too heavy, and I almost dropped him. Panic clawed up my throat. “Help! Somebody help me!” My scream was raw, desperate. “Pietro!”Footsteps hurried down the hall, and Pietro burst into

ALINABella’s hand trembled as she moved the gun from me to Luca. Her face was pale under the warm lights, a strange mix of grief and fury twisting her features until she barely looked like my mother anymore.“You killed him,” she spat. “How could you? After everything I did for you, for this family, this is how you repay me?” I didn’t look away from my mother's face, and it wasn't because I wasn’t terrified, because I was shaking in my shoes. Every nerve in my body was screaming at me to run, to duck, to scream for help. But Luca was beside me, and if there was a single thing I knew for certain, it was that I wasn’t going to let her hurt him.“Everything you did for me?” My hands curled into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms. “You helped Matteo kill my father, Mama. I know what you did. You stood by and watched while he took everything from us, and I forgave you. I didn’t say a word. I swallowed it, even when it burned every time I looked at you. Don’t you dare stan