Novels by Zaya Andrew

Serena's POVI set my glass down and looked at him squarely.“Felix,” I began gently, “I know things didn’t end the way you wanted. But I never cheated on you. I never disrespected you. I just told you I couldn’t continue because… I was into someone else. I was honest with you.”He exhaled, smiling without humor. “And that’s exactly what made it worse.”I blinked. “Worse?”He leaned forward, elbows on the table, swirling his wine slowly. “If you’d cheated on me, at least I’d have had something to hate you for. I could’ve written you off as cruel or disloyal. But you didn’t give me that. You just… left. Clean, quiet. No screaming. No closure.”I didn’t know what to say to that.“All I was left with,” he continued, eyes locked on mine, “were the memories. All the good ones. Playing in the rain that time in first year, our inside jokes, that tiny apartment in Brooklyn we stayed in for a weekend, those moments played in my head. You didn’t break my heart violently, Serena. You let it blee

Serena's POVI turned fully, heart clenching, and there he was, Felix, my first love.Everything around me faded for a second. The music. The lights. Even Sophia’s presence beside me blurred.It had been years, but I’d know him anywhere. That confident walk, the slight tilt of his head when he smiled. And that look in his eyes, like he could still read me, even after all this time.Sophia gasped softly. “Oh wow. Felix?”He grinned. “Sophia. You look stunning. It’s been ages.”“Right? You too!” she replied, and they hugged quickly.His eyes came back to me, warm, nostalgic. “And you... Serena.”Then he chuckled. “What are you doing here?”I tried to keep my tone casual. “Just hanging out. Having fun with my friend.”He didn't miss a beat. “Mind if I tag along? I mean, we’ve got years to catch up on.”I hesitated.Sophia didn’t.“Sure,” she said, smiling way too wide. “Let’s go to the VIP section.”I shot her a look, but she just winked.Felix followed us as we turned toward the velvet

Serena's POVWe left the living room and headed straight to the room, walking side by side by side.“I can’t believe we packed the same gown color,” Sophia said with a smirk as we stepped inside. She was already digging through her bag. “Green twins. Was this planned?”I chuckled, slipping out of my robe. “Great minds think alike.”She held her dress up to her body in front of the mirror. “Should we tell Damien we’re heading out?”I paused, holding my dress in one hand. “You tell him.”Sophia turned around with wide eyes. “Excuse me? No. That’s your job.”I raised a brow. “Why is it automatically my job?”“Because he’s your lawyer. And also, he’s your problem tonight,” she said, sticking out her tongue playfully.I shook my head with a sigh, but I couldn’t argue. It was my job.Once I was done dressing, I stepped into my shoes and grabbed my purse.There was something almost theatrical about strolling into the study. I pushed the door open with intention. Damien did not look up; the s

Serena's POV“I hope you’re both hungry,” Damien said, pushing a plate toward us.“I thought lawyers only knew how to argue,” I teased, eyeing the surprisingly delicious-looking pasta.He smirked. “I argue in court. I impress in the kitchen.”Sophia gave me a sly glance but stayed silent—for now.We sat around the island and began to eat. The pasta was creamy, warm, and perfect. The silence wasn’t awkward, just... thick. With awareness.“So,” Sophia said, finishing her wine, “this might be my cue to let you two enjoy the rest of the night without me hovering. I’ll go check my phone.”She winked at me as she slid off the stool.When I looked back at Damien, he was watching me.My fork hovered mid-air. “What?”He shook his head, smiling. “You just look more like yourself tonight.”I paused. “What does that mean?”He leaned in just slightly, voice low. “You’re laughing. You’re not holding your breath.”I let out a slow sigh and turned to face him. “We need to talk,” I said, my voice low

Serena's POV“I, uh…” I swallowed hard, feeling cornered. “It wasn’t that big of a deal.”Sophia gave me a look. “Serena.”I hated lying to her. But the weight of the truth felt too heavy. Telling her everything, about the inheritance, about my new status, about the sudden power I never asked for, felt too big, too soon.But keeping it from her, that didn’t sit well either.“I managed,” I said carefully. “The lawyer helped, and Damien didn’t exactly charge the full rate.”It was half-true. But not enough.Sophia tilted her head, watching me closely. “You’re hiding something.”I sighed, heart thudding against my ribs. “I just, I’ll tell you everything. Just not tonight. Not yet.”Her eyes narrowed slightly, but then she smiled. “Is there any reason why you don't want to tell me? I'm your friend, Serena, your best friend, or perhaps you no longer trust me?"I laughed weakly, "That's not true honestly, you know I do trust you, but a lot has been happening lately, and I feel like the less

Serena's POVHe leaned in slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. I should’ve stepped away. I should’ve said something, anything, but I didn’t. I just stood there like a statue of liberty in his arms.My heart thudded painfully against my ribcage. Heat brushed against my skin as he exhaled close to my cheek, and then, pop, his lips were on mine.It was a faint brush, almost hesitant really; as if he were testing the waters. Gentle, hesitant, and yet it exhilarated me and took the air right out of my lungs. I slapped my eyes shut for a mere second, trying to grasp the feeling, but reality barged unfairly in once again.I surprised myself by withdrawing, and boy, he didn't like it. He had never seen that coming, yet I did. Clearing my throat, I whispered, “This, this isn’t right...” I stepped away, needing space and clarity. My skin tingled where he'd touched me, and the weight of that kiss surprisingly felt too heavy. Damien remained silent, lips flattening into a line as his jaw cle