Novels by Zaya Andrew

Serena's POV“Right,” Sophia said, crossing her legs. “A friend you invited to Sunderland after one phone call.”I sighed, unable to hide my small smile. “It’s not what you think. I just… need to see him. There’s unfinished business between us.”Damien’s eyes softened slightly. “Just be careful,” he said. “This isn’t the right place for old emotions to start clouding judgment.”I nodded. “I know. I’ll be careful.”The room fell into a quiet rhythm after that. Sophia started scrolling through her phone, Damien stood to pour himself a drink, and I leaned back on the couch, letting the silence settle around us.For the first time that day, I felt the weight of everything pressing down on me — the company, Vincent’s shadow looming over every decision, and now, the unexpected reappearance of Kyle.Tomorrow was going to be complicated.Sophia broke the silence first. “So,” she said, turning to me. “What’s your plan for tomorrow? You’ve got Morris, Kyle’s arrival, and Diamond City to worry a

Serena's POV“I’ll let the board meet with Vincent first,” I said. “Let them think he has leverage. Then I’ll step in. Quietly, but firmly.”Sophia grinned. “That’s my girl.”Damien nodded approvingly. “Smart. The element of surprise works best when your opponent doesn’t see you coming.”The mood lightened after that. Sophia began talking about the restaurant downstairs, insisting we should order something sweet before bed. Ella teased Damien about looking too serious all the time, and he playfully rolled his eyes.For a moment, I just sat there watching them. These were the people I trusted the most—the small circle that had been with me through the worst. And though tomorrow loomed uncertain, I felt stronger knowing they were by my side.After a while, Ella yawned and stretched. “I’m heading to bed before my brain starts plotting crimes,” she said.Sophia laughed. “Goodnight, troublemaker.”Ella waved and disappeared into her room.I turned to Damien. “You should rest too. Tomorro

Serena’s POV“I’m grateful you chose to tell me " I said, coaxing a smile. "You’ve already gone beyond what was needed. Let me tend to the rest.”Alexa's head snapped up in a nod. "Of course. Goodnight Miss Serena.”When she vanished from sight Damien and I pressed forward toward the elevator the thudding of my pulse echoing against my ribs. The placid self‑assurance I'd carried all day was waning, supplanted by a keen serrated anxiety.“Don’t let it get to you " Damien whispered as we stepped into the elevator, his voice low. "You’re not the woman Vincent used to know. You’re stronger now.”A faint smile curled my lips. I kept my thoughts to myself. He was right—still the fact that I could be strong didn’t mean the fear inside was gone.The elevator doors slid open spilling us onto the night air. I lifted my eyes to the soaring Diamond City tower, its lights blazing against the midnight sky like a crown of fire. In the glass my faint reflection stared back, an outline that still rad

Serena's POVHe slipped back into his seat, eyes narrowing as if trying to decode a hidden message in my words. "You really think that’s what’s best for me?" he asked quietly.I caught his gaze. "You’ve wasted many years waiting for someone who could never love you the way you deserve. Maybe it’s finally time to let someone else try.”Damien’s lips flickered, caught on the line, between a smile and a sigh. "You sound as if you’re dispensing relationship advice " he teased gently.I shrugged. "Maybe I am.. Perhaps I’ve simply grown disinclined to see you alone longer.”His eyes went soft, a warmth spreading through them. "You care a lot about Serena.”“Maybe " I muttered, eyes wandering. ". I’d stop being me if I didn’t.”For a moment the atmosphere between us seemed to thicken, not uneasy just saturated with everything left unsaid. He watched me, a hushed stillness, in his stare, his eyes drifting over my features like he was trying to imprint them in his memory.“You know " he final

Serena's POVI kept my eyes on Damien, searching for something beneath that cool exterior. He looked steady as ever, but I caught it, a quick flicker of pain, just for a moment, buried behind those sharp eyes.“Damien.” I kept my voice low, almost a whisper. “If they find out you’re back, they won’t just come for you. Anyone you care about is fair game. They might decide to kill all of us, just to get to you, to send a message."He didn’t even blink. “I know. That’s why you need to be ready. When people figure out you're running Diamond City, you'll be a target too. It won’t just be the press or greedy business types, I'm talking about the same kind of people who tried to ruin me.”That one stung. For a second, neither of us said anything. Outside, the city kept buzzing along, but here, it was just me and my pounding heart.Eventually, I broke the silence. “Then we’ll take them on together.”He actually smiled, really smiled, not the sarcastic twist I was used to, but something softer

Serena's POVSomething in his voice made me relax, like I could finally breathe. I leaned back, letting the tension go. “You’re way too calm for someone who just watched a whole board of directors sign their silence away.”He laughed, low and easy. “That’s just experience. Give it time, you’ll get there.”We sat quietly for a minute. Out past the tall windows, the city was alive—Sunderland glowing, buzzing, restless as ever. Somewhere out there, people were already whispering about what happened at Diamond City. They’d talk, make up stories, get everything wrong—at least for now.But the truth never stays hidden. Not forever.When it comes out, I’d have to be ready.“I don’t want to be just another name they toss around at parties,” I said quietly. “I want to be the one they can’t stop talking about.”Damien’s smile turned proud. “Then you will be.”I didn’t say anything. Just stared out at the city, lights flickering like a heartbeat. It didn’t just feel like home. It looked like a b