Novels by Julie Corner

SARA'S POVFlipping her hair over her shoulder gracefully, Alyssa leaned in to whisper into Derek's ears.Without a moment of hesitation, he took the bracelet from her while she extended her fair wrist towards him.And then, with gentle movements, Derek clasped the bracelet around her wrist, raising her hand to plant a soft kiss on it.The moment should have passed like any other, but I could not get over the thought that Danielle had so casually passed on a gift I had thoughtfully selected to Alyssa.It wasn't like one of those expensive antiques that were only sold at auctions. No, it wasn't that priceless a gift but when I picked it out, I intended it to be a memory, a moment and a token of love between mother and a daughter but I guess Danielle thought otherwise.My throat tightened painfully and I blinked rapidly, pushing back the tears that threatened to fall.This wasn't the first time Danielle was expressing so much affection for Alyssa and I felt it was about time I got used

Sara's POV"That's great," I dipped my head to sigh in relief, lifting it afterwards to present a passive face to Asher."She resumes today and I will need you to..." His words trailed off at the sound of a knock on his door.It opened a crack and someone popped their head in first, "Um...Mr Herman?""Come on in Laila," Asher beckoned invitingly.A young girl that looked to be a couple years younger than me stepped in. She had large, bright, doe eyes and her hair was packed into a ponytail.Her eyes scanned the room as she walked in, looking around with a curiosity that could not be concealed.She was beautiful to say the least and had the air of a fresh budding flower.I supposed I once looked like her, my eyes used to hold life and excitement just like hers held in this moment."I hope I'm not late, it's my first time on the job so I'm quite nervous," she held her hands out in front of her, clasped tightly."Oh no, you're good," Asher waved his hands dismissively then turned his att

SARA'S POV“Do I have to order a microphone? I just asked a question, Sara.” Derek came closer to me and muttered, his eyes glaring daggers at me, his gaze sickening, Infuriating even.“Daddy, I asked mom to stay back and make breakfast tomorrow morning for me.” Danielle explained even before I could say a word. I took in a long breath, then exhaled. “And I just said I had work to do, c'mon Danielle. Your nanny is here to tend to your needs.” I took in a deep breath and for a fleeting moment, there was silence.Danielle stared at Derek, as if communicating with him to ask me to stay back. Derek however, looked conflicted within himself. After what felt like eternity, Derek broke the silence with a light clearing of the throat, then turned to me. “If your daughter asked you to stay and make breakfast for her tomorrow morning, then I think you should. I mean, that's the joy of mothers, don't you think?” he narrowed his gaze at me and I arched my brows.Strange! Everything was strange

THIRD PERSONS POVDanielle had just returned back from school a few hours ago, but had refused to have her dinner because she believed her father and Alyssa would be coming to take her out for dinner. She was sitting in her room, making a drawing once more when her door creaked open then a maid walked in.She swiftly turned to the maid with a smile, “They're coming, right?” She questioned, dropping her pencil on the table. The maid forced a smile but Danielle noticed the change in her expression, so she stood. “Don't tell me they're not coming. I'm not having that. They promised.” She snapped at the maid who sighed.Danielle has always been like this. Stubborn and out of control and it was only Derek and Alyssa that could handle her, but what was she to do now that they're left alone?She crouched down to Danielle's level, then smiled briefly at her. “You know daddy and Alyssa wouldn't keep you waiting, huh? Something came up. Something happened and the dinner has been shifted to s

SARA'S POV“What do you think about this?” Alyssa pointed to jewelry, a smile on her lips as she turned to Derek who was standing at her side and asked.Danielle was in their middle, giggling and occasionally pointing out something's too..“Everything looks good on you. C'mon, you don't have to ask.” Derek patiently replied to her, not without tucking a hair behind her ears.“What about this too? Huh? Why don't you try it on?” Danielle pointed with a giggle and Alyssa turned to her with a wide smile, ruffling her hair shortly.“You like it?” Alyssa inquired, her voice dripping with excitement and Danielle gave her a sign to bend which she did without a protest. She must have whispered something funny into her ears because Alyssa burst into smiles after that, picking out the same jewelry Danielle had earlier pointed at.“If Danielle said it'll look enchanting on me, then of course it will. My little princess got the most charming eyes.” She pinched her cheeks. Not hard to gain a wince

SARA'S POVThe next morning, I dressed up and went to work. The past days without Danielle around had felt like hell itself as I wasn't yet acquainted with staying without her, but when life treats you in the cruelest way, even you'd be shocked at how much you can take in.I had just stepped into the elevator, a pile of files sitting gallantly in my hands when I saw a group of executives walking towards the same elevator I had just stepped in.My eyes dropped open. Not in shock. Not wary. But in recognition. At the centre was Alyssa, or would I rather say, Derek's mistress, leading the group like she's got everything at her fingertip. The same woman who my husband and daughter prefer to me. The same lady who had stolen my spot and made my life a picture of mockery. I saw her lips curve, not into a smile, but a smirk. It disappeared just the same way it came.I stepped to the side, creating a space for them to enter, but one of the executives' faces turned pale in disgust.“I can't b