Novels by Heylee

Michelle’s POVThree Years LaterIt was around 4:30 p.m. I was rounding up for the day at my new company when my phone beeped. I’m outside — Leo.I smiled at the screen, grabbed my bag, and waved everyone goodnight.There he was, waiting for me, looking effortlessly handsome, his soft brown eyes found me quickly as he leaned casually against his black Benz.“I’ve missed you,” he said as I got close.He wrapped his arms gently around my waist and we kissedI pulled my face away with a light laugh, and we both chuckled.“Shall we, my lady?” He opened the car door with a little bow, and I smiled as I stepped in.We drove quietly, music drifting softly from the car speakers.When we arrived, I gasped.I thought it was just a simple dinner date. I didn’t know Leo had other plans.He had booked and decorated a cozy resort—a quiet place wrapped in fairy lights, rose petals scattered across the ground, with soft music. Lanterns flickered in gold, outlining a dinner table set for two under a

Ray's POV6:00 AM"What!" I bolted upright, regretting the sudden movement as my head pounded. I buried my face in my hands. She was gone, and I hadn’t even thought to ask where she lived or which college she attended. I started the engine and reversed out of the beach, driving toward my penthouse across town. I couldn't stop thinking about her—the way she'd laughed at my jokes, the surprise in her eyes when she'd tasted alcohol for the first time, the trust she'd placed in me despite being complete strangers.There had been something different about Michelle—her nervous laughter, the way her hands trembled when she first touched the glass. That innocence clung to me now, turning last night into something that felt almost like a crime.I needed to find her, if not for anything, to apologize.As soon as I reached my apartment, I made a mental note to have my personal assistant search all the universities in the state for students named Michelle in nutrition programs. It was a long sh

Michelle's POV“I’m sorry, Michelle…” he stuttered. “It’s not—uhmm.” His voice cracked, then he got down from the hood, running a hand through his hair.“I shouldn’t have done that… you don’t deserve this from a stranger. Maybe it’s best if we call it a night,” he said, now facing me, while I sat there still trying to process it all.But as the seconds stretched out, I thought about all the years I’d spent saying no to everything—not because I didn’t want to, but because I was scared of messing up, of stepping out of line, of being seen the wrong way.Before I could second-guess myself, I reached out and grabbed his collar, pulling him toward me. This time, when our lips met, I kissed him back.I leaned into him as his hands found my waist. My hand slipped on the hood and accidentally knocked over the glasses. It fell to the ground, shattering into pieces. But we were too consumed to care, as we kissed more intimately.I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he picked me up gently, wit

Michelle's POVHe chuckled lightly. “Sorry, it’s an involuntary action. Something I do once I get into the car.” I raised an eyebrow, not entirely buying it—but before I could press further, he changed the subject.“So, what’s your name?” he asked casually.“Michelle,” I responded, as my fingers twisted around the hem of my dress.“And you are?” I breathed, still shaking from what just happened.“Ray.” He smiled.“I’ve been here for a while, you know,” he continued. “I saw you sitting alone, staring out at the ocean, detached from everyone else, so I came over to see if maybe being there could help. Even just a little.”“Thank you.” I whispered, touched genuinely by his act of kindness. “Nice to meet you, Michelle,” he said, trying to wave off the sad atmosphere creeping in. He stretched his hand toward the backseat to grab something.I grinned awkwardly. “What’s that?”“Oh, just getting us a drink,” he responded, with gentle reassurance as he reached for the bottle.“Is that… alcoh

Michelle's POVIt had been eight months since the death of my brother—Sam, yet for no reason the pain crept in uninvited again today.I made my way down to the beach, hoping the sound of the waves might help clear my head, if only for a little while."Take me to the beach," I told the cab driver, my voice barely above a whisper. "Any beach."The Pacific stretched endlessly before me as I stepped down from the car, the setting sun painting the sky in shades of orange and crimson. I picked my way across the sand, dodging joggers and evening surfers. I found a piece of driftwood, faraway from the crowd and sank onto it.I was so lost in the hypnotic pull of the water,and the soft melody in my ears whispering about love and forever, that I didn’t hear the footsteps until they stopped just behind me.“Mind if I sit?”I removed my AirPods and turned to find a man standing a few feet away, hands shoved deep into his pockets. He was tall, with a strong, full frame—not bulky, just solid, lik

Tessa’s POV (as Elena)I finally managed to hold my phone, fumbling hard as I dialed Elena’s mum.I paced the foyer, heart thudding, desperately waiting for her to pick up.“Elena, calm down,” her voice came through trembling the moment she answered.“Mum…” I forced myself to say after a few seconds.“I haven’t reached any of the officials yet, but nothing is going to happen to your dad, okay?.”I nodded, unable to speak as she quickly hung up.Mr. Rodriguez walked back into the foyer.“Is anything the matter, miss?” he asked gently as I sank into one of the couches.I could not respond, I just sat there trembling.A few seconds later, my phone beeped, a strange number was calling. I picked up immediately, desperate for answers from anywhere.“Hello, who is this?” My voice was already tight with tension.It took a few seconds before he finally responded, “Huhmm… it’s Adrian,” he finally breathed.I pulled the phone away, staring at the screen, thinking maybe he’d dialed by mistake.“

Tessa’s POV (as Elena)Days flew fast, and my dad’s birthday was now a few days away.I stepped out of the car for the final dance rehearsal with Adrian.I breathed in the crisp evening air as I walked into the hall.At our previous rehearsal before this final one, Adrian had acted strangely. Completely different from the slightly relaxed way he had behaved after I fainted.I shrugged the thought off as our tutor walked in.“We have no time again, please let’s begin.”I stepped closer. By now I was well accustomed to the moves, and I moved swiftly, in sync with Adrian.We both started well, moving perfectly, but at some point, I absentmindedly began to follow his lead without thinking.My mind had drifted to how big the charity event was going to be—just four days away—and only one day before Elena's dad’s birthday.The thought that I must not flop or make any mistake hammered on my chest. Anything I did at the charity might put Elena’s dad at high business risk. And the bigger part?

Adrian’s POV“What… what did you just say?” My voice cracked as panic shot through me.“I am sorry, sir,” Anna stammered, pressing her trembling hands together.“This is all because of that stupid dance practice,” I muttered under my breath, my jaw tight with rage.I stepped closer. Anna shook like a leaf.“I told you nothing must happen to Vale and his kittens,” I breathed, my chest beating so fast, I thought it might just come right out.“I… I am sorry, Master Adrian,” she whispered with pleading eyes.“You think sorry can fix it!?” I roared, and she staggered back in fear.With a sharp huff, I turned and stormed upstairs to my room.***“Hey, brother,” Michelle’s voice came softly through the phone as I picked up.“Hey,” I mumbled, with a dry throat.“What’s wrong? You don’t sound fine,” she pressed. Just those words alone cracked something open in me.“Vale lost one of his kittens.” I raked a hand through my hair, my vision blurring as grief pressed down hard on my chest.“Oh Adri

Adrian’s POV“Lucien, can you remember what really happened between Adrian and Bella?” Kade asked as we entered our private lounge.“Bella was trying to kiss you… but you refused. You caught her wrists, told her to pull herself together. That was it.” He breathed the words like they barely mattered. His gaze drifted to the side, as though his mind was elsewhere entirely.I let out a quiet breath of relief and leaned back on the sofa.“What’s up, Lucien? You look like something’s disturbing you,” Kade pressed. I glanced at Lucien, and realized he wasn’t okay.“I’m okay,” Lucien muttered, flashing Kade a brief look.Kade shrugged, unwilling to drag it further. “I’ll be heading home early. See you guys tomorrow.” He rose, swung his sleek designer bag across his shoulder, and walked out.The room fell into silence—until my phone buzzed sharply against the glass table. The screen lit up with my father’s name. My stomach dropped. A familiar dread found its way through my chest. That feeli

Tessa’s POV (as Elena)It was Sports Day—one of Bella’s most exciting days of the week, so I expected to find her buzzing with energy.“Hey, Bella,” I beamed as I stepped into our private lounge, ready to be greeted with her usual bright smile.“Hi,” she responded softly, her face clouded with something that looked like worry.I stood still for a moment. Bella never sounded like this.“What’s wrong? You don’t look yourself,” I asked curiously, tilting my head toward her.“It’s okay, Elena,” she said calmly. It was so unlike her that my suspicion grew even stronger.“And why aren’t you preparing for your ballerina routine? That’s your favorite part of today.”Just then, her phone screen lit up. She immediately stood up, snatched it from the table, and glanced at it quickly. Her expression tightened before she muttered, “See you later,” and hurried out the door without another word.I let out a long sigh, confused by her behavior. I dropped a textbook I had borrowed from the library on

Bella’s POVI had a date that evening with Lucien—he had texted me a few minutes ago, as a reminder.But first, I needed to go with Emris to Elena’s house to check on her.On our way there, I noticed Emris’s mood was somehow strange. Although he was more of an introvert, today he seemed even more withdrawn.“Don’t tell me there’s no poor girl for you to go through this week,” I joked, trying to shake him out of whatever cloud hovered over him.“Please, Bella,” he said firmly, as his eyes darted away.“Hey, what’s wrong?” I pressed. “You don’t look fine, Emris.”“I am fine, Bella,” he responded with a sigh.“You can talk to me, Emris.” I reached over and held his hand. His gaze flashed towards me for a second. “Recently I feel like we’ve not really been talking, you know.” He smiled faintly and pulled his hand away. “It’s okay, Bella.”“Okay,” I shrugged as we both stepped down from the car.***“Hello, Mother,” we greeted as we walked into Elena’s house.“Bella, how are you doing? Be