Novels by Sapphire Austin

I watched as she ran out of the room. I turned with a darkened expression to the head of the HR. “Erin, keeps her job, this report goes no further.” I stated.“That is not something you have control over Damian. This report will be investigated and if it is found that you have been in a relationship with Miss. Williams then there will be consequences for both of you.”“There will not be. As Owner of Written Ink, this is a direct order. You will ignore the report my sister has given you and no further action will be taken on this matter.”She faltered in her step as the information sank in.“You will also not discuss this matter with anyone, nor the information I have just shared with you. My identity will be revealed at the party in a couple of days. Until then, this matter has been resolved. Do you understand me?”She simply nodded.“Oh, and I have just dismissed Prue from her position here. That is not to be contested by anyone but myself. Until I say otherwise, she no longer work

I had to put things in place after the party for me to take my place back at the head of the company. That meant that I needed to find someone to replace me in the office. It also meant that I needed to be at the head office so that I could set a lot of wheels in motion. This meant a lot of time away from the office and Erin. I could tell she felt the distance again by her messages, but I needed to get this over with. I had no idea what Prue was like with her, but she was horrendous with me, and I needed to keep Prue’s focus on me, so Erin did not experience what I was seeing. My parents had really gotten into her head about my undercover role in the office and how much the company was failing without me at the helm running things. It was all lies of course; they just wanted me back in charge and to stop playing the fool, in their words. In part, I had to wonder if it was because they also wanted me away from Erin. The more false truths they fed Prue, the worse she became, and the

He kissed me tenderly as he dropped me off. I couldn’t help but feel like in part it was a kiss goodbye. I messaged him goodnight and he responded, which made me happy.The next week was a strange feeling in the office. Damian was not there much. He seemed to always be in meetings or working from home. Rumors were rife in the office, and people assumed he was on the verge of being let go. Everything in me hoped that they were wrong, but he asked me to trust him and the truth would be revealed. Was that the truth he was referring to?We were a couple of days away from the Christmas party when I had a call from HR asking me to go through and see them. It sounded official and like something was wrong. I looked around to find Prue not at her desk, Damian had not entered the office that morning. Cleo saw me looking around the room.“Are you alright? Your pale white.” She stated.“HR wants to see me. It sounds official.”“Any idea what it’s about?”“I have a suspicion, but I really hope tha

She was leaving when I reached gently for her hand. I stroked her knuckles. “I really am sorry.” She nodded and I knew it meant she didn’t forgive me but was grateful for the apology. She stepped out with her puffy face and red eyes and I knew I had caused that. I just hoped that no one was out there to see what I had done. And then there it was, Cleo’s voice. Always, Cleo. Part of me was glad she had come looking for her friend though. “Erin!” She called. The look on her face towards me was hatred. She could see how upset her friend was and regardless of what Erin told her; we all knew that it was my fault. “What the hell!? Why have you been crying?” I gave her a gentle touch on the lower back and exited while I could. I knew Erin was capable of handling Cleo without needing me there to pressure her excuses. I hated the fact that she had to lie to her best friend because of me. I headed back into the office and could see the looks I was getting from everyone, but I didn’t

I could feel my heart ready to stop, and my chest was tightening still. She turned on her heels and exited the room with me one step behind. As we levelled up one of the meeting rooms, I grabbed her and dragged her in. I spun her and pushed her against the wall. I was being harsher than I intended but there was no way that was going to be the moment that I lost her. “Are you serious?” I growled again.She pushed me away. I never saw it coming as she screamed at me. Not only was she serious but she was physically pushing me away. I’ve lost her.I felt my heart breaking. I had to make it right. I cannot lose her yet.“Why would you ever think that I didn’t want you?” The dam burst and her words spilled hitting me like ice shards. By trying not to lose her all I had accomplished was to push her away and do exactly the thing I was fearful of happening."...what is the point in this anymore?”Her voice was raised, and I was worried that anyone walking past or hanging around the hal

I wished I could Erin the whole truth. I wished there was a way I could tell her the truth and keep her in my life. I was almost certain that once she knew that I would lose her completely. Father was pushing me to end things with her and walk away before the truth was shown at the party. I knew that I needed to step up on that stage and introduce myself to everyone. I also knew how much of a shock it would be to everyone, but the worst thing was I had to do it in front of Erin. There was no way I could tell her first and risk her not being there, as that would raise more questions. Prue was at me at every turn. She had pushed us together but now that father had been in her ear, she had changed her mind and was now trying to split us up. I could see the tension between them in the office; it still confused me how oblivious Cleo was to everything sometimes. It was now an inevitability that I was going to break her heart; I just hoped that Cleo would be there to pick up the pieces a

My eyes locked onto Nick immediately and I saw him ready to cry. Elio stood next to him patting him on the back. My gaze fixed on Nick, and I smiled at him gently. I took a place in front of him and passed my bouquet to Claire with a kiss on the cheek. He held my hands and kept my gaze. I could feel him shaking more than I was. “You, ok?” I mouthed. He nodded wiping away a tear from his cheek. The celebrant started the service. I had never been happier than I was in that moment. We got to the part for the vows. “Leila Clarke never had I believed in love at first sight until I saw you. You had my heart even before you knew it. I have loved you from the second you stepped out of the car at the charity ball, and I will love you until my last breath and maybe even long after. We have been through some tough times but at every turn you have shown me what true strength is. Over the last few years, you have shown me what it means to be a man and when I think I cannot love you anymore y

Nick grabbed my thigh so tight it almost hurt. I gripped his hand, and he released me quickly. “Sorry,” he mouthed at me. I was in shock. This time Dan walked out with the guards without a fuss. The drive home was silent. I collapsed into Nick’s arms when we got back to the apartment. “It’s over,” I said. “It’s over.” He confirmed. “What now?” I asked. “We live our life. We look to our future.” He nuzzled my nose. “I kind of have a surprise and I hope you’re not going to be mad.” “Uh-oh.” He pulled a set of keys from his pocket. “Keys?” “I bought a house in the countryside. One just like what you wanted.” “You’re kidding!” He shook his head. I couldn’t believe it. I jumped into his arms and crashed my lips onto his. “When can we go?” “Now.” He smiled. The house was exactly like the one I described to him. Within a week we moved out of the apartment and into the house. I officially joined Thorn cider and helped Nick with running a branch of the compan

“Madam, fore woman, have you reached a verdict?” “We have your honor.” She replied as she stood to face the judge. “On the charge of kidnapping, how do you find the defendant?” “Guilty.” “On the charge of rape, how do you find the defendant?” “Guilty.” “On the charge of attempted murder, how do you find the defendant?” “Guilty.” I breathed a massive sigh of relief and tears quickly followed as I collapsed my face into my hands. Nick wrapped himself around me. I could feel him shaking as badly as I was. “Thank you, jurors, for your service. Mr. Daniel Smithe you are remanded until sentencing on Friday.” I felt Nick shaking hands with people all around, but I was still in a state of shock. He placed a hand on my back and tried to break my hands from my face. I couldn’t stop shaking. atje chaos around sounded so quiet all I could hear was Nick and my own pounding heart. I lifted my head slowly through blurry eyes filled with tears and I saw him smiling over to someon

Dan carried on shouting and as my mind flashed back to memories, my stomach bubbled, and I threw up over the stand. The judge called a break, and the courtroom was cleared. I headed to the bathroom to clean up before heading back in and retaking the stand. “Leila, can you tell me why you were sick?” “The memories, the thought of him touching me,” I paused and shook my head as I remembered him near me, “It makes me feel sick. I was sick several times during that time.” “Nothing further.” My lawyer sat back down, and I was excused from the stand. As soon as I took the seat next to Nick, he grabbed my hand and pulled me into him. He wrapped an arm around my waist and held my hand with his free one. I thought he’d be mad about me not telling him about calling Dan, but he was just happy for me to be there. He stroked my knuckles softly as we sat, and the next few witnesses were called. Day 5, 6 and 7 were similar to the first few days. Lots of witnesses, evidence and testimonies.

“Miss Clarke, can you confirm you had a relationship with Mr. Smithe.” “Yes but...” I was cut off. “And is it fair to say that your relationship was a good relationship.” “It was okay but...” Again, I was cut off. “Is it fair to say that Mr. Thorn was the only reason your relationship with Mr. Smithe ended.” “Yes but...” “So, if Mr. Thorn had not forced you to leave Mr. Smithe you would still be together now?” “No!” Anger was building inside me. I tried to look back at Nick in the hope just looking at him would calm me but the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up. My adrenaline started pumping as I clenched my fists into my lap. “Are you sure because we have testimony from Mr. Smithe’s sister, who I believe was your housemate at the time, that you were happy with Dan until Mr. Thorn forced your hand.” “No, it’s not true!” I looked at Dan and saw a sadistic smile creep onto his face.I clenched my fists so hard that my nails dug into the palms of my hands and left ma

No one argued with me and we were guided through the courthouse and into the courtroom. We took a seat near the front with members of the public. There was an area at the back reserved for selected reporters. I held my hands tight in my lap and fidgeted trying to find a comfortable position, but I couldn’t. Nick placed his hand over mine. I gave him a small smile. He leaned in and whispered in my ear. “We can leave at any point; just squeeze my hand and we will leave.” I nodded. The doors opened and in came the lawyers, followed by Dan. My breath caught in my throat, and I stiffened as he looked at me and smiled. It felt sinister somehow. Nick squeezed my hand, and I shook my head. I watched them take Dan into the glass box at the side and he settled into his seat casually like he was at home while the lawyers took to their tables, moments later in came the prosecution lawyers we had been speaking with. The judge was next to follow and then the jury. The judge confirmed with the jur

Logan’s birthday morning came around. I was at the office early setting the presents on his desk. I logged into my laptop at my desk and did my morning rounds. I was in the morning meeting with Jack and several other lawyers, in the middle of taking notes and instructions for the team when Logan burst through the door. I saw the look on his face. He had opened the presents. “Logan, what are you doing in here?” Jack asked. “Seriously,” he said excitedly. I nodded and smiled. He rushed around the table lifting me out of my seat into his arms, cheering. The room was confused by what was going on until Logan held the scan picture out to his father as he sat me down. I watched as Jack realised what the picture was. His face softened, “Congratulations to the both of you.” I blushed as there was a chorus of cheers from the other lawyers. “Happy birthday, babe.” I kissed his cheek. Logan excused himself from the meeting and normality resumed. After we finished work, he rushed

My birthday was the next celebration to arrive. Logan made a point of making a big deal out of it after how bad my last one was. He booked a fancy restaurant, followed by a night in with my favourite dessert and movie, topped off with a video call to family. Over the next few weeks, I started to plan a birthday surprise for Logan for just the two of us. On the lead up to his birthday and during my secret planning sessions I had started feeling off and I had thrown up a few times. It was only when I slowed down and took some time to myself, I felt the worst. When I was rushing around and busy with other things the sickness, although there, was not at the forefront of my mind. I decided to book a doctor's appointment. It was unusual for me to be sick so I thought it would be best. I didn’t want to bother Logan with it as he was busy on an important case. I managed to get into the doctors the following afternoon. I mentioned the appointment to Jack as it would mean I would have to l

The next few months went by in a blur. Work was great, life with Logan was great, family was great. The one-year anniversary of what happened to me had arrived. Logan did a fantastic job of making a bad time into something good. I thought I would have nightmares but Logan managed to distract me at every turn. We booked the day off work and he took me to a zoo. We had a picnic lunch in the zoo gardens and he took me to a restaurant for tea. We finished the night with a movie and popcorn, cuddled up on the sofa. That night Logan never let go of me in bed. If I wriggled out of his hold, he would maneuver so that his arms were still around me in one way or another. Over the next few months, we found one reason after another to celebrate and live life to the fullest together. From weekends away on mini vacations to nights in watching movies and cooking dinner. I didn’t think life could get any better. One morning when I arrived at work, I had already been sent a meeting request by J

Monday morning felt strange getting ready to go to work with Logan. I was a bundle of nerves so he offered to drive. Arriving was surreal, after checking in at reception I was handed my lanyard with my badge on to get me through the building. Julie met me a few moments later to start my induction. Logan wished me luck and kissed me goodbye. I went through my induction and was given an office. As Logan thought my office was on the same floor as his. Julie started to set everything up for me and started my training. Julie headed out for lunch and gave me the option of exploring, staying at my desk or heading out for the hour. I chose to stay and messaged Logan. ‘Are you busy, do you fancy grabbing some lunch together?’ Just as I was about to hit the send button there was a gentle knock on the door. I looked up to see Logan leaning against the door, smiling. “Don’t let Julie catch you on your phone.” He chuckled. “I was just about to text you to see if you wanted to grab lunch

Three hours later, I arrived at the house. The traffic on the motorway was horrendous. There had been an accident that had closed one lane off. Because of this I managed to catch the removals truck up and arrive with it to the house. Logan rushed out to meet me. Taking a box from my hands and putting it down. He scooped me into his arms kissing me. “I can’t believe we are doing this.” I spoke. “I can. I can’t wait to make a life with you.” “I know what you mean.” He placed me down and picked the box back up. Once the movers were complete, we looked at the house covered in boxes and furniture. We set to work in the kitchen first and unpacked a few boxes before getting distracted with each other. Logan had not unpacked much of his own things and now mine were on top there was a lot to do. I banished him to another room to try and get things done quicker. We had the weekend to try and unpack and set up as much of the house as we could before I started work on the Monday. Someho

Once I was home, I headed straight over to my parents and asked Abigail to meet me there. I broke the news to them. They were all happy and excited for me, just a little sad to see me go. That week flew by, because I was out of work and I was excited for the upcoming move, I found myself packing up as much as I could. I headed out to the local supermarket to grab some boxes. It was a tiring week and I was on the phone more than ever to Logan. It seemed like accepting the offer to move in, made him miss me even more, but I knew the feeling well as I couldn’t wait to start our life together. Over the next few weeks things started to move quickly. Logan signed all the paperwork for the house while I finished packing my house up. I ended up leaving a lot of things behind and choosing only what I needed and wanted to take. Each weekend I took as many boxes as I could with me at a time, to Logan’s apartment. It was going to be a lot cheaper move from his than from mine otherwise. It di