Novels by ilechukwuhenry08

~ELENA’S POV~The car rolled into the driveway well past midnight, its headlights cutting briefly through the quiet before fading into darkness. The villa stood still, asleep, its grand walls holding secrets and unspoken truth beneath their polished calm.I stepped out first, exhaustion settling deep in my bones. I was drained from the hospital visit more than I had expected. Seeing my mother fragile yet resilient, hearing David's suspicion, watching Max's quiet intensity—it all pressed heavily against my chest.Max closed the door gently behind me; he was careful enough not to make a noise. David went straight to the living room and sat down to rest while reading his magazines.The house felt different with his presence inside it—heavier, watchful, as though every corridor carried eyes that could see through walls.When we walked into the villa, I quickly remembered last night's incident. I realized I didn't have time to get my things into Max's room and I wouldn't want David to susp

~ELENA’S POV~Just as David Dickson promised, we were going to visit my mother at the hospital later that afternoon.When we got to the hospital, I walked slowly beside Max, my fingers curled into the sleeve of his suit jacket as he held his cane with his other hand.On the other side was David Dickson. He moved with measured steps, his cane tapping softly against the polished floor, his presence commanding yet calm.Despite the quiet around us, my heart beat loudly in my chest.I had visited my mother countless times since the accident, but today felt different. Today, I wasn't walking into that room alone. Instead, I was bringing the two men who now held the most weight in my life—one bound to me by blood and love, the other by fate, commitment, and something I was still learning to name.David glanced at me as we walked. “You're tense, my dear,”I managed a small smile. “I suppose I am.”“That's natural,” he said gently. “A mother's illness unsettles even the strongest heart.”Max

~RYDER’S POV~The study was thick with tension, the type that clung to the walls long after raised voices fell silent. Heavy drapes muted the morning light, casting the room into a somber glow that did nothing to soothe the unease curling in my stepfather's and mother's chests.Charles Dickson, my stepfather, stood by the mahogany desk, fingers pressed flat against its surface, while Mom paced slowly behind him, heels clicking softly like a ticking clock counting down to something inevitable.I sat slouched on the leather sofa, one ankle propped on my knee, my jaw tight, and my eyes flickering with restless irritation. The incident of last night kept replaying in my mind as I was filled with so much resentment mixed with fear—fear of the unknown, to be precise.“This is a disaster,” Mom snapped, breaking the silence. “An absolute disaster. The board will not swallow this without questions.”Charles exhaled sharply. “Lower your voice. The staff doesn't need to hear every word.”Mom sco

~ELENA’S POV~The morning light filtered through the tall glass windows of the villa, painting long golden streaks along the marble floor. I descended the staircase slowly, one hand trailing along the polished banister. I walked quietly. I hadn't slept deeply—not after everything that happened last night. I wore a simple cream blouse and fitted trousers, my hair loosely tied back. I want everything normal and calm this morning. Space to think.As I reached the last step, I heard faint voices from the dining area.Max's voice came first—low, controlled, respectful in a way I had already grown familiar with.“Grandpa, a lot has happened in the past,” he was saying, “But Elena isn't part of any scheme. She didn't ask for this life. I brought her into it.”My breath caught. I instinctively stepped back into the shadows of the corridor, as my heart began to race. At first I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but now that I heard my name, I decided to stay back and listen.David Dickson replied, hi

~ELENA’S POV~I slipped into Max's shirt, the fabric soft and warm, carrying his scent—by the way, it smelled so nice. When I turned around, Max was already there, towel slung low around his waist, droplets of water still clinging to his skin. Our gaze met.There was silence for a moment.My lips parted, I gasped for air as I was stunned and astonished— drawn into the world of sexual fantasies at the sight of Max. It was my first time seeing him without clothes. His physic was hot and could make a lady vulnerable in seconds.“Elena,” Max called. I immediately flinched, returning to reality, I cleared my throat and said, “Yeah,– I-I think it's my cue to shower now.”“Ok… you'll find a fresh towel in the bathroom.” He said as I walked past him.A few moments later, I was out of the bathroom. I dried my hair with the towel as I had already put on Max's shirt before alighting the bathroom.“Are you sure you are comfortable with sharing the same bed with me?” He asked.“How about I use th

~ELENA'S POV~The dinner reunion ended earlier than expected because of the incident involving Riley and Ryder.Charles, his wife, Martha and Ryder had gone to their house, but Max and I stayed back a little longer waiting for his grandfather, David Dickson.David has promised to come live with us for a while and I don't know why. I kept on thinking about it while seated in the living room with Max.“Why is your grandfather coming to live with us?” I whispered.Max smirked. “You probably do not know my grandpa. If my guess is right, he is coming to observe our marriage.”“Really?” I widened my brows. “So what are we going to do now?”He smiled and gazed at me. “We just be ourselves. Act like normal couples. And do the things normal couples do.”“Don't worry, we'll be fine.” He added.I acted calm, but beneath my calmness lie worries and curiosity. I couldn't help but overthink it. I've never had to pretend to be a wife, let alone being under supervision—not just from anyone, but from