Novels by Xena Vale

Ava’s POVI didn’t get a wink of sleep last night.I tossed and turned. I stared at the ceiling like it had the answers I was looking for.Leo slept beside me, one hand held tightly to the hem of my shirt, his soft breathing the only thing that filled the space. But my mind was spinning.Damon Ashford.That name has always existed like a shadow in my life—spoken only in memory, whispered in guilt between Eva and I. He was a chapter Eva never wanted to reopen. And now, he walks around my life like he owns the room.Which, technically, he almost does. The man reeks of wealth and power. But under all that arrogance, I’ve seen something else too—something that makes me hesitate.Grief.Regret.And something terrifyingly close to sincerity.I don’t trust him.I will not.Because now that he knows about Leo, it isn’t just his grief I have to worry about. It is his ability to take everything I’ve spent the last two years building.And he won’t ask twice.—Right now, I am behind the counter

Damon's POV I watch her walk out like she hasn’t just dropped a bomb on my life. Ava. Eva’s twin. The woman who has raised my son like he is hers. The woman who told me I couldn't have my own son with fiery eyes. My jaw clenches as I stare at the seat she left empty. Her empty glass of wine sits mocking me. I expected resistance—but what I didn't expect was… her. That stubborn tilt of her chin. The defiant glint in her eyes as she says harsh words that can kill. The way she stood her ground like a soldier guarding her kingdom. My kingdom. My son. Leonard. My only heir. Two years and six months of his life, and I missed every second. His first steps. His first words. His first cold. His first laugh. All of it was stolen from me. By her. By Maureen. By Eva. Eva. Oh God. My hands shake violently as I grip the edge of the table for dear life. I had loved Eva with everything, even if I didn't know how to show it. I was too focused on building empires, removing obstacles, an

Ava's POV Keeping my eyes trained on the man who has come to destroy my life, I unknowingly hold my breath.Ignoring me, he tries to take Leo away from me but Leo wraps his hands tightly around my neck which snaps me away from the trance I was in.Like I said, rich people barge into your life with zero respect.“You're literally drooling.” Maya whispers, chuckling.“Shut up!” I whisper, already annoyed at my friend who is completely ignorant of the situation at hand.“That's my son.” These words ring continuously in my head so I decide to question it.“Who the heck are you anyway?” I ask, finally standing upright.“His father.” He says pointing at Leo.“How exactly do you know that?” I ask, trying to implant some doubt.“His eyes. He has my eyes.” He explains and as if remembering something, he assesses me quietly.“You must be her twin sister.” He says.“I don't think I know what you are talking about” I deny, testing his patience.I heard from Maureen that he controls his emotions

Ava's POVIt's been two days since Maureen paid me a visit and I've been worried sick. I've been on edge expecting the arrogant young billionaire that claims he will take over custody of Leo from me to walk straight into this restaurant or ring my doorbell.Unfortunately, my best friend thinks it's an opportunity for me to marry a billionaire and make us both rich. I know it's possible and if it happens I'll make sure to do just that but I also know better than to keep my hopes up.I know the rich people's game pretty well; they walk into your life with zero respect and go straight to demanding what they want. When you disagree, they offer you money and if you still do not agree, you might face a lawsuit.I'm ready for all that but one thing is for sure; I'm not leaving Leo for any reason.“Ava, table two needs a menu” Christabel says to me as she moves to prepare an order for a customer.“On it.” I answer.Walking to the table in question, I put on my best smile.“Welcome to John's D

A crash can be heard in the hallway and a scream follows suit; Maureen is scared to death at her brother's sudden outburst that she screamed when the vase came crashing at her feet “Wait… no this has got to be a joke” Damon say not believing what he just heard “You mean Eva left me because she was pregnant? With my baby?” He asks in disbelief. Maureen, being dumbfounded, stares blankly at the broken vase not knowing what to say. She had tried her very best to keep this fact from her elder brother but he had somehow managed to find out. “Don't play dumb now, fucking answer me when I talk to you” Damon is beyond pissed and Maureen knows it. Her brother seldom loses his cool and when he does, it's hell on earth. “Ye…yes” Maureen answers as a wind of despair passes through her. She shivers in fear and her hands tremble. “And you kept this from me?” Damon's voice cracks. For the first time in her life she witnesses her brother actually be vulnerable and show humane emotions. He sh