Novel-novel oleh Dacosta Kendra

LeilaThe banging started just after midday, a relentless pounding against my bedroom door. My head was still heavy, my body sluggish from the afternoon nap I’d been enjoying, when I realized who it was.Desmond???I’d last seen him the night before at my family's house, since he left halfway through to go spend the night at Kavier’s place. Now, here he was, back in our home, and apparently thinking it was his God given right to disturb my peace.Hours later, I finally dragged myself downstairs, still feeling that mix of exhaustion and nausea I’d been battling lately. Keeping food down was a daily challenge, but right now, I was craving something sweet.I slid onto one of the stools at the counter in the kitchen, dunking a chocolate cookie into a glass of milk, enjoying the small comfort it gave me. That’s when I heard Desmond clearing his throat behind me.“You’re really something these days, huh?” Desmond’s voice was dripping with contempt.I didn’t bother turning, “This sudden conf

LeilaThe moment our car rolled to a stop in front of the Stone family mansion, I felt it. Something in my gut told me that tonight wasn’t going to be an ordinary night. It would be dramatic but I had nothing left to lose. So if drama wanted to come knocking, I was ready to open the door wide.I reached for the handle to step out when Desmond’s voice stopped me. “I’d suggest we pretend like everything is fine between us,” he said, straightening his suit jacket, his tone as smooth and calculated as ever. “I don’t want us to ruin Grandma’s birthday dinner with… drama.”I turned my head slowly, narrowing my eyes at him. “Or,” I said, my voice dripping with bitterness, “I could just go home and sleep. It’s not like I’m going to be a member of this family for much longer.”His jaw tightened. “Even if you don’t want to be part of this family, my child will always be a Stone. So you’d better fix your attitude.” He didn’t wait for a reply, stepping out of the car.The moment we entered the ma

LeilaThe air inside the building felt exactly the same as it had two years ago. I hadn’t been here since the day I walked away, trading my career for the man I thought would be my forever.The moment I stepped into the reception area, I caught sight of familiar faces.“Leila!”I barely had time to turn before Maria, one of my closest friends from work, wrapped me in a hug.“Ley, it’s been forever,” she said, pulling back to look me over. Her eyes widened. “Wow! You look different and beautiful. What have you been doing with yourself?”Maria hadn’t changed much, still the same warm smile, same sharp bob cut. I’d heard she had been promoted twice since I left. That could’ve been me, I thought bitterly, if I hadn’t thrown everything away for a man.I forced a smile. “I’ve been fine, you look good too, Maria.”She beamed, then leaned in, lowering her voice. “I heard you and the boss broke up ages ago. His new girl, Ugh , can’t stand her. Sometimes I wish I could scratch her eyes out with

LeilaWhen I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the white ceiling, its bright light making me squint. The faint beeping of a monitor filled the room. I turned my head, expecting to see him beside me, but the chair by my bed was empty, my heart sank in disappointment.It took me a moment to realize where I was, the faint scent of antiseptic, the coolness of the sheets, I was in the Stone Family Hospital.The door creaked open and a nurse stepped in, smiling warmly. “Mrs. Stone, you’re awake. Let me get to the doctor.”She turned to leave, but I stopped her. “How long have I been here? And… have you seen my husband around?”Her smile faltered just slightly, “Oh no, a lady brought you in, she said her name is Maggie, you have been here since yesterday.”So it wasn’t Desmond who had rushed me here, it was Maggie. My chest tightened as the truth slid deeper into me.“Can you please get Maggie for me?” I asked quietly.She nodded and left. I lay back against the pillows, staring at t

Leila“Did… did I hear you right, Desmond?” My voice trembled, my heartbeat thudding so hard it felt like it was echoing in my ears.His eyes, those eyes I thought would never lie to me stayed cold and unyielding, “You heard me, Leila.” His tone was calm, “I never loved you, after we got married, I tried God I knew I tried but it just wasn’t working. The harder I forced it, the more I resented myself.”I stared into his eyes, searching for some hint that this was a cruel joke, a twisted test of my patience. But I had known Desmond Stone long enough to recognize the look on his face, the firm, unyielding expression he wore when he had made up his mind.Something inside me cracked, my stomach knotted painfully, my legs shook beneath me. My voice came out in a croak. “Why did you marry me, then, if you never loved me?”His lips tightened. “I’m sorry , I can’t tell you that. I just didn’t want to keep hurting you. If you want out of this marriage, I’ll understand.”Hot and heavy tears sli