Novels by Jade Hayes

I step inside my room and shut the door. I sighed deeply as the door clicked shut behind me, cutting off whatever storm of emotions Asher might’ve had brewing. I leaned against it for a second, my chest rising and falling slowly, then pushed myself off and walked over to the dresser. My hair is damp, the hem of my dress still clinging to my skin. Without thinking too much, I changed into a soft, dry night robe and tossed the cold, wet clothes into the basket.I wasn’t hungry. The tension in my chest had eaten up whatever appetite I might’ve had. All I wanted was to disappear under the covers and pretend tonight never happened. I slipped into bed and pulled the blanket up to my chin, staring blankly at the ceiling. My mind buzzed at Asher’s face, Ryan’s voice, the way I’d said his name like I wanted it to hurt. Maybe I did.Just as my thoughts were starting to drift, my phone rang beside me. I grabbed it off the nightstand without checking the screen and whispered a tired “Hello?”“L

Another low rumble of thunder shakes the sky, louder this time, like a warning. I shiver not just from the sudden drop in temperature, but from the heavy weight settling deeper in my chest. Ryan’s voice cuts through the charged air, calm but urgent.“We should get going. Looks like the rain’s coming fast.”I glance up, spotting thick clouds swallowing the stars, the once clear moon now hidden behind a dark curtain. The wind picks up, rustling the trees around us, whispering that the storm won’t wait long.Ryan moves with a quick, purposeful energy, and I follow, trying to match his pace. Our footsteps crunch softly against the gravel path as we hurry toward the car, the first heavy drops beginning to fall.Then, all at once, the sky opens, and rain pours down cold, relentless and soaking everything in moments.Without thinking, Ryan’s hand closes around mine strongly. The sudden contact sends a jolt through me, grounding me in the chaos. We break into a run, the slippery ground makin

The first time we came here, I was wearing a sky-blue sweater and boots too big for my ankles. Ryan had brought me after a long day of exams saying he knew somewhere “quieter than silence.” I had laughed at that, but followed him anyway.That night, we sat side by side on that same bench, our knees brushing, my fingers fidgeting. I had been rambling about something — maybe books, maybe dreams and he just kept staring at me.And then, without asking, without warning…He leaned in.It wasn’t sudden, but it wasn’t slow either. Just a quiet moment that stretched too long. I remember my breath catching, my heart hammering so hard I thought he might hear it. I remember how unsure his lips were soft, a little hesitant as if he was asking me a question with that kiss.I didn’t pull away.I kissed him back.It was sweet. Gentle. Not passionate like the movies but safe, like home. Like he was promising something without words.Back then, I thought that kiss meant forever.Now I wonder if it onl

I narrow my eyes slightly as I follow Ryan out of the study, my arms still folded. "Why are you even here?"He turns slightly as we walk, that familiar smirk creeping across his lips. "To check up on you, of course. Isn’t that what old friends do?"I raise a brow. "Old friends? Is that what we are now?"He shrugs casually, hands in his pockets. "Depends on what mood you’re in."I shake my head with a soft scoff, but I don’t argue. Truth is, I don’t even know what mood I’m in. Confused. Betrayed. Exhausted. Maybe desperate for someone who actually sees me without a filter of expectation or manipulation.We continue walking toward the garage side door, silence falling between us but not uncomfortably. Not like it is with Asher lately. With Ryan, it’s frustrating but familiar. Tense, but somehow easier to bear.When the night air brushes against my skin as we step out, I realize how long I’ve been locked up inside this mansion. Maybe this is what I need.Just to feel something real. Eve

My eyes moved to Asher as he ate. Something in me is relaxed as I steal glances at him. He's spending time with me. Does that mean something? Is he trying to show he's sorry?“ Are you here to bribe me again?”, I ask suspiciously.He chuckles softly.“You can’t even pretend not to care.” I raise a brow, playing it cool. “ I can't because I'm curious .” He sighs and sips his wine. “Let’s not ruin the mood.” For a moment, there’s silence. Just the quiet clinking of cutlery. It’s almost too peaceful. Then his phone, resting on the edge of the table, lights up. A message flashes on the screen. I don’t mean to look but I do. It's a message from Elise.(Elise: You left me waiting again. Should I come over instead? 💋💋)Wait… is he trying to spend time with me because he's bored?He have another girl waiting for him outside? Elise!My throat tightens. My grip around the glass falters. The wine inside trembles like my pulse. I freeze, and I swear my skin prickles with heat and dis

It’s evening by the time I finally collapse on my bed, exhausted. Camilla has been non-stop all day,teaching me how to walk like I own every floor I step on, how to talk like I’ve been born into diamonds, how to smile like the camera’s always watching and how to eat like a celebrity.My cheeks hurt from all the “subtle confidence.” Who knew being a lady of wealth came with choreography?I barely close my eyes when a soft knock comes on the door.“Ma’am,” a maid calls gently. “Mr. Asher says dinner is ready and requests your presence.”I open my eyes, exhale, and sit up slowly. “Tell him I’m not coming.”The maid hesitates for a moment, clearly caught off guard. “Should I… let him know?”“Please,” I nod. “Respectfully, I need rest.”She leaves, and I flop back on the bed, relieved. For once, I’m choosing myself.But only a few minutes later, another knock,sharper this time hits my door. I sit up, already sensing the shift in energy.The door opens before I can respond.Asher.He's dres