Novels by Ryder Slade

Sarah's POVThe world came back to me in fragments, bright white lights, the rhythmic beep of a monitor. My eyelids felt heavy, glued together by exhaustion, but I forced them open. The blur slowly cleared into a man’s smiling face.“Welcome back to the land of the living,” he said warmly. “We thought we lost you there for a moment.”His tone was calm, almost cheerful, but my mind immediately flashed to Anita. Panic surged. “Where’s my friend? Anita—where is she?” I tried to sit up, but a firm hand pressed me back down.“Easy,” he said softly. “Anita’s fine. You’re the one we were worried about.”I exhaled shakily, relief washing through me so fast it made my head spin. “What… what’s wrong with me?”He smiled again, that professional kind of smile doctors wear when they’re trying to keep you calm. “Something serious, but we’ve handled it. You’re safe now.”His name tag caught my eye — Doctor Kyle. “Thank you, Doctor Kyle,” I murmured.“You’re welcome,” he said, his

Richard’s POVLucy’s voice echoed across the small restaurant table, clear, deliberate, and impossible to ignore.“I’m pregnant, Richard," she said, her tone soft.The glass slipped from my hand just as the water went down the wrong way, and I choked mid-sip.For a second, I only stared at her. Then a short laugh escaped before I could stop it, sharp, incredulous, cutting through the quiet hum of the restaurant.“I’m sorry,” I said, dabbing at my chin with a napkin. “You said what now?”Her expression didn’t change. Only her jaw tightened, and her eyes burned with the kind of restrained anger I used to find fascinating. “You heard me, Richard. I’m pregnant.”This time I laughed harder. People turned their heads; I didn’t care. The sound tasted bitter on my tongue. “That’s cute, Lucy. Really. Is this why you asked to see me? To tell me another one of your fairy tales?”Her lips trembled, just a little. “I came here because you deserve to know.”“I deserve peace,” I

Sarah’s POVFor a long, frozen moment, I couldn’t move.It was as if the world had blurred around me, and only that image, Austin’s hand curled possessively around Miriam’s waist, stayed sharp and cruel.My breath came out in a shaky exhale I couldn’t hold back.Anita’s body went rigid beside me. I could feel the fury radiating off her like heat, but I still couldn’t speak. My tongue felt like lead.Miriam’s voice broke through the silence. “Anita! I didn’t know you were coming to my house.” She smiled, walking closer, completely oblivious to the tension suffocating the air. “I said I’d catch up later—”The sound came first, a crack that cut through the room like a whip.Anita’s hand had connected with Miriam’s cheek so hard that even I flinched.The entire room stilled.Miriam’s head snapped to the side, her hair falling across her face. For a second, she didn’t even move.Austin didn’t blink. His gaze was on me, steady, sharp, and dangerous. Not even the sight of

Sarah's POVAnita leaned toward me, eyes sharp. “Who’s calling?”I swallowed hard, the phone trembling in my palm. “Austin,” I whispered.Her jaw tightened. “Pick it.”“What?” My voice broke. “Anita, I can’t—”“Pick. It. Sarah,” she said firmly. “Don’t let him think you’re scared.”My fingers felt numb as I swiped the screen. “H-hello?”His voice came through like gravel, thick and deep. “Where the hell are you, you stupid bitch?”The sound of him sent a chill down my spine. My throat closed up. “I—I’m just—”“Don’t you dare stutter, Sarah! Do you know who you’re talking to?” His tone was laced with venom.My hand trembled. Before I could form a word, Anita snatched the phone from me. “You listen here, you miserable coward,” she said, her voice cold and clear. “You’re done. By the time we’re finished, you’ll regret ever laying a finger on her.”The phone was on loudspeaker, so every word rang through the small reception area. A few officers nearby turned to lo

Sarah's POV "Tell me, Sarah, did Austin beat you up again?" Anita asked, her tone curious."Can we talk some other time," I replied. "I'm running late for a meeting."I walked towards my car without waiting for her to say more.The last thing I wanted was to talk about my issues with my husband.I opened the door and entered, but before I could drive off, she opened the Passenger's seat and sat down beside me.I didn't say a word, I started the engine and drove off.She turned to face me but I looked away, pretending not to see her."You can't hide the truth from me you know. We've been together for years and you know I care about you. So tell me the truth."I bit my lips, holding back tears as memories of how I had an argument with Austin and he slapped me hard across the cheek, I remember seeing stars.He has previously argued and shouted at me but last night, for the first time. He slapped me, and it was a slap I could never forget."You're right," I said, finall