Novels by Favour Anavi

~Amara~I was startled. I quickly grabbed the edge of the counter and turned fully to face him. “No, Lucian. I just stepped out of the kitchen for a minute. The food barely burnt.”He didn’t say anything for a few seconds, just stood there watching me like I was some experiment he was trying to figure out.“Where’s Marta?” he asked, his tone that usual authority he carried like a second skin. “And it’s Mr. Draxen to you.”Of course. Back to his arrogant self.“She went to her room,” I replied quickly.He was about to respond when a loud, cheerful voice called from the living room.“Baby!”I blinked, confused. For a split second, I thought Marta had turned on the TV and maybe some drama was playing, but then I heard the sound of heels clicking closer.A lady appeared.At first, I didn’t recognize her. But when my brain caught up, i then remembered.It was her—the same woman I’d seen sitting on top of him and kissing him in his office that morning I went to tell him about my pregnancy.

~Amara~The sound of my alarm woke me out of sleep.I just stayed on my bed staring up at the ceiling for some seconds. My chest felt heavy—not with exhaustion, but with the knowledge of what today was.My first day working for Lucian Draxen.I quickly got up from bed, went to take my bath, and stood in front of the mirror. I tried to look confident, like someone who was prepared to face whatever was coming my way.I put on a plain white top and black skirt, tied back my hair, and let out a sigh. Not bad. Would have to do.I was stuffing my things into my small bag when I heard Selena’s voice from the doorway.“It’s not too late to change your mind,” she said, leaning against the frame of the door.I met her eyes through the mirror and gave a tiny smile. “I’ll be fine, Sel. I have to do this.”She didn’t look convinced. “I just don’t like that man. Remember the way he treated you the morning after that night.”“I know,” I said, trying to sound steady and not let memories of the night w

Amara’s POVBy the time I had gotten to my apartment, I could not keep my eyelids from falling. My whole body felt heavy, not from the day itself but from everything that had happened. My feelings were in a mess — anger, confusion. I haven't even had a chance to digest it all yet.I opened the door, the aroma of Selena's vanilla scented candle enveloped me. She was on the couch, scrolling through her phone, but once she saw me, she jumped up and came to me."Amara," she whispered, hugging me before I could say anything.And that was it. The moment her arms wrapped around me, the tears started. I didn’t even try to stop them this time. I cried quietly, letting her hold me, my face buried against her shoulder.I didn’t need words. Just that moment — the warmth of someone who cared enough to stay.When I finally pulled back, I wiped my cheeks with my hands and tried to breathe normally again. Selena’s face was a mix of worry and fear.“What happened? Did you see him?” she asked carefull

Lucian’s POVHer voice was quiet, but steady.“Yes.”The single word filled the space between us like a hammer striking the final nail.Relief hit me first. I didn’t let it show—not fully—but it was there. Tightening in my chest before I buried it under the steel mask I’d worn for years.For a split second, her lips trembled, like she might take it back. But she didn’t. She stood her ground, fists clenched at her sides, eyes burning with defiance even while fear flickered in them.Good. She’d agreed.“Good,” I said, my voice brief, controlled. I set my glass down on the desk and leaned back in my chair, not breaking eye contact. “You’ll move into my estate tomorrow. My driver will pick you up in the morning. Don’t be late.”Shock widened her eyes. “Tomorrow?”“Yes.” My tone left no room for debate. “The sooner the better.”Her throat worked, but no sound came out. She was fighting to keep herself together—I could see it in the way her chest rose and fell too hard, the way her jaw tigh

Amara’s POVThe door slammed open so hard the sound shook through me. My chest rattled like the walls had taken the hit.I whipped my head toward it, pulse jumping.The man who walked in didn’t belong to this office. He wasn’t staff, and he definitely wasn’t here to deliver coffee or paperwork. He carried himself differently. Tall. Shoulders wide, posture straight. A dark coat rested over him, the kind you notice before you notice the person. He walked in like he didn’t need an invitation.Then his eyes landed on me.Cold gray. Almost silver. I froze. The weight of that look held me where I stood.“Interrupting something?” His voice was smooth, steady. But it made my skin tighten, like danger hidden under calm.Lucian stiffened beside the desk. His jaw locked as he said, “You’re early.”The man smirked, easy and relaxed. “Didn’t know I was supposed to run on your schedule, cousin.”Cousin.The word hit me hard.So this wasn’t a stranger. This was family.His eyes slid back to me, slow

Amara’s POVI stood in front of the mirror, trying to steady my breathing. The high-waisted jeans hugged my hips, and the blazer made me look presentable, even though I felt like I was unraveling inside. I tucked a stray curl behind my ear, pressed both palms to my stomach, and whispered, "It’ll be fine."Half the night had gone to stalking Draxen & Co. International online. Not because I cared to impress him—God forbid—but because I didn’t want to be laughed out of the building before I even stepped in.“I can do this,” I said to my reflection in the mirror.By the time Selena arrived, I was already in my heels, bag by the door.“You sure about this?” she asked, passing the bag to me. Her tone was soft, but her frown wasn’t.“No,” I admitted. “But I’m sure about why I’m doing it. This isn’t about him. I just want financial stability for my child.”“If anything feels off, you call me. I don’t care if it’s mid-sentence. Got it?”I hugged her tightly. “Got it.”A cab would’ve been kinde