Novels by Ngozi Mego

ISABELLE’S POVI wiped my tears with the back of my hand. I don’t know why I get this emotional. I don’t like it. Adrian thinks I would flirt with another man. I’ve never even had sex. He is my first everything. Why would he feel so lowly of me?I curled into myself, sniffing quietly. I actually thought he would be proud of me. I pulled off something this big with ideas I came up with on my own, but instead of pride, he was angry.The door creaked open. I didn’t look up. I just squeezed myself tighter, but then I felt a familiar presence close to me.“I’m sorry I said that to you,” Adrian said slowly. “I don’t even understand why I reacted that way. I guess… I don’t like it when you get close to any man.”My heart melted at his words. He knew he was wrong. He was taking responsibility for it. I wanted to hug him, to tell him I forgave him, but instead, I curled in tighter.“Please, my Isabelle,” he said softly. “At least look at me. I’m truly sorry.” He tugged me gently.I slowly turn

ADRIAN’S POVWhat is peace without Isabelle?! Everything about her intrigues me lately. I don’t fucking think twice before I do anything for her. Whatever comes to my mind, I fucking do it for her. Seeing her happy makes me happier.I adjusted my tie and walked out of the closet. The sound of running water came from the bathroom. She was getting ready for work. I hated how she woke up this morning, and the stupid fact that she had to go to work because of this project irked me. I really wanted her to fucking rest at home instead of going to work, but this project is important, and Mr. Nikolai would love to see her present it.I turned and walked out of the room to check on my mother.“Come in,” her small voice answered after I knocked.“Good morning, Mother,” I said as I entered. She was already dressed in a simple beige outfit, sitting straight on the bed.She nodded and patted the space beside her, signaling me to sit. I walked over and sat.“You look happy,” she said, and I furrowe

ISABELLE’S POVI laughed as I ran, turning my head back to see if my mum was getting closer. A loud, hysterical laugh burst out of me when I realized how close she was. She grabbed my hair and yanked me back.I yelped as I fell onto the sand. She started tickling me, and I kept giggling, begging her to stop. I couldn’t really see her—my hair was scattered across my face.“Mom, stopppp… Mom,” I begged as tears slipped from my eyes, my laughter completely out of control.“Okay… okay,” she finally gave up and lay on the sand beside me. We both stared around us. The beach—our favourite place. For once, we forgot about the bills, about everything that felt like weight on our shoulders.The ocean waves were beautiful. I couldn’t stop smiling.“Are you happy?” she asked, and I nodded.“I’m proud of you,” she added. I hugged her tightly.“I love you, Mom. You’re the only person I live for.”She pulled away from the hug, a frown settling on her face.“You don’t live for me, and I’m no longer i

HELENA’S POV“I am Helena Blake, wife of Adrian Blake, the billionaire CEO,” I said to myself, convincing myself that Adrian was still head over heels for me.Fucking hell.How can I even tell myself that when a bitch is spending all the money I’m supposed to be spending? All the money Daniel and I stole is almost finished. I just don’t get why we have to wait this long to bring Adrian down and get all that money to ourselves. I can’t even remember the last time I bought a designer bag or clothes. Meanwhile, that bitch wears designers—she is fucking living my life.She doesn’t get to live a life like that. Daniel picked her straight from the slums, turned her into a tool for Adrian—to fill her with anger and rage, to drain his energy and distract him while Daniel stole shares and crumbled his company. But the complete opposite is happening.I pressed my temples, rereading her last message over and over again. Adrian never did all this for me, but he gave me any amount I requested. So

ISABELLE’S POV“Adrian… can I ask you something?” I looked at him. He just nodded slightly, his eyes fixed on the road.“Are you… erhm… still in love with… erhm… your late wife?” I asked shakily, fingers fidgeting nervously in my lap.His grip on the steering wheel tightened. “Yes.” He said it bluntly, no hesitation.I widened my eyes at his honesty. He never sugarcoated anything—he was always painfully, brutally honest. The words hit me like a slap, sharp and cold, and my chest ached. I turned my face to the window, watching streetlights blur past, lifting my chin as I blinked rapidly to keep tears from falling.“Do… you love me?” I whispered. I didn’t even know why I asked it, but I needed to hear it. He still loved her.I glanced at him. He wasn’t looking at me—he was focused on the road. His jaw clenched and unclenched, the silence stretching between us. I turned back to the window. He didn’t answer. Ouch.“I don’t know if I do, Isabelle,” he finally blurted out. “I like you, okay

ISABELLE’S POV“I’ll pick you up in two hours,” Adrian said firmly as he led me toward the spa.“What—are you not going with me?!” I frowned. He chuckled, and just like that, I found myself smiling too. I swear, the sound of his chuckle is a melody to my ears.“I have work to do, my Isabelle,” he said softly. He leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to my forehead. “You have a good time, okay?”I nodded, and he smiled—really smiled—before turning away and walking out of the building. I watched him go longer than I meant to.“Hi, ma’am, please come this way.”I turned to see a caramel-toned lady with dark, thick hair. She started walking, and I followed her. She led me into a room that had to be a changing room—towels stacked neatly, robes hanging, everything smelling clean and calm.“Please change in here. There are wipes there to take off your makeup,” she said, then left me alone.I came out wrapped in a robe, fluffy slippers on my feet, completely naked underneath. The fabric felt t