Novels by Emily Kate Dinsdale

Aviah's POVI hummed in acknowledgment.The line filled with rustling sounds, and I realized the phone had likely been passed to August.His cool, detached voice soon reached my ears. "It's me."Hearing him speak, I paused. Our last contact had been six months ago, when his final words to me were. "Aviah, if you still refuse to divorce me, I'll have your father's grave destroyed."Despite his threat, I felt oddly satisfied, knowing he had reached his breaking point.I hadn't bothered to respond, nor did I fear he would follow through. My father's grave had been relocated long ago—something they knew nothing about.Now, I was simply tired of the games. The children were older, and I finally had time to put my own affairs in order."Are you certain you agree to divorce me?" he asked.I couldn't understand his confusion. Wasn't divorce what he had desperately wanted all along?But I wasn't interested in dwelling on this. "Yes, I agree. Let's meet in the next day or two to sign the divorc

Aviah's POVWinter had returned to Bloomdale.I sat in my living room wrapped in a blanket, holding a mug of hot coffee while watching a video on YouTube. The title caught my eye: #What would you tell your six-years-ago self?In the video, I recognized two familiar faces—my ex-fiancé August and my cousin Scarlett, the woman he had cheated with the night before our wedding.They held hands as August looked lovingly into the camera and said, "I wish the August from six years ago had confessed his feelings to Scarlett sooner."Beside him, Scarlett responded with equal tenderness, "Me too."The comments section overflowed with well-wishes. I sighed deeply as I stared at the screen.The next video in the autoplay queue followed a similar theme but in a different setting. Not in Lakeview, but in a small town—Bloomdale, where I now lived.Suddenly, there I was on screen. In the video, I was asked the same question.My recorded self answered. "If I could really go back in time, I would tell A

Aviah's POVI stood frozen in place, my mind filled with a deafening roar as tears streamed down my face.Completely shattered, I screamed with all the strength left in my lungs, "Why are you setting me up like this? Wasn't my father good enough to you? Wasn't I good enough? When your family fell on hard times, my father didn't hesitate to promote your father to an executive position, mentoring him every step of the way! I shared everything I had with you! Your family had just moved to Lakeview from that small town, living in our mansion, and this is how you repay me?""Repay?" Scarlett let out a mocking laugh, her eyes cold and contemptuous. "How ridiculous! Why should I repay you? What makes you think I owe you any gratitude? Those pathetic handouts you gave me were nothing but humiliation!"Her voice was sharp and piercing, each word like a knife straight to my heart."Why do you get to stand so high above everyone else? Why was your family so wealthy? The elite of Lakeview? Why do

Aviah's POVMorning sunlight streamed through the window as August pounded on the door, his urgent calls now grating against my ears.I remembered every detail of last night with painful clarity.Part of me wanted to fling the door open and slap him across the face, to expose everything and watch him get embarrassed in front of everyone.But I couldn't. If I did, the scandal wouldn't just destroy the Westerfield family—it would humiliate the Lynch family too.Scarlett was my uncle's daughter. When his business failed, he had come seeking refuge with my father, Alexander Lynch.My father, acknowledging their familial ties, had given them a home and brought my uncle into the company.When Scarlett came of age, Alexander had arranged her marriage to Kevin.Unfortunately, just a few years into their marriage, Kevin died tragically in a fire.Now August was in love with his sister-in-law and had arranged for someone to rape me.If this scandal came to light, both the Westerfield and Lynch

Aviah Lynch's POVGolden Crown HotelI lay drunk in the hotel room, a smile on my lips. Tomorrow was my wedding day—the day I would marry August Westerfield, the man I loved.I opened my bleary eyes, wanting to reach for the water glass by the bed, but found even lifting a finger seemed impossible.As confusion set in, I noticed a TV mounted on the wall. What played on that television made my eyes widen in shock."Scarlett, I finally have you. The truth is, I've loved you since we were children. For fifteen years I've loved you, and you've finally agreed to be mine."In the footage, August was kneeling before a woman, carefully removing her shoes and then her socks, caressing her feet as if they were precious treasures.I could hardly believe my eyes.What truly shocked me wasn't just this betrayal, but who Scarlett Chambers was!She was the widow of August's older brother, Kevin Westerfield!And she was also my cousin—my uncle's daughter.He had fallen in love with his sister-in-law,

Judith's lavish and elegant light purple mermaid gown with its cinched waist highlighted her slender figure. The sequins on the skirt shimmered like fish scales under the chandelier lights, making her the undeniable focal point of the evening.She looked like a unique masterpiece amid the sea of guests.Every eye in the ballroom was fixed on Judith.Austin, by her side, was no exception; his gaze never wavered from her, imbued with boundless tenderness.Coupled with the recent scandal that had stirred quite the tumult, those around them could not help but speculate about the nature of their relationship.Ella lowered her eyelids, a faint, icy smile curling upon her slender lips.Did Austin summon her to this banquet merely to flaunt their affection for Judith?If so, it was utterly unnecessary.She sneered inwardly, enduring the surrounding accolades lauding their beauty as a couple, unwilling to stoop to such humiliation.Yet, fate seemed determined to deny her such solace. No sooner

Pregnant? Just as she resolved to completely relinquish Austin, to abandon their marriage, the child arrived.This was not a continuation of their entanglement, but a rebirth belonging solely to Ella. She gently placed her hand on her abdomen, her eyes shining for the first time with a light that had nothing to do with Austin."Baby, from now on, it's just you and me." She no longer needed him; she would forge a new world for herself and her child."Doctor, what should Ella be aware of regarding her current condition?" Sarah asked, standing beside the hospital bed after recovering from her initial shock.Ella immediately jumped in with her own question. "Can I be discharged?"The doctor's expression turned serious as he glanced at the medical report in his hand.He answered Ella first, then instructed Sarah. "There aren't any major issues preventing discharge, but her physical condition is extremely poor. She needs proper rest. There's a significant risk of miscarriage at any time."S

Ella lifted her gaze, quietly meeting his eyes. Before her stood a man who, for the sake of another woman, dared to defy the most revered matriarch, shamelessly trampling upon Ella's dignity in front of the entire family.In that moment, the tightly wound string within Ella's heart, strained for fourteen years, snapped with a sharp, irrevocable crack.It was not the absence of pain, but pain so profound it numbed her entirely. Suddenly, exhaustion and bitter irony overcame her. After all these years of sacrifice, she could not even retain a shred of dignity before his grandmother.So be it; it was time to end it.Her voice was calm and undisturbed, imbued with a liberation even she had yet to recognize: "Grandma, I consent to the divorce."Karen's disbelief was palpable as she fixed her gaze on Ella.Austin abruptly turned his head, his eyes burning into her. Her composure left a hollow ache in his chest, as though something precious had been wrenched away instantaneously.This alien

A shrill ring pierced the silence of Ella's empty house.When she answered, her face instantly paled. "What did you say? Grandmother collapsed? I'm coming right now!"Ella rushed toward the door, not noticing the housekeeper's contemptuous glance as she left."Ella is on her way to the Raymond estate now," the housekeeper reported into her phone once Ella was gone.From Ella's modern townhouse to the Raymond family estate in Golden Oak, the drive normally took thirty minutes.Ella drove recklessly fast, her mind racing with worry.Karen had always been in excellent health. What could have possibly caused her to collapse so suddenly?When Ella finally arrived at the sprawling colonial mansion, she was led to Karen's bedroom, where she was unconscious on the bed.Margaret Raymond, Austin's mother, stood nearby with an unmistakable look of displeasure.Austin stood with his brow furrowed, his back to the door.Ella noticed his shirt was torn, revealing glimpses of bloodied skin beneath.

"Austin, don't."Ella Brooks held her hands protectively across her chest, looking at the man hovering over her.She hadn't expected Austin Raymond to return home after two months of tabloid scandals, much less for him to immediately initiate intimacy.The bedroom was dimly lit with only a small bedside lamp casting a warm yellow glow, highlighting Austin's chiseled features and sharp profile.His piercing eyes reminded her of a hawk, predatory and intense.Austin spoke solemnly, swiftly stripping away the nightgown adorning her.The moment his broad palm brushed against Ella's skin, an inexplicable surge of familiarity and tranquility welled up within him.Frowning, he forcibly subdued this strange sensation, his movements growing increasingly brutal, as if endeavoring to affirm that this was merely a mission to be carried out solely for the sake of accomplishing a predetermined objective.Ella quickly found herself responding to his touch despite her reservations.Her slender hands

Through her blurry vision, she barely recognized Joshua Wilson, one of Aiden's friends.He stood with his hands in his pockets, looking at her with contempt.He had apparently come to visit someone and coincidentally encountered her.Keira didn't want to engage. She lowered her head and tried to walk past him.She had no strength left to deal with mockery and malice."Not saying anything? Did I hit a nerve? Your family is all the same, old and young alike, just actors playing the victim."Joshua relentlessly moved to block her path, his words growing increasingly cruel."Joshua, there are limits to nonsense, even for you."A steady male voice intervened, carrying undeniable authority.Keira looked toward the source and vaguely saw a tall, imposing figure approaching, positioning himself between her and Joshua.Joshua appeared surprised. "Sean? What are you doing here?""This is a hospital. Keep it quiet," the man's voice wasn't raised, yet carried a natural pressure. "Can't you see Ms

Staying with Elodie last night was temporary; she couldn't impose on her indefinitely."Anywhere. Just drive," she choked out.The taxi pulled away from the Lynn mansion as Keira stared at the blurry scenery outside, tears flowing uncontrollably from her right eye.Her left eye could see nothing now, yet the pain remained relentless.She took out her phone and instinctively scrolled to Aiden's number.In the past, whenever she felt unwell, even if he despised her, he would at least send a doctor to check on her.That had been the only sweetness in her pathetic love.Now, even that small luxury was gone.Keira closed her eyes, plunging her world into complete darkness.Fear gripped her heart. What if her right eye also went blind?Who would take care of her? Who would care?"Ma'am, you're bleeding. Should we go to a hospital?"The driver noticed her knee through the rearview mirror and kindly suggested.Keira shook her head. "No need, thank you."She asked the driver to take her to the

Elodie's voice choked with emotion, "Keira, what happened to you? How did you get hurt so badly?"She had watched Keira grow up since childhood and would worry herself sick whenever Keira suffered even the slightest injury.Keira weakly shook her head, her eye throbbing with pain, her vision more blurred than usual.She knew her weak vision was deteriorating, but nobody in the world cared anymore."Elodie, what are you doing here?" she asked, fighting through the pain.Elodie wiped away her tears, "You should be grateful I happened to be nearby, you silly girl."In reality, someone had called Elodie to come, but she didn't want Keira to feel burdened."Was it the Colemans? How could they treat you like this?" Elodie's tears flowed freely.The Keira she knew was an exceptionally kind and gentle soul who had always been good to her—helping her grandson find a school, taking her to doctor's appointments.How could such a wonderful person face such cruelty from fate?"Elodie!"Keira gently

Room 808, Sunrise Hotel.The moment Keira walked in, she knew she had made a fatal mistake.Martha wasn't there.Instead, a grotesque, obese man sat at the table, his eyes raking over Keira's body like a predator looking at a piece of meat."Ms. Lynn," the man grinned, revealing yellow teeth. "You look even better than the photos."Keira turned to leave, but two burly bodyguards blocked the door."Who are you? Where is my mother?" Keira demanded, backing away."Your mother?" The man, Brandon, laughed as he poured a glass of wine. "She's a smart businesswoman. She sold you to me. Three million dollars to cover the Lynn family debt. A fair price for an used toy."The world spun. Sold. Her mother had sold her into prostitution to save the family company. To save Zoey's inheritance."I am not for sale," Keira hissed, her hands trembling."The money is already in her account," Brandon stood up, unbuckling his belt. "Now, be a good girl. I hear you've had surgery. Let's see if it was worth

Keira didn't sleep. She spent the night staring at the ceiling, the ghost of Aiden's touch on Zoey's hair burning in her mind.By dawn, the decision was made.She sat at the desk, her fingers flying across the keyboard. Divorce Agreement.She wanted nothing. No alimony, no assets. Just out.She hit print. But before the paper was even cool, the front door of the estate was nearly pounded off its hinges.Keira opened the door, and a hand struck her face with the force of a whip."You ungrateful bitch!" Martha Lynn screamed, shoving a crumpled document into Keira's chest. It was a notification from the family lawyer—Keira had inquired about divorce procedures earlier."Mom..." Keira tasted blood."Don't call me Mom!" Martha's face was twisted in fury. "Who gave you the permission to leave Aiden? Do you know how much the Coleman investment means to us? You are a tool, Keira! A bastard child we graciously fed! Your only job is to stay in that house and keep Aiden happy!"Something inside

"Stop acting like you're dying. It's just a minor procedure."Martha Lynn checked her diamond watch, tapping her foot impatiently against the sterile hospital floor. She looked at her daughter not with concern, but with the annoyance one might show a malfunctioning appliance.Keira leaned heavily against the cold wall, her face the color of paper. Her legs were trembling so violently she could barely stand.Minor procedure was an ironic way to describe a hymenoplasty performed without anesthesia.But Keira didn't argue. She simply bit her lip, tasting blood, and forced herself to straighten up."I'm ready," Keira whispered, her voice hoarse from the screams she had swallowed earlier."Good," Martha sneered, handing her a coat to cover her trembling body. "Zoey lands in an hour. We cannot be late. You know how much Aiden cares about this family reunion. Don't ruin it with your sour face."Aiden's name sent a phantom ache through Keira's freshly stitched wounds.Her husband. The man who

Hearing the noise, Oliver, who had been leaning against the railing facing outward, slowly turned around.He saw Astrid in a snow-white gown, her face looking especially beautiful after touching up her makeup.Astrid quickly pulled at the slit of her dress to block the view from outside, spotting Silas inside.She asked in surprise, "Oliver, you've been here this whole time?"Actually, Oliver had already left, but thinking about the endless socializing outside, and then thinking about the delicate Astrid touching up her makeup inside, he suddenly couldn't make himself leave and turned back."I missed you," Oliver said smoothly, touching his nose.Watching his evasive eyes and unconscious gesture, Astrid sneered inwardly.Before, his sweet words always made her heart flutter. Now she realized that lying through his teeth was just his nature.Fortunately, it wasn't too late to find out.Astrid grumbled internally while keeping a smile on her face, calmly walking to his side. "Let's go.

"No!" Astrid realized her voice was too loud and panicked a bit, worried Oliver would notice something off.She quickly pretended to clear her throat. When she spoke again, her voice was much softer."I'm just touching up my makeup. Why are you making such a fuss? Go ahead and get busy, I'll come find you in a bit."Just as she finished answering, Astrid felt the pressure below go deeper and harder.Silas was deliberately trying to make her slip up!This time, she bit her lip hard to keep from making a sound."Are you sure you're okay?" Oliver frowned, looking at the closed door, his mind full of doubts.He clearly heard something wrong with her voice just now; was it his imagination?"What could happen while touching up makeup?" Astrid felt embarrassed and angry at what the hand below was doing, and her tone grew heavier.Hearing the displeasure in her voice, Oliver knew she was about to lose patience.This was the Montgomery family's venue, with top-notch security in the country; no

"Sorry." Astrid's head hung so low it couldn't go any lower, wishing she could bury it in her armpit. Face flushed red, she finished speaking and fled like she were escaping.Silas watched Astrid run off without even daring to lift her head, feeling both annoyed and amused.He had known since last night that she was Astrid, Oliver's fiancée. She had way more guts than he'd imagined."Silas, what are you spacing out for! Come in quick, just had a patient, got held up." From inside the office, Jack Murphy called out to him."Wait, help me with something first." Silas didn't move. He stared in the direction Astrid had disappeared, his eyes dark and deep.Jack was confused. "What is it?"Silas lowered his voice and leaned close to Jack's ear, asking him to pull up Astrid's medical records from earlier.After Jack heard him out, a knowing smile spread across his face. "First crush? Or are you into married women? As a friend, I gotta warn you, that's not cool."As soon as he finished speaki

Astrid finally got what she wanted and lay on the bed, her whole body aching and weak, when suddenly there was violent knocking at the door."Astrid! Open the door! Someone saw you go in!"Oliver's voice! How did he track her down?Astrid's foggy consciousness instantly cleared.She hadn't even had time to settle the score with him, and now he was the one throwing a fit?Astrid looked back and saw that the bathroom light was on, with the sound of running water. Silas was taking a shower.Outside, Oliver's pounding on the door showed no signs of stopping.He was the one who messed up first.In Astrid's mind, Oliver was completely out of the picture. But she couldn't just let him play her like this, and she definitely couldn't let him use her as bragging material in front of his friends.Astrid calculated, now wasn't the time to expose everything to Oliver. Only by making him lose all face in Cypress Bay could she satisfy her anger!But right now, more urgent than revenge was figuring o

For Astrid Prescott, her 26th birthday held extraordinary significance.Her boyfriend, Silas Montgomery, knew she'd been looking forward to this day for ages. He mysteriously told her to head to the party venue first, saying he had a huge surprise for her.Astrid didn't tell him that she'd also prepared a surprise for him, one that could change both their futures.In the warmly lit crystal chandelier hall, as the heiress of the Cypress Bay jewelry dynasty, Astrid's birthday party was packed with distinguished guests.She checked her watch for the third time. There was still half an hour before the party started, but Oliver still hadn't arrived.He wasn't answering calls or replying to messages. Anxiety crept up on her like vines."Astrid, don't worry. Traffic's probably terrible at this hour," Her good friend Rachel Wilson comforted her, then stood up. "I'm going to the restroom. I'll come back and go greet the guests with you.""Okay," Astrid replied softly.Rachel's figure had just