Novels by Busimba Kissam

Gabriella stepped out of the taxi, and a massive open gate stood before her. From a distance, music pulsed through the night air. For a few seconds, she remained still, calming her racing nerves. It’s okay, Gabriella. It’s just a party. Go in, find Andy… then leave. A few people walked through the gate, laughing loudly. Gathering her courage, Gabriella followed them up a winding hill road. On one side stretched a quiet glass garden, reflecting flickering lights from ahead. With every step, the music grew louder. A huge villa came into view — glowing under colorful floodlights. People crowded the front yard, dancing, drinking, laughing. Smoke drifted from somewhere near the pool, and cheers erupted from the back. “Nice dress, girl!” someone shouted as Gabriella passed. Her pink dress hugged her figure beautifully, and her soft makeup made her glow under the lights. She smiled shyly and stepped inside, scanning the crowded house for Andy. The music thundered inside. The air smelle

“Xander Cole is hosting a party tonight — and we’re invited,” Jasper announced inside the pool hall. Norman didn’t look up. He lined up his shot, struck the ball cleanly, and exhaled slowly. “I’m not going,” he said calmly as he prepared for his next shot. Jasper, lounging on the couch nearby, studied him carefully. “Andy will be there.” Norman didn’t react. “Of course she will. She’s Xander’s cousin.” “That’s exactly my point,” Jasper pressed. Norman finally paused and glanced at him. “Why do you keep repeating Andy’s name? I heard you the first time.” “If Andy goes, that means we’re basically expected to go,” Jasper explained. “You know how she is. If we skip, she’ll make a fuss.” “You go,” Norman replied. “I’m not in the mood to meet Xander.” “Oh come on,” Jasper groaned. “How long are you two going to keep avoiding each other?” A year ago, Norman and Xander had been inseparable — best friends. Then something had gone terribly wrong, and neither of them had been willin

Solmere State University lay in the heart of Solmere, one of the greatest universities in the country. It welcomed students from across the nation and even from overseas. With the new semester beginning and freshmen flooding the campus, every club had camped outside, proudly displaying banners and posters to attract new members. It was a vibrant day — especially for Gabriella, who found herself drawn into the lively atmosphere. Music played from different booths, students laughed and shouted invitations, and colorful flyers fluttered in the air. Everywhere she walked, people tried to pull her into their world. Some urged her to join the cheerleading squad, praising her slim figure and natural beauty. Others encouraged her to try the science club, insisting she looked intelligent and reserved. Gabriella smiled politely and kept moving. She wanted to join a club — but neither cheerleading nor science appealed to her. She was searching for something different. Something adventu

Norman drove as fast as he could after hearing Gabriella’s distressed call. His hands tightened around the steering wheel, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. When he reached the apartment, he burst inside, calling her name. “Gabi! Gabi, where are you?” He rushed into the living room. The food he had ordered earlier was gone from the table — but that didn’t matter. Gabriella was curled up on the couch, hugging her knees. “Norman…” she muttered. He hurried toward her and knelt in front of her, his eyes scanning her face, arms, legs — every inch — searching for injuries. “What happened? Are you hurt?” “No… I’m not hurt,” she said nervously. “But there’s something else.” Norman exhaled slowly, relief washing through him. “What is it?” Gabriella hesitated, embarrassed but desperate. “There’s… a cockroach in my room.” Norman blinked. “A cockroach?” She nodded quickly. “It’s big. I’m scared. I can’t go back inside.” He groaned softly. “Gabi, do you know ho

Only one thought echoed in Gabriella’s mind.How could he lick his finger so absentmindedly, without hesitation? Didn’t he care how that would make her feel?Then his words rang in her ears again, and with Norman staring at her so closely, she found it hard to think properly.“I… I didn’t,” she muttered — an obvious lie.She had missed him every day since he left. The memories of their laughter, their small arguments, their careless teenage days still lingered in her heart. A part of her had always wished for those moments to return.“Why is that?” he asked. His expression shifted — no longer casual, but mischievous.There was no real answer she could give. There was no reason she hadn’t missed him.“I…” she fumbled, searching desperately for a lie.Before she could finish, Norman stepped closer. Gabriella swallowed and shifted backward instinctively. Sensing her movement, Norman suddenly caught her waist and lifted her onto his lap.Gabriella gasped.Being this close sent a dangerou

Five years had passed, yet Norman Hale still looked almost the same — only now he was more manly, no longer the nineteen-year-old boy she remembered.Gabriella couldn’t keep her thoughts steady as she stared at him from this close. The memory of that kiss flooded her mind, followed by the lingering reminder that they had once been family.She tried to push herself out of his hold but failed. Her strength betrayed her, so she spoke instead.“Norman… could you let me go?” she muttered.Norman responded with a smirk and loosened his grip. Gabriella quickly wriggled free and stepped back, placing distance between them. Tiny beads of sweat formed on her skin as the weight of the coincidence settled in.On the other side, Norman’s eyes slowly traced her figure.She has grown.Even though she had been young when they parted, five years was enough to change a woman — especially Gabriella.She no longer looked like the quiet girl who hid behind glasses and books. Something else stirred in his