Novels by Kehlani. B

A few minutes later, I was done freshening up.I called two maids into the room and asked them to help me get ready. By the time they placed the final hairpin into my floral updo, I barely recognized the woman in the mirror. She looked like the version of myself I had always wanted to become. “Do you like it, young madam?" One of them asked, but I was lost staring at my own reflection, and I didn't reply. I touched my skin delicately, almost afraid the reflection would disappear. Is this really me? I stood up after a moment and walked to my huge walk-in closet; the two maids trailed behind me slowly. “Help me pick an outfit, one that'll make my ex-husband regret everything." I said, and they immediately began to look through my dresses. When they were done, they brought me a long white dress. The dress was made of silk and chiffon, with diamond trinkets and pearl beads. It looked exquisite in every form and, better still, it was a custom-made evening dress from a

“Your mother did what?" I repeated, even when I heard him clearly. "Relax. The announcement will still happen,” he said lightly. He placed his hand on my shoulder and patted it gently, a gesture so annoying, I had to bite my tongue. “Get your hands off me," I slapped his hand away and took a step back from him. Didn't Margaret announce my return? I sighed, facepalmed. “I told Harvey to watch the news last night,” I snapped. “If Margaret had announced my return properly, he would already know who I am.” “Calm down, would you?” White rolled his eyes and moved closer to me. "According to the information I read, they're holding an engagement party this morning.” My eyes widened as soon as the words rolled out of his mouth. I grabbed the collar of his white shirt, as if trying to choke him. "What did you say? An engagement party?" I asked, my voice coated in disbelief. Harvey is not a rash man; he never makes unprofitable decisions. A flash marriage is not like H

“Why should I stay away from Warren?" I demanded.I kept my eyes on Mr. Simon, waiting for an answer. Before, I had never known Warren on a personal level. He was Harvey's rival, even when their businesses weren't in the same major. Warren had helped me more in two days than most people had in years. Why was everyone warning me away from him? Thinking back now, I don't think I've ever asked Harvey why he was enemies with Warren in the first place.Harvey's into raw materials and construction building supplies, while Warren majored solely in law, they should never have been rivals. Mr. Simon didn't reply. He lowered his head as if ashamed. "I'm tired, Mr. Simon. Please tell me what it is so that I can rest,” I sighed, temporarily giving up for the night. "I think it'd be better if Mr. Fletcher tells you his relationship with the Winehouse himself,” he moved backward. "Mr…" I opened my palms in desperation, trying to convince him more, but he bowed and exited the r

“Olivia, behave!" He grabbed my wrist and pulled my hand off his collar. I grabbed it again. I wasn’t letting him slip away.“You’ve been in this mansion the whole time. Don’t tell me you didn’t know my mother was gone," I held his gaze, unblinking. Anger surged through me. My grip tightened on his collar, a little too hard; I almost choked him. “Huh!" A loud gasp came from the door as Margaret entered the living room with her two puppets behind her. “What is this?” she snapped, pulling my hand away from Uncle Roger's collar, and I staggered backward. Uncle Roger coughed while fixing his collar, his glare hardened, and I returned the courtesy. “What was the fuss about? Olivia, have you lost all sense?" She barred her teeth at me, glaring as if to make me shrink. She wished.I turned to the trembling maid, not bothering with Margaret. I moved to her, and my expression softened. “Can you tell me what happened before she left? My mother doesn't make rash decisions."

“How can Mrs. Luke be my stepmother?" I glared at Uncle Roger, my eyes wide. This was absurd.“Olivia, be respectful!" He cautioned sharply. Mrs. Margaret Luke stood before me, watching me calmly, as if I were nothing more than a spectacle. For a moment, I hesitated. My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth, as if to stop myself from saying any more. But no! The fire burning in my head is enough to roast my organs and fill the entire mansion with its aroma. I burst forward. “Margaret Luke was our neighbor for a very long time, before I was born. She was my mother's only friend and my godmother." I turned to Uncle Roger, my gaze demanding his explanation. "So what are you telling me? How did my godmother become my stepmother?” Uncle Roger fell silent, his expression falling as if he was lost for words, but I could see how his hand tightened into a fist. We definitely aren't on the same page.I looked at Mrs. Luke again and the two people besides her, who l

I stood frozen, trembling.My mind went blank. I couldn’t form a single thought. I scanned the storage room for an exit. There was none. No window. No second door. Nothing to hide behind: just broken chairs and dusty papers. What could I even do? I was already exposed. “I took in a cat recently. It’s probably in there. I also caught a cold, that’s why I went to the hospital,” Warren said. He came to my rescue. He covered for me. Again."Oh, I thought someone was hiding inside.” Uncle Roger said and I could hear the couch squeak when he sat down. "Take care of your health, okay?” I am safe. For now, at least."So, about your niece?” Warren continued the conversation. "You can't understand unless I bring the printed version of the will,” Uncle Roger said. He sounded reluctant, as if he didn't want to continue the conversation. "Is it in your car then?” Warren pressed."Yes, let me grab it real quick, so you can read it,” Uncle Roger replied and the couch squeaked whe