Novels by Nico

“Real Love Doesn't Hurt”Elara's POVI didn't sleep. I lay in bed replaying the confrontation with Bryan, searching for regret and finding none. That scares me. Five years should hurt more. The absence of pain feels like its own kind of loss.At 2 a.m, I give up and go to the balcony. The city never sleeps here. Lights twinkle like earthbound stars, and somewhere below, people are living lives that weren't falling apart.A soft knock pulls me from my thoughts.I open the door. Julien stands there in sweatpants and a T-shirt, hair messy, looking like he couldn't sleep either."I saw your light on," he said. "Couldn't sleep?""Not really. You?""Same. Want company?"I stepped aside. He follows me to the balcony, and we stand side by side, watching the city breathe."Can I ask you something?" I said after a while."Always.""Why are you so gentle? With me and with everything."He was silent for a long while. "My ex-wife used to say I was too soft. And being too soft is a weakness. That I

“Unlearning Love”Elara's POV"I have a tour booked at ten," Julien says, stirring sugar into his coffee. "Some architecture walks through the old district. Want to come?"I should say no. I should keep my distance, process what happened last night like a rational adult. Instead, I heard myself say, "Sure."His face lights up but not in the performative way Bryan does when he gets what he wants. Just sincere pleasure."Great. Fair warning, I might bore you with facts about flying buttresses and Gothic arches.""I teach literature. I can bore you right back with symbolism."We finished breakfast and headed out into the city. The morning air was crisp, clean, washing away the stale hotel smell. Julien walked beside me, hands in his pockets, not trying to hold mine or guide me or own the space between us."So about last night," he started.My stomach drops. Here it comes. The regret. The awkwardness."I don't want you to feel like I took advantage. You were vulnerable and I should have.

“The Stranger In My Room”Elara's POVI froze at the door, my heart hammering like it has decided to break today. Lucía. She had the audacity to come here, to knock on my door like we're friends who need to chat about what happened."Go away." My voice cracked. I detest that it cracked."Please, I just need five minutes of your time. I need to explain.""Explain what? I saw everything I needed to see."Then silence, until she broke the silence with a soft apology."I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't know he was married until tonight. He never wore a ring, he said he was single, honestly, I didn't know."Lies. All lies. Bryan always wore his ring. I picked it out myself, platinum with our initials engraved inside."Leave before I call security.""Elara, please.""Leave!"I hear footsteps retreating down the hallway, then nothing. My legs gave out and I sank to the floor, back against the door, shaking so hard my teeth chatter.She didn't know. Like it would make it better. Like her ign

“A Room Without Him”Elara's POVThe elevator deposits me in the lobby, and I realize I'm barefoot. My shoes are still in the suite. The suite where my husband probably put his clothes back on, probably kissed her one more time before chasing after his wife.The marble floor is cold against my feet. A couple walks past, holding hands, laughing about something private and beautiful. They don't see me. I'm a ghost already."Miss? Are you alright?"A young woman in a hotel uniform approaches. Not Lucía, thank God. This one has kind eyes and a name tag that reads "Sofia.""I need a different room." My voice sounds normal. How is my voice normal? "Please. Right now.""Of course. Let me check what we have available." She doesn't ask questions. Maybe she can see it written all over me, the specific kind of devastation that comes from being replaced. "If you'll just come to the desk?"I follow her on numb feet. The lobby swirls around me, all golden light and romantic music and couples who s

“The Sound Like A Song”Elara's POVWhen did I become this person?I adjusted the neckline again. Low this time.The drink before me sat in a shiny bowl. Water drops fell on the white table like silent tears. I looked at myself again and again. I wore a red dress that hugged my body. Bryan used to love me and hold me once. I was special to him. Now, he just puts up with me.My phone lights up. I lunge for it, pathetic and eager, but it's just a random email notification. Bryan hasn't texted since this morning's curt "Running late. Start without me if you want."On Valentine's Day.Our fifth anniversary.I poured a drink. Then I poured one more. The bubbles hurt my throat. I looked out the big window. The city shimmered below, thousands of tiny lights glowing like fallen stars. The room is very expensive and it beats the cost of my dress. Bryan chose it because he wanted to show our love off. "I'm sorry I've been distant. I know work has been stressful for you. I'll try harder to und