Novels by PenWrites

Shay’s POV:Serena’s visit that morning wasn’t casual. It was obviously intentional.She showed up draped in wine-red silk, and with lips to match. She had a smile that curled like smoke.She’d always known how to slither into a space like she owned it.Even now, she looked around the estate like she still had a claim.Lila wasn’t home.I should’ve told her about Serena and what we had, but I didn’t.I feared it'll break her. We would lose the bond that we shared.Serena walked into the sitting room like it was her own home. She acted like nothing had changed.“Still playing the good husband?” she asked, head tilted like a curious cat. “You know it’s only a matter of time before she finds out who you really are.”I didn’t flinch. “I don’t hide from her. Not like we used to.”“You think she’ll love you once she knows?” she purred, stepping closer. “You forget who you were. What we were.”I met her gaze coldly. “What we were doesn’t exist anymore.”But Serena wasn’t finished.“Tell her

Lila's POVOur honeymoon had ended, Shay and I returned to the Blackwood Estate.I needed to go back to work.I loved my job as an interior designer, the thrill of transforming a dull, lifeless space into something vibrant and full of soul made me feel alive, I found purpose in breathing warmth into empty walls.But my return wasn’t met with open arms.My colleagues weren’t the warmest bunch.They whispered more than they greeted, and stared more than they smiled at me.Except Diane, who was soft-spoken and often overlooked. She was fiercely loyal to me.She was the kind of colleague who made long hours feel like lunchtime chatter, and the office gossip bearable.I was seated at my desk, flipping through the list of upcoming projects when Diane breezed in, two coffees in hand.“Hello, Mrs. Shay,” she teased, placing one on my table with a wink, “It’s great to have you back, this office has been hell since you left.”I laughed. “Don’t be dramatic.”“Oh, I’m not, Helen’s been acting lik

Lila's P.O.VThe days that followed our wedding were wrapped in sunlight and soft mornings.The Blackwood estate, once cold, distant, and lined with grief, began to glow with laughter.Although our union was born from convenience, the atmosphere of the house slowly began to melt in the warmth of shared moments with Shay.Before our marriage, Shay always carried himself like a storm waiting to break, but all that was slowly thawing, and I was helplessly drawn to the man beneath the scars.He would kiss my forehead in the early hours of the morning, trail his fingers down my spine, and whisper things like, "You are my home," and I would blush like a teenage girl starting to learn about love.On our honeymoon, we traveled far away from the judgmental walls of Blackwood Estate, we tasted what peace could feel like.We stayed in a suite nestled between the coast and a field of wild roses.At night, we would drink red wine by the fireplace, the orange glow reflecting in Shay’s deep eyes alw

Lila's P.O.VAs the sun dipped lower behind the mountain top, casting golden shadows across the estate, the celebrations continued with unrestrained fervor.Laughter rang through the valley, with glasses clinking on all sides.I was stressed enough for the day and hoped to retire back to the mansion sooner.I was done with the fanfare and the piercing stares from people, guests whom I knew never supported my choice.All I wanted was to be alone with my husband, Shay.By tradition, once a formal marriage was declared and sealed, the ancestral home would be handed over to me, the rightful heir of the bloodline.It was a home with ancient secrets that no one bothered to find out, its keys were bound to my name... but only once I was wed.Now I am, and I have every right to claim what was mine."Let's go home," I whispered to Shay, tugging gently at his wrist.He nodded wordlessly, squeezing my fingers.As we arrived at the foot of the winding path that led up to the mansion, I turned bac

Lila’s P.O.VThe sun beamed its bright light on my forehead as I stood at the mountaintops of Palms Spring, retreating one step at a time, checking out my suitors one after another.The wind howled around me, tugging at my dress as I faced the six men, each standing between me and the sheer drop behind them.My pulse hammered in my throat. "This is madness," I said to myself.Gazing at the crowd, my hands stiffened. I had my fingers crossed behind my back and my heart wide open to declare and accept the man I choose for the rest of my life. My feet trembled as I fell to my knees."Huh!" the crowd chorused, turning to one another in astonishment.The ring bearer stepped forward, opening the glass case that bore a silver ring. I picked it out, looking at it hungrily while he stepped back.Before I knew it, the priest declared very loudly with eagerness, "It’s been years, months, and weeks since you’ve been betrothed to six. Now it’s time to fix the ring to its owner."He continued..."H