Novels by Noelle's pen

Mara’s POVThe moment we approached the courthouse entrance, chaos erupted.It happened so quickly that I barely had time to process it. One minute, Margaret and I were making our way toward the doors; the next, reporters and paparazzi were closing in on us from every direction, their cameras flashing relentlessly as though they had been waiting all morning for my arrival.“That’s Mara Croft! Ethan Croft’s wife!” one of the broadcasters announced.Within seconds, several microphones were thrust toward my face.“Mrs. Croft, can you tell us what led to the breakdown of your marriage?”“Ma’am, are the allegations against you true? Do you have any evidence to support your defense?”“Mrs. Croft, is it true that your husband is already involved with another woman despite the fact that you’re still legally married?”“Do you believe your husband is trying to ruin your reputation with this case?”The questions came relentlessly, each voice competing to be heard above the others.I stopped walk

Mara's povI quickly slipped my hand into my bag to retrieve my phone. I knew Daniel must have called, and I was right. He had.“Is everything alright?” Leila interrupted.“Yes, yes. Just finish up with what you have to do and go home to your child,” I replied, making my way toward the front door while frantically searching my bag for my car keys.It was only when I reached the door that it hit me.I had forgotten them.Still disorganised and in a hurry,I spun around and hurried back inside calling Leila’s name.“Leila, could you go up to my bedroom to get my car keys,please?”“Alright ma’am”she responded.Her voice sounded distant and i knew she was already on her way upstairs.A few minutes later I spotted her hurrying down the stairs,the keys clutched in her hands.“Thanks Lei.You're such a darling,”I said,snatching the keys from her before storming out of the door once again.Within minutes, I was at the garage, climbing into my car. I tossed my bag onto the passenger seat, inserted

Mara’s POVIt was as though I had a premonition of what the day held for me because, for once, I woke up without the assistance of an alarm clock.6:31 a.m.I glanced at the time on my bedside clock, then let out a quiet sigh. The court hearing was scheduled for nine, which meant I had exactly two hours and twenty-nine minutes to get myself together.Enough time I guessI pushed the covers aside and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, already mentally planning my appearance. If there was one thing I had learned over the years, it was that your outfit says a lot about you even before you do. And when you were walking into a courtroom where your reputation, your marriage, and potentially your future were on the line, looking the part was non-negotiable.I wasn't about to show up looking like a woman who had been dragged into a battle she never asked for.If anything, I intended to look like a woman who was prepared to win it.And I was certainly going to wear something that commande

“Ethan’s case against you centers on allegations that you withheld material information from him—information he claims he had every right to know.”Margaret paused, adjusting the documents spread across her desk before continuing.“And, as expected, they’ll bring up your refusal to sign the trap clause. They’ll also question you about the clinic visit, hoping to use it to strengthen their argument against you.” She leaned back in her chair, her expression growing more serious. “However, I suspect they may have a few more surprises up their sleeves.”My fingers tightened around the strap of my handbag. “What kind of surprises?”“I can’t say for certain yet.” Margaret’s gaze met mine, sharp and unwavering. “But we’d be foolish to assume they’ll limit themselves to what we already know. Ethan’s legal team won’t leave any stone unturned, especially if they believe there’s something they can use to discredit you.”A heavy silence settled between us.“So, what do we do?” I asked, my voice q

By morning, I could hear Leila’s whistling from my bedroom.It was usually loud and irritating, and whenever the sound penetrated through my bedroom walls, I knew I had forgotten to shut the door.And I was right.“Ughhhhh!” I groaned, slamming a pillow over my ears in a desperate attempt to block out the noise. I was far too lazy to get out of bed and shut the door, hoping she would eventually stop.She didn’t.The whistling continued relentlessly.With a frustrated sigh, I finally dragged myself out of bed and made my way downstairs, fully prepared to give her a piece of my mind.“Do you realize I can hear your whistles from—”No reply.I stopped mid-sentence.My brows furrowed as I stared at her, already irritated by her apparent decision to ignore me. Then I noticed it.Headphones.She had a pair of headphones over her ears, completely oblivious to my presence.“You’ve got to be kidding me.”I turned around, marched back upstairs, grabbed another pillow from my room, and returned

My phone beeped just as I stepped out of the Uber.Distracted, I barely paid attention to where I was going, my eyes fixed on the glowing screen as I read the message.It was Richard.Richard: I’ll be hosting a private fine-dining dinner the day after tomorrow in celebration of my recovery. I’d be honoured to have you there.A small smile tugged at my lips.I quickly typed my response.Me: Yes, I’ll be there. Thank you for hosting. I’d be honoured to attend.I hit send and slipped my phone into my bag.Still distracted by the invitation, I made my way toward my apartment, barely paying attention to my surroundings.I didn't realize I'd reached my front door untilThud.My forehead bumped lightly against it.“Ouch.”I winced, rubbing my forehead as I stared at the door.For a moment, I simply stood there before letting out a quiet laugh at myself.My mind was clearly somewhere else.I reached for the doorknob, my smile still lingering.The dinner wasn't until the day after tomorrow.Fo