Novels by Jera J.

Evelyn finally spoke, “Peter, calm down.”She stepped closer to him, keeping her voice gentle.“I understand that you’re annoyed, and honestly, I would be annoyed too if someone came into my house, started a fight with me, and hurt me. I’ve already apologized, and I’m apologizing again. I’m sorry about what happened.”Peter looked away.“But you need to calm down.”He remained silent.Evelyn glanced at Rayna before continuing.“And Rayna wasn’t wrong. Damien is still Cindy and Ruby’s father. You may not like him, and I certainly have no intention of defending everything he does, but that fact remains.”Peter shook his head.“You don’t get it, Evelyn.”His voice had dropped, but he still sounded frustrated.Evelyn stared at him.“What am I not getting?”Peter did not answer. Instead, his eyes moved to Rayna.She had tears in her eyes.The anger on Peter’s face softened almost immediately.Rayna looked at him with confusion and pain, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.Evelyn notic

Evelyn pulled Damien farther away from the entrance before turning to face him.“What are you doing here?”Damien’s expression remained unreadable.“Your daughter reminded me of my princess.”Evelyn froze completely, shocked. She had not expected to hear those words.For a few seconds, she said nothing. Then she forced herself to breathe.“Did you meet my daughter?”“Yes. I believe she's your little one. She’s so pretty.”A small breath escaped Evelyn. She was relieved.She allowed him to digest his feelings in that moment. Because she knew who he was remembering…“Thanks for the compliment”, she said.She changed the subject before the silence could become uncomfortable.“Tell me, why did you come here?”Damien wiped away the small tear that had slid down his cheek.“I came here to meet you. Sorry, I got carried away with the remembrance of my daughter when I saw yours.”“It’s okay. What did you want to see me for? We saw each other a few hours ago in your office.”“That’s it. We had

Violetta's eyes filled with tears. She reached for his hands.“I am past this level, Damien.”This time her voice softened.“I cannot fight for your love and attention with another woman. I just can't. Especially not Shirley's doppelganger.”Damien frowned and Violetta paused for a while before continuing. “I know what she is doing. She's getting into your head.”She squeezed his hands.“But I will not let her take you from me.”Damien remained silent through it all.“Ring or no ring, our wedding will hold.”She released his hands and wiped her eyes.“I will make sure of it!”Violetta turned and stormed out of the office.The door slammed behind her.Damien stood still. Then he turned toward his desk and slammed his fist against it.A sharp crack appeared on the desk.He stared at the damaged area...“Violetta does not deserve any of this.”Damien hit the table again.“What is happening to me?”His voice echoed through the office.He stood there, breathing hard.Then his eyes fell on

After a while of silence, Evelyn settled on the chair and crossed her legs. She dropped her bag onto the table and lifted her chin a little, giving her posture an extra boost of confidence.Violetta remained standing.After everything that had happened in Damien's office, she had expected Evelyn to be nervous or defensive. Instead, she looked completely at ease.Evelyn tilted her head.“Do you really think Damien loves you as much as you love him?”Evelyn chuckled before continuing talking.“Silly me. Let me rephrase the question. Do you think Damien loves you even one percent of how much you love him?”“Be careful with what you say!”“Why? Did my words strike a nerve?”“You have no idea what you are talking about. You have spent a few minutes around Damien and suddenly you think you understand our relationship?”“I never said I understood your relationship. I only asked you a simple question.” Violetta stepped closer.“Damien loves me. He has always loved me and he always will.”“Th

Damien was the first to speak…“It is not what it looks like.”Evelyn looked from him to Violetta, who was fixing up her dress.“Why are you giving me an explanation?” she asked. “She is your fiancée, so I have no reason to question what the two of you are doing. I only think you should try to respect the office. It could have been anyone who walked through that door.”Violetta's expression changed.“Please keep your advice to yourself. Everyone knocks before they enter, and as you said, I am his fiancée. We can make love anywhere and anytime we want.”Evelyn felt heat rise through her chest.She tried to suppress her rage.Damien looked at Violetta.“Evelyn is right.”Violetta stared at him.“What?”“I said Evelyn is right. Nothing was happening between us, but this is still my office. We should respect that.”Violetta slowly moved to the side.“I still do not understand why you are explaining things to her.”Damien looked at Evelyn.“I am sorry you had to walk into that.”Violetta's

After the call ended, Evelyn lowered the phone slowly. Rayna was sitting across from her, her expression still tense.“What did he say?”“He wants to see me again at the same restaurant. I believe he wants to know if I've made a decision.”Rayna leaned back against the sofa and released a low breath.“And what are you going to tell him?”Evelyn looked at her, “I don't really know but I think I'm going to do it. I have not decided how far I am willing to go yet. But I cannot ignore what he asked of me.”Rayna and Peter remained quiet.Evelyn understood the hesitation on their face.“This is not about Damien”, Evelyn said. “At least, it is not about getting him back. Theodore has never asked me for anything before. But for the first time, he asked me for a favor. I don't think I have it in me to turn him down.” “I understand.”“I also think it is better if I deal with this now.”Rayna looked down at her hands.“I told you I would like to see my family again at the right time. I do not

In the Miller mansion, Andrew was seated in the living room while Nina, Lucas and Josephine went upstairs to freshen up. Josephine joined him shortly to keep him company while they waited for the couple to join them.She tried to keep the conversation light until her son and Nina returned. Upstairs, Nina was taking out night gowns from one of her suitcases. She was yet to unpack her things into the closet and as a model, she had quite a lot of belongings. “You look good in the bathrobe and you smell even better”, Lucas teased..“I could have you for dinner.” He stepped closer to her from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist. But Nina freed herself. Lucas stepped closer again and placed a kiss on her cheek. “Are you upset with me?” Nina raised her white pajamas and took off her bathrobe.She looked at Lucas through the corners of her eyes.He swallowed hard at her glistening body, itching to have her. She rolled her eyes and put on her clothes in a rather slow movement

“Are you going to stay up like this or do you want to talk?” “Talk about what exactly?” “Anything. We could perhaps start from what's going through your mind.” He handed her a hot cup of tea, with another in his left hand. “Thanks.” “Now tell me, what are you thinking about?” “Nothing. A lot has happened in the past few days and I'm still trying to process everything.” “Everything? Or just Lucas' wedding?” Daisy looked at him and lowered her gaze afterwards. She sipped from her cup and sighed. “I'm not bothered by his wedding. He can marry whoever he wants.” “Is that so?” “Yes.”“Then why did you suddenly walk out during the wedding? And why have you been unusually quiet since we returned?” “It's simple. I showed up to the wedding and accomplished what I wanted…Lucas and Josephine were utterly confused and shocked. It felt good to see that. And when it comes to being quiet, I have absolutely nothing to say.” “Really? Then why can't you look me in the eye?” Daisy remain

“The guests are asking for you and Nina looks worried.” “I'll be out soon”, Lucas replied. He had spent so long in the private inner chamber after cutting the cake with Nina in the garden. His smile back then looked forced and he couldn't stand his own pretense so he excused himself. “Let's go now. You've spent over ten minutes here and people are starting to talk.”“Oh mum, this is not the right time to care about who is talking and who is not.” “Then what should I care about? Daisy?” He remained silent. He had so many questions that he needed answers to. “I asked you something. If this isn't the right time to care about what people say then should we care about Daisy?” He was still silent. “Listen up, Lucas!” Josephine held him by his shoulders. “You will go out there and you better straighten up and smile. You're not the only one with questions but we have a reputation to protect. Plus, your wife needs you out there.” She turned to leave but stopped at the door.“If you

The chauffeur did as he was told and in approximately twenty minutes, they arrived at the venue. The space felt like a secret garden pulled indoors. The walls were washed white, and everything else softened against them. The light wasn’t bright; it came from strings of tiny bulbs that were draped above, and from candles that sat in clear glass holders on every surface. There were only 15 to 20 chairs, so you could actually see everyone. They were arranged in loose rows. Each seat had a white cushion tied with a thin pink ribbon. Between them, low tables held small bouquets: white roses, and blush pink peonies in simple ceramic vases. The color was everywhere but gentle. Pink linen napkins were folded on white plates at the side. Pink sheer fabric drifted from the ceiling and caught the light. White petals were scattered across the floor in a narrow path, leading to a simple backdrop of white drapery with pink florals pinned at one corner.At the front, under that backdrop,

“So what do I do now? I can't run a company. I've never run one before.” “I know and I've made sure you'll get all the help you need.” A little smile spread across Daisy's face. But she noticed Marcus’ facial expression had changed. “What's the problem?” “I have something else to ask you. But I need to know if you trust me.” “What do you have to tell me?” “I'll let you know but first, tell me…do you trust me?”“Of course, I do. I trust you more than I trust myself.” Her words eased Marcus. His posture became relaxed and he looked Daisy in the eye. “You'd come along to the wedding with me…won't you?” “I will.”“Promise me you won't change your mind.” Daisy frowned. Marcus barely asked her to make promises. Without a second thought she agreed. “I promise to accompany you to the wedding on Saturday and I won't back down. I even promise to make you proud.” Marcus looked at her and her warm smile made him feel extremely good. “Thanks, D. You're the best. But remember, you've

Days passed and everything seemed to be sailing smoothly. “I've seen a lot of improvement in her”, Marcus admitted. He was seated in his office with Linda, Daisy's confidence coach and undeniably the best at her game in the whole city. She was sophisticated and had a PhD in human psychology. “Thank you. It was quite tough in the beginning but I'm glad we're making progress.” “So do you think she's ready for Saturday's event?” “Well”, Linda straightened up. “If I'm being honest, it's a 50-50 chance. You mentioned she would have to face people from her past and that's where the problem lies.” “Explain further.” “Ms. Daisy doesn't like to talk about her past. From my experience, I can tell it was traumatic. If she's to come face-to-face with her past, all our efforts to help her would be reduced to nothing.” “But Saturday's event is very important.”“I have a suggestion.” “Which is?” “Tell her exactly who or what she's going to be facing. That way, she can prepare herself and