Novels by lady.serene

Celeste Years Later If someone told me years ago that my mornings would start with shrieks, small footsteps racing across hardwood floors, and a husband muttering prayers under his breath… I would’ve laughed.But that was before my life became beautifully unrecognizable.Before I became a mother of three.Before I became this version of myself — softer, fuller, steadier, the kind of happy that settles deep in the bones.This morning began the same way every morning began in the Calix household: with chaos.Tiny, adorable, unstoppable chaos.“Daddy! Daddy, he took it again! He did it again!” a voice shrieked from the hallway.I didn’t even need to look to know who it was.Amara, our eldest, barreled into the room, hair halfway undone, wearing her favorite pink pajamas covered in cartoon clouds.“Daddy, tell Seth to stop stealing my things! It’s mine! He didn’t ask permission!”I blinked, still half asleep.Sebastian blinked, fully tortured.“Amara,” he sighed, “sweetheart, it’s seven

CelesteThe lights of the reception dimmed slowly, like the night was finally ready to rest after carrying so much joy.The last notes of the band faded, leaving only the soft, distant hum of the ocean. I stood near the exit of the beachfront hall, still holding my bouquet—even though it had long wilted from hours of dancing and hugging and crying.It was the kind of exhaustion that didn’t weigh me down.The kind that wrapped around me like something warm and full and overwhelmingly real.“Mommy!”I turned just in time for Amara to run into my arms, her tiny floral shoes almost tripping over the sand scattered from the shore. Her hair was loose from all the dancing; her flower crown had slid to one side hours ago and stayed there, stubbornly crooked.I crouched carefully—my gown making tiny rustling sounds—and held her close.“You sleepy, baby?”She nodded against my neck. “I wan’ to stay with you… but my eyes are… heavy.”Sebastian appeared behind her, chuckling low. “Tireless all aft

Sebastian I was not a man who unraveled.I’d built an empire from the ground up, survived markets that swallowed seasoned CEOs whole, and negotiated with men who smiled like allies and struck like serpents. My life had been a never-ending battlefield where weakness was a luxury I could never afford.And yet—Standing here, on this sun-lit beach that had been transformed into a cathedral of glass, flowers, and ocean breeze…Waiting for the love of my life…My entire soul was trembling.The aisle stretched long before me, covered in clear panels filled with frozen white petals. Above it arched a tunnel of roses woven so densely that sunlight filtered down in scattered, celestial beams. Beyond that tunnel was the set of double doors—massive, white, adorned with trailing vines—that hid the most important moment of my life.People whispered around me—old friends, business partners, high-profile guests, the most influential families I grew up with—all perfectly dressed, all acting composed

Celeste Two Months LaterMorning didn’t break softly—it unfurled in a quiet shimmer, like the sun itself understood that today wasn’t ordinary. Today wasn’t just my wedding day… it was also my birthday. And somehow, the universe decided to combine the two biggest moments of my life into one breathtaking, terrifying, overwhelming day.I woke up before my alarm, though I barely slept at all. My heartbeat had been its own kind of restless knocking all night, a mix of nerves and surreal excitement that kept me turning beneath the silk sheets. I stared at the canopy above me for a long moment, letting the stillness settle around me.This villa—the bridal villa—was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Set on the highest cliff of Seb’s private island, it had floor-to-ceiling glass walls that opened directly to the endless blue of the ocean. From where I lay, I could see the water rippling with the first hints of sunrise. Gold, soft pink, and a pale, glowing lavender spread across the horizon like

CelesteAfter days of cold hospital air, machines beeping beside me, and that constant underlying fear that something could go wrong, stepping out of the hospital doors felt like waking up from the longest nightmare. The air was warm, the sky clear, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I could breathe without feeling pain or panic clawing at my chest.Sebastian was gripping my hand tightly, as if afraid I might vanish if he loosened his hold. His other hand carried the small bag containing my discharge papers and the few belongings Alexis had brought. He kept glancing at me—every few seconds—checking if I was okay, if I was walking fine, if I was breathing fine, if the world was treating me fine.“Stop worrying,” I whispered, nudging him with my shoulder.He didn’t even try to deny it. “Not happening.”I smiled softly, the kind of smile that carried gratitude and exhaustion all at once. “I’m really okay, Seb. I’m just… tired.”His brows pinched slightly, but he nodded. “Yo

Celeste Nicholas moved to the other side of the bed, careful not to crowd me. “Don’t ever do that again,” he muttered, though his voice shook. “Passing out, getting kidnapped, almost dying—Celeste, my heart can’t handle that.”I let out a weak laugh, even though my throat tightened. “I didn’t want any of it to happen either…”Alexis sniffed, blinking rapidly before placing the bag of clothes on the couch. “I brought some of your things. And… and snacks. But I don’t know if you’re allowed to eat snacks so—” Her eyes widened as she turned to Sebastian. “Sebastian, is she allowed?”“For now, only what the doctor permits,” Sebastian replied, his tone gentler than usual when speaking to her. “But thank you, Alexis.”She nodded quickly, her relief mixed with guilt as her gaze returned to me.Theodore stepped closer, posture straight but eyes impossibly soft. “You are family,” he said quietly. “Do not forget that. We almost lost you.” His jaw tightened. “I am grateful we did not.”Emotion r

IsabellaI woke to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, the quiet broken only by the hum of the air conditioner. For a moment, I felt… alone. My body ached faintly, a reminder of yesterday, and I instinctively touched my stomach, feeling the gentle flutter of life inside me.The apartment was silent—no footsteps, no familiar presence. My chest tightened.I swung my legs over the side of the bed and rubbed my eyes. “Gabriel?” My voice was small, hesitant. No answer.Slowly, I made my way to the living room. That’s when I saw her—Mia. Arms crossed, brow furrowed, her eyes scanning the room like she was hunting for answers.“You’re awake,” she said, voice sharp, a mixture of surprise and exasperation. “Finally. I was starting to think I’d walk into a ghost.”“Mia?” I asked, blinking. Confused.“Yes, me. I’m here because… well, let’s just say Gabriel made a call this morning. Woke me up before sunrise, told me to come see you,” she said, her tone clipped, eyebrows rising

IsabellaThe car hummed along the dark streets, tires crunching over uneven pavement. Outside, the city lights flickered weakly against the night sky, painting shadows across my face. I rested my hand over my stomach, feeling the faint, steady rhythm of the life inside me, the tiny pulse that reminded me I wasn’t alone. Not entirely.Yet, for all the life within me, the world around me felt suffocating. Gabriel sat opposite, silent, hands folded neatly in his lap, eyes forward, posture immaculate, unreadable. He hadn’t spoken in over ten minutes, and the quiet was not comforting. It was loaded, expectant, like a taut wire straining against the weight of unspoken words.I wanted to hate him. I had every reason to. He had been absent for years, indifferent, cold, even after we married. He had signed the divorce papers like it was a mere formality, like I had never mattered beyond a name on a contract. He had never checked on me, never cared if I slept, if I ate, if I existed beyond the

IsabellaThe fluorescent lights above me buzzed faintly, a soft, steady hum that blended with the occasional beeping from nearby machines. The emergency room smelled like antiseptic and cold metal—sterile, sharp, too bright for the hour. I sat upright on the hospital bed, one hand resting over my abdomen, the other gripping the thin blanket draped over my legs.The pain had dulled into a low ache. Manageable. But the fear lingered in my chest like a stubborn echo.Across the room, Gabriel stood near the door with the tension of a man who didn’t know how to sit still. He was still in the same suit he wore earlier—navy, sharp, immaculate—except now the top button of his shirt was undone, and his tie hung slightly askew, as if he’d pulled at it without thinking. A small, almost invisible crack in his perfect armor.He wasn’t looking at me. He hadn’t for the last twenty minutes.He was pretending to read something on his phone, jaw tense, posture rigid, the entire room bending around the

Isabella The moment I stepped into the hospital lobby, the stark white lights felt like needles stabbing into my eyes. Everything was too bright, too cold, too loud. My heartbeat thudded heavily in my ears as I gripped Gabriel’s arm for balance—only because I had no choice, not because I wanted to.The nurse rushed toward us the second she noticed my posture, my breathing, my hand clutching my stomach.“Ma’am, are you in pain? How far along are you?”“Three months,” I managed, my voice thin.“Four,” Gabriel corrected immediately, standing behind me like a wall of ice.I shot him a glare. “Three.”His jaw tightened. “You told me something else.”“You’re not entitled to know anything,” I snapped back.The nurse blinked awkwardly between us, clearly unsure if she should intervene or call security.“Let’s get you into an exam room,” she said quickly. “We’ll check everything.”I nodded, breath trembling as another wave of discomfort pulsed beneath my ribs. She guided me into a wheelchair

IsabellaSleep wouldn’t come.The clock on the wall blinked quietly in the darkness, red numbers slicing through the silence: 2:47 AM. I had been lying in bed for hours, staring at the ceiling, replaying every moment from earlier — the clipped tone in Gabriel’s voice, the way he refused to look at my stomach, and the coldness that wrapped around him like armor.And then the way he paused at the door.Ms. Reyes… you’re carrying?Even now, the words echoed in my head, sharp and disorienting. He didn’t ask with curiosity, or guilt, or even anger. He asked like he was confirming a calculation. Like I was data on a report he didn’t fully understand.I pressed my palm lightly over my bump, feeling the faint firmness beneath my skin. My baby shifted slightly — or maybe that was just my nerves.Either way, sleep never stood a chance.I squeezed my eyes shut, inhaled deeply, and turned on my side, trying to force rest. But then — a sharp pain twisted low in my abdomen, sudden and slicing, jolt

Isabella The gravel crunched under the sleek tires of Gabriel’s car before I even had a chance to brace myself. I stood near the edge of the balcony, arms crossed over my stomach, the faint curve of my growing bump pressing against my blouse. Three months. Four, maybe. Enough for him to notice if he looked closely—but he didn’t.He stepped out of the car, impeccably dressed as always. Navy suit, crisp white shirt, polished shoes. Not a hair out of place. Not a hint of apology in the way he carried himself. Not a flicker of recognition for what he’d done—or undone.Gabriel Thorne walked with the same measured steps I remembered from boardrooms, courtrooms, and every important room we’d ever shared. Commanding, controlled, untouchable. And he had come here, to my vineyard, for business. Nothing else.I lowered my gaze briefly to my stomach, then lifted my chin. If he noticed, he didn’t acknowledge it. I had expected no less.“Ms. Reyes,” he said, voice clipped, precise. No warmth, no h

Umupo na kaming lahat at nagsimula na. Doon ko na rin napansin ang napakaeleganteng set up ng lamesa para lamang sa dinner na ito. The table was a masterpiece of elegance. The long dining table was draped in a luxurious white tablecloth that flowed gracefully to the floor. A delicate table runner in a soft, shimmering gold ran down the center, catching the light in the most enchanting way.Ang bawat place setting ay maayos na nakaayos: puting dinner plates sa ibabaw ng elegant na charger plates. Ang cutlery, shiny at polished, ay nakaayos ng maayos—mga fork sa kaliwa, at knives at spoons sa kanan. Ang mga baso, crystal clear at kumikislap, ay nakalagay sa itaas ng mga knives—water glasses at wine glasses, bawat isa ay naka-set na maayos. Ang mga napkin, naka-fold sa magandang hugis at nasa silver napkin rings, ay nagbibigay ng dagdag na sophistication.The ambient lighting was perfect, with dimmed chandeliers and softly glowing candles creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. Gentle,

Allison convinced me to join the dinner, and so I did. I already informed Enzo na pupunta ako, as well as Maxine. Napatawag pa nga si Maxine sa sobrang tuwa dahil tinanggap ko ang invitation niya. Si Enzo na rin ang susundo sa akin mamaya at sabay kaming pupunta sa bahay nila Maxine. Alas otso ang dinner kaya nang mag-sais ay naligo na ako. Binilisan ko na ang pagkilos at baka kami ay ma-late sa dinner. Nakakahiya naman kung agaw atensyon ang pagdating namin. Balita ko’y nandoon rin daw ang ibang mga pinsan ni Gael, at kasama rin ang kapatid na babae ni Maxine. Ofcourse, hindi mawawala ang presensya ni Gael sa dinner na iyon kaya kailangan kong paghandaan ang pagpunta ko. Tonight’s dinner is special, and I wanted my outfit to reflect myself. I’m wearing this gorgeous white dress that makes me feel like I’m walking on a cloud. It’s off-shoulder, with a sleek one-line collar that frames my shoulders perfectly. The fabric is soft and stretchy, hugging my curves just right and falling i

I tried. I tried telling him the truth about the past. I was willing to tell him everything already. Tungkol sa naging sakit ko, sa pagbubuntis ko, at sa rason kung bakit tinanggap ko ang perang inalok sa akin ng mama niya. Because after all, I’ve realized that he deserves to know the truth. Gusto kong aminin na lahat sa kanya so we could both live in peace. At para makamit niya na rin yung peace of mind niya. But he didn’t let me explain. At ang mas masakit pa ay inisip niyang nagpabuntis ako sa iba when in fact, siya lang ang lalakeng nakagalaw sa akin. At sa loob ng pitong taon na magkahiwalay kami, wala akong ibang minahal na iba. He was the only person that I loved. Tama nga lang ang desisyon ko na iwan siya noon dahil kung sinabi ko na sa kanya noon ang tungkol sa pagbubuntis ko, baka hindi niya ako paniniwalaan at hindi niya matatanggap ang batang nasa sinapupunan ko. This may be selfish but I’m still thankful na hindi na nabuhay si Nathaniel. I don’t want him to get hurt by

I’m not drunk. Yes, I drank alcohol, but I’m definitely not drunk.I lied when I said I needed rest. The truth is, I want to know more about her past. If she doesn’t want to answer my questions about our past, then I’ll find a way to learn about what happened back then.When I met her again at the engagement party, I didn’t know how to feel. I wanted to be angry. I wanted to show her that I am happy now, that I was able to live happily even though she left me. I wanted to show that I am already more successful than her. But I couldn’t. It felt like the seven years I spent trying to forget her were wasted because the moment I saw her again, what I felt was relief knowing she’s doing so well and that fate allowed our paths to cross again.I couldn't sleep that night because my mind was filled with unanswered questions. I know it’s not right, especially since I’m about to marry Maxine, but I still find myself wanting to understand why Michaela left me.As soon as I entered her room, I was

“Gael, anong ginagawa mo rito?” He looked at me straight to my eyes. “You really don’t care, do you?”“If this is about our past again, please, kalimutan mo na ‘yon. Gael, you’re getting married already! Hindi na mahalaga kung ano ba ang nangyari.”Bigla niya akong nilapitan. “Michaela.” Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang braso ko. “I need to know the truth so I can live in peace.” His expression suddenly changed. It became soft, and calm. Malayong-malayo sa Gael na nakausap ko kanina. Malayong-malayo sa Gael na nakaharap ko kagabi. At this moment, parang kaharap ko ang Gael na nakilala ko seven years ago. The soft, sweet, and gentle Gael na sobrang minahal ko. I was about to answer him nang biglang bumukas ang pinto ng elevator. Mabilis kong inalis ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa mga braso ko saka nagmamadaling lumabas. Hindi ko maintindihan ang sarili ko. Shit. Akala ko tuluyan ko nang naibaon sa limot ang naging nakaraan namin. I didn’t see this coming. I wasn’t prepared. Halos twent

Hindi ko siya iniwan. I was left with no choice. I had to choose myself over him. I had to be selfish at that time. Hindi ko intensyon na iwan siya nang walang paalam. Mahal na mahal ko si Gael at hindi naging madali para sa’kin na gawin iyon pero kailangan. I gulped, my heart was racing so fast. He pinned me on the wall sabay sarado niya ng pinto. Lalong nagwala ang puso ko sa kanyang ginawa. Ramdam ko ang panginginig ng mga binti ko. He’s trying to catch his breath. Alam kong pinipigilan niya lang ang kanyang sarili na saktan ako o sigawan ako. Nakatingin lang ako sa dibdib niya. Wala akong lakas ng loob na mag-angat ng mukha dahil hindi ko yata kakayanin na makipagtitigan sa kanya. I would met by his deadly eyes. “Michaela,” tawag niya sa pangalan ko. “Minahal mo ba talaga ako? Or you were just after my family’s wealth?” Napakunot ako ng noo’t labag man sa kalooban ko’y inangat ko ang mukha ko para makita siya. “What the hell?!” singhal ko. “What made you think na pera niyo ang