Novels by WALDA

The next morning, Prisley had barely gotten out of bed when a wave of nausea hit her.She rushed to the bathroom, throwing up violently into the toilet. Heath, hearing the commotion, quickly came over. Seeing her kneeling on the floor, vomiting fiercely, his heart ached."What's wrong?" he asked."I don't know. Maybe I ate too much last night..."Prisley cleaned herself up and came out, her face a little pale. Heath was incredibly concerned. He gently scooped her up, carrying her horizontally, and laid her on the bed.Suddenly, Prisley asked, "What's the date today?""The 5th. Why?"She shot upright and dashed back into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.Heath followed, but the door was locked. "What's wrong?" he asked, knocking. Prisley didn't answer, leaving Heath even more bewildered.After a long moment, the door opened. Prisley, tears in her eyes, threw herself into his arms. Heath, momentarily flustered, held her tight. "What's wrong? Don't panic, tell me, I'm here."Pri

Soon after the wedding, it was little Lucy's third birthday. Heath decided to throw a birthday party for Lucy, and he and Prisley were busy for a while, arranging all sorts of small activities.Relatives and friends arrived, and the house's yard once again buzzed with excitement.The maids, dressed as cartoon characters, bustled in and out of the house. Lucy excitedly grabbed different characters, urging them to play with her."Mommy, Mommy, why is my favorite Twilight Sparkle at home?""Because it's Lucy's birthday today, sweetie. Twilight Sparkle came specially to celebrate with you.""Is Fluttershy here? I love her the most!"Prisley gently kissed her chubby little cheek. "Fluttershy is waiting for you in the yard."Lucy happily scampered towards the yard but bumped right into Spencer's leg as he entered. Spencer picked her up. "Oh, my little darling, what are you rushing off to do?"Lucy stared at him with wide eyes. "Who are you?""I'm Uncle Spencer, your Mommy's brother.""Hello

Prisley leaned into Heath's embrace, their naked bodies intertwined on the broad office desk."Did you ever think, when you were signing documents here, that you'd be making love to me on this very table?" she asked, still catching her breath.Heath chuckled. "No. But I imagine I'll be thinking about it quite often from now on."Prisley's face flushed to her ears. She turned away, muttering, "I was supposed to go back to my own company. You wasted so much of my time bringing me here."Heath carried her to the bathroom, and under the warm spray of water, gently kissed her. "Which is more important: work, or accepting my proposal?" he asked."Do you know how long I prepared for today? I considered so many venues and plans, but ultimately chose here, in your most familiar environment, surrounded by the people closest to you. That way, you wouldn't be affected by the shadow of the past. And only this way could I guarantee your absolute safety."Prisley pressed her face tightly against his

A wave of enthusiastic applause erupted from everyone. Prisley covered her mouth, her eyes brimming with tears. She accepted the bouquet, tears in her eyes as she responded, "Yes! I will!"She had answered that question two years ago. To say it again now brought a different surge of emotions: trust, gratitude, love... a myriad of feelings. After going through life and death, she simply couldn't refuse.Heath smiled, pulling her into his embrace and gently kissing her lips. Cheers and applause burst through the hallway.Then, someone shouted, "Let the celebrations begin!" and the employees surged towards tables laden with champagne and delicacies.Prisley playfully chided, "Why suddenly do this at the office?"Heath leaned in and whispered affectionately in her ear, "The proposal two years ago cast a shadow over both our hearts. I know you never forgot it."He continued, "I want to pierce that shadow with a beam of sunlight so we never have to remember it again. You're surrounded by fa

Days later, Jennifer received a call. The moment she saw the screen, she smiled. "Boss, if you're calling me, it must be good news, right?" she teased, smiling coyly.Heath's magnetic voice came through the phone. "Yes, I need your help with something."Jennifer's lips curled upwards. "Let me guess? Hmm... I see happiness." She couldn't resist playfully teasing Heath.Heath chuckled on his end. "I'm planning to propose to Prisley and then give her a grand wedding. These are things I should have given her two years ago."Jennifer's smile softened. "Prisley came to see me a few days ago. She's doing well, but it seems she has some PTSD from that night.""Is that so..." Heath's voice deepened. "She never mentioned it to me. Perhaps she didn't want me to worry about it."He felt a pang of annoyance; how had he not noticed any signs? After a brief pause, he continued, "So, I want her to accept my proposal in a familiar, secure place, not in a new environment like last time. I want her to b

"Prisley's forgiveness is a testament to her generosity and compassion. But I am not so quick to forgive," Heath stated, his voice firm."I will formally demand that you surrender all your shares in the family business. You and your mother will leave this city. You may not return until I deem it appropriate."Prisley started to speak, but Heath silenced her with a gesture. "He must also pay a price."Tears welled in David's eyes. "Heath, I accept your terms. I will find a proper job at a company, and if you don't allow me to return, I swear I won't step foot in this city."Prisley's shoulder had mostly healed. She rotated it gently, then, with her daughter, drove to an office building.She called the company's reception, announcing that someone was waiting in the lobby.A few minutes later, a familiar face emerged from the elevator. Prisley smiled at her. "Jennifer, long time no see."Jennifer shrieked, rushing to embrace Prisley. Though Prisley had kept in touch, this was their first

Shirley POV:"Sorry—"I slammed into a firm chest.A second later, a pair of hands reached out to steady me."Shirley!"It was Josh.It was only then that I realized I was trembling—so hard I could barely keep my feet.He pulled me toward him, half-carrying me away from the hallway and into the elevator lobby.I leaned against him, trying to regain my balance, my breath coming in short, jagged gasps."Talk to me. What's going on?"He lowered his voice, urgent and concerned.I wanted to say "nothing," but my lips wouldn't stop shaking.Just then, the elevator chimed behind us.The door slid open, and a man stepped out.In that heartbeat, I felt it—that familiar, crushing weight in the air.I turned, and it was like falling into an ice-clad abyss.My entire body went numb.Connor.He walked with a measured, unhurried pace.His gaze flickered to my face for the briefest of seconds—cold and clinical, as if he's appraising a piece of damaged art in his collection.Then, his eyes drifted slo

Shirley POV:"The Marketing Director for Virex wants to see me tonight."I clicked my phone screen off."Oh? Why didn't he reach out to me?"Josh's voice didn't sound particularly pleased.I shrugged."Who knows? Maybe it slipped his mind."Josh's gaze darkened, his expression turning increasingly somber."Shirley, that Hunter guy... he's a piece of work. I need you to hold the line. Don't compromise your integrity for the sake of this contract."My heart rate spiked."What are you trying to say?"Had he connected the dots?"I'll say it one more time," Josh said, his voice earnest."If this contract requires you to trade your body for it, I’m walking away from the deal."I knew this was Josh's unwavering principle.He never played the game of sycophancy with clients.But this contract... that is exactly how it was won.I forced a grin, patting his arm as if it were no big deal."I won't. If you're that worried, why don't you come with me tonight?"I was just tossing the idea out there,

Shirley POV:Connor left early the next morning.I finally let out a breath I'd been holding; I could finally have a quiet breakfast in peace.I didn't sleep a wink last night.My mind was a relentless loop of him auditing the books and tracing the money back to Kolvo.I had used cash for the transaction.Would he still find out I gave it to Josh?And if he did... would he actually go after him?Josh hadn't arrived yet when I reached the office.I buried my face in my palms, trying to steal a moment of rest.The dread in my chest was even heavier than it had been yesterday.I could feel it in my bones—Connor wasn't going to let this go.The door swung open, and Josh walked in, bringing the morning sunlight with him."Morning, Shirley—hey, what's wrong? You look like hell. "I quickly rubbed my face and smoothed my hair."Me? Nothing's wrong.""You've got some serious bags under your eyes. And your eyes are red and swollen. Have you been crying?"I forced a fake smile."I was just too e

Shirley POV:The blue velvet box hit the desk with a sharp crack.I winced, my eyes stinging as if scorched by fire. My first instinct was to look away.I fought for control, forcing a strained smile onto my face."It's just... not my style."Connor rose from the sofa, closing the distance between us step by deliberate step.His grayish-blue eyes were calm but piercingly cold; a chill began to wrap around my entire body.He looked like a predator who finally cornered his prey."Fair enough. If it doesn't suit you, you liquidate it."His voice dripped with sarcasm.The sheer weight of his presence was suffocating, making my knees go weak.I dug my nails into my palms, using the sharp pain to keep myself grounded."You know," I managed, my voice trembling. "I... I prefer cash. Money makes me feel safe."I lowered my head, unable to meet his gaze.His eyes have never looked this commanding—or this dangerous.Suddenly, his arm hooked around my waist, yanking me flush against him.He leaned

Shirley POV:"Your partner?"For a heartbeat, I questioned my own hearing."Yes," Josh said firmly. "With a seventy percent stake.""No, absolutely not! Kolvo is your blood, sweat, and tears. It's built on your designs, your strategies, the clients you brought in. What am I in all this?“Thirty. That's my ceiling.""This money just gave Kolvo a pulse, Shirley. You don't seem to realize how critical that is.""I just got lucky! I didn't put in the work, and I didn't take the risks...""If you don't accept these terms," his voice turned cold and rigid, "I can't take the money."My temper flared, and my voice rose an octave."Josh! The camera crews, the media buys—every part of this project needs cash now. We are at the starting line. Do you really want to blow this contract?“Don't you dare get stubborn with me!"I was flushed, my chest heaving."I get it, okay? I just... I can't take that big of a slice."...We went back and forth, locked in a fierce debate over the equity split.He ke

Shirley POV:I woke up with a head-splitting hangover.I tried to piece together the fragmented memories of the night before.My memory of the strained conversation with Josh and that terrifying encounter at the small apartment remained sharp.But everything after the alcohol took hold was a blur.I had a hazy recollection of Connor snatching the bottle from my hand and shoving me into the car.Beyond that... nothing.I clutched my throbbing temples, overcome with regret.How could I have let myself get that wasted?If he hadn't shown up, I would have been in serious danger.Wait.Did he... hold me? Did he kiss me?In a panic, I checked myself under the covers.Thank God. We hadn't slept together.Relieved, I pulled myself together and headed down to the dining room.Connor was already there."Good morning..." I murmured, sliding into the chair next to him.He offered a brief acknowledgment but remained silent.Terrified he would bring up my drunken antics, I kept my head down, nearly

CamilleMy mother and Gabriel had searched the entire mansion and back garden for Matthew. They were terrified he might be harming himself in the tool shed when they heard noises coming from within, so they burst inside.What they stumbled upon was our shame, laid bare.My mother's face crumpled in horror. She slammed the door shut, but she didn't dare interrupt Matthew's… episode. Instead, she just stood there, wringing her hands, completely helpless.I caught a glimpse of shock and anguish etched on Gabriel's face.In his eyes, he was already convinced that I had seduced a mentally unstable Matthew to gain some sort of advantage with the Bennetts—he wouldn't have needed to ask, and even if he did, he'd never believe my explanation.Seeing them, Matthew's clouded mind began to clear. He slumped off me, murmuring apologies over and over.Gabriel helped him get dressed, his voice soothing and protective as he held Matthew close, telling him not to be afraid.Meanwhile, my mother, in a

CamilleMrs. Bennett had always been frail, and Matthew's disappearance for several days had driven her to despair. She couldn't eat or sleep, constantly urging Mr. Bennett to send people out to search.Even though help was dispatched daily, nothing eased her fears. Determined to find her son, she took to the streets herself, scouring every corner from dawn until dusk.But exhaustion overcame her; she collapsed by the roadside and was tragically struck by a truck that had run a red light.That gentle, caring woman—with her heart heavy for her youngest son, went to heaven, leaving us all in mourning.When I heard the news, it felt like I had died a little inside. She was the one both Gabriel and Matthew adored most.Soon enough, the maids began whispering rumors. They claimed I had taken Matthew out to play, and that my actions were to blame for his abduction.I tried to explain everything to Mr. Bennett and to Gabriel, and they seemed to accept it, but when Gabriel looked at me, the h

CamilleHow did Matthew find me? A rush of relief surged through me, but it was instantly replaced by fear—for him."Matthew! Leave me—just run!" My pants had been yanked down below my knees, but I didn't care about my own humiliation. I just screamed for him to get away.Smack!A stinging slap landed hard across my face. Pain exploded in my cheek, and for a moment, my left ear went completely deaf.Matthew grabbed the knife James had left on the table and lunged at him.But how could a fourteen-year-old boy stand a chance against a full-grown man? Especially one like James—a brute who had spent his life in brawls.It only took a few moments before Matthew was overpowered. He was bleeding, tied up, and tossed beside me like a discarded rag doll."Well, ain't this my lucky day!" James let out a triumphant laugh. "Looks like the blind old gods finally decided to do me a favor! I was just thinking I needed something big, and now I've got myself a rich little hostage."Both Matthew and I

CamilleGabriel spoke with his usual nonchalance. "Someone must have leaked information. We got ambushed halfway.""You didn't fight back? Were all the men you brought useless?"Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "How do you know I didn't?"I quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Mr. Bennett, it happened so fast last night. Gabriel was injured... because of me. I slowed him down. I'm willing to take the punishment.""Injured?" Harrison's tone was cold, devoid of any real concern. "Where?"Gabriel stepped forward, unbuttoned his shirt, and pulled it slightly off his shoulder, revealing the bandages.Fresh blood had already seeped through the pristine white gauze—this wound was real.Harrison was a man who trusted only what he could see. Without evidence, he would never believe a word.He gave the injury a glance and nodded."You messed up this time. Do you have any idea how much we lost?" Harrison’s voice was heavy with anger. "But since you're hurt, I'll let it slide. Camille, stay here.

CamilleIt was nearly midnight, and I didn't want Gabriel to know I'd been snooping. I put the photo albums back in the box, returning everything to its original place.I wondered how he was doing, a genuine worry settling in. I felt a twinge of worry not just for him, but for my own fate.He wouldn't end up telling his old man that I'm unfit, would he?I always felt he wasn't that devious.I had curled up in a corner, half asleep, when the door slammed open and Gabriel burst in.He was panting, his voice hoarse. "Let's go, I'll take you home."Amidst his familiar scent, I detected a faint whiff of blood.I jumped up, scanning him from head to toe. "What happened? Are you hurt?"He ignored me, shoving me towards the door. "Too many questions. Just go home."But I wasn't having it.I turned back into the room, slamming the door shut."Gabe, I need to make sure you're okay."I started unbuttoning his shirt. With practiced ease, his black shirt was off in seconds.I froze.There, on his

CamilleI screamed and pounded on the door with all my strength. The thick oak barely even shuddered. Gabriel was already gone.I fell silent, scanning the room. It wasn’t large—likely a storage room. More importantly, there were no windows.So, from the very beginning, Gabriel had never intended to let me join the mission.Damn it!Since I couldn't leave, there was no point wasting energy. I sat on the floor, slowly scanning the room.It was cluttered with odds and ends, coated in a thin layer of dust, suggesting it was rarely cleaned.Curiosity piqued, I began to rummage through the mess, unearthing an old box tucked beneath a pile of junk.My heart skipped a beat as I opened it, guessing what I'd find inside.It was rude to snoop, but considering he'd locked me in here, I figured a peek at his photos evened the score.Lifting the lid, I found a few photo albums stacked neatly inside.A faint trace of dust drifted into the air as I opened the first one. Page by page, images of Mrs.