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

ShirleyI stared at Coonor’s retreating back, so resolute, so heartless.The intimacy we had just shared felt like a fleeting, impossible dream.I pinched my arm hard—the sharp pain was real, so the intimacy must have been, too.But how could he act this way? Leave in a huff just because of a single sentence?I was still standing naked on the balcony. A wave of shame washed over me. I quickly put on my robe and followed him.A few minutes later, Connor emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a sharp suit from the walk-in closet.In an instant, he had reverted to the cold, distant CEO of Virex.I looked at him, desperately hoping for an explanation. But all he offered was a cold dismissal.“I won't be staying tonight. Tell the butler anything you want to eat; he'll take care of all your needs.”The front door slammed shut, leaving me alone in the spacious house.Night had replaced the sun, and the autumn wind sliced through the room.I shivered, wrapped only in a thin robe.I drifted int

ShirleyThe last rays of the setting sun cast long shadows on the balcony, highlighting the contours of Coonor’s muscles.He was more sensual now than ever before.He kissed my lips, his tongue prying my teeth apart and tangling with mine.His kiss was wet and desperate, leaving me breathless.I fell weakly into his arms, savoring the intense affection he was pouring into me.The dormant feelings within me had been awakened, and memories of our beautiful past from three years ago came flooding back, like water rushing from a broken dam.We had loved each other so much, and our time together had been so joyful.I wondered at what point all that love and happiness had vanished.He took off my robe and lowered his head to kiss my breasts.A jolt of pleasure shot from them through my body, making me tighten my grip and cling to him.My thoughts were interrupted, and I decided to just let go.All that mattered was having him in this moment.He was much taller and more muscular than me, and

ShirleyI don't remember how I got out of the building.I leaned against my car, gasping for air, until my frantic panic slowly subsided.My hands were still trembling with anger.Taking a deep breath, I pulled out my phone and sent a message to Connor:I'm sorry about earlier. I've had some time to think, and I understand your intention now.Thank you!Connor was a valuable chess piece, one I couldn't afford to lose just yet.Back at the office, I handed the contract to Josh without daring to meet his eyes."I'm sorry, Josh. I think I've let you down.""What's wrong?"He stopped what he was doing, took the contract, and scanned it for a few seconds.His face lit up in surprise."My God, we got it! You landed the deal and you think I'd be disappointed?"His warm, infectious voice always had a way of pulling me out of a slump, but today, my eyes filled with tears I couldn't control."Read it carefully. It's only for two subsidiaries."He pulled me into a hug, patting my back gently."S

ShirleyMy face froze.With a sharp thwack, I threw the contract onto the desk."That's all the business you're giving me? Just two subsidiaries?"The sense of humiliation rose from the depths of my stomach, a suffocating vine twisting tighter and tighter around my chest.My breath came in sharp, furious bursts.I had bent over backward to please him, to cater to him, and he had met my efforts with promises and a facade of deep affection.And now, he was offering me this severely cut-down project. I felt utterly foolish.Connor stood over me, cool and rational, the picture of a man in charge.His voice was so calm it made me want to flip the desk.With one hand in his pocket, he spoke with an air of unshakeable authority."This is our first collaboration with your studio. I'm not yet clear on your scale or capabilities. I can't just hand over a major project based on a PPT presentation.""But our track record is supported by data," I argued, my voice sharp with frustration."Data can

ShirleyCoonor's voice, cold and indifferent, came from the head of the table.I'd thought he wasn't even listening, that he was just there to annoy me.But it turned out, he had been paying attention.Josh leaned forward, taking the microphone."The impact of the internet economy on traditional business models—I've already demonstrated that in the materials. We can predict this trend will accelerate."He paused, looking at the board members."If we don't embrace the times early, without any foresight, then when the tidal wave hits, we might find ourselves struggling even harder."Coonor stared at Josh for a long moment, then deliberately placed his pen on the table, rising to leave. Josh and I exchanged bewildered glances.We had no idea what to make of it, so we simply gathered our things.As we passed by Mr. Gish, his malicious gaze sent a chill down my spine. I quickly shielded myself behind Josh and hurried out.Thinking of Coonor's unreadable expression, I asked Josh, "If...our

ShirleyThe next day, while I was busy in the studio, the phone rang.It was Virex's marketing department.Our proposal had passed the initial review and was moving on to the second round.I clenched my fists, waited until I hung up, and then shrieked, jumping for joy."Josh! We made it past the first round!""Really?! That's incredible! It's all thanks to you, Shirley!"I rushed to him, throwing my arms around him, tears of excitement blurring my vision.Josh gently wiped them away, a warm smile spreading across his face."Look at you, so amazing. You did that presentation all by yourself."My heart gave a little pang. I quickly changed the subject."It was your good proposal to begin with."I subtly took a half-step back from him."Should we fine-tune the proposal these next few days?"He chuckled. "Of course!"Then, he lightly pinched my cheek."You're really something, handling things on your own so quickly."I turned my face away, embarrassed, unable to meet his gaze.On the day

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.