Novels by WALDA

Shirley POV“Aren’t you going to explain yourself?”Connor’s voice was unnaturally cold, cutting through the stillness of the winter night.I turned, giving him a flat, detached glance.“You saw everything, didn’t you? You are free to believe your own eyes.”He stood up and walked toward me, his towering figure eclipsing the light above.“Shirley, you’re hiding something from me, aren’t you?”“No,” I replied calmly.He was silent for a moment, then irritably unbuttoned the top of his dress shirt.“I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. I’m trying my best to accommodate you, yet you remain so cold to me.“If you’re in trouble, you can tell me. I’ll fix it for you. Wouldn't that be easier?”Three years ago, hearing those words, I would have leaped into his arms, kissed him with laughter, and tumbled into bed with him.But now, my heart felt clinically dead. I couldn't even register a beat.His brow furrowed, his gray-blue eyes darkening with frustration.I forced out a strained, awkwa

Shirley POV"Sorry—" I stumbled headlong into a solid chest.The familiar scent instantly quieted my frantic heart for a brief second.I looked up, and Josh's panicked expression filled my vision.He immediately pulled me tight against him, his voice ragged with fear."What in God's name happened, Shirley?"My body was still coiled with tension, and I instinctively glanced back down the corridor.He yanked me into the side stairwell entrance, locking me in his embrace once more."You're safe. Don't be afraid. I'm right here."I clenched his shirtfront desperately. His warm body heat and solid muscle made the reality palpable—this was not a nightmare.My tightly wound nerves slowly, finally began to unwind.Leaning into his chest, the tears came in a non-stop rush. I couldn't articulate a single word. There was only the raw, uncontrollable shaking."It's alright, it's all over now," he whispered, patting my back and soothing me like a child. "You're okay…"But his voice lacked its usua

Shirley POV"Mr. Gish, the Marketing Director of Virex, has asked to meet with me tonight.""Oh? Why didn't he contact me?"I shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe he forgot?"Josh's gaze darkened, his expression turning gravely serious."Shirley, I know the kind of man Hunter is. Don't let him make you think you have to trade your body for that contract. Don't ever put yourself through that."My stomach tightened.For a split second, panic shot through me.Was he... talking about just now?Did he somehow see Connor in the car?Impossible—I told myself.Josh was too far away, and Connor was sitting on the inner side."What do you mean?" I muttered.Josh lowered his voice. "Don't you understand? If getting this contract means you have to sleep with someone, I'd rather lose it than let you go through that."Josh had always drawn a firm line—he would never curry favor with a client in any way that wasn't strictly professional.But the cruel reality was... that is exactly how this contract came to

Shirley POVI woke up in Connor 's arms in the morning.The feeling, so familiar from three years ago, now felt strangely alien.I had been so out of it from the pain yesterday that I had forgotten to kick him out.He had simply settled into my room for the night.His solid, muscular chest was exposed by the collar of his silk pajamas, rising and falling steadily with his even breathing, right before my eyes.I turned to slip away, but a strong arm pulled me back, tightening his embrace."Waking up so early?"His voice was husky and lazy, vibrating against my ear.He kissed my hair. "Sleep a little more, baby. You were ill yesterday."My body stiffened. There was no way I could fall back asleep. His breathing shifted its rhythm, telling me he wasn't asleep either.We simply lay there, wrapped around each other in silence.After a long time, he finally spoke in a low voice. "Shirley, about last night... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so rough with you. I—""It's over," I cut him off,

Connor POVI finished my work with a clean slate today, the good mood surging until I reached for my phone to call Shirley.I wanted to hear her voice, talk about nothing and everything.I had barely tapped her contact name when Steven strode into the office, his face drawn tight."Boss, you need to see this."Before I could even frown, he shoved a pawn shop valuation slip onto my desk.The serial number at the very top—I didn't need a second glance to recognize it:The emerald necklace I had just given Shirley.How could she...?The air instantly evacuated the room.My entire hand clenched around my phone, my knuckles white and aching. I didn't waste a word, simply tore out of the office and drove straight to that pawn dealer.The showroom was dim, but the jewelry in the glass cases scattered glittering, glamorous light under the spotlights.The owner retrieved the necklace from behind the counter and carefully laid it before me."When she came in..." The man paused, collecting his t

Shirley POVI trembled, clinging tightly to Connor, overwhelmed by the tidal wave I had never experienced before.Yet, the words stuck in my chest—the “I love you” I used to utter so easily now felt heavy as iron in my throat.The Shirley who loved him with her life was truly dead.Connor sensed it.The next second, his body went rigid.Before I could recover from the wave-like impact, he abruptly pulled out of me.He said nothing, simply turned and walked into the bathroom.The sudden emptiness in my body was instantly filled with a rush of loss and guilt.Slam.The moment the door closed, my mind went utterly blank, leaving behind only a shell of weakness.I lay still, like something lifeless.A sharp cramp tightened my lower abdomen, as if someone had brutally twisted me from the inside.Connor’s harshness had dredged up the memory of my old wound.The tearing pain radiated down my legs. I was too weak even to sit up, forced to curl into the bed, my breathing growing heavier with e

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

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.