Novel-novel oleh 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 POVIt was the day of the second-round review.Josh and I had agreed to meet on the thirtieth floor, where the Marketing Department held all its sessions.I had barely waited a few minutes when he appeared.The light-gray tailored suit fit his tall, slender frame a little too well.And the gold-rimmed glasses softened the already gentle lines of his face.I’d seen him in hoodies and sneakers more times than I could count, so the deliberate formality for today’s meeting caught me off guard.He must have rushed out the door. His tie knot sat slightly crooked.“Have you been waiting long?” he asked.“No, I just got here. Hold on—” I tipped my chin up at him. “Your tie isn’t right. Come here.”I pulled the knot loose and redid it, tightening it with a sharp tug.“How did you even walk out like this? It’s ugly. And crooked. Didn’t check a mirror?” I teased.He chuckled. “I told you, I was in a hurry.”The elevator chimed open just then, and a chill rolled straight down my spine.Co

Shirley POVBack when Connor and I were together, I loved chocolate.We had entire rituals built around it.He would feed me a piece from his mouth, or bite into it first and then lean in to kiss me.Sometimes we’d smear chocolate on each other’s bodies, slow and teasing, our tongues chasing the sweetness off skin.The flick of his tongue on my nipple used to pull shameless sounds from my throat.And I’d get my revenge by spreading chocolate over his abs… even over his hard, impatient dick, taking my time despite the way his breath grew ragged.But that was before.Before we fell apart.After the breakup, I never bought chocolate again.I even started hating the taste of it.It felt like… a scar on my heart I couldn’t touch.But Connor would never know that.He only remembered the girl who used to melt for him, and he kept trying to freeze her in time.And sending chocolate to my workplace?Did he want Josh to know I’d once been his to claim?The thought alone filled me with a deep, u

Shirley POV:When I woke on the sofa the next morning, Connor was already gone.A soft knock sounded at the door."Miss Cage, your clothes are ready."The maids came in, led by the butler, Jack.They pushed in several racks—clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories… everything I could possibly need—and plenty I never would."If there's anything else you require, please don't hesitate to let me know."The butler smiled, that perfectly trained professional smile.I stood there, stunned for a moment before finding my voice."Where's Connor?""Mr. Rogers left early for work," Jack replied with a slight bow. "He has a very full schedule today."Then, he added, "Mr. Rogers suffers from chronic insomnia. Today is one of his rare good mornings."I froze. So… he hadn't been lying.I picked out the plainest outfit I could find oh the rack, grabbed a quick breakfast, and headed for the garage.Among those luxury cars, my eighteen-year-old secondhand one looked a little out of place. I'd assumed Co

Shirley POV:How ironic.I'd become the kind of woman I used to despise—Connor's contractual bedmate.The contract was humiliating, but not without purpose. At least I could help Josh.At least I could survive without scraping for rent. And moreover, I could find a way to make Vanessa pay for what she did.Connor turned my shoulder, then buried his face in my hair, inhaling. "Stay here," he murmured. "Otherwise, I'll lose sleep again.""But I will," I cut in, sharper than I meant to.He froze, studying me for a long moment. Then his thumb brushed my jaw, a low, amused smile tugging at his lips. "All right," he said. "I have enough patience."He led me downstairs to a guest room. "You can stay here for now," he said, lingering in the doorway. "But the master bedroom is always open to you."Before leaving, he pulled me into a tight embrace, reluctant to let go. "I hope you'll come back to me soon," he whispered against my hair.His bare chest was warm, his voice rumbling through me

Shirley POV,The heat of passion still lingered in my body when I pushed Connor away.He didn't want to let go.His breath was ragged, his chest rising and falling against mine as he pulled me back into his arms.He pressed soft, lingering kisses along my shoulder.We used to stay like that—me curled up against him, pretending the world outside didn't exist.But tonight, I didn't stay a single second longer."I've fulfilled my part of the contract," I said flatly. "Next time before we make love, you better have that contract ready for me."For a few seconds, something unreadable flickered in Connor's eyes—surprise, maybe even disbelief.Then his lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Of course... no problem." He looked a little upset. "But... Shirley, you've changed.""Haven't you changed too? You're not even the same man you used to be—your whole life, your identity... everything's different."He hesitated, as if searching for a way to rewind the moment. "Shirley, what just happe

Connor POV：Our lips fused, breaths tangled like smoke.Heat built between us until it scorched."Baby," my voice cracked, unsteady, "these three years... did you miss me?"She squeezed her eyes shut, surrendering to the kiss. I caught the glint of tears soaking her long lashes.Love and regret twisted inside me.I kissed her deeper, murmuring against her mouth, "Baby, I'm sorry.""Let me make it up to you. Okay?"She nodded, eyes fluttering open to meet mine. A single tear traced down her cheek.God, that tear—it burned straight through my chest.I kissed it away, pulling her flush against me.Her heartbeat thundering against my ribs.This was my girl.The one who'd slipped through my fingers and somehow found her way back.My lost treasure, reclaimed.I'd never let her hurt again. Never let her go.My mouth trailed lower, brushing the swell of her breast, then dipping to the soft plane of her stomach.She was much thinner than beforeAnd the skin on her lower belly wasn't as smooth a

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.