Novels by Temitope Adewusi

Flora’s POVThe phone vibrates on the table beside me, and for a moment, I just stare at it. I’m not in the mood for more calls, more drama, more unexpected twists. But when I see the caller ID—Lawyer Peter—I sigh and pick it up.“Hello?”“Mrs. Davis—sorry, I mean Ms. Flora,” he corrects himself quickly. “Just calling to inform you the divorce papers have been finalized. Both your signatures are required now. Can we arrange a meeting today?”I glance at the clock. It’s only just past noon. My chest tightens. It feels so… final. Even though I’ve been expecting this.“Okay,” I say quietly. “Give me a moment.”I hang up and dial Stanley. He picks on the third ring.“We need to meet,” I say, skipping past the pleasantries. “Peter called. The papers are ready.”He’s silent for a beat. “Where?”“His office.”“I’ll be there.”He hangs up.No arguments. No hesitation. No emotion.I close my eyes and take a deep breath.Maybe it’s better this way.The meeting room is too quiet. Peter’s des

Jessica’s POVMy fingers tap rhythmically on the countertop, the screen of my phone lighting up with the time. 11:03 AM. The meeting should have started three minutes ago, but I’m still here, sipping a lukewarm espresso and pacing like a general before war.My phone rings, sharp and loud, dragging me out of my thoughts. I glance at the caller ID—Delilah, the event planner.I press answer, already annoyed.“Jessica,” she begins quickly, “the team’s been waiting. You’re the one who fixed the meeting time, and—”“Pause.” I cut her off, voice smooth but firm. “I have something important to take care of.”I don’t wait for a reply before ending the call.The moment I hang up, I snatch my purse, slip on my sunglasses, and head for the car. Screw the meeting. It can wait. Michael is more important right now. Much more.I slide behind the wheel, engine growling to life. The gates swing open, and I speed out of the compound without a second glance.Fifteen minutes later, I pull into the

Senator Jones’ POVThe soft hum of jazz floats through my study as I pour myself a glass of whiskey. It’s late, but I’ve never been much of a sleeper. Too many things always need watching, controlling. Especially now.My phone vibrates against the oak desk. I see the caller ID and smile faintly before answering.“Boss,” I say smoothly, settling into the leather armchair.“Jones,” he replies, his voice sharp and cold as ever. “How’s Flora coping at the company? Is she giving you trouble?”I swirl the amber liquid in my glass, taking a moment before responding. “She almost did,” I admit. “She had that fire in her eyes a few days back. Looked like she was ready to tear the whole place down.”The boss chuckles darkly. “I told you she’s a wild one.”“True,” I say. “But I brought her back to her senses. Just a little nudge to remind her of her place, and she snapped right back in line.”“Good. I don’t want her rebellious. I want her useful,” the boss says. There’s a pause, then he contin

Flora’s POVI sit in the car, watching the city lights blur past through the window, and for a moment,I can’t breathe.Did I just do that?Did I really sit through a dinner with Stanley and Jessica like it didn’t break every nerve in my body? Did I smile? Stay calm? Keep my voice even?I did.And I didn’t just survive it… I owned it.I blink, looking down at my hands, still slightly trembling, but steady enough to clench the edge of my dress. I feel raw inside, like I’ve been skinned emotionally, but on the outside,I looked untouched. That has to count for something.I glance to the other seat where the nanny holds Aurora gently. She’s fast asleep, cheeks flushed from the night, her tiny hand curled around the edge of her bunny plushie. So peaceful. So soft.I swallow the lump in my throat.The nanny offers me a small, knowing smile. “She didn’t even stir. Must’ve been a long day.”“Yeah,” I say, voice hoarse. “For both of us.”I lean forward, tapping the glass. “Let’s go. I just

Flora’s POVIt’s almost time to leave, but my heart won’t stop racing.I pace the living room twice, clutching my handbag like it might fly away if I let go. Aurora’s dressed already,hair done in a sweet puff, her tiny hands playing with the butterfly clips in her curls.I turn to Mama. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I feel like this is a mistake.”She walks over and touches my shoulder gently. “It’s not a mistake, Flora. You’re just anxious. Breathe, alright? Maybe this dinner is a good thing.”I glance toward the window. It’s already getting dark.“Be positive,” she adds. “Whatever happens tonight, just stay calm. Don’t let anyone rattle you.”I nod slowly, then my phone rings, interrupting the moment.Unknown number.I hesitate, then swipe to answer. “Hello?”“Miss Flora,” a familiar voice says, low and firm. It’s the agent. “You’ll be accompanied to your meeting tonight. My men are waiting outside your house.”“What?” I blink. “How did you even—?”But the line goes dead.I

Flora's POVI stare at the file on my desk like it might reach out and bite me. My heart’s been beating too fast since I saw his name,Stanley Davis,boldly written under the “eliminate” column. It doesn’t make sense. Nothing makes sense anymore.I pace the floor of my office, my heels clicking too loudly against the tiles. I want to scream, throw something, demand answers,but I don’t even know who to direct my anger to. Senator Jones? Mr. Rivera? The agent who dropped this bombshell on my desk and vanished like smoke?God, I want to go to the senator’s house. I want to grab him by the collar and ask what twisted game he’s playing. But I can’t. I think of my mom. I think of Aurora—her little giggles, the way she wraps her tiny fingers around mine like I’m her entire world.If I make the wrong move, if I provoke the wrong man… they’ll pay the price.I sit down slowly, running my fingers through my braids, trying to breathe through the chaos. I keep glancing at the door, hoping the age