Novels by Destiny Williams

Leo's Pov When I got to the venue with the range in me, Kiara was already seated, a bottle of water in front of her, as she awaited my arrival.I walked up slowly, hands shoved in my pockets. For a moment, I just stood there, watching her, wondering if she could really hide such truth from me. She had this slight flicker in her eyes when she finally looked up and saw me.But before I could stop myself, the words flew out.“Why didn’t you tell me that Sophia is my daughter?”She raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. Her reaction made me feel like Miriam didn't know what she was saying but I went ahead to push harder.“Is that why you called me out here?” I added, my voice sharper now. “To feed me more lies? To pretend like nothing happened while hiding a whole child from me all these years?”“Leo…”“What?” I cut her off, folding my arms. “You thought I wouldn’t find out?”She looked at me for a few seconds before saying “do you realize we’re in public?” She closed her eyes, breathed in

Leo's PovAs someone seeking Kiara's attention, I paused everything I was doing at the restaurant I was having my lunch. I grabbed my keys, tossed a few bills on the table, and walked out quickly. My thoughts were running wild.Has Miriam done something again? Or maybe… maybe Kiara was finally starting to soften up toward me?I was driving when the address of the place Kiara wanted me to come, blinked on my phone screen.Kiara calling me with all urgency seems weird. Thought she never wanted to see me anymore, so I wasn’t sure what to expect but I will find out.I turned down to the quiet street she’d sent me, one hand on the wheel, the other drumming restlessly on my thigh.Halfway there, my phone started ringing.The name on the screen made me pause. It was Miriam.I clenched my jaw. “Why the hell is she calling me now?” I muttered. “Thought she was better off sulking alone.”After a few rings, I picked up, mostly out of curiosity.“What do you want, Miriam?”“Leo…” Her voice came

Kiara’s POVI don't think I'm emotionally or mentally ready to make the decision of letting Leo know Sophia is his daughter.“No, I can’t,” I muttered under my breath, pacing inside the kitchen. “I nurtured her alone, therefore I’m having her alone.”Just saying it out loud made me feel a sting in my chest, but I meant every word.To distract myself, I scooped another set of the remaining cold ice cream I made earlier into two bowls — one for Sophia and one for me. She was curled up on the couch, completely glued to her favorite cartoon when I walked in.“I can see someone’s enjoying herself without me,” I teased, placing the bowl in front of her.But I got no response. Not even a glance. She was lost in her little world, giggling as her cartoon character tripped and fell. I smiled faintly.Just then, the nanny appeared in the setting room, holding my phone out. “Ma’am, your phone’s been ringing.”I blinked, realizing I didn’t even know where I left it. “Oh, right. Thanks.” I wiped my

Kiara’s POVNow that Leo is beginning to come too close to my daughter, I guess his mind is telling him that Sophia is his each time he sees her. And honestly, I won't even blame him. The resemblance is obviously there. When I look at her atimes, I feel like I'm looking at a smaller version of Leo– same eyes, same smile. But he doesn't have any evidence yet and I won't let him have one.I stood in the living room, tapping my foot against the floor, one hand on my waist, lost in thought. Thinking about how to make him seize seeing Sophia, before he kidnaps her too and goes for a DNA behind my back. I don't trust Leo, he can pull that type of stunt.“Mommy!!”That tiny, excited voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked down and saw Sophia running toward me, her tiny arms wrapping around my waist — that’s as far as her little hands could reach.“Oh, my baby girl!” I lifted her up and kissed her cheeks, her giggle filling the air.“Mummy was lonely without you,” I said, tickling her

Kiara’s POV“Why are you looking so worked up?” I heard a voice behind me and stuttered.“Oh hey.” I turned around to meet Alex standing by the door, one hand in his pocket, the other holding the door knob. “Didn’t hear the door open.”“That’s because you were in deep thoughts,” he said, walking in slowly. “What is it? Work?”I scoffed. “I wish.”“Then what is it?”“Same old story. “The psycho ex who refuses to move on.”"Oh guess the car I passed was his right?”“Exactly. He just dropped me off.” i replied as I sank into the nearest chair, exhaling like I’d been holding my breath since he left.I was going to tell you,” I added, trying to sound casual. “We went for breakfast. So he dropped me off.”I searched Alex’s face for any reaction.“He just called now because he saw your car.”“Oh.” The word came out low and tight, his jaw flexing as he tried to hide his irritation. His hand rubbed the back of his neck before he gave a faint, forced smile.“Yes.” I waved my hand as if brushin

Leo's povAs I was heading back, I replayed our morning event in my head and smiled, “atleast am making moves, soon she will give in to my advances.” I muttered to myself.But then, I saw a black SUV car that looked familiar, passed us. Moving toward the same direction I just came out from. I sat up so fast, my driver glanced back at me.Looking at the black SUV car stop right in front of Kiara‘s gate and Alex came out. My jaw clenched. I wasn't wrong after all. “Doesn't he have a job?” I muttered, still frowning.“What did you say sir?” my driver asked.“I wasn’t talking to you,” I snapped. “Just drive.”My chest was beating so fast, my fists curled against my thighs. It took everything not to tell the driver to turn around.I started thinking about ways to distract them. Kiara is mine, I can't share her with anybody, not even that loser. After some time, I picked up my phone and called her.She picked up on the third ring. “Hello, sweetheart.” “What is it, Leo?” Her voice carri

The chandeliers of the mansion were bright and starlike, splashing golden light upon varnished floors, Bunches of flowers scented the atmosphere as one heard the sound of reverberating laughter and music across the halls and jingling sounds that waiters made around the crowds with flutes of fine champagnes and hors d'oeuvres on their trays."Is everything ready for the toast?" Rafael demanded from one of the serving people. Authority was in his voice while his eyes played around the room."Yes, sir. Champagne is ready and so are the musicians," he said with a slight bow and scurried away.Rafael turned his eyes on Bernice, standing near the middle of the room in her glittering emerald gown. She covers it quite well, yet he manages to see right through it, to the scared smile below. Rafael moved to her, threaded an arm reassuringly around the nape of her lower back."You look lovely tonight," he whispered softly, clear into her ear."Thanks," she whispered, looking into the hall. "I ju

Sheets of rain lashed outside a small café across Liam's apartment complex as Alexander sat nursing coffee that was already cold, which he had not touched. His gaze turned out the door expecting Liam to walk in. Hoping he got his text. The anchoring weight on this day further depressed his body. The sound of defeat played out in his head until the door finally swung open, and Liam came in with drips coming off his umbrella."Alexander," he said, shock mingling with the sudden sobering of his tone. "Never thought I'd be coming in here to find you of all people waiting. What's up?"Alexander motioned to the empty chair opposite him. "Sit down. I need someone to talk to, and you're the perfect person at the moment.”Liam raised one eyebrow but did as instructed, tugging his coat off and hooking it over the back of the chair. "This does sound serious. Let me take a guess, it's about Bernice."Alexander exhaled with a heavy sigh, and the strain in his voice betrayed him. "It is always ab

"Two daddies?" Luca echoed, his voice full of wonder. "Does that mean we get two birthday parties too?"In the naivety of the question, a small, bitter laugh was dragged from Bernice. "Oh, sweetheart…", she started, but her words caught in her throat as tension pulled thick in the air.Rafael hunched down beside him, his features soft but strained. "It means you'll always have more people who love you. But I'm your father, Luca. You and Mia…you're my everything.”Luca looked up at him and furrowed his little brow as the meaning of Rafael's words digested. "But Uncle Alex takes care of us. Is he not our daddy too?"Mia stared at them, clutching her stuffed animal tightly. "Uncle Alex is fun…is he still our daddy?"Alexander had been leaning quietly against the wall until now; he stepped forward, his face composed, an edge laced in his voice. "I'll always be here for you, just like I always have been. But…," he paused, his eyes flicking to Bernice before he finished, "…your real father

The shrill ringtone of Rafael’s phone broke through the tense silence. Bernice flinched, startled from her thoughts as Rafael answered. His expression, initially sharp, softened slightly as he listened.“She’s awake?” His voice carried a mix of relief and urgency. “We’re on our way.”Bernice’s heart leaped at his words. “Mia?”Rafael nodded, snapping his phone shut. “The hospital called. She’s asking for you.”Without waiting for another word, Rafael pulled Bernice to his car, started the engine and pressed the gas pedal, speeding toward the hospital. Alexander’s car followed close behind, his headlights glaring in the rearview mirror like unspoken accusations.“I’ll need to explain things to her and Luca” Bernice murmured, her voice trembling as she twisted her hands in her lap."You will get the chance," Rafael replied tightly, his eyes fixed on the road. "But it is no longer just about you. It's time the kids knew the truth."Bernice's chest tightened; she wanted to argue but knew

"Gate 27B. Last call for flight 489 to São Paulo," the calm, automated voice echoed over the airport intercom.Detective Marcus was concealed behind a pillar, his striking eyes scouring the busy terminal. So excited, he could hardly contain his accelerating heartbeat. He then glanced at his watch-just at this time, Olivia's got to pop up. Every single lead, each and every crumb-into which he had looked-intimidated him before it all boiled down into this. Marcus reached for his radio."All units, Gate 27B. This one's not going to make it," ordered Marcus.Across the terminal, Olivia sashayed confidently through the crowd, arm linked with a man whose face bore a cruel smirk—Sebastian Reyes, the man who had framed Bernice three years ago. They looked relaxed, like a couple off on a romantic getaway. Olivia's sunglasses shielded her eyes, but her smile was bold, too bold. She believed she had won.“They really thought they could stop us?" Sebastian whispered, his hand tightly squeezing

"Run the footage again," Rafael ordered sharply, voice as keen as a razor. Fingers clasping the edge of his desk, white-knuckled. His assistant Gabriel blinked and then replayed the security footage on Rafael's big office screen.Rafael's eyes narrowed as the figure coming into view was one he could never mistake: his nephew, Ethan. Wearing a sharp suit, Ethan navigated the restricted areas within the company with confidence. It wasn't just access to the right places that remained an outstanding thing but what he was doing with it."There," Rafael pointed. "Pause it.Gabriel froze the footage; Ethan slipped a small USB drive into the server room. "We thought it was a cyber-attack," Rafael whispered, his quiet tone boiling with anger beneath. "It was him all along."Gabriel nodded grimly. "It matches perfectly with the timeline of events. Every major breach happened after he had entered the server room.Rafael leaned back, running a hand over his face. His heart pounded with a mixture

Lucy’s POVTwo days.That was all it took for my sleep to vanish and my sketch pad to overflow with new ideas. My fingers ached from hours of sketching, erasing, and stitching dreams into fabric. My next fashion showcase was only a few days away, and I wanted every thread, every fold, every silhouette to speak about something unique.The backstage area was alive with energy– fabrics rustling, zippers snapping, the scent of hairspray and perfume mixing with adrenaline. Susan was beside me, as always, pinning a loose strap on one of the models while barking directions at the makeup team.“Jenna, be careful with that gown!” she warned, pointing sharply. “If that sequined thread breaks, I’ll personally make you sew it back in the dark!”I couldn’t help but laugh softly, adjusting the hem of a flowing ivory dress. “Easy, Sussy. You’ll scare them before they hit the runway.”“They should be scared,” she said, tossing me a grin. “We’re representing Lucy Couture. We don’t do average here.”I

Richard’s POVShe was no longer the timid girl who was chubby, thick lens glasses and red hair. The ugly duckling as we all call her.She has transformed into a new person within these five years. Her confidence, radiant, good body and utterly in control.When I saw her standing under those golden lights tonight, accepting her award in that crimson gown that hugged every inch of her confidence, I almost forgot to breathe.I watched the girl I once shattered rise higher than I could ever imagine.I still remember the night we shared back in college like it's yesterday. But I allowed my pride to cloud me.I was supposed to defend her but rather, humiliated her in front of everyone and watched her get bullied.When she stepped off the stage, I followed her discreetly toward the exit, ignoring the few acquaintances who tried to stop me for a handshake.“I know she acted like she didn’t know me,” I muttered to myself, loosening my tie as I waited near the doors, “but I’ll make her remember

Five years laterLucy’s POVThe flash of cameras nearly blinded me as I stepped out of my black SUV.“Miss castle! Over here, please!”“Lucy castle! One smile for Vogue!”I turned slightly, offering them a small, practiced smile. Every step I took was poised and composed. The once timid, nerd girl now stood before flashing lights in a tailored crimson gown that flowed like silk fire. Which happens to be one of my designs. My name echoed in the air like music, and for the first time, I didn’t flinch.They no longer whispered ugly duckling.Now, they whispered Lucy castle… the designer of Lucy Couture.My heels clicked softly against the marble floor as I walked into the hall. The chandeliers sparkled above, and the scent of luxury filled the air — champagne and expensive perfume. Tonight was the International Fashion Excellence event, the biggest event of the year, and my brand had just been nominated for Designer of the Year.“Breathe,” susan whispered beside me, clutching her small s

Lucy's povThe sunlight cutting through the curtains was blinding. I groaned and turned over, my eyes opened slowly, the golden boy of the school was lying right next to me and it was so real to be true. In between my legs aches, reminding me of my decision last night.He opened his eyes and it widened in shock. “What the fuck!” He exclaimed. Jumped out of the bed and started putting on his clothes that were scattered all over the room.‘'Who the hell are you?” he asked, looking at me like dirt.“You..we…” I stammered. My voice trembled.“Look, you see this?” His hand moved between us. “This was a mistake. I was drunk last night and…”He was cut half way when he saw the blood stains on the bed. It now dawned on him that he deflowered me.“Like I was saying, “ he continued. “Last night never happened, and if you say a word.. just one word to anybody, I will make your life a living hell. Do you understand!” I nodded, trembling.He covered his nose with a mask and pulled a cap over his

Lucy's povEverybody was talking about the prom party that will hold tonight. I could hear the four sassy queens' conversation loud and clear. “Girls, we are going shopping after school! One announced.“Yes girl! I totally agree with you. We need to show up hot, like very hot!” The other girl said and they gave each other a high five.“We're gonna turn heads tonight and rock them boys” the other said, whining her waist in demonstration.I was just focused on the book I was reading, pretending not to hear them. “Hey ugly,” one of them called out. “Hope you are not planning to show up tonight.”I pushed back my glasses that were falling off my nose and continued reading.One of them walked to my desk, grabbed my book and dropped it to the floor. “You don't ignore beauty like us.” She said, titling her head smugly. She continued “have you gotten a prom date? Oops, I forgot. Nobody will want an ugly duckling like you to be their date.”They all laughed chorally. Just then my best fri