Novels by Destiny Williams

Kiara’s povIt was as though the night knew we were waiting, and it became so slow, that every second felt stretched.I sat inside Alex’s car with my arms wrapped tightly around myself while Leo stayed outside watching the warehouse from a distance.The industrial area looked even creepier now.Most of the buildings had gone dark except for a few security lights and passing trucks moving deeper into the district.The inside of the car was quiet except for the soft sound of the air conditioner and Alex occasionally checking his phone.I looked through the windshield again.Leo stood near the fence line several feet away, partially hidden in the shadows. One hand rested inside his jacket while his eyes stayed fixed on the warehouse like he was trying to see through the walls.He hadn’t relaxed once since we got here.Alex glanced at me briefly before speaking quietly. “You should drink some water.”“I’m not thirsty.”“You’ve said that many times already.”I didn’t answer, cause honestly

Leo’s povWhen we got to the warehouse, I kept my eyes ahead as I parked a safe distance away from the building Alex’s investigator had marked earlier. Large metal warehouses stretched across the industrial area. Trucks moved in and out occasionally. Workers. Security lights.I killed the engine slowly.Behind us, Alex parked his car too.Kiara immediately reached for the door handle.“Wait.” She looked at me quickly.“What?”I scanned the area one more time before answering. “We don’t move carelessly.”Her breathing was already uneven again. I could hear it.“I just want to see the place.”“And you will.”“Leo—”“But you’re not stepping out until I say so.”Her jaw tightened slightly, but this time she didn’t argue immediately.Alex stepped out of his car and walked toward us. The moment I got out too, the cold evening wind hit my face hard. I needed it, because I was really tense.Alex shut his car door quietly before looking toward the warehouse ahead.“That one?” he asked.I nodde

Kiara’s POVThe way Leo said it made the entire room go quiet for a second. Even Alex stopped talking.Leo grabbed his keys from the table and started heading for the door like the conversation was already over.My chest tightened immediately.“Wait.”He didn’t stop.“Leo.”This time he paused slightly but didn’t turn around.“We’re not just rushing into some warehouse blindly.”Now he looked back at me.“And what exactly do you suggest we do?” he asked. “Sit here and wait for another picture of Sophia crying?”That hit me hard. I swallowed quickly.Alex stepped in before I could answer. “Nobody said we should sit around. But we need a proper plan first.”“We already wasted enough time.”Leo’s voice stayed calm but I could hear the anger underneath it now. Barely controlled.Alex folded his arms. “What if they’re armed?”“We would stay vigilant.”“And if there are more people there than we expect?”Leo looked at him flatly. “Then we adapt.”I rubbed my forehead slowly because honestly

Leo’s pov“My investigator found something.”The moment Alex said those words, the entire atmosphere in the room shifted.Kiara straightened immediately beside me, her fingers tightening around the edge of the couch cushion. The tear stains on her face were still visible, but right now fear was winning over exhaustion again.“What did he find?” she asked quickly.Alex pulled his phone out and glanced at the screen before looking back up.“One of the traffic cameras caught the SUV about twelve minutes after it left you.”I stood still instantly. “Where?”“The Harbor Freeway heading toward Vernon.”My jaw tightened slightly. “That fast?”Alex nodded once. “But that’s not the interesting part.”I folded my arms slowly.“Continue.”“He said the SUV disappeared from traffic completely for almost seven minutes.”Kiara frowned. “What does that mean?”“It means,” I answered before Alex could, “they switched vehicles.”Her face drained instantly. “No…”Alex nodded grimly. “Most likely inside a

Kiara’s POVI sat curled slightly into the couch, my fingers locked tightly together while Leo paced across the living room like a man seconds away from snapping.His phone stayed in his hand. Every few seconds, the screen lit up.Calls. Messages. Location updates. But none of it could bring Sophia back.His control was barely hanging on.“What exactly can your investigator pull?” Leo finally asked without stopping his pacing.Alex leaned against the dining table with folded arms.“You will see for yourself.”I noticed the way Leo’s jaw tightened slightly.Alex glanced toward me immediately, probably noticing the change in my breathing.“Kiara?”“I’m fine.” It came out too quickly. Neither of them believed me.I looked down at my hands, they were still shaking. I pressed them harder together.“Stop shaking.” I muttered.“You should drink something,” Alex said quietly.“I said I’m fine.” This time my voice cracked slightly.Leo’s pacing slowed, before he stopped completely. I felt his

Kiara’s POV“Kiara, keep driving!”Leo’s voice rang sharply through the speaker as my hands shook violently against the steering wheel.The SUV stayed beside me for two terrifying seconds before suddenly swerving back behind my car again.My heartbeat was so loud I could barely hear properly anymore.“Oh God… oh God…”“Focus,” Leo ordered. “Don’t let them box you in.”I swallowed hard and tightened my grip.Cars blurred around me as I switched lanes again. A horn blasted angrily somewhere behind me, but I barely noticed.The masked man’s face kept replaying in my head. That smile. That gun.“Kiara.” I blinked quickly.“What?”“Look ahead.”“I am looking ahead!”“No, you’re panicking,” he snapped. “Breathe properly and listen to me.”I tried. God, I tried. But every part of me felt like it was shutting down.“They’re still following me,” I whispered shakily.“I know.”“How do you sound so calm right now?”“I’m not calm.”The coldness in his voice made my chest tighten.“I’m trying not

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