Novels by Destiny Williams

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

Kiara’s POVI didn’t have to think.I dialed Leo immediately and he picked up on the second ring.“Kiara.” His voice was steady.“Did you tip the board?” I asked immediately.There was silence.“What are you talking about?”“Don’t play dumb with me,” I snapped. “Anonymous complaint, Investors already postponing meetings. You caused enough chaos at my launch. Was this your next move?”“Are you insane?” he fired back. “Why would I sabotage your company?”“You tell me.”“I didn’t do anything.”“Stop lying.”“I’m not.”His tone now is defensive. “I might have messed up at the launch,” he continued, “but I wouldn’t try to do anything to your business. When I know how hard you worked for it.”I hesitated. “You expect me to believe that?” I asked coldly.“Yes.”“Why?”“Because if I wanted to hurt you, Kiara,” he said quietly, “I wouldn’t hide behind anonymous emails.”That line hit me differently “Bug what about the call of yesterday?” I asked. “I heard about that call yesterday.”“What call

Alex’s POVI stormed into Leo’s office without knocking.His assistant started to protest, but one look at my face and she stepped aside.“Leo, we need to talk.” I said, my voice firm and commanding.He looked up from his desk slowly, mild irritation flashing across his face. “Alex. To what do I owe this aggressive visit?”“Aggressive you say?” Shutting the door behind me.“You need to stay away from Kiara.”His brows lifted slightly. “I’m sorry?”“You heard me.”He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands. “What exactly are you accusing me of now?”“Don’t play dumb,” I snapped. “After that stunt at her launch, the news is everywhere. You almost made her brand look like a joke to people. You have hurt her enough. Just stop!”Leo shrugged, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I just gave the media something to talk about. Don't know why you are raising your voice in my office.”My anger spiked. “At the detriment of her career? You must be out of your mind.”His smirk faltered and for a mom

Kiara’s POVAlex wasn’t far behind, his jaw tight, his gaze fixed on Leo like he was deciding whether violence was worth the headlines.Leo stood where I’d left him…stunned, humiliated, his hand grazing his cheek. He needs to know his place. The press quickly followed me, as I was leaving.“Miss Mitchell!”My body guards came blocking them from having access to me, while they made space for my exist. “Kiara.” Leo called out, but I didn’t turn.“Not now, Leo.”“I crossed a line,” he said, painting. “I know.”I finally faced him, my eyes cold. “You didn’t just cross a line. You spoilt my big day. Today of all days Leo!”His mouth opened, then closed again.“This was my launch,” I continued, keeping my voice low. “My brand, My reputation. And you turned it into a spectacle.”“I was trying to shut them up,” he said. “They had no right to…”“You don’t get to decide how my life is defended,” I cut in. “Especially not in public.”Alex appeared beside me, placing a subtle but firm hand at

Kiara’s POVIt was finally the day of the launch.I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my dressing room, staring at my reflection longer than necessary. My heart was pounding loudly against my chest, betraying the calm expression I was forcing on my face.Breathe, Kiara. You’ve got this.I adjusted the sleeve of my dress slightly. It was elegant clean lines, soft neutral tones, structured but feminine. I wanted my outfit to speak the same language as my brand—confident, refined, intentional.When I arrived at the venue, the first thing that hit me was the atmosphere. Everything was perfect.The soft instrumental music floating through the air. The calm scents. The lighting kissed every corner of the space exactly the way I imagined it would. The furniture pieces stood like art installations, each telling its own story.For the first time since morning, my shoulders relaxed.“You look so good, ma’am!” Julie said excitedly as soon as she saw me, practically bouncing on her toe

Kiara’s PovI stood in my office, arms folded across my chest, watching the bustling preparations of my interior designer brand launch. Staff moved briskly from one end of the floor to the other, carrying samples, arranging furniture pieces, double-checking lighting placements, and arguing softly over color palettes. My heart was racing with excitement and nervousness.This was the moment I had been working toward for months…late nights, sleepless mornings, endless revisions, countless sacrifices. But as I thought about the financial burden it was going to put on me, my excitement started to falter. I felt a knot in my stomach, a sense of doubt creeping in.I shook my head. This wasn’t the time to second-guess myself. I had come too far for that.Just then, my phone buzzed in my hand. I glanced down at the screen and sighed.Leo.Of all times. I answered anyway, irritation slipping into my tone. “This is not the right time to talk. What is it?”He chuckled on the other end, relaxed a

Kiara's povThe moment I rushed fully into the living room, everything happened at once.Colorful confetti exploded into the air, showering the room in gold and pink ribbons as the lights flickered on brightly. Music burst from the speakers, cheerful and loud, filling the house with warmth.“Surpriseee!” multiple voices chorused.I froze.For a second, my brain couldn’t process what my eyes were seeing.The living room had been completely transformed. Soft fairy lights hung across the walls. Balloons floated everywhere…gold, white, and blush pink. A large banner stretched across the wall, boldly written, HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIARA.My breath hitched.Before I could even react, Sophia came running toward me.“Happy birthday, mummy!” Sophia shouted happily as she wrapped her arms tightly around my waist. “We’re sorry we made you panic!”I dropped to my knees and pulled her into a fierce hug, holding her like she might disappear if I loosened my grip. I became so emotional, as tears spilled fr

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