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 sleep. No matter how many times I close my eyes, the accident keeps replying in my head.Alex lay beside me, one arm draped protectively around my waist. His breathing was slow and even. He had insisted on staying the night, despite my protests. I hadn’t had the strength to argue. Maybe I didn't want to be alone either.By morning, I was discharged and was given mild painkillers and instructions to rest.When we were about to settle the bills, the nurse checked the system and paused.“Oh, this has already been taken care of,” she said.I frowned. “Taken care of how?”“The bills were paid last night. By Mr. Leo.”Alex sighed loudly beside me, rubbing his templeI closed my eyes briefly. So annoying. My phone buzzed on the counter before I could say anything else. A message from my assistant.Board members are asking if today’s meeting will be rescheduled.I exhaled slowly and typed back.Proceed as planned. I’ll join remotely.Alex glanced at me. “You’re not seriou

Chapter 58Kiara’s POVI was still shaking when the sirens finally went silent.The smell of burnt rubber hung thick in the air, mixing with dust and panic. My car sat mangled by the side of the road, the back crushed in so badly I could barely recognize it as mine.Every time I looked at it, my chest tightened.If I hadn’t stepped out.If I had stayed inside for just one more second…“Ma’am?” a voice called gently.I blinked and turned to see one of the paramedics crouching slightly in front of me. A reflective vest, calm eyes, steady hands.“Can you hear me?”“Yes,” I whispered. My voice sounded strange. “I can hear you.”“Good. Do you feel dizzy? Any pain in your head or chest?”I shook my head slowly. “I..I.. don't know what I feel right now.”“Just calm down, everything is gonna be alright.”They wrapped a blanket around my shoulders. I didn’t argue. I needed something to hold me together.Another man joined us, glancing toward the wreckage as they worked to clear the road.“We’

Kiara’s POV“Baby, please be careful today,” I said softly as I bent slightly to Sophia’s level, smoothing down the little bow in her hair. “Stay out of trouble, listen to your teachers, and always remember mummy loves you, okay?”She nodded eagerly, her eyes bright. “I love you too, mummy.”My heart squeezed.We walked hand in hand toward her classroom. “Good morning, Miss Mitchell,” her teacher, Miss Sonia, greeted warmly at the door. She collected Sophia’s lunch pack from my hand. “How are you doing today, Sophia?”“I’m fine, Miss Sonia,” Sophia replied cheerfully, then turned back to me. “Bye, mummy!”“Bye, my baby,” I waved, forcing a smile until she disappeared inside. Only then did I exhale.I decided to go see Leo before going to work, at least to thank him properly for saving our daughter's life. I wasn't sure where to find me. If he is at hospital because of the injury or if he's okay now and at work. The injury wasn't that much.I pulled out my phone.“Hey, Uhmm where are

Leo’s POVKiara has just decided to make it difficult for me to come in close contact with her and Sophia but one thing about me is that I don't give up easily. Not when it comes to them. And my mother is on my neck right now because of them. Apart from that, I really want to be part of their lives.A sharp knock on my office door pulled me out of my thoughts. “Come in,” I said.Vincent stepped in, tablet in his hand. “Sir,” he began, “I believe I’ve located the new school Miss Kiara registered Sophia in.”I straightened immediately.“Oh really?” My lips curved into a slow smile before I could stop myself.“Yes. It’s a private Montessori school in Pasadena, not far from South Lake Avenue. Quiet area. High security. Small student population.”Mmmm, Pasadena.I leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly.“So that’s where you ran to,” I muttered under my breath.Kiara, you can run but you can’t hide forever.“Good work, Vincent,” I said aloud. “That’ll be all for now.”He nodded and left.

Leo’s POVI hadn’t seen Sophia in weeks That alone was enough to make my chest feel tight.At first, I told myself it was nothing, but deep down, I really miss her. Every time I drove past her school, hoping, needing to catch even a glimpse of her, I saw nothing.That was when suspicion crept in.Kiara might have changed her school and I'm not aware.Even Kiara is nowhere to be found for some days now. I've checked her office on different occasions, but she wasn’t around. It was like she had vanished.That was when I made up my mind.If I couldn’t find them outside, I would find them at home. I didn’t use my usual car.That would be stupid.Instead, I took one of my casual cars, pulled a cap low over my face, added a nose mask, and parked several houses away from Kiara’s place. I kept my eyes fixed on the gate, my grip tightening on the steering wheel every time a car passed by slowly.Then, a familiar vehicle turned into the street. My pulse jumped. The car slowed and pulled into

Kiara’s POVI was having this wild dream about Leo and I, when I began to feel the kisses and touches. “Naughty boy, like you just read my mind.” I said within me as I enjoyed the romance. Not until I was reaching orgasm and he stopped. “Why did you sto…?”I opened my eyes to know why he stopped. It wasn’t Leo.It was Alex!I could see through his eyes that I bruised his feelings.Gosh! So I was hallucinating about Leo and screaming his name so loud. Fuck! Alex doesn't deserve this at all. The first time we were having sex, after being patient with me for so long, all I could do was scream Leo's name.I sat up immediately, my heart pounding violently against my ribs. Shame burned through me so fast it made my eyes sting.“Alex—” I started, but he was already stepping back.I watched him leave. He didn’t shout nor insult me. Which made me feel more guilty.The door closed behind him.That silence screamed louder than any argument.I stood up, my head spinning. I wrapped the sheet aro

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