Novels by Ria M

Hello, dearest readers.I can’t believe I’m writing this… the final note for Ex-Husband’s Regret: Revenge So Sweet.It’s hard to describe what I’m feeling right now. There’s a quiet ache in my chest, a sense of pride, love, and yes — a little sadness — because saying goodbye to these characters, to this journey, isn’t easy. Isabel, Alexander, Scarlett, Sterling, Aurora… and Roy. They’ve all become so real to me. And I know they became real to you too.From the first chapter to the very last, you’ve been here. Turning each page. Leaving your beautiful thoughts. Dropping your gems. Waiting each day to read what happens next. And I can’t say thank you enough. Your support, encouragement, reactions — they meant everything. They reminded me that stories connect hearts, even across screens.You let this story into your heart, and now that we’ve reached the end, I want you to know — I see you. I appreciate you. Deeply.This story was more than just a tale of pain, healing, and second chances.

Isabel’s POVNight has settled over the beach event center. Lanterns sway gently above us, and I flip off my damp pyjamas after a hot shower, the steam still lingering in the air. The day’s celebrations have left us all tired and warmed—so much so that each of us retreated to our rooms early, the firelight and laughter humming in the distance.Tonight, I’m dressing the bed, running my hands over the soft linen, trying to soothe the lingering ache of a long day, when I pause and wonder: Why did the kids say they wanted to sleep at Aurora’s tonight? Their behavior earlier—it all felt off. When those three get together doing odd things, it usually means they’re planning something.I scoff, turning away. I know they’ll be back soon—looking for bedtime stories. And I’ll give in. I always do.A knock interrupts my thoughts. I fold the sheet neatly and head to the door.Already?” I say with a laugh, expecting Scarlett and Sterling. “Didn’t even take that long and now you two are here—”I pul

Isabel’s POVIt’s night at the beach event center. We sit on wooden chairs under paper lanterns, the sea’s foam glowing in the moonlight. In front of us, a line of fire dancers weave vertical flames, their silhouettes flickering against the crowd. The air hums with music, laughter, and the scent of roasted nuts and salty air.They begin a slow, sweet pas de deux. Two dancers glide across the sand, their bodies close but not touching, moving in perfect harmony. The male dancer lifts his partner’s chin with his hand, guiding her through soft spins. Each step mirrors the gentle steps of first love, the small hesitations that become trust. My heart tightens.I feel a rush of memory from that day on this very beach years ago—when Alexander and I danced together under similar lantern glow, no audience, no pressure, just us.I turn sharply and catch Alexander staring at me, his eyes soft and full of shared memory. I smile at him, a quiet recognition, then return my gaze to the dancers.He le

Isabel’s POVIt’s been three weeks since Roy left.Three weeks of making new memories—of watching the kids laugh more freely, of letting Alexander in more than I’d ever planned to. Three weeks of unwinding the past, one gentle day at a time.And now, I’ve finally brought to life the girls’ outing Aria once suggested over the phone months ago. Except it’s more than just the girls now—it’s all of us. The people who’ve become family in ways blood never could. Me, Alexander, the kids… and the couples who found love amidst all our chaos.Alexander sits beside me, his shoulder lightly brushing mine as we stare out at the wide stretch of the El Matador beach. The sea dances before us, waves crashing gently like a rhythm only the heart understands. The kids are playing a messy game of catch around us, laughing as they dart past. Scarlett nearly trips over Alexander’s feet, and he makes a playful attempt to grab her.Their laughter fills the air, and for once, the noise doesn’t feel overwhelmi

Isabel’s POV“Hurry up, darlings. We can’t afford to be late,” I say, ushering Scarlett and Sterling toward the door. “We need to be at the airport before the flight takes off.”Aurora laughs breathlessly as she helps Sterling slip into his shoes, and Mom quickly adjusts Scarlett’s little jacket. The house is buzzing with movement, and I lead the way out as Alexander waits just outside, already by the car.The moment we’re all tucked in, I glance at the time again and mutter under my breath, “Oh no… we might be late to see Roy off. Are you sure we’ll make it?”Alexander glances at me, calm and certain. “Don’t worry, Isabel. We’ll make it in time.”And thankfully—we do.Just as Roy is wheeling his luggage toward the departure gate, I call out, “Roy!”He turns at the sound of his name. His brows lift in surprise before he grins, rushing toward us. The twins run to meet him, and he crouches low, pulling both into his arms with the kind of hug that speaks louder than any words could.I sm

Alexander’s POVI sit by the window of the care home, sunlight streaking through the glass and warming the table where I peel an apple. My father sits quietly beside me in his wheelchair, his eyes distant as always—but I keep talking, the way I always do.“I told Dad… Isabel finally told the kids,” I say, smiling as I slice the apple into even halves. “Scarlett and Sterling. They know I’m their real father now.”I glance at him, even though I know he doesn’t really understand me. Not since the accident. His silence is different now—disconnected. But still, I want to share this moment with him. I need to.I lift my wrist, showing him the simple colorful bracelet. “You see this? Scarlett gave it to me months ago. She said it was a friendship bracelet. I let out a quiet laugh, remembering how I’d smiled and accepted it—grateful, even though my heart was breaking.Back then, I thought I was just a stranger in their lives. A ghost watching from the sidelines while they called another man

(Martha)“What are you saying, Aunt Martha?” Rita’s trembling voice echoes through the corner. “How could Maya ever do something like that?”“Exactly,” Olivia adds in disbelief. “You have to be mistaken. Maya would never do that. She’s Amara’s best friend. The person Amara trusts the most.”Rita steps closer and gently turns me to face her.“I know Maya’s way of caring can be a little… intense sometimes. But she’d never do something so cruel to Amara. If anything, she loves her like a sister.”“That was exactly what I thought too,” I say quietly.A bitter smile touches my lips before disappearing.“I’ve never really liked Maya. There was always something about her that never sat right with me. Something I could never explain.” I swallow the lump in my throat. “But never… not even in my wildest dreams, did I imagine she was capable of something this monstrous.”I draw in a shaky breath.“Maya doesn’t love Amara.”The words leave my mouth slowly.“She doesn’t care about Amara the way

(Rita)“I really feel for Amara.”The words leave my lips as Olivia and I walk out of the hospital room.“She didn’t even realize we were there.”I glance back at the closed door, my chest tightening.“She looked so… empty.”I swallow the lump forming in my throat.“What if this turns into something worse?”“What if she needs help?”Olivia lets out a weary sigh.“I know Amara.”There’s quiet certainty in her voice.“She’s stronger than most people think.”“She won’t let herself disappear into the pain.”She offers a faint smile.“She’s going to get through this. That’s just who she is.”A heavy silence settles between us as we continue down the corridor.Then another thought strikes me.“And now…”I hesitate.“It seems this has affected her relationship with Sir Rayner too.”Olivia turns to me.“I saw him leaving just before we came in.”“The look on his face…”I shake my head.“He looked completely shattered.”“It made me think Amara must’ve told him to stay away.”I frown.“Do you t

(Rayner)My hands tighten around the steering wheel as I press harder on the accelerator.Stefan’s voice won’t stop replaying in my head.“I think something terrible happened. You weren’t around, so she wanted you to have this. She said the letter would explain everything.”I slam my palm against the steering wheel.Her final words from that letter stab at me all over again.“Let’s end everything here. Don’t come looking for me. And don’t bother trying to find me.”No, Amara.I grip the wheel until my knuckles turn white, refusing to take my eyes off the road.I can’t do that.I won’t.Forgive me…Because I can’t stay away.I’m coming to you.And nothing is going to stop me.*******I reach her hospital room and shove the door open.For a split second, I brace myself for someone to stop me.A nurse. Her family. Anyone.But the room is silent.Empty.Except for her.She looks so small sitting on that hospital bed.Fragile. Broken.The moment our eyes meet, my heart clenches.I see it a

(Amara)I’m seated on the hospital bed, staring into nothing.The voices around me drift in and out like distant echoes, but none of them truly reach me.It’s as if I’m here…Yet I’m not.My body occupies this room, but my mind doesn’t.“Amara.”Mom calls my name.I hear her.I just can’t bring myself to answer.I don’t even have the strength to lift my head.Everything inside me feels unbearably heavy.Heavy with grief.Heavy with guilt.Heavy with the crushing pain of losing another child.Maybe this is my fate.Maybe I was never meant to become a mother.Otherwise…Why does this keep happening to me?My eyes sting.Five times.I’ve had five chances to hold my own child.Five tiny lives growing inside me.Five little heartbeats that filled me with hope.And every single time…Before I could ever hold them in my arms…I lost them.What kind of cruel fate keeps taking them away from me?A tear slips down my cheek.“I can’t believe Grace would do something like this to Amara.”Maya’s v

(Stella)I grab my phone from the table, my eyes narrowing at the name flashing across the screen.Bar Man.My stomach drops.Why the hell is he calling me?I already warned him never to call unless I reached out first.So why now?I let out a slow breath.Fine.I’ll hear him out.I swipe to answer and raise the phone to my ear.“You…”“Ma’am… please save me.”His voice comes out low and strained. Every word trembles with panic.My fingers tighten around the phone.“Wha… what are you saying?” I stammer. “Save you from what? How?”“He found me.”My heartbeat stutters.“Who found you?”“The man whose drink I spiked on your orders, ma’am.”His words hit like a punch.“He sent his men after me. They tracked me down.”“What?”My voice comes out as nothing more than a whisper.“Yes.” He drags out the word, breathing heavily. “You have to save me before they catch me. You know what’ll happen if they do.”His voice hardens.“You won’t be safe either.”The threat lands exactly where it’s meant

(Amara)I’m quietly walking down the stairs when my mother’s words drift back into my mind.“It’s nothing really, dear. Just an old friend who went missing.”She’d said it so casually.Too casually.Now that I think about it… why does it feel like a lie?Not just any lie.One she’d rehearsed long before that moment ever came.“Trust me, Amara. She’s not someone you should be bothering yourself about.”I remember the way she’d held my wrist as she said those words. Her gaze had been steady. Calm.But Father hadn’t looked calm.Not even once.I can still picture the faint irritation on his face, as though he wanted to be anywhere else except standing there listening to her.Was I imagining it?Or was I simply reading too much into everything?A quiet sigh slips from my lips.Maybe I’m overthinking it…I finally reach the bottom of the stairs and head toward the dining room when a familiar voice cuts through my thoughts.“So just because you’re not going to the office today, you’ve decid

(Claudia)I was already furious.The entire day had been an earful at the office, hearing about Lila’s launch, her success, her company, her achievements. Everywhere I went, her name followed me like a shadow I couldn’t escape.Then her message arrives.And just like that, my blood is boiling.My eyes burn through the screen as I stare at her words.“Liam was just here with Zara.”My jaw tightens instantly.“But don’t worry, I only treated them to dinner before letting them go, even though Zara didn’t want to leave.”My grip tightens around the phone.“How dare she?” My teeth grind. “How dare she throw this in my face?”Without thinking, I grab my car keys and rush out.I’m driving fast, reckless, her last message replaying in my mind.“But you don’t have to worry… nothing happened between us.”My breathing turns heavy. My grip tightens around the steering wheel as I press harder on the gas.It doesn’t take long before I arrive at Liam’s house.I enter the code and push the door open.

(Lila)"My goodness, Lila, you almost fell!"Zara's voice cuts through the moment.I immediately step back, pulling myself away from Liam.Just then, Zara marches toward us with all the confidence in the world, her tiny hands waving dramatically. "It's all thanks to my daddy that you didn't fall!" she announces proudly. "Because my daddy is a strong man!"She grabs Liam's hand."Thank you, Daddy, for saving Lila and our cookies."A laugh ripples through the kitchen.One of the maids quickly approaches me."Are you okay, ma'am?""Yeah. I'm fine." I force a smile. "You don't have to worry."My gaze shifts.Colette stands by the refrigerator, pulling out a bottle of water.She pauses.Looks at me.Then looks at Liam.The knowing expression on her face makes me want to roll my eyes.She doesn't say a word.She doesn't need to.I already know exactly what she's thinking.I scoff quietly.Then I turn back to the oven."I'll put them in now."Opening the oven door, I slide the tray inside an

Lila’s POVMy phone suddenly vibrates in my hand.The screen lights up.Grandma Margaux.Oh shit.She's calling.For a second, I glance around before forcing a smile onto my face."I need to take this call."They nod immediately."Okay, Amara. Go ahead."With that, I excuse myself and step out of the flagship store, moving into the open space outside.The afternoon breeze brushes against my skin.I pause, looking around.Nothing.No familiar vehicle.No sign of Grandma.No sign that she's anywhere near here.Then why is she calling?A deep sigh escapes me.I quickly swipe to answer."Grandma," I say, placing a soft smile on my face."Don't tell me you're calling to apologize for not being here?""Lila, my child, did you—"Her voice suddenly crackles through the speaker.The words distort into broken fragments.Static buzzes loudly against my ear."...Li...la... can... hear... me..."The connection stutters.Each syllable sounds as though it's being shredded apart before reaching me."G

Lior’s POVA sharp knock sounds against my office door before it bursts open."Lior, we have a problem."I lift my head from the documents scattered across my desk.Dave strides in, his expression tight.My stomach immediately sinks."What problem?" My brows knit together.He doesn't answer right away.Instead, he places a tablet in front of me."The sponsors for our project velocity pulled out."My chair scrapes against the floor as I shoot to my feet."What?"The word explodes out of me."How? Why?”My pulse begins to pound."How did this happen?"Dave exhales heavily.“We’re hearing they’re in talks with RD Corporation.”The room suddenly feels smaller."RD Corporations..."The name leaves my lips in a low murmur.A dangerous one.My jaw tightens.A deep sigh leaving me as I drag a hand through my hair."Set up a meeting with them."I look directly at him."I need to speak with them."Dave's face twists with something close to sympathy."I already tried."My heart drops."But they'

Margaux’s POV“So, how did it go?”My voice is calm, measured, but there is a quiet anticipation beneath it as I look at Vivian.She nods immediately. “The launch was a success.”A small smile curves my lips.Of course it was.She hands me the iPad and I take it, my fingers steady as I swipe through the photos.One after the other.Lila standing at the center of the room.Guests admiring the designs.The displays.The crowd.Her brand.Her world.Each image pulls something warm from deep within me.“I can’t wait for when she finally chooses a brand name,” I say, smiling as Vivian nods.“So tell me,” I continue, “did all her designs make it for today’s launch?”She inches closer. “Yes. I had all the designs she made for the prestige fashion show available for today’s launch, as per your order. And here’s the report about it.”My eyes flick briefly to hers before returning to the screen. She taps lightly, pulling up another page.Analytics.Live reports.Trending feeds.“The internet h

Lila’s POV“Wow, Lila… it’s only been five days since we graduated and you already own a huge flagship to yourself?”Sofia’s voice comes out soft, breathless, filled with pure wonder.I don’t answer immediately.Because from where we’re standing… I can see everything.The upper level curves slightly around the flagship, enclosed in clear glass that overlooks the entire space below. The music drifts up to us, softer here. Muted. Like the chaos beneath us belongs to a different world.People move in and out in a steady flow. Laughter rises. Glasses clink. The soft glow of chandeliers reflects against polished floors as customers already begin picking pieces off racks.My pieces.My brand.My life.“I guess that’s what it takes to be an Armitage, is it?” Enzo adds, lifting his glass to his lips and taking a slow sip, his tone light but laced with something deeper. Something curious. Maybe even a little impressed.“The whole place screams ready, girl. I’m sure you’re going to do amazingly