Novels by Ria M

(Amara)My heart is racing, fingers curled tightly around my purse as my eyes lock with his face.This place.The same hall my grandfather brought me to five years ago. And somehow it’s the same staff who had attended to us then.There’s no way he would recognize me… right?But—“Oh!”His voice cuts through everything, sharp and certain.Recognition flashes across his face.My stomach drops.I begin to fidget, heat crawling up my neck as sweat gathers at my nape. If he says anything—if he calls my name—then everything unravels.My identity.The truth.That I’m Amara Roosevelt.He opens his mouth to speak again—“Rayner Sinclair.”The interruption is smooth. Controlled.I inhale sharply, relief rushing through me as the staff immediately nods and steps away.Only then do I lean into my chair, my body trembling slightly from the tension that almost exposed me.And then I hear it.Rayner’s voice.“Michael.. Michael Roosevelt. So good to see you.”My head snaps up.For a moment, the world

(Amara)“Argh!”The sound tears out of me as I clutch the edge of the sink.It’s beginning to feel impossible.Absolutely impossible to live freely in this city without running into them.Because how?How is he suddenly here?Michael… at an auction?A bitter laugh almost escapes me.He never cared for auctions. Even when Grandfather was alive, it was always a struggle to get him to attend. He would make excuses, disappear halfway, act like it bored him to death.And now… he’s here?My eyes widen as the thought settles.“You need to calm down,” I whisper to myself, gripping the sink tighter. “Think, Amara. Think.”This isn’t Nathan.Nathan is easy. Predictable. Manageable.Michael is not.His face flashes through my mind. That stillness. That quiet, unsettling calm. The kind that never reveals anything. The kind that makes you feel like he already knows your next move before you make it.How do I deal with someone like that?What happens if he comes for me?A shaky breath leaves me as

(Amara)“Auction? Auction?” Maya’s voice follows me across the room as I move between my wardrobe and the bed, trying to piece together something suitable to wear.“But come on, Amara, are you seriously going for this auction? It’s the weekend. Why should you even have any business with him outside work hours?”I don’t answer immediately.Instead, I place a black dress carefully on the bed, my eyes darting between it and the deep wine-colored one beside it. Neither feels right anymore.“Are you even listening to me?” she snaps.I exhale and turn to her. “We’ve been going over this since last night, Maya. I thought we were past this stage.”She says nothing, just watches me, and somehow that makes it worse.Now I’m second-guessing everything.I turn back to my wardrobe, pushing hangers aside in search of a third option.“I’m just concerned, Amara,” she says more quietly this time.I pause.“It’s enough that you spend most of your time with him at the office. Now you’re going to an even

(Rayner)I sit alone in the dimly lit room, the faint glow from the lamp barely cutting through the darkness.The glass in my hand tilts slightly as I take another sip.The burn is sharp.It drags down my throat and settles heavily in my chest, but it does nothing to quiet my mind.Because the moment I close my eyes—I’m back there.In that meeting.Amara’s voice.Steady. Firm.Defending him.A bitter scoff slips past my lips as I lean back into the chair, swirling the drink in my glass.What did she say again?That I couldn’t change the rules?I let out a quiet, humorless laugh.Another sip follows. This one burns more.Why does she keep protecting him?Every single time.It’s like she doesn’t see it. Or maybe she does… and chooses to ignore it.My jaw tightens.He’s a scumbag.Yet somehow, she always stands in front of him. Shielding him. Speaking for him.Even with the way he keeps treating her.My grip tightens around the glass as another memory forces its way in.The hallway.I h

(Amara)The question settles heavily in my chest and I snap immediately,“I can explain—”But he doesn’t hear me.His attention is fixed on her.“Didn’t you hear me?” Rayner’s voice cuts through the space, sharp and controlled. “I asked who you are… and why you have that covering over your face.”Covering?The word echoes in my head as I slowly turn.Maya stands there, her head slightly bowed, a scarf wrapped tightly across the lower half of her face. My gaze shifts beside her—to him.The tall stranger.There’s a faint smile on his lips, calm, unbothered, as if he walked into this tension on purpose.“She’s not well, sir,” he says smoothly. “I came to ask her to leave while I fill in for our department.”My heart drops—Then steadies.Relief rushes through me so suddenly it almost makes me dizzy.“Ye… yes,” I add quickly, lifting my head to meet Rayner’s gaze. “I stopped her from entering earlier. She wasn’t looking well, so… he must have come to represent the department instead.”May

(Amara)A deep sigh escapes me as I close the door behind me, my fingers lingering on the handle for a second longer than necessary.Rayner’s voice echoes again in my head.“About yesterday…”Heat rushes up my neck instantly.Gosh.I walk quickly to my desk, then stop halfway, my thoughts spiraling before I even sit. My hands come together, fingers clamping tightly as I begin to pace.He didn’t see us.My brows knit as I replay everything. Every second. Every movement.No. He couldn’t have.I was fast. Careful. Too careful.There’s no way he saw Maya and me.And even if he did… I swallow hard. He wouldn’t have let it go that easily. Not with the way I know he hates lies. Especially after how he reacted to my resume, convinced I had lied about my marital status.My hand drags through my hair as realization settles.He definitely didn’t see us.“Aren’t you ready for the meeting yet?”The voice slices clean through my thoughts.I freeze.Then I turn.Rayner.“I…” My mouth opens, but the

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

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

Liam’s POVI burst through the front door and stride straight into the living room, my chest rising and falling as if I have just run a mile.The sound of the door slamming echoes behind me.“Why did you stop me, Mom?” I demand, running a hand through my hair as I turn sharply. “I should have gone to her. I should have stopped her from leaving with him.”My mother steps into the room calmly, closing the door behind her.“And how exactly were you planning to do that?” she asks.Her question catches me off guard.I stare at her, confused.“I don’t get it,” I scoff, walking toward her. “What do you mean?”She studies me carefully.“You can’t possibly tell me you planned to tell her that she’s your wife.”The words hit me harder than I expect.I press my fingers against my temples.“No. Not really,” I admit under my breath, “but that doesn’t change the fact that she is.”“And it still doesn’t change the fact that she can’t remember any of that right now,” my mother replies gently. “And yo

Margaux’s POVI stand by the window, my fingers resting lightly against the curtain as evening settles over the estate. The sky is dim, fading into a quiet blue-gray, and the garden lights flicker on one after another.Footsteps approach softly behind me.“Are you sure about this, ma’am?” Vivian’s voice drifts through the room. Careful. Hesitant. “This is going to hurt the young master a lot.”I scoff under my breath.The image flashes in my mind so clearly it almost amuses me. Lior arriving at the school. Seeing Lila and Rowan being taken away together. Watching them leave for their little date.The plan had been precise. Deliberate.I turn slowly to face Vivian.“Because that’s exactly what he needs to grow,” I say firmly, pointing a finger at her before walking back toward my seat. “I don’t want him ending up like his father.”The memory of that weak, broken man tightens my jaw.“A man who could not even fight to reclaim his own life,” I continue, lowering myself into the chair. “I

Lior’s POVI watch as Lila walks away with Rowan.I tell myself I won’t follow her with my eyes.I fail.Rowan opens the car door for her. She pauses for half a second before getting in, not looking back. Not once. The door shuts. The engine starts.And I stand there.Useless.My grandmother’s voice echoes in my head from our last conversation: Why not give up on her and accept the fate you’re born with?“I don’t intend to give up on Lila,” I had said to her, holding her gaze.She had been quiet for a moment before gently saying to me, “Then start by showing up at her graduation party. If you truly intend to get her back, begin there.”I promised her I would try.But here I am.Watching another man drive her away.The car pulls off. I remain standing there long after it disappears from sight, as if my body has forgotten how to move.My chest aches.She did not spare me a glance.Not even a second.My phone vibrates. A text. Grandma: How’s it? Were you able to speak to her? If you did

Lila’s POVI let Rowan hold me a little longer than necessary.His arms are warm around me, steady, familiar. For a moment, I resist the urge to pull back too quickly, remembering that Lior and Liam are watching.Then I slowly pull away.Before I can even gather my thoughts, my friends rush me, excitement spilling from them in waves. Sofia is practically vibrating.“You’re not going back on this, right?” she demands, grabbing my hands. “This is final!”I smile softly and give her a curt nod.Her eyes widen instantly. She slaps a hand over her mouth, giggling in pure shock and delight.That’s when a loud buzz cuts through the air at the entrance.People begin shouting. Cameras flash. A small crowd parts instinctively as something pulls up.I look at Rowan first.Did he do something again?He has always had a flair for dramatic surprises. But he just shrugs, brows raised, clearly as confused as I am.He doesn’t know?I blink, trying to understand what is happening as a sleek white limou

Lila’s POVI stare at the woman in front of me.Elara.My breath almost falters, but I steady it quickly.“It’s… you again?” she says, surprise etched clearly in her voice. “Oh, I didn’t expect to see you here. I… actually came for a friend’s daughter’s graduation.”Her eyes travel over me, slow and assessing.“You school here? Graduating from the fashion school too?”I keep my expression neutral and give a small nod.“Yes.”The first time we met at the mall months ago, I hadn’t gotten my memories back then. But it kept tugging at me—the way she looked at me, the way she had called my name. She knew me, I was sure of it, but I didn’t pay any attention. And even now, with the memories back, I have to pretend not knowing her.Elara, Liam’s mother. The only person who had truly protected me against the world then. Loved me without even knowing who I was. She even convinced her son, Liam, to marry me so I wouldn’t be left exposed to the world alone. She showered me with care, defended me