Novels by Ria M

Lior’s POVI thought not picking her calls would be enough. I thought silence would shield me—that if I didn’t answer, I wouldn’t have to hear whatever she had to say or give her a glimpse into whatever truth she was inching to uncover.But I was wrong.Because now she’s here. Not just in calls or threats filtered through Dave. She’s here—flesh and blood, standing right in front of me like a storm I’d pretended wouldn’t come.And if whatever she knows brought her all the way down here herself, then it’s strong. Strong enough to have cracked whatever barriers I built.My face tightens, jaw locking with tension. My eyes stay on her, unmoving, as I try to piece together how the hell this happened. But the shock hits harder than I expect. There’s no mistaking her voice — or the way my stomach knots in her presence. The word slips out before I can stop it.“Mom?”Lila shifts beside me. I feel it, even before I see her. Her body leans subtly to the side, her voice barely a whisper as she ec

Lila’s POVMy eyes flutter open slowly.The first thing I notice is the smell—sterile, sharp, and clean, like alcohol and faint lavender trying to mask something deeper. The ceiling above is blindingly white. Not the soft-toned one in the resort, and definitely not the familiar beige of Lior’s guestroom. It’s stark. Clinical. And as my lashes blink again, the room is too quiet. No beeps, no machines. Just the soft whoosh of air through the vents, and distant footsteps creep into my ears.I breathe in slowly, my chest rising with effort. My limbs feel heavy, like I’ve been asleep for days.Where am I?This isn’t—this isn’t right.My eyes narrow as I try to sit up, but before I can move much, a voice calls out gently, “You’re awake, Lila.”I turn my head toward it, and there’s Lior—sitting beside the bed, eyes rimmed with exhaustion, yet relief floods his features. His voice carries a weight—like he’s been holding his breath for hours.I furrow my brows slightly, my voice barely above

Lila’s POVLior pushes forward before I can say a word.“What the hell are you doing here?” he growls, moving toward Liam, the tension in his shoulders rising with each step.I reach out quickly, placing a hand gently against his chest, stopping him mid-stride. He pauses, looking down at me with shock in his eyes—like he can’t believe I’m holding him back.But I have to.He doesn’t belong in this. Not here. Not now. Not with someone like me.Lior is someone with a reputation to protect, with a name that still holds weight in a room full of power. Letting him get dragged into this mess—into my mess—would only pull him down. And knowing Liam… the smug twist in his mouth, the flicker in his eyes… he’s about to go low. I can see it coming.I can’t let Lior be a part of this. This is my life—my chaos.Liam scoffs, loud and bitter. “It’s you again,” he says, tilting his head as his eyes sweep over Lior like filth on the floor. “What, you collecting lost causes now?”I open my mouth to say s

Lila’s POVThe cheers erupt around me like thunder, loud and gleeful, echoing off the surrounding walls. Maren throws her arms in the air. Someone whistles. There’s clapping, hugging, laughter—pure celebration. Everyone’s happy. Everyone except me.I try to smile. I really do.But something in me just… doesn’t lift.Lior and I are announced as the winners of today’s challenge, and all I can do is stand there, caught in the middle of the noise, feeling like an intruder in a life that doesn’t belong to me.I want to feel what they feel. I want to know what it’s like to celebrate something—anything—and believe I earned it. But I can’t. My chest tightens as I try to clap with them, as I try to feel the joy dancing through the air. But all I feel is fear.Because every time it’s like this—when it feels like I’m finally close to winning—life always finds a way to remind me that I’m not. That I never really was. That I probably never will be.All my life, I’ve never known what it means to be

Liam’s POV“Why are you so obsessed with going to Velmara Cove again today?” I ask, folding my arms across my chest as I rest a hand on the staircase railing. “You were just there yesterday for the event, weren’t you? So why are you so bent on spending the whole day there again? And come on, do I really need to go with you?”My voice is tired, not just from lack of sleep but from everything else. I try not to let the edge show too much, but I know she hears it.Claudia reaches for my hand quickly, wrapping her fingers around mine with that familiar dramatics of hers. Her face contorts into a plea, her lips trembling like she’s about to cry.“It’s just what my body wants,” she says softly, and then continues before I can respond. “Besides, I was only there for the night event yesterday—for the award ceremony. I didn’t get the time to really explore the resort. And the moment I stepped foot there last night, I just… loved it. The exclusivity, the serenity… everything. It felt like I cou

Lior’s POVI chuckle—low and amused—as I watch her stumble over her words, cheeks flushed, fingers fiddling nervously with the hem of her shirt. She’s flustered. All because of me. And instead of stopping, I can’t help but smile even wider. She’s adorable when she’s trying to act unaffected. Like a kitten bristling at a breeze.“Lila,” I call after her teasingly as she turns to walk away, barely sparing me a glance. “Running already?”She throws a warning glare over her shoulder, half-serious, half-embarrassed, then bolts faster like she can outrun the heat between us. I smirk, adjusting the collar of my shirt and rolling my sleeves up as I make my way back to where the others are gathered.The moment I reach the group, Daryl spots me and lets out a breath, dragging out his words like he’s been holding them back. “Lior, we’ve been waiting for you to start.”“I’m here now,” I say casually, sliding into place beside Lila, “you can start.”She clears her throat, stiffening at my proximi

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