Novels by Ria M

(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

(Rayner)“Yes, thank you for your time, sir,” I say, shaking hands with the investor as our meeting comes to an end. “We’ll have the documents sent over as discussed.”“Excellent.” His smile widens. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”“Likewise.”“I’ll take my leave now.”The door closes softly behind him.The moment it does, Stefan practically bounces in front of me.“Yeah! Another deal secured!”I can't help but smile.“I can’t believe this, Rayner. You’ve been in Beverly Hills for only just four hours, and you’ve already secured the biggest investment deal for the new hotel launch. I guess coming here isn’t in vain after all.”“I know, right?” I place my hands on my waist. “With this deal, our new branch is going to make serious waves in the market. Once word gets out, more investors will definitely want to come on board.”“This calls for a celebration.”I turn to him with a scoff.“Celebration? You didn’t forget why we’re here, do you?”He immediately straightens.“I wouldn

(Amara)We finally arrive at the hotel and are led straight to my room.“This will be your room for the next three days, ma’am,” Martha says, handing me the key card.I stare down at it for a moment.“I’m having a room to myself?”The words leave my mouth before I can stop them.She nods.“Yes.”Immediately, my eyes flash toward Maya. Shock flickers across her face, mirroring my own. She’s about to say something. I can see it forming on her lips, but I cut in before she gets the chance.“No.”My gaze darts between her and Martha.“There’s no way I’ll be staying in this room all by myself. Besides…” I turn toward Maya. “She’s more than an assistant to me, and we’ve always shared rooms, so why—”“That’s the order from Ma’am Eleanor, Miss Amara.”Martha cuts in smoothly.My eyes find Maya again.I know how she must feel about this.She’s always wanted to stay close to me. Having her in a different room might…I force my eyes shut.Think.I need to think.Taking a slow breath, I open them

(Rayner)“My phone,” I say, patting my pocket. “I think I left it in the car.”“I’ll go get it,” Stefan offers immediately, already turning away.“No.”The word leaves me before he can take another step.A faint smile touches my lips.“I’ll get it. You go ahead and check in our bags.”He studies me for a second as if trying to figure out whether I'm sure. Then he finally nods.“Alright.”I watch him disappear into the crowd before turning toward the parking area.Then I stop.Something catches my attention.No.Someone.My heart gives an odd pull.A familiar face flashes through my mind so suddenly that I freeze where I stand.Amara.For a moment, I genuinely think I saw her.I slowly turn back, searching the crowd.Nothing.Just hundreds of strangers moving in every direction, each one focused on their own destination.I exhale.Maybe I imagined it.Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me now.But then my eyes land on a figure walking toward the departure area.Long hair cascading down

(Amara)“You should get going before you end up missing your flight.”My mother's voice follows me as she escorts me down the stairs.“I'll have someone meet you at the airport in Beverly Hills. She's the team leader for this project and will be your guide for the three days you'll be spending there.”“Okay.”“ And you don't have to worry.” She continues. “You'll only be translating during the meeting and nothing else. You know how important this investor is for the project.”I stare at her.Her words from days ago flash through my mind."We have a problem. Our translator is suddenly unavailable, and we'll need someone to help out with this project."Her hands close around mine, pulling me back to the present.“Thank you, dear. Thank you for choosing to join this project.”A small smile finds my lips.I hold her gaze, but I know better.This isn't just about a translator.I’m certain it’s one of her plans.A way to finally pull me into her company and keep a close eye on me.“We shoul

(Stella)“Here.”I stretch the stack of cash toward the bartender.“For a job well done.”His eyes widen instantly. A nervous giggle escapes him as he takes the money.“Thank you. Thank you, ma'am.”A satisfied smile touches my lips.“I’m sure you know what to do.”“Yes.” He nods quickly. “You don’t have to worry. I already made sure the CCTV footage has been cleared. And I’ll be leaving the city today, so there’s no way he’ll find out. He’ll never be able to learn the truth about that night.”Good.My smile deepens.“Excellent. If everything continues going smoothly, there will be more where that came from.”His face lights up immediately.“Thank you, ma'am.”He practically bows before hurrying away.The moment he disappears into the crowd, a laugh slips from my lips.Everything replays inside my head.The act.The plan.The execution.Every single move I carefully put into place.And now?Everything is unfolding exactly as I intended.I lean back in my chair, crossing one leg over t

(Rayner)A groan tears from my throat as I force my eyes open."Argh..."Pain pounds behind my temples.I press my fingers against them, squeezing my eyes shut."Why does it hurt this much?"My head feels like it's splitting apart."Stefan, get me a coffee, please."Silence.No answer.I frown."Gosh, where did he go?"I throw the sheets aside and start to sit up.Then my gaze shifts.And I freeze.My entire body locks."Ste... Stella?"My heart plummets.She's lying beside me.In my bed.For a second, I stop breathing.My eyes dart wildly around the room.My trousers are on the floor.My shirt is halfway across the room.The blankets are a mess.Panic slams into me.No.No.No.I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to remember.Anything.Something.But my mind is empty.Blank.The harder I try, the worse the pounding becomes.A soft rustle breaks the silence.Stella stirs.Then slowly opens her eyes."You're awake?"I practically jump out of bed."What are you doing here?"My voice comes ou

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