Novels by Ria M

Lila’s POV Scene The moment the air changes, I feel it. A soft shift, almost like the atmosphere tightens around us. Zara’s tiny voice follows it. “Mom…” she whispers, her tone dipping into something shy and uncertain, the way only children sound when someone important steps into a space.I follow her gaze.And then I see her.The same woman from yesterday at the Ivory Pavilion.Her posture is elegant, her expression unreadable, her presence almost too composed for a park setting. Ah. She must be his wife. What a lovely family, I muse silently. A gentle, subtle smile curls at the corner of my lips—small enough that only I can feel the warmth of it—as I lower my head politely.But her voice snaps me right out of that small, peaceful moment.“We meet again.”I raise my head. Keep a soft smile in place, even as something prickles beneath my skin. “Yeah… maybe the universe is trying to tell us something.” My tone is light, teasing, almost playful. I’m barely even serious; just trying to

Liam’s POVZara tugs Lila toward the ice cream truck, their laughter rising above the chatter and distant music floating through the park. Her tiny sandals slap against the pavement as she half-skips, half-drags Lila along. People around them drift by—families, friends, couples—but those two are the brightest thing in my line of sight.They don’t even check if I’m following.And somehow, I still can’t move.My mind shifts back to my meeting with Marcus earlier today. His voice echoes again, low and careful, as if he didn’t want to give me hope.“She has the same face and the same name as your wife, Lila. But after watching her closely, this girl isn’t anything like the Lila you described. There’s every chance she isn’t the one you’ve been searching for.”His words were meant to steady me. Instead, they sit in my chest like a stone as I watch her now—this Lila—smiling softly as she helps Zara choose between toppings.If she isn’t the Lila I’ve been looking for, then who is she?And why

Lila’s POVI stand at the head of the table, facing the team I was supposed to meet the other day but completely forgot. Their eyes are fixed on me, waiting for direction, and I realize just how professional they all look, neatly organized with their notes and laptops.“Okay, I guess we’re done for today,” I say, my voice carrying easily across the room. “You’re dismissed.”“Yes, ma’am,” they reply in unison, standing and gathering their materials. Papers shuffle, laptops click closed, chairs scrape against the floor as they start filing out. I watch them move with a small, approving smile before leaning back slightly, stretching my arms above my head, letting my muscles unwind from the long session.My stretch is cut short by the sudden buzz of my phone. I snap upright, reaching for it immediately. A video call. I glance at the screen and see all of them already crowding in, each face jostling for attention. Alessia’s voice pierces through first.“So, tell me, how did the meeting go?

Claudia’s POVThe door clicks shut behind me. I step in, heels clicking against the polished floor. My eyes flick to Aurelia’s back. “So… tell me. Why did you ask to see me?” My voice carries across the quiet room, sharp and deliberate, letting her know I’m not here to waste time.She turns slowly, lips curling into that sly, calculated smile. “Is that how you greet an old friend you haven’t seen in a while?” She lifts her wine glass to her lips, sipping like she’s savoring my reaction, eyes locked on mine before she even sets it down.I scoff, throwing my bag onto the single couch. I stride to the table, pour a drink, and gulp it down in one sharp swallow. I slam the glass onto the surface, letting the soft thud echo. I pivot back, eyes narrowing. “I know you didn’t call me here to chit-chat. So just… get straight to the point. Say what you have to, so I can leave,” I say, eyes narrowing at her, voice edged with impatience.Aurelia’s eyes widen, then she scoffs once, scoffs again, di

Lila’s POVBy the time I finally drop off the last of my friends, my entire body feels like it’s melting into the seat. I pull into the driveway and exhale into the empty air.“Finally… today was it,” I whisper as I kill the engine.I slide out of the car, stretching, but the moment my feet hit the ground, something feels off. The air is tense in a way that prickles the back of my neck. The maids rush toward me quicker than usual.“Welcome back, ma’am,” they say almost in unison, voices tight, eyes darting from one face to another.I pause. They look like they’re hiding something.A long sigh escapes me. “Could it be—”I cut off the thought before it fully forms and walk straight into the house.The answer meets me the moment I step into the living room.She is there. Sitting elegantly on the couch like a queen waiting for her runaway subject. Her posture perfect. Her gaze cold and steady. It never leaves me as I enter the room.My stomach knots. I shift my weight and tug lightly at m

Liam’s POVThe moment our eyes meet, the world tilts. For a second, I forget how to breathe. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be standing in front of her like this. I came to Italy because of her, yes, but I wasn’t sure how to see her yet. I only came to this place to meet with Marcus, to get more information about Lila and my mother. That was all. A quiet investigation. Nothing dramatic.Yet here she is. In my arms. As if fate decided to mock me to my face.She breaks the gaze first. Her lashes flutter and she fumbles against my chest, trying to steady herself. I catch her by the waist, my fingers tightening almost instructively as I help her straighten up, my hands lingering a second too long. A rush of heat hits my face and my pulse spikes, but I force myself to stay still. She clears her throat, touches her hair like she needs to gather herself, and steps back with a faint, awkward smile.“Thanks,” she murmurs, already moving sideways as if she cannot get away fast e

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