Novels by Ria M

(Amara)I slide into my seat, trying to settle, but the chaos from this morning with Maya keeps replaying in my head.I sigh and rest my head against the chair.I told her I would quit. I said it clearly this time. Her way. No more hesitation.But how do I quit now?Rayner refused to let me go. And Felix… Felix still needs me. The only way I can help him right now is by staying. At least until I find another way out.I push myself upright.One step at a time, Amara. Just get through today.That’s when I see it.A brown envelope sitting neatly on my desk.My brows knit together.An envelope?I glance around instinctively, scanning the office like the answer might be written on the walls. I don’t remember leaving anything here yesterday. I wasn’t expecting anything either.Slowly, I reach for it.My fingers brush against the surface. Smooth. Sealed.A faint frown forms on my lips.“What is this…” I murmur under my breath.I slide a finger under the flap and tear it open.A single white

(Kelvin)I place the flowers carefully among the others, my fingers lingering for a second longer than necessary. My eyes lift to the glass, locking onto their photo.“Mom… Dad…” My voice comes out as a whisper.My fingers curl slowly at my side.The memories do not ask for permission. They come anyway.Laughter filling the house. My mother’s voice calling from the kitchen. My father pretending to complain while stealing food before it was ready. Evenings that felt too short because we were happy.That night.They had come home smiling. Proud. Excited. Talking over each other about topping the couple’s program.Everything was perfect.Until it wasn’t.My chest tightens. My fist clenches as their faces flash through my mind. Then his voice follows, just like it always does.“I’m sorry, son… we won’t be able to watch you grow.”My breath turns hot, uneven.“I promise you,” I whisper, my voice breaking despite me trying to hold it steady. “I will avenge your death.”Movement beside me pu

(Amara)“Hold on, I’m coming.”My voice comes out sharper than I intend as I drop the kitchen towel and head for the door. The bell rings again, impatient this time.Who could be here now?I pull the door open—and freeze.“Maya?”The word slips out before I can stop it.She doesn’t answer. She just walks past me, brushing my shoulder like I’m not even there.I frown, shutting the door behind me. “Aren’t you on a three-day leave?” I follow after her. “So why are you back already? I hope everything’s okay.”She presses her fingers to her temple. “Yes, everything’s fine, Amara. It’s just…”Her voice trails off.I slow down as I approach her, studying her face. Something is off.“Is this about your mom?”She shakes her head slowly.A quiet breath escapes me. At least it’s not that.“Then what?” I step closer, pulling off my apron and tossing it aside. “You were meant to return tomorrow. And if you’re here… who’s with your mom?”“Agatha is there, remember?”“Oh.” I nod. “Right.”“My mom’s

(Amara)“O.M.G!”My head snaps up.Rita.She’s already staring at me, eyes bright with excitement. “Look who we have here.” She drops into the seat beside me like she’s been waiting for this moment all morning.I force a small smile, even as my mind drifts back to Rayner’s voice from yesterday.Make sure to come to the office today.I shake the thought away, about to respond—“Amara, my goodness, you’re here.”Olivia joins us, sliding her tray onto the table. Her eyes scan my face carefully. “Do you know how worried we’ve been?”She leans in slightly, lowering her voice. “Tell us… what’s really going on?”I pause.“We saw the company doctor go into Sir Rayner’s office,” she continues. “Did something happen?”“Oh please,” Rita cuts in, tapping the table lightly. “Something definitely happened. The way ma’am Helena marched into his office? It was terrifying. I’ve never seen her like that before.”Her gaze sharpens on me.“Did she hurt you?”Her spoon clatters softly against her tray.“W

(Amara)I slowly lift my gaze toward the room.For a split second… I see her.Walking toward me.A soft smile on her lips. My fingers tighten instantly, nails biting into my palm as my breath catches in my throat. My chest constricts, heartbeat spiking so fast it almost hurts. It feels real—too real—like the air itself has shifted around her presence.I shut my eyes.Hard.I draw in a slow, shaky breath, holding it like I’m trying to steady something breaking inside me. Then I open them again.Empty.Nothing.Just the same quiet room staring back at me.A hollow feeling settles deep in my chest, heavy and disorienting. My body is still tense, still braced like she’s standing there… but she isn’t. It was only my mind—twisting memories and fear into something that almost felt alive.A phantom.And for a moment, I almost lose myself in it.I swallow, grounding myself. She’s not here. She had left for an emergency trip back home.Good.Because if she were… I’m not sure I’d be able to han

(Rayner)I’m still speaking with my mom when I feel it.Her hands on me.I still for a moment—but before I can process it, her body presses against mine.My eyes snap open wide as I turn.“Amara!”My voice rises as I reach for her, catching her just before she hits the ground.But the weight of her pulls me down with her.We fall.My arm wraps around her instantly, pulling her close, shielding her without thinking.“Amara…”My voice drops now, rough, urgent.I shift slightly, trying to steady us both, my hand coming up to her face, gently tapping her cheeks.“Open your eyes. Look at me… come on.”Nothing.The fear creeps in fast. Sharp. Unwelcome.I look up.“Call the office doctor,” I say, my voice tight, controlled—but barely.My mother doesn’t move.Instead, she stares.Like this is entertainment.“What?” she says after a pause. “You’re going to call the office doctor because of her? That’s unnecessary. It’ll draw attention. I’m sure she’s just pretending—”“You’re going to do as I

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

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

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