Novels by Pruderly

Chapter 16The sound of Ryan’s fist still echoed through the study. But across the city, Emily stepped out of the black SUV, the night air cool against her skin. Her heels clicked softly against the pavement as she made her way to her apartment, her thoughts trapped somewhere between the dinner she’d just left... and the life she was apparently walking into.The moment she stepped inside, her phone lit up with Ruby’s smiling face. She hurried forward, phone in hand.“You’re back!” Ruby exclaimed. “You survived the dinner?”Emily dropped her purse on the side table and sank onto the couch with a tired sigh. “Barely.”Ruby narrowed her eyes. “Tell me everything. No skipping the good parts.”Emily laughed weakly, rubbing her temples. “Alfred is… intimidating. Ryan was silent half the time. And apparently, I’m moving in tomorrow.”Ruby blinked. “Wait, what?”“Exactly.” Emily glanced up. “He just said it—no warning. No discussion. Just... ‘Tomorrow.’”Ruby flopped down beside her, wide-e

Chapter 15The atmosphere at the dinner table hung still. Not a word was spoken as all eyes subtly turned to Ryan.Emily noticed it first—the way his jaw clenched and his thumb hovered too long over the phone screen. Then Alfred, raising a single, knowing brow, broke the silence. “Something more important than this dinner?” Ryan didn’t flinch. He set the phone down —face-down— the screen still aglow for a second longer like it was daring someone to ask.“No.Just some work issue. I’ll deal with it”Emily didn’t say a word. She wasn’t here to play the worried wife. If he was shaken, he could sit with it. Still, something in her chest shifted—whoever texted him or whatever the text was about had him rattled. That was rare. And interesting.Alfred cleared his throat, slicing through the tension. “Alright then,” he said, his voice smooth. “Emily, when do you plan on moving in?”Emily blinked. “Um... I haven’t exactly thought—”“Tomorrow,” Ryan cut in, his voice crisp, controlled.Emily t

Chapter 14Emily stepped through the towering entrance, and the sheer grandeur of the mansion threatened to swallow her whole. The sheer luxury of it all made her stomach twist. She wasn’t supposed to be here. This wasn’t her world.A massive chandelier loomed overhead, its crystals twinkling as if someone had trapped a night sky within its frame. The air smelled of aged oak and expensive cologne, the kind of scent that whispered power, old money, and unshakable legacies. Everywhere she turned, there was wealth—gold-trimmed walls, velvet drapes that pooled onto marble floors, and paintings so large they could tell entire histories.It was stunning. Overwhelming.Very sophisticated.Emily let out a breath she didn’t even know she was holding, as her fingers grazed the soft fabric of her dress. It felt expensive, but that didn’t stop her from feeling like an imposter, nothing more than trying to be the perfect wife, just like a doll dressed up for display."You look perfect."Ryan’s voic

Chapter 13Stepping into the large extended foyer Ryan saw his grandfather making his way to his grand chair and decided that it was the perfect moment to tell him about his dinner plans. “Grandfather,” He called out. Alfred,in his stylishly tailored suit and a cane in his hand, turned his head to the direction of the voice. Annoyance immediately drew up on his face,his lips pressed in a faint smirk as he took his seat,whiles keeping his eyes on Ryan“Grandfather,” Ryan said calmly, a mix of respect and self confidence in his tone. “I’m glad to see you.”“Tell me, you have finally shown up in front of me?” Alfred sneered at him “ I thought you were running from your duties as a capable man”He stretched out his hands for a handshake Ryan’s lips twitched,he felt a wave of anger brush over him,then quickly stepped closer and took the stretch hands in his,then responded,pride evident from his voice “I’ll go straight to the point Grandfather, I got married to the woman I love” as soon

Chapter 12The hospital room smelled of antiseptic, laced over with fresh lavender. She inhaled the scent and made her way to her father’s bed. He sensed her presence, opened his eyes, and made an attempt to sit up, but Emily intervened “No…no Dad, please lie down” she spoke softly, taking his palms into hers. A smile formed across his face as he held her hands “You look radiant, my girl”“I do?” Emily asked, sincerely “I’m glad you think I do”“I am happy when you’re happy, and thank you for the fruits,” Her father said, pointing to the basket of flowers and fruits Emily had brought him.“I’m glad you like them. I have something to tell you Daddy” she said, her voice trailing off as she spoke“What is it, my girl?” George asked, concern etched on his face Emily remained quiet. She knew she had to tell him. She wanted to tell him…but she just didn’t know how to put the words “I’m married”. The words rolled of

Chapter 11Emily trudged into her apartment, exhaustion written all over her face. She slipped into the couch and collapsed inside it. The events of the day swirled in her mind. She thought about how she almost got hit by a truck if not for Ryan’s intervention. Maybe he was not all that bad.But her stomach twisted, a feeling of nervousness as her mind drifted back to Ryan's proposal and their agreement. An unsettling feeling filled up her chest at the fear that she'd just made a deal with a ruthless stranger.She reached for her phone and dialed Ruby's number."Hey, girl! How's it going?" Ruby's cheerful voice was a warm feeling.They conversed about literally everything going on in each other’s lives. A sudden silence hung heavy and when Emily took a deep breath. "Ruby, I have something to tell you” her voice etched with nervousness “I’m making a big decision.Marriage. I mean I’m getting married”The line went silent."Emily, wh