Novels by Cranium

North’s POVThe next morning, I walked into my office wearing a smile that didn’t belong to me.The office smelled of coffee and caramel glaze, the comforting scent of early prep with the sound of ovens humming in the background. My team greeted me with their usual enthusiasm, oblivious to the fact that I had barely slept throughout the night. “Hey, North!” Kora chirped.“Hey,” I replied, forcing a cheerfulness I didn’t feel. My throat still felt raw from crying last night, but I was determined not to let it show.“I bet it's not a good time." She muttered, gave my shoulder a soft squeeze before taking her leave. For the next few hours, I tried all I could to pretend that everything was fine. I kept myself busy by running through catering schedules, tasting samples and approving new menu items. My staff didn’t notice how often I drifted into silence or how my gaze kept slipping to my phone sitting facedown on my table. Every time it buzzed, I hoped it was him and every time it wa

Finn’s POV“Believe me Finn, if I know where North is, I’ll tell you right away.” Kora's voice rang in my head. Frustrated, I pushed my hand into my hair, placed my back on the wall and then let out a low sigh. Since my return, I had been walking the same stretch of hallway so many times that the marble floor should have worn thin beneath my shoes.The building was quiet except for the dull echo of my footsteps. North left home this morning and didn't return yet the scent of her perfume still clung to the air. It was sweet, defiant and impossible to ignore and every time I inhaled it, it hit me like a punch.I had tried calling her once, then twice until I lost count.Each ring that ended without an answer clawed another piece out of me and by the time the clock chimed ten pm, I had already dialed her number a dozen more times. Her voicemail taunted me with that cool, professional tone she used for clients; “You’ve reached North Kennedy Catering…” “Pick up, North,” I muttered, p

North’s POV“Finn." I yelled on top of my voice for the hundredth time but he wouldn't listen to me. God, I tried to stop him.“Finn, just let it go,” I whispered in exhaustion, tugging lightly at his sleeve, but he wouldn’t even look my way. His gaze was locked on Liam like a predator refusing to release its prey. The muscles along his jaw were clenched so hard that I thought his teeth might shatter.“Leave,” he barked, his voice carrying the weight of an ultimatum.Liam didn’t flinch, instead, he smiled. It was an infuriating and smug smile that made my stomach knot in ways I hated admitting. No doubt, he enjoyed watching Finn unravel.“This isn’t your building, Finn,” Liam said smoothly, his green eyes glinting. “So why don’t you try asking nicely for once?”Finn’s fists curled at his sides, and I swear if he lunged at his brother, there was no way I would be able to stop him. My heart slammed against my ribs furiously. This wasn’t just a sibling rivalry; this was something da

North's POVA few minutes later, I was walking Liam to the reception. The awkwardness between us had melted slightly and the tension had been replaced with a strange calm. His apology still echoed in my mind. Part of me wanted to believe it, another part still questioned everything. Trust didn’t come easy anymore, not with him. When we got to the reception room, I halted and then turned around to face him, folding my hands in front of me.“Thanks for stopping by,” I said. He gave a tight-lipped smile, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I meant what I said, I’m sorry for everything.”I didn’t answer because I didn’t need to. I had forgiven him, yes, but that didn’t mean I had forgotten.Just when I was going to say something else, the door flung open and time froze.Finn walked in, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the polished floor. His eyes locked onto mine, then immediately dropped to Liam who was standing beside me.There was a beat of silence, one that screamed l

North’s POVThe scent of vanilla and melted chocolate filled the kitchen as I leaned over the counter. I was grinning at the slightly uneven swirl of cream from my latest creation.It's been a while since I came up with something nice so I was elated.“Finally, it's ready." Kora chirped, raising her head from the measuring cups she has been obsessing about. “This one’s different,” I said, holding the spatula in one hand and my phone in the other. Facing the girls, I said, “It’s a mix of burnt caramel and lemon zest. The idea hit me in the shower last night.” I chuckled at the thought. Last night was chaotic for me until this little idea dropped in. It was what lured me to sleep.Kora raised an eyebrow, she was going to speak but suddenly, she pursed her lips only to part it again. “You don't have to." I groaned under my breath. “Burnt caramel and lemon zest? Are you trying to start a war in people’s mouths or what?” She ratted out. Amelia chuckled from the sink, “Knowing North,

Finn’s POVWincing, I shot my eyes open only to snap it shut almost immediately as my hands slowly moved up to my head.I had woken up with the kind of headache that made me question every decision I had made in the last twenty-four hours.Starting with that damn half glass of tequila and ending with collapsing on the woman I was pretending not to love just because she wanted it to stay that way.Everything felt heavy, my limbs, my chest, and my thoughts. It was like my body was trying to punish me for letting my emotions get the best of me, for letting Liam’s words sink their claws right into my heart. Still holding my head, I blinked slowly as I tried to sit up. Thanks to the window blinds that were pulled down, else, I would have died several times already.My throat was dry and my brain was foggy but it only took a second for the blur to clear enough for me to realize that I was in the living room and also, the figure standing across the room had her arms folded tightly across

Cross’ POV “You mean Cross Voss is your boss?" I asked with a raised brow, trying to sound all natural but my heart was slamming against my chest mercilessly. Judging by the crispness of the magazine, I knew it was a new one but I couldn't bring myself to ask her for it.For months, I have been off the radar thinking that they have forgotten about me already, how wrong I was. The press was a dangerous organization. No matter how you try to steer away from them, they always find a way of popping their heads before you.“I think this line explains why he hasn't been at work for several months now." She mouthed, bringing me back to the present. With my brow raised at her, I asked, "What's the reason?" “He is crippled and no one knows where he is, not even his family." She replied. “I bet his family is behind this, they must have been looking for him so they decided to employ the power of the press." She mumbled. Taking a deep breath, I was relieved when she didn't press further bu

Cross's POVThe frown on Mulan's face deepened as she glared murderously at me. If she doesn't stop glaring, I was going to end up dying, not on the operating table like I had instigated but right here and now.“Are you trying to kill me with your eyes?" I mouthed, watching as her lips twitched to the side. She was getting even more angry now. The only reason why she was yet to flare up was because we were in public and for that, I was grateful. “Why are you acting like I said sometimes out of the ordinary?" I huffed. “Getting into surgery is a gamble, you either lose your life or you retain it." Reaching for her hand, I tried to give it a soft squeeze but she pulled away, still glaring at me. “Come on, you are getting worked up over nothing." I laughed, tossing my face towards the window only for her to tug my arm.“Have you lost it?" She gulped, trying to remain calm but it was to no avail. Her breathing was erratic and it would be a miracle if she didn't pass out. Pushing he

Mulan’s POVFinally, it was the eve of our trip to Germany. All through the day, I have checked and rechecked everything we will be needing for the trip. Kaiser on the other hand was indifferent. Of course I was forcing him to go for surgery against his will but still I had a price to pay. Sitting at the edge of my bed, I was staring at the screen of my phone. I had already dialed my mother's contact, all I needed was to press the call button. With a deep breath, I did and after two rings, the lines connected.“Mulan?” My mother’s soft voice filtered into my eardrum. I had missed her so much so I was giddy with excitement.“Mom.” I shrieked, “How are you?”“I should be asking you that.” She retorted. “You have been so busy these days that you barely have enough time to talk to your mother." “I'm worried about you." She added, her tone mild and almost breaking. “I'm fine mom, you don't have to worry about me." I paused and with a tone tingling with excitement, I said, “I will be

Cross’s POVWheeling my chair through the hallway, I scrunched my nostrils since the sterile scent of disinfectant which clung in the air was messing with my brain. I hated hospitals, and this was just one of the numerous reasons. The private medical ward which was separated from the rest of the building was specially designed for the elites. It screamed luxury which didn't make sense to me but that was the least of my concern.Taking the last bend to Doctor Randy's office, I let out a low sigh, already imagining the look of amusement that would be on his face when he sees me.For months, he had been urging me to go for surgery but I refused and now, I suddenly changed my mind, all thanks to Mulan.The thought of her made a smile appear on my lips but I quickly wiped it off.Getting to his office, I connected my fist to the door before pushing it in and letting myself into his large office. It was clear he had been waiting for me because he was leaning against his desk with a smug

Mulan's POVStaring at him with my eyes almost popping from its sockets, I didn't say anything. My tongue was glued and I couldn't react as I had been frozen in place.What I had expected was, we would end up having a fallout since he has asked me not to mind him but it turned out to be the direct opposite. My joy knew no bounds, I was literally floating in the air as relief washed through my entire body. "You will?" I muttered when I finally found my tongue."Yes." He affirmed only to tilt his head to the side like he was having a second thought. I was almost running my mouth when he locked eyes with me, "On one condition," He said. "Anything." I blurted without thinking.Reaching for my hand, he caressed it for a while. "Our contract will be ending in a few months.” He mumbled while I gulped.He was right about that. Though we were not cut out for each other, I was going to miss him terribly. But I got compensated already; my family was already paying for putting my mother and

Mulan's POVSliding my phone from my ear, I groped my way towards the wall and then placed my back against it. This wasn't the first time Doctor Randy was saying this but each time he does, I always felt cold chills running through my spines. I was terrified but I couldn't do anything.Kaiser was refusing to get surgery for reasons best known to him. Now, this wasn't just about fulfilling my part of the contract, I really wanted him to walk again. Snapping my eyes shut, I pulled away from the wall and with slow but deliberate steps, I made my way to Kaiser’s room. Placing my ear against the door, I was hoping to hear even the slightest noise as these days, he barely gets a wink of sleep.But the room was drowned in a deafening silence, causing me to wonder what the issue was.Pursing my lips, I grabbed the handle and then twisted it, causing the door to creak open. I was about to run away in fright until I saw the wheelchair was empty and he was lying on his back. Cautiously so I

Caruso’s POVThroughout the party, I couldn't stop looking at her. The only difference between her and Blue was their facial features. Several times, I was tempted to walk up to her and find out where she had been all this while but I didn't have the courage to do so.First, Max, the man from earlier, was hovering around her protectively. Secondly, I had no idea how she was going to react to my question. At the end of the party, after bidding everyone and the host farewell, I walked up to my car. I was so absentminded that I forgot about Becca, not until she yelled my name, asking me to wait for her. “Were you going to leave me behind?" She asked.“I'm sorry." I mumbled, turning on the ignition. When she didn't speak again, I was grateful. Right now, all I wanted was peace and quietness. But it didn't last long.Shoving her phone into her purse, she turned to face me. She studied my face for a while before placing her hand on my shoulder, caressing it.“Tell me about it." She st

Blue’s POV“Are you okay?" Father asked, halting next to me as the low hum of classical music floated across the night air.“Yeah, I am." I nodded vigorously, forcing a smile that barely got to my eyes. But inside, my heart was thudding against my ribcage like a trapped animal.Taking a deep breath, I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Get a grip on yourself, you can do this." I mumbled, rubbing my sweaty palm against my gown. I had practiced facing Caruso a thousand times in the mirror since I learnt he was going to be at the party but none of it could prepare me for the moment when his tall, familiar frame emerged from the crowd, his eyes sweeping across the guests until they landed on me.The flicker of recognition in his eyes made my stomach knot.Right now, I couldn't decide if the recognition was from the past or the scene at the mall earlier."Mr. Milton!" my father called out with a warm smile, stepping forward with his hand extended.“Mr. Smith.” Caruso took his hand

Blue’s POVI wasn’t expecting to see him, not there, and definitely not like that.Caruso Milton, the man whom I swore I was going to stay by his side forever.As soon as I saw him standing in the middle of Monaco Hall, soaked with my coffee and with an expression somewhere between recognition and disbelief, a thousand warning bells exploded in my head. My breath hitched, as my fingers trembled around the paper cup but I held on.I was just an hour away from being formally introduced as the new chairwoman of Nexus Corporation. And the Caruso decided to show his face. It would have been better if it was only him but Becca was standing right next to him.They are going to tell the whole world that I'm a murderer.Panic surged through me, threatening to strangle every breath I took.But then I remembered.My face. — The face I now wore in place of my own.The new jawline, the sharper nose, the cheekbones sculpted by someone else’s grief. I wasn’t Blue Lexington anymore, I was a strang

Caruso’s POVPushing my chair backwards, I arranged my cufflink as I ran my eyes through the last line on the screen of my laptop.This morning, I made sure I dropped by the office at exactly seven am which was one hour earlier than usual. By noon, I was stepping out for a function. The CEO of Nexus Corporation had handed me an invitation card in person for the handover ceremony which was going to happen by noon today and so I couldn't afford to miss it. “I will have to return…” "Aren't you done yet?” Becca asked, poking her head through the door.Flashing me a brief smile, she cleared her throat and with well calculated steps, she waddled her way into my office."Your cologne, you’re still not going to tell me where you got it from?”"I don't want a gift from you,” I said, biting back my irritation. Becca was a thorn in my flesh. She knew this but she still chose to ignore it.After the unfortunate incident, she had always been by my side. Several times, I tried to push her away

Blue’s POV“Have a nice day." I said, shaking hands with all of the directors present until I got to the last. “You too." They replied. As the next chairwomen of Nexus Corporation, my father has suggested I meet with the directors before the formal introduction which was going to be held by the weekend. “We are going to help you in every little way we can." Mr. Langston said and with a smile on my lips, I nodded in appreciation. One after the other, they took their leave until I was the only one left in my office. Reclining against my table, I used my fingers to trace the corners of my name plaque, my smile growing even wider. Nine months ago, I was the wife of Caruso Milton. Fast forward to nine months later, I was the heiress of Nexus Corporation, one out of the three largest cologmerate in the country. Pushing my hair behind my ear, I plopped on my chair, a low sigh escaping from my lips as I turned on the TV. The headlines caught my attention, so I decided to keep watchin

Blue's POVWhat I had expected was, the trial was going to go on forever but to my surprise, it didn't last up to half an hour. Now, that wasn't the interesting part. Feebee kept to her promise and I was released on a bail. Surprised with the outcome of the trial, I couldn't move my feet even after the court session had been declared over. The previous night, I had already said my last prayer to my maker for a safe sojourn into the world beyond but, that wasn't going to happen anymore.At this point, I had no idea if I should be happy or sad. “I told you, I'm going to make sure you're released.” Feebeee’s voiced out, announcing her presence in the process and at once I grabbed her hand. With tears rolling down my cheeks, I tried to speak but my tongue was heavy so I couldn't move the organ. “How am I going to repay you?” I asked when I finally found my tongue. “I don't even know you yet you…” “You were accused wrongly; you don't deserve to be locked behind bars.” She shrugged.