Novels by Korim Mmesoma Stephanie

Darren's PovI woke up with a strange warmth wrapped around me. That in itself was strange.Sleep was never peaceful for me let alone warm. I'd always been plagued by nightmares, reminding me of everything I had lost. The pain in my scar was a constant presence, a cruel reminder of the past but this morning, something was different.Something soft pressed against my chest and my body felt heavy.When I finally looked down, I realized — Isadora!She was lying against me, her small frame curled into my side, her hand resting over my heart.I froze.What the —?Why was she —?How did —?Suddenly and without warning, flashes from last night came rushing back — the pain, the weakness, her touch. The way she pulled herself onto my lap. The way she held me. The first ah she kissed my scar. I swallowed hard, embarrassment washing over me.I had let her do that to me.I had let her see my vulnerable side. But she was still here, still pressed against me, her breathing slow and steady, compl

Isadora's Pov1 WEEK LATER,Darren had a meeting with the major and, for some reason, decided I should tag along. I had no idea what his game was, but I agreed anyway.After getting ready, I stepped out of the en suite — only to freeze at the sight on my bed.A red dress was sprawled across the bed. It looked like something out of a high-fashion magazine, deep crimson fabric shimmering under the soft lighting. Next to it, a small note in Darren's elegant handwriting : “Wear this”I scoffed, picking up the dress with a critical eye. Just what was he playing at? Still, curiosity got the better of me and a few minutes later, I found myself slipping into the silky fabric.As I walked down the grand staircase, I overheard Darren’s voice drifting through the air.He was on a call, his tone calm and businesslike. But the moment our eyes met, he stopped mid-sentence and then his cheeks turned pink.Wait.Darren was blushing?He ended the call abruptly, shoving his phone into his pocket lik

Isadora's PovOur honeymoon suite was suffocating both literally and figuratively.The scent of roses and expensive wine filled the air. The silk sheets, bright flowers and lights were everything a bride wanted. Tonight was everything a bride dreamed of. But not me.I didn't want this. I didn't want him.And now, there was no escape.I sat on the edge of the massive bed, gripping the fabric of my dress so tight my knuckles turned white. The girl staring back at me in the vanity mirror taunted me. She was the perfect image of a bride trapped in a golden, gilded cage — elegant wedding dress, beautiful hair and eyes and a wedding ring on her finger, a ring that felt like chains in her hand. I hated this. I hated everything about this.Most of all, I hated him — Darren Barlowe.The scarred billionaire. The infamous one-handed businessman. The man I was now “legally” bound to.I was pulled out of my depressing thoughts when I heard familiar footsteps. Darren was here. I'd recognize t

Darren's PovThe smell of expensive whiskey, burning wood, and desperation filled the suite air. Isadora's middle-aged father sat across from me, his hand trembling as he reached for his glass. The man was everything I hated in a person — weak, pathetic, and the kind of man who would sell his own soul for big bucks. But tonight, the commodity wouldn't be his soul. It happened to be his one and only daughter. I drummed my fingers against the polished desk, the sound echoing in the vast suite. The room was dimly lit but that didn't stop the faint golden light from casting long shadows across my scarred face. My reflection was something I didn't like looking at — half man, half beast in expensive clothing. At least that's what the entire New York thinks. Well, their whispered rumours weren't far from the truth.Ugly.Hideous.A monster.And so much worse.But I didn't give a fuck.I had everything I needed. I had everything money could buy — A private island to escape the world, a custo