Novels by Kayiora

Stephan ignored their surprised look and went over to Ruby. He helped her clean up and took her to the room. “Stephan what are you doing here and how did you become the stripper Naomi hired?” she asked once she was settled. “I will explain later, for now, you need to get yourself checked by a doctor”“Stephan don’t be dramatic, I’m fine” She insisted she was all right but Stephan went ahead and contacted their family doctor and asked him to come over to the penthouse. The doctor replied that he was close by and would be there in a few minutes.Naomi went back to the living room and removed David’s mask, staring at him angrily, “David, care to explain why you are the stripper at Ruby’s bachelorette party?”David was sweating nervously “Uh, well... it’s a long story. But I swear I had good intentions!” The doctor’s arrival interrupts their conversation, shifting their focus to Ruby’s well-being.Naomi directed the doctor to the room “Doctor, Ruby's in there." She said gesturing toward

Naomi promised Ruby a bachelorette party to remember and she intends to do just that. She quickly picked up her phone and began to punch numbers. Naomi pressed the call button and waited for the receiver to pick up."Hey, Rita! It's Naomi. Can you swing by my place after work? I need to talk to you about something important.""Hey, Naomi! Sure, I can drop by. Is everything okay?" Rita's voice is full of worry and her eyebrows are slightly furrowed as she thinks of what could be troubling Naomi.Yeah, everything is fine. It's just... I want to provide Ruby with an unforgettable bachelorette experience, but I need your assistance to make it happen. " Naomi's voice is filled with excitement, a sly smile emerging on her face as she discloses her secret scheme."Ooh, a surprise? I'm intrigued. Count me in! I will be there the moment I finish work." Rita's eyes brighten up with curiosity and enthusiasm, she is ready to be a part of the surprise for Ruby."Perfect, thanks, Rita. See you soon

When she got back, Ruby couldn’t stop herself from telling Naomi right away about the proposal. Overflowing with excitement, she skipped her way to her friend with the shimmering ring on her finger, she held up her hands.“Look, Naomi! Stephan proposed!” Ruby squealed, and her voice sounded really happy.Naomi’s eyes flashed with delight as she looked at the ring. “I told you!” she exclaimed, unable to contain her joy.David joined in the celebration, offering his congratulations to Stephan with a warm smile.As the initial excitement began to die down, Naomi couldn’t help but tease Ruby gently. “You know, normal people usually meet first, date, and then get engaged,” she quipped, a playful smirk on her lips.Ruby laughed, nodding in agreement. “That’s exactly what I said when he proposed” she replied, her laughter mingling with Naomi’s.Naomi’s expression turned serious for a moment. “Well, I guess that makes me your maid of honour,” she declared with a grin.Ruby’s eyes lit up with

After a few weeks in therapy, Ruby began to feel better also she began to learn how to manage her fears. Finally, the day came when her therapist cleared her, declaring her ready to face the world again.To celebrate, Stephan suggested they take a trip to the island Ruby won the ticket for at the auction. The girls were excited about the trip, Stephan began to make preparations hoping to make the trip one to never forget in a hurry, especially for the girls.“Please can I bring a plus one? I don’t want to be the third wheel on this trip” Naomi asked politely “Sure! I don’t see why you can’t” Stephan replied with a kind smileNaomi’s face lit up with excitement, “Really? That would be amazing! I would ask my friend if he can come” she exclaimed eagerly “He? A friend? Just say you want to come with your boyfriend” Ruby teased “And would that be a bad thing?” Naomi retorted “Not at all my friend. As for me, I’m definitely bringing Ethan’s nanny because I need to relax and be taken ca

Amelia went over every detail of Ethan’s whereabouts with the detectives. A team of police officers were hurriedly sent to the scene to retrieve the baby. While Stephan was asked to sit and wait, his heart was pounding with mixed feelings of anxiety and hope. Each passing moment seemed like an age as he was waiting for the update.Finally, the moment arrived. Immediately the door opened, a police officer walked in holding Ethan. Stephan was filled with joy as he made his way to them. "Thank you,” Stephan uttered in a choked voice, and his tears started falling as he hugged Ethan.The officer nodded with a little smile. “He’s safe now,” he pointed out to Stephan with a grin on his face. Stephan hugged Ethan tightly as a wave of gratitude engulfed him.As Stephan held Ethan tightly in his arms, his heart still racing with the rush of relief, a call suddenly pierced through the moment of peace. Naomi’s voice crackled through the phone, urgency evident in her tone as she relayed Ruby’s re

Stephan couldn’t sleep a wink, he was so worried and confused, he kept thinking of the possibility that someone would come into his house and kidnap his child without being seen by anyone. He wished and prayed that Ethan would be okay. Twenty-four hours after the kidnap and no call for any ransom demand has been received. He hoped they would be contacted that way they would know what the person wanted rather than keeping them in the dark.He kept tossing and turning till a new day dawned. His phone kept ringing showing an incoming call. He quickly picked up his phone in case it was a call from the kidnappers but it wasn’t. It was Amelia. With a heavy heart, he answered, trying not to sound disappointed “Hello?”“Hello? What’s going on? You don’t sound good” Amelia’s voice crackled through the line, filled with concern. “Ethan is missing,” Stephan replied, his voice trembling slightly. “We’ve searched the whole house but can’t find him.” "Oh, my goodness. When did this happen?" she

My gut twisted as Alex and I entered the hospital. I couldn’t believe I was here to visit Herbert. The antiseptic smell hit me as we stepped inside making me wrinkle my nose."You okay?" Alex asked softly, squeezing my hand.I simply nodded my head. It was at this time that I saw my mother in the lobby looking so worried yet relieved to see me.“Sophie, honey,” she called out and ran to us. "I am happy you are here."Alex greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "Hi, Mrs McDermott. How are you holding up?""As well as can be expected, Alex. Thank you for bringing Sophie."I frowned, crossing my arms. "Mom, why are you even here? I still don't understand."My mother sighed, her eyes pleading. "Sophie, I'm human before anything else. He has nobody to look after him. I'm just doing what's right.""He has money, Mom," I argued, feeling my frustration rise. "That can get him all the care he needs. What makes a man who didn't support you so important to you?""Sophie, I didn't raise you to hav

We just settled into a more comfortable conversation and the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed. They kept asking several questions about Dawson and couldn’t help smiling at his antics "He sounds like quite the character," Mrs. Hernandez said, her eyes twinkling. "Just like his father at that age."Alex chuckled. "I wasn't so mischievous, was I?"Mr. Hernandez lifted an eyebrow. "Son, you once convinced the gardener's boy to help you 'redecorate' my study with finger paint. It took weeks to get the walls clean.""Oh, I remember that!" Mrs. Hernandez laughed. "You were so proud of your 'artwork'. We couldn't stay mad at you for long."As laughter filled the room, I felt myself relax. Alex's parents were so different from the harsh, condemning individuals I remembered from years before.There was a faint knock on the door. Duncan entered, his face serious."Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez, I apologize for disturbing but there is urgent news," he said.Mr. Hernandez's smile vanished. "What

The day had finally arrived. Alex had informed his parents we were coming, and my nerves were in shambles. I put on a brave face for Alex, assuring him everything was fine, but inside I was a mess. When he went to get Dawson ready, I seized the moment to steady myself.My fingers shook as I dialed my mother's number."Mom, it's happening," I muttered. Today."On the other end, there was an unexpected rapid intake of air. "Oh, sweetheart. Are you ready for this?"I closed my eyes. "I have to be. For Dawson. For Alex.""And for yourself," Mom added gently. "You've carried this weight for so long. It's time to put an end to it all.""But what if history repeats itself? What if they-""Stop right there," Mom interrupted. "You're not that young girl anymore. You're a strong woman and an incredible mother. Stand tall, Sophie. Her words gave me strength, but I still doubted myself and I knew I needed one more boost. I quickly called Celine."Sophie! What's up? Everything okay?" Celine's voi

I walked into Alex’s house feeling weary but relieved after talking to my mom. The living room was lit with the faint sound of a cartoon playing in the background. Rounding the corner, I was immediately struck by the cutest sight.Alex was lying flat on the couch with Dawson dozing on his chest. I had to bite back a smile at how cute they looked in their matching superhero pajamas. Alex noticed me, his eyes brightening and a lovely smile spreading across his face."Well, well, look who decided to join us," he teased softly, careful not to wake Dawson.I rolled my eyes playfully. "Miss me that much, huh?""Always," Alex replied, his voice husky. He carefully shifted Dawson and stood up, crossing the room in a few long strides. Before I could react, he had me in his arms, spinning me around."Alex!" I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Put me down, you goof!"He set me down but kept his arms around my waist. "You’re not getting away that easily," he whispered, his lips inches f

The ride up to our suite seemed to take a lifetime. My heart was like a drum as I tried to come up with something to say to her but as soon as the lift doors opened, everything I had planned to say vanished. I lightly knocked on the door, a slight trembling in my palm. I felt a rush of emotions when the door opened with my mom at the other end "Mommy.” I choked out, giving her a tight hug. “I’m sorry.”“Sophie, my baby,” she whispered and embraced me closely. We both dissolved into tears.After a moment, Mom gently pulled back. "Let's go inside, sweetie," she murmured, her voice filled with emotions. When I entered the room, I turned to face her and really took her in. She appeared exhausted, her eyes red and swollen. "How are you?" I asked softly She gave a watery smile. "I am happy you are here. I have missed you so much.""You didn't call," I said, unable to keep the hurt from my voice.Mom reached out, taking my hand in hers. "I know you needed time and space to process ever

“Hey, toss it here!" Alex called out, waving his arms.Dawson laughed and aimed the ball toward Alex. With a slightly unsteady flight, he caught it by a dramatic leap."Nice throw, buddy!" he cheered, making Dawson beam with pride.I couldn't help but smile from my spot. Watching them play, hearing their laughter...it was a dream come true."You got this, Dawson," Alex encouraged as he rolled the ball back. "Just take your time."Dawson stuck his tongue out slightly, focusing hard on the ball. This time, his kick sent it flying straight and true."Goal!" Alex shouted, throwing his hands up in celebration. "We've got a little Messi on our hands!"Their game went on, there was clapping, laughing, and a little bit of ‘oh no’ when the ball went astray. Finally, it rolled to a halt right in front of me.“Okay, you two,” I said, as I grabbed it. “I believe that is enough for today”‘Mommy,’ Dawson complained, then his face twisted into a smile. "Did you see? I won!"Alex came over, ruffling

A week had passed since Hailey woke up. Feeling stronger and restless from constant bed rest“I think I will go down for breakfast today," Hailey murmured to herself, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She dressed quickly, eager to rejoin the world beyond her bedroom walls., As Hailey descended the grand staircase, she heard voices that made her pause. "Duncan, we need to discuss this trip," Lisa's voice carried a note of frustration."Lisa, I have told you, now is not the time," Alpha Duncan replied, his tone conveying exhaustion.Hailey's heart sank. She did not want to interrupt or cause more tension. She had been avoiding them since the incident. Just as she was about to turn back, Alpha Duncan looked up and spotted her."Hailey," he said, surprise evident in his voice. "Please, join us for breakfast."Hailey hesitated, deliberately avoiding eye contact. "I...I think I would rather have my breakfast in my room," she said. "Thank you for the offer, Alpha." The formality

The palace halls fell quiet as the head healer emerged from the treatment room. Her face was tired but relieved as she approached Luna Grace, who had been waiting anxiously outside."How is she?" With a barely audible voice, Luna Grace posed the question. "We have done all we can for now," the healer murmured, wiping her brow. The critical part is over. Lady Hailey is stable, but she is still unconscious. We can move her to her room now."Luna Grace let out a breath she did not know she had been holding. "Thanks to the Moon Goddess. When do you think she will wake up?""It is hard to say," the healer replied. "Ghoul attacks are tricky. Her body needs time to fight off the dark magic. But she is young and strong. I have hope she will pull through."As they spoke, a group of attendants carefully moved Hailey to her chambers. Lila followed close behind, her eyes never leaving Hailey's pale face.Days passed, and Hailey remained unconscious. The pack was on edge, patrols doubled, and Alp

The palace gates burst open as Lila ran ahead, shouting frantically. "Help! Please, someone help us!"The guards at the entrance immediately tensed, their hands instinctively going to their weapons. One called out, "What is the matter?""It is Lady Hailey!" Lila cried, gesturing behind her. "She is hurt! We need the healers!"The stranger followed close behind, carefully carrying an unconscious Hailey in his arms. As soon as they entered the palace, chaos erupted.Guards rushed forward, weapons drawn. "Halt!" one shouted, before recognizing Lila. His eyes widened at the sight of Hailey. "What happened?"Servants gathering in the courtyard began to whisper among themselves."Is that Lady Hailey?""She looks so pale!""What could have done this?""Get the medical team, now!" Lila screamed, her voice cracking with desperation.A young servant boy nodded quickly. "Right away!" He dashed off towards the medical wing.Within moments, a group of healers swarmed around them. The head healer,

Hailey was buried in concentration and was hardly aware of the gentle knock on her door as she peered out the window. Silently, Lila walked in with a tray of food."Good morning, my lady," Lila said gently. "I have brought your breakfast."Hailey turned, offering a weak smile. "Thank you, Lila. You can just leave it on the table."Lila set down the tray and hesitated. "It has s been two weeks now, my lady. Do you not believe it's time to go outside for a little while? This time of year is when the gardens are most beautiful."Hailey's shoulders tensed. "I can not, Lila. The thought of facing everyone...their stares, their whispers. It is too much."Lila approached Hailey. “I understand, but staying cooped up is not good for you. You are starting to look pale as a ghost."A faint smile flickered across Hailey's face. "Maybe that is fitting. I feel like I am fading away in here."Lila knelt beside her, concern etched on her features. "What do you mean?"Hailey's voice quivered as she sp

Luna Grace hurried down the damp stone steps leading to the dungeon, her heart racing. As soon as she reached Hailey's cell, Hailey rushed forward, gripping the bars."Luna Grace!" Hailey cried, tears streaming down her face. "I did not do it, " Hailey choked out between sobs. "Lisa did it. When I caught her, she turned it all around on me. You have to believe me!"Luna Grace felt her heartache at the sight of Hailey’s desperation. Her own eyes brimmed with tears, but she quickly blinked them away, her voice steady as she reached through the cold iron bars to clasp Hailey’s trembling hands.“I believe you, sweetheart,” Luna Grace said softly but firmly. “We are getting you out of here right now.”At her command, the guard stepped forward, unlocking the cell door with a low creak. The moment the door swung open, Hailey flung herself into Luna Grace’s arms, her sobs coming in waves, her body shaking with the weight of her fear and despair“It is all over now,” Luna Grace whispered, stro

Luna Grace walked into the dining room, a small gift in her hand. She saw Alpha Duncan and Lisa at the table, but Hailey was nowhere to be seen. "Welcome back, Luna Grace," Duncan said, his voice strained. "How was your trip?"Luna Grace sat down across from them, her eyes narrowing as she placed the gift on the table. “It was...enlightening," she replied cautiously. She scanned the room again before asking. “Where is Hailey? I brought her something."Duncan's jaw clenched. "She is...indisposed."Luna Grace’s concern deepened. “Indisposed? That does not sound like Hailey especially when she knew I was coming back. I will go check on her.”As she moved to stand, Duncan's cold voice froze her in place. "She is...better off where she is."Luna Grace slowly sank back into her seat, eyes now sharp with suspicion. "What do you mean, where she is'? Duncan, what is going on?""Oh, Luna Grace, it is awful. Hailey...she tried to—""I did not address you, Lisa," Luna Grace cut her off icily. "Y

There's a special kind of poison that comes with sudden wealth – the kind that seeps into your bones and rewrites your DNA until you can't remember who you used to be. The Riveras had tasted that poison the day Richard Stone married their daughter, and they'd been addicted ever since.It wasn't just about the money, though God knows Richard had plenty of that. It was about belonging to a world they'd only glimpsed through magazine pages and reality TV shows. About trading their cramped apartment for a house in the right neighborhood, their off-the-rack clothes for designer labels, their mundane problems for sophisticated ones.Richard had given them everything they'd ever dreamed of, and all it cost was their souls.Even after everything Richard had done—things that should would have destroyed lesser families – the Riveras didn't crumble. They polished. They positioned. They smiled wider, laughed louder, clinked champagne glasses with even more enthusiasm.Their daughter's broken hear

“Wear something that makes you happy," Seth's text read. Isabella stared at her closet, clothes scattered across her bed like evidence from a fashion crime scene. Four outfit changes and two minor meltdowns later, she still could not decide what to wear. Everything felt wrong.Her phone buzzed again.Seth: Stop overthinking itSeth: I can literally feel you overthinking from hereSeth: You could show up in sweats and I would still think you are the most beautiful person I have ever seenIsabella smiled despite herself, typing back:Isabella: Sweats it is thenSeth: Don't you dareSeth: I mean you would look amazing but I have PLANS womanIsabella: Oh so NOW you are dress coding me? 🤨Seth: I plead the fifthSeth: But also please hurry I miss your faceShe caught herself grinning at her phone like an idiot. God, when did she become this person? This stupidly, ridiculously happy person who smiled at text messages?The emerald dress caught her eye - the one she had bought months ago an

Isabella's hands trembled as she gathered her presentation materials, her mind replaying Mr. Harrison's words over and over: "Excellent presentation, though I must say...the recent publicity is...concerning."The conference room felt too big now that everyone had left. Too quiet. Like the silence was just waiting to be filled with all the thoughts she'd been pushing away."Hey." Seth's voice was soft behind her. "You were incredible in there."She couldn't turn around. Couldn't look at him. For if she did, she was going to cry— and she had grown so weary of crying. "Thanks," she managed, shoving papers into her folder with shaking hands."Izzy." His hand touched her shoulder, and god, it hurt how much she wanted to lean into that touch. "Talk to me.""I can't." Her voice cracked. “Because if I start talking, I will start thinking, and if I start thinking—’ She gasped and put her hand to her chest as if to restrain herself.""Then think," he said quietly. "Whatever it is, we can figure

Isabella stood in front of the company apartment door, her heart practically trying to jump out of her chest. Seth had gotten a call right as they pulled into the parking lot, and the look he gave her clearly said, go ahead without me. Which was great. Because walking in there alone wasn't terrifying at all.Her palms were sweaty, and she found herself thinking about turning back, waiting for Seth. The uncertainty of what awaited her behind this door was eating her alive. But no—she was a big girl. She could handle this. You're tough, she told herself, the internal pep talk a lifeline against her rising nerves.She kept second-guessing herself, her hands moving toward the door, then retreating. Back and forth. Come on, Isabella. Just knock.Finally, she did. Not a timid little tap that screamed uncertainty, but not a aggressive slam either. Just a solid three-knuckle rap that said exactly what she was feeling: I'm here. And I'm serious.For a moment, nothing. Then shuffling. The sound

"Okay, that's it!" Seth said, picking up the dinner plates. "You guys have been here for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner. I love you all, but I need some alone time with my girlfriend."Isabella felt her face get hot. Like, seriously Seth? Edward grinned from his chair. "Aw come on, there is no such thing as overstaying when it is family!" He stretched out dramatically. "Actually...maybe I should just grab my bags and move in. How about that?"Seth looked like he was about to smack him, and Edward ducked away laughing. “Alright, alright! I am leaving.”Isabella bit her lip to hold back a laugh, but her amusement faded when she caught Seth watching her mouth. The heat in his gaze made her breathe catch.Diana saved her from spontaneously combusting by pulling her into a goodbye hug. "I enjoyed our time together," she murmured. "Next time, better circumstances?"She nodded, grateful for her warmth. It was nice having someone who felt like a mother. "Yeah, I would love that."Diana gave he

Isabella’s head snapped up at that, eyes wide despite the tears. "No!" The word came out more desperate than she intended, making Seth freeze. His arms were still wrapped protectively around her, but she could feel the tension running through him."Baby—""Seth, please." She clutched at his shirt harder, not caring that she probably looked like a mess. "You can not."Those gorgeous eyes of his darkened with anger – not at her, never at her – but at everyone who dared to hurt her. "Izzy, they are attacking you. I can not just—""Yes, you can," she whispered. "You have to. Please." Her voice cracked on the last word. "I have been through this before. Fighting back...it just feeds the fire. Makes everything worse."God, the way he looked at her. Like it physically hurt him to see her like this. Like he would move heaven and earth just to make it stop. “I hate that you have to go through this. I am so sorry,” he whispered, pulling her close. The way she shook against him made his chest a