Novels by Ria M

Aria’s POVA few hours later, I find myself staring at the beach entrance, barely believing I agreed to this. Spend the day with him? Who demands a day in return for silence? But if it keeps him quiet, fine. I’ll pretend to enjoy it, put on my best act.As soon as we step onto the warm sand, I throw my hands up in exaggerated excitement. “Wow, this is amazing!” I turn to him, forcing a bright smile. “How did you know I needed this?” My arms swing out as if I’m embracing the ocean breeze, letting it cool my skin. And okay—maybe I actually do need this. A distraction. A moment to feel normal, even if only for today.I catch him watching me, his expression softer than I expected. His usual guarded demeanor is gone, replaced by something almost… contemplative. It’s like he’s lost in thought, somewhere else entirely.My smile falters as I study him, feeling slightly off balance. The Collins I’ve been bumping into all this time—the persistent lawyer, the one who always seems composed—feels

Aria’s POVI wake up with a pounding headache, the kind that makes me want to bury myself under the covers and disappear. I press my fingers against my temples, my hand ruffling through my hair as I try to ground myself.Coffee—yeah, I need coffee. Something strong enough to stop the room from spinning.My eyes finally crack open, and I’m hit by the unfamiliar sight of the room around me. It’s… luxurious. Like the kind of place you see in ads, not where I’d ever find myself on a regular morning.The bedding’s crisp and thick, the air scented faintly of cedar and linen. There’s a softness to everything, even in the light filtering through the heavy curtains.For a second, I just blink, trying to let it all sink in, wondering how I even got here.Then the fog in my head starts to lift. Little fragments of last night come together: the Castillo building, a crowded bar, way too many shots… and him.I sit up quickly, clutching my head as the rush of motion makes it throb even harder. I was

Aria’s POVI step into Claire’s office, a smile tugging at my lips. It’s been a while since I’ve been here, and despite everything weighing on me, there’s always something warm and familiar about LM Group. Something that makes me feel like I belong, even if just for a moment.But then my gaze lands on her.Cynthia Castillo.My smile falters, my heart sinking so fast it feels like it might plummet right through me.I wasn’t expecting to see her here. She’s dressed in an expensive dress and heels, the kind that scream power, wealth—privilege. The same privilege she’s always had. The same privilege that ruined my life.I try to mask my reaction, force the tension from my body. But it’s hard. Too hard. Because when you’re standing face-to-face with your worst nightmare, the past has a way of sinking its claws into you, dragging you under.Cynthia takes a step toward me. My pulse pounds.Not now, Aria. I clench my fist slightly, pushing down every raging thought, every memory clawing its

Isabel’s POVI smile, snapping out of my thoughts. If Cynthia thinks I’m going to be scared of her for whatever reason, then she’s kidding herself. Whatever she’s here for, I’m ready for it.Cynthia chuckles, her shoulders shuddering slightly as she looks directly at me, probably sensing the tension in the air. “Oh my! I was just kidding. Don’t tell me you took it that seriously?”I scoff. “Of course not,” I say smoothly, my tone light but with just enough bite to let her know she doesn’t matter.For a brief second, her smile falters before she braces up again. “But… on the other hand, I did expect your call. Or maybe a visit? You know, as friends do.”I push down the irritation rising in me, leaning slightly forward. “Not when you broke the friendship rule. Or did you forget our last discussion that night?”Cynthia’s eyes flicker, a sly look crossing them. “Oh, about that,” she murmurs, tilting her head as if in thought. “I’m not supposed to say this now, but don’t you think you shou

Isabel’s POVTwo weeks have passed since the condo launch, and it’s been thriving beyond projections. Investors are pleased, occupancy rates are soaring, and the media won’t stop talking about its seamless integration of luxury and modern design. It’s exactly the kind of success I had envisioned—though not in the way I had wanted.Striding out of the conference room, I adjust the sleeves of my blazer. The meeting had just concluded, a brief but necessary discussion on the condo’s progress. Numbers were good, the demand steady, but there was still work to be done.“Christine,” I call as I pass by her desk.She’s already alert, standing at attention. “Yes, ma’am?”“Send out a follow-up to the investors. I want a detailed report on their feedback within the next twenty-four hours. And get marketing to push the new campaign sooner rather than later.”Christine dips her head. “I’ll get it done.” Without hesitation, she turns and strides off, efficient as ever.I continue my walk toward my

Collins’ POVI pull into the parking lot, cutting the engine before stepping out. It’s going to be a long day—I can already feel it. As I make my way toward the building, something tugs at my mind. Did I send that file out earlier?I stop in my tracks, mentally retracing my steps. Damn it. If I didn’t—Then it clicks. I did. A sharp exhale leaves my lips. That would’ve been a disaster.Just as I turn to keep walking, I collide with someone—hard. Aria.Her hands flail as she loses balance, and without thinking, I grab her before she hits the ground. My heart nearly stops. The thought of her actually falling makes my chest tighten. But then she regains herself just as quickly, pulling away like my touch burns her.She bends, gathering her scattered belongings, her movements quick and dismissive. Shit. I crouch to help, but my eyes land on the phone she clutches tightly. The screen is cracked.I swallow thickly. “Is it—”She snatches it closer to her chest and stands abruptly, her gaze m