Novels by Pruderly

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

Chapter 10 Ryan sat across from his new associate, sipping his coffee and nodding along to their discussion;latest marketing ideas and strategies for his new partnership. But his mind wandered, consumed by Stacia's unexpected visit earlier. Why was her family suddenly interested in their affair? Why,after all these months were they now suddenly talking about marriage? Now of all times when his grandfather’s threat still afresh. "Mr. Ross?" His associate's voice cut through his thoughts,noticing he was not attentive Ryan cleared his throat, apologetic. "Yes, Where were we?" His associate launched back into the presentation “I was just listing the possibilities…” but Ryan's focus drifted. His gaze wandered to the rain-soaked sidewalk beyond the reveal glass window. That's when he spotted her – Ice queen, from that night, walking down the street, oblivious to the speeding cars and blaring horns,obviously lost in her own thoughts,and despite the down pour. His face darkened. What w

Chapter 9Ryan was just getting ready to leave his office a short discussion with Zak when there was a soft knock on the door. “May I come in” Pearl, Ryan’s personal assistant’s voice comes through and without waiting for an answer, she shoved her head through the half opened door,her body disappearing from behind “You have a visitor Mr. Ross…and she’s coming up the elevator as we speak.” Her soft voice broke the silence in the office “Who?” Zak interrupted before Ryan could speak up“Stacia Parker…and from what Miss Victoria said, She is not very cheerful.” Pearl said and unconsciously let out a silent chuckle “It’s not as if she’s always cheerful.” Zak murmured “You may go now,Pearl” Ryan nodded curtly, an indirect smile crossed his face but soon disappeared quickly. Pearl stepped out, Zak behind her and quickly made her way back to her seat.“We need to talk, Ryan!" Stacia's voice pierced the office silence, her heels clicking against the ceramic tile floor as she approached hi

Chapter 8“Ryan, we have information on the lady from the club, just as you instructed” Zak said while handing a white file to Ryan. “All of it is in here,not much information about her as she lived a pretty simple life. And there’s no information on her love life too…that is if you were interested”“What about her father, I hear he’s in the hospital, do you know why?” Ryan asked,running his fingers through the pages of the file. He examined the file, a slight smile formed at the edge of his lips as he read the contents of the file “Not yet,but I assigned an insider to bring information,soon by night time ” Zak responded“Hm! Oh wow,it says here that she was selected for the interview of cover girl position for one of our publication” Ryan let out a chuckle,looking uninterested. “ very interesting”“Why do you want information on her, by the way?” Zak asked, making himself comfortable in the seat opposite Ryan “No reason yet,

Chapter 7Ryan watched, his expression softening, as Emily's face went white.She quickly grabbed her bag and signaled Ruby,there was a long pause “The city hospital…I’m on my way” she spoke out, her eyes wide with fear, her grip on the phone tightening."What's wrong?" Ruby asked, her voice low and concerned.Emily shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "I...I have to go," she stammered, her voice cracking.”Take me to the hospital… It’s dad”She hung up, her eyes meeting Ryan's for a quick second Ruby stood up and picked her arm bag up, “Let’s go then” Ryan quickly grabbed her arm before she could walk away “Ruby,right…give me your business card.” he spoke with a firm but calm Ruby let out a shrug and brought out her card and handed it to him. She turned her back and followed behind Emily who had already reached where the car had been parked.While they drove away,Ryan called Zak “I found out th