Novels by Tabitha

She frowned, her mind racing. “And I’m... what? A bargaining chip?”“You are not necessarily that. This marriage benefits us both, Ayra. Think of it as a partnership. We both stand to gain, and in the process, you’ll have the freedom to carve out your own space."She turned back to him, her expression unreadable. “Freedom? You’re marrying me to close business deals and save my family’s reputation. Where’s the freedom in that?”Lucian didn’t flinch under her scrutiny, shrugging instead. “Freedom is what you make of it, Ayra. You can resent the circumstances or leverage them to your advantage. It also provides you with protection from external pressures. You’ve seen how things have been unraveling. Hate it if you want, but I’m offering you a way to gain control over the chaos around you.”Ayra bit her lips, staring almost hatefully at the man before her. Finally, she whispered, “And if I say no?”“Then the Russo business collapses. Your father’s debts consume everything. Your family be

The restaurant exuded an air of understated elegance, its tranquil atmosphere a welcome contrast to the chaos of the city. Instead of harsh lighting, soft, flickering candles bathed their secluded table in a golden glow. Placed away from prying eyes, the setting offered them privacy. It was perfect for a conversation neither of them wanted to have. Or at least , Ayra didn't want to have.Ayra picked at her appetizer - it was a delicate arrangement of smoked salmon on crisp bread - while Lucian sipped his wine. Their initial conversation was light, almost trivial, revolving around the restaurant's decor and the quality of the food. But beneath the pleasantries, Ayra could feel the weight of unspoken words pressing down on her.“So,” Lucian said, breaking the silence that had settled over their initial small talk. His tone was calm, his words deliberate and plodding. “We need to discuss the matter of our marriage.”Ayra stiffened slightly, her fork halting midway to her mouth, though

The car eased to a halt in front of an elegant boutique, its towering glass panes flaunting mannequins draped in flowing evening gowns, crisp suits, and glinting accessories. Ayra cast a sideways glance at Lucian, her brow furrowed in perplexity."Why are we here?" she asked.Lucian killed the engine and stepped out. “We’re having lunch somewhere upscale, remember? That outfit isn’t exactly appropriate.”Her gaze dropped to her jeans and cozy sweater. “It’s perfectly fine,” she said, brow raised. “It is.” he circled around the car to open her door. “But this is about more than fine. Humor me. And by the way, you've worn that since this morning, no?”She slid out reluctantly, her steps dragging as she trailed behind him into the boutique. Quite like the hotel, the interior was a study in luxury. The floors were polished to a shine, the air smelled of lavender, and sleek racks of clothing were arranged with museum-like precision. A soft piano melody played in the background, as if t

Lunch with the Director does not start by noon, Ayra discovered. The next day arrived in a haze. It was as if Ayra's entire world had been compressed into a sleepless limbo of apprehension. She could barely recall collapsing into bed the night before with her mind too preoccupied with Lucian’s final words to truly rest. The morning was still young, with the faintest streaks of dawn painting the sky, when Ayra heard a knock at her bedroom door. She groaned, forcing her eyes open even as she pulled the blanket over her head. The knock came again, more insistent this time.“Ayra,” Lucian’s familiar voice filtered through the door. “We’re leaving in ten minutes. Get up.”Her eyes snapped open. Leaving? She’d agreed to lunch, not... whatever this was. She rolled out of bed begrudgingly, her movements sluggish. Her legs felt like lead as she trudged to the door and yanked it open.“What are you doing here at - ” she glanced morosely at the clock, “ - seven in the morning?”Lucian leaned

Ayra’s phone buzzed on the nightstand, jolting her out of her quiet thoughts. For a moment, she considered ignoring it—it was probably another useless notification. Nothing important.But curiosity got the better of her, and she reached for the phone, unlocking the screen to reveal a message from an unfamiliar number.Unknown: Still awake?Her brows knit together as she stared at the message, her thumb hovering over the screen. After a moment’s hesitation, she typed back.Ayra: Who’s this?The reply was almost immediate.Unknown: Lucian.Her heart skipped a beat. She blinked at the screen before carefully typing her response.Ayra: I am. Awake, that is. What do you want?Lucian: That’s not very friendly. Can’t a guy check in on you?Ayra rolled her eyes, unable to suppress her irritation.Ayra: You’re not exactly my favorite person.Lucian: Oh, but I should be.A scoff escaped her lips before she could stop it. She could practically hear the smugness in his tone.Ayra: Bold of you to

Marcus’s smirk faltered for just a second. When he finally spoke, his tone was resigned. "Fine. You want to know who hired me?"The detective leaned in, watching him closely.“It wasn’t the Wendells,” Marcus said, his words slow and deliberate. His eyes narrowed, calculating. “It was Madam Eleanor.”Lucian’s gaze darkened, the name catching him off guard. Eleanor. Not what he’d been expecting.The detective was just as thrown. “Eleanor Wendell? Since when do the Wendells have an Eleanor?”“No,” Marcus said, shaking his head slightly. “Eleanor Russo.”Silence settled over the room, thick and heavy. Lucian’s jaw tightened as the name sank in. Eleanor Russo. The kind of name that came wrapped in its own web of trouble and danger.Of course, it wasn’t surprising. No one in Isa’s family was simple.“What does Eleanor want with Ayra?” the detective asked, his voice sharper now.Marcus shrugged, unbothered. “She didn’t exactly give me her life story. Just said she wanted the girl brought bac