Novels by Jessika M

Julia's pulse quickened. "What about Thomas Sterling?" she asked, hoping she sounded more composed than she felt. "He's your fiancé?" Adrian asked. Julia remained silent, unwilling to reveal any more than she had to. "I know, Julia." "Know what?" "I know you don't want to marry him." "And how do you know that? I told you, my wedding is next week." "I know the wedding is next week and I also know you don't want to marry him." "You seem so sure." "That's because my information is never wrong." "I'd love to stay and talk, but I'm exhausted and need to get back home. I've got a busy day tomorrow." she said as she started to walk away. "Marry me instead." Julia froze, refusing to turn around. Every part of her wanted to say yes. But she couldn't. It all seemed too easy. She straightened her back and kept walking. Surprisingly, Adrian didn't go after her. Again, a part of her was disappointed he didn't press her any further on the matter. Julia wondered why she

"Excuse me?" Julia couldn't hide her surprise. "Marry me," Adrian repeated firmly. "Is this a joke? Hold on." Julia adjusted in her seat, trying to process what he had just said. He had just asked her to marry him. Completely out of the blue. How had a lunch meeting turned into a marriage proposal? "On your terms," he said flatly. "You want me to marry you? Why? Is this love at first sight?" A flicker of surprise crossed Adrian's otherwise composed face. "Love at first sight? No. Think of it like a business proposal." Julia couldn't deny that this could solve all her problems. But it was almost too convenient. "And why are you offering me this business proposal?" she inquired. "I need a wife. Based on what I've seen, you're the best fit." "Is that your way of saying you like me?" "No. I have my reasons for this proposal.""And may I know these reasons?""You'll know after you read the contract." "Contract?" she asked, her brows knitting together. "I'm afraid that's not

"Next week?" Julia asked, flabbergasted. "What do you mean the wedding is next weekend?" "You heard me. Get ready. Your mother has already sent for a designer. He'll be here to go over wedding dress options. She'll give you the details." her father said as he walked straight ahead not caring to know Julia's opinion. Her stomach dropped. Julia could hardly believe what she was hearing. How could they expect her to get married to that sickly old man next weekend? "It's not happening, dad," she said, as she went after her father. "It is," he barked, turning around to face her. "Julia, don't be difficult. It's already been decided and everything has been put in place.""I will not marry Thomas. Not in this life, not ever!" she firmly said. "Don't be such a baby, Julia. Come look at the wedding venue, it's grand." Devon said with a smile on his face, his head peeking out of the living area. "If you so much as try to ruin this wedding, I'll freeze every account in your name and cut o

As they made their way to Director Lucas's office, Adrian's phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out of his inner pocket and answered. "Good evening, dad," "Where are you?" "Still at the university. I'll be with you shortly." "Don't keep me waiting." The line went dead. Adrian slipped his phone back into his pocket as he walked alongside Director Lucas toward his office."I believe Master Hayes would admire Miss Reid." Director Lucas said with a smile. Adrian remained silent. "Miss Reid continues to exceed our expectations. Your father's investment has been worthwhile." Adrian glanced back toward the lecture hall Julia had just left. Intelligent. Dedicated. Accomplished. She was nothing like the awkward woman he'd bumped into outside the restaurant. An interesting woman… Whether that would matter to his father remained to be seen. "These are the printed copies of the files you requested to see. They're all summaries of our current progress." Director Lucas said, sl

Julia stared at the man in front of her. He'd recognized her, and for some reason, that embarrassed her. What would he think of her? “Hello.” she finally said. “Good afternoon,” he replied. “Julia, right?” He already knew her name. A puzzled look crossed Julia's face. "I heard your date call you Julia," he said, gesturing toward the restaurant. "So... Julia? I'm guessing that's your name.” That's how he knew her name. She'd almost thought he was a creep who had been stalking her.“Oh, yes. It's Julia. Julia Reid. And you are?” she said, extending her hand for a handshake. He glanced briefly at her outstretched hand but made no move to take it. His hands remained tucked inside his pockets. “Adrian Hayes.” he said casually. Julia withdrew her hand and slipped it awkwardly into her jacket pocket. “I'm in a bit of a hurry. Nice meeting you, Adrian.” she said, as she walked away heading back to the university's research lab. For one reckless moment, she wondered if she should

The man in front of her frowned. Those eyes... Why did she look so familiar? Before he could place her, another voice cut through his thoughts. "Julia?"She turned toward the voice.A blond man stood from one of the tables near the window, smiling and waving.It was Chris. She recognized him from his profile photos.She waved at him and offered a small smile before turning to face the man in front of her."Sorry," she said quietly.Without a word, he walked around her and left the restaurant.In daylight, he looked even more handsome than she remembered. She pushed the encounter to the back of her mind. She had bigger problems to worry about.She shook her head lightly and walked up to meet her date.Chris stood as she approached, smiling warmly."Good day, Julia," Chris said as he pulled out her chair. Julia blinked in surprise. At least he had manners."Good day, Chris. Sorry I'm late. I was swamped with work," she said, as she took her seat."It's fine. You gotta do what you g