Novels by Mary Swan

E L L EI applied the final touch of make up to my face as admired my reflection through the mirror.I felt amazing and happy, like i didn't have any problems to deal with. It's been about five years since I genuinely felt happy, felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel. Spending just a little time with Mikhail was a feeling I haven't felt in a long while. I felt young, I felt beautiful, I felt worthy of being loved.Mikhail was the light at the end of my tunnel.He was bringing a new meaning into my life. And fast. It was scary. We've only been spending time together for the past two weeks, but, he's managed to make me smile, laugh and just simply enjoy my life.He's made me realize that I didn't have to put a halt on my life because of my failed marriage.But, that fear still lingered I'm my mind. I haven't accepted his proposal yet, but I knew I'd have to make a decision soon. But, that was where my fear lies.I was afraid that things would turn sour and he'd be another

M I K H A I LThe next day, after my morning workout, a hot shower, a nice meal and a coffee, I was in my study, ready for work.Sipping my coffee, my mind went back to the previous night.She was something else.I've never been this smitten over a woman before.She was the one.And, she's the only one I'd do anything for.Anything.She's a fighter. A woman full of surprises.My phone rang on the table and I picked it up.It was my best friend, Ivan."Hey, brother.""What's up?""Just calling to see if you're alive. Haven't heard from you in a while. You okay?""Yeah. Yeah. I'm good. Sorry, I've been busy.""Too busy to call me?""Sorry, bro. How have you been? Anything new?""I should be asking you that. Who's the new chick you've been seen with. It's all over the internet.""I knew you'd find out. But, yeah. She's someone special.""Special? So, this isn't just a quick fuck? What's going on?""Her name's Eleanor. But, she likes to be called Elle. And no, she's definitely not a quick

E L L EI looked around and noticed that the sky was filled with stars."It's so beautiful." "Far from the city. No light pollution. Just you and me. Come on." He said, his hand wrapped around mine and led me towards a bench.We sat down and enjoyed the view.The lake was shining underneath the bright stars. The moon was shining beautifully. It was a perfect view."Wow.""You like it?""I love it. Thank you.""No, thank you. I didn't expect to be able to come here tonight. But, here we are.""I thought you'd come alone.""No. I had to show you. The reason why I love to drive late at night. It's not always about clearing your head. It's also about the beautiful views you can see at the same time. Something worth seeing and experiencing. Like tonight.""You're right. Tonight is beautiful.""Thank you, Elle. For giving me this opportunity. To spend the night with you. Even though, it's only for a few hours, but, you gave me that chance."Why was he so sweet?It was weird, and, at the sam

E L L EI just came out from the shower, drying my wet hair when I heard a text notification.I sighed and sat down on my bed.What now?I picked up my phone and saw that the message was from an unknown number.'Hey princess.'Princess?Who the hell is this?Wrapping the towel around my wet hair, I laid on the bed and texted back.'Who is this?' I replied. 'Don't tell me you've forgotten your boyfriend's number. I'm hurt.''Boyfriend?''Yes. Boyfriend.''You have the wrong number.''Do I? I don't think so.''Yes.''Okay, okay. You've got me. It's me, Elle. Mikhail.'Mikhail?What the hell?I stared at my phone.Mikhail is texting me?How?After our last meeting two days ago, he didn't collect my number, neither did I get his. So, how?'How did you get my number?' I asked him.'Let's just say, I have connections.' I could already imagine him grinning.I smiled to myself, feeling all jittery that he was actually texting me. I felt like a teenager having her first crush.It was pathetic.

E L L EMy body went numb as I heard the words coming from her. I felt utterly disappointed as I watched Marie through the glass separating us. Her eyes met mine and she was quick to avoid eye contact.What did they do to her?She definitely wouldn't come out and say she had lied. Emory must done something to shut her up. Maybe offer her a ridiculous amount of money to retract her statements.Either way, I knew that there was no point in trying to change her mind. She has already made up her mind and it was impossible to convince her otherwise.I took a deep breath and decided to leave the interview room.As soon as I walked out, a man was standing outside, leaning against the wall, a smirk on his face.He looked at me and his smirk widened. "Well, well. Hello there, Elle. What a surprise."I took a step back and stared at him."W-what are you doing here?" I could swear I'd seen his face somewhere. Bali. Hooded guy. Chasing after me with a knife trying to kill me.I swallowed the lump

E L L EToday is the day of the interview and I drove into the driveway of Marie's apartment.I should have known that something was wrong when I arrived into her apartment and she wasn't dressed yet.I went over to her on the couch and looked at her. "Are you okay?""Yeah. I'm fine." She mustered up a smile. "Is everything alright? You look a little pale.""It's nothing. I'm fine. Just a little nervous. I don't know why. But, let's get ready.""You'll be great, Marie. You're literally saving the lives of a lot of people by doing this. And, I really want to thank you for doing this for me. It means a lot.""I'm happy to help, Elle. Now, let's get going. We're gonna be late." I still couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something off about her. She stood up and went to get dressed. While Marie was being prepared for the interview, I decided to call my mom."Hey there, sweetie. How are you feeling today?""Hey, Mom. I'm doing fine. A little stressed, but okay. I just wanted t