Ella didn't care much for what was going on around her at that moment not even when Bryan disappeared into the cockpit to speak with the pilot, all she cared about at that moment, was getting away from there, from Dylan and everything else that may remind her of his betrayal. She sniffed suddenly, her hair mussed, nose red and eyes blotchy from crying. She sat curled up on the plush seat of the jet. Ella glanced up as Bryan re-entered, he went over to the bar and poured a drink."Would you like something to eat or drink?" Ella said nothing in response and looked away. She remained silent for a while until finally she said in accusation. "I'll bet you're pleased with what happened, you must be cheering him on for what he did." Bryan's gaze snapped up sharply, his mouth turned down in a frown. "You might think me a lot if things because i'm friends with Dylan and I know you might not believe me but i'm not proud of what he did." Ella suddenly regre
Ella stumbled down the wooden steps of the bedroom, her eyes red and puffy as she got to the door and pulled it open, she was not surprised to see Bryan as he had made it abundantly clear last night that he wasn't happy about her being here all alone."Good morning." He said."Good morning. Why are you here? I'm so embarrassed that you have to see me like this." Ella mumbled."I brought breakfast." Bryan announced ignoring her remark. "I figured since you hadn't had anything to eat last night you must be very hungry." Her stomach let out a monstrous growl at the mention of food and Ella realised how hungry she was, if Bryan heard the growl he didn't make any comment as he pushed past her and proceeded to set the table then he wheeled her forcefully onto the chair and placed a serving of rice in front of her and shoved the spoon into her hand."You must eat or i'll be forced to tell your parents how you've been hiding out here.""Do you gu
"Where are we going?" Ella asked that evening when Bryan returned to check up on her, he'd suddenly become her personal delivery guy and he'd insisted that she shouldn't starve herself to death."We're going for a stroll." Bryan simply told her. "You need the fresh air the night is young so we should enjoy it.""You don't owe me anything Bryan so you don't have to do this.""I want to." Was all the reply she got.Ella didn't say anything more after that but simply smiled at his thoughtfulness. The night breeze was a bit chilly so she shrugged on her cardigan.They came to the water front where a lot of people were out strolling; some of them lovers who held each other’s hands as if afraid that the other might disappear suddenly if they let go. Ella looked away quickly not wanting to see anymore that might remind her of Dylan and spoil her mood for the night."What would you like to eat?" Bryan asked as they stopped in front of
Ella pulled away from Lani and smiled. "Come in.""Are you alright my friend?"She shrugged, "I will be." and pulled out a chair at the dining table and sat on it. Lani did the same."Your parents are worried sick about you." Lani told her. "Why didn't you go home you had me worried too?""How did they find out I was back?" Ella didn't want them to find out just yet, she wanted a few days to herself, to be alone with her feelings and then what? Go back home and pretend everything was fine, that she and Dylan were okay? The tiny voice at the back of her mind mocked. It had a point though, she would never be able to hide what happened from her parents, they would find out one way or another."Dylan went to your house yesterday and he created such a scene. Your mom demanded I tell her what happened but I told her it wasn't my story to tell." Lani explained.Ella sighed, it seemed like it was going to be sooner rather than later.La
Ella’s mother enveloped her in a tight embrace before pulling back and ushering her in, her dad stood aloof, a stony expression on his weathered face and Ella knew he was disappointed in her and when she finished telling the entire story he didn't utter a word.Ella went to him and threw her arms around him as she broke into a choking sob."I'm sorry father, I did it because I wanted to save you from those loan sharks.""You should've told me the truth sooner, I would've found a way." her father insisted."And you would've had to get a loan somewhere else and then what? You would end up being up to your neck in debt father and who knows what those other people might demand in exchange."Ella saw tears pool in her father's eyes, his lips trembled with emotion as he faced her."I'm sorry anak, forgive me, I couldn't do anything for this family instead I dragged you down into my mess and you had to make sacrifices to make up for m
Ella was glad to get her old job back, it felt refreshing to get back into a familiar routine. Mr Chen was sceptical at first because he was reluctant to let go of the new girl Miranda who had taken over after Ella's wedding but in the end he decided to let all three of them stay.Ella was determined to not let anything get in the way of her moving on but she kept making mistakes and mixing up orders; it's a good thing Mr Chen was hardly ever seen at the coffee shop or he'd have lost his faith in her. Lani had to send her out for some fresh air."Maybe you should stay back for a while Ella." Lani suggested."I can't Lani, I need to move on, I need to work so I don't go crazy." Ella admitted."See, that's the whole point, you can't keep working yourself to oblivion and pretend like nothing happened you'll end up getting sick.""Don't argue with me Lani i'm not in the mood." Ella snapped suddenly."Fine suit yourself." La
Bryan you startled me!" Ella placed a hand against her chest at the sight of Bryan just as she was locking up the café. "What are you doing here?""I had a feeling something was wrong so here I am." he smiled kindly. Ella searched his face for any hint of a joke but was surprised that he was actually serious."Are you a magician or something?" She jokingly asked through her raspy voice."I'm simply a friend who cares." he said. "Come, i'll take you somewhere you'll feel better." he assured her. It was a bit unnerving to have him show up at the moment she was having a breakdown but Ella must admit that she was beginning to see him as a pillar of strength. She didn’t protest then as she got into his car and he brought them to the park and took something long from the back seat of the car that vaguely looked like a golf club. Bryan made her sit down and opened the bag where he took out a guitar."I didn't know you played the guitar.""I've played i
"How are you feeling Idad?" Ella asked as she got into the room and sat at the edge of the bed and took hold of Idad’s frail hand."I'm fine my dear there's no need for you to do all these." Idad complained referring to the pottage Ella brought."What do you mean there's no need? I want to take care of you just like you took care of me in Putrajaya when I got a fever remember?""I remember all that, but you're forgetting one thing though.""What’s that?""Dylan was the one who took care of you dear, he was up all night just to make sure you were okay. I've never seen such devotion."Ella looked away, no matter how hard she tried to not think about him or talk about him she finds herself surrounded by things and people who reminded her of him and who wouldn't stop talking about him.Idad placed her bony hand on Ella’s soft ones forcing her to look at the older woman."I know how much he's hurt you dear but
CHAPTER FIVEA Year Ago...Claire was two hours earlier than she'd hoped to be but no matter, she'd just wait it out. She adjusted the strap of her shoulder bag just as the lift opened at the second floor."Claire you're late." Charity's tone was reproving but Claire rolled her eyes and ignored her."Please, i'm two hours early." Charity was her friend and room mate."And why are you hanging out here? Shouldn't you be working?"Charity pointedly ignored her but then her eyes lit up suddenly and that meant she's got mischief up her sleeve."No I don't wanna hear it.""Come on, I've got this awesome dress I would like you to try on.""Try it on yourself.""I wish." She sighed wistfully. The thing charity was worried about the most was her size, she fretted over the fact that she couldn't fit into all the cute little dresses and jeans she's always wanted.Claire ran her fingers on the silky-smooth fabric. The dress wa
CHAPTER FOURThat tiny feeling of doubt lingered through the next morning, it suffocated her to the point that she thought she couldn't breathe. As she slipped back into her uniform, work was the last thing on her mind right now. She could feel Dimitri's heated gaze boring into her skin and knew he was awake. "You plan on sneaking away like a coward?" he drawled.Claire wasn't sure she'd wanted to sneak away. God she had no idea what she wants right now, her feelings were all over the place. Must be PMS or something. When she swivelled around, she sucked in a sharp breath as she saw his member proudly jutting up and she felt hot all over. Sex right now would mess up her already messed up mind so she forced her gaze to his face. Right now, she couldn't decipher what he was feeling at the moment. he wore the mask of indifference perfectly."I wasn’t actually...""Don't feed me that Crap about what happened between us last night being a mis
CHAPTER THREEThey were quiet, each lost in his own personal reflection. Claire just wants to lie down somewhere and forget this day but Dimitri won't let her, he's persistent and she couldn't decide whether she like that or not. "Do you remember the first time we met?" How could she forget?"I thought you were the most beautiful woman in the ball room. You took my breath away then, and you take my breath away standing in that cute little uniform." he caught her face in his palms and stared deep into her eyes.Claire couldn't tear her gaze away even if she wanted to. His feelings were so intense it ignited a fire deep within her very soul. "I feel the same way about you as I did when I first met you and there's nothing you can say or do that'll make me feel otherwise." Claire swallowed hard and in one breath said, "even though I was once an escort?"Dimitri shook his head. "No one is perfect darling, your past doesn't define the woman yo
CHAPTER TWOSix months ago..."Is my hair okay?""The just-had-sex hair suits you perfectly agapi mou, every man out there will be envious of me." Claire punched his arm playfully."I'm serious Dimitri! I'd die if anyone knew what we just did.""It's not something to hide, we're getting married in a month." he kissed her slow and sweet, pulling her even close until she could feel him against her.She giggled as she pulled back. "We should get to the party before it ends.""You can’t blame me I can't get enough of you."She can't get enough of him too. God how much she loved this man who makes her more happy than she'd ever been in her life. Tonight, Dimitri's going to announce to everyone that they're going to get married.Dimitri took her hand in his as he led them both to the garden at the Stavros mansion in Athens, Greece the guests mingled together while servers went around with snacks and drink. A buffet table stood a
A STAVROS PASSIONTHE STAVROS BOOK 1 MARICRUZ ROSALESA STAVROS PASSIONFirst editionCopyright © 2019 by Maricruz Rosales All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or here after invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. All incidents are pure invention.CHAPTER ONE"Welcome to New York Mr Stavros." the bright-eyed, round-faced chauffeur said cheerily as he
CHAPTER SIX "Why didn't you tell us about it?"Dominic looked away from the window of his water front apartment to his mother, she was holding a brown envelope."I don't want to talk about it. " she was holding the envelope that confirmed his biggest fears, he couldn’t have children of his own.It was a boating accident seven years ago and Dominic was never the same ever since."Your father and I are worried about you. At least come spend some time with us and let us keep you company. " "I'm fine mom, there's nothing to worry about. " She wasn't convinced though. He had bags under his eyes as if he hadn’t been sleeping and there were a couple of empty cans of beer littered on the table. Dominic was stubborn and nothing either of them could do to make him change his mind.These past three weeks were the most miserable weeks of his life. Clara's betrayal had cut deep. There were times in these past three weeks that he'd thought of running to her and
CHAPTER FIVE"You look even more beautiful than I did on my wedding day." Anastasia Magnus gushed as she did the finishing touches on Clara's make up.Clara smiled. "Now you're just buttering me up.""Dominic is doing enough of that already." Anastasia wagged her brows at her friend." I didn't think this day would ever come." "Yeah, well it is here so put that glum look away. You will not get the same drama as my wedding day. " "I know. I'm just being silly. Am glad you're here Ana.""It is time!" Clara's mother ambled into the room with a dazzling smile on her face. "You're glowing my dear.""Thank you mom." her mother allowed herself a good cry before they finally left the room.Clara was being escorted to the limo which will take her to the church where she'll be getting married when a taxi suddenly pulled over in front of the Contas' house and none other than Mark, her ex boyfriend came out of it."You have cheated me Clara.
CHAPTER FOURThe past few days had been hectic, what with all the preparations for the wedding that they didn't have time to see each other. Today was her first ultrasound and Dominic was coming to pick her up himself. She saw his car round the corner which led to his parents' house and stopped in front of her. He got out of the car and came to where she was standing and kissed her full on the mouth. "You look lovely. " "In this?" Clara was wearing one of her mother’s old dresses which she'd mended the other day. It was old and unappealing, how could he possibly think that she looked anything but a homeless person."You look beautiful in anything."He opened the car door for her and she got in before hopped in the driver’s seat. "Make yourself comfortable, the doctor will be with you shortly." the nurse informed them before exiting the room."Do you want a boy or a girl?" Clara asked.Dominic kissed her knuckles as
CHAPTER THREE"Dominic! we were just talking about you" his mother cried as soon they stepped into the room. "Mom, dad, this is Clara Wilson... my wife. " The table went silent and the only sound heard was the clatter of fork slipping from the table to the ground. "Since when?" his dad asked."My dear son, come up stairs will you?" his mother spoke after a long silence. Clara felt so exposed under their scrutiny. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable, i'll be right back." Dominic gave her hand a reassuring squeeze."What is this I hear about you being married to that girl Dominic?"His mother was the first to demand."I hope you know what you’re doing son." his father said."I know that I should've told you all sooner but I couldn't wait.""Marriage is not some game you can play anytime you feel like it." His mother said."There's only one reason why he could possibly want to get married, and so out o