ELOISEBy the time I got home, the sky was already turning that deep shade of orange Valerie’s words stayed with me the entire drive back. I hadn’t expected that. It was one thing to hate the man who raised you, However it's another Story entirely to hand over the evidence that could destroy him. As I stepped into the house, the familiar warmth o wrapped around me, but it didn’t settle the unease in my chest.The kids were already in their pajamas, curled up in the living room. Giana was half-asleep against Nicole’s shoulder, Kiara’s fingers tangled in her own curls as she watched a cartoon with so much attention. I took a deep breath and forced a smile while they hugged me tightly “Hey, miei amori. Long day?” Nicole barely looked up. “Yes ” I chuckled, ruffling his hair before pressing a kiss to Giana’s forehead. “Alright, just a few more minutes, then dinner. I will go fix something up now” Kiara nodded, but her eyes flicked up to my face,. She always knew when something
ELOISE“Honey! You left your files on my bedside table. I guess they’re important to you.”I picked up the files and headed straight to the living room but didn’t find my husband there.“Ma'am, the boss left early today. He said something about the inauguration ceremony.”“Oh, dang! My miserable memory. I forgot about that.” Today was the inauguration ceremony, the day my husband would finally own the company. He’s been the acting CEO for the past few years. I should have been there for him too!I quickly took a bath and rushed over to GED, the biggest construction company in Italy.However, I was refused entrance to my own husband’s company.“Excuse me?” My brows drew up in confusion.“Sorry, ma’am, but only invited individuals are allowed in,” the security guard apologized.“I know that, but I’m the CEO’s wife. Won’t you be in trouble if the CEO finds out you kept his wife outside? Besides, I need to give him some documents he left at home.”“Don’t be like that, ma’am. The CEO came
EloiseNo matter how much I felt like unaliving myself, I wasn't going to die just yet. Not without making Damon regret it. Not without dragging every single bit of hair out of that homewrecker's head.I was the only family my father had. His only brother severed ties with him because of me, and I still haven’t figured out the reason.Leaving him alone in this world would break him.The issue with Damon wasn’t in any way because of my family's background. He loved me knowing we almost had nothing. His problem was me. If only I could conceive and give him an heir.The rain suddenly stopped soaking my skin, and when I looked up, Alex was holding an umbrella over my head. I immediately wiped my tears and stood up."How did you know I was here?" I asked, trying to hide the pain in my voice."The news. Your face was all over the television today, and trust me, I'm not the type to care about your fame, but your face didn't look quite happy on TV, and that pissed me off. Pookie, when you're
ELOISETwenty minutes later, a car pulled up in front of Alex's house. I was sitting outside, waiting beside Alex for Laura to arrive. The screeching sound cleared the rest of the alcohol from my system.I looked up to see Laura stepping out, her long black hair swinging as she hurried towards me. Her face was filled with concern, but there was a familiar hint of frustration in her eyes.When she saw how pale I was, she sighed, clearly feeling sorry for me, but it didn’t stop her from giving me a piece of her mind.“You’re still young and beautiful, Eloise! Damon is so going to regret doing this to you. I promise to make sure of that. It's better you divorce him.” She turned towards Alex and gave a fake giggle. "Hi, Alex. Thank you for not calling me. I've been going around town searching for her.""You are welcome," Alex replied with a smile.Those two never stayed a minute without fighting each other.I shook my head, my heart aching. It felt as if the pain in my heart worsened afte
ELOISE“What the hell?”“That’s for being a bitch,” she walked away with a grin. *Living daylight psycho!*“Can I help you?” A man offered, but immediately after I removed the strands of hair across my face and pulled back, he zoomed off.I looked around, confused. I wanted to find Laura to clear up my confusion, but she was nowhere to be found. Everyone around me was paired up. I was the only one alone.Shaking off the feeling of isolation, I grabbed another glass of wine. “This will be the last,” I promised myself. I obviously didn’t want to get drunk in this kind of atmosphere.As I sipped the wine slowly, the feeling of wanting to be with someone disappeared, but then came the staggering effect, and I managed not to bump into a man.“Hi, my name’s Lucius,” his voice whispered from behind me. His voice was deep and soothing.I slowly turned around. The man was also wearing a mask, so I couldn’t see his face, but he looked a lot like the guy I’d met earlier.“I don’t think I need yo
EloiseI suddenly opened my eyes wide to see the mess I'd made. My head was killing me from the effect of the alcohol.But thankfully, the man was gone.I heaved a sigh of relief since I didn’t know how or what I would've done. How the hell was I going to face a stranger now that the alcohol's effect was gone, except for the banging headache?I bit my lips and tiptoed to the corner of the room where I’d started to take my clothes off. I found a box and a note on my handbag, but I was too panicked to check it out. I just shoved everything back inside. Like an expert, I put all my clothes back on and tiptoed out of the room.And out of the hotel.Laura was a bitch.I couldn’t see her car outside where she’d parked it earlier, which meant she’d already left without me.I flagged a cab down to drop me home. Thankfully, I made it just in time; 6:50 a.m., ten minutes before my father would be up. I walked in confidently with my shoes in my hands."Holy moly!" I jumped when I saw my father s
Eloise*Five years later.*"I’d never go to that party if it weren’t for the upcoming exhibition. Gosh, those people only care about showcasing their money!" My father grumbled at the other end of the phone."Dad, don’t be like that. You need to meet lots of people to broaden your horizon. It’s not just about the money. Besides, you need money as well.""Here you go again! You’ve grown so much that you lecture me about money now. By the way, what have you been munching on?""Nothing, Dad." I stopped chewing and giggled."Nothing? Doesn’t that sound like chips? Have you been skipping your meals because of work?"I smacked my lips. "No, Dad. I didn’t skip any... I mean, not many meals," I stuttered."Not again! I wonder what you’re feeding my grandchildren. I told you that a responsible adult doesn’t skip meals. Who cares if you’ve become one of the best curators if you can’t even feed yourself properly? I’m sure there’s no food there.""There is... I’ll make something once we’re done t
LucianoI ran a hand through my hair, trying to make sense of the disaster unfolding in front of me. I just couldn’t believe it. I needed to secure this contract today—no, I must secure it today. My mind flashed to the argument I had with my grandfather earlier, my fists clenching at the memory. I’d bragged about proving him wrong, and bringing the two billion contract home. And now, here I was, about to mess it all up."So you’re telling me I’m in the wrong place at the right time?" I said through clenched teeth, my jaw tight with frustration.Her face flushed red, her body tensing at my outburst. "Goodness! I’m sorry. You came to me first. Are you seriously trying to blame me for this mess?" Her arms crossed defensively over her chest. I exhaled sharply and raised a hand "No, no. That’s not what I meant. Let's get out of here. I need to leave now. You shouldn’t worry—I’ll pay for the painting. How much is it?"Her lips pressed into a tight line as she answered, "Two
ELOISEBy the time I got home, the sky was already turning that deep shade of orange Valerie’s words stayed with me the entire drive back. I hadn’t expected that. It was one thing to hate the man who raised you, However it's another Story entirely to hand over the evidence that could destroy him. As I stepped into the house, the familiar warmth o wrapped around me, but it didn’t settle the unease in my chest.The kids were already in their pajamas, curled up in the living room. Giana was half-asleep against Nicole’s shoulder, Kiara’s fingers tangled in her own curls as she watched a cartoon with so much attention. I took a deep breath and forced a smile while they hugged me tightly “Hey, miei amori. Long day?” Nicole barely looked up. “Yes ” I chuckled, ruffling his hair before pressing a kiss to Giana’s forehead. “Alright, just a few more minutes, then dinner. I will go fix something up now” Kiara nodded, but her eyes flicked up to my face,. She always knew when something
ELOISETwo days later I got up from the wrong side of bed again today. All I wanted was to grab a stranger by his collar and get a fight with him. And I obviously know whom to drag every single hair out of his hair to feel better. Josh. My so called cousin. He's been invisible for the past few months after I've reported him of house burglary. He had disappeared from the very face of the earth ever since , even Alex couldn't find him. My phone vibrated on the nightstand, the sound slicing through my tangled thoughts. I grabbed it, barely awake, and blinked at the screen. It was Dr. Vera that texted me 'Eloise, I’ve been thinking about our last session since it helped greatly, I want to try something better today, a more traditional method. This time, you’ll choose which part of your memory to recall. I believe it could speed up the process. Can you come in this morning?* A slow exhale left my lips. Choosing which part of my memory to unlock? The idea sent a chill down my spi
ELOISEThe moment the door clicked shut behind Valerie, I exhaled, releasing the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. But few minutes later. as I turned to Luciano, ready to dissect everything that had just happened, the sound of soft knocking interrupted me. I narrowed my eyes, already knowing who it was. Luciano groaned, rubbing his temple. “Of course she wouldn't leave untill a call the police on her. " With an exaggerated sigh, he yanked the door open. There stood Valerie, looking as smug as ever, twirling a strand of her hair between her fingers. “Forget something?” Luciano asked dryly. Valerie grinned, rocking on her heels. “I forgot to beg.” Luciano sighed started closing the door, but she slipped past him with ease, making a beeline for the couch. She plopped down dramatically, stretching her legs out. “Luciano, please,” she drawled, batting her lashes up at him. “I swear, I’ll be so quiet you won’t even know I’m here. I can be very, very invisible.” I
LUCIANO..I looked around and noticed the rose petals that were on the dinning. I couldn't help but smirk. Eloise must have had a long day regretting but her ego didn't let her to leave me a text. "Is today a special day?" Valerie asked once she noticed were my gaze was at. "No!" Eloise replied immediately. Her face showed all kinds of disappointed expressions. "Come on! What special day? It's not valentine and ... Is it your birthday Luciano or the triplets?""That didn't answer the question I asked earlier. Why the hell are you in my house?"Valerie clicked his tongue. " Here I am worried about you" she directed to no one in particular " Worried about whom? Him or...me?" Eloise muttered.."Him ofcourse. Why should I worry about you?" Valerie replied fiercely ..I gave her a stern warning look. She dare not talk to my wife like that. "Your parents would be worried. Go home Valerie.""Luciano, didn't you hear what I just said? I'm going to crash at your place for a few days ".
ELOISEMost times we'd things we end if regretting, but changing the clock backwards to correct or mistakes has never been possible. Ever since I left Luciano's office I've been restless . Probably due to guilt. No matter what he did, I shouldn't... I had no right to slap him. I've been fed with a whole lot of things this past few days and I'm just not sure who to believe but my heart would never lie to me. I know deep down that Luciano wants what's best for me. I paced back and forth in the living room, my heart hammering against my chest , and I kept glancing at the clock on the wall. Did he run away from home?There's no damn way a grown ass kan would do that. Luciano said we needed to talk, and I had convinced myself that this conversation would change everything. Would he forgive me for slapping him? Would he finally tell me the truth? Or was I just a fool The sound of that passcode being wrongly entered echoed in my ear. Was he drunk? I swallowed hard, smoothing my tre
LUCIANO"You need to see this boss" James said as soon as Jonathan left. "I did my own research and looking at the land registers..." I brought out a landscape and placed the photo in my desk.."Do you remember the VIPs at the museum opening party?" He asked and I nodded. "Their name came up quiet often on the register" James said with total certainty. I couldn't help but scoff. This was exactly what i guessed. It was weird enough that the museum that had no visitors at all suddenly got flooded on the opening party even though all those that Eloise invited turned down her invitation. They ended up coming. I should have know judging by the fact that they all arrived at the same exact time..So to them it was like land surveying Instead of open party? Those scumbags! "Sir... I'm sorry to bring this up again. Your grand father insist you visit him today"..I raised a brow in annoyance and then leaned back in my chair, drumming my fingers against the desk. Of course my grandfather
LUCIANO"I don't know why she's here but it's definitely unlike her. She never visited you before" James said trembling on his feet. "Well let her in ofcourse" Eloise was probably trying to get to know more about herself. She was always busy running her museum and I am always the one visiting to help out and strategize but today she came and I am glad she found time to visit. "I wasn't expecting you El" I said with a smile ushering her to seat at the cushion while I abandoned my work to join her. However instead of reciprocated smile, I got a slap on my cheek instead and I could only scoff. "Did you know about this?" She asked and hands her tabs over to me. " If you were going to lie to me, to deceive me just because of money, you could have atleast had a rethink. I almost died but all you and your family care about is purchasing every piece of land around the museum "I got really annoyed but I won't blame her. She was at her most vulnerable state that she could easily be decei
ELOISELuciano wouldn't have sex with me and it still bothers me. Does he chest on me or something? I'm sure I know men enough to realize that they never keep their stuff under their pants. I didn't want to lose my husband to the hands of a random slut . Even though I insisted that we stay in the same room, he sleeps on the couch and leaves the king sized bed for him But tonight I won't let him. I'm a human too and I'm sure he is! I was about to break the king silence before luckily he spoke up. "It's unlike you to insist on sharing the same room with me. I guess the accident really messed with your head" Luciano said with a chuckle as he lay on the couch close to the television. " No. I just feel a married couple should share a bed. I don't know how shitty my personality have been while we are married but I do appreciate that you saved me from my ex-husband. That asshole would have manipulated his way into my life again" I said . I already heard from the news about all that hap
LUCIANO.“Had Eloise been drinking on the night that she lost control of the car?” Lazio asked. I and Alex sat in an Irish pub a few blocks from my office.. Alex was on his second scotch and water. “Nope. For some reasons she had sworn not to take alcohol anymore " “What about Florence?” he asked, wondering about the woman who no one seemed to know. Eloise's employee. “No one knows what she’d been doing but there was a little alcohol in her bloodstream. Not much.” From the booth where we sat, my gaze followed a couple of guys who were throwing darts near the back of the bar."Eloise and she were close?” “As close as Eloise gets I suppose, but from work I think she's the one that relates more with Eloise” Alex swirled his drink. Ice cubes danced in the weak light. “El, didn’t have a lot of friends.”That surprised Lazio “She sure as hell got a lot of cards and flowers in the hospital”“It’s expected. We’re pretty high-profile around here.” I yanked at the knot of my tie .C