Elaine.
I sat in the bathtub with my back leaning on its now warm surface. Zack hadn't said anything since our conversation in the car and I was scared. What was he thinking? How did he feel about what David said?
I wasn't proud of the things that I did in the past and now that Zack heard about it, I couldn't help but feel so dirty. It was one thing to be a lowlife and another thing completely when your loved ones find out about it.
When I was going to meet David, I thought that I would just drop the money and leave, but to have him try to force himself on me... I was so stupid. I was thankful that I had jeans on but thinking of him touching me sexually made my skin crawl.
Of course, we messed around in the past. We were a gang of criminals who went about swindling people. Having no one to trust I had no problem sleeping with him or anyone to blow off some steam. It was just sex. What harm could it bring?
That's what I thought then bu
Cassidy."Cut!" The director yelled and everyone on set let out a relieved sigh. "Well done. Take a 15 minutes break and let's get back to work."We were shooting a scene for a popular book that was adopted into a television series near central park. It was a hot day and the director was more intense than usual.Walking to my station, my assistant ran to me with an umbrella and she carried it over my head."That shot came out so cool!" She exclaimed. "It's great to see you back in action."I laughed. "Thank you, Sera. Although I would lose my job if I didn't do anything for a long time.""I doubt that. You're a star!""Thank you. Please get me some water before I lose any more energy.""Already got it." She handed a bottle of cool water to me."Thank you," I said as I got it from her and look a long gulp.She gave me a towel and I used it to wipe off the sweat from my neck and foreh
Elaine. It was a warm afternoon and the sunshine covered the fallen autumn leaves with a beautiful gold hue. I was on my way to get seedlings for my flowers and took this moment to enjoy my Saturday after a busy week. I slowed my steps when I approached the large greenhouse before going in. “Hello, Elaine. It’s been a while,” Mr. Fisher, the owner of the greenhouse, said as I walked towards him. He was currently slightly bended over as he pruned some plants and he glanced at me briefly before getting back to work. “It really has,” I replied with a small smile. “What have you been up to?” He put down the pruning shears before taking off his black gloves. “I almost thought that you gave up on your shop.” I laughed nervously. “Just because I’m not an expert, doesn’t mean that I’ll quit at every problem.” “I know. That’s why I agreed to you getting some flowers in the first place.” Mr. Fisher was an old man who was friends with my late parents. After I started taking care of my litt
Elaine. How did things turn out like this? This question spun around my mind as my grip on my sister’s hand tightened. Audrey was a bright and free spirited girl who loved skateboarding. She’d always tell me how her days at school went and clung to me so much that I wondered if she had made any friends. My sister was my world. Everything I did, I always made sure that she’d benefit too. Seeing her lay here with machines connected to her broke my heart. It’s been almost a month since she was admitted and because I struggled to complete the bills, she gradually got worse and things got more expensive. We didn’t have insurance and the flower shop was the only place I currently worked at. I reached out and brushed some loose, brown strands off her face. The more I saw her like this, the more helpless I felt. Pathetic even. If I had just gone to university and focused on my studies, I might’ve had a better job and would have provided for her easily. Or maybe I should’ve been more creativ
Elaine. I was shaking as I scolded myself for being so stupid. I thought that coming to steal here would earn me so much money and I'd be out of this life for good, but things didn’t seem to be going at my favor. Maybe if I hadn’t been caught, things would’ve been better. I would’ve contacted old colleagues and made a great deal. But then, the guilt still stabbed my chest in ways that I didn’t like to admit. If only I hadn’t involved myself. If only I just found another job. It wasn’t my fault! If I delay any longer my sister could lose her life and that was something I wasn’t even labeling as a possibility. I could hear the guards make fun of me and say how much I’ve ruined my life by messing with “the boss”. Who the heck was this guy anyway? In the files Phoebe brought, it stated that the boss was a woman but the man intimidating me was proving that point wrong. I removed my face from my palms, where it was buried, before looking at the door. He had been gone for a while and I got
Elaine. I looked at the address on the business card I was holding before looking at the tall building in front of me. Noble armor, the jewelry line that Zack owned, was more glamorous than I imagined. I looked at the time on my phone to double-check that I was on time. I walked into the building and made my way to the receptionist’s desk. “Excuse me,” I began and the man looked up at me with a smile. “Welcome,” he said. “Is there something you need help with?” “Ah, I’m looking for Mr. Dobre.” He paused and looked at me mild confusion. “Zack Dobre?” “Yes.” “Do you have an appointment?” “Not really. He told me to meet him before noon today. It’s only past nine so…” He cleared his throat and I felt awkward. “What’s your name?” “Elaine Jones.” “Give me a moment.” He picked up the telephone on the table and dialed some numbers before talking. I used this moment to look around and I still couldn’t believe how cool this place looked. The inside had a golden theme, just like the p
Elaine. “How about this?” I asked Zack as I twirled around in the short black, flared dress I was trying on. He hummed and looked at the pile of clothes he picked for me. “It’s great but you keep avoiding the clothes I chose for you.” I folded my arms. “The stuff you’ve chosen aren’t my style.” “But when you marry me, you’ll need to look classy ninety percent of the time you’re outside.” “My marriage to you shouldn’t be the death of my personality, Mr. Dobre.” “That’s why I’m letting you choose some clothes that you like and I think you’ve chosen enough.” “For someone so rich, you’re quite stingy.” I picked up a suit he chose and went into the changing room. Zack and I decided to go shopping this Saturday because I was supposed to meet his parents some day during the week. As expected of Mr. Blue eyes, we visited expensive stores and he picked most of the stuff, but shopping with him wasn’t as boring as I imagined. He paid attention to all the outfits I wore and gave his opinio
Elaine. I zipped up the zip on the right side of the dress I wore and patted it down. I had my hair and makeup done in the afternoon and I loved how I was looking. I rarely went for manicures because I felt like it was a waste of money but Zack clearly didn’t have a problem sending me money to pamper myself. Despite his distant personality, he was quite caring. Or maybe he didn’t want me to show up looking below his standards and embarrass him. That bastard. I wore a black sleeveless dress, that was immediately above my knees, with a silver necklace and short red heels. A small red bag hang on my shoulder and simple diamond earrings complimented my look. Giving myself one more look in the mirror, I gave myself words of encouragement and I felt like someone who would actually be Zack’s type. During the week, Zack sent an email telling me things I shouldn’t do in front of his parents and things that would make them think
Zack. I walked down the hall from the kitchen with a tall glass of strawberry juice in my hands. Everyone was somewhat isolating themselves tonight as it was silent with only the sounds of footsteps or the cool breeze that blew by every now and then. After the whole crying scene, Elaine wanted something to drink and insisted that I had to go get it. I sighed in annoyance at the memory. Did that woman not know how to say please? She basically kicked me out of my own room! Besides, we had maids roaming around. Why couldn't she send them instead? "Zack!" Levi called as he strolled over to me and I stopped walking. "I thought that you'd be meditating in your room as well." "Elaine seems drained so I got her a drink. It's her favourite," I lied. "You know, I didn't expect that the cause of your suspicious behavior was a woman. I'm impressed." He chuckled. "I wanted to say so on the table but the atmosphere wasn't right." "What's so impressive about that?" "Well, we all thought tha
Cassidy."Cut!" The director yelled and everyone on set let out a relieved sigh. "Well done. Take a 15 minutes break and let's get back to work."We were shooting a scene for a popular book that was adopted into a television series near central park. It was a hot day and the director was more intense than usual.Walking to my station, my assistant ran to me with an umbrella and she carried it over my head."That shot came out so cool!" She exclaimed. "It's great to see you back in action."I laughed. "Thank you, Sera. Although I would lose my job if I didn't do anything for a long time.""I doubt that. You're a star!""Thank you. Please get me some water before I lose any more energy.""Already got it." She handed a bottle of cool water to me."Thank you," I said as I got it from her and look a long gulp.She gave me a towel and I used it to wipe off the sweat from my neck and foreh
Elaine.I sat in the bathtub with my back leaning on its now warm surface. Zack hadn't said anything since our conversation in the car and I was scared. What was he thinking? How did he feel about what David said?I wasn't proud of the things that I did in the past and now that Zack heard about it, I couldn't help but feel so dirty. It was one thing to be a lowlife and another thing completely when your loved ones find out about it.When I was going to meet David, I thought that I would just drop the money and leave, but to have him try to force himself on me... I was so stupid. I was thankful that I had jeans on but thinking of him touching me sexually made my skin crawl.Of course, we messed around in the past. We were a gang of criminals who went about swindling people. Having no one to trust I had no problem sleeping with him or anyone to blow off some steam. It was just sex. What harm could it bring?That's what I thought then bu
Zack."That's all for today. If you have any additions later on, contact my assistant and she will let me know," I said as I leaned into my chair and stared at the people in front of me.Some nodded and we gathered all of our papers before standing up. Handshakes were exchanged and I smiled to myself as I thought of how this business deal would work in my favour.I walked out of the conference room and made my way to my office. Memories of this morning suddenly rushed into my head and my joy faltered.I didn't want things to turn out the way that they did but it all went out of my hands before I could notice it. The hurt in her voice was still loud in my ears and she failed to look me in the eye. Was I that incompetent to her?My anger rose and I stopped in my steps. I was so irritated! Why couldn't she see that I was worried about her? How could she get angry over me trying to help her? She made me feel like I was troubli
Elaine. The bedroom was silent as Zack and I prepared for work. We had just taken a shower together and Zack was looking for what to wear in the walk-in closet while I stood in front of the mirror and admired my reflection. I was in a really good mood this morning. I wore a black turtleneck that was tucked into some jeans and a gold necklace hung around my neck. My hair was up in a neat bun and I put on some minimal make-up. Because of my job, I couldn't wear accessories on my hands. There were also times when I would have to remove my wedding ring just to be safe. My gaze dropped to my ring and I laughed at myself. I never imagined that I would ever value my marriage this much, especially with the circumstances that brought us together. My thoughts were interrupted by Zack walking into the bedroom. He had a black suit on and his hair was gorgeously ruffled up. He looked as amazing as always, but I could not help but notice that he had something on his mind. He's actually been lo
Zack. I hummed a soft melody as I made my way towards Elaine's shop. She has been acting strange for a while now and despite our late night talk, she was even more out of it this morning. She didn't even talk to me much before leaving for work. But all that was going to end today. I prepared an evening date for us and I restocked her card with cash. I hoped my gifts would lift up her mood and the thank you text I got from her was really cute. I cleared my throat as I stood in front of the door. The last time I was here, I had an argument with Elaine and I was embarrassed by my jealousy towards her employee. I had to trust her. Also, I was much better than him in every aspect so, I let it not worry me. There was nothing to argue about now so, I pushed open the door and stepped in. The interior of this shop never ceased to impress me. I looked at the counter and saw Ethan staring at me. "Welcome, sir," he said nervously when
Elaine.David and I entered a cafe a few blocks down and found seats by the window. Taking our seats, a waiter rushed to our table and took our orders. Another perk about being Zack's wife was that service came fast and easy. I didn't have to wait in line or wait for my turn.I couldn't talk to David in an empty ally or a totally private place because I did not trust him. A part of me felt like there was something up his sleeve and I was not willing to find out what it was. This cafe wasn't too crowded but it had enough people to stop him from doing anything stupid.The waiter came back with our coffees after a few minutes and I began to slowly sip mine. I looked up at David and he just stared at me while not bothering to touch his coffee. This man was threatening me a few minutes ago and now that we are alone he's quiet?"What do you want?" I asked. "Depending on how high your voice is, we are in a private place."He chuckled. "Of co
Elaine.Zack drove a little faster than usual and the cool, evening air filled the car. Judging from the direction of the wind, the front windows were probably opened midway and it felt amazing after being closed up at that woman's wedding.I was itching to see the view since the lights always looked magical in the dark, but this blindfold deprived me of that. I wondered where Zack was taking me. He didn't look like the type of man who did such things and I didn't know what to expect.I could not think of anything bad because of the nervous smile that he had on his face when he asked me to put on the blindfold. But at the same time, I couldn't think of any special occasion currently or any coming up. Whatever it was, I hoped that his mother wasn't there.The car suddenly came to a stop and Zack gave me a soft peck. "We're here," he said and I pouted."That's cheating, Mr. Dobre," I protested and he chuckled."Give me a moment."
Zack.Elaine and I got out of the car as we stared at the beautiful reception building in front of us. I was expecting a lot of paparazzi flashing photos but the security did a good job keeping them out.I did notice a few, more composed, photographers roaming around and I was glad that people didn't come to my face with a camera.Elaine wore a long, peach, off the shoulder dress with a slit reaching the middle of her thigh. Her hair was in a braid and a beautiful diamond pin held her bun together.I was in a black bespoke suit with a peach shirt and black bowtie. Since this was a special occasion, I gelled my hair back and made sure to look my best.Being the gentleman that I was, I skipped the church ceremony and came directly for the after-party. I had more interest in listening to her explanation than her wedding vows.I held the small of Elaine's back and guided her inside. I could tell that she was nervous and I couldn't
Elaine.Soon, we entered a new year and things seemed to have settled down. The festive decorations reduced by the day and shop owners were back to business.Since we were still in the cold season, people were moving around in warm clothes and to me, it still gave a festive vibe. The sidewalks and loans were coated in light dew as people navigated their way through the morning."That's the last of it," Ethan said as he approached me with a box in his hands. "We're ready to open."I looked up from the box that I was sealing up. "That's great but we need to sweep up.""Really?" He looked at the floor to inspect it. "If the small strings bother you so much, I can just pick them up."I laughed. "Are you looking forward to working that much?""My family's been smothering me since we went on holiday so, I'm happy to be out of the house. Besides, I'm treated like a handsome prince here.""I'm happy that you feel th