Ella - POV Tears fell as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling and reflecting on the events of that fateful night. I still question why I met Darcus and agreed to be his girlfriend — a decision I regret to this day. My thoughts veered towards a vivid flashback, where everything played out. ****** Flashbacks: Darcus and Ella's College Love Story After my encounter with Darcus in the canteen, his presence became a constant in my life. Whether I passed a locker or went to class, he would flash a grin or give me a lingering look. I always averted my glance bashfully. Darcus was a magnet for female attention due to his handsome looks. Receiving his attention sent butterflies to my stomach and accelerated my pulse each time his eyes rested on me. His attention towards me didn't go unnoticed. Other girls on campus became hostile, a trend that continued for a few days. One day, while changing into my sports suit, a group of cheerleaders approached me with wicked grins. "What do you want,
Ella - POV Hana had prepared a lovely breakfast spread, but my attention was drawn towards my father's closed door. Sensing my concern, Hana spoke up. "Before I woke you, I spoke with your father. He said he wasn't hungry and wished to be left alone," Hana shared. Her words exacerbated my worry. I approached my father's door, knocked, and pleaded, "Dad, please let me talk to you; let me tell you everything." There was no response, and a wave of despair washed over me. I returned to the breakfast table, my appetite gone. "Thank you for the delightful breakfast, Hana," I forced a smile, noticing her meticulous attire. "Are you going back to work today?" "I can't sit idly wallowing in sorrow; it's better to distract myself with work," Hana responded, nibbling on breakfast. "Just be careful not to overdo it, Hana. You tend to overwork when you're stressed," I warned. Hana looked taken aback by my comment, but her phone rang before she could respond. She answered and held a one-sided c
Ella - POV "I trust you've coordinated everything for Avery's Farewell party?" Mr. Miller swiftly pivots from the personal to the professional, redirecting our conversation. "The arrangements are all set, Mr. Miller. I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for bringing Hana on board." I manage a reply as I near the door, my gaze meeting Mr. Miller's curt nod of acknowledgement before he immerses himself back in his work. "Ella, have you informed your fiancé about working with me? I've been wondering if that conversation has been had." The unexpected question makes me pause in my tracks. Narrowing my gaze, I stride back towards him, the heat of fury flushing my face. "Darcus, listen carefully. That is none of your business. You've already torn apart my relationship with my father. The day I agreed to be your girlfriend was a low point in my life. I wish I could turn back the clock to my college days and simply erase you from my past to save myself this heartache." The pe
Ella - POV "Hana, calm down. Even if I file a complaint, it may not work out. Darcus has a knack for turning situations to his advantage. I even tried to resign, but he managed to trap me with a three-year contract that stipulates a large sum as a penalty if I were to leave." I explained dejectedly, which made Hana's eyes widen in disbelief. "Ella, this isn't like you. You've always been a fighter. Are you giving up because you still have feelings for Darcus?" Hana challenged, hands on hips, her gaze filled with suspicion. Instead of answering, I held Hana's hand and walked her towards the office building. My silence was a confirmation, and I could tell Hana knew it too. With time running out, she didn't press further. Once we reached the office, we quickly got ready for the club meeting, slipping into our attire and applying makeup. I let down my mid-length brown hair, stepped into a black dress that clung to my curves, and stopped at my knees. As per Mr. Miller's instructions, Ha
Ella - POV Mr. Miller's hands grazed my knees, and I found myself ensnared in his intense hazel gaze. My heart raced within my chest as he drew closer, but thoughts of James flooded my mind, causing the charged atmosphere to dissipate. I pulled back, glaring at Mr. Miller. "I apologize for being late, Mr. Miller. Unfortunately, the manager fell ill, so I had to drop her off at home before attending the meeting," Hana interjected, diffusing the tension. I distanced myself from Mr. Miller, who had shifted into his professional demeanor. "It's alright, Ms. Lee. We're waiting for a client who is running behind schedule. Please take a seat," Mr. Miller replied, gesturing for Hana to join me. Soon after, the client arrived, striding in with a team of bodyguards. He exuded a charismatic aura, with piercing grey eyes and a chiseled jawline. As he ran a hand through his blonde hair, Hana seemed captivated by his appearance. "I'm Archer Taylor, CEO of Software Tech. My apologies for the del
Ella - POV It was a long weekend and a day off from work. So, when I woke up, I immediately checked my phone for any messages from James. Unfortunately, I found a text stating that he had already left California. Hana sighed heavily at breakfast, and Dad chided me for my obsessive phone-checking. "Please, no sighing out loud," I mumbled between bites of scrambled eggs while intermittently checking my phone. "It seems you might be more preoccupied with your phone than being aware of the people around you," Dad observed. "Give her a break, Uncle. Ella's completely smitten by James, and she even forgot she was supposed to take me to my doctor's appointment today," Hana grumbled. Her comment jolted my memory about my previous night's commitment. "Hana, I remember that I promised to take you to your doctor's appointment," I retorted, though I could see from Hana's eye roll that she didn't believe me. "Sure, Ella," she said, sighing. "You don't have to accompany me, though. Luke has a
Ella - POV "This beautifully decorated dinner setting... I'm speechless," I expressed in surprise, while the wind and rooftop view amplified the atmosphere. James nestled his head on my neck, giving me a kiss. His warm breath against my skin was intoxicating, making me inhale deeply. "To compensate for all the time we were apart, I want to lavish you with affection," James whispered into my ear, causing goosebumps to prickle my skin. I knew I had to maintain some distance, or we'd end up tangled in bed for hours. As I gently eased his grip on my waist, I couldn't help but smile, trying not to let my guilt consume me. "James, I have a small gift for you. It's not expensive, but I hope you'll like it." "When you gift me something, Ella, don't compare its value with its price tag. For me, its worth is immeasurable," he replied, warming my heart. "You're such a hopeless romantic, James. You leave me speechless all the time," I remarked, causing him to smirk. I smiled back, reaching in
Darcus Miller - POV "Why did you involve James? You weren't supposed to interfere in Ella's personal matters. That was our agreement." My voice held a snarl that made Aisha sigh. Driving this woman back was infuriating. "Don't be such a complainer, Darcus. Your mother asked me to intervene to keep Ella at bay. You should be grateful; after all, we're set to marry." I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, trying to keep my temper in check. "You're not my concern, Aisha. You're not my mate. Remember your place before you find yourself begging for mercy." Aisha stiffened at my words, her gaze focused on the road ahead. "I... I sincerely apologize, Your Majesty. I shouldn't have said what I did." Aisha's voice was quiet, apprehensive of the danger I posed. "That's better, Aisha. This last warning." Aisha nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. She bit her lower lip and looked out the window as the car sped along. I didn't care for Aisha; my thoughts were filled with Ella. But why was m