Elara didn’t know what to do. She was frozen. Her mind had stopped working. Thalia's condition was no different. “Is there any problem?” They both parted when they heard Mimi's voice, “What you two are doing at this ungodly hour? By any chance did you two discover that you both are in love?” Mimi's unexpected queries were giving them a headache. Elara stifled the unexpected laughter. Even in such a tense situation, Mimi’s doubts were hilarious. “Oh, come on, Mimi. No one is IN LOVE,” Thalia leaned back against the counter, “someone poured crude oil on our order. Now we are in a mess. We can’t even use the same trays.” Elara then made Mimi sit and explained to her about her biggest chance at E and L. “Maybe call George?” Mimi gave them the idea but twisted her lips when she saw Elara and Thalia shaking their heads. “Why not?” “Right now, he must be sleeping … and what will I tell him, Mimi?” Elara dropped herself down on the kitchen floor as if she was too tired to even move.
Elara had left and now George Kernel was ordering the office peons to bring in the plates from the conference room to the main office.“Sir, I thought you might like to taste them,” he asked the staff to place all of it on the center table near the couch.Aiden and Leonardo scurried to the couch and observed each plate. Leo nudged his elbow into Aiden’s ribs,“I think this one is Elara's,” he pointed towards a plate. Aiden knew he was right. He also suspected the same.The instant George left along with his men to bring more plates for them, they both had attacked the plate, “Oh, my God. Heavens!” Leo closed his eyes and started humming.It was after such a long time that he was swallowing Elara’s handmade treats. He turned to Aiden who instead of eating the tart, seemed to worship it.He was observing it, twirling it between his index finger and thumb.“Eat it, silly. Otherwise, I won’t let any of it stay on that plate. They are too good,” Aiden took a bite and then closed his eyes,
Aiden gradually shifted his gaze to focus on George who was giving his head subtle shakes. The poor manager seemed scared.“Mr. Aiden. You need to trust me. These two…” her voice trailed off when Aiden slapped his hand on the desk,“What these two are doing is NOT my fuc*king business!” he didn’t know why he got so furious.“What do you want me to do? If you want, we can carry out an investigation. To tell you the truth this man was the in-charge of the program, and we can’t help it if he has any hidden agenda behind it. You can try for the next time. We will be hosting these parties all year around,” Aiden closed the dossier trying to give the subtle hint that there was no more discussion about it.In all fairness, George knew nothing about Elara. She was a beautiful woman and Aiden couldn’t punish someone just because he was showing interest in a particular woman.His woman.He won’t allow it when she would be beside him. But before that, he could not make matters worse. Elara neede
Initially, Noah frowned and then tilted his head to look at the ginger haired girl. “OK. I don’t know much about E and L people but congratulations, Elara.” Noah extended his hand this time for a handshake and Elara held it in hers while sitting beside him. “Thank you, Noah. They just opened their office in Kanderton. Their offer was good, and it can … solve many problems.” Noah knew about her debts to Octavia’s father and was always willing to help her, but Elara never accepted it. Her only answer used to be, “I’ll manage, Noah. I will let you know if I need anything.” Noah had been crazy about her since childhood, but he knew her heart always belonged to Aiden Lockwood. He had golden brown hair with light brown eyes and girls were still crazy after him. Yet, the girl he was crazy for, used to treat him as if he was transparent and she could see right through him… as if he didn’t exist. “Come on, kids. Who is up for a painting competition with Aunt Thalia?” Thalia announced
This face!She was looking at this face after such a long time. Three years? Four years?Or she just saw him yesterday when he was telling her… no … when he was informing her about divorce.Yet, she felt as if it’s been ages. He was sitting there on his throne, looking much more gorgeous and incredibly hotter. But what was the matter with her?How could she forget about her self-respect? Staying with him did cost her so much emotional damage. There was so much hurt, pain, and betrayal that showed in her eyes too.But all she could remember was, how gorgeous he looked. Shame on you, Elara Smith. Shame on you.She stayed in a trance. With a killer smile, he left his seat and welcomed them. He shook each one of their hands and she felt as if he didn’t want to leave hers.She was the one who had to slip it out of his grip. He made them sit and told them what he expected of them for his guests who would join him from across the globe.Gustave and Octavia were chatting with him animatedly
After putting the kids to sleep, Mimi came into the living room. Thalia and Noah were sitting there wearing grave expressions on their faces.Elara was sprawled on the couch, staring at the ceiling, her arms folded on her chest.“Any plans to have dinner, folks?” Mimi asked no one in particular and decided to sit beside Noah.Nobody bothered to answer her.“I have nowhere to go,” Elara must have said for the umpteenth time, “That Octopus did good when she spoiled my batter. I tried to keep my morale high because I was a fool,”She was still talking to the ceiling and Mimi wanted to roll her eyes.Everyone was quiet in the room. Even Thalia had given up this time. She was not offering any comforting words to her friend. “He will snatch away my kids,” Elara tried to control her quivering lips.“He won’t do any such thing, Elara,” she scowled and turned to look at the source of this voice. It was Noah.“What did you say?”“I said he won’t do any such thing. Stop getting scared of him.”
Vicky Barone was getting bored with this routine.Getting up in the morning, meeting her friends daily on breakfasts, shopping, and filling up her already-filled closets with those high-end classy dresses.Then a luncheon with friends. Followed by a dinner date with girls who were single like her. And that was rare!Yes. She was almost a single woman. Aiden was not in town and if even he was there, he wouldn’t even glance her way.To top it all his erectile dysfunction had made her life hell for her. Her bed life was nothing. There was zero intimacy left.Her friends didn’t know about it. They used to think that her life was perfect. She had a boyfriend who liked wasting money on her.Sometimes she didn’t even know where to throw that money… Sorry.She used to miss Aiden and that used to make her super irritated. Before leaving, he did tell her that this was her house and his office belonged to her.She renovated the whole house in his absence and was usually after the staff to eithe
“Are you people going somewhere?” Thalia asked her and then went ahead to pinch the cheeks of the little munchkin girls, “Look at you two! My two little angels.” She pecked their foreheads.“And what about me?” Thalia giggled when she heard Sebastian behind her, “how do I look?” He brushed his hand through his hair like a newly turned teenage boy.“You look like a prince just like your d… da… Mimi.” Poor her wanted to say just like your dad but had to stop when she saw Elara glaring at her.“What? You need to tell them about him at some point!” Thalia whispered and fixed a smile for kids’ sake.“I know. Not now. I am not ready,” Elara whispered back, “Come on, little ladies and gentleman. Go and play in the living room. Mommy will join you in a while,” she then turned to Thalia, “I am taking them to the Arcade Zone of Kanderton Mall. The kids didn’t want to go to the park this time. They wanted some indoor activity.” She said before heading to the bathroom.“Get ready. Their aunt is
(3 years later)The Dubai Airport was buzzing with travelers. Mommies and daddies were running after small kids, honeymoon couples were busy taking their selfies, and the suited men were ready to take their next flight after a small transit.“Daddy! Zoe is again poking her finger in my neck,” Seven-year-old Sebastian tried to dodge his sister with a playful grin who was now coming to ruffle his hair. Aiden looked over his shoulder and found the nannies walking behind him, holding the tiny hands of two-year-old triplet boys.It was a much-needed trip for his family. His beloved wife needed a break. While managing kids and home, she had been busy expanding her business by opening franchises throughout Kanderton.The last three years had been the best time of his life. He spent his childhood without his parents or any siblings and now he was the head of a big family. With six kids and Elara Lockwood by his side, his family was complete. “I hope you didn’t take a hasty decision when you
Elara wasn’t ready to detach her lips from Aiden’s mouth and he was an equal participant in the kiss. Genelia ushered the guests politely out of the conference room.She had a small smile when she closed the door behind her.“Mrs. Lockwood seems quite emotional,” one of the guests remarked. Genelia who was a bit worried that they might remark on the unprofessionalism of the boss nodded her head with a smile.“I am happy that you didn’t make it an issue.”“Why would we? Aiden Lockwood is lucky to have such a lovely wife by his side.” They talked good-naturedly about it and then headed to ‘Lemons and Tarts’ for some more gingerbread.***“Honey,” Aiden tried to speak between the kisses, she was showering on his mouth and face. Her lips had gotten pink during the constant kissing.“Cupcake!”“Shhh. Let me taste you some more, Aiden.” She said holding his face. Aiden closed his eyes and took a long sigh. He couldn’t wait to go home and make love to her.He could feel her hands all over hi
Unknown person’s pov:We were extremely poor. We were so poor that all I and my family could manage were the meals that mostly consisted of bread and water.We used to dip bread pieces in water because sometimes it used to be so stale and hard that we could not chew it without dipping it in water.We couldn’t even afford coffee and soups in the winter season. All we could do to avoid cold was hot water. Once there was nothing at home except a few slices of bread and I had to control my hunger to let my siblings feed on it. My stepfather ditched us when I was too small. Mom struggled a lot to keep our tummies filled. She used to work at a bar and could only manage to pay rent and once-a-day meal. We were five siblings. I was the eldest and the illegitimate one. According to my mom, my father was her first love. They were in love and wanted to marry young but then my father met an accident and could never know that I existed in my mom’s tummy.Then she met my stepfather who used to p
After four hours of transit at Dubai Airport, Vicky was now boarding the next plane to Germany. She took out her phone to switch it off when it pinged.An email from Aiden.She opened it and found a document.“What is it?” She clicked the document murmuring to herself and then gasped in excitement.It was the divorce decree. He had signed the divorce papers. Elara was again divorced. Yay!She couldn’t contain her happiness and dialed his number.His phone was not responding. He must be on the plane.She then dialed Meer’s number.“Hey. Can you connect me to Aiden?” she just wanted to check if Aiden was serious with her or playing some kind of sick joke.“Hey, Vicky. Where are you? What about the contracts you worked so hard for? You didn’t even bother to send an email for your sick leave.”She could detect the frustration in his voice.“Yeah. I am sorry, Meer. But my question is still unanswered. Where is Aiden?”“I don’t know, man. His family is also worried for him. He hasn’t come
Vicky was quickly packing her stuff including her cash, jewelry, some gemstones, and very few dresses. Aiden could always buy her new clothes as he had gotten a great taste.She needed to get out of here before Greyson’s men could reach her. Jack’s wife had gone crazy and had threatened her that she would never spare Vicky. Taking a last look around, Vicky sighed in tension. Though Aiden was with her she could not take a relieved sigh, until she landed on German soil.“I hope this is the last time I am escaping from a place,” she murmured with frustration and wheeled out her compact suitcase.She came out of the modern apartment building and stood out waiting for Aiden.“Honey. You should have waited for my call,” Aiden said placing her small luggage in the car trunk.“I just wanted to get out of here,” she said a little desperately. “I understand. Don’t worry. You are safe with me. It’s just that… we can’t take risks.” Aiden clasped the seat belt around him and inhaled a heavy brea
Vicky Barone’s pov continues: Like a perfect gentleman, Aiden owned the baby. He promised to man up for taking up the responsibility of the baby. Being a well-raised guy, he left Elara so that she could build her future too. He was never expecting that she was pregnant and would attempt to run away. Neither was I. She proved to be more daring than my expectations. Collin Greyson was a powerful man, and he was looking for me like a hawk. I wanted to hide behind Aiden but the hunger for power and to take over his office was growing inside me. The revenge I wanted to take from Edmund was burning fire inside me… To get the contracts, I started using men to my advantage. First, it was Mr. Wendell, the fake one. Then the real one. And then Mr. Jack. All was going well until his wife walked in. I had to run for my life and sacrifice those contracts. Thankfully Aiden didn’t get mad at me. But I was sure he must be upset. Then one fine day Jack’s wife walked into my office and got
Vicky Barone's POV:Ah! You all know me already. I’m Vicky. Vicky Barone. The most beautiful and most gorgeous girl in high school. Boys used to run after me. And the moment I met Elara, I wanted to be her friend.Why? Because she was fat, and I needed someone to feel superior. The school was full of all the hot shots. It was not easy to impress anyone with money. So, I thought why not Elara?She wasn’t rich. She was the daughter of a gardener. No one would even bother to throw a second glance at her except Noah. But later Noah told me that he just liked her as a friend.He never had any intention to develop a romantic relationship with her. And then that hot hunk made his entry into our lives. The one and only.Aiden Lockwood. The handsome. The hottest.I saw the way girls were falling for him when they saw him first time. Even Elara Smith who rarely got impressed with anyone had her mouth hung open.That day I decided that Aiden was fuc*king mine. He belonged to me.But … but
“Pregnant?” If Elara’s face was pale, Vicky’s had turned ashen white, “h… how is it possible? Aiden… were you two sleeping behind my back?” Vicky couldn’t believe it. After waiting for this man for four more years, he had again slipped out of her clutches. “Why?” At this point, she wanted to take her own life. Everything had come to an end for her. She no longer trusted words like love, affection, or Aiden. “I can explain, Vicky,” Aiden raised his arms in total surrender, “go to your office and I’ll explain everything to you. I promise, love.” Love? Elara who was now handling her pounding headache, her eyes snapped up to look at Aiden questioning him. But his focus stayed solely on Vicky. What was exactly cooking in his head? He must have felt her eyes on him because his eyes momentarily shifted towards his wife, and he winked. Shaking his head, he went to his desk to get his phone. “I am feeling fine. It’s just the pancakes, guys.” Elara tried to protest when Aiden calle
“Don’t walk away, lady when I am talking to you,” she heard Vicky hissing and turned back in surprise, “I am not done talking to you. Come here.” Vicky snarled.The woman was already upset. Her intuition was telling her that something bad was about to happen.However, Genelia didn’t seem too fazed by her anger, “I am sorry, Ms. Barone. I think your anger is misplaced. Which side of the bed did you get up on today by the way?”“I am your boss, dammit and you are not allowed to joke with me. Especially when I am upset.” Right now, Vicky wanted to kill this lady who was acting like she knew it all.“If you are upset then please avoid talking to me. I am leaving and I would really appreciate it if you don’t call me again.”With that Genelia left the space leaving a more furious Vicky who was clenching her fists. “I will teach you a lesson. I will teach everyone a lesson who will try to act superior to me. How dare you, Edmund. You old fool. How dare you put Elara’s name there when I am t