Elena's heart was pounding in her chest, fury and disbelief warring within her as she stood in the opulent lobby of the EliteCorp building.
"How could he do this to me?" she muttered through clenched teeth. Her dad's decision to marry her off to Liam, her arrogant and narcissistic boss, felt like a betrayal.
With her emotions taking over, she couldn't bear to stay a moment longer in that imposing building. Without a second thought, she turned and ran towards the exit, her vision blurred by tears.
Tears streamed down her face as she staggered through the luxurious halls of EliteCorp. Her vision blurred, and she struggled to regain composure.
Her coworkers stared in astonishment, taken aback by Elena's uncharacteristic display of emotion. "Is she okay?" one whispered to another, unable to comprehend the reason behind her outburst.
Her face flushed with embarrassment, but she couldn't stop now. Ignoring the curious gazes, Elena rushed towards the building's exit. Her mind raced, trying to process the reality of her father's decision. "I won't let him control my life," she whispered, clenching her fists.
As she reached the glass doors leading outside, she stumbled, her heel catching in a crack on the floor. With a sharp snap, the heel of her silhouette shoes broke, throwing her off balance.
Cursing under her breath, Elena yanked off the remaining heel and left it lying there. Without hesitation, she sprinted barefooted, feeling the cool marble turning into warm concrete beneath her feet.
Outside, the world felt like a blur as she ran, her feet pounding against the pavement, and the wind whipping through her hair. Each step took her farther away from the suffocating expectations and the heartache. She didn't know where she was heading; she just needed to be free from the clutches of the life that was being forced upon her.
Tears still streaming down her face, she focused on hailing a taxi, her heart racing.
"Taxi!" she called out, waving her arm frantically as a yellow cab approached. The driver slowed down, taking in her disheveled appearance, but Elena didn't care. She jumped into the backseat, barefooted and disheveled. "Are you okay, miss?" he asked.
"Please, just drive!" she pleaded with the driver, wiping away the tears from her cheeks.
In the backseat, Elena let out a shaky breath, trying to collect her thoughts. "I can't believe he'd do this to me, selling me off like some commodity," she muttered to the driver, who offered a sympathetic nod.
With the wind whipping through her hair and the city's buildings flying past her, Elena felt a mix of anger, betrayal, and fear. She didn't want to be trapped in a marriage with Liam, the man who made her work life miserable.
As Elena's taxi sped through the busy streets, her trembling fingers dialed Rosa's number. The phone rang a few times before Rosa's lively voice echoed through the other end of the line. "Hey, Elena! What's up?"
Before Rosa could utter another word, Elena's voice cracked with emotion, and tears streamed down her face as she struggled to explain the devastating situation. "Rosa, it's... it's horrible. My dad made a deal to marry me off to Liam, my boss. I can't believe it."
Rosa's cheerful tone turned instantly serious as she sensed the urgency in Elena's voice. "Seriously? What the fuck! How could your Dad be so heartless and make such a big decision without asking for your permission first."
Elena wiped her tears and took a shaky breath, trying to regain some composure. "I can't stay at home right now. Can I come over to your place, Rosa?" she asked, hoping her best friend would offer some comfort and support.
"Of course, come over right away! I'll be waiting for you," Rosa replied, her voice full of concern.
As she ended the call, Elena gave the taxi driver Rosa's address, a charming apartment building with a beautiful rooftop garden located on 15th Avenue. The driver glanced at Elena through the rearview mirror, his eyes filled with sympathy for her distress.
"Don't worry, we'll get you there as quickly as possible," he assured her kindly.
Elena nodded gratefully and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She turned off her phone, not wanting any interruptions from her dad or sisters, and leaned back in the seat, allowing the tears to flow freely once again.
The taxi pulled up in front of Rosa's apartment building, a charming three-story structure with a brick facade and neatly trimmed shrubbery lining the pathway with window boxes filled with blooming flowers. The aroma of fresh coffee drifted from the nearby cafes, adding to the cozy ambiance of the neighborhood. The front door had a quirky little knocker in the shape of a sunflower, adding a touch of whimsy to the entrance.
Elena climbed out of the taxi and paid the driver, who offered her a white handkerchief. She gratefully accepted it, using it to wipe her tear-streaked face. The driver gave her a sympathetic smile before driving away, leaving Elena feeling a sense of gratitude for the small gesture of kindness.
As Elena made her way up the steps to Rosa's front porch, she found her best friend already waiting for her with open arms. Rosa's infectious smile greeted her, and she enveloped Elena in a warm and comforting hug.
"I'm so glad you're here," Rosa said softly, leading her inside the apartment. "Come on in."
The space was filled with warm, earthy tones, and soft music played softly in the background, creating an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility.
Elena sank into the plush couch, feeling a mix of exhaustion and emotional overwhelm. Rosa quickly disappeared into the kitchen, promising to return with something to help calm her friend down.
With a warm cup of coffee in hand, Rosa returned and sat beside Elena. "Here, take this. It'll help soothe your nerves," Rosa said, offering the steaming mug. "You're safe here, Elena. You can talk to me about anything."
"Thank you," Elena replied, cradling the warm mug in her hands, grateful for Rosa's thoughtfulness
Taking a sip of the soothing coffee, Elena felt a sense of relief wash over her. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before recounting the distressing events at EliteCorp, her voice steady yet tinged with vulnerability.
Rosa listened attentively, nodding in understanding and offering comforting words. "I can't believe your dad would do something like this without even considering your feelings," she said, her tone filled with empathy.
Elena sighed, feeling grateful for Rosa's unwavering support. "I know, it's like he doesn't see me as a person with my own desires and dreams."
"You deserve to be in control of your own life. I'm so sorry you had to go through all these," Rosa muttered, placing a reassuring hand on Elena's shoulder.
"I just…I just want to get past this whole drama," Elena seethed as her grip on the mug became even stronger.
"And what do you want to do?" Rosa asked inquisitively as she eyed her friend narrowly.
"I want to party hard and wild," Elena's voice was dangerously low and Rosa could see the mischievous glint in her eyes. She knew how crazy Elena can be when she gets drunk and she definitely didn't want another episode of Elena's drunken drama.
"Come on, Elena, that is not the best solution to this problem you know?" Rosa chimed in, hoping to change Elena's mind.
"No!" Elena interrupted fiercely. "This is the best solution. Since I'm getting married to a crazy party-goer, isn't it perfect to return the favor. Who knows, I might bump into him at the club," she added with a smirk on her face.
"Elena, I know you feel sad but clubbing? Come on girl," Rosa persuaded but Elena would have none of it. She gently placed the mug on the table in the sitting room and stood up.
"It's fine if you don't want to come with me though," Elena said and began heading to the door.
Rosa heaved a sigh of frustration as she picked up her car keys and followed behind Elena.
Elena walked out of Rosa's apartment, feeling a mix of sadness and uncertainty. She made her way towards Rosa's car, a sleek black sedan parked on the street. Rosa followed her, sensing the weight of the situation in Elena's sad smile. Elena sat on the car bonnet, a sad smile playing on her lips as she tried to conceal the hurt swirling within her.
Rosa looked at her best friend, her heart breaking for Elena's predicament. She shook her head in defeat, understanding that Elena was set on going to the club despite the emotional turmoil she was going through. With a sigh, Rosa opened the car door, and they both settled into the seats.
"Elena, are you sure about this? Going to the club might not be the best idea right now," Rosa said, concern etched on her face.
Elena gave an insistent nod, her eyes reflecting a firm resolve. "I need to clear my head, Rosa. I can't stay cooped up at home right now. Let's just go, please."
Rosa hesitated for a moment, then sighed again, relenting to her friend's wishes. "Okay, but promise me you'll take care of yourself. If it gets too overwhelming, we'll leave immediately, no questions asked."
"I promise," Elena replied, grateful for Rosa's understanding.
Without wasting any more time, Rosa started the engine and stepped on the accelerator causing the vehicle to jerk forward, catching Elena by surprise. She let out a loud shriek, her heart racing as she clung to the car's pigeon hole for support.
"Whoa, sorry about that!" Rosa said, glancing at Elena with a sheepish smile. "I didn't mean to startle you. I guess I got a bit too eager."
"It's fine," Elena said, a hint of amusement in her voice despite everything. "I guess I needed that jolt to snap me out of my thoughts."
As they drove towards the club, the city lights blurred past them. Elena leaned her head against the window, her mind still occupied with the turmoil of emotions she had experienced earlier. Rosa gave her a reassuring smile and reached over to hold her hand, offering comfort in the silence.Arriving at the club, they parked the car and stepped out onto the bustling streets. The thumping music and colorful lights enveloped them as they made their way inside. Inside the club, the music thumped loudly, filling the air with an electrifying energy. Elena and Rosa found a spot on the dance floor, moving to the rhythm of the music. With every dance move and laughter they shared, Elena felt a sense of release, leaving her troubles behind, at least for a little while.As the music thumped loudly on the dance floor, Elena leaned closer to Rosa, trying to make herself heard above the noise. "I want to get a glass of wine," she said, her voice slightly raised.Rosa leaned in, still struggling to
As the call with Liam ended, Elena felt a sense of anger wash over her. She knew she had to get ready for work, despite the painful memories of the previous day. Determined to put on a brave front, she rushed to the bathroom and took a quick bath, trying to wash away the remnants of her headache and the lingering emotions from the night before.As Elena dressed up hastily, Rosa stirred from her sleep, sensing the frantic energy around her. "Why are you rushing, Elena?" Rosa asked, her voice groggy with sleep."Liam called," Elena replied, trying to button up her shirt. "He asked me to come to work."Rosa's expression turned to anger as she heard this. "After what happened yesterday, he still expects you to come in? That's just outrageous! You shouldn't go."Elena hesitated for a moment, torn between Rosa's protective advice and her own determination to face the situation head-on. "I know, Rosa, but I can't let him think he has control over me.""But Elena, you need some time to proces
The words hit Elena like a slap in the face. She couldn't believe the audacity and arrogance with which Liam spoke. His disregard for her feelings and autonomy was infuriating, and she couldn't let him trample over her rights.Summoning her courage, Elena spoke firmly, her voice trembling with anger, "I won't be treated like this, Liam. I have a life outside of work, and you can't just dictate my every move. We need to talk about this arrangement, and I won't be going to Thailand unless we reach a mutual agreement."Liam finally looked up, his eyes cold and calculating. "You have no choice, Elena. I make the decisions here, and you'll do as I say. Don't forget your place."Elena felt a surge of defiance and self-respect. She refused to be silenced or controlled any longer. "I am not a possession, Liam. I won't be treated as one. We need to talk. Besides, this marriage was forced upon me, and I won't be controlled by you or anyone else. I have my own life and my own dreams, and I won't
The loud banging on her door startled Elena awake, and she jumped up in bed, her heart pounding with fear and shock. When her youngest step-sister, Jessica, barged into the room and shook her vigorously, Elena's eyes widened in confusion. "What's going on? Why did you wake me up like this?" she asked, her voice trembling.Jessica's eyes were wide with excitement as she blurted out, "There's a guest waiting for you outside! A really important guest!"Elena's eyebrows furrowed in suspicion as she followed Jessica's lead and got out of bed. She cautiously walked to the window and peeped through the curtains. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw a convoy of sleek black Ferrari cars parked in front of her house. The sight sent shivers down her spine, and she could feel her heart racing even faster.As if on cue, her phone rang, and she rushed to the nightstand to pick it up. She hurried to the nightstand and picked it up, seeing Liam's name on the caller ID. Her hands trembled as s
Elena's jaw dropped in surprise. The revelation left her speechless and bewildered. She had no idea why Liam would claim her as his wife when their relationship was nothing more than a forced arrangement. The audacity of his statement only fueled her frustration and sense of helplessness.The chief air hostess looked obviously taken aback by Liam's response, her surprise evident on her face. She quickly composed herself, maintaining her professional demeanor. With a hint of confusion in her expression, she addressed Liam, "Oh, Liam, I'm surprised to hear that you settled down and got married. It's good to see you happy."Liam simply smirked, giving nothing away. "Life is full of surprises," he replied cryptically.The air hostess smiled warmly at Elena, trying to hide her bewilderment. "Well, congratulations to both of you! Have a great trip to Thailand," she said, maintaining her pleasant tone.Elena nodded nervously, still reeling from the unexpected lie Liam had told. She threw a q
It was a familiar pattern – Liam's tendency to ignore or dismiss her questions, leaving her to deal with the uncertainty of his intentions. She adjusted her glasses and gathered her tablet, her mind already shifting to the task of sending the schedule to his email.She quickened her steps to match Liam's, feeling like she was constantly playing catch-up in this whirlwind of a journey. As they entered the lobby, the sense of grandeur only intensified. The marble floors beneath her feet seemed to echo with every step, reminding Elena of the divide between her and the world she was now a part of.Elena followed behind Liam, her steps echoing in the grandeur of the hotel's lobby. Her breath caught as her eyes took in the breathtaking beauty and opulence of the interior design. Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow that illuminated the marble floors and intricate décor. The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork, and plush seating arrangements invited guest
Elena's heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening in astonishment at the unexpected words. The note held a weight that reverberated through her, sending a surge of emotions coursing through her veins. The term "wife" was one that hadn't fully registered until now, and the sudden realization of its implication left her momentarily speechless.Her mind raced as she glanced back at the gown in her hands, her thoughts swirling with questions and confusion. The elegant attire before her was more than just a dress—it was a symbolic gesture that seemed to carry a deeper meaning, one that Elena was struggling to comprehend.She stared at the note for a moment longer, as if the words would somehow reveal their hidden meanings. With a mixture of uncertainty and intrigue, Elena set the note down on the bed beside the gown. Her gaze lingered on the elegant writing before she took a deep breath, her mind a flurry of questions and emotions.Elena's fingers brushed the smooth fabric of the cloth as sh
A chauffeur in a pristine uniform opened the car door, and Elena hesitated for a moment before cautiously sliding into the comfortable seat of the expensive vehicle. "Good evening, ma'am," the chauffeur greeted her with a nod as he closed the door.Elena managed a tight smile. "Good evening."The leather felt plush against her skin as she settled in, her fingers grazing the soft leather seats almost reverently. As Elena settled into the comfortable seat of the red convertible, her heart began racing as she noticed that Liam was seated beside her. His gaze was glued to his phone, his fingers tapping away at the screen in a rhythm she knew all too well. The distant look in his eyes made it clear that he was absorbed in whatever he was doing, not sparing her a single glance.Her breath caught in her throat, a mix of emotions swirling within her. As the car began to move, Elena felt a slight tug of disappointment. She had taken care to dress up, to put in the effort to look pretty, yet
Liam listened to Ethan's lawyer speak. There was a dying flicker of hope in his voice. He had long lost the battle, and the jurors weren't listening to him anymore. But he tried his last weapon: appeal for leniency.And for the record, not long ago, Ethan had been sentenced to twenty-five years in prison, and a wave of terror and silence had coursed through the hundreds of people gathered there.In the offender's box Ethan stood, a shadow of his former self. It was a week since his arrest. And even though his mother, through his plea and Liam's mercy, had been set free on bail, Ethan couldn't get his doom over his head. Liam watched him closely, at his overgrown beards, his unkempt hair, the blood in his eyes. "Your honor," the counsel said, "I understand the seriousness of my client's crime, and I do not condone it. However, I would like to ask for leniency in sentencing. My client has no previous criminal record, and I believe that a sentence of 25 years is excessive. A reduced sen
After the incident with Plum, she became a ghost in the mansion. Elena looked everywhere for her, casually sent other maids to find her, but Plum was always where they had not been.When a maid said she heard her crying in a restroom situated in the basement, Elena ran to the basement. When she got there, the crying had stopped. There was a deep silence. "Break the door open!" Elena shouted with a sense of dread and urgency.The maid went for it, but the door wasn't locked. She opened it and Plum was not there anymore. But Elena had the gut feeling that she was still around there, somewhere."Look, Plum, I know you can hear me," Elena called out, "Whatever game you think you are playing, whatever stunt you want to pull by this shit, would not work. Not in my house. Okay?"She was met with even deeper silence. Her anger built up. "If you want to go crazy, my dear, you can send in your resignation letter, and I'll see you off to the gates myself! Then you can wield your insanity to its
"I don't know how to describe how happy I am," Liam said, "hearing you're pregnant."Elena frowned, as she remembered something. "No, boo, you certainly knew what you were doing. Why didn't you let us have sex all this while?"She saw Liam frown. "Oh, really? I didn't really think about it that way. I was only having fun." He turned to her. "You wanted a baby, too?""I guess as at then," she said, "I didn't. It's all changed now. Then, I only wanted to enjoy this" — she reached out to touch and caress his flaccid dick lying on his belly — "to the fullest. Wanted to suck out every juice you could ever produce.""Eww, I don't produce juice," Liam laughed. "You do.""Let's see who gives the juice first!"she declared, sitting up. Liam was grinning too, perhaps wondering how he got so lucky with a wife who was both an introvert and a sexual creative."What are you trying to do?" he asked, feigning suspicion."How would you like your blowjob? Fast and aggressive, or slow and deep.""This lo
When Liam told Elena to go upstairs, so he would handle his family, she was filled with dread. Not by what the family would to to her as revenge, but for what Liam would do to them. There was so much anger and bitterness in his voice. His eyes were dark and revengeful.And when she passed through their midst, her heart beat with doubled pace. In her room, she couldn't sit quietly. She peeked from the window, saw her husband raving, commanding so much power that even the birds in the sky didn't as much as flicker their wings.She didn't hear some of what was what said, but she picked out the key phrases. And she couldn't help but marvel at the extent her husband was ready to go in his revenge.Not once did she try to interfere, by either calling him on phone to interrupt him, or call his name from the balcony. But she held her reins. Their altercation skyrocketed to a climax, when the gates opened and police sirens filled the air. The police cars rolled into the compound, and everyone
"Liam, you cannot do this to your brother!" Ethan's mother shouted the moment Liam stepped out of the car. "You cannot claim to love him and do this wicked thing to him.""Is he even listening to you?" Mr Paul asked. "He doesn't even remember who you are, talk more of Ethan."Liam allowed his eyes skim through the men and women gathered in front of his mansion. It was just as Chris told. They weren't even sitting. Only his father, whose health was seriously on the decline, was on a chair just behind them, smoking a pipe.Mr Paul spoke again about Liam. "See how he mopes listlessly? I tell you, what he should work on firstly is recovering —""Every dime you all have looted from my company while I was away," Liam cut in, blending in so well that the effect of his statement was an astounded silence.They didn't respond for a while. Maybe they thought not responding would help prove how much of a clueless man Liam was. But Liam had this all prepared. "Hey, El," Liam said to his wife besi
Elena saw the flash from behind Luke. It happened so fast. First, a clean hole on the roof appeared, accentuated by a flash of light. Something metallic hit a pan, bounced off and went through Luke's stomach. Elena heard the bullet — or whatever it was — wheeze past her ear. Her hairs stood on edge.Before her, Luke still stood with his penis in his hand, but a new hole on his chest. He didn't fall immediately, but when there were movements from the roof, he did fall.Elena saw them descend like black angels from the rooftop, or anywhere they might have come from. They were clothed in black, regaled in darkness. Their eyes were flashes of stealth, precision and ruthlessness. In their hands were stout guns, poised to end in a instant the life of anyone who tried to play smart. The red dots of their targets were everywhere on Ethan and his men's clothes. Ethan had more dots."Freeze," a voice said again. "We shall not hesitate to kill whoever moves a muscle."Ethan yelped and tried to
"You see what's inside?" Ethan asked."Ethan, what is the meaning of this?" Liam asked through the phone."I asked, what is inside!""An agreement for transfer of ownership, Liam whispered."That's right. I want you to sign the paper and place it back into the case. I'll get the notification here if that has been done."There was a prolonged silence from Liam's side. Ethan idly shook his feet which were propped on a table. Then he looked to his right to see Elena, tied to a chair. She had long stopped crying now, and all that left her throat was a hollow moan.Ethan motioned to Luke and the four other men who were with him in that underground. "Take the gag off her mouth," he ordered.Liam heard this, and reacted immediately. "You gagged my wife?!" he shouted. "Ethan, you had the temerity to put a gag on Elena's mouth?"Ethan chuckled. "Oh. Look who's hurt and shaky. But that's not even all." He glanced over to see Elena immediately double up to throw up. Ethan smiled and turned back
Liam sat there, gasping, and moving his head back and forth. A lot was going on in his brain, in his mind and heart. He could feel each throb, bringing back with it a cascade of memories."Where's Elena?" he asked himself, remembering he had a wife, who he had been treating like trash. She was right, after all! Liam's hands began to shake against the wheel. The world seemed to slow down around him."Where are Charlie, Olive and James?"The name Charlie stuck to his mind. Charlie. The last image he remembered of him was when he was down on the alley, being pumped by bullets, shaking.He had done that to save him.Liam swallowed and glanced away. The tears that streamed from his eyes had become heavy. Flowing from the depth of his soul. His nose ran freely.Charlie had given himself for him.Liam's thoughts were violently interrupted by a blast on his windshield. He turned to see his chasers lined up shoulder to shoulder, their guns raised to their eyes. They began to fire bullets on L
Liam stared at the man standing before him, anger and frustration in Liam's face. Something was seeping into his brain. He was trying hard to remember who the man was. And he was so close to it!"Here are pictures of us," Charlie said, showing him a screen full of pictures. Liam recognized himself in the pictures. But the man next to him... Good heavens.They were standing under the shade of a random tree in the streets. Liam had no idea how Charlie had found him there. Liam was about concluding his arrangements for the soldiers to go arrest Ethan. "I'm trying," Liam finally admitted. "I do recognize myself, but it is like looking into a photoshopped picture. I can't explain how this is happening."Charlie's face was kind. "I understand. The doctor gave us a forewarning, so I really understand. You're already doing great. I just want to be by your side.""Why?" Liam asked."Because the men who had tried to killer you are back again."Liam's eyebrows crinkled. "What sre you talking ab