THE NEXT DAYELLA'S POV Grin Grin!I woke up to the first ray of sunlight. The air loomed celebration and joy, the distant sound of the workers at the hall bracing my ears. My alarm clock receding ringing filled my ears as I tapped on the button to turn off before stepping out of the bed. The president's birthday was today and I had set a timer to wake up early enough to be one of the first set of people to wish him a happy birthday.I took my bath and dressed myself in a simple top and some khaki pants to go surpervise the event before the guests arrived. I traced my steps to Ivy's room to find her already awake in her pajamas. “Let's go wish Grandpa a happy birthday!” I smiled, pointing to the cake I'd ordered earlier. “Yay cake.” Ivy squeeled beside me, her sweet voice filled with joy.“Let's go.” I urged, taking the cake pack. Ivy gave out another squeel as she ran over from the bed. “Don't forget the party poppers.”Madeline, ivy's caretaker who was watching us from the side,
ELLA'S POV “This way ma'am,” The news reporter walked over to me, his finger pointing in the direction where his camera team were located.I looked back at the script in my hands, I still didn't understand why Madame Browne had insisted I did the interview when I was told only ten minutes away. Madame Browne was seated by the edge of the hall, a wicked smile playing on her lips. The flickering lights of the camera team washed her features, the malice in her gaze burning my flesh. I parted some loose strands of my hair behind my ears as I walked over to the corner where the interview was going to happen. The walls had a green background and the makeup artist walked over to me with a make-up box in her hands.“Make-up?” She asked nicely, revealing her bright set of dentition.I was just about to respond to her when Madame Browne interrupted, her tone dismissive, “No! She doesn't need that.”“The interview should start in a minute.” The director stepped in beside Madame Browne, his fi
ELLA'S POV Xavier was finally here.My joy knew no bounds as I rushed over to the parking lot where I had guessed his car was packed. From afar, I could already see a glint of his backview stepping out of his car.The security men following him led the way as he turned. His face, as you'd expect, was strict, the bad-boy look plastered on all corners of his face but once he saw me, a bright smile tugged at his lips.“Xavier.” I said, running as fast as my legs could carry me. Xavier also ran in my direction and when I finally came in contact with him, I jumped into his wife arms. The smell of his cologne flared my nostrils, the joy of being in Xavier’s arms washing back into my veins.In as much as I didn't want to admit it, I missed him. And I could tell he also missed me. His arms wrapped aroundy back, his lips placing a hot kiss on my neck.“I missed my princess.” The sound of Xavier's voice trudged into my ears, fulfillment washing into my bones. I felt happy, safe and contented
MADAME BROWNE'S POV “Hello Darling,” I spoke, my lips pressing into a thin line. I waited a long second before I finally received a reply, “Hello this is Dallas, Mr Luke's assistant—”The shaky voice on the other end wasn't Luke's. “Give my husband the damn phone!” I lashed out a command, one that was too sharp to be questioned.Sliding back into my chair, I stretched my fingers as I reached for the pack of cigarettes by a side of the table. Slowly, I opened the pack, sliding out one of the cigarettes before proceeding to light it.A flicker of light was all it needed to burn, a hazy fog of puffs waving through the air in the room. I knew today was going to come, the day they'd outgrow my games and the day I'd be left with no other choice but to use my one last weapon— the most dangerous of them all.I coughed.The thought of him was enough to make my bloodstreams tighten. My husband, Luke Browne McKinney was that one last weapon— the one fashioned against all but me.I knew I'd get
MADAME BROWNE'S POV I slid the cigarette in between my lips, the stale mist it let out seeping into the air. I inhaled, letting out puffs as I settled deeper into my chair.I was just about to take my second puff when I heard the sound of footsteps. I turned my head sharply, my senses at alert. My gaze caught the figure of a man, thin, when he turned, I recognized him immediately. It was my assistant.That insolent fool!“What did I tell you about coming into my quarters without approval from me?” I questioned, my eyes darting over his features.“I know you said it's dangerous and you could have me killed for that but…” His voice faltered, his panting rising. He was reeking with sweat, his breathing unstable like someone who had just run a hundred meters.“Go on.” I ordered, my voice soft yet laced with command. “You… you have to see this.” He said, turning on his phone. I watched his fingers shake as he swiped his fingertips on the screen like the winter leaf he was. He turned the
XAVIER'S POV“Let's go,” I said, my eyes flashing to the most beautiful lady I've met all year, Ella. She was dressed in a purple mermaid that clung to her curves perfectly. Her hair was brushed back in a neat sweep that was packed into a bun. “I’m almost done,” I heard her say, her hands brushing a make-up brush on her cheekbones. Ella looked gorgeous today, I knew she would supercede Madame Browne's. A smile tugged at the corners of my cheeks as I walked over to where she stood. Bending my neck, i sniffed her hair seductively. I'd really missed Ella over the weaks and seeing her in a gown dropped need in my veins.She released a low breath, a moan perhaps. I gripped her neck, her eyes rising to meet mine. I brush my fingers over her lips as I pulled forward, my lips claiming hers in a hot fiery kiss.I allowed her explore my mouth, her fingers rubbing the back of my head. A minute of kissing Ella and I was already hard on all edges.I pulled her closer, my fingers gripping her st
ELLA'S POV The pulsating beats coming in from the speakers make me go wild as I tuned my body's sleek movements in sync with the music. With my hair messed up in what was supposed to be a ponytail, my body covered in a see through gown, I could probably say I had had a pretty great night. I loved the club, the buzz, it's ever pungent smell of sex and alcohol, the drinks. But everything was typical, just like yesterday and the day before. Scrambling my gaze across the usual crowd of clubbers, the series of flashing lights. I noticed something— someone, a man's intriguing figure, sitting at the mini bar. "I see you got your eyes on someone," A voice called out to me as I turned my gaze to the tall redhead lady I knew as my best friend, Maggie. Margaret flashed a weird wink of her eyes, a grin spreaded on her cheeks. "Shut up," I admitted, feeling guilty as we both laughed at each other. "Why not go talk to him," Maggie hollers, her voice calm and cool. My face twisted into a frow
ELLA'S POV "Thank you for dropping her," I murmured drenched in thoughts as I raised my head to see the stranger my daughter had brought home this time. Pulling my gaze past his body, I paused, recognition flashing past my shocked eyes. This was Xavier McKinney, my one night stand, Ivy's father. I couldn't believe my eyes, my jaw falls slightly as the memories of our one night stand rushes into my mind. I couldn't help but feel a flash of emotions from the past years I've been left alone to bear and train Ivy ever since day one. The first was dropping out of school, then loosing matt, my boyfriend at that time to the pregnancy I had with an unknown stranger. I remembered the sleepless night I've spent, cradling my pregnancy wondering how I'd singlehandedly mother a child. Anger kicked in my veins as the memories sank deep. The loneliness I felt when my belly bump began showing while in college and being teased and made fun of. The loneliness still crept deep, the night I'd del
XAVIER'S POV“Let's go,” I said, my eyes flashing to the most beautiful lady I've met all year, Ella. She was dressed in a purple mermaid that clung to her curves perfectly. Her hair was brushed back in a neat sweep that was packed into a bun. “I’m almost done,” I heard her say, her hands brushing a make-up brush on her cheekbones. Ella looked gorgeous today, I knew she would supercede Madame Browne's. A smile tugged at the corners of my cheeks as I walked over to where she stood. Bending my neck, i sniffed her hair seductively. I'd really missed Ella over the weaks and seeing her in a gown dropped need in my veins.She released a low breath, a moan perhaps. I gripped her neck, her eyes rising to meet mine. I brush my fingers over her lips as I pulled forward, my lips claiming hers in a hot fiery kiss.I allowed her explore my mouth, her fingers rubbing the back of my head. A minute of kissing Ella and I was already hard on all edges.I pulled her closer, my fingers gripping her st
MADAME BROWNE'S POV I slid the cigarette in between my lips, the stale mist it let out seeping into the air. I inhaled, letting out puffs as I settled deeper into my chair.I was just about to take my second puff when I heard the sound of footsteps. I turned my head sharply, my senses at alert. My gaze caught the figure of a man, thin, when he turned, I recognized him immediately. It was my assistant.That insolent fool!“What did I tell you about coming into my quarters without approval from me?” I questioned, my eyes darting over his features.“I know you said it's dangerous and you could have me killed for that but…” His voice faltered, his panting rising. He was reeking with sweat, his breathing unstable like someone who had just run a hundred meters.“Go on.” I ordered, my voice soft yet laced with command. “You… you have to see this.” He said, turning on his phone. I watched his fingers shake as he swiped his fingertips on the screen like the winter leaf he was. He turned the
MADAME BROWNE'S POV “Hello Darling,” I spoke, my lips pressing into a thin line. I waited a long second before I finally received a reply, “Hello this is Dallas, Mr Luke's assistant—”The shaky voice on the other end wasn't Luke's. “Give my husband the damn phone!” I lashed out a command, one that was too sharp to be questioned.Sliding back into my chair, I stretched my fingers as I reached for the pack of cigarettes by a side of the table. Slowly, I opened the pack, sliding out one of the cigarettes before proceeding to light it.A flicker of light was all it needed to burn, a hazy fog of puffs waving through the air in the room. I knew today was going to come, the day they'd outgrow my games and the day I'd be left with no other choice but to use my one last weapon— the most dangerous of them all.I coughed.The thought of him was enough to make my bloodstreams tighten. My husband, Luke Browne McKinney was that one last weapon— the one fashioned against all but me.I knew I'd get
ELLA'S POV Xavier was finally here.My joy knew no bounds as I rushed over to the parking lot where I had guessed his car was packed. From afar, I could already see a glint of his backview stepping out of his car.The security men following him led the way as he turned. His face, as you'd expect, was strict, the bad-boy look plastered on all corners of his face but once he saw me, a bright smile tugged at his lips.“Xavier.” I said, running as fast as my legs could carry me. Xavier also ran in my direction and when I finally came in contact with him, I jumped into his wife arms. The smell of his cologne flared my nostrils, the joy of being in Xavier’s arms washing back into my veins.In as much as I didn't want to admit it, I missed him. And I could tell he also missed me. His arms wrapped aroundy back, his lips placing a hot kiss on my neck.“I missed my princess.” The sound of Xavier's voice trudged into my ears, fulfillment washing into my bones. I felt happy, safe and contented
ELLA'S POV “This way ma'am,” The news reporter walked over to me, his finger pointing in the direction where his camera team were located.I looked back at the script in my hands, I still didn't understand why Madame Browne had insisted I did the interview when I was told only ten minutes away. Madame Browne was seated by the edge of the hall, a wicked smile playing on her lips. The flickering lights of the camera team washed her features, the malice in her gaze burning my flesh. I parted some loose strands of my hair behind my ears as I walked over to the corner where the interview was going to happen. The walls had a green background and the makeup artist walked over to me with a make-up box in her hands.“Make-up?” She asked nicely, revealing her bright set of dentition.I was just about to respond to her when Madame Browne interrupted, her tone dismissive, “No! She doesn't need that.”“The interview should start in a minute.” The director stepped in beside Madame Browne, his fi
THE NEXT DAYELLA'S POV Grin Grin!I woke up to the first ray of sunlight. The air loomed celebration and joy, the distant sound of the workers at the hall bracing my ears. My alarm clock receding ringing filled my ears as I tapped on the button to turn off before stepping out of the bed. The president's birthday was today and I had set a timer to wake up early enough to be one of the first set of people to wish him a happy birthday.I took my bath and dressed myself in a simple top and some khaki pants to go surpervise the event before the guests arrived. I traced my steps to Ivy's room to find her already awake in her pajamas. “Let's go wish Grandpa a happy birthday!” I smiled, pointing to the cake I'd ordered earlier. “Yay cake.” Ivy squeeled beside me, her sweet voice filled with joy.“Let's go.” I urged, taking the cake pack. Ivy gave out another squeel as she ran over from the bed. “Don't forget the party poppers.”Madeline, ivy's caretaker who was watching us from the side,
ELLA'S POV I walked over to the hall with the president behind me. I was taking him on a short tour of the hall and things were going smoothly. I pointed over to the stage, “That is stage and that is…”As I spoke, something in me felt uncertain. I could feel iny veins that something bad was about to go down. Madame Browne was the only person in the hall and the thought of that was unsettling.“I'll be back.” I took several steps back. I flashed a wink at Glenda telling her I had to use the lady's room before walking out of the corner into the main hall.I took slow yet calculated steps into the hallway, my heels walking slowly without making any noise. I stepped to a side and caught a view of Madame Browne's figure looking as maddened as I had left.I waited for a second, a cold sweat running down my forehead as I searched for any movements from her but received nothing. I was just about to turn and leave when I caught her walking back in the direction of a corner of the hall. She
ELLA'S POV “My mistake…was thinking the size of the event mattered more than the heart behind it. For years, I was impressed by noise. But this year, Ella reminded me that silence…can steal the show.”It would be an understatement to say my heart skipped a beat when those words escaped the president's lips. I felt the world beneath me crumble, the shock causing me to nearly lose my stance.A tear slid down my cheek. My heart was still racing from the shock. I had been so afraid of the president not acknowledging my efforts. For a split second, I'd thought I lost it all to Madame Browne and that she'd won but I was wrong.I had won.Madame Browne's efforts to ruin the event didn't work, I scaled through. The president had walked over to me and for the first time, had offered me a hug.He seemed very happy, probably the happiest he'd ever been. Once the hug ended, he turned in Ms. Glenda's direction. I hesitated for a second before I spoke, “This is Ms. Glenda she helped me design the
MADAME BROWNE'S POVThe elevator door in front of me chimed open sharply, a soft metallic swoosh brushing my ears. I stepped out of the elevator into the long hallway to my room. As expected, my maids were lined up by the walls like figurines dressed in uniforms I'd designed myself. The elevator's soft gloom layered over the purple linen of the uniform, catching my gaze from the side.The silence in the hallway was soft, almost unbearable but somehow, it felt okay. The discomfort in my veins rolled easily, my face fixed into one of those things oldsters call a warrior's mask.The president would be here anytime from now and he was going to come back to her— Ella, and that bitch, Glenda. He would witness their event and would probably give her some accolades— accolades that should've been mine.I bit my lower lips furiously, the impatience in me was cold— chilling cold. I clenched my fists trying to think of something else, something other than her.Ella.Her name was like fucking tat