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 "Thank goodness you're here sir," I heard a call as I alighted the car closing the door gently behind me. Turning to face Alex, I rushed past him into the hospital where my father was being taken care of.Running past the security men at the hospital, I hurried for the counter. Arriving there, I turned to the nurse at the counter and blurted, "Excuse me nurse, which room was my father kept?""Oh, Mr Xavier, good to see you again..." She bickered licking her lips seductively while staring hungrily at me. "Can you shut the fu*k up and tell me what room my father is in."Shaken by my sudden yell and the stares she got, I watched as the nurse hurried with the files on the counter. "He is in the platinum vip treatment room at the top floor."Hearing her words, I walked over to the elevator, waiting as it's doors finally chimed open and I entered. Tapping the numbers of the floor I was headed, I waited patiently as the elevator, paused, the doors opening as someone else got in
ELLA'S POV "I have to leave," I uttered, wiping some strands of my hair to a side as I made my way out of the elevator. In a fit of rush, my bag fell and all my documents were all littered to the elevator floor. Bending to pick it up, I hurriedly packed up the few documents my hands could reach and immediately dashed out of the elevator before Xavier could call me. Just as I stepped out, I heard the soft chim of the elevator as I heaved out. Wiping off the beads of sweats clouding my forehead, I stood, trying to calm my heart's erratic beating. I was shocked to meet him here again. Was he stalking me? It was now beginning to look mysterious, they way he keeps popping up wherever I go. First was with Ivy, now at my workplace, what next? Was he going to pop back into my life and take over?I felt a whirlwind of emotions as I touched my lips, the memory of our kiss creeping back to me.Shit. How could I be so foolish, to allow him kiss me. Xavier was a flirt, he surely had a way of k
ELLA'S POV "Be a good girl for mommy, okay?" I smiled softly, patting my daughter Ivy's head as we walked next door to the Thompsons'. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, old and retired, had been absolute lifesavers since Ivy was born. They didn't have children of their own, but they had showered Ivy with all the love and attention she could ever need, making their home feel like a second home for her.As we walked up the path to their front door, I noticed the crisp morning air and the scent of blooming flowers from their garden. It was a quiet, peaceful moment, and I felt a wave of gratitude for having such wonderful neighbors.I knocked on the door, and it swung open to reveal Mrs. Thompson. She was dressed in a nice outfit, clearly ready for something special, and her husband stood behind her, adjusting his tie."Good morning, Ella," Mrs. Thompson greeted me with her usual warm smile, but there was a hint of regret in her eyes. "I’m so sorry, but we have an event to attend today. We won’t be
XAVIER'S POV I strode into the hospital with the confidence of a man who owned everything in his sight. And why not? I practically did. The crisp, sterile smell of the hospital didn’t faze me; I was used to the finest things, and this place needed my money more than I needed their gratitude.As I entered the meeting room, my eyes immediately locked onto her. Ella. The woman who had haunted my thoughts for years. She looked as stunning as ever, and the sight of her sent a surge of possessive desire through me. I wanted her, plain and simple. I wanted to feel her, to claim her again, and this time, to stay in her life.Her eyes widened in shock as she recognized me. Good. Let her be surprised. I liked the idea of unsettling her, of making her wonder why I was here. As Mr. Anderson droned on about the charity event, I barely paid attention. My focus was solely on Ella and the way she tried to compose herself.When Mr. Anderson finally left, the room fell silent, the tension thick betwee
ELLA'S POV "And I like that." Xavier's words filled my ears, the undeniable connection of our bodies causing me to fiddle gently. My body throbbed with a lot of emotions, if anything, I wanted him to pin me to four walls of this office. For him to claim me— but I won't show it.He was a jerk, one I wasn't going to allow into my life. He had left me to myself then causing my then almost perfect promising career to be shattered. I couldn't help but feel a trace of hurt in my veins, my face hardening.Back then, I had the perfect life as an adult college student, a hot boyfriend, a best friend that loved to party. My career was promising, I was supposed to be a doctor, but all my dreams laid in dirt the moment the doctor had told me I was pregnant.We were having a practical back at school, I had fainted and my best friend, Maggie, with the help of Dave, my ex boyfriend, had both helped me to the sick bay. The nurse there had taken some test and had announced discretely that I was pregn
ELLA'S POVI was walking briskly down the hallway, trying to keep my head up despite the jumble of thoughts still lodged in my mind from Rhea’s confrontation. My hand tingled where I had smacked her and as the adrenaline ebbed away, a boiling blend of anger and satisfaction set in.Penny, who had been waiting for me at the nurse station, waved the instant she saw me. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of delight which was replaced almost immediately with some curiosity."What happened?" Penny asked, worry ringing clearly in her tone.I forced out a smile, not wanting to add to her worries. "Nothing, just Rhea’s usual nonsense, nothing worth stressing about."Penny looked at me knowingly; she saw right through my attempt to downplay it. “Ella, come on. What did she say?”Looking around to see if anyone could hear us, I sighed. "That's a story for later but I have some big news now."“Really?” Penny lifted an eyebrow curiously the worry in her tone ebbing away.Stopping in my tracks, I turne
XAVIER'S POV There she stood, huddled closely behind Madame Browne. Claudia.Shock filled me to the brim with her presence, she stood awfully close to Madame Browne. A part of me dreaded the scene but I shrugged it away, it was obvious that she was invited under either a mistaken name or address.I passed my wine glass back to the MC and walked down the steps unto the main ground. I walked past the crowd, interacting with the few people that called on my attention.“So I told him that I would need at least a 30% equity rate.” I laughed at the unfunny joke, making sure that the guests felt relieved before running a background check. I moved about the hall, ensuring that everyone and everything was alright.I noticed that as I progressed Madame Browne's eyes never wavered away from my body, her gaze followed my every move but I didn't care. Once I had ensured that everything was fine, I made my way towards the door to step out.The guests were already begining to leave and just minut
XAVIER'S POV ~ NEW YORK ~I made my way into hallway and strutted purposefully towards the elevator. My mind was still reeling with confusion but I masked it as I waited for the elevator ride to come to an end.With the news of my uncle's impending arrival, it was hard to relax knowing any day from now, he'd step feet back into the mansion for reasons unknown to me. He left the McKinney household years ago, the last thing I remembered was him arguing with my grandfather, the president over the company.I vividly remembered how the president sending had sent me to my room saying he wanted to have a chat with my uncle but I knew something was wrong. I was young then, maybe twelve or fourteen, I guess.I had stayed back, standing close to the door, my ears pressed against the door. I eavesdropped on their supposed “conversation” which mostly comprised of low hushed voices.Although, I couldn't ear what they were talking about, I could tell they were arguing about something very controve
LUKE'S POV~ MOSCOW, RUSSIA ~Madame Browne had called me numerous times, usually to attend one of her events or to maintain the illusion that we were still a healthy couple. But I never expected that call. The one call I'd waited for— my wife's go ahead. As much as I didn't want to admit it, women ran the world. Madame Browne ran the game and we all know two power driven wolves don't always flock together.I wanted power and so did she. A collaboration with her could ruin the entire McKinney family for all it's worth but she'd held back back then heard ago and now, It happened.I lit a cigarette in between my lips, the lighter flickering a red hue in the dark room. The soft smell of blood and alcohol reeked into my nostrils as I declined into my chair.My office was always this filled— I'm a freaking mafia lord so what would you expect. The liquor on my desk laid untouched, swirls of mist from my cigarette surging into the air.Beside me were two damsels— my girls, in skimpy dresse
XAVIER'S POV I reread the message on the screen to make sure I wasn't seeing things. The news of uncle Luke's coming back meant nothing but danger. He'd left the McKinney family for years, barely showed up for events and now, he was back.But for what?The answer to that wasn't registered in my mind but I knew it wasn't going to be good. Uncle Luke had a long disagreement with my grandfather, the president, because he insisted on not handing over the McKinney bussiness heritage to him. I could still remember his words back then vividly, if he wasn't the heir nobody would. I relaxed on the seat of the car, my mind flashing through thoughts. The ride to the McKinney mansion was short and quiet— the tension unspoken.I still couldn't contain the astonishment in my veins, the words on the screen replaying in my head like a spell. I could still remember the glints of malice in Madame Browne's eyes, her eyes fixing on the camera as if she knew I'd watch the livestream.Once we arrived at
XAVIER'S POV “The McKinney pharmaceuticals has just received a major partnership to extend her business to countries like Asia and Africa.” I said, my voice melting a laugh of joy.I never expected to loose it over the news but for the business empire, this wasn't just any incredible partnership, it was the company's one shot to going global across the entire world. The president would be overjoyed if he heard the newds. Ella turned to me and asked if I was for real and I replied her, saying I really meant it.I'd always knew Ella was the one woman for me, my love relationship with her was the major turnover I'd ever had in my life. Funny enough, our story began with a one night stand and now this, we now found ourselves weaved in a string of passion and love.“We need to celebrate.” I said, reaching as I placed a kiss on her lips, the warm aftertaste of strawberries on my tongue. I pulled her closer, claiming her lips again, but this time, the kiss lasted longer.The silence in the
ELLA'S POV WITHIN JUST TWO HOURS, THE LATEST MEMBER OF THE MCKINNEY FAMILY, MRS ELLA, IS NOW THE MOST SEARCHED ON PERSON IN THEWORLD.My heart nearly leaped out of my chest when I read the message on the screen. Never in my life could I have ever imagined Madame Browne's interview, which I knew was a stunt to put me off my feet, could actually be setting me up for greatness.I could still remember struggling to respond to the interviewer's words and Madame Browne grinning backstage but now, the interview had gone viral. Madame Browne had thought the interview would give me a poor image in front of the media and earn me a few nods but she guessed wrong.Instead of the news of my failure, my success had intrigued many others. The elevator's soft chime came next and we rushed out into the last floor of the hospital.The presidential floor. A glance at the presidential floor of the hospital brought back a lot of memories. I remembered how the files and registers of the presidential flo
ELLA'S POV “It's the president.” My heart skipped a beat as I heard the worker's voice. I gripped my chest, fear gripping my lungs as I tried to keep a steady breathing system.Concern washed through my veins. What had happened? An attack? I knew he was aging but I'd never expected to find a healthy agilr man as the president to have an attack. Xavier took a step further from behind me, his hands gripping mine.“Where is he?” He asked, his voice sharp edged with a roll of command. The worker, who was still worked up from the fear, found it hard to give an instant reply.After what felt like a minute, her voice finally creaked out. “H… he has been rushed to the city hospital.” The lady spoke softly, glistening sweats trickling down her forehead.“Which one?” I asked, the impatience boiling in my tone.“The city hospital.” She said and before she could flutter out other words, we raced into the hallway.I ran despite on heels. I was really worried something bad had happened to the pr
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