XAVIER'S POV I carried Ella into the mansion, her body heavy with drunkenness, though she wasn’t entirely out. Her head lolled against my chest, the scent of alcohol thick on her breath. As we stepped inside, I motioned for my men to help me get her up to my room. Her words were a jumbled mess, half slurred, but the challenge in them was unmistakable.I followed them as I walked past the tight security at the gate all the way to the main mansion. As we proceeded, several maids all bowed and offered greetings. Normally I would dismiss the greetings but today, I acknowledged them lightly with nods and slight hand gestures. With Ella being helped by my men, we entered into the mansion, it's tall walls hinting elegance upon every stare. The coloring were elegant, yet mature— just the way I wanted it to be. I continued in my tracks, veering and turning as we grew closer to my room.As we grew closer, my mind wavered back to the thought of Ella. If I hadn't stepped in back then, she would
ELLA'S POV "CAN I LEAVE NOW?" I managed to utter with a feigned arrogance. I stared at the his cold pair of eyes, his face was almost that with a warrior's mask. My body throbbed from the ache, I tried to rise up to the floorI slowly sat up in bed, finally feeling some strength returning to my limbs. The room smelled of him—fresh, clean, with a hint of something darker underneath. I couldn’t decide if it was comforting or unsettling. Either way, I needed to get out of here. At the same time, my head was beating with the loud noise of a hangover, however, I toned it down, and put my mind on the mission: leaving.The bathroom was just a few feet away, but amidst my steps there, I couldn't help but have seen the surrounding luxury. Everything about this place screamed wealth and power, from the polished marble floors to the massive windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. It was all so... Xavier. When I entered the bathroom, I washed my face with cold water, but I hoped
ELLA'S POV I stepped out of the sleek, black car Xavier had organized to being me home as the evening breeze embraced my curls causing it to go in the air. Tugging some loose strands behind my ear, I stared back at the shady figure of my apartment. With a sigh, I continued in my tracks as I walked in the direction of the building,my mind flashing back to the thought of Ivy at Mr and Mrs Thompson’s.They had offered to help watch Ivy down till the night as I had told them I would return late since I had to supervise the event down till it's end. As I walked past the group of security at the gate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread.My heels clapped against the hard floor as I made my way towards the door of my apartment. My plan was to enter, freshen up before going to pick up Ivy at the next apartment. But to my shock, when I arrived at the door, I felt a frisson of pure shock in my veins. A low growl escaped my throat as I stared at the unfamiliar lock. That bastard landlord
ELLA'S POV My stomach churned at her words as I felt a rush of anger searing in my veins. My gaze flashed back at the heart wrenching view of my college best friend, Maggie, curled up in the arms of Matt, my ex-boyfriend. The view of the two of them together made my skin crawl as I face twisted into a sneer of disgust. I froze in my tracks, the evening breeze sending cold shivers down my spine. Maggie flashed me a look of undisguised disdain as she said, “Guess even leftovers get reheated.” Her words fueled my anger even more as I felt an urge to tear into them, how dare she? Even after betraying me years ago, she still had to courage to throw insults. My jaw tightened as I masked my anger with a serious frown not hinting any emotions. “My mommy's not trash,” I felt Ivy's grip over my fingers loosen as she squealed in my defense. My heart burned as Maggie broke into a giggle, one that only ensued my anger. “Well, what do we have here.” She turned in Ivy's direction about to beg
ELLA'S POV "He’s my husband, Ivy’s father," I heard myself say, the words tumbling out before I could think twice. There was a breathless moment as if the entire room instantaneously held its breath and then the reaction spread through the crowd like a ripple effect. The words remained ringing in my ears, it was as if, someone else said them. But no it was me – Ella Rocci, who, with uttermost shocking surprise of my life, had just stated that the man besides me was her husband!Xavier didn’t flinch one bit. Without any flinch he then moved his arm around my waist and drew me close as if it was scripted. The contact with his hand at my hip made me sizzle and buck, and the feel of his fingers and palm connecting to my body was a comfort from the unknown that I hadn’t had in years. I could feel the eyes of every single person in the room shift to us, staring with shock intermingled with confusion. It took a few seconds, and by the look on Maggie’s face, she looked as though a light had
ELLA'S POV His eyes glinted with intrigue. “And what’s that?” I let out a shaky breath, steadying myself. “We do this on my terms, Xavier. No games, no manipulation. Just what’s best for Ivy.” “And to ensure a healthy financial background in front of Ivy, we are going to be staying in my apartment for the first three months of our marriage,” I let out my voice in a gasp as I tried so hard to hide all hints of fear from my voice. I could have sworn I saw his gaze harden, his eyes brushing my body hungrily. I was ready to take a huge step, one that included me playing a game with the almighty Xavier McKinney. Xavier’s smile was slow, confident. He knew he had me, but he was smart enough not to gloat. “Deal,” he said, his tone carrying a promise I wasn’t sure I was ready for. “Yay, I finally get to show daddy to my friends.” I heard Ivy yell in joy. I frowned my face slightly as I headed back into the party. When I arrived, the whole event was in full swing, the buzzing of the mu
ELLA'S POV My senses were ransacked by his presence. Xavier. There he was, standing just meters away from my body, the pulsating beats of the music playing steadying my nerves as I started back at him. His presence stroke wagers in me, shivers running up my spine.As usual, I masked my reaction with a facade that was almost slipping off. My connection with Xavier was intense, and despite my best efforts, he could always see through me. Xavier’s gaze held a dangerous edge as he leaned closer. “You know, Ella, I remember the woman I met at the club four years ago. The one with the fire in her eyes and that seductive edge.”I couldn’t help but shiver at the memory he evoked—those nights filled with reckless abandon and desire. He continued, his voice low and smooth. “You’re just this close to slipping into my arms again. I can see it.”My heart raced as he took another step closer, the space between us diminishing. The warmth of his breath on my skin made it hard to keep my composure.
ELLA'S POV The grip on my wrist was tight— too tight. I couldn't help but feel a lash of pain as Kelvin's fingers dug deeper into my skin. I noticed a sly smile on the corners of his lips which made my stomach churn. I'd always known he had a thing for me but never did I for once knew he was this obsessed. His eyes were burning lust, rage and another emotion I couldn't quite reach.“Let go of me,” I tried to must as much courage as I could. I pulled from his grip but that didn't work, his fingers only dug deeper into the surface of my body.“Ella, you’re with some rich guy now, huh? Think you’re too good for people like me?” His voice was a low growl, oozing with bitterness and something darker that made my stomach twist. I tried to pull away, but his hold only tightened. “Let go of me, Kelvin,” I demanded, struggling to keep my voice steady. “You shouldn’t even be here.”He sneered, leaning in closer, the smell of stale alcohol on his breath. “Doesn’t matter how I got here. What ma
ELLA'S POV “We're back, the cameras have been set. I set one behind the rose bouquet we kept there and I know it will capture her quicker than we expect.”I tilted my head in the direction of the door as I caught the two figures of the maids as they strutted back into the room. I could already sense their eagerness from a mile away, it whiffed over me and so did that of the other maids lined up behind me.I could hear each and every one of the ragged gasps as I my fingers inched closer to the keyboard.I wasn't sure whether it was the tension in the room or the unsettling sensation in my veins but I couldn't help be restless. I tried to shake it off but I failed woefully.My fingers tapped over the keys and as the soft cold bracing the keys tinged against my fingertips, I felt a cold chill run down my veins. "Were you able to fix the camera chips in the right places?" I quirked my brows as I asked them. The maids who I gave the chips turned at me and strutted closer to me. I tighten
ELLA'S POV “One…” I drawled as I pushed the door open. It creaked open almost immediately and I was met by the sight of Cassandra standing there beside the president.The president was neatly tucked in on the bed, his lean body figure laid to sleep. From the soft sound of his snores, it was evident he was having a good sleep. Describing this scene should've been innocent if not that she was in the room.Cassandra.She stood dangerously close to him and in the corner of my eyes, I caught sight of the syringe I saw her holding in the hallway. The instant she saw me, her eyes lit up and in the blink of my eyes, the syringe I could've sworn I saw with her disappeared.I arched my brows in confusion as I clutched my chin, “W… where is it?” my lips quivered as the words skittered out.She raised her brow at me with suspicion laced in her eyes, “What did you mean Mrs Ella?” Her lips pulled into a welcoming smile that sent a wave of chills down my spine as I tucked my arms around each other
ELLA'S POV “The plan is simple, I want each and every one of you to support me in bringing Madame Browne and Rochelle down. Rochelle is telling lies and her claims to being my husband's concubine are all lies. She has a fake belly bump and I need your help in proving that.” I beamed and the maids all turned to each other in confusion.“Yes. I understand you're all shocked that I don't have much time. This is a picture of a fake belly bump.” I continued as I brought out my phone and searched for a fake belly bump picture on my phone's browser.Once it was fully loaded, I passed my phone to one of the maids to pass it over to the rest of them. Sitting back in the chair Madeline gave me, I watched as they all passed my phone around until it was given back to me.When I received it, it was on shaky fingers as I clutched my chest in an aim to steady the heavy beatings in my chest. One of the maids rushed to the side of the room and came back running towards me with a glass of water in her
ELLA'S POV “Are you coming with us?” My lips pulled apart as I darted my gaze in her direction. The maid behind stepped closer to us as I waited patiently for her response. From what I saw, it was vividly tell she was debating my words.In her eyes, I caught the embers of hesitation and fear. “We'll be there together Madison.” I assured as I stretched my fingers and gripped her shoulders. I bit hard into my lower lip as anxiety pulsed through my veins. I wasn't sure why she was taking longer than expected to give me a response but I clearly see that she was scared. Her eyes widened and I noticed the chills that seemed to lash down her back whenever she tried to speak.“Madison?” I called her name one last time as I raised my gaze to meet the widened eyes of Madison. Her eyes lit up as she nodded in agreement and immediately replied me, “Yes, after much contemplation, I have decided that I can't stay here any longer. I am ready to return to the McKinney mansion but this time, I'll s
XAVIER'S POV Dear readers, if you thought I died, clutch your hearts because I am about to face something far worse.“In a few seconds Xavier, you'll meet your death. The car will explode as the warehouse you're about to crash into is a refinery of highly sensitive explosives.” The driver's words echoed against the inner walls of my ears and I tried to process it but my mind stayed blank. I tried to reason but my sixth sense seemed to have failed me.When it clicked back in, my brows knitted close as I uttered, “You?” I didn't quite get him. What did he mean by me? Was it an error or did he actually mean it?As I pondered, I caught the sight of a menacing smile tugging at his lips as his fingers clutched the door handle. My eyes widened in shock as I tried to react but before I could move my restless muscles, he pushed the door open and jumped out, leaving me all alone in the car."See you in hell." He beamed as he lunged out of the car with a wicked smile playing on his lips.Whe
XAVIER'S POV I watched the cityscape blur by as the car veered sharply into the street leading towards the office. As he drove, I couldn't help but check the time on my wrist watch every two minutes. I couldn't afford to be late.I had to be there.That meeting… it wasn't going to happen without me.The shareholders must think they're making the right choice by voting for Madame Browne but they were wrong. I darted my gaze to my wrist as I skimmed my wristwatch for the umpteenth time that minute.“Can you drive faster?” I pulled close to the driver seat as I tapped the driver's shoulder and he tilted his face towards me. “We're almost there sir, I'd appreciate it if you exercise some patience. I'm going as fast as I can.” He responded and I clenched my fists tightly.My eyes flared up as impatience shimmered in them. “Listen, I don't have the time to wait that long, go on the highest speed if you must but you have to get there quickly.” I ordered and he immediately nodded as I press
XAVIER'S POV The shock from the interview was still reeling in my veins. I couldn't believe it. Madame Browne set me up. She planned each and every one of the activities that went on.I couldn't believe I allowed myself to get knocked off by their plan. I clenched my fists and frowned as I strolled into the room only to find it empty. My brows arched in confusion as I gripped my jaw. I could've sworn she was following me just now. She was right behind me but now, she wasn't.I wasn't sure whether to worry or feel angered by the fact my reputation was dented by that hypocritical interview. I paced out of the room and as I stared at the hallway, I expected to find her strutting towards the door but she wasn't there.As I thought about it, my mind flashed back to the grin tugged at the corners of Lucas's face. It was obvious he had won. Just as the thought punched through my mind, I felt my veins twitch as I jammed the door close.With a dark frown on my face, I paced towards the mini
ELLA'S POV When the thought crossed my mind, I immediately knew what I wanted to do. I stepped out of the car in a hurry and launched in the direction of the double door leading into the mansion.The guards standing by it pulled it open as they saw me running. Once I got there, they asked me questions. “Is there any problem, ma'am?” I shook my head and continued running.I ran up the stairs and as I skipped over some of them, I paced into the elevator. I waited for the door to close before I tapped the button of the number of the floor I was headed to.I waited for the door to chime open before I continued running down the hallway. I sped past the flickering lights as I finally arrived at the door, I gripped the door knob tightly. I knocked on the door of the maid's quarters and as it finally pulled open, I met the sight of a shocked maid who was holding a cleaning rag.“Ma'am Ella?” She gasped out but I ignored her shock and raced into the room. The other maids in the room all shift
ELLA'S POV When the doctor stepped into the scene in front of the cameras, I noticed a sudden gasp that escaped Xavier's lips. I tilted my head in his direction as I held his hand, I knew he was nervous also.If I were to say the truth, I was also nervous but I hid mine perfectly under a smile. The cameras shifted sharply to Doctor Huang's figure as the management fixed his ear chords and attached a micro speaker to his shirt.After they did that, he proceeded to bring out the paper slip as he shifted his attention to the paper slip in his hands. He clutched it tightly and after that, he proceeded to read out the result to the audience watching.“Regarding Ms Rochelle's baby, Mr Xavier McKinney, you are…” my heart skipped a beat as I clutched a handful of my dresses in fear. Even though I knew what the doctor was going to say, I couldn't help it but feel scared.What if it all turned upside down?I shook my head as I removed my mind from the thought. Doctor Huang was a family doctor