CHAPTER SIXTEENELLA'S POVI woke up to the first ray of sunlight, the golden brown sunlight piercing into my eyelids. With a disorient yawn, I stretched my arms lazily as I felt a wave of tiredness hit my insides. For a moment, I just laid there, letting my mind cool off on the series of events today held. Today was the charity event day, and as much as I've been planning it, my mind was still a tangled mess. I yawned again, this time raising my body as I tried to wipe off the remnants of sleep.The clock, if i was currently, read 6:00 AM. Early, but I was used to it now. The event launches at the evening of today, a strategy to have all our schedules guests present. Today, I needed every extra minute to get ready. This event was my chance to prove myself, not just to the hospital but to everyone who had ever doubted me—including myself.I slid out of bed, the cold tile floor bracing my feet in a chilling embrace as I padded my way over to the bathroom. After bathing, I proceeded to
ELLA'S POV I glided briskly as I made my way past the hallways in the direction of Mr. Anderson's office. As I progressed through the hall's walls, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over me. Mr. Anderson's call was another testimony to confirm the rumors.Rhea had always been like this towards me, cruel, cold and jealous. I still couldn't place the reason she was jealous of me, my life was just as imperfect as any other nurse in the hospital. I felt a twinge of anger—Rhea had always been a thorn in my side, and it seemed like she’d found a new way to undermine me.As I finally arrived at the entrance of the door, my breath hitched in my chest, anxiety growing in my veins. I sighed deeply, reassuring myself that Rhea's accusations were going to be an easy squeeze. But a glance at the double doors of Mr. Anderson's office gave me a reason to rethink it.From the transparent glass, I could see Mr. Anderson mouthing some words in which I couldn't quite read. I ran my fingers
ELLA'S POV I was standing near the balcony, gasping for air and steadying my nerves. I could see the evening was coming and the charity event was in full swing, however, my brain was still spinning from the day's events. I needed a moment, just a few minutes of peace from the distress that had been going on in me since the day… well, since that kiss. But then I heard him before I saw him. Xavier. His presence was like a storm, which could be seen from miles away. The atmosphere around me was becoming a little bit heavier with his arrival. I didn’t turn around, nor did I acknowledge him, but he was not the kind of man you could easily ignore."So, you’re hiding now?" His voice was velvety, tinged with that arrogant charm he wielded with ease. "You know, it is not like you to run away, Ella."I took a slow, deep breath while my eyes were focused on the city lights through the glass. "I’m not hiding," I said, my voice steady. "Just… taking a break." He came nearer, filling the room wi
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
XAVIER'S POV “What are we going to do now sir?” My driver asked. “I don't still know yet, can't you double check. How can all the cars have they're tires deflated that is just impossible.” I countered, frustration steaming in my veins.I shifted my gaze over to the fleet of cars in the parking lot. They were all over a hundred and something and yet somehow, they're tires had been deflated.There was none I could use. My fists clenched instinctively and my heartbeat increased erratically. I couldn't let this happen. This was part of her antiques.Madame Browne.This was probably part of another one of her sick games.“I have an important meeting I must not miss, it's really important. I don't still understand how all the tires were suddenly deflated who could be behind it?” I ranted, even though I knew fully well it was all Madame Browne's handiwork.She was the mastermind behind all of this.She orchestrated this pull just to delay me and make me go late to the meeting with the sha
XAVIER'S POV I woke up early the next morning to the soft brush of Ella's fingers on my face. I opened my eyes slowly, a yawn tearing out of my lips.I stretched my arms disorientedly as I reached forward to grip her head. “How was your night?” Her voice was warm as I raised my back from the bed and placed a kiss on her forehead.She smiled softly. Seeing her smile made me feel so happy and filled with support. I brushed off loose strands of her hair with my fingers and fixed them to the back of her ears.“You look beautiful today darling,” I complemented, admiring her for a moment before I got up from the bed.“Thank you, hearing your complements make my heart flutter with joy.” She said and I smiled as I flexed my muscles.“What's the time now?” I asked, my breaths coming out in ragged puffs.“Relax, I woke up up early so you could meet up earliest with the second day at the office. I wouldn't want any Madame Browne scheme to stand in the way of you getting there early.” Ella remar
MADAME BROWNE'S POV “I forgot to ask, what is your name?” My voice echoed against the walls of the room, sending shivers down not just my spine but hers also. I moved my gaze to the figure standing in front of me.The soft golden hues of lights hung over her slim features. I watched her run her finger into my hair as if caressing it slowly before finally speaking, “It's Rochelle.”“Rochelle,” I repeated, nodding slowly. I stared at her for a second in admiration. She had just everything that was needed for the role.It would all be more than enough to ruin Xavier's reputation so that once it's Lucas's turn in the 21 days challenge, he wouldn't have to do much. I figured that out along the way. The mind of most humans worked with a certain logic and if you could crack it, you could as well rule over them.The plan was simple. Once Xavier's reputation is ruined in front of the board of directors, they will immediately vote for Lucas knowing fully he isn't really fitted for the role
MADAME BROWNE'S POV “How fast can you cook up a scandal?” I asked, my voice calm yet rising. The silence that followed my voice was ravishing the glimmers of impatience that seared into my veins whenever I thought of watching several media houses cook up false lies to the public about Xavier.I wanted them all to tag him as a scumbag, someone who cheated on his wife. This was going to be the best punishment for someone who had the audacity to openly insult my husband in front of the board of directors.I bet Lucas would enjoy it too. I clenched my jaw softly, trying to hold back the content that came from just thinking about getting revenge. This was definitely going to be worth every second I put in it.My gaze shifted over to the red wine that was in my glass cup. It had go e down and was due for a refill but I wouldn't do that just yet.I had to confirm from the lady standing in front of me first. She had everythingI had listed to the agency. They scouted the perfect fit for the
MADAME BROWNE'S POV “Madame Browne!” I heard a series of voices calling my name.My breath hitched in my chest at the sound as I turned my gaze steely to the direction the sound came from? Who was that?I arched my back sharply, clenching both my jaw and my fists as my grip on the frame tightened. I paced towards the door to my room, my heart racing erratically in my chest.Once I arrived at the door frame, I stared into the circular glass that enabled me to see who was approaching the room. Despite the glass lenses being dusty and blurry, I could still make out some of the figured of the people approaching the door.They were males— tall and heavily built.I tried to shift my eyes to other details that could help but there was nothing— nothing other than the blurry uniform they had on. I recognized it immediately, it was that of Jason's men.They were exactly the ones I had sent to deflate the tires to all of Xavier's cars. Why were they back?Worry seared into my blood as I swallow
MADAME BROWNE'S POVI paced towards it— the frame.Even after decades of death, he still looked just as dashing as the man I once called mine. His green eyes stared back at mine and burned a hole in my chest.I fiddled lightly, tilting my head in the direction of the door sharply. No one was supposed to come in here. The soft silence in the room braced the erratic beatings of my heart in my chest as I turned my gaze back at the figure of the frame.My fingers leaped forward quite effortlessly, it's tips gripping the wooden edges of the frame. I felt the hollow feeling that soared through my chest on most occasions.The man in the picture was gone.The last memory I had of him was when Lucas ran his bullets into his chest. I watched him bleed away, alongside that slut, Mary, his wife.She was the one that took him away from me. I'd always loved David with all my heart but after we severed the bond at the end of college, I felt jealous ever since. I know the info I'm spilling must be c
MADAME BROWNE'S POV “I want you two to go into the parking lot and deflate Xavier's tires.” I hushed, my voice low.Before continuing, I darted my eyes around the hallway just to ensure that no one was standing by. I couldn't risk having any one of the McKinneys overhear my words.I turned my gaze back to the stern figures of the two men in front of me. They were Lucas's men, the ones he gave the permission to follow my orders. “Hurry on,” I said and they turned swiftly moving into the hallways smoothly in the opposite direction.The sight of their backs reminded me of Lucas's words. He had given me one last order, and that was to give Xavier the right punishment. I wasn't going to do it all at once, I'd make it slow, deliberate in a way that'd make him regret ever crossing paths with me.I walked back up into my room, my feet gliding into the room that was reeking with tension. I searched all through it for a while, my fingers caressing the stress line that braced my neck.I moved
MADAME BROWNE'S POV “Let her go,” I heard a voice beam out from behind.The pain that revolved around my body was too firm to be overlooked. It pulsed through my veins, shaking my bones and feeling me with a nerving sensation that lingered. I felt like breaking down right there and then but then I remembered I signed up for this treatment I was receiving.That contract years ago gave him the right.I signed off my life to him.My master.His name lingered in my mind like a spell, replaying like a cursed melody. Upon his order, I heard the sound of his footsteps from behind. His men had fierce frowns on their face that spared no room for sympathy. They were all like this especially when on an order for their boss. They moved towards me and gripped the shackles that went round my wrist as they undid it casually.I heard their heavy breaths surging into my ears as the shackles clinged. The shackles on my wrist clattered as they pulled off, the pain that wrecked through the tissues in m
DISCLAIMER: This chapter contains scenes depicting physical restraint, included for narrative purpose. Reader discretion is suggested. LUCAS'S POV “What the hell?” I exclaimed, breaking into laughter as I stared at her. She had to be freaking joking. Marriage? Where the hell did she get the idea to ask me for such a thing? I never really saw Marriage as something that was worth investing in. It was all a baseless trap under a useless string called love. Unlike other people, I wasn't a fool.I was wise.Why have a lady for the rest of your life when you could actually bang as many hoes as you want while single?There were no logical answers to that question. It all resulted into baseless arguments and that usually makes my blood boil. My eyes darkened as I met Madame Browne's eyes. They stayed still, bubbling with unwavering determination. One look into her eyes and I could tell she was extremely determined. I could get her anything she asked for but marriage seemed to be far off