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