ELLA'S POV “Don't you dare—” I threatened, ready to tear into Rhea. The sight of her made my skin crawl as I felt a sense of dread running in my veins. The sight of Rhea confronting Ivy was like a punch to my gut. I had been racing through the hospital, my mind a whirl of panic and worry, only to arrive and see Rhea, of all people, taunting my daughter. My heart pounded as I saw Rhea standing over Ivy, her smug expression a stark contrast to the tears streaming down Ivy’s face. The other nurses, those who always seemed to find a way to look down on me, were huddled around, their laughter sharp and cruel. I felt a surge of anger rise up, hot and fierce. How dare they? How dare Rhea use her position to hurt my child?Her words cut through the air, each one a blade aimed straight at Ivy’s vulnerable heart. I could barely hear the details, the anger in me blurring the specifics. All I could focus on was the sight of Ivy, small and trembling, her face streaked with tears."How could you
ELLA'S POV“Yes or yes?” Xavier’s words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. The weight of his offer, the audacity of it, made my blood run cold. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, each beat reminding me of the enormity of the situation. I wasn’t ready to give in to him. Not now, not ever.But as I opened my mouth to speak, to tell him exactly what I thought of his manipulative proposal, the door creaked open, and Mr. Anderson stepped into the room. My words caught in my throat as I glanced at Xavier, wondering how he would react.“Mr. McKinney,” Mr. Anderson began, his voice almost reverent. “I just wanted to make sure everything is proceeding smoothly with our plans—”Xavier’s gaze didn’t leave mine as he raised a hand, cutting off Mr. Anderson mid-sentence. “You’re dismissed,” he said, his tone commanding and dismissive all at once.I watched, astonished, as Mr. Anderson faltered for a moment, looking almost like a scolded child, before nodding quickly and retreating fr
ELLA'S POV I looked up to find myself staring into the eyes of Xavier McKinney. Of course, it had to be him. My heart leaped into my throat as his hands gripped my arms, holding me upright. The intensity in his gaze was almost too much to bear, and for a moment, I was frozen, trapped between the urge to pull away and the undeniable pull he had on me.“Ella,” he said, his voice low, filled with something I couldn’t quite place. “We need to talk.”I swallowed hard, forcing myself to breathe as I nodded. “I—okay. Just… let go of me.”He released me slowly, his fingers trailing down my arms before finally letting go. I stared at Xavier, trying to keep my composure as he stood there, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race. "Why act like a stranger, Ella? We both know what happened that night wasn’t just a fluke. It was real—undeniable."His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I fought the urge to look away, to avoid the way his eyes seemed to pierce through
ELLA'S POV “Mommy why is Mr Halpern here with our things?” I heard Ivy say as she tugged at my fingertips. I stood frozen in my own tracks as I watched my most dreaded scene play before my eyes. Mr Halpern, my die-hard Landlord, was back again. He was very strict when it had to do with his rent's pay. My rent had gone due just today and he was already getting ready to kick me out.“Here are your bags,” Those were the only words I received from those cold lips of his. Mr Halpern possessed a short stout figure, draped in a disheveled grey suit and a ridiculous tangled moustache. “I don't understand, why are you kicking me out already my rent's just due by a day.” I managed to express a little out of the numerous emotions I had flowing in my bloodstream. Mr Halpern's stout figure pulled closer, “Well, if you had responded to the 35 mail I sent to you to pay your rent before it goes due, we wouldn't be having this conversation.”A smirk escaped my lips as I exhaled deeply trying to main
EllA'S POVTHE NEXT DAY."Grin, grinn!" The loud buzzing of my alarm clock rang into my ears causing me to pull from my once peaceful sleep. With a disoriented yawn, I stretched my fingers in an attempt to turn off the alarm.And just when I thought I did, the ringing ceased. My eyelids opened slowly, my weak eyes adjusting to the piercing sunlight from the windows. My eyes opened to the cute view of Ivy, my daughter."What are you doing, sweetie?" I asked, my voice coming out as an hoarse whisper as I pinched her cheeks softly. "Wake up, mummy. I have school, remember?"My eyelids chimed open slowly, this time, meeting the piercing determination in Ivy's eyes. No trace of sleep lingered in her bright eyes. With a soft sigh, I pushed the covers aside and helped her get dressed. After selecting her outfit, I watched her walk out of her closet dressed in a pink gown and leggings. After that was done, I proceeded to fixing her hair in a neat ponytail. With my comb running through the
XAVIER'S POVRhea's voice was like nails on a chalkboard, “I’m far better than Ella in every way. I could give you everything she can’t.” Her lips moved closer, her intentions clear.As she made an attempt to kiss my lips, I couldn't help but notice the glints of desire glistening in Rhea's eyes. She was obviously jealous of my interest in Ella and had been trying to get my attention ever since. I noticed my response to her actions had a toil over Ella. The only reason I continued was to make Ella jealous and see where this act could lead on to.I caught her wrist before she could close the gap, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ella standing at the door. I hesitated, and then, on impulse, I let go of Rhea's wrist and pulled her in for the kiss she was so desperate for. It was all for show, all to provoke, to remind Ella of something that still lingered between us.Ella didn't make a sound, but I could see the way her eyes wid
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
XAVIER'S POVMy heart quivered in my chest as my eyes met his. He was back. The sensation I felt in my veins couldn't be described by how much shock I had reeling in my veins, rather, it could be measured by the amount of uncertainty and dread that evaded my senses.The pointer in my hands falters to the floor but I was too stunned to pick it up. Everyone including the business partners all turned their gazes over to him.Lucas stood there, like darkness etched against a little glimmer of light. My breaths seeped out in hushed puffs as he stepped further, each step bringing him further to the table.The media flashed their cameras at him and then, as if I was expecting it, he smirked. They all cower back in fear as he walks over to the table, his steps edged further from the regular chairs to the high neck swivel one at the other end of the table.The president's chair.It glistened on the other end like strawberries on a mojito. Uncle Lucas's steps were charged at it and with the loo
LU KE'S P O VThe instant I stepped foot into the McKinney pharmaceuticals office, the air changed. Well, if you'd like to place it in my words, the reception room erupted stunned gasps and gawks of bewilderment. That was something I was used to.You could as well call me a show stopper, the one with the power to instil fear and shock into your mind at the same time. My struts demanded attention causing several heads to turn in my direction. They had a reason to be shocked though. Lucas McKinney was finally back! I bet it rang in their minds like bells jungling and sent cold shivers into their spines.You see, my coming back to the McKinney office was like when the prodigal son finally strutted back into father's yard after losing all of his wealth. But in my case, there wasn't any losses infact, I was here to reap one thing— the president seat that was rightfully mine.The thirst for power burned hard in my veins, rocking alongside the heartbeats in my chest. I wasn't expecting to f
XAVIER'S POVI arrived at the tall skyscraping building of the McKinney pharmaceuticals for a board meeting that I had scheduled. It was with the brand that had offered to be our sponsors in taking our branches to other remote continents like Africa and Asia.I walked out of the car and made my way into the building. My bodyguards of course were hovering close, leading the way. I waved through the crowd of people, the cameras flashing as I stepped into the building.Red stop lines lined the buildings, the news of the partnership had spreaded and the media being here wasn't a source of shock. I was used to it, it was obvious they'd received a heads up from an in house staff or from the sponsor's company.But either way, it was good.This was another one out of the countless list of partnership deals I'd bagged for the McKinney pharmaceuticals and I knew Madame Browne was watching me clearly from a tv screen. I arrived into the reception of the office, walking past workers who all part
XAVIER'S POV The next morning came swiftly, like a curse reaching its expiry date. I woke up on the bed, my arms wrapped around Ella's body. I placed a kiss on her forehead as I courteously slipped out of bed. I didn't want to wake her up quickly since she'd spent weeks planning the event and now that she had succeeded at it, I believed she deserved each and every moment of rest she got. The cold from the tiles braced my feet as I took slow purposeful steps towards the mirror in the dressing room.The glass reflected the worry glistening in my eyes but I masked it quickly before walking into the balcony. My uncle was coming today and if anything, I would allow neither him nor Madame Browne sense my worry.I had to prepare for their presence, I would try all my best to get as much information on Madame Browne and Uncle Luke as I could. I heard he'd left for Russia and had built his wealth on some shady businesses. I'd shrugged the information off the last time I heard about it, but n
XAVIER'S POV I stepped into the room with my heart tightly grasped in my chest. The door to the room snapped open, as my eyes wandering in a effort driven search for her. Ella wasn't there— she wasn’t on the bed where I'd left her.The room's hollow silence was chilling enough to drive concern in my veins and it did, but instead of just concern, dread loomed alongside.My eyes searched for Ella everywhere, my gaze surveying everything in the room. I balled up my fists, my face contorted in a frown. Hot, incredibly hot air surged out of my nostrils. Where had she gone? “Ella,” I called out, my voice softly echoing against the walls of the room.I expected a response to somehow erupt from somewhere in the room but all I received was a cold haunting silence. I waited a second before walking out of the room, taking my time to ensure there wasn't a living chance that Ella was inside the room.I was worried, my palms were clogged wet and I felt uncomfortable knowing anything could have
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