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
ELLA'S POV "Whatever you’re trying to prove, Ella," He said, his voice softer, "it doesn’t change what’s between us.""I have to return back to work, sir?" I said, my head bent in an aim not to catch his gaze."You're mine, Ella." I heard him say, my mind freezing with fear as I lose myself in the ocean blue color of his eyes. The intoxicating fragrance of his body flared my nostrils, woody and dangerously seductively — I'd deduce. I couldn't help it but acknowledge the enticing feature of his body, his almost perfect body standing just an inch away from mine. The fiery burn in his eyes held me in their captivating charm, the heat of the moment causing me to snap back into reality. I wasn't his, I told myself countlessly as my body throbbed, aching for his touch. Pulling my self back, I said slowly freeing my hand from his grip, "I have to get back to work, sir." Flashing a final glance at him, I turned in an elegant swivel heading in the direction of the hospital. The glance I fl
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
ELLA'S POV I woke up to the soft sounds of Xavier pulling out of the bed. His soft footsteps pulled me out of sleep as I flustered my lids open. I was welcomed by the sight of him getting dressed and checking out his outfit in the mirror of the dressing room. I still hadn't made It up to him about what happened last night.His silence and the absence of his early morning hums hinted that he was mad at me. I stood up from the bed, putting on the robe as I walked in his direction. From where I stood, I could see him standing by a side of the dressing room. He was adjusting his tie while staring at his own reflection in the mirror. Xavier's jaw was well clenched as I made my way into the dressing room.I walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder from behind. “Hello handsome.” I said, laughing as I teased. Xavier was able to hold himself from laughing but I had other plans to make him laugh.I reached forward and hugged from behind feeling the soft texture of his shirt. The soft s
CAROLINE'S POVWhen that lady, Ella walked towards me back then in the room, my heart skipped a beat. I had to do something, anything. I tried to mask my anxiety and I used that bitch fell for it.I was expecting her to walk out of the room and never show her face again but she stood her ground, her gaze holding mine. She really did have some courage from what Madame Browne told me. I thought I'd meet a feeble, easily manipulated lady but she was different.Ella Rocci really did have an eye for catching details, an hard nut to crack if you asked me but like all the others, I'd get over her. She smiled softly at me for what felt like a minute before she spoke about giving me an interview. My heart skipped a beat as fear lit up in my eyes but I immediately hid it.I followed her with a soft gaze until she was back to the door before I said, “That'll be fine by me. When is going to take place?” She spun around, a daring look into her eyes. “I'll let you know when the time comes Carolin
ELLA'S POV Who was that?I was pulled back into the elevator and I felt my back run into the hard chest of a man. I immediately tried to move away from it— whoever he was. I had to get out of here.Just then, the elevator’s lights flickered on.My heart shook in my chest as I was met by the figure. Xavier, in his sleeping attire with a restless look on his face. “Ella, I thought I told you not to worry.” His tone was soft as his hand slid around my neck.“I'm sorry, I just—” I tried to build up words but he interrupted me halfway, “I get you're worried about the president, I am also as worried as you. Together, we'll make it work.”Following his words were the comfort of receiving reassurance from the one person I loved the most. A sexy smile made it's way to his face, the dim lights in the elevator bracing his face. I pulled closer to him as his hand gripped my waist as he pulled closer to him, his lips pausing before my ear lobe. “the president will be fine only if we can give him
ELLA'S POV I paced backwards, a chill running through my veins. Sweat trickled down my forehead as I glared hard at the prominent figure of Caroline.Just before I could take another step backward, she stopped walking and stared at me. She glared hard at me for what felt like a minute before I saw recognition glisten in her eyes.“Ma'am, what are you doing at this odd hour, I was afraid the president was getting attacked.” My heart skipped a beat at the sound of her voice.I still didn't believe her words, a few seconds ago her eyes were bloodshot, contempt rolling freely in them and now, she was acting like she'd just seen me? I calmed my heavy breathing to reply her, “I… I ac.. I.” I struggled to build the words as I stuttere making a fool of myself. Just as she'd spoken, I watched two other figures pull out from behind her.They were prominent, like that of well built men. The shadows in the hallway draped over their figures so I couldn't get a clear sight of them.I wasn't sure
ELLA' POVCaroline.Even the sound of her name made me feel anxious. I ran a finger into my hair, staring helplessly at Xavier as he guided me into our bedroom. My body was sore and the relief I felt to lay on the soft cushions was great.“I don't feel the president is safe around her, Xavier?” I mumbled, struggling to stay awake. My eyelids were already closed and it was almost midnight.Xavier, who was in the bathroom, strutted out. He was just as tired as I was and seeing him like that, I decided not to press on. I rubbed my knuckles lazily on my eyes as I bit back a yawn.I had to stay awake.Something in me still couldn't relax knowing fully well the president was left under the supervision of a total stranger. Xavier walked over to the bed and before he got on it, he patted my head softly.“The president will be just fine, the security at the hallways are guiding the room just Incase.” Xavier’s voice faltered into a yawn just after he finished.I tried to relax— to let off the t
ELLA'S POV AT THE MCKINNEY MANSIONI watched the president sleep peacefully. Xavier was by the other end of the room, he was also watching the president like I was. The silence in the room was soft unlike any other. I couldn't take my eyes of the president so quick.What if uncle Lucas came back?The thought of that alone was enough to keep my awake. My body was sore with pain as I adjusted my seat. As the time pulled by I began feeling sleepy. I tilted my head in Xavier's eyes to check up on Xavier.He was already asleep. I had to stay awake, atleast since Xavier was asleep. Someone had to stay awake in order to alert the others in case anything happened.I stayed awake for a while until I was pulling into sleep. My eyelids were struggling to stay up and my weak body was already pulling into the charm of sleep. My back arched instinctively as I settled deeper into the chair I was seating and before I knew it, I was already falling asleep.The silence in the room eased the sleep that
POISON'S POVIf you asked me, I'd tell you this place smelled like shit.It looked like a torn out piece of a 6 year old Disn*y princess scrapbook, colored in pink. I couldn't stand it here, everything annoyed me.The constant reek of roses in the air, the fake giggles of the lady present, everything did!I didn't mean to sound rude but who the actual fuck pays ten grand for a makeover. It's not as if the person I am going to kill is a young, important person. It's an old man who's already on his sick bed.I smirked as I watched Madame Browne spoke with the lady. I felt irritated by this— the lady's fake giggle, the malice dripping beneath the sickeningly sweet facade in the tones. I rolled my eyes reading meaning into each and every one of the words they spoke.When Madame Browne agree to pay ten grand, my jaw fell. It seemed as if the job really did mean a lot to her, I wasn't going to disappoint anyways. I grumbled as the two workers in the store led me in the direction of a door t
MADAME BROWNE'S POV “We're here ma'am.” I heard the driver's voice. I pulled out of thoughts and turned my head in the direction of the car's window to stare at the impending figure of a beautician's shop. It was the best lead I could get but I was sure they'd do much good in converting Poison back into the feminine lady she used to be.I had to make her look as feminine as possible. The driver got out of the car and opened the car door for me as I stepped out, feeling the sudden gust of the evening breeze. Poison waited in the car and was also getting ready to step out of the car when I flashed her a glance.“We're about to step in there, do not say anything as I'll be doing all the talking.” I ordered, a cold frown on my face. She nodded but I could still see the few glints of mischief that glistened in her eyes. “And to make this clear, do not steal or show your god-damned kleptomaniac character over here. I'm good friends with the owner and if I here you up in there doing some
M ADAME BRO WNE'S POV “Hello,” I said, my voice hoarse. I could still feel the prick of glass on my palms, the soft pain but I overlooked it. The entire room reeked of sweat and alcohol. I waited a long minute before the person on the other end finally responded me. On the other end of the line, I could hear grunting and loud cursing. My patience soon waned once I checked the waiting time and saw it had been 40 seconds already.I scowl angrily, pulling the phone as I stretched my index finger to press the end call button. Before I could press it, the call was picked and a husky feminine voice beamed out from my speakers. “Hello, this is Poison speaking, if it's another loan company, I swear too God I am going to freaking come and deal with y'all myself.” I heard the familiar voice of one of my girls, Poison, my go-to actually.She was the perfect one for the role. “Hey, this ain't no loan shark company, it's Madame Browne.” I said and listened closely as a hushed silence followed m