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
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
ELLA'S POV “The part I hid all these years?” The president's tone was etched with fear, for the first time, I saw fear glistening in his green eyes.Never had I seen his breath hitch, his back arch and his pupils dilating. With every step, Mr Lucas McKinney took, the room erupted slowly in an air of shunned tension.“Which part?” His voice was smooth, like granite but also daring. The president immediately broke into laughter, “Don't mind my jokes Lucas, I was just taking Xavier into the old room.” The president's voice made me shocked. I frowned. Was all of this a joke?I was about jumping into conclusion but once I saw him laughing hysterically, I knew he was pretending for Lucas. Lucas was also laughing alongside, his presence a threat.As the president laughed, I noticed his chest heaving abnormally. His eyes were brimming with tears which I pushed back under the guise of a laugh. “How did you know we were here, uncle Lucas?” I asked him softly, swallowing softly as I tried to
ELLA'S POV “The truth?” I asked, confusion written boldly all over me.What did he mean by the truth? I scrunched my nose gently as I reached out to help adjust his pillow. “What do you mean by the truth, Mr McKinney?” I asked him again, this time, he actually responded to me.“I have to tell Xavier— he deserves to know.” He said and his voice faltered halfway into a dry cough that had him jerking his chest. Just a s he said those words, Xavier ran into the room, confused at to where the confusion in the air was coming from.“What's happenin— grandpa, you're awake!” Xavier's jumped for joy with the glass of drinkable water in his hands. He walked over to the bed and I took the cup from him to give the president.Mr McKinney took the glass from Xavier and after taking a long sip of the water, he placed the cup back on the nearby table. After doing that, his voice croaked out, “X… Xavier.”His pale fingers stretched to reach Xavier's face, his lids flickering weakly. He was shaking but
ELLA'S POV “It’s a long story but if you don't help the president now, we could have a different story to tell.”My heart thumped hard against my ribcage as my eyes met the president's figure. His skin was already pale, his entire form unconscious. Fear gripped me on all four edges of my body as I gasped out.A shiver trudged up my spine. I tried to stay calm in the moment, it was good Ivy wasn't around, she went to do her homework and I wouldn't want her to be disheartened by the sight of her great-grandfather unconscious.“Grab me a long fabric we have to make sure to free his airways to atleast revive him.” I ordered Xavier as I rushed over to a side of our bedroom where I normally kept my hospital kit and opened it. I checked his heartbeat and was shocked to find out it was beating quite well.Just as I pulled off the heart rate monitor, I proceed to take the long linen fabric had brought. “We have to tie it over his chest, first we have to take away all jewelries and heavy fabri
THE PRESIDENT'S POVI wasn't planning to bring out the 21 day challenge to Lucas but since the situation elevated quickly, I had to pull out that one last card. I thought it'd scare him, push him backwards and make him have double thoughs about becoming the next president but instead, it fueled his interest.The desperation in my son's eyes as he accepted the offer was scary, even to me but I decided it was smart not to allow it reflect. I tilted my head to look at Xavier's s I flash him a signal, he pushed me in the direction of the door.The wheelchair was very comfortable I must say. It wasn't that bad. I considered it a free three month rest rom walking and having someone, Xavier, push me around. I had pushed me discharge date just to be at the McKinney mansion.The tension might seem a lot heated but since we're in my pov, I'll tell you this for free, things aren't as they are. Lucas was dangerous, i knew dark secrets of my own son I deserved to preserve from the world.Our rival
LUCAS'S POV.My heart skipped a beat at the president's words. What did he mean by conditions? I held my breath, waiting patiently for the next series of words that would slip out from the president's lips. I pant slowly, my chest heaving as discomfort pooled down my arms. I wasn't quite yet sure what to believe, was it his words or the pungent feeling in my veins that told me this was another one of his games.“Accepted.” I said, dragging the word. The president’s expression didn't change like I was expecting. His breath didn't shuder, his pupils didn't dilate, It was almost like it was all real.“And what is that, if I may ask?” I took a step further, noticing the change in the air. The president was seated comfortably on the wheelchair, his composure unfazed.The thin stripes of light from the fireplace in the room striked a side of his face, giving the contempt in the eyes a brighter glow that had me pulsing. He stared up at me, his head tilted upright. I swallowed softly, a str
MADAME BROWNE’S POV I couldn't believe my eyes.The president was alive.Fury washed through me in waves as I gazed back at his impending figure. The president sat comfortable on a wheelchair, his gaze firm like a king surveying his kingdom. Xavier was the one pushing him around and the sight of the both of them standing there made me furious.I thought Lucas said he should be dead by now. To even think that I was actually about to start celebrating when he told me the news only to realize that it was all a lie. The president had survived the attack and as always, my plans had been ruined.I bit hard into my lower lip as I clenched my fists, the sharp pain that came from the pressing sensation of my fingernails on my palms jolting my head upright. The president had a sneer on his face as he was wheeled back into the room.His presence caused my heart to nearly skip a beat. My breaths came hitching out, ragged puffs coming out of my nostrils. I tried to contain the shock in my veins b
LUCAS'S POV I watched as the fire flickered, crackling furiously in the fireplace. The golden rays it casted brightened the room in its dimmed light. I raised my wine glass feeling the weight of her gaze on my back.Madame Browne was seated at the counter at the other end of the room, her fingers pouring white wine into a glass cup. My mind was still reeling with emotions— malice, washing through my veins. After pouring herself a topped glass of white wine, she strode out of the counter, walking in my direction. I checked the time, it was way past 10. “You can stay behind if you want.” Her voice beamed, thin layers of remorse glistening in her midnight black eyes. She hadn't changed a bit, her hair stopped just before her hips which glided, the light from the fireplace casting an exquisite silhouette of her body against the wall opposite her.I laughed, a low grunt following the few seconds of laughter that rolled out of my lips.My fingers curled against a glass of liquor. I raise
XAVIER'S POV I couldn't believe my eyes. The rage and the anger in my veins all washed away once my eyes met his. The president. He… he was alive?My jaw fell as my fingers brushed my eyes to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. The president, the same man the doctor had proclaimed dead, was standing right there, in a hospital gown on a wheelchair.I had a lot of questions bubbling up in my mind, queries surfacing as I watched him being pushed closer. The look on my face did not do enough justice to the series of emotions I had reeling in my veins.My heart skipped a beat, maybe even two. I turned my head to glare at Doctor Jiang, he wasn't shocked. He sat on his chair, tucked nearly back on the high neck swivel chair as if I hadn't pushed him against a wall some minutes ago.Slowly, I tilted my head back to see the president and confirm it all. He was still there. No, that couldn't be. Just hours ago, he was rushed into the surgery room with little chances of making it out alive and no
XAVIER'S POV After the last nurse stepped into the theater room, I watched the door close. The lights against the wall glistened red hues that sent shivers down my spine.I waited behind in the hallways waiting patiently for the feedback from the doctor. I had been sitting there for over an hour and a half now. It seemed the surgery wasn't going to finish any minute from now.My mind was filled with worries, intrusive thoughts and concerns about the president. What if he didn't make it? I shook my head softly, trying to remove the thought from my mind.Thinking negative things could only make them happen, I had to look on the bright side. For starters, the doctor had told me the president had a very strong heart that was able to withstand the last two attacks so I was sure, it would be able to withstand this one also.I ransacked my mind for other good points I could deliberate about but I found nothing— nothing but the intrusive thoughts that lingered freely in my mind. The silence