EllaThe air was thick with tension as Logan stood in my doorway, his eyes wide as if he were seeing me for the first time even.Even though I never wanted to admit it, I had taken extra care with my appearance today, veering away from my usual casual off-work attire.My long black velvet skirt seemed to capture his a
Ella“Aren’t you going to try it on?”Logan cocked his head as he looked back and forth between me and the dress. He was right; normally, I would try something like this on before I bought it. But right now, I just wanted to leave. His statement about his vacation in the tropics had left me reeling and disgusted, and I didn’t want to spend any more time with him than what was absolutely necessary right now.
EllaMy eyes widened at the attendant’s comment. “What do you mean by ‘he really likes me’?”She hesitated, as if she was unsure how much to reveal. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop earlier, but you guys aren’t exactly quiet,” she finally said, her eyes darting to the curtain behind which I had hidden from Logan—and my own reflections—just minutes before.
EllaLogan’s words had me feeling as though the fire that the sales attendant had started had just been stoked.“All done?” he asked, pushing himself off of the wall.“Not even close,” I growled.
EllaLogan pulled up in his sleek, black car, and the moment I opened, I could feel his eyes on me.“You look... wow,” he said, clearly searching for the right word. “Would you mind doing a little spin?”Feeling my cheeks flush, I spun around, the fabric of my blue dress swishing around me. I h
Ella Logan’s grip on my waist tightened as Leonard appeared again, his eyes more calculating than ever. “Ella, your father is coming tonight, correct?” I swallowed hard, my eyes darting around the extravagant room as if it could offer me a way out of this situation. “Yes, they got caught up in traffic, but they’re on their way.” Leonard smirked, sipping his champagne. “And what about your little sister? Will she be gracing us with her presence as well? I’ve heard so much about her, you know.” My jaw clenched. There was something in his tone, something that went beyond a man simply asking about my sister. He was probing, although for what, I couldn’t be sure. “I wouldn’t invite my sister to a gathering like this, Leonard.” I stopped myself short, sensing the edge in my voice. I was about to add something more but bit back the words. The glint in Leonard’s eyes was unmistakable. “I see.” He looked at Logan. “Well, I do hope tonight won't be a disappointment. Edrick and I have s
Ella The moment my eyes found my parents making their entrance into the grand hall, I felt like I could breathe a little easier. Shaking off Logan’s hold on my arm, I weaved through the maze of socialites and mobsters, until I reached them. “Dad, Mom,” I greeted, my arms wrapping around them in a fleeting embrace that made all of my worries melt away, even for just a moment. “Ella, you look beautiful,” Moana, said, pulling away to study me. Her eyes carried a mix of pride and concern. Classic mom. My dad, along with her, gave me that fatherly once-over. “You okay, Ella? You look a bit tense.” Before I could reply, a looming shadow descended upon our intimate circle. Leonard. He was like a vulture circling roadkill on the verge of dying, just waiting and biding his time for it to take its last breath. “Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, I presume,” he said, stepping in with that air of confidence that only heightened my anxieties. “Leonard Barrett. Very pleased to meet the esteemed
Ella The bathroom door clicked shut behind me, and I felt an immediate shift from chaos to calm. The soft lighting created a gentle glow on the cream-colored marble tiles, soft music played over the speakers, and the air smelled like soap. I let out a soft sigh of relief once I realized that I was alone, and made my way over to the sink. I glanced at myself in the mirror—flawless makeup, perfect hair, a dress that fit like a glove. I looked like the perfect picture of control, but I felt like the exact opposite. My heart was still racing from the dance with Logan, from the way his eyes glinted in the soft light of the ballroom, from the way that he so nonchalantly mentioned that our arrangement was almost over. But most of all, I was still reeling over the fact that I… was actually sad about it. With a sigh, I leaned on the marble countertop, taking in slow breaths. In, out. In, out. Suddenly, the door creaked open. I jerked my head up to see Moana walking in, a