Elena pushed open the door to the office hall, a hush fell over the room. The soft hum of fluorescent lights and the gentle rustle of papers suddenly seemed amplified as all eyes turned to her.
Two days ago, Elena's life turned from grass to grace when her heiress status was revealed at the party, splashing her face across news headlines and billboards. Elena's heels clicked on the floor as she approached the receptionist's desk. Her gaze swept the room, meeting the stares of the office staff. A gentle hum of whisper rustled through the office, like a soft breeze stirring leaves. "Wow..." someone breathed, the word barely audible. "Stunning," another voice whispered, the tone hushed out admiring. She reached the receptionist's desk. Her lips curved upward, the corner of her mouth rising in a gentle arc, as her face relaxed into a soft, radiant smile. She slid her glasses off, revealing her eyes that shone in the fluorescent light. "Welcome Miss. Elena!" she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement and warmth."It's so lovely to meet you! You look stunning, I must say." Elena's lips curved upward in response, her eyes crinkling at the corners."Thank you, that's very kind of you," she replied, her voice husky and confident. The receptionist's eyes sparkled with warmth as she leaned forward, her hands clasped together on the desk."How can I assist you today, ma'am." her voice gentle and inviting. Elena's hand came out of her purse, holding a slender card. She put it on the desk with a soft whoosh, the card sliding across the surface. The receptionist's eyes followed the card, looking at the letter symbols on it. Elena's words tumbled out in a smooth assured voice, her tone like a gentle bell ringing out on a still morning."I'm here to see Ethan Nelson." The receptionist's eyebrows rose slightly, her expression interested."Ah, of course! Let me check if Mr.Nelson is available." She tapped a few keys on her computer, her eyes scanning the screen."Yes, he's free now. I'll just give him a call to let him know you're here." She picked up the phone and dialled a number, her eyes locked on Elena's face as she awaited an answer. After a brief moment, she spoke into the receiver, her voice professional and courteous. "Hi, Mr.Nelson?Miss. Elena is here to see you. Shall I send her in?" She listened for a moment, then nodded and hung up the phone."He'll see you right away, Miss Elena. Please, follow me!" The receptionist stood up and gestured for Elena to follow her. She led Elena through a doorway behind the desk, down a short hallway, and stopped in front of a wooden door. She knocked twice, then opened the door and ushered Elena inside. "Mr.Nelson will see you now," she said, her smile warm and welcoming. She bowed and left them to discuss. Elena glided across the office, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. She settled onto the plush sofa, her legs crossing in a fluid motion, one ankle resting atop the other. Her hands grasped the armrests, her fingers drumming a gentle rhythm on the soft couch. Ethan looked up from the papers he was filing, his eyes crinkling at the corners as a warm smile spread across his face. He leaned back in his chair and gazed at Elena with a playful plight glint in the eye. "Look who I have here," he drawled, his words dripping like honey."The queen of the celestial empire has decided to visit me." "The queen of the celestial empire, huh?"Elena raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips."I didn't know I was visiting a subject." Ethan chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mirth."Oh, you are a queen, Elena. I'm just a humble servant, grateful for your presence." Elena laughed, her voice like music."You're a charming servant, Ethan. I don't think I have laughed like this in a while." Ethan's shoulders rose and fell into a gentle roll, his smile growing wider as he stood up from the chair. He sat on the sofa opposite Elena's, his gaze still fixed on her. Elena reached into her bag and pulled out a document. She dropped it onto the table in front of Ethan, the pages rustling softly as they landed."Read this "Elena's words came out crisp and clear. Ethan read through the document, his face changed from curiosity to surprise. A slow smile spread across his face as he looked up at Elena."You want a contract marriage with me." Elena nodded, her eyes locked onto his."Yes" Ethan's smile grew wider as he stood up from the sofa. He walked towards Elena, and as he approached, Elena shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing. "I'm afraid can't marry you, Elena. You are not my type." Her eyes narrowed, her voice tinged with disbelief."I'm not your type?" Ethan's shoulders lifted in a subtle shrug."You're not." Elena's gaze burned with intensity as she rose from her seat, her eyes locked onto his."I will pay any amount you want, Ethan Nelson, for you to be my husband." A low chuckle rumbled from Ethan's throat, his eyes crinkling at the corners."I love the sound of that, Elena. I am not interested in your money." Elena leaned in close, his face inches from hers."You need to fulfil the promise you made to me in the elevator," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear. Elena's eyes widened, her voice barely above a whisper."What?" "The date you promised to go with me"Ethan replied. Elena's face went blank, her eyes darting away as she tried to process."We should keep things formal between us," she stammered. "Seems you are not ready to collaborate," he said, his tone teasing. He turned to walk back to his seat, and Elena's hands shot out, grasping his wrist. She pulled him back, her eyes locked onto his face."Do you want a date? Fine. I'll go on a date with you." Ethan's hands slipped from Elena's grasp, then he retreated to his seat."I'll send you the address and time." Elena remained standing, her whisper barely audible."I thought he said I was not his type. Why is he taking things so far?" Ethan's gaze sparkled with amusement."I heard you, love. It's just a date." Ethan took his silver lighter placed on the table, flicked the lid open and then snapped it shut with a precise click. Open.Close.Open.Close. "You know, I have a little advice for you."Ethan leaned forward."If you want to punish people for their crimes, you need to let go of your feelings for them." Elena's eyes narrowed slightly, her eyebrow shooting up in a silent enquiry."What do you mean?" With each word, Ethan's hand moved, the lighter punctuating his speech. "You must turn off ... open. Close. Your humanity... Open, Close You're not only fighting him... Open. Close. You are also fighting the Lockwoods'." Elena's heart raced as she fixed her gaze on Ethan.Elena stepped out of the limousine and onto the red carpet, the soft glow of the restaurant's entrance lights illuminating her stunning features. The chauffeur's gloved hands offered a gracious assist, and she accepted with a smile. As she walked on the red carpet, her dinner gown made of sequence shined in the evening light, drawing the gaze of passersby.The restaurant gleamed with elegance, its sign reading "Bistro Bliss".A woman in a tailored suit welcomed her with a bow, ushering her into the reception hall.At the reception desk, a hostess presented her with a card written "VIP" in silver foil."Right this way, ma'am, "she said with a smile, leading her to a section adorned with candles, fresh flowers, and plush velvet drapes.The soft lighting and jazz music welcomed her.Ethan turned the moment he saw Elena. His charming smile was overwhelming as he walked towards Elena giving a perfect look to his black suit. He hugged her. Kissing her on the forehead before he offered a gra
The hum of conversation and clinking glasses enveloped Elena as she swept into the hall. Her short gown with a sweetheart neckline revealed her breasts and a matching purse dangling from her fingers as she reached for a wine glass from the passing waiter's tray.Elena raised the glass to her lips, her gaze fixed on the couple at the front. She took a sip as she walked in the direction the couple were seated.Elena's glance fell upon Victoria's belly, her eyes lingering on the subtle curve of her belly. A warm smile spread across her face as she raised her glass in a silent toast."Congratulations to the latest couple in town."Alan's chair scraped against the floor as he shot to his feet, his face darkening with a mix of surprise and annoyance."Elena, what are you doing here?"Elena's fingers brushed against Alan's tie, her touch as light as a feather."Don't puff up like a doughnut, Alan." she teased, her voice dripping with amusement. Today's supposed to be joyful, remember?She sm
Elena punched and kicked, trying to escape. Suddenly, a bike stopped to a halt beside her. The rider slammed into her attackers, sending them flying. He yanked off his helmet, revealing messy brown hair."Elena, come on!" he shouted.Elena's eyes widened as she recognized the rider - Ethan. She grabbed his hand and swung her leg over the bike. Ethan sped away, leaving the fight behind.As they sped onto the main road, Elena's grip on Ethan's waist loosened, and she let out a deep breath. Ethan glanced at her in the side mirror, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled."How did you know?" Elena asked, her voice laced with curiosity.Ethan's smile faltered for a moment, and he focused on the road ahead. "Know what?" he said, his tone casual, but his eyes darting back to hers in the mirror."I destroyed the clip, Ethan," Elena said, her voice firm. "Stop playing dumb."Ethan sighed, his shoulders sagging. He pulled the bike over in front of a shop and killed the engine. Without a
Elena's footsteps echoed through the silent hallway as she stepped inside. It was a stressful day and she needed to take a shower and prepare for her anniversary with Alan. Her expectations were cut short when she ascended the stairs leading to her bedroom only to hear the sounds of moans emanating from the room. The sounds grew louder as she ascended the stairs. The soft, husky moans sent a shiver down her spine, her heart racing with a mix of shock and disbelief. Tried so hard not to believe that it was coming from her matrimonial room but the more she climbed the stairs,it became clear that it was her matrimonial room. The creaks, the groans, the soft gasps and the unmistakable whispers of pleasure all painted a vivid picture in her mind. The partially opened door made it easy for her to the two figures curled up on the bed. The sheets were twisted around them. Her husband's arm was wrapped around the lady's waist, his hand resting on her hip. The lady's leg was draped over
"Let's get a divorce."Hearing the strangest words from her husband, Elena's eyes widened, her gaze fixed on him. Did she hear him right? A divorce? Her heartbeat picking up in an unsteady rhythm, uncertainty settling in, she forced a smile. "It's not funny, stop this joke, Alan."Upstairs was their luggage packed, set luggage a vacation for their wedding anniversary. Elena took hours getting ready at Alan's command. What's with this strange joke? "It's not a joke, Elena...My lawyer will be in touch soon."Elena's head jerked up, a slight movement, almost invisible. She turned, her feet carrying her upstairs, it was as if her body had disconnected from her mind.She grabbed her luggage with swift efficiency and headed downstairs.Her footsteps echoed through the silence, a solitary march towards the door and then she was gone leaving behind only the faintest whisper of her presence.Elena's feet moved swiftly, carrying her away from the house. She didn't look back. Ahead, she saw
Ethan strode into the Luminaries company's conference room, his confident stride commanding attention. The room fell silent as he took his seat at the polished mahogany table, surrounded by the industry's top investors.Mr.Alan, the meeting's host and the CEO smiled warmly."Gentlemen let's begin. Our first agenda item: the proposed merger."The room burst into a loud din, each investor vocalising their stance. Ethan listened attentively, his eyes scanning the room as he absorbed every word."I think it's a risky move," said one investor, her voice laced with concern."I disagree," countered another."It's a bold opportunity for growth."As the debate raged on, Ethan's gaze locked onto Mr Alan, who nodded thoughtfully."Mr.Nelson your thoughts."Ethan's voice was calm and authoritative."I believe this merger has potential, but we need to carefully consider the financial implications."The room fell silent once more, the investors nodding in agreement.Mr.Alan smiled."Thank you, Mr.Nels
Just as Elena reached the door, it swung open, and Alan stepped out his eyes locked onto Elena's."What's going on here?"Alan's voice boomed.A fierce smile spread across Elena's face."Hello Alan, it's nice to see you, you cheating bastard."And with that, she stepped inside, the door closing behind her. Their divorce lawyer, Mr. Johnson stood by the window, his briefcase at his Elena's heels clicked on the floor as she approached him, her hand extended."Mr.Johnson.I see you are already here."Their hands shook in a firm handshake, his eyes boring into hers."I will be been expecting you, Elena."And with that, Elena released his hand, her eyes shifted to Alan, then back to him."Shall we get started ?"Elena sat down in the leather chair, her eyes fixed on Alan as he sat across her.Mr.Johnson cleared his throat, his pen balanced over his notepad."So let's get started," his voice neutral."Alan, you wanted to discuss the settlement for Elena."Alan nodded, his jaw clenched."I will gi
Elena's eyelids opened and closed quickly. She was met with the familiar sight of her childhood bedroom. Its walls were painted a soft, creamy colour and the bed was giant. The flowery carpet was so soft. Big curtains hung from the windows like puffy white clouds.The room was filled with pretty things:shiny vases, and old books with fancy covers. Everything looked expensive and fancy. The grand castle-like mansion that was her family's home surrounded her in its warmth and comfort.As she sat up her gaze wandered around the room. Her eyes remained on the old portrait of her family. She couldn't reconcile the fact that she was back in her childhood bed, in her family's mansion, after all that had transpired.The memories of her marriage, her husband's betrayal, and the divorce that followed flooded her mind. It all felt like a dream, a nightmare that she couldn't wake up from.Just as she was lost in thought, a soft knock on the door broke the silence."Miss Elena, it's time for break