"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 a yellow cab, its roof glowing like a beacon. Elena raised her hand, palm open. The taxi slowed down, its lights flashing. The driver looked at her and nodded. Elena dropped her hand and stepped forward, ready to get in. She opened the door, the creak of the hinge echoing through the stillness. The driver's eyes met hers in the rearview mirror. The driver's hand pulled the handle, the trunk lid yawned open. Elena lifted her suitcase, dropping it into the dark space and shutting down the trunk. Elena slid into the back seat."The Keystone Hotel, please, "her voice barely above a whisper. The driver's nod was a slight movement, his eyes already back on the road. Five minutes later, the taxi pulled up to a hotel entrance, its wheels stopped turning, the engine slowing Elena's eyes fixed on the gleaming glass doors of the hotel. She pushed open the taxi door and dropped a little cash for the driver. The trunk lid opened and she took her suitcase. Elena's hand grasped the cool metal handle, pulling the door wide open with a soft creak. Her feet carried her across the entrance, into the welcoming embrace of the lobby's air-conditioned air. The door swung shut behind her, its gentle thud a small sound on her arrival. The receptionist's eyes lit up as Elena approached the desk. A warm smile spread across her face. "Welcome to Keystone Hotel, ma." her voice was friendly and inviting. Elena leaned in, her eyes scanning the receptionist's face."What options do I have ?"She asked her voice low and curious. The receptionist's fingers danced across the keyboard, her eyes scanning the screen before looking up with a smile. "We have our standard rooms, our deluxe rooms with a city view, and our VIP suite with a private balcony." Elena's eyebrows arched, her interest sparked by the mention of the VIP suite. "I will take the VIP suite." Elena reached into her handbag, her fingers closing around the cool metal of her credit card. She slid it across the counter, her eyes locked on the receptionist's efficient hands as she processed the payment. "That will be $5000 please"her eyes scanning the screen before nodding with a smile. Chunk-chunk The machine emitted a soft beep as the transaction was approved. The receptionist handed Elena the key card with a smile. "Enjoy your stay ma'am "her eyes flashing to the female attendant standing close to her. The attendant stepped forward her eyes locked on Elena as she pointed towards the elevator. "This way ma'am " Elena followed her. As they approached the elevator, the doors slid open with a soft whoosh. The attendant stepped aside, and Elena entered, her eyes adjusting to the mirrored interior. Suddenly, a tall figure slipped in beside her with a suitcase and a coffee drink, his arm brushing against hers. Another average figure slipped in too and the doors closed. They stood together in silence, the only sound the soft hum of the elevator. The average figure's gaze locked onto the suitcase carried by the tall figure, his hand reaching out to claim it. But his attention was split. In that moment of distraction, his elbow jabbed back, connecting with the cup. The man's reflexes were quick but not quick enough. The coffee spilt, a dark arc splashing across Elena's gown mere inches from her breast. With a swift motion, the tall man shrugged off his suit jacket. He stepped closer, his eyes locked onto the stain spreading across Elena's without a word, he draped the jacket over her shoulders, making it invisible for the coffee dark blotch to be seen. His fingers brushed against her skin as he adjusted the fit, his gaze never leaving hers. The two continued to gaze at themselves before a noise from the average figure brought them back to reality. "I am sorry for the mess" his voice soft and tender. "Um, it's nothing ." He extended his hand, his eyes locked on hers."Ethan "he said his voice low and Elena's hand slipped into his, her palm grazed by his fingers as they shook. "Elena," she replied. Their hands lingered for a moment. "Sorry once again for the mess up, it wasn't his intention to do that."Ethan pointed at the other man. "I am sorry ma'am." the average man bowed. "No worries, I am fine." "Elena, can I make it up to you?"Ethan's eyes crinkled at the corners. Elena stared at him without blinking. "Dinner, maybe?"Ethan asked, his eyes hopeful. Elena's lips pressed together, her head leaning slightly."I don't know, Ethan..." "Come on," he coaxed, his smile persuasive."I promise to make it worth your while." Elena's eyebrows raised, her eyes doubtful ."I'm not sure that's a good idea." Ethan's expression turned sheepish. Elena's resistance slowly melted, her face softening."Fine "she relented a small smile playing on her lips."But just dinner." The elevator door slid open with a soft hiss. Elena stepped out, her hand extended, holding out the suit."Here you go." Ethan's eyes lit up as he took the suit from her, his fingers brushing against hers."Thanks, Elena, this is my card. Call me when you are ready." Elena smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners."Just be more careful next time," she teased, stepping past him into the hallway. Ethan watched her go, his gaze lingering on her retreating figure before he turned to head in the opposite direction with his secretary. "Boss, it seems you are interested in her, never seen you so anxious to have dinner with a lady." Ethan's smile was adorable."Let's just say I remember more than I let on."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
Oh my God! I can't believe Alan did this to me after divorcing me.Elena's eyes were still fixed on her palm top which she held in her hands. A news with the headline: "DIVORCED WIFE COMMITS FRAUD "with her picture posted along with it.Her hands were shaking terribly, and she could not help but wonder what she did to deserve all this.Elena picked up her phone, her hands trembling as she dialled Alan's number. The phone rang and Alan's deep voice answered."Hello love, missing me already.""Alan, you need to stop playing tricks on me, bring down that article or else..."Alan's laughter boomed through the phone, making Elena's heart sink."Come on, love you already signed them and we got caught. I will settle you for taking the fall."Elena's grip on the phone tightened."How dare you? After ruining my life, with your useless mistress. You still blackmailed me". Alan's chuckles continued, mocking and annoying."Take the fall, Elena."The line went dead, and Elena was left staring at her
Elena's eyelids opened slowly, groggily taking in her surroundings. She lay on a hospital bed, surrounded by the smell of antiseptics, drugs and the soft beeping of machines. As she tried to lift her hand, she felt a pain and a cold metal digging into her wrist. Her gaze followed the handcuff chained to the bed rail.Her father and brother stood beside her, their faces filled with concern."Elena, thank God you are awake!" her father exclaimed, his voice trembling.Her brother rushed to press the call button."Doctor, she's awake!"Elena began to wonder how she ended up here. The last place she was in her ex-husband's office." W... what happened?" she stammered."How is my baby?" her voice barely audible.The doctor burst in, a warm smile on his face."Welcome back, Elena."Elena's voice trembled as she asked, "My baby? How's my baby?"The room fell silent, her family's faces filled with sorrow. The doctor's eyes dropped, his expression sombre.Elena's heart raced, her mind pleading for a
Ethan stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his sleek house, gazing out at the vibrant cityscape before him. He cradled a glass of champagne on his left hand as he unbuttoned his shirt. Undone to the midpoint of his chest revealing a glimpse of his strong chest, adorned with a gleaming silver chain.As he sipped the wine, his eyes never left the city. The door slides open breaking the silence as Bryan his Personal Assistant approaches him with a file in his hand, his footsteps quiet on the plush carpet.With a discreet nod, he offered the file to Ethan, his eyes never leaving his boss's face. Ethan's gaze flickered up from his wine glass, his eyes narrowing slightly as he accepted the file.With deliberate slowness, he opened the file, the papers rustling as they revealed their contents. A smile spread across his face as he gazed at the photographs of Elena. He leaned in, his lips brushing against the paper as he kissed her image."I guess you don't know about this?"Ethan's gaze
Elena's fist pounded the punching bag with anger. The bag swung widely, Alan's picture on it taunting her with every strike.Sweat dripped down her face, her eyes filled with hatred.Her mind wandered away, taking her to the past as she punched the bag harder.The other inmates watched her in awe, some nodding, while some watched her laughing."Hey, it's time for lunch."But Elena was too consumed by her rage to notice. She swung her fist again, accidentally striking the woman.The woman shouted, stumbling black. The environment fell silent, all eyes on Elena."Oh my God, I'm so sorry Jasmine! Elena said, her face pale with shock.Jasmine's eyes blazed with anger, her face reddening. Without warning, Jasmine's fist, flew towards Elena's face, giving her a hard punch.Elena's head snapped back, as Jasmine's fist made contact with her cheek. Her face stung, with the force of the blow sending a jolt of pain through her skin.Jasmine's fist clenched, her arm cocking back for another. Elen
As the heavy steel doors creaked open, Elena walked away from the prison. She felt the warm sun on her skin, a sensation she hadn't experienced in three long months.As she walked, the sound of the prison doors closing got fainter until she got to the main entrance.Elena's fingers grasped the collar of her jacket, pulling it back and over her shoulder, as she stepped out into the bright sunlight.As she emerged, a figure darted towards her. Her secretary's heels clicked on the pavement, a warm smile spreading across her face."Welcome ma'am, we 've missed you so much." her arms outstretched, enveloping Elena in a warm embrace.Elena smiled, her eyes shining with warmth."It's great to be seen, she replied, her voice gentle."Her secretary held her at arm's length, taking in the sight of her."You look free..."Elena's smile grew wider."I am. Now let's get out of here. I need to go home.""Of course, boss."Secretary Ann nodded taking Elena's jacket from her.As they settled into the car