NicholasAfter Eliana locked me outside, I left for my study, slowly and barely aware of my movements. My head hung, my arms swinging loosely on my sides. Every time I closed my eyes, her teary face flashed behind my eyelids. Her screams of hurt and something I couldn't describe after she closed that door left my head ringing."Aargh fuck!" I kicked the study room door after closing it, barely feeling the pain on my toes."What have I done?" I slid against the door and down to the tiled floor. I felt as if something cold was pressing and squeezing life and joy out of my beating heart. I could never have guessed that seeing Ellie so hurt by my actions would make me feel undeserving of her."I'm so sorry, baby," I whispered to myself, my eyes tightly closed. A whole billionaire like me sitting flat on the floor because of love would surely create headlines if the paparazzi ever got wind of it. The thing was, I didn't even mind; all I cared for was holding Eliana again in my arms, if she
ElianaI tried screaming inside my mom's car, but with my mouth taped, the sound came out muffled. My attempts to kick the door failed because my legs were tied and my hands were of no help because they were too bound behind my back. Hot tears blurred my vision, but I could make out my mom's side of the face on the passenger seat."Nobody will hear you, love," my mother mocked, popping her head on the side of her seat and spotting a smirk that sent chills down my spine. I closed my eyes, my future uncertain behind my eyelids, in the arms of my mom and her stepson.My mind was barely working as the car abruptly stopped in what seemed like a basement. Then Matthew got out, making my already worn-out heart accelerate. Muffled screams left my mouth when he opened the door and dragged me out, making me fall face-first on the concrete. Burning pain spread from my entire face to my head, while blood gushed out of my nose, mixing with my tears."Carry her," my mom ordered Matthew, who whined
Nicholas"What do you mean there's nothing you can do?" I thundered, staring at the two officers the dispatcher sent."I'm sorry, sir, but an earring alone does not prove that a kidnapping happened. We need more than this; otherwise, you'll have to wait for 72 hours for an investigation to be launched." I raised my eyebrows, trying to make sense of their stupid words."So you are simply saying that you are useless to me." I stated with a bitter chuckle, pushing them out of the way."Sir, you have to understand that the law..." I got into my pack and banged my door in his face, threw the gun onto the passenger seat, and picked up my phone."Where the hell is the security team I asked you to send? The police are not helping, and I need my girlfriend back unharmed." The words flew out of my mouth effortlessly, and my mind focused on getting Ellie back. If only she had told me that her mother had texted, none of what was happening would have happened."They are supposed to be there by now.
Eliana"Nich-ol-a-s," I spluttered, tears coursing down my face."Ellie baby," he said, straddling my head on his lap, the same way I held my father as he coughed and breathed his last."I l-ove," I choked, while he tilted me gently so that my saliva mixed with blood flowed from the side of my mouth down to my lower cheek."I know, baby, I know you love me, and I love you too, so very much. But right now, I don't want you to strain, please." Even though my memory was hazy at that time, I could remember saying something similar to my father.'Am I dying?' I thought, my eyelids feeling so heavy. My vision was blurred, but I could see a tear escaping Nick's eyes as he shook me gently, begging me to keep my eyes open."N," I couldn't finish the word, but I managed to lift up my hand with the remaining capability I had, though it felt so heavy. Slowly, I touched his cheek, wiping the lone tear, just as another one escaped his other eye. As my hand dropped, more cascaded, making me feel like
Nicholas"You cannot talk to her in her condition." I crossed my arms across my upper abdomen, staring down at the two detectives who were insisting on talking to Eliana."We need to talk to her about the kidnapping and her father's case because it has been reopened." The shorter one of the two detectives said, throwing his gaze at a sleeping Eliana."And I just said you cannot talk to her right now. Where the fuck were you when I reported the kidnapping? My brother and I had to step in because the so-called county police didn't see any emergency." I thundered, glaring at the two men who remained calm."We understand your frustrations, sir," the other spoke."The fuck you do! Do you have a girlfriend or a wife who was kidnapped and the police refused to help her?" When he didn't answer, I stepped back, holding the knob of one of the double doors."Thought so," I nodded. Before I could, however, close the door, Ellie's soft voice filled my ears."Babe." I looked at her as she shifted o
Eliana"Bullshit! That is some fake ass lame excuse that is absolutely baseless," I hissed, straining the muscles on my chest. I placed my hand over my stitched wound when a sharp pain radiated."But, of course. We have them on tape planning your kidnapping and murder," Nicholas chimed in, pushing Rob so he could get closer to me."And the alleged assault? How are we going to prove that it didn't happen because your father is dead already?"Allan was unapologetic as he raised his eyebrows, staring around at all of us."How are they going to prove their lie too?" Rachel chimed in, sending me a sympathetic smile."They can't. This will be our word against theirs," Rob said, nodding to himself."But can't we use what she told me?" I said."What exactly did she tell you?" Dorian asked, his eyes fixed on the branula on the back of my hand."She killed dad when he found out that she was cheating on him with Matthew; he filed for divorce." I told them about what she said, hoping that it would
Nicholas"I can't believe I agreed to this," I mumbled, going around my Rolls Royce to open the passenger door for my girlfriend outside the county jail, where both Matthew and Nora were being held. It had been exactly 10 days since I shot her and 3 days after she had been discharged from the hospital. The doctor had insisted that she wasn't to be moved around, but I had to heed her request to see her mom after she threatened to go on a hunger strike."Baby, are you sure about this?" I asked for the umpteenth time as I helped her out, while my brother stepped out to lend a hand. He wanted to have a word with Nora too, but mostly he wanted to make sure that Ellie was safe. Over the course of the week, Rob had become Ellie's protector and it just warmed my heart."I know you're hoping for me to change my mind, but I need to do this." She closed her eyes when her sandal-clad left foot came into contact with the concrete. She still felt pain whenever she strained, even though the stitches
Eliana"No, no, no, she cannot die now," I mumbled to no one in particular, leaning on one of the fluffy pillows Nick had gotten for me. After my mother had been taken to the hospital, Rob drove there, then let Nick drive me home."Death is such an easy way out. She has to pay for all the crimes she has committed in prison," I added, tapping on the side of my thigh. I had the desire to step out of bed and pace around on the woollen area rug, but the ache in my healing wound stopped me. Instead, I placed my hand gently on the spot and began massaging my mind at my mother's selfish actions.I was so engrossed in my thoughts with my eyes closed that I didn't hear Nick enter the room until he spoke. "Rob just called me," he stated."And?" I asked in a shaky yet loud voice, my eyes fluttering open."Relax, baby; she's stable now." I heaved a sigh of relief, my mouth watering at the same time, when an inviting aroma hit my nostrils. On his hands was a tray with a bowl of steaming soup and a
Eliana Two Years Later "Hurry the fuck up, Eliana. I do not want Rachel's wrath on her wedding day," Nicholas shouted from downstairs, making me roll my eyes as I strapped my silver 4-inch heels on, right at the top of the staircase. "Stop cussing around E.J," I responded, running down the stairs. Nicholas was carrying our son, tapping his foot on the floor while staring at his watch. "Well, you made me do it," he defended himself, shrugged, then headed for the door while our son giggled. "How? We agreed that we wouldn't be using that language, especially now that E.J. is learning to speak." I walked after him to catch up. "I'm sorry it slipped. You can be so annoying, especially when you are required to keep time," he defended again, nodding at our chauffer as he opened the passenger door and the back seat door. "Wait until he starts cussing; your sorry won't make sense anymore." I stood behind him as he strapped E.J. into his baby car seat, then used the other side to
Three Months Later Eliana "I hereby sentence you to life in prison without the possibility of parole." The judge finished, staring right at Gavin, who hung his head, closed his eyes, opened them, and then outright glared at me with moisture in them. His father protested, violence ensuing between his security men and the Court's enforcement officers. I was quickly escorted out by Nick and his security, shielding me from the violence. Despite the adrenaline levels rising inside of me, the smile inside me couldn't be wiped off. My efforts had totally paid off, and I could finally breathe a long sigh of relief. My mother had already been sentenced to death, Matthew to two consecutive life sentences, and the family doctor and lawyer getting reduced sentences of 15 years each for entering a plea deal. Finally, my father's soul could rest in peace. "You did it, Ellie; you put him right where he deserves," Allan stated with an equally big smile as we descended the stairs leading to the p
Nicholas "How can you even say that?" Eliana shot up, closing her eyes suddenly, while the doctor rushed to her side. "Do you really think so low of me to even imagine me carrying Gavin's child?" Her voice rose. I could feel the pain in it, making me wish I hadn't mentioned Gavin. "I will have to ask you to leave, sir. My patient needs peace right now, and you aren't exactly providing it," Dr. Dave sternly said, adjusting his spectacles. "Leave us." Eliana lowered her voice, her chest rising as she let out a loud breath. "But Nick is not exactly habitable right now," Allan argued, looking at Eliana, trying to make her change her mind. I could, however, see the determination in her eyes as she scooted back to the bed. "I need only a few minutes, please," she added, looking at the doctor. "We just stabilised your pressure, so I need you to know that stress might force it to rise—" "I will be right outside; if things go south, I will intervene," Allan chimed in, assuring the doc.
Eliana I ran into the ladies washrooms, trying to lose a number of paparazzi who were coming after me. The last thing I wanted was to do an interview about what had transpired. I leaned over one of the sinks, letting out a short sigh of relief. "It's done. I did it." I whispered, looking at my reflection in the mirror above the sink. What I saw were dark circles peeking from some concealer I had tried applying. I attempted to put on a smile for pushing Gavin out of Nick's way, but instead my lips trembled. The pain I had managed to push down while dealing with Gavin was knocking, threatening to consume me. "Why?" Nick's voice filled the space, making me close my eyes. I could feel his presence, but I wasn't sure I could face him. "Why didn't you tell me?" He pressed, his steps sounding louder the closer he came. The smell of alcohol hit me, making me close my eyes while I attempted to swallow the lump that was forming in my throat. I lowered my eyes, unable to look at his reflecti
Nicholas "Come on, Nick, we'll miss the most important part of the event," Allan nudged, looking at the time on his wrist watch, while I leaned on my leather couch. "I told you I am not going," I responded in a bored tone, the urge to open another bottle of Hennessy Paradis brewing up inside. Attending the Annual Excellence Business Awards was out of the question, knowing that Eliana would be there with Gavin. "But that is a great opportunity to meet other businessmen and women. You know the best deals we've bagged so far usually originate from this event." I covered my face with my hand, closed my eyes, and pulled my brows together. "You always do that without me, Allan. You know I have always hated parading myself out there for any media attention." I sighed, just yearning to be alone in the quiet, with a bottle of alcohol to numb my burning and broken insides. "Eliana is going to be there," he spoke, making me swallow heavily. "The very reason why I am not going," I mumbled,
Eliana "Finally, I was beginning to think that you had backed out of the deal," Gavin said when I walked into his study, one of his men holding the door for me. "Aren't we impatient?" I rolled my eyes, sitting down on the office chair opposite his. "I thought your head would be killing you after all the clubbing last night," he said, dismissing his employee with a wave of his hand. "Clubbing?" I asked, removing my cat-eyed glasses. He squirmed a bit but quickly covered it by moving his swivel office chair. In fact, if I hadn't been so keen, I would have missed his quick reaction entirely. "How do you know I was clubbing? Are your men following me?" I put the glasses on the desk, then leaned over, looking at him in his evil eyes. There was nothing in them except malice, which sent shivers down my spine. "What? Ha ha, no. Uuh, I mean, why would they?" He stuttered, making me place my clasped hands on the desk, right beside my glasses. "I just saw your red eyes and puffy lids," he
NicholasI covered my head with my pillow when my phone rang somewhere on the bed. The ringtone felt like it was playing inside my ears, tormenting my banging head. I almost shouted "hallelujah" when it stopped, only for it to ring again after a few seconds."The fuck is wrong with some people?" I groaned, wondering why the person hadn't just left a simple voicemail instead of being stubborn. The only way to stop the disturbance was to grabble on the bed for the phone with my eyes still closed. When I finally found it, I blindly pressed on the screen, hoping it would end the call."Why in the hell aren't you answering my calls? Been calling since 8 and you just let it ring, are you ignoring me?" Allan went all loud, shouting over the phone like a madman, while I struggled to cover my ears. It wasn't enough, though, because I heard everything. I was pretty sure the phone wasn't on loudspeaker, even though Allan was clear."Shut up," I weakly responded, with my eyes still closed."Wait,
Eliana"I want to be left alone," I said when the guestroom door was knocked."Open up, Ellie; it's me." Allan's voice drifted inside."If he's there, I will close the door on your face," I warned, dragging my feet."If you mean Nicholas, he left without a word as soon as you closed your bedroom door." I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to stop emotions from taking control over me. The Nick I knew would have followed me, but to hear he had already left? I couldn't pretend that it didn't make my chest ache."Come in." I stepped aside when I opened the door as Allan stepped in."He is hurting, Ellie," he said, his words making me swallow thickly to soothe my drying throat."I attached the chip to his SIM card slot," I uttered, deciding not to comment on Allan's previous statement."For real?""Haven't you seen anything from your end?" I asked, sitting on the bed."I was a little caught up," he rubbed his neck sheepishly, avoiding eye contact."I understand. Catching up with friends
Nicholas"Shit! Eliana." My stomach constricted into a tight ball. The thought of her in the presence of Gavin had my brain freeze for a moment."Relax; Gavin wouldn't dare hurt her. He knows she's important in his stupid plan." Allan stood, placing his hand on my shoulder and making me step aside."She is out there," I pointed at the door, then continued, "right now, with him. What if he just snaps and decides to..." I couldn't finish up the sentence because the next words jammed in my throat."I'm calling her," Rob stated, fishing his phone out. Their relationship seemed to grow stronger with every passing day, given the fact that she had chosen to stay with him.I watched as he placed his phone against his ear, triggering the waiting game. Tapping my foot on the floor, I began counting the seconds. When she didn't pick up, my adrenaline just shot up. Without a word, I turned for the door, my vision kind of tunnelling before me."Nick wait!" Allan called, stopping me right in front