NicholasTwo good days had gone by since Nora's escape, and there still wasn't any report from the police or my security team. The three of them seemed to have disappeared completely off the face of the earth. Their bank records confirmed that somehow Nora had cleared all her savings a day before the escape. That meant that, between the lawyer and the doctor, one of them must have transacted on her behalf."What if she repeats the same thing she did?" Eliana suddenly asked, biting a green apple. She sat by the edge of the pool, her legs dipped into the clear water."Moving states and staying off the radar for another 2 decades?" I asked after resurfacing from the water. I was taking a swim while we chatted randomly, relishing in each other's company. She had decided to start school at Indiana University and was scared to live on her own. She barely laughed or found anything interesting anymore."Yes, and worse, leaving the country," she added after swallowing the bite she had taken. We
ElianaThree Weeks LaterI leaned on the elevator, a bag of packed food in my hands, as I glanced at the floor indicator. After staying indoors for three weeks in fear of Nora, I decided to step out and surprise Nicholas for lunch. He had bought a Rolls Royce, specifically for me, and even got a chauffer for me, saying I couldn't stay home forever."Hi, how can I help you?" The secretary asked without turning her gaze from the computer screen."I'm here to see Nick," I simply stated, holding a laugh when she turned slowly, eyes widening."You are the girl who poured coffee on me because I refused to let you in," she pointed at me, recognition crossing her eyes. I thought she wouldn't because I had my hair down to my shoulders, and instead of the tennis skirt I wore that day, I was wearing a floral short dress."I'm sorry about that. I was so angry I could barely think straight." It was a genuine apology, and I surely hoped she would accept it."It's okay; there was actually a crazier
NicholasAfter our steamy session, Allan came shortly after. Luckily, we had already dressed, but Eliana was still on my lap, sleeping soundly as I enjoyed the food. I felt much lighter, as if cumming during the quickie had lifted a big burden off my shoulders. My mind felt so fresh, as if I hadn't spent the entire morning going through files, holding online meetings, and filling out forms."This place reeks of sex." Typical Allan and his remarks. He strutted inside, one hand in his pocket."Shut up," I hissed, my mouth full."Hey Ellie," he diverted the conversation, looking at her back."She's asleep; lower your voice, motherfucker." I chastised, pulling my plate closer when he sniffed and eyed it."That intense?" He wiggled his eyebrows, earning a sharp glare from me."She just took some medications that have sedatives in them." I explained, but the way Allan looked at me meant he didn't believe me."This is unfair; how do you get sex and food at the same time while I am starving f
Nicholas"How do I fucking fix this?" I was left standing at my office door after Eliana left. She threatened to leave home if I even attempted to follow her, so I had no choice but to give her time. I had called Daren and asked him to inform me when they got home. She wasn't supposed to get out of sight now that Nora had issued an indirect threat to our lives."Nick?" Reyna popped her head behind the office door."It is, sir, to you, Reyna. I thought I said I don't want to be disturbed." I ran my hand through my hair, leaning back on the chair boredly as she ignored me and walked in, swaying her hips. I would have fallen for her seductive walk had it been years ago, but I only had eyes for Ellie."I want to help you, sir." She dragged the title, tuning her voice in a questionable manner."With what?" I was seconds from kicking her out because my patience was running out."You don't deserve all these ladies who are dramatic and unsubmissive to you." I creased my forehead, wondering whe
ElianaI looked at the screen of my phone as it vibrated on the side table, an unknown number flashing. Since the update from Rob, I was sceptical of picking up any calls from unsaved numbers, thinking it might be my mother."Aren't you going to pick that up?" Nicholas asked, looking at the device. After seconds, I reluctantly answered, but the person on the other end didn't utter a word, and I was met with silence.Before I could hang up, though, a male cleared his throat, making me flash Nick a questionable look. For a moment, I thought that it was Dorian trying to play with me."Hello," I uttered, my patience running thin as I got ready to hang up when seconds ticked by."Hello beautiful, remember me?" I stilled, my grip on the phone tightening, when Gavin's voice filled my ear.I swallowed hard, then spoke. "What do you want?" I tried to play it cool by using a flat, nonchalant tone but it was breaking."Nothing really; I have been following the news, you know." I could guess he wa
Nicholas"We are minutes late to the meeting, Nicholas; hurry the fuck up." Allan's voice drifted inside my office as I stood staring at the sky, too deep in thought to even turn and look at him."I am the head of the company; the rest can wait," I dismissed, needing a moment to myself."This place reeks of alcohol, your hair looks unkempt, and your desk—god, your desk, Nick—is a whole mess." I kept my mouth clamped, thinking about my argument with Eliana, Reyna's unusual behaviour, and, of course, Gavin's warning."Where the hell is Reyna? She should tidy this place now." I had driven to the office earlier than usual, drunk as hell and in a daze after Eliana and I fought. The least I could do was get away from her and drive. I ended up trashing the office in a fit of rage, screaming my frustrations away but Allan didn't need to know that."Go get the meeting started; I'm coming." I wasn't up for any conversation, and every other word he uttered went unanswered until he just quietly ex
Eliana"You would be dead, forgotten, and buried." Nick's words replayed in my mind for the entire night. I wet my pillow with my tears until I had no more left to express the gnawing feeling inside my chest. By the time I got out of bed the next morning, my throat felt so dry and sore. I couldn't stand looking at my reflection in the mirror without gagging. My eyes were puffy, with dried tears visible on my red cheeks. My nose appeared swollen, and I struggled to breathe through the blocked nostrils."Honey, your tea is ready." Nanny's voice came after she knocked on the door. How she knew I had slept in the guestroom was beyond me, but I could really use some hot herbal tea."I'm coming," I replied in the strongest voice I could master. After taking a quick shower, I went downstairs with my phone in my hand. I looked at it severally, chastising myself for almost anticipating Nick's call or text message. His previous harsh words had sliced across my heart, and they continued to do so.
NicholasI paced inside my office, throwing glances at the photos splayed on the desk, along with files and papers. My phone was in my hand, my thumb hovering over the call button. For minutes, I had been going back and forth in my mind about whether to call Eliana or break the news to her when I got back home. The problem was that I didn't know where to start after the vile words we had exchanged. I knew it was cowardly of me, but I decided not to talk to her at that moment. "Instead of hiding and pacing in here, we should be looking for the inside person who dared work for Gavin while still under this company." Allan, like usual, trudged in, his right hand in his pocket."I think that Lilith's appearance yesterday, her cryptic words, and the photos are connected in some type of way," he added when I kept quiet, pondering over the issue."The photos had no message written on them. So what makes you think that Gavin has to do with it?" I asked, even though I knew deep down that there
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