"And the light at the end of the tunnel looked promising." —Elle Marino
E L L EMina was fast asleep on her side of the bed as I stared at the ceiling. For some reasons unknown to me, I felt restless.I took the sheets off my body and walked into the closet to change into a comfortable dress. I went down the stairs and towards the hotel's bar.The lights were dim, and a few people were scattered around the place, either alone or with their companions.I was glad it was quiet, and no one bothered me.I sat on a stool and ordered a glass of wine. I wasn't in the mood for anything strong, and a glass of wine would help me relax."I would like a whisky on the rocks, please."That voice."Sebastian." I breathed.He was sitting right beside me."Elle.""What are you doing here?""I think the question is what are you doing here?" He retorted."I'm not in the mood for your sarcastic remarks." I sighed."Neither am I.""Then, leave.""Not until you tell me why the fuck he decided to accept the pathetic deal instead of mine." He snapped, taking a sip of his drink.
E L L EIt was our last night in London and Mina insisted on we celebrating our winnings. My dad couldn't hide his happiness on the phone call when he heard I'd won the deal against Sebastian.Making him proud made me happy.We decided on a karaoke bar since it was Mina's choice and we would be able to celebrate, have fun, and drink as much as we wanted.I was wearing a skimpy white dress and paired it with white heels and a white clutch. I decided to go all out and went a little bold with the makeup, opting for a darker and sultrier look. My body was aching all over due to stress, but I wasn't going to let it ruin my night.We arrived at the club and it was packed with people. The music was blasting, and there was a crowd singing along. We grabbed a couple of drinks and headed towards a room to start the night.After a few hours of non-stop drinking and singing, we decided it was time to head home. I was a bit tipsy and felt dizzy."Mina, I don't feel well." I whispered, leaning on h
E L L E“Remind me why I’m doing this again?” I groaned, looking at my mother who had a proud smile on her face.“You’re not getting any younger, sweetie. You have to move on with your life and start having your own family. We only have you and your brother and the house is quite boring without you both.”Without exactly saying it, I already knew what she meant. She wanted grandkids. I felt a painful pang in my chest as I looked away. He or she would’ve been five. I would have had a five year old child and probably would have had another within those years, until my dreams were shattered by who I considered my best friend.I lost everything because of her. I lost my baby a few days after learning about my pregnancy. My world crumbled apart.My mother sighed, taking my hand in hers. I felt a lone tear escape from my eye and quickly wiped it.She smiled sadly at me, placing her other hand on top of mine.She was the only person I had ever told. I didn’t even tell my father. Just her. Sh
E L L EAfter a few weeks of thinking about my parent's proposal, I had finally made up my mind. I would at least meet the men they had chosen for me, and go on a couple of dates. But, if it didn't work out, I would not go on any further.I sat in the kitchen, drinking coffee and eating some chocolate chip cookies. I had an early meeting today and needed the extra caffeine to keep me awake and alert.My phone dinged and I reached over to grab it.**Mom:**Good morning, sweetie.How's work?**Me:**It's going well.Had a few meetings with potential clients. What's up, mama?**Mom:**Just wanted to tell you the first suitor's name.You're free tonight, right?I took a deep breath and nodded to myself.**Me:**I'm free, yes.What's the name?**Mom:**He goes by the name, Prince.Meet him tonight at 7:30 pm at the restaurant,La Rue.Don't be late, darling.**Me:**Fine.I'll let you know if I can't make it.Talk later.Bye.**Mom:**Okay, sweetie. Have a great day.I love you,Bye.I put
E L L EMy mother was still apologizing for the date, and promised the next suitor would be better.I sighed and sat on the sofa, drinking a glass of wine."I swear, mom. If the next date is another jerk, I'm done. I will not waste my time on any of these assholes. I am a grown woman and can choose who I want and don't want to date. I do not need your help.""I understand that, honey. But, you can't possibly expect me to believe that you would never settle down and find a partner. You need a man in your life, honey. A husband. Someone to support you, and take care of you. You're not getting any younger, darling. You're almost 28, you should be thinking about settling down, getting married, having kids. This is your destiny.""Why does destiny have to involve a man, hmm? Why can't a woman live a happy, fulfilling life without the need of a man? Is that so wrong?""No, darling. But, that is the way of life. You need a man. All women need a man. You were made for him. Just as he was made
E L L EJames was punctual.I was impressed.He was already waiting in his car when I got out of my building.My mother was right about one thing. He was tall, and very handsome. He looked a little intimidating, and had a stern look on his face, as if he was angry or annoyed about something.Maybe it was just the way he looked.He got out of his car, dressed in a black suit, looking sharp."You must be Elle," he said, his voice a little deep."Yes, and you're James?""Yes, I am. It's nice to meet you.""Nice to meet you too," I smiled.He smiled, and offered his hand. I took it and we shook hands."Shall we?" He asked, gesturing to the car. I nodded.He walked over and opened the passenger door for me. "Thank you," I said, smiling at him."You're welcome," he smiled back.After he got in the driver's side, we were off."So, where are we going?""I booked a table at The Grand," he answered."Ooh, a fancy restaurant. I love the food there.""Me too," he chuckled.The car ride was quiet,
E L L EOne month had passed, and I was quite disappointed that I hadn't gotten a call or text from James.He had wanted us to go out more after the first date, but up until now, he hadn't contacted me. Maybe he didn't like the date and only agreed because he was too nice to tell me. I thought that our date was fine. I mean, we had a lot in common, so I thought that was a good thing. We both liked to read and write. We both were very creative people. I couldn't help but feel that he wasn't interested in me.I wasn't hurt by his lack of communication, but I thought I was at least making a progress with my life. Now I felt as if all the hard work I put into getting myself back out there was wasted. I didn't regret going on a date with him, but I also didn't want to date anyone else at the moment. I was willing to at least try with James, and it seemed as if he wasn't interested in me.Maybe he was too nice to say anything. Maybe he thought that was a polite thing to do. Or maybe he didn'
E L L EI saved his address and closed my phone. I couldn't believe I was doing this, but it was too late to back out now. I was going to have to meet James tomorrow and see where it went.I let out a sigh and got back to work. I tried not to think about what could happen, and just focus on my work. But, the anticipation and excitement was there, and it was hard to ignore. I didn't know what was in store for me, but I was ready for whatever it was.I was curious and a little nervous about meeting James at his house. But, I was also excited. It was a chance for me to get to know him better, and get my mom off my neck. I spent the rest of the day working on the new product line, trying not to think about my date with James. But, it was hard not to.After a long day at work, I headed home. I was excited to get some rest and relax before my date with James."How was your day, darling?" My mom said through the phone. "It was hectic, but it's always that way when we're preparing for a laun
E L L EI stood in the middle of my walk-in-closet, wearing a silk, short, red robe, trying to figure out what to wear."What do you think?" I asked, holding up a blue dress, and then another, showing Mina.She was here with me, helping me decide on a dress for the party. She had a few dresses herself and would try them on after helping me."Hmmm. Both are great. But, you have to keep in mind that your man is the Russian Billionaire, right? You can't be wearing something too simple, especially when he's going to be by your side the entire night. So, go for the red." She said and I sighed, knowing that she was right.I had a lot of beautiful dresses, but most were simple and casual.But, Mina and I were determined to change that.We wanted to make sure I dressed up and made myself look the part."Fine." I said, and placed the blue dress back into the closet."Try on the red one." She said and handed it to me.I walked into the bathroom and changed.The dress was a V neck, tight-fitting
E L L EI haven't even gotten over the shock that Mikhail had done that for me. Why? He barely knew me. Didn't know if I was worthy of this, but he did it without a second thought.Was this a dream? Because I didn't want to wake up.But, then again, a part of me wished he had listened.I was a strong believer that God has a plan for everyone. He doesn't do anything randomly. And, there's a reason Mikhail came into my life. There's a reason why I was saved by him.And, he has a reason to like me.Mikhail.The same man that has been painted bad by the public for being rude, arrogant, cold, uninterested and emotionless was doing this. I've come to realize that they were spreading false news about him, because he wasn't giving them that attention like other celebrities do. Women flocked around his every time, but he doesn't even bat an eyelash at them or give them the time of the day. He wasn't just saving me.He was making me believe in miracles.He was showing me a life where the past
E L L EI applied the final touch of make up to my face as admired my reflection through the mirror.I felt amazing and happy, like i didn't have any problems to deal with. It's been about five years since I genuinely felt happy, felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel. Spending just a little time with Mikhail was a feeling I haven't felt in a long while. I felt young, I felt beautiful, I felt worthy of being loved.Mikhail was the light at the end of my tunnel.He was bringing a new meaning into my life. And fast. It was scary. We've only been spending time together for the past two weeks, but, he's managed to make me smile, laugh and just simply enjoy my life.He's made me realize that I didn't have to put a halt on my life because of my failed marriage.But, that fear still lingered I'm my mind. I haven't accepted his proposal yet, but I knew I'd have to make a decision soon. But, that was where my fear lies.I was afraid that things would turn sour and he'd be another
M I K H A I LThe next day, after my morning workout, a hot shower, a nice meal and a coffee, I was in my study, ready for work.Sipping my coffee, my mind went back to the previous night.She was something else.I've never been this smitten over a woman before.She was the one.And, she's the only one I'd do anything for.Anything.She's a fighter. A woman full of surprises.My phone rang on the table and I picked it up.It was my best friend, Ivan."Hey, brother.""What's up?""Just calling to see if you're alive. Haven't heard from you in a while. You okay?""Yeah. Yeah. I'm good. Sorry, I've been busy.""Too busy to call me?""Sorry, bro. How have you been? Anything new?""I should be asking you that. Who's the new chick you've been seen with. It's all over the internet.""I knew you'd find out. But, yeah. She's someone special.""Special? So, this isn't just a quick fuck? What's going on?""Her name's Eleanor. But, she likes to be called Elle. And no, she's definitely not a quick
E L L EI looked around and noticed that the sky was filled with stars."It's so beautiful." "Far from the city. No light pollution. Just you and me. Come on." He said, his hand wrapped around mine and led me towards a bench.We sat down and enjoyed the view.The lake was shining underneath the bright stars. The moon was shining beautifully. It was a perfect view."Wow.""You like it?""I love it. Thank you.""No, thank you. I didn't expect to be able to come here tonight. But, here we are.""I thought you'd come alone.""No. I had to show you. The reason why I love to drive late at night. It's not always about clearing your head. It's also about the beautiful views you can see at the same time. Something worth seeing and experiencing. Like tonight.""You're right. Tonight is beautiful.""Thank you, Elle. For giving me this opportunity. To spend the night with you. Even though, it's only for a few hours, but, you gave me that chance."Why was he so sweet?It was weird, and, at the sam
E L L EI just came out from the shower, drying my wet hair when I heard a text notification.I sighed and sat down on my bed.What now?I picked up my phone and saw that the message was from an unknown number.'Hey princess.'Princess?Who the hell is this?Wrapping the towel around my wet hair, I laid on the bed and texted back.'Who is this?' I replied. 'Don't tell me you've forgotten your boyfriend's number. I'm hurt.''Boyfriend?''Yes. Boyfriend.''You have the wrong number.''Do I? I don't think so.''Yes.''Okay, okay. You've got me. It's me, Elle. Mikhail.'Mikhail?What the hell?I stared at my phone.Mikhail is texting me?How?After our last meeting two days ago, he didn't collect my number, neither did I get his. So, how?'How did you get my number?' I asked him.'Let's just say, I have connections.' I could already imagine him grinning.I smiled to myself, feeling all jittery that he was actually texting me. I felt like a teenager having her first crush.It was pathetic.
E L L EMy body went numb as I heard the words coming from her. I felt utterly disappointed as I watched Marie through the glass separating us. Her eyes met mine and she was quick to avoid eye contact.What did they do to her?She definitely wouldn't come out and say she had lied. Emory must done something to shut her up. Maybe offer her a ridiculous amount of money to retract her statements.Either way, I knew that there was no point in trying to change her mind. She has already made up her mind and it was impossible to convince her otherwise.I took a deep breath and decided to leave the interview room.As soon as I walked out, a man was standing outside, leaning against the wall, a smirk on his face.He looked at me and his smirk widened. "Well, well. Hello there, Elle. What a surprise."I took a step back and stared at him."W-what are you doing here?" I could swear I'd seen his face somewhere. Bali. Hooded guy. Chasing after me with a knife trying to kill me.I swallowed the lump
E L L EToday is the day of the interview and I drove into the driveway of Marie's apartment.I should have known that something was wrong when I arrived into her apartment and she wasn't dressed yet.I went over to her on the couch and looked at her. "Are you okay?""Yeah. I'm fine." She mustered up a smile. "Is everything alright? You look a little pale.""It's nothing. I'm fine. Just a little nervous. I don't know why. But, let's get ready.""You'll be great, Marie. You're literally saving the lives of a lot of people by doing this. And, I really want to thank you for doing this for me. It means a lot.""I'm happy to help, Elle. Now, let's get going. We're gonna be late." I still couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something off about her. She stood up and went to get dressed. While Marie was being prepared for the interview, I decided to call my mom."Hey there, sweetie. How are you feeling today?""Hey, Mom. I'm doing fine. A little stressed, but okay. I just wanted t
M I C H A E LI was standing in front of the girl's apartment.Marie was her name, according to the background research done on her. She thinks she could try to ruin my woman's reputation and she'd get away with it easily?Big fucking mistake.The worst thing she could have done is work with my enemy, and try to harm the woman carrying my child.Emory and I dated right from college and when she came to me with a new strategy to extort money, I was hesitant to watch the love of my life get married to another man, but as soon as I heard the money involved, I was game.Now, that we are in the second phase, everything has gone smoothly.She is already pregnant with my child and we are getting closer each day.She is the only woman who is perfect for me, and no one is ever going to break us apart.Not even her own husband.Knocking on the door, I waited patiently.A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing the same girl who appeared in the background checks we had done.She looked at