E L L EI heard a beeping noise and a faint sound of footsteps. It felt like I was floating, and the beeping was getting louder and louder.My body felt numb, and my eyes were heavy. It was cold, and the sheets were rough.I didn't know where I was.The beeping was too loud, and the footsteps were getting closer and closer. My eyes fluttered open and I winced at the bright lights, before closing them again.My head was pounding and throbbing painfully, as if it was about to explode. My mouth was dry, and my lips were chapped. I could taste the blood in my mouth and it made me nauseous.The footsteps stopped, and the voices were clearer."Is she going to be okay?""What's wrong with her?""When is she going to wake up?"I opened my eyes slowly, adjusting to the bright lights and looked around. I was in a hospital room. The beeping sound was coming from the machines and the footsteps were doctors and nurses.I could see people standing near the door, their voices low.I tried to speak, b
E L L ETwo Weeks LaterThe nightmares hadn't stopped.It had been two weeks since the incident, and the bruises and cuts were healing, but the memories were still there.The feeling of helplessness and the fear were still haunting me. Anytime I close my eyes, the scene flashes in front of my eyes, making me wake up in the middle of the night, panting and sweating.My therapist had prescribed a few sleeping pills to help me cope, but they were no use.I had a lot of restless nights.The man in the black suit was always there.Waiting for me.I was scared, but I knew the pills were supposed to help. So, I continued taking them.I was staying at my parents' house as my house was currently being renovated and repaired.The security was also beefed up.I was lucky to have survived that.The moment my mom saw the condition I was in from the hospital, she had broken down when she was told what happened. She became even more overprotective and she and my dad with Variant decided that I was g
E L L EMikhail and I sat side by side on the dining table. My parents and brother were across from us.It was awkward, and no one spoke for the first couple of minutes.My dad cleared his throat."So, how long have you been seeing my daughter, Mikhail?"Mikhail finished chewing his food and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Six months now, sir.""And, what do you plan to do with my daughter in the future?""Dad!" I scolded."What? Am I not allowed to ask these questions? You're my daughter.""I know, but, Dad.""Mr. Marino, with all due respect, I plan on marrying her. I love your daughter so much, sir. I would do anything for her. Anything. And, if she'll have me, I would be the happiest man in the world."My heart skipped a beat and my stupid brother wriggled his eyebrow, giving me a smirk."Are you sure about that?" My dad asked."Positive. I would like to have your blessing, sir. I know I'm not good enough for her. I know I can never deserve someone like her. But, I promise that I'l
E M O R YONE MONTH EARLIER My stiletto heels clicked as I walked majestically towards the restaurant. I was putting on a shimmery red dress and silver heels, feeling superior and on top of the world.My make up was well done and my body was banging in this dress. Childbirth has been the worst thing to happen to me, but all thanks to my doctor who prescribed a pack of ozempic for me, and now, I'm finally back to the way I used to be.I'm the queen, and everyone is going to kneel before me.My C-section scar has healed perfectly, leaving just a faint mark. I'll be able to get it removed once I get enough money.I took multiple drugs to stop my boobs from producing more milk, to stop my hormones from going crazy and I finally feel normal again.The only downside is that my hair has started falling.My hair was a beautiful, luscious, silky mane and it's one of the reasons why people loved me. But, my hair is no longer healthy.I blame that damn baby for sucking the life out of me and mak
L A N AI sat in front of the three men I trusted so much and paid a hefty sum for their services. I knew they were the right men for the job, and they were willing to do whatever it took.Emory has been waiting for her chance to take down her arch nemesis, Elle, and now she finally had her chance.But these men just had to ruin it for me.They bowed their heads in shame, looking like a bunch of pathetic fools. My anger was beyond controllable. I could barely keep my shit together.I've had a perfect plan, but the damn men ruined it."What happened?" I asked calmly, though it was more like a threatening question."We’re sorry, mistress. She escaped before we could get a hold of her.”I stood to my feet, walking towards them and glaring into their eyes."How did she escape? I gave you guys all the necessary information and resources. How did she manage to escape? You're supposed to be the best, but you failed. You failed me.""Mistress, please forgive us. It wasn't our fault.""Not you
E L L EMikhail left early the next morning, promising to check on me soon. My father was at the office, since I wasn't mentally in the right state of mind to handle the company for now.My mom was out to catch up with some old friends, so it was just Varian, myself and the heap of securities my father and Mikhail had hired to watch over me.Seriously, but hiring up to twenty people just to guard me is a bit over the top. But after experiencing what happened two weeks ago, I understood their concerns and why they took so many measures. And to be honest, I felt protected knowing that there were people that would fight for me if need be. My phone dinged, signaling a text message. Varian was busy playing video games and the living room was on the other side of the house, so no one would disturb me.I smiled, seeing a text from Mikhail.Mikhail: I miss you.Elle: I miss you too.Mikhail: What are you doing?Elle: Nothing. Just laying on my bed.Mikhail: Should I order you and your broth
L A N AI walked into the hotel bar, my golden dress catching the attention of everyone in the room. But, I had my target for tonight.I graciously sat on the barstool and waved the bartender over."Hi, can I have a vodka, please.""Of course, ma'am." I smiled and crossed my legs, looking at the people sitting at the tables, or drinking at the bar.This was a perfect opportunity to get what I needed."Here's your drink, ma'am." The bartender set the drink down in front of me and I nodded."Thanks." I grabbed the glass and sipped the bitter alcohol, my eyes scanning the room.There.The perfect one.His eyes were already on me, his beer belly protruding. There was no physical attraction, but I needed to do what needed to be done. And which other person to drop the case against trying to find my ken than the Data Protection Officer himself (DPO) himself?He wasn't the head of the department, but he had the information I needed. The case against trying to find me and the people behind the
M I K H A I LThe past few weeks have been hectic, and taking a huge toll on Elle, mentally, physically and emotionally.We had hired the best investigators and the top security guards, and the search was still going. But, they have found nothing. It's almost as if the person was a ghost, or had someone covering up for them.The news about the case being dropped had spread like wildfire and Elle was devastated.I was also furious, and I couldn't help but think about the mayor and his shady dealings. The system was corrupt, and the police department and the authorities were full of crooks.They could care less about their citizens and only wanted money.This is why the case is dropped.Because the mayor is in their pockets and they're willing to drop the case and protect the person who's trying to kill Elle.This was a fucking joke.We were fighting an invisible enemy.Their excuse was that it could have been just a regular thief who tried to steal from her. If they truly just tried t
E M I L YMy heart skipped a beat the moment Ivan walked into the party. He looked so good, of not better. His hair was slightly longer, his beard neatly trimmed.He was the definition of handsome.His eyes were bright and twinkling. The smile on his face was so beautiful. He had been avoiding me for so long, but he still came. He didn't have to, but he did.He was dressed in a dark blue suit, and he was holding a small gift bag, and I couldn't help the tears that gathered in my eyes. He hasn't seen me yet, and I wondered what his reaction would be like if he does. Would he be happy? Sad? Angry?Or would he ignore me and walk away. I would definitely notl be surprised, because I deserved it.I stood still, trying to calm myself, and a deep voice startled me from behind.My heart was pounding so fast that I could hear it in my ears despite the loud music blaring in the background. His familiar cologne filled my nose, and I closed my eyes, trying to control the overwhelming tears that w
S E B A S T I A N"You'll always have a special place in my heart, Elle. Thank you for making me smile, and giving me memories I will always cherish. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life, and thank you for the years we shared together. Thank you for everything.""I won't forget you, Sebastian. Before everything crashed, you had made me smile, and laugh. And, you gave me a wonderful experience that I will never forget. Thank you, and take care of yourself, okay?""You too. Take care, and please don't hesitate to contact me, if you ever need anything.""Same goes for you."She gave me a hug, and I hugged her back, feeling the last of the bitterness leave me."Goodbye, Sebastian.""Goodbye, Elle."She walked away, and I was left all alone, standing there, under the stars, a small smile playing on my lips.The bitterness was gone, and so was the pain.For the first time, in a very long time, I was truly free.I was finally free.I heard the sound of heels clicking and a pis
S E B A S T I A NThe last person I had expected to see when we arrived at Laura's cousin's party was Elle.And although, meeting her here was totally unexpected, for the first time since our divorce, I didn't feel that tight constricting pain in my heart, and nor did my palms start sweating.In fact, I actually felt...calm, and peaceful.Perhaps, I had finally found closure.It was the first time in months that I had seen her, and not once had I felt a twinge of jealousy or anger when she was around Mikhail.Seeing her now, standing beside him, her belly protruding, and her eyes looking straight into mine, with a look of confusion and uncertainty, I could actually admit that she looked happy.She looked healthy and content, and I was glad that she was doing well. She was finally living the life that I couldn't give her. She was finally with a man who deserved her and was taking care of her, the way she needed to be taken care of.Laura had her arm looped through mine, and was looking
E L L EI was still standing in shock and disbelief. What exactly was Sebastian doing here? And, did he seriously walk into the birthday party of my best friend, with his mistress?This was the first time I was seeing him in months, and I didn’t like it one bit. I was certain that Avery or Giovanna hadn’t invited him, or did she? No. Giovanna didn’t even know about the birthday party to begin with. So, who else could have invited him?“What the fuck is he doing here?” Mikhail growled behind me, circling his arms around my waist protectively, pulling me closer.His body was tense, and I could feel his heart beating against his chest.Sebastian was holding his mistress' hand, and they were smiling, looking as happy as a couple could be.He was wearing a grey suit and the woman had her hair styled into a perfect bun, she was very beautiful. Her eyes were big and blue, and her face was covered in make-up. Her black dress hugged her slender body, and she looked very classy.Her face looked
E L L EI sat at my vanity table, my towel wrapped around my body as I started with my make-up. I applied a light foundation, followed by a little blush, mascara, and red lipstick.My eyes were bright, and my cheeks were flushed. I looked absolutely different, and I could definitely see the glow that everyone was talking about. My skin was literally flawless, and I haven't had a single acne in months. The baby was trying to show the world that she's going to be a good girl, but is literally about to rupture my ribs from her constant kicks.She was a very active baby at just seven months. Two more months to go, and it could even get worse. Mikhail was busy getting ready, and he had been checking up on me constantly to make sure I was fine.I took out the hair curler and curled my hair into loose curls, letting it fall around my shoulders.Afterwards, I put on a light perfume, and stepped into my dress. The shimmery yellow mermaid gown clung tightly to my body, accentuating my curves. M
M I K H A I LI drove my car into the driveway, and turned off the engine. After a few talks with the security guards, I walked into the house with a bouquet of Elle's favorite flowers.It was strangely quiet today, because I usually see Elle in the living room, either watching a movie or sleeping.I decided to go up the stairs and look for her in the bedroom. As soon as I twisted the door open and stepped in, I was met in a dark dimly lit room.There were candles everywhere and flowers and rose petals on the floor. The sight before me almost knocked the air out of my lungs. The sweet scent from the candles, her scent, it was all overwhelming. Elle was in a red lingerie. A sexy two piece lingerie, and her stomach was protruding. She looked like a goddess. One who God has taken his precious time creating under the moonlight, perfectly moulding each and every curve and feature.She was the definition of perfection. A gorgeous goddess. Her hair was flowing down her back, and she had he
E L L EI was home all alone today because I just didn't feel like going to work. I wanted some peace and quiet, and quite frankly, I was too lazy to go anywhere.Today would be my off day. To sleep, watch a movie, snack and repeat.I had a huge bowl of popcorn and my eyes were glued to the TV, watching the romantic comedy I had rented from the library.It was a beautiful Friday and the weather was perfect, and I wanted to relax and spend the day alone.My phone was on silent and the door was locked. I was having a relaxing time, and no one could mess with me. I placed the huge bowl of popcorn on my belly. Yes, this baby was growing too fast that my belly was not big enough to hold the popcorn.I was a quarter through the movie when my doorbell rang, and I frowned. I paused the movie and sat up. Who could that be?It rang again, and then there was a loud banging on the door.I groaned and got up, walking to the door."Hold on a second!"I opened the door and was met with wide grins. "
L A U R AI was sitting on my couch, setting up the food I had ordered down for Sebastian and I.Just a few seconds later, a knock sounded at the door.I went to open the door, and I was greeted by Sebastian standing in a dark casual outfit, a dark blue jeans and black shirt, his hair slicked back and his piercing blue eyes meeting mine."Hi.""Hey, gorgeous." He said, smiling as he took me in, his gaze moving slowly over my body, and I blushed."Come in.""I brought some wine and dessert." He said, showing the wine bottle."Great, the food is already here, and it's all set up. Thank you.""Thanks for inviting me over. You have no idea how much I missed seeing you." He said, pulling me into a tight hug, his musky scent hitting my nose, making my insides warm and fuzzy."I missed you too, Seb."He pulled away, and I had to try so hard to fight off the burning blush crawling up my cheeks."I hope you like the dessert, and the wine. I wasn't sure which wine to buy, so I bought the red, s
L A U R AMy eyes narrowed into a glare, and I frowned. "Excuse me? What do you mean?""Sebastian Black is a ruthless bastard, and he is the last man you should be messing with. He's a heartless asshole." Giovanna stated, and her voice held authority and anger.I could hear the venom lacing her voice. Why would she be so mad and disgusted at Sebastian?"You are the sweetest girl I know, and have a heart of gold. And, Sebastian, the man is just a walking corpse. He's an animal, and has a heart of ice.""How would you know?" I asked, feeling defensive. I didn't like the way she was speaking about Sebastian. How does she know him? What exactly does she know about him that's making her say such things about him? What business does she have with him?"That man doesn't deserve your love, Laura. He destroyed my best friend. They had a very messy divorce that cost my best friend a lot. When he realized that he has been living with the real enemy, he now wants her forgiveness. He still loves h