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 L L EI woke up on a queen sized bedroom, that was definitely not mine. And definitely not on land. I woke up on a plane."What the hell?" I muttered, trying to remember how I ended up on a plane.I remember going to my bedroom with Mikhail and falling asleep right after, only for me to wake up now, and in a private jet."Finally awake?"I turned to my right and saw Mikhail walking into the room."What the hell happened?""Good afternoon, sweetheart.""Afternoon? Mikhail, what's going on? Why am I on a plane? Where are we going?""We're going to Italy.""What? Why?""I don't want you in danger anymore. And, we can't keep you safe in America. We've decided that you'll be safer away from America, and away from your parents. Your safety and well-being is top priority. You need a break."And it made sense.And I didn't know how I felt about this.I was conflicted and happy at the same time. Happy because I was leaving the country, where a person is out to kill me, and conflicted because
E L L EA shiny black BMW SUV was parked and waiting for us. We piled into the car and drove off.It felt good to be back to my hometown, even though I wasn't born here. But it was the country where I had family, and it will always have a special place in my heart. I could see the buildings, and the beautiful landscape.The roads were wide, and it was just so peaceful and relaxing.Mikhail was at the front seat with the driver, while Giovanna, Avery and I were sitting at the back. We were in a car, and we had guards following behind us.I didn't mind, as long as we were safe.And I had a feeling that we were in good hands."It's so beautiful here.""Right? I love it." Giovanna smiled."I do too." Avery said. "It's been a while since I've been here." I said, watching the beautiful nature as the car sped past the forest. "And we're going to make sure that you enjoy every moment. We'll have a great time. Trust me. Just relax."I nodded and smiled. "Thank you for being here. All of you
A V E R YI walked into our bedroom, sighting Giovanna straight away. She seemed to be having an important call as she paced back and forth."Yes yes, I will only be able to deliver them after a few days. I need to get settled first, before any business. And besides, we can't do anything here. We're on vacation. I don't have to answer to anyone here. But seeing as it's urgent and you're a loyal customer, I'll get back to you soon." She said and ended the call. "Who was that?" I asked, walking towards her. She seemed tensed and I could tell something was wrong."Oh, no one.""It doesn't seem like no one.""It's business, baby. You know I can't tell you much. But, I have to deliver some goods to this client.""When are you going to tell Elle about what you do?" I've been meaning to ask her this, but I was never able to get a chance."Not now, babe. Not yet. I can't tell her right now. She has a lot on her plate and knowing her, she'll worry too much. I don't want her to have to deal wi
E L L EHow did I only just discover that there was literally a huge library room full of books in this mansion. It was like living in a dream, where all you have to do is ask for something, and it would be done.The library had all sorts of books.Novels, short stories, history, biographies, self-help books, poetry, and many more.It was truly heaven.Mikhail was out to get some of our luggages that weren’t complete from the airport. Avery and Gio were in their bedroom.I made myself a cup of coffee, locking myself inside the library and searching for a book that would satisfy my craving.I came across a novel titled 'The Black Dahlia' by James Ellroy. The title was quite interesting, so I grabbed the book and sat on one of the armchairs, making myself comfortable and beginning to read.The story was intense. I was sucked into it.i was so invested in the crime fiction book that I almost missed the sound of a knock coming from the door. I used my pen to keep track of the page number,
S E B A S T I A NThe last few months have been depressing to say the least. I was slowly losing myself right in front of my own eyes and I couldn't do anything about it.I couldn't find a way to stop the change that was happening, even after everything I did to try to get her back. It wasn't enough, and I didn't understand it. I tried to make things better for her, but somehow they kept getting worse.It was as if there was some other force out there, some unknown entity that didn't want me to have her, and the more I tried to get her back, the harder this unseen force pushed against me.It was my fault for not believing her and blindly living with the real devil for years. But, wasn't the suffering and pain I felt during my time with her supposed to mean something?My entire life had been about making sure that the people I love, stayed safe and were happy.I gave up the only thing that mattered to me out of stupidity and no matter how much I've changed and regretted my actions, Kar
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
L A U R AAfter a two hour nap, filled with tossing and turning on my bed, thinking about the events that took place this afternoon, and the visit from the evil witch, I finally managed to get up and take a shower.It was almost eight, and it was time for me to get ready for dinner at my cousin's place.I walked into the bathroom, and stripped out of my clothes.Once I was completely naked, I turned the faucet, and water gushed out, filling the large tub with warm water.I stepped inside the bath, and sighed in relief.The tension eased from my shoulders, and my mind was clear.It was time to relax, and forget about what happened earlier today.After the long, and much needed, hot bath, I stepped out of the tub, wrapping a towel around my body.I grabbed the brush and combed through my hair.After drying it a bit, I went to my closet and picked an outfit. I didn't dress fancy, because I wasn't planning on going anywhere afterwards.Once I was done, I headed to the kitchen and grabbed t
L A U R AMy car pulled to a stop in front of my office. "Look, I have to hang up now. Work calls." I said to Sebastian on the phone. His call had woken me up this morning and he stayed all through my shower, dressing up and arriving at work.And there was never a point where the conversation got awkward or boring. We always had something to talk about, like we've known each other our whole lives."Okay. Dinner, tonight?" He asked and a smile pulled at my lips.Unfortunately, I already had plans for tonight. "I'm sorry, maybe another time? I already agreed on dinner with my cousin and her girlfriend. But, tomorrow is my off, you could come over to my place and we could order some food and watch movies or something.""Sounds like a plan. Text me when it's time.""I will.""Goodbye, beautiful.""Goodbye, Sebastian.I disconnected the call, and smiled.This was the first time I've actually smiled and felt good in the morning, and it was all because of Sebastian. I was afraid that I was st
M I C H A E LI stood in the corner, watching as Elle and her boyfriend made their way out of the event. I rubbed a hand over my face in frustration as soon as their car sped into the distance. I didn't mean to scare her the way I did, I was just desperate for her to learn the real truth about what happened in Bali.I had expected that reaction from her, but I had thought that I would've been able to calm her down and get to talk her and tell her everything. But, I wasn't going to give up. Not until she knew the truth."Fuck!" I muttered, frustrated, running a hand through my hair. It's not gonna be easy. She hates my guts, and I was the cause of her trauma. What did I expect? I'm such an idiot.I sighed, turning to the exit.I had come here in a disguise, knowing that Mikhail's security detail would send me out as soon as they realized I was invited for this event, but I couldn't wait.This was the only way to reach Elle and tell her everything.I had followed her and Mikhail everywh
E L L EThe next day, Mikhail's friend gave us an invitation for his fashion show. It was also my first public appearance while being pregnant and I was totally excited and nervous at the same time.His friend sent me an unreleased dress from the new line and I was ecstatic, because it was the most beautiful and expensive dress I've ever owned.It was a beautiful blue mermaid gown, that fit perfectly. The fabric was soft and delicate. I fell in love with the dress as soon as I laid eyes on it, and now that it was finally time to wear it, and the night has arrived, I was beginning to have a lot of second thoughts."Are you sure I'm not going to look fat in this?" I asked Mikhail for the hundredth time, and he looked up from tying his tie.He looked shocked by my question, because this was the first time I'd ever asked such a ridiculous question."What are you talking about? You're beautiful. And, you're not fat, Elle. Stop saying that. You're pregnant. There's a difference. You're pregn
E L L EIt's been a week of finding out that our baby is a girl, and it's been absolute bliss. I felt good, happy and content. I was always excited for the kicks, although I was warned by my mother that my excitement would be short-lived, because soon enough, she'd start kicking up a storm in my tummy, and would end up making me lose sleep.I really hoped not, maybe, just maybe my baby would have some sympathy and make me an exception.Today, we were all gathered at my parents' home. My father had called for a family meeting/dinner. He has been all up his ass since last month, refusing to attend my baby shower, because he thinks I'm making a bad decision by having a man knock me up out of wedlock.In my defense, the pregnancy definitely wasn't planned, but I'm not going to keep living in regrets for the little miracle God has given me. And I'm definitely not rushing into marriage just because I'm pregnant and scared of being judged by society.However today, I was shocked when he calle