E L L EMy nerves were literally high up the roof when Mikhail walked into the room with a big smile on his face, oblivious to the news that would change everything."Hey, beautiful," he greeted me, kissing my lips."Hey, baby," I smiled nervously."What are you doing?" He said, walking into the room and removing his shoes."Uh, nothing much. Just relaxing.""Hmmm." He stared at me for a while, probably noticing the tension in my face."Are you okay?" He cupped my cheeks, looking into my eyes. I fidgeted, unable to keep eye contact for too long. My gaze fell on the floor."Is there something wrong?""N-no. Nothing's wrong. Everything is great.""You're acting strange. Come on, talk to me. You can tell me anything."I swallowed hard, staring into his eyes."Mikhail, I need to tell you something, and I'm scared. Please, hear me out." I said, my heart was racing a thousand miles an hour."Okay.""Please, promise me that you'll hear me out.""Of course, sweetheart." He held my hands, urgi
L A N AThe rage that has been building up in my body for the past few weeks was the highest I had ever felt it. The only time I had felt anything even close to this was the night Mikhail broke up with me.It was as if all my senses were heightened to their max, all attempts to get Mikhail back to myself was proving futile.Not only has Elle made it difficult for me, now they were out of the country to God knows where. I was livid, literally going berserk trying to find out which country they had led to, but there was literally no traces of them. No single trace. I had my resources try to track their every move, but the fact that I was running out of options was slowly driving me crazy. I didn't know how much longer I could go without Mikhail in my life.How much longer I had to watch him be with someone who isn't me."You know they aren't going to be there forever, right? They are going to come back and you can perfectly snatch Mikhail back. Why don't you just wait it out?" I heard
S E B A S T I A NI sat in the mini art studio I had in my house, admiring my works. Her face, it was everywhere. Perfectly drawn and carved by me, for the past few months, I've had at least eight pictures of her drawn, painted, and carved.She was the only one I could draw, think or talk about, the only person who was constantly on my mind.I stared at my latest painting.It was a portrait of her.In my arms.Smiling.Happily.Like she used to, when she fell in love with me.I wanted her to look at me like she used to, to touch me, to let me touch her, and most importantly, I wanted her to smile at me the way she was smiling in my picture.This was the closest I felt to her, the closest I felt to her presence. She was all around me. The only way to see her.The only way to feel her.But it wasn't the same.I would give anything just to hear her voice one last time.One last chance.To see her.Touch her.Hold her.But she hated me.She didn't want anything to do with me. And it hurts
S E B A S T I A NI stood in front of the mirror the next morning, staring at my reflection. I was putting on a black suit pants and a white shirt. Two buttons open.I looked good, but I was feeling so sick.So sick, just thinking about going to a therapist and talking about my problems, which were caused by my own hands, to another person.A fucking stranger.But, I had promised Mom that I would go.So, I had to.After all, she was right.I had nothing left. If this was the only option, I had to take it.Fuck.What the fuck would a therapist understand? How do they do these things? Do I just sit there and tell her what happened?How could this possibly help me?But, I was doing this for myself. For Elle. Because I loved her, and it was time for me to stop living in denial.She had moved on, and I had to do the same.Even though it was the last thing I wanted, and the only thing I feared.I was a wreck.She was the one who could save me, the only one.But, she wasn't going to.And t
S E B A S T I A N"Partially. It's not the only reason, but yeah. It's because of her. I can't move on. She was the one for me. The one I've always wanted, and no one has ever been able to compare. Even though I know, that's not fair, and she has moved on. I don't know how to move on, without her. Every time I close my eyes, I see her. All I want is her. And no one else.""With all you've said, I think the first thing you need to do is forgive yourself for making a mistake. You've lived with the consequences for so long, and you can't seem to get over it, but the only way you're going to feel better, is if you stop beating yourself up. You were a victim of circumstances, and you didn't have a choice. It wasn't your fault. And no matter how much you beat yourself up for it, it's not going to change the past. We are humans, and learn from our mistakes.""How do I do that? How do I forgive myself, and accept the fact that it wasn't my fault when it's really my fault? I didn't trust her.
E L L EMikhail and I sat in the doctor's office, anxiously waiting for the test results. We had decided to come to the hospital two days ago, to run a test just to confirm the pregnancy.We were both very eager to find out the details.I was so happy, but Mikhail was ecstatic.He had been talking about the baby all night.I couldn't believe the news had made him so excited. I had just been scared for nothing.I knew Mikhail was a man who loved and wanted a family, but seeing the joy in his eyes was the best feeling.Avery and Giovanna were equally excited about the baby, literally already talking about names and colors for the nursery.It was a great feeling, seeing that the people who were closest to us were happy."Are you okay, sweetheart?" Mikhail asked, his hands massaging mine."I'm great. Are you okay?""Of course. I've never been better.""Me neither. I'm so excited.""Good." He pecked my lips.The door opened and the doctor walked in, a huge smile on her face. "Hello, Mr. an
E L L E"You're right. He would definitely threaten you. I want him to see that the two of us are perfect for each other. We're in love, and he cannot say anything about that. We don't have to do things according to his wishes, because, we're doing things the right way. We're together and we're happy. He'll come around once he has gotten over the shock. It will be my surprise to them when we're back in the US, but for now, we're going to bask in our little happiness. Just the two of us.""You're absolutely right. But, I have to ask. Is that what you want? Do you want to get married?""I'm not in a rush, baby. We've only been dating for seven months, and having a baby was not planned. But, we're not doing anything wrong. It's not like I'm pregnant, and we're not together. We're in a serious relationship, and it's not a crime to have a baby out of wedlock. Yes, I want to be your wife, but not out of the pressure of society staunchly believing a woman should be married before she has a c
E L L E"Oh my God." She mumbled."Look, nana, it's not what you think. I swear, we're not irresponsible. Yes, we're having a baby, but, we're in love. This was not a mistake. It's not something I regret.""Oh, sweetheart. Of course, you're not. I'm not angry, honey. Don't even think that.""Then what? What is it? Please say something, Nana.""Eleanor, this is the best surprise of the day. I thought I was going to get a marriage announcement, but this is an even bigger shock." She smiled widely, pulling me into her arms."Nana." I whispered, relief filling my heart."Oh, sweetie. My granddaughter is pregnant. That's such a wonderful surprise. This is the greatest news. A little baby. Don't ever think I'm disappointed in you, Elle. Because you're the most careful girl I've ever known, and if you are pregnant, I know you love that man too much to risk it all for him. You wouldn't put your baby at risk for anything. You're my brave, independent girl. I've raised you to be a strong woman,
M I K H A I LMy blood boiled, and rage consumed me. How dare he show up at my office, and bring up the incident that still haunts Elle?"Is this a joke? Because, I'm not finding it funny.""No, no. It's not a joke. You have to understand, Mr. Volkov, the situation was out of my control, and I'm here because I need to talk to you. Please, let me explain.""You've got five minutes, and if I don't like what you have to say, you'll be sorry you ever showed up at my office. You should be rotting in a prison cell, and you have some nerve coming to me, and talking about the incident that still haunts her.""It's not a coincidence that I'm here. I'm not a stalker, and I know I deserve to rot in prison for what I did. I know you won't believe me when I say I deeply regret what I did to her, but there's also a lot she doesn't know. I didn't just travel all the way to Bali to attack her because I wanted revenge. It was planned, and it was orchestrated.""I don't understand. What are you saying?
M I K H A I LElle slept so soundly in my arms, and the smile on her face made me feel at ease.She had suffered so much during her pregnancy, and it killed me every time I saw her in pain. The morning sickness was a bitch, and the doctor had suggested the morning sickness would go away after the first three months, but she was still getting them, and it was affecting her a lot.I wanted the best for my baby, and the only thing that could help her was an easy delivery. I couldn't risk her suffering, and if there was a way, I would have given birth for her, and dealt with the pain.Her cravings were ridiculous, and her mood swings were even worse. She was a nightmare, and most days, I wondered how the hell I was dealing with her.She would get mad at the smallest things, and she would lash out on me. She would cry over the tiniest things, and she was a drama queen.I had to deal with her, and all I could do was comfort her. I was afraid that she wouldn't be able to deal with the stress
E L L EI tossed and turned on the bed, trying to find the best position on the bed and also trying o get the images of ice cream out of my head.Mikhail was sleeping soundly next to me, and I was annoyed that I had to be the only one suffering for something both of us had done. In fact, he had done most of the work, and yet, I had to stay up with a headache and cramps.I didn't have much sleep the night before, and after waking up, my pelvis was killing me, and the nausea wasn't going away.The headache was the cherry on top, and I was annoyed.The baby was getting even more active at seven months, and kicking me all the time. I couldn't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep without waking up.It was so frustrating, but I had no choice but to deal with it. It was hard, because every night, the pain was different. Sometimes, I'd wake up with cramps, other times, the baby was kicking my ribs, and then, the nausea.It was all just annoying.And now, I was having a strong cra
S E B A S T I A NI quickly walked around the desk, and pulled her into my arms. She buried her face in my chest, and sobbed, her body shaking.I rubbed her back, and kissed the top of her head, waiting for her to calm down."What happened, Laura? Please, tell me.""I-I've just been going through a lot.""Did someone hurt you?" I asked, the anger rising."N-no.""Then, what's wrong? Why are you so sad?""I can't tell you, Sebastian. I can't.""Laura, you're not alone anymore. You can trust me. I'm here for you. I will do anything for you. Please, just talk to me. What's wrong?""I can't. I'm sorry, Sebastian. You have no idea what's going on, and I can't tell you.""Laura, don't shut me out. Please."She looked conflicted, as if trying to decide if she should tell me or not."You can tell me. It's going to be okay, Laura.""M-my father died."She wasn't lying, because the grief and sadness was etched all over her face."I'm so sorry, Laura. When did it happen?""A couple of days ago."
L A U R AThe next couple of days were pure hell.I felt like a prisoner in my own apartment, and the paranoia was starting to take over. Every little noise, every little thing that didn't look right scared the shit out of me.I jumped at the slightest sounds.I'd gotten maybe three hours of sleep in two days. I'd barely eaten or drank anything.My stomach was constantly in knots and nausea hit me at the worst moments. I didn't even leave my apartment, terrified to be out in public.Viktor had made it clear that he wasn't going to let this go, and he would make me pay for what I had done.I couldn't focus on anything. Not work, and certainly not Sebastian. He has called a couple of times, and I kept ignoring his calls, because I didn't know how to explain any of this to him.He was going to want to know why I was acting like a lunatic, and the less people knew about my past, the better. I've already put him in danger, and the guilt was eating me alive. I can't tell him, but I couldn't
L A U R ATWO DAYS EARLIER I had a very long and tiring day, and I wanted nothing more than to have a warm bath, drink some red wine and relax. My car pulled to a stop in front of my apartment and I got out of the car, grabbing my bag from the back seat."Thank you, Mark. See you tomorrow.""Goodnight, Ms. Laura."I entered the elevator, and as I waited to arrive at my floor, I closed my eyes, trying to gather myself.Once I'd arrived on my floor, I got off the elevator, and headed down the hallway. I unlocked my apartment door and walked straight into my bedroom, shredding my clothes and jump into the bathtub.I prepped my bath with my favorite bubble bath, and once the tub was full, I added a few drops of lavender oil, and a couple of epsom salts, and then stepped into the warm, scented water.I relaxed, and the heat eased my tired muscles. I sighed in satisfaction, sinking my body further into the tub. I popped open the wine bottle, pouring a glass, and taking a long sip.I'd had
S E B A S T I A N My personal assistant arranged all the necessary documents needed for my last meeting of the day, as we drove towards the building."Sir, we're here," he informed me, and I checked myself in the mirror one last time before I stepped out."Good morning, Mr. Black," the receptionist greeted me. "Please follow me, they are waiting for you in the meeting room.""Thank you," I said, following her.I saw two men sitting at the table, and the moment they noticed me, they stood up. "Mr. Black, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," the taller of the two men said."It's a pleasure to meet you, too," I replied, shaking his hand."Please, have a seat."They motioned for me to sit, and once we were all seated, we got straight down to business."So, I believe the contracts are in order?" the taller man asked."Yes, and my assistant has the copies with him. We can sign them after we've discussed everything.""That's great. Let's begin, then.""As you all know, my company, Black En
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 piss