M I C H A E LIt's been two days since my whole world crumbled. Two days since I held my lifeless daughter in my arms. Two days since the doctors declared her death.I had nothing left.Emory made sure of that.The last two days have been pure hell for me, and I couldn't find a reason to live.The only person who made my world a little better, who gave me a reason to get up every morning, was gone. My heart has been ripped out and torn into pieces, and I don't see the need for living.I lost everything.And, no matter how much I tried, I couldn't seem to find a purpose for staying.I failed her, I couldn't keep her alive. I couldn't pay her hospital bills, and now, she's gone.I had no one to blame but myself.The alcohol wasn't helping.It only made things worse.It wasn't enough to drown out my sorrows, it wasn't enough to help me forget the pain.I was in a deep, dark, empty hole and I couldn't get out. My baby, who made me desperate to become a better person, who changed my view o
E L L EToday, I was officially five months pregnant. And I was getting ready for my planned gender reveal party.I was five months and two weeks pregnant, and my mom, Giovanna and Avery had collected the gender results from the doctor.We were supposed to have done it at four months, but I wanted us to do it at the time where we were completely sure to avoid gender reveals and baby showers where we end up giving birth to another gender from what we were told. That was the last thing I needed.But, today was the day, and the moment couldn't come any sooner.I was in my bedroom, getting ready for the reveal. Mikhail had hired make up artists to do my hair and makeup, and I stared at myself in the mirror as they worked their magic on me.The past couple of months have been amazing.It was hard at first, especially trying to adjust to the changes that came along with the pregnancy. But, Mikhail has been amazing, and I couldn't have done it without him.The sound of the door opening, and
S E B A S T I A N"Mr. Black, I actually never thought you were going to come back." Laura greeted with a smile as I walked into her office, a few weeks later. The past few weeks have been kind of a reality check. The realization that Elle had really moved on with her life had hit me harder than I ever thought. She was now pregnant for him, carrying his child, and he had a ring on her finger.I was grieving hard. Very hard. Not realizing just how much pain I would feel when I finally made the decision of not loving her anymore. When I discarded all the portraits I had drawn of her, all the pictures we took together, her clothes that had lived in my closet for six years, her jewelry, her makeup, her perfume.It was hard, and I cried like a baby. But, there was also this new sense of clarity that I didn't have before. A realization, that things weren't always going to be like this. The pain will ease. One day, it would get easier. And I would find someone else. Someone who would love me
L A U R AAn unexpected smile played on my lips as Sebastian walked out of my office, and I found myself unable to get rid of it.It was a huge mistake.Asking a therapist out on a date.Unethical.I had been in the profession long enough to know what the right thing to do was.I shouldn't have said yes.But, I did.Because, a part of me wanted to.I've never been so attracted to anyone in my life.His blue eyes, the way they sparkled. The way he was smiling. The way he talked. His voice.His accent.Everything.But, it was unethical.He was a client.A client who needed my help.My assistance.He was emotionally fragile at the moment, still on the journey of getting over his divorce, I didn't want to take advantage of his emotional state.But, the thought of having dinner with him was so appealing.So tempting.And, the fact that he asked me out, and was so eager, had made it even harder to say no.But, I had to.For him.For his own good.Until he was over his divorce. I was going to
L A U R AMy last client walked out, and I breathed a sigh of relief.My day was finally over.The rest of my evening was spent going through patient files, and checking in with my boss.By the time I left my office, the sun had already set.I got into my car, and drove home. My apartment was located a few minutes away from the city. It was small, but big enough for me. And, I loved it.The moment I stepped into my apartment, my cat came running towards me, and I bent down to pet her."Hello, princess.""Meow.""I missed you too.""Meow.""Hungry?""Meow."I laughed, and went straight to the kitchen. The moment she saw her bowl, she jumped on the counter and started eating."You're so spoiled, Lola." I said and shook my head.Lola was the most precious thing in my life, besides my job.And, even though she didn't speak, her presence was soothing.Especially, after a long and tiring day.She was my rock.And, she always kept me sane.Lola was a present from my parents. She was only six
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
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
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 M O R YI exhaled the fat blunt, crossing my leg on the table as I watched a movie on the TV. Lana was out to God knows where, but I could as well be alone.I hate my life.Every attempts to get through to Sebastian was futile. Elle was loving the dream life after ruining mine. She was pregnant, and they were expecting a daughter.I was a laughing stock, the one who was always humiliated. I hated them, and I hated everyone. Sebastian was too busy loving on his new bitch, and was ignoring my calls and texts. He was not answering me, and it was frustrating.I was a powerful woman, and I wanted him.And, I always get what I want.Just a matter of time, before I strike. They would never see me coming. I heard the sound of the doorbell and I groaned. It was definitely not Lana because she didn't have to knock, she already has the spare keys.I walked to the door, and looked through the peephole, and gasped.What the fuck is he doing here?I opened the door, and Michael stood there, look
M I K H A I LThe next day, I was seated in a private restaurant, waiting for him.I had no idea what to expect, and I didn't know if the story he was trying to sell was true, but I wanted to hear him out.Elle was safe at home, and in good hands, and the only thing I had to worry about was the conversation that was going to take place.Michael was late, and he had kept me waiting for almost ten minutes. The restaurant's doorbell chimed, and he walked through the door, and headed over to my table.He sat across from me, and leaned back in the chair, studying me. "Mr. Volkov.""Michael. I'm glad you could make it.""Me too. I'm actually quite surprised that you called. I thought you would dismiss my warnings and probably think I'm lying, because quite frankly, anyone would.""And, why would they?""Because I was part of this whole scheme in the beginning. It's hard to believe that I'm on your side, and that's what's happening. But, everything has changed, and now, I want to help you. Y
M I K H A I L"Are we done yet?" Elle groaned. "My legs are hurting, and this is the most boring thing ever. This is taking too long, and why do they always have to ask me the same questions? It's annoying, and it's been the same thing since the last session. What's the point? And, the worst part is, is that they won't let me eat while I'm here, and all I want is food. This is ridiculous."I smiled, and placed a hand on her thigh. "You're doing great, and if we want to have a normal pregnancy, we need to make sure that the sessions are consistent. I know you're tired, and it's tiring, but this is for our baby. Think of it as a small sacrifice, and it's just thirty minutes out of your day. Besides, I thought you enjoyed the sessions. Don't you like talking about the baby?"She smiled, and rubbed her belly. "Yes, of course, but these are so boring. There's nothing new to talk about. Why can't we talk about something fun and exciting instead of the same things? Do they not know how to sp
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