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E L L E"We need to get to know each other better before making any decisions. This is a fresh start for us, and I don't want either of us to get hurt. I would like to take this slow as possible, start off as friends and see if it could lead to something greater. But, I definitely wouldn't want to rush it." I finally said, waiting to see his reaction. "Are you saying you don't like me then?" James asked, his face falling."No, not at all. You're a great guy, James. But, we're both in vulnerable positions right now, and rushing into a relationship would not be wise. I don't want to be the rebound girl, and I don't want you to be the rebound guy. We deserve better than that. So, can we start off as friends and see where this goes?"It sounded like I was basically rejecting him, but the last thing I wanted to do was make any promises that I wouldn't be able to keep. Rushing into anything when my heart is a jumbled mess wouldn't be the smartest thing to do.James seemed to think about it
E L L EI was invited to dinner at my parent's house. My mom insisted because in her words, 'we are all too busy and haven't spent quality time together as a family.'My family wasn't big, which was the reason why my mother wanted grandkids, because Varian and I are all grown and didn't have as much free time as we used to have. She said the house was too quiet, and that we needed to get together more often.She didn't ask me about James, which surprised me. Normally, my mom would pry about my personal life and try to find out as much information as she could. But, I knew that topic would definitely come up during the dinner.I arrived at my parents' house, and the first thing I noticed was that Varian's car was already in the driveway. My younger brother was usually late to everything, so I was a bit surprised to see that he had beat me there.I parked my car and walked inside, the familiar scent of my mother's cooking hitting my nostrils. My mom loved to cook, and her food was always
E L L EI stared at the door, trying to figure out what to do. I wasn't sure if I should open it or not.What did Sebastian want?He had already caused enough problems, and the last thing I needed was more drama. I had no desire to speak with him, and I didn't know why he was at my door.Maybe he was drunk or something. Or was he in danger? I shook my head, not wanting to deal with him. "Elle, I know you're in there. Open the door." He kept banging on the door, and I was afraid he would wake up my neighbors.I took a deep breath and opened the door, my face set in a frown."What the hell do you want, Sebastian?" I asked, glaring at him.He was dressed in a suit, and he looked like he had just come from a business meeting. His hair was neatly combed, and his eyes were clear, not the slightest hint of drunkenness."I want to talk," he said, his tone serious."I have nothing to say to you. You've already said enough. Get out of here, and don't ever come back," I said, my voice filled w
E L L EI was a week away from my vacation, and I couldn't wait. After the events of the last couple of weeks, I was looking forward to getting away from everything and relaxing.My life was slowly falling apart, and I needed some time to regroup. My work was suffering, and I had been making a lot of mistakes.The stress and anxiety were getting to me, and I was starting to feel overwhelmed. I tried not to think about the situation with Sebastian and Emory, but it was hard.Their betrayal was always at the back of my mind, and I couldn't seem to shake it. It was difficult to focus on anything else, and I was struggling to maintain a positive outlook.I took a deep breath and forced myself to focus on the task at hand. I had a big meeting this afternoon, and I couldn't afford to be distracted."Elle, you have a minute?" My assistant, Mina, asked, sticking her head into my office."Of course, what's up?" I replied, looking up from the stack of papers on my desk."There's a delivery for y
E L L EI stared at her, the rage and hatred coursing through me. She was the last person I expected to see, and it felt like a punch in the gut. I got flashbacks of seeing her in my own robe when all I wanted to do was break the news of my pregnancy to my husband, I remember how she laughed in my face, mocking my sorrow. How she turned his back on me and how she made me miserable and broken.She was the mastermind behind this all. The reason for my downfall. The woman who took everything from me and the person I called my best friend for years.Emory. "What are you doing here?" I spat, my tone venomous."I was hoping we could talk," she replied, her tone saccharine."Talk? You think I want to talk to you?" She knew very well what she was doing. She was a sneaky and cunning bitch and I wondered how I didn't see through her pretence all those years. "You're quite smart, Elle. I see you aren't the naive little girl you used to be five years ago." She mocked, rubbing her belly."Get t
E L L EIt was finally the day of Thanksgiving dinner and after so much pressure from my Mom, I had no other choice than to invite James for dinner.I didn't want to do it. I didn't want him to meet my family, and especially my parents. My mother was a meddler, and I didn't need her to be involved in my love life.She would ask too many questions, and I didn't have answers. I was already under enough pressure as it is, and the last thing I needed was more. James and i were only just friends for now as we've decided to take it slow, he's taken me on several dates which couldn't really be classified as a 'friendship' date, but he didn't try to make a move or push things further than that.He respected my boundaries and he's been a true gentleman. He's sweet and caring, always making sure I was comfortable and happy.He's not Sebastian, and that's a good thing. He doesn't have the same kind of charisma, charm, or intensity that Sebastian has, and that's why I've been able to move on.Ja
E L L EMy mother, the master interrogator, has begun."You're such a handsome young man. I'm glad Elle has found herself a decent man." She began, with a hint of a smirk."Thank you, Mrs. Barlow. I'm very lucky to have met your daughter, but we're taking things slow for now." He said, a smile tugging at his lips."Please, call me Evelyn. And what are your intentions with my daughter?"Oh my God."Mom, please." I interrupted, already feeling embarrassment crawling up my cheeks. "I'm just curious, dear. You know how much I worry about you.""I promise you, I only have the best of intentions with Elle. She's a wonderful person and I'm lucky to have her in my life." James said, his eyes sincere.My mother seemed satisfied with his answer and moved on to other topics, but the awkwardness lingered.Varian and James continued their discussion about sports, and I was glad for the distraction.After dinner, we retired to the living room and my father turned on the football game.James and Var
E L L EI packed the last bit of my clothes into the third luggage and zipped it up. It was finally the day of my much needed vacation.A month long vacation. Away from everything. Away from my problems. Away from the baggage and heaviness I've had to carry with me for five years.It was time to focus on myself. To put myself first and take a little break for the first time in five years. The past couple of weeks had been a whirlwind. Between trying to deal with my mother and her constant need for attention, work, and now a possible relationship.It was all becoming too much.So, I decided to take a step back and give myself some much needed time and space.I had taken the liberty of booking a vacation and renting a villa in Bali. I knew it would be an expensive trip, but I felt it was worth it.After all, I was worth it. And, it would be a chance to clear my head and reflect on my life.My flight was scheduled for later that evening, so I still had some time to relax and enjoy myse
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 ma
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'
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
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,
E L L EThe day I wasn't looking forward to finally arrived. The end of our mini vacation.Mikhail and I were in his car as we drove out of the mini heaven and back into the city.He looked calm, but I knew he wasn't looking forward to this any more than I was.My new car has been moved to my house the previous day, I would rather sit in the car with Mikhail than drive behind him. At least, I get to enjoy passenger princess benefits.Mikhail had one arm resting on the steering wheel and his other hand was holding mine, our fingers intertwined.As much as I hated to leave the house, the mini vacation had given me and Mikhail the space and time we needed. I didn't think it was possible for our bond to become even more stronger, but it did. Everyday with him feels like the first, of not just falling in love with him, but also discovering new things about him.Who would've imagined that the man who couldn't get his eyes off of me and I the same at the gala was mine and now, I get to live
E L L EI was watching Mikhail swim, his shirtless body glistening as the sunlight hit him.God, he looked gorgeous.I was sitting by the pool, and my eyes were glued to him, as he swam laps. I was wearing a sexy two piece bikini and Mikhail couldn't keep his eyes off of me. I knew exactly how to distract him.Ever since we had that talk last night, I could sense the difference in his behavior. He was more open and affectionate, which was good, but the fact that Lana had already tried to call him twice today, meant she wouldn't give up.He blocked her number right after though, and I suggested he came out for swimming to help him take his mind off of things since it was one of his favorite things to do. But, every time he went underwater, he would lift my legs and touch them.He swam closer to me, pulling my legs up so he could stand between them, and I wrapped them around him. His hands wrapped around my ass and he squeezed, causing a soft moan to escape my lips."Mm. You drive me c
E L L EI don't know what I was thinking, probably that Mikhail never had an ex. It was funny, really. It just never crossed my mind that he has been with other women before, that he was once in love with another woman and probably wanted to spend the rest of his life with them too.It never occurred to me, that he'd had other relationships.And, the thought of him being in love with someone else, being so intimate with another woman, made me feel nauseous.It shouldn't matter. He had an ex-girlfriend, and so what? We both had past relationships, but knowing that he has had someone in his life before me, made me feel uneasy. What made me feel more uneasy was the fact that it was the same woman we saw at the restaurant. That woman screamed trouble, and her confronting Mikhail and also calling him now, meant she had no intention of giving up.And, the fact that Mikhail didn't want to tell me who she was, just made things worse.I wasn't mad at him for not telling me, but I was curious,
E L L EI looked at Mikhail as he slept soundly, his hands holding mine as if he was scared of losing me even in his sleep. I felt safe, protected, and loved.My love for him grew deeper and stronger, and I knew it wasn't something that could be taken lightly.We've been dating for five months, and every single day, he showed me that he truly loved and cherished me. It feels like I've known him forever and I wondered where he was all my life. He wasn't the type of guy who'd not only say sweet nothings, he was the kind of guy who'd show his love, prove his love.And, that was why I was falling deeper and deeper for him.The way he'd take care of me, shower me with gifts, and make sure I was comfortable and satisfied.The way he'd drop by the office and have lunch with me, bringing me my favorite meals.The way he'd make sure to check up on me after work, no matter how busy he was. It was a type of love I've never experienced before. Not while dating Sebastian, not even when I became h
E L L EIt's Valentine's day today and Mikhail has either called nor texted.Not even a good morning.He didn't even return my text from last night and I was a bit disappointed. It was a Friday afternoon, and I was scrolling through social media, watching people celebrating their partners, gifting and taking selfies with their significant others.Even Giovanna and Avery were sharing pictures of them having a romantic time, and I was alone.Alone and sulking.My phone rang and my heart jumped in excitement, thinking Mikhail was finally calling, but to my dismay, it was my mom.Grumpily, I answered the call. My mother and I haven't spoken in a while, I could as well use this time to catch up with her."Hi, mom. Happy Valentine's day.""Hey, Elle. How are you doing, sweetie? You've refused to see your father and me. We were worried.""I'm sorry, mom. Work has been hectic, I didn't have the time to stop by.""Sweetheart, you work at an office. There's no way work is keeping you busy. Your