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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 L L EAfter a long, and exhausting flight, I finally made it to Bali. The weather was warm and inviting, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was glad I had made the decision to come here.It was exactly what I needed.I took a moment to admire the view, before heading into the airport. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and energy, and it was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of New York.I grabbed my luggage and made my way through the crowded terminal. The sun was beginning to set, and the sky was a beautiful mixture of pinks, purples, and oranges.It was a sight to behold.I exited the airport and flagged down a cab. The driver was friendly, and he helped me load my bags into the trunk. I gave him the address of my villa and we were on our way.The drive was scenic, and I was able to get a glimpse of the island's natural beauty. The palm trees, lush greenery, and crystal blue waters were breathtaking.As we drove, I saw several small villages and quaint
E L L EWhat were the odds?How was it possible that my ex and his new girlfriend were also in Bali?Out of all the places in the world, they had to be in the same place as me. It was unbelievable, I couldn't fathom it.I was speechless.Emory noticed me and did a double take. "Elle? Oh my god, is that you?" Her voice dropped with malice like I was the last person she was expecting to see here. At least, that makes two of us.Sebastian approached and put his hand on Emory's shoulder. It was only then he noticed me and his hands slowly slipped from her."Oh... Elle. Hi." He was surprised to see me too.I couldn't believe they were here, together. It still felt unreal to me. Like I was dreaming and if it was really a dream, I desperately wanted to wake up from it.How did I go from running away from my past, and said past was standing directly in front of me, in a country that was supposed to be my sanctuary?The world must be playing a cruel joke on me.I could feel the anger, and rese
M A R YI was shocked to say the least as Elle hung the call on me. This wasn't the Elle I used to know. The Elle who was the softest person, a girl who could never hurt a fly, would have at least considered it.But, I guess, Sebastian and I have done too much damage, and now, she has a whole new persona.It was clear that she wouldn't take my son back. But, the problem was, would Sebastian give up on her?The answer was simple, no.He has never given up on her. Even after six years, he's still hoping, waiting for her to come back.She has a new man in her life. One who clearly has her attention. And that's why I knew this wouldn't be easy.Mikhail is clearly important to her.They've got a connection, and I could see it in her eyes, she cares about him. She's happy with him.And that is what Sebastian is fighting.He doesn't want to give up. My poor son is still holding onto the idea of her coming back. He's living a lie, and the problem is, he doesn't want to know the truth.That th
E L L EI was applying sunscreen on my body when I felt someone sit down beside me."Let me." Mikhail said softly, taking the bottle from my hands."Sure." I grinned.He squeezed some onto his palm, then began spreading it on my back."You're so beautiful, Elle. And your skin is glowing. The weather agrees with you." He said.I smiled at his comment. "Thank you. But, it's not the weather that makes me glow. It's you. You're the reason I feel good."He placed a sweet kiss on my shoulder, making my stomach do backflips. Several months with this man and he still makes me feel all warm inside.I was wearing my two piece swimsuit. It was yellow and black, with ruffled sleeves and a bow on the top of the bikini top. It had a thong and made me look hot.We were going to the beach behind the house, Avery, Giovanna, Mikhail and I. Avery and Giovanni were also getting ready.I leaned into him, sighing as he applied sunscreen on my shoulders."What is it?" he asked."Nothing. Just thinking about
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
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,
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 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
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
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
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