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
E L L E"What?!" Mina exclaimed as I told her the entire encounter with Emory and Sebastian."Yeah." I sighed. "I don't know how to feel about it, honestly. On one hand, I'm glad he's happy. On the other hand, I'm hurt that he didn't stand up for me. But, then again, maybe I'm just being silly. Maybe he's happy with her and that's all that matters.""Well, fuck him!" Mina huffed. "If he can't even stick up for you, then he doesn't deserve you. Besides, you're way too hot for him. You need someone who will worship the ground you walk on."I laughed. "I don't need a man to worship the ground I walk on. I'm perfectly fine on my own.""Yeah, you're fine." Mina agreed. "But, you could do better than some loser who won't stand up for his ex-wife. Seriously, what a dick move.""I'm glad I was able to stand up to her." I confessed. "For so long, I've felt like she had the upper hand. That she was the victor. But, today, I finally got a chance to fight back. To show her that I'm not the same El
E L L EI stood in the middle of my walk-in-closet, wearing a silk, short, red robe, trying to figure out what to wear."What do you think?" I asked, holding up a blue dress, and then another, showing Mina.She was here with me, helping me decide on a dress for the party. She had a few dresses herself and would try them on after helping me."Hmmm. Both are great. But, you have to keep in mind that your man is the Russian Billionaire, right? You can't be wearing something too simple, especially when he's going to be by your side the entire night. So, go for the red." She said and I sighed, knowing that she was right.I had a lot of beautiful dresses, but most were simple and casual.But, Mina and I were determined to change that.We wanted to make sure I dressed up and made myself look the part."Fine." I said, and placed the blue dress back into the closet."Try on the red one." She said and handed it to me.I walked into the bathroom and changed.The dress was a V neck, tight-fitting
E L L EI haven't even gotten over the shock that Mikhail had done that for me. Why? He barely knew me. Didn't know if I was worthy of this, but he did it without a second thought.Was this a dream? Because I didn't want to wake up.But, then again, a part of me wished he had listened.I was a strong believer that God has a plan for everyone. He doesn't do anything randomly. And, there's a reason Mikhail came into my life. There's a reason why I was saved by him.And, he has a reason to like me.Mikhail.The same man that has been painted bad by the public for being rude, arrogant, cold, uninterested and emotionless was doing this. I've come to realize that they were spreading false news about him, because he wasn't giving them that attention like other celebrities do. Women flocked around his every time, but he doesn't even bat an eyelash at them or give them the time of the day. He wasn't just saving me.He was making me believe in miracles.He was showing me a life where the past
E L L EI applied the final touch of make up to my face as admired my reflection through the mirror.I felt amazing and happy, like i didn't have any problems to deal with. It's been about five years since I genuinely felt happy, felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel. Spending just a little time with Mikhail was a feeling I haven't felt in a long while. I felt young, I felt beautiful, I felt worthy of being loved.Mikhail was the light at the end of my tunnel.He was bringing a new meaning into my life. And fast. It was scary. We've only been spending time together for the past two weeks, but, he's managed to make me smile, laugh and just simply enjoy my life.He's made me realize that I didn't have to put a halt on my life because of my failed marriage.But, that fear still lingered I'm my mind. I haven't accepted his proposal yet, but I knew I'd have to make a decision soon. But, that was where my fear lies.I was afraid that things would turn sour and he'd be another
M I K H A I LThe next day, after my morning workout, a hot shower, a nice meal and a coffee, I was in my study, ready for work.Sipping my coffee, my mind went back to the previous night.She was something else.I've never been this smitten over a woman before.She was the one.And, she's the only one I'd do anything for.Anything.She's a fighter. A woman full of surprises.My phone rang on the table and I picked it up.It was my best friend, Ivan."Hey, brother.""What's up?""Just calling to see if you're alive. Haven't heard from you in a while. You okay?""Yeah. Yeah. I'm good. Sorry, I've been busy.""Too busy to call me?""Sorry, bro. How have you been? Anything new?""I should be asking you that. Who's the new chick you've been seen with. It's all over the internet.""I knew you'd find out. But, yeah. She's someone special.""Special? So, this isn't just a quick fuck? What's going on?""Her name's Eleanor. But, she likes to be called Elle. And no, she's definitely not a quick
E L L EI looked around and noticed that the sky was filled with stars."It's so beautiful." "Far from the city. No light pollution. Just you and me. Come on." He said, his hand wrapped around mine and led me towards a bench.We sat down and enjoyed the view.The lake was shining underneath the bright stars. The moon was shining beautifully. It was a perfect view."Wow.""You like it?""I love it. Thank you.""No, thank you. I didn't expect to be able to come here tonight. But, here we are.""I thought you'd come alone.""No. I had to show you. The reason why I love to drive late at night. It's not always about clearing your head. It's also about the beautiful views you can see at the same time. Something worth seeing and experiencing. Like tonight.""You're right. Tonight is beautiful.""Thank you, Elle. For giving me this opportunity. To spend the night with you. Even though, it's only for a few hours, but, you gave me that chance."Why was he so sweet?It was weird, and, at the sam
E L L EI just came out from the shower, drying my wet hair when I heard a text notification.I sighed and sat down on my bed.What now?I picked up my phone and saw that the message was from an unknown number.'Hey princess.'Princess?Who the hell is this?Wrapping the towel around my wet hair, I laid on the bed and texted back.'Who is this?' I replied. 'Don't tell me you've forgotten your boyfriend's number. I'm hurt.''Boyfriend?''Yes. Boyfriend.''You have the wrong number.''Do I? I don't think so.''Yes.''Okay, okay. You've got me. It's me, Elle. Mikhail.'Mikhail?What the hell?I stared at my phone.Mikhail is texting me?How?After our last meeting two days ago, he didn't collect my number, neither did I get his. So, how?'How did you get my number?' I asked him.'Let's just say, I have connections.' I could already imagine him grinning.I smiled to myself, feeling all jittery that he was actually texting me. I felt like a teenager having her first crush.It was pathetic.
E L L EMy body went numb as I heard the words coming from her. I felt utterly disappointed as I watched Marie through the glass separating us. Her eyes met mine and she was quick to avoid eye contact.What did they do to her?She definitely wouldn't come out and say she had lied. Emory must done something to shut her up. Maybe offer her a ridiculous amount of money to retract her statements.Either way, I knew that there was no point in trying to change her mind. She has already made up her mind and it was impossible to convince her otherwise.I took a deep breath and decided to leave the interview room.As soon as I walked out, a man was standing outside, leaning against the wall, a smirk on his face.He looked at me and his smirk widened. "Well, well. Hello there, Elle. What a surprise."I took a step back and stared at him."W-what are you doing here?" I could swear I'd seen his face somewhere. Bali. Hooded guy. Chasing after me with a knife trying to kill me.I swallowed the lump
E L L EToday is the day of the interview and I drove into the driveway of Marie's apartment.I should have known that something was wrong when I arrived into her apartment and she wasn't dressed yet.I went over to her on the couch and looked at her. "Are you okay?""Yeah. I'm fine." She mustered up a smile. "Is everything alright? You look a little pale.""It's nothing. I'm fine. Just a little nervous. I don't know why. But, let's get ready.""You'll be great, Marie. You're literally saving the lives of a lot of people by doing this. And, I really want to thank you for doing this for me. It means a lot.""I'm happy to help, Elle. Now, let's get going. We're gonna be late." I still couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something off about her. She stood up and went to get dressed. While Marie was being prepared for the interview, I decided to call my mom."Hey there, sweetie. How are you feeling today?""Hey, Mom. I'm doing fine. A little stressed, but okay. I just wanted t
M I C H A E LI was standing in front of the girl's apartment.Marie was her name, according to the background research done on her. She thinks she could try to ruin my woman's reputation and she'd get away with it easily?Big fucking mistake.The worst thing she could have done is work with my enemy, and try to harm the woman carrying my child.Emory and I dated right from college and when she came to me with a new strategy to extort money, I was hesitant to watch the love of my life get married to another man, but as soon as I heard the money involved, I was game.Now, that we are in the second phase, everything has gone smoothly.She is already pregnant with my child and we are getting closer each day.She is the only woman who is perfect for me, and no one is ever going to break us apart.Not even her own husband.Knocking on the door, I waited patiently.A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing the same girl who appeared in the background checks we had done.She looked at