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 checked my phone and frowned. The place where the party was supposed to be at was nowhere to be seen.The street was filled with tourists, locals, and other parties going on around town.I sighed and looked around. There were no signs, no landmarks, and nothing familiar.I had been walking around the area for almost half an hour and had no idea where I was.My phone buzzed and I checked the message."Where are you? We're waiting."Giovanna had sent a few minutes ago."Lost," I typed back. "Help."My phone started ringing. "Where are you?" Giovanna asked."I have no idea." I confessed. "The directions you gave me are useless.""Okay, stay where you are. I'll come and get you.""Okay," I agreed.Giovanna appeared a few minutes later. She was wearing black pants and a black tank top. Her short hair was gelled back, and a light smoky makeup on her face. "Sorry about that," she apologized. "The directions were correct, but you missed the turn. Here, let me show you."I followed
E L L EHe was grinning, his eyes full of mischief. "What are you doing here?" I demanded."I'm sorry," he said. "But, I can't resist a woman like you. You're so beautiful.""This isn't funny." I growled. "Let me out.""Oh, I will," he said, moving closer to me."Stop." He ignored my command, his eyes roaming my body."Don't touch me," I said, backing away.He ignored me, his hand reaching for my arm."I said don't touch me!" I said, shoving him away.He stumbled back, shocked by my strength. "Listen," he said, regaining his composure. "I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to have some fun.""Fun? You call this fun?""Yes, I do. And, it's clear you want it too.""You're wrong, please let me go" I said, trying to keep my voice calm."Am I? Look at your body. You're breathing heavily. Your nipples are hard. And, your pussy is definitely wet too."I felt disgusted by his words. "You're a fucking creep." I hissed. "I want nothing to do with you. Now, let me out of here.""Sorry, doll. B
E L L EHis jaw clenched, as he gave me a deathly glare. "Are you trying to call me incompetent? Don't you forget that I handed that company over to you, Child. And I know know best, I've been in the game way before you were born and I know exactly how this works. You've only just stepped into the field. Don't tell me how to run a business, and don't come crying to me when you can't fix it. You're the CEO, deal with it.""Deal with it? You want me to deal with it. Well, it's easy for you to say when you're retired. You don't commend me for all the hardwork I put into the company for five years without break. The little time I decided to have to myself, because I was fucking exhausted, is what led to this mess. A mess, which I'm going to have to clean up, alone. Without anyone's help.""You're not alone, honey." Mum interjected, but I ignored her."You want me to deal with this shit now that there's a problem. I can't fucking believe you, Dad. You didn't even tell me when I came back
E L L EThe day wasn't even over yet, but I was ready to call it a day. I was pissed. Beyond pissed.My whole body vibrated with anger as I packed my thing into my handbag, and grabbed my car keys. I couldn't think straight. I just needed to get out of the office, and get some fresh air.Then go to my parent's house.The anger I was feeling was only going to take the best out of me if I didn't let it out, and who else would I be able to let it out to.My father. He wasn't the cause of the loss, but he was also the cause. All he could have done was tell me about it sooner, I would have left every single thing I was doing in Bali, to save the company.I didn't build it to this level for five freaking years, only to see it crumble right before my eyes.A wave of guilt hit me as I realized that I was having so much fun in Bali, while my company was crumbling without my knowledge and no one thought to tell me."Fucking bullshit."I stormed out of the building, and was about to climb into m
E L L EI went into my office and locked the door, placing the files on my desk. I picked up my oho e and decided to dial Varian."Hey, you're back." He greeted, and I frowned."Varian, did you know that the financial report was a mess, and that the shareholders are thinking of ditching the company?""Oh, shit. Dad didn't tell you.""No, he didn't. He had the board members cover it up, and didn't even have the decency to inform me.""Oh, that's bad.""I had to find out during the meeting.""What? Seriously, dad was supposed to tell you.""He didn't. But, it's fine. I'll handle it." It wasn't. "What are you going to do?""I'm going to do what I'm paid to do. I'll try and convince the shareholders to stay, or if they insist, find a way to get more investors. We can't let them take the big ones, and leave us with the small fry.""That's a smart move.""It's the only thing I can think of, right now. There's no telling what could happen. There's a possibility that the shares might be take
E L L EI arrived in New York on a Friday night, and in a blink of an eye, it was already Monday. Which only meant one thing, back to work.It was weird, being in New York again after spending a month in Bali.Bali was the dream, but the city was where I was meant to be. I loved the city, and everything it offered.New York was full of opportunities and possibilities. And not to forget, stress. The city was buzzing with activities, and people were always on the move. I haven’t driven in a month, and I almost forgot how it felt to be in control of my life. Maybe I should have extended my vacation for two months, because having to run a company after having the best vacation of my life wasn't the most ideal thing.But, I knew I couldn’t leave the company under my father’s watch for too long. He wasn’t as strong and energetic as he used to be, and the last thing I wanted was for him to overexert himself.Varian wasn’t really interested in the company and it must have been hectic for him.
E L L EIt was our last night in Bali and we decided to do one last fun thing, before leaving the city and its beauty behind.It was our last night on the island and we were ready to enjoy.Avery was standing by the balcony of the bedroom, looking out at the ocean as the sun went down."You ready?""Of course.""Then, let's go. Gio should be waiting for us.""She is. I spoke to her."I nodded and walked out of the bedroom, and headed towards the front door.The driver was already waiting for us outside, and I got into the car and sat down.Giovanna was already in the car, and I leaned forward and hugged her."Where are we going?""It's a surprise," Giovanna responded, and winked."Aww. Come on, Gio. You have to give me something.""Nope. Avery made me promise not to tell you.""I did, and she's not breaking the promise," Avery chimed in."Okay, okay. Fine." I huffed. "At least tell me what am I supposed to wear.""Nothing.""Nothing? Then why am I even here?""We're not going to strip
E L L E"You're a powerful and influential woman, and they are nothing compared to you. So, stop sitting here and moping, and showing them that you're hurting, and you need their pity. Get up and prove them wrong. Show them that you're the boss and you have it all under control."She continued, "Don't let them see you cry. Don't let them see you hurt. They're winning, and you're losing. If you continue acting like this, then they'll forever be on top and will have the last laugh. Show them who the real winner is.""How? I have no motivation. I don't have a desire to fight anymore.""That's the problem. You have to start fighting. No one will be there to fight your battles. And, as much as you want to stay home and cry, it's not going to help. You'll end up more miserable than you already are. So, you have to get up and make them regret. Don't give up. Show them what you're capable of.""You are the strongest woman I've ever met, Elle. You have so much potential and are going places. Yo
E L L EI was standing in front of Giovanna and Avery's tent the next morning, wondering why they weren't still awake. It was 10am in the morning and neither of them had come out yet.Was there a party inside their tent, and I was the only one who didn't get an invitation?I opened the door, and peeked in, and saw both of them cuddled together and sleeping.I smiled. I guess they were able to talk, and make up."Ahem," I cleared my throat, and Giovanna opened her eyes and sat up, and yawned."Elle, what's up?""What's up? It's 10am, and you're still sleeping. Did you guys talk? Or have you been fucking all night?""Elle!" Avery whispered and covered her face with the blanket.Giovanna got up, and grabbed her shorts. "We definitely had a lot of time to talk." Gio teased, making Avery's face as hot as a volcano.They got up and we walked outside together. "We have till twelve before we have to check out, and then we're all leaving. You guys didn't pack your bags yet, did you?""Nope, but
G I O V A N N A"Can we talk?"Avery stopped and looked back at me, and then turned her attention to packing her things."There's nothing more to talk about, Giovanna."I grabbed the shirt she was folding and threw it onto the floor, and her head snapped in my direction, and she gave me a deathly glare."What the fuck?""We have to talk, Avery. And you're going to listen to me. So what now? You want to leave because of this?""Isn't this enough reason to want to leave your shitty ass, Gio? I thought this vacation was exactly what we needed, away from all the toxicity and fights and just focus on 'US'. But, all it took was one fucking game, and my relationship ended.""I don't want it to end.""Well, neither did I, but you ruined it. But we don't always get what we want, do we? This is exactly why I didn't want to play. I was against it and you said that it wouldn't make a difference. But, you were wrong. It did. Now, leave.""Baby–""Stop calling me that, you have no right. It makes me
G I O V A N N AAvery stood in front of the lake, her arms wrapped around herself, and her back was towards me.The moonlight made her skin glow and the water shimmered, making her look like a dream.She looked gorgeous, and I couldn't help but admire her from afar. She has always been the most beautiful girl I've ever met.And, that was what attracted me to her.Her beauty, and her personality."Why did you follow me, Gio?" Her voice was quiet and shaky and it broke my heart."Because I wanted to talk.""I don't want to hear any more excuses. I've heard enough.""Avery, you're being dramatic. Just listen.""Dramatic? Seriously? You just admitted to have used me, and now you're telling me, that I'm being dramatic?""I didn't mean it that way. I just meant that what you're doing is unnecessary."She turned around, and gave me a deadly look, her eyes burning with anger, "Fuck. You."I sighed, and approached her, "Listen, baby. I love you–""You have a fucked up way of showing it.""It