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 EThe car ride was a lot longer than I expected, but when he finally stopped, we were already in front of my house.We both sat in silence inside the car, even when I knew I was supposed to be leaving his car.After what could have been minutes, but was only a few seconds. I opened the car door and stepped out of the car.The moment my foot touched the ground, a wave of dizziness washed over me. I staggered and leaned against the car, closing my eyes."Elle!" I heard Sebastian's voice calling me, but it sounded far away.I felt his hands grab onto my waist and pull me close to him. "Open your eyes," he whispered, his voice full of concern.I obeyed, my eyelids fluttering open but they were too weak to open. I closed them again, resting my head on his chest."What's wrong?""I f-feel like I’m about to… puke,” That was the last warning I gave him as I felt the alcohol in my system rise.Sebastian quickly moved and helped me lean over his car and empty the contents of my stomach on
E L L EI've been experiencing fatigue for the past two days, feeling tired after doing literally nothing. I would sleep and still wake up tired.The fatigue is getting worse, and now, I had a headache that wouldn't go away. I couldn't keep anything down, my food always ended up coming out.I literally slept all day, and even then, it was restless. I didn't understand what was going on.Why was I feeling so drained?I felt like a truck had ran me over.I was missing out on all the fun I could have been having with Mikhail, Giovanna and Avery and instead, I spent the entire weekend sleeping.Mikhail, though, has been amazing.He didn't pressure me into doing anything. Instead, he was by my side, helping me through it. He helped me eat and even fed me soup, so I didn't have to strain myself.I've been living in doubt, not wanting to believe what my instincts were telling me, but I could no longer deny the obvious.My period was late.It's never late.Never.The fact that I've been feel
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