E L L EI slammed the door behind me and headed straight for the kitchen. My mouth was parched and I needed a drink. I reached for the bottle of whiskey, poured myself a glass and downed it all in one gulp.My eyes began watering, and before I could control myself, I was crying. I cried so hard, my whole body was shaking. The pain was unbearable, and I couldn't stop.I felt sick, like my entire world was collapsing around me. Why was this happening to me? Why did he have to come back and ruin my life again?"Because, he's a fucking idiot," I said to myself, wiping the tears from my cheeks. "He's an idiot, and he doesn't deserve my tears!"I was angry. Angry at myself for being so weak. Angry at him for believing his wife's lies. Angry at the whole world for being against me."I hate him! I hate him so much!"I picked up the glass and threw it across the room, watching it shatter into pieces. "Fuck!" I screamed, grabbing a fistful of my hair. "Fucking asshole!"My chest was heaving,
E L L ESitting alone at home, I couldn't stop thinking about Sebastian and the events of yesterday.After his little surprise visit, he kept his word and didn't show his face around. I thought I'd feel relief, but the feeling of emptiness only increased.Why? Why was this happening to me?I couldn't focus on anything, and everything reminded me of him.His smell. His touch. His kiss. His eyes. His smile. His voice.It was driving me crazy.I hated it."Damn him," I mumbled, getting up from the couch.I needed a drink. Or two. Or three.Anything to make the thoughts stop.I went into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of wine. "Maybe that'll help," I said, taking a sip.I closed my eyes, savoring the taste. I could feel myself relax, the tension in my body easing."Hmm, that's better." I drank the whole glass, and poured myself another.I walked over to the living room and sat down on the couch. "This is so stupid," I said to myself. "Why am I acting like this?"I shook my head, tr
E L L EAnd, together, we were going to survive. I didn't come this far just to fall apart because of some stupid memories.I was done crying over a man who didn't want me anymore.I was done with the pain.And, I was done being a victim.It was time to take control of my life. I couldn't keep living like this. I couldn't be emotionally dependent on him. The way he treats me or the things he does shouldn't control my emotions.If there was anyone who should feel pain, it was him. Not me. Never again.Never.After, putting on fresh clothes that consists of short shorts and a white crop top, I walked back downstairs and headed towards the kitchen.I could hear the sounds of chopping, and the smell of garlic filled the air."Smells delicious," I said, walking inside."Thanks," she replied, turning to face me."Where did you learn how to cook?""My mom taught me. She used to say, a girl should never go to college without learning how to cook, and if she doesn't have the patience, then she
E L L EI woke up with a terrible hangover.I barely managed to drink water, and when I did, it wasn't enough.I felt nauseous, and the urge to puke was getting stronger by the second.After, going into the bathroom and emptying the contents of my stomach, I brushed my teeth, and went back to bed.I was hoping I would feel better by the time I woke up, but my wish didn't come true.My phone kept ringing and vibrating on the nightstand, and I ignored it. I was feeling like shit and didn't need the constant reminder.Whoever was calling would call again, and again, and again.And, the person wasn't giving up, and it was starting to annoy me. With a groan, I reached over and grabbed my phone."Hello," I grumbled."Are you still asleep?" a familiar voice asked."Avery? How did you get my number?""From Giovanna. Anyway, I've been trying to reach you for hours, but you didn't pick up.""Sorry, I was sleeping. What's wrong?""I was hoping you would tell me. Gio came home yesterday, and she
E L L EAt that very moment, he turned and locked eyes with me. I couldn't really see his face as he was covered with his hoodie and the street lights did nothing to illuminate his features.My mind screamed at me to run, and I took a step back, preparing to bolt, but froze when I realized, the man was walking towards me.His footsteps were slow and calculating. As if, he was making sure, I didn't try to escape.I could've sworn, my heart stopped.He stopped a couple of inches from me and stared at me through his hoodie. He was still, and I wondered if he was even breathing.The moment was tense, and it felt like we were the only people in the world.When he took a step back and pulled out a shiny object, my knees gave in and I almost collapsed.The knife was pointed towards me, and I knew, if he decided to end me, I wouldn't stand a chance.My life was flashing right in front of my eyes.I wondered, if my family was going to miss me.My friends.Were they going to mourn my death? I wa
E L L ESebastian's expression hardened and his jaw was clenched. "Just because you harbor a huge grudge with her because of what happened five years ago, doesn't give you the right to accuse her. She isn't capable of such things, Elle. I'm not buying any of this.""She's not capable of hurting me? Do you honestly believe she has no flaws? Do you really believe, Emory is the perfect wife, and she wouldn't go behind your back? She's sick and twisted, and she's always wanted you to herself. She ruined our marriage because of her selfishness. She pretended to be my friend all this while, just so she could get closer to you and destroy our relationship. You're delusional, if you think she's innocent. Emory has done far worse things, and I'm not exaggerating. You need to open your eyes and see her for who she truly is. You're living in a fucking fantasy, if you think, she loves you. All she cares about is herself, and she'll do anything to get her way.""Stop," he gritted out."You want me
E L L EGiovanna arrived at my hotel room exactly one hour later, her girlfriend next to her.I was a mess, and the tears hadn't stopped pouring out.She didn't hesitate, to pull me into her arms, and hug me."What happened? I want you to tell me everything. Don't miss a single detail."I nodded and sat down, telling her everything that had occurred tonight.By the time, I'd finished, her mouth was wide open, and her girlfriend's eyes were filled with sympathy. "Who the hell would try to attack you? You don't even know anyone here," Giovanna asked."I don't know. But, it doesn't seem like, they were going to kidnap me. He was going to stab me, until Sebastian walked in. And I have an idea of the only person who hates me so much and is also in Bali as we currently speak.""Who is that?""My ex-husband's wife."Giovanna's eyes widened, "The same woman who was the reason why you divorced in the first place?"I nodded, "She has been threatening me for a while now, but I didn't take her se
E L L EThe following morning, we were on the road. We got to my apartment and quietly packed all my belongings and left. It was faster with the help of Gio and Avery and I handed back the keys to the house's realtor. It was a Sunday and most shops were closed, which made it difficult to get a new apartment.But, Giovanna was the one who made things happen, and before we knew it, we were in an apartment, which was a walking distance away from her and Avery's villa.It was a beautiful, modern, and spacious apartment, with a master bedroom, a huge bathroom, and a massive kitchen.Once we were settled in, Giovanna called her friend and explained the situation, and the next thing I knew, there was a bodyguard standing outside my door, watching my every move.I didn't mind it.Gio also introduced me to Jai. He was an Asian guy, with short black hair, and was very polite. He was also quite charming, and the smile he'd given me, didn't reach his eyes.I didn't know why, but there was someth
L A N AI sat in front of the three men I trusted so much and paid a hefty sum for their services. I knew they were the right men for the job, and they were willing to do whatever it took.Emory has been waiting for her chance to take down her arch nemesis, Elle, and now she finally had her chance.But these men just had to ruin it for me.They bowed their heads in shame, looking like a bunch of pathetic fools. My anger was beyond controllable. I could barely keep my shit together.I've had a perfect plan, but the damn men ruined it."What happened?" I asked calmly, though it was more like a threatening question."We’re sorry, mistress. She escaped before we could get a hold of her.”I stood to my feet, walking towards them and glaring into their eyes."How did she escape? I gave you guys all the necessary information and resources. How did she manage to escape? You're supposed to be the best, but you failed. You failed me.""Mistress, please forgive us. It wasn't our fault.""Not you
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