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
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