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 EI deleted all the texts after taking a screenshot of each and decided not to tell Gio, since she was worried enough.I didn't want her to worry even more, and have me stay in a safe house or something, when she's already done so much.Besides, this was my problem.And, I will deal with it, like an adult.I didn't get to meet Giovanna and Avery later that evening, since they were busy with work.Instead, Jai dropped off dinner and said, they were sorry for the inconvenience, and that I should eat, before going to sleep.I thanked him, and he left.I spent the rest of the night reading a book and eating my dinner, before going to sleep.I groaned, rolling in the bed as I heard someone knocking on the front door. Seconds later, the door was opened by Jai obviously, and I heard footsteps approaching my bedroom.Giovanna and Avery were all dressed up and I was looking like a literal trashcan."Wake up, sleeping beauty. Get dressed. We're going out for lunch, then going for a much ne
E L L E"Don't fucking push me, Elle," he growled. "This is no longer a joke. This isn't a game. You could be sued for defamation, if you continue to throw accusations like this around, and I don't want to have to clean up another mess. Stop making things difficult for me, and tell me where you are, right now. If you think I'll just let you go, and not do anything about it, then you are wrong. Now, where the fuck are you?""What are you going to do, Sebastian? Huh? Focus on enjoying your time with your wife before your baby's arrival and leave me the hell alone. Do not force me to get a restraining order against you.""Don't play games, with me, Elle. Stop being a child and tell me where you are!""Fuck off. Goodbye, Sebastian." I spat, hanging up, and shoving the phone back into my pocket.I couldn't believe his nerve.How could someone be so arrogant, and cruel?And the worst part was, I wasn't even a stranger to him, but still he treated me like a total outsider.It made me wonder,
E L L EAs the car sped, I couldn't help but watch the beautiful scenery around me.Everything was perfect.There were mountains everywhere, and it was so peaceful.It was beautiful."We're almost there." Gio announced.I sat up straight, and stared outside the window, watching the cars parked at the side of the road, and the people walking with their family.Where were we?When the car slowed down, and pulled up in front of a large sign, I looked out the window, trying to read what it said."Welcome to... West Bali National Park."My mouth dropped open and my eyes widened, staring at Gio in shock."No way. Are we camping?" It was like finally living my childhood dreams. "Yeah. We have the whole day, and night here, so, we can do whatever you want. I booked the best spot. There are lots of food and drinks and snacks in the car trunk. I figured we'd spend our night, roasting marshmallows and having a bonfire, and then sleep. The park has amazing campsites, and the lake is stunning, es
E M O R YIt was finally the day I was getting discharged from this god-damned hospital.After one long painful week, filled with lots of chaos, I was finally leaving this shitty hell hole with a child and my baby's father.Michael has been the one caring for the baby since her birth and I haven't even seen what she looks like. Honestly, I didn't care to.My life was literally falling apart after that confrontation with Sebastian. My secrets were out and the last thing I wanted was a baby that was supposed to be my saving grace but is actually my worst nightmare.I was supposed to have the baby to get Sebastian's lineage in my name. And now, I was having her with no one.Michael has been taking care of her, but that was the least of my problems. I was probably getting a divorce from Sebastian, and there was no way I could get him back now.But, I wasn't one to give up easily. I never was.They forced me into a wheelchair, insisting I sit in it for safety. It was ridiculous, but I did
E L L EI haven't seen Giovanna and Avery in a few days and we weren't barely able to catch up, so we decided to have a sleepover/girls night to catch up on everything basically.I was sitting in the car with Mikhail in front of Gio's house. He offered to drop me off. I told him he didn't have to, but he insisted. And now, he wouldn't even let me leave the car.I giggled as he pulled me closer, and his lips grazed the nape of my neck. He knew how much that drove me crazy, and I couldn't resist giving in to him."Mikhail, you're not playing fair." I sighed, trying not to moan."And neither are you." He smirked and pulled my hair back, making it easier for him to access my neck and suck on it.I was only in my pyjamas which was a pink hello kitty two piece. Mikhail's hands roamed over my body, and I closed my eyes as his fingers rubbed against my inner thighs. I felt him bite down on my shoulder and I couldn't help the whimper that escaped my lips."I love hearing you moan for me." Mikha
S E B A S T I A NThe following morning, I heard the sound of the cell door unlocking, and I saw the guard's face peeking in."Come on, get up. Your lawyer is here and you've been granted bail.""Took you long enough." I said, giving the asshole guard a glare as he led me out of the room."You're lucky your lawyer managed to pull a few strings, otherwise, you'd still be rotting in that cell." He sneered."Go to hell."I was taken down the hallways and was brought into the visitors room, where I saw my lawyer waiting and my parents waiting.My mom's eyes were bloodshot as my father tried to console her. She rushed to me, tears falling down her cheeks and she threw her arms around me."Oh, Sebastian. My baby. I was so worried. What did they do to you?" She rubbed my cheek, her eyes looking me up and down."Mom, I'm fine.""Mr. Black. How are you feeling? Are you alright?" My lawyer, Mr. Jonathan asked, his eyes scanning the papers."I'm fine, thank you." I shook his hand with a nod."I'l
S E B A S T I A NThe iron prison door was locked harshly in my face as the guard looked at me. "Have a good night, Mr. Black." He sneered.I glared at him and then at the other guard who stood at the entrance."Go fuck yourself." I gritted out. "Maybe a night in a cell will be enough of a lesson to never raise your hands on a woman, and make her unconscious. Even your billionaire status won't save you from this." He smirked, his dark eyes mocking me.I glared at him and the guard next to him. "If you think I'll stay here for a day, then you're dead wrong.""We'll see."They both walked out of the holding cell, and I was left alone.I leaned my head against the wall and closed my eyes.Elle.Everything hurt so badly.How could Emory be so heartless and cruel?She destroyed my marriage and made a fool out of me. She was a monster, and I couldn't believe I let her into my life.I couldn't believe that I believed her.I knew something was wrong, and yet, I never stopped to listen.I didn
S E B A S T I A NThe rage that was boiling inside me was a mix of betrayal, anger and sadness.I didn't know how I was still standing, still breathing, when everything around me was crumbling down and falling apart.Her words were echoing in my mind, and I felt numb."As if cutting open my body wasn't enough, the baby isn't even a normal one, one that could have just grown up and made me rich. Now, I lost the source to my wealth too! What the fuck have you done, Michael?"Her words kept playing on a loop and the more they repeated themselves, the more it hurt.I've never felt so hurt, betrayed and used before in my entire life.The more I tried to make sense of it, the less it made sense.How could she be like this?How could she do this?Just how terrible could she be?"How did you sleep at nights soundly, knowing that you're not only a golddigger, a liar and a serial cheater. You made me nurture and love a child that wasn't even mine." I asked her."Baby, please, listen. Let's not d
E M O R YI woke up feeling sore all over.My head felt light and my stomach felt heavy.I slowly opened my eyes and looked around, but I couldn't remember anything.Where was I?What was going on?Why was everything so blurry and bright?What was the last thing I remembered?I couldn't think properly, my brain felt fuzzy.I closed my eyes again, trying to focus.And suddenly, I felt the pain in my stomach and I gasped, trying to catch my breath.The pain was agonizing and I screamed.What was happening?Why was I hurting so bad?Was it a nightmare?"Emory, hey, you're awake. Shh, relax, I'm right here. Take a deep breath, baby. Relax. It's going to be okay."I expected to see the familiar face of my husband, but I was stunned when Michael rushed to my side instead, holding my hand and whispering to me."Michael?" I croaked, my throat was dry and my mouth felt like cotton."Drink." He brought a glass of water to my lips and tilted it, allowing the cold liquid to slide down my throat an
S E B A S T I A NI didn't know how long I've been sitting, waiting for what was to come. Waiting for the conclusion of my fate, and hell, it was the most hardest wait I've ever done in my life.My life was a rollercoaster. I didn't expect this.I didn't expect any of this.I've never been so confused and lost in my life.I've never wanted a drink this badly in my life, but I had to stay sober and sane.For what was to come. I needed to experience this with clear eyes. For our child.But I wasn't even sure if it was mine anymore.And if it was, could I even be the father that she needs me to be, when her mother had failed us all?I didn't know how long I have been staring, but the doctor suddenly entered the room and I jumped up, rushing to him."Mr. Michael Carter and Mr. Sebastian Black, the result of the blood tests are in and Mr. Michael Carter's blood was compatible with the child. Mr. Black, we are sorry but the baby is not yours. You are not her biological father."His words ec
S E B A S T I A NI sat outside Emory's hospital room, my hands on my head.My head was blank, my brain unable to process anything. All I could see was Emory, laying in a pool of her own blood and her face scrunched in pain that might be etched in my head forever.I didn't know how long I've been sitting outside, but it felt like hours. I was helpless didn't know what was going on, totally clueless and the worst might have even happened.What if she doesn't make it? What if the baby doesn't make it? What if I lose both of them at the same time? Just because I was so busy accusing her of lying.If anything happens to them, I'll never forgive myself.My hands trembled and tears formed in my eyes.How could I have been so blind?So stupid.So oblivious.All this while, the woman who gave me genuine love was suffering alone and I was too busy accusing her of shit and not realizing her true intentions.I didn't pay attention to the signs, her mood swings, her weird behavior, her strange ea
E M O R YI drove into the garage, sighting Sebastian's car which could only mean he was back.It was quite unusual to see him home at the hour, but I was thankful that I'm at least going to spend some time with him.Pushing the thoughts of all I discovered at the hospital, I pressed the lock button on my car key, watching as the car honked.The sound of my heels clicking against the pavement filled the silence of the night.I turned around, the lights of the building were illuminating the parking lot and giving the entire place a golden glow, making the dark night look more beautiful.I opened the door to the house, immediately noticing a lone figure standing next to one of the dining chairs.I rushed towards him and pulled him into a hug, which he didn't reciprocate. I inhaled his cologne, sighing. This was really my man. Never in my life did I believe I'd finally be able to get my hands on him, and here I was married to him even. Who would have fucking thought? Sebastian fucking Bla