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 L L EThey were amazing, and I couldn't help but hope that they would always be in my life.But, I was also aware of the fact, that we live in the same city, but have different jobs and responsibilities, so, it's not easy to maintain friendships.So, I guess, the only thing, I could hope for, was that our friendship would remain strong, and nothing would come in between it."Let's get drunk, ladies." Gio announced, breaking me out of my thoughts.I looked up and watched as she grabbed the bottle of vodka, and a few bottles of juice, and placed them on the table."We're going to play a game called Never Have I Ever, and whoever loses has to drink."I groaned, and rubbed a hand down my face, "No way. I am not going to drink." I said, remembering my last horrible hangover. "Come on, Elle. It's not bad. It's going to be fun. Besides, if you don't lose, then you won't have to drink. Now, come on.""Fine. But, you owe me, after this. Big time.""Deal."Giovanna grabbed three cups and pour
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
L A N AI walked into the hotel bar, my golden dress catching the attention of everyone in the room. But, I had my target for tonight.I graciously sat on the barstool and waved the bartender over."Hi, can I have a vodka, please.""Of course, ma'am." I smiled and crossed my legs, looking at the people sitting at the tables, or drinking at the bar.This was a perfect opportunity to get what I needed."Here's your drink, ma'am." The bartender set the drink down in front of me and I nodded."Thanks." I grabbed the glass and sipped the bitter alcohol, my eyes scanning the room.There.The perfect one.His eyes were already on me, his beer belly protruding. There was no physical attraction, but I needed to do what needed to be done. And which other person to drop the case against trying to find my ken than the Data Protection Officer himself (DPO) himself?He wasn't the head of the department, but he had the information I needed. The case against trying to find me and the people behind the