E L L E
I stared at the luxurious oakwood door I had always detested as a child.
The cab sped off as soon as I paid the, and I wished I could call him back because I was already regretting coming back to this place that haunted my childhood.
I was empty handed, coming back the same way I had left. I felt a wave of embarrassment, realizing that my parents were right after all. They saw what I couldn't see about Sebastian and now, I was back at their place, proving that they were in fact, correct.
I continued staring at the door, remembering the times when I cried to be outside, to have friends but was never give the chance to.
It all changed the moment I met Sebastian at the very first event I was allowed to go to. I was only twenty then, and I felt awkward amongst hundred of people, but Sebastian made me feel safe.
I fell in love with him and rebelled against my parents, just so I could be with him. I snuck out, stole money, and did a lot just so I could have a little piece of happiness.
Happiness that ended up becoming my greatest doom. Happiness that cost me the life of my unborn child. It wasn't worth it in the end.
So many emotions ran through me all at once, but anger was the most dominant one.
Taking a deep breath, I gathered the courage and raised my fist to knock.
But the door swung open before my fist could make contact.
Two years didn't age my mom one bit. She looked the same, if not better. Her dark hair was still pinned up in a tight bun, her eyes, same color as mine stared at me shock and happiness, but I couldn't mistake the glint of guilt in them.
"Elle? Oh, my precious girl. Where have you been?" She shouted, wrapping her arms around me.
I didn't return her hug, just stood there, frozen.
She didn't seem bothered by my lack of response. And finally, she asked me the question coming, "What happened to you?"
"Sebastian and I are no longer together. That's all you need to know, mother." I said, walking past her into the house.
"Elle, sweetie, wait. What do you mean? You can't just say something like that and expect me not to be concerned. What has that boy done to you?"
"Why would you be concerned about your own daughter?" I stopped in my tracks and turned to look at her, narrowing my eyes.
She frowned.
"What are you talking about?" She asked, confused.
"Why are you trying to act like you care about me after you went two years without speaking to your own daughter? Worried, you say, but did you try looking for me? No, because you were too busy living your best life. So don't act like you care. I didn't come here for your sympathy."
"Sweetie, I know that whatever happened between you and Sebastian, it's hard for you. But, I'm your mother. I love and care for you and your brother. It was never my intention to not communicate with you. Your father wouldn't let me no matter how much I tried. He kept saying that it was best if we allowed you realize your mistakes yourself. And now, look at what's happened. Sweetie, I'm really sorry."
My hands balled into a fist and I gritted my teeth, not wanting to believe a word she said.
"You're sorry? You're fucking sorry, mother? Two years, two whole years. Not a single phone call. Nothing. You didn't even know what happened to me, didn't even know if I was dead or alive and all you have to say is that you're sorry.""We knew you were fine. Elle, we wouldn't just abandon you. Your father and I were worried sick, but after hiring a private investigator, we figured out you were fine. We wanted you to have a taste of that freedom that you craved so much for you to realize that it's a cold world out there, for you to realize no one would ever have your back like your family."
Her words made all the emotions I'd been bottling in resurface again, and before I knew it, I was full on sobbing. I never wanted to prove my parents right. I never wanted to believe that eloping with Sebastian was a mistake, but it was all glaring at me right now.
My mom gathered me into her arms as I sobbed, and she whispered comforting words to me, but nothing worked.
My heart was breaking, and I couldn't find the will to stop.
In the span of a few days, my entire world has crashed, and there was no way to put the pieces back together.
"I-I lost my baby because of him, mom. I'll never be able to forgive him." I didn't know when the words came out, but I couldn't stop them.
"Oh, honey. You were pregnant?" Her eyes shined with tears and I knew she was trying so hard to hold back and be strong for me.
I nodded.
"You have to tell me what happened. What did he do? Your father and I are willing to fight tooth and nail yo make him regret whatever he did to you."
"No." I shook my head, pulling away from her, "He did nothing. It's all my fault. All my fault. I'm so stupid. I should have listened to you and dad. I should have known that he never loved me like I thought he did."
"Elle, listen to me. Don't you ever blame yourself. You didn't ask for any of this. Mistakes do happen, and it's quite unfortunate that a miscarriage had to be involved in this. I'm so sorry for not being there for you when you needed me, Elle. I'll forever feel ashamed of myself."
I sniffled, trying to wipe the tears streaming down my face.
"It's okay. You didn't know."
"But, that's no excuse, honey. I should have found a way. Instead, I let my husband keep me from you, and I have no idea how I'll ever be able to make up for it. But, please believe me when I say that your father and I care deeply about you and your brother. You're our babies."
"I do." I managed a small smile.
"You know, your father would want to speak to you as well. I think he's in his office, why don't you come with me and we'll both surprise him."
I sighed and took a step back, "I don't think that's a good idea. You can go ahead."
But, my mom pulled me along, and the next thing I knew, we were both standing in front of my dad's office door. My mom gave me a reassuring smile and knocked on the door.There was a muffled sound, followed by some shuffling. Then, the door opened, revealing my dad, whose expression was stern and cold, his dark gaze boring into mine.
I had always known my father wasn't the affectionate type, and I could remember the times when I was a child and I was punished for misbehaving. My father was strict, but would never beat me or my brother.
But I was shocked when he suddenly pulled me into his arms and hugged me tight.
"Papa, I'm so-"
"My baby girl." He murmured. "Shhh, you don't have to say anything. Welcome back my daughter."
I was taken aback by the sudden change in his demeanor, but the comfort of my father's arms made all the pent up emotions come pouring out, and before I knew it, I was a mess again.
My father pulled away from the embrace and held my face in his hands. "I'm not going to make you feel more miserable by telling you how disappointed I am. Just know that you're back now, and we'll take care of you."
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.
"I'm going to make us all some tea. You guys talk, and I'll be right back." My mom said, squeezing my shoulder.My dad stepped aside and let me in, gesturing for me to sit down. He then, sat down on his seat behind the desk.
"Before you begin, I need to tell you that whatever happened between you and the Black family isn't your fault. I've known their father long enough. He's a manipulative and dangerous man, and you were naïve. That's why you weren't aware of what was happening right under your nose. I don't blame you for anything, and neither does your mother."
I nodded.
"You can talk freely. Whatever you want to share, you can."
And so, I did. I told my father everything. And for the first time since I'd known him, he actually listened.
"I am stepping down from the company next month. You have a month to learn the necessary things, and once you've mastered the basics, the position will be yours. I don't want you to worry about anything else. Focus on recovering and healing. Your mother and I will be with you every step of the way."
I looked at him with determination, "And I promise not to disappoint you this time, papa. Mark my words." I said, and he smiled.
"That's all I need to hear."
And with that, the deal was sealed.
E L L EFive years.It's been five years of being divorced and my life had changed drastically since then. I took over my family's business on the brink of bankruptcy five years ago, but with determination and drive, I was able to turn things around and not only save the business, but also make it the second most successful one in the entire world.I didn't even need to mention the first one, it was already quite obvious who it was. My ex-husband. Today, my company was valued at billions, and the satisfaction of proving everyone who doubted me wrong, was worth the blood, sweat, and tears.As the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company, there was hardly any free time. And the only thing that was on my mind, was work, and work alone.The media has speculated on many things throughout the years, but no one has gotten close enough to get a piece of information. No one."Ms. Marino, your meeting will begin in twenty minutes."I nodded at the young woman who had knocked on the door, then glan
E L L EThe dress I chose to wear was a deep shade of red. The material was silky, and the dress flowed down to my toes. A blood red bodycon dress with a slit that started from the upper thigh. The back was exposed and had two crisscrossed strings, holding it together.I had decided to go with my brother as my plus one, because no matter how much I tried to find a suitable date, none were able to impress me.The limousine came to a halt, and I could see the entrance and the flashes coming from the cameras.I was the first and only daughter of a billionaire. Everyone knew who I was, and I'd never felt so much pressure in my life.The door opened and I could already hear the shouts coming from the people outside."Ms. Marino, can you tell us who designed your dress? It's so beautiful.""What made you choose to come this year, Ms. Marino?""Why is your father not here with you?""Is there a special someone in your life right now?""Will you be making any announcements tonight?"Questions
E L L EThe car ride back to my apartment was a quiet one, I looked out the window my hand balled on my thigh.Varian had decide to drive me home, deciding that I wasn't in the perfect state to drive which I had initially rejected but he insisted and didn't take no for an answer.As soon as we arrived, I came down from the car and walked inside. I made my way towards the elevator and pressed the button. As soon as the door opened, I got in and went to my floor.When the elevator stopped, I came out and walked towards the door.Unlocking the door, I stepped in and removed my heels.I made my way towards the couch and dropped myself down. A few moments later, someone knocked on the door and I groaned. Varian came into the living room, "I wanted to know if you're okay?" My brother asked, his eyes filled with worry."I'm fine, V.""Do you want to talk about it?"I sighed, "There's nothing to talk about.""Elle, Sebastian and you have history, and what happened between you two is a mess. S
E L L EI packed in the last bit of clothes and zipped it up. My airport outfit was a pair of baggy jeans, a white tank top and a black leather jacket. I kept the accessories simple and wore a gold watch and a pair of diamond earrings.The flight was set to leave in an hour and a half.Mina knocked on the door, and I told her to come in.She walked inside the bedroom and placed my luggage on the floor."I'm pretty sure you have everything packed. We're just going for a week, ma'am.""Yes. But, I like to stay prepared. Besides, who knows what I'll find myself doing?"Mina laughed, "Let's hope it's nothing too serious. Shall we go, Ms. Marino?"I nodded, picked up my purse and the keys, and walked out of the apartment.Varian was going to take over the company for a week with the help of me dad, and somehow I was going to take this as my own mini holiday as I haven't gotten one in the past five years.London was going to be a great change, and hopefully, it will have something positive.
E L L EIt was raining, and the weather was cold but we had thankfully landed before the storm hit.My luggage had been placed in the trunk, and the driver was waiting for me.I walked down the steps of the plane and towards the car. The guards were quick to get an umbrella over mine and Mina's head as we headed to the black SUV.I spotted Sebastian walking to his car, an umbrella also on his head as he made his way inside."I've already sent the location of the hotel to the driver. Do you want to get settled and then grab something to eat or just order in and head to the hotel?""Let's go and check out the area. It's been a while since I've been in London.""It's raining though." She objected."Who cares? The weather will cool our heads."Mina nodded and sat beside the driver. I sat in the passenger seat, and we drove towards the hotel.The driver pulled over to the front and the doorman was quick to open the door. "Here's your room, Ms. Marino.""Thanks."Mina walked up the stairs an
E L L EIt was finally Monday. I spent the entire previous day locked inside my room, and no matter how much Mina tried to cheer me up, nothing worked.She had gotten me food and drinks, and even tried to watch movies and series with me, but nothing worked.The pain and anger were still there. Like a hole buried deep inside my chest, making sure to make itself known once in a while. I only had myself to blame for feeling this way.If I had listened to my parent's and saw what they were protecting me from, I wouldn't be going through this. I hadn't talked to Sebastian ever since Friday. He was true to his words and stayed away. And for that, I was thankful. I haven't left my room since then, because the anger and the rage were still there. My words had obviously gotten to him and I felt satisfaction that I was at least able to give him just a little bit taste of his medicine.And that, was just a tip of an iceberg compared to all I intend to do to him. I knew the moment I'd face him,
E L L EThe car pulled to a stop in front of Rodriguez's company. "We're here, ma'am." The driver announced."Nervous?" Mina asked, noticing my silence.I shook my head. "I've done this a hundred times, but something about this just seems...""Off?" She helped.I nodded, "I mean, ice had competitions that I won against a couple of times because I had a better offer, but this– this seems different. There's more at stake. And it's not just the money.""Then what is it, Elle?""My dignity." I admitted."And what does that mean?""If I can't get this deal, then I've failed. Failed in what I've been working for. My father has so much trust that I wouldn't screw this up. And I need to let that bastard see that I'm not the weak wife he used to know five years ago. I need him to regret everything. Every single word he said and the way he hurt me. I'll make him see that no matter how much he tries to tear me down, I'll rise back stronger and bigger. And once that happens, he'll see what a huge
E L L EI closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I swear I saw this coming. I knew it."You're late." Rodriguez commented."Apologies, I had a few things to do.""And what exactly are those things that were more important than being on time for a very important meeting?" I snapped, turning around."None of your business." He snapped back."It is my business. This is a very important and serious meeting and it's about your company's future. So, don't be an ass and start being professional and show up on time."He smirked. "When did you become a spokesperson for Mr. Rodriguez here? I believe Mr. Rodriguez can forgive a little lateness.""Whatever." I mumbled."Shall we begin, Sebastian?" Mr. Rodriguez butted in, looking between both of us. We didn't even try to hide the anonymity between us. "Yes.""Please, have a seat." Rodriguez instructed.Sebastian took a seat next to me, and I didn't even look at him."Mr. Rodriguez, I would like to apologize for the inconvenience and delay, but I'
G I O V A N N ASebastian left a couple of minutes ago, to go get ready for our flight tonight. I placed back and forth, tugging my hair in frustration.I should have known that allowing Laura go to Italy all on her own was a bad idea. But for some reason, she has insisted on nobody coming with her, which was quite suspicious, because everyone knows how much Laura hayes bring in Italy, because of the horrid memories it holds for her.Something was off, and I had no idea what it was.I could have insisted more on her to let Sebastian come with her, or maybe me. Or even, one of my trusted security men.But, she had refused, saying it was important that she was alone, and now, look what had happened.She was gone.With no trace of who had abducted her, and no single lead.I was losing my mind.I was worried sick, and had been calling non-stop, asking for updates, and I had none. Avery came up to me, stopping my movements. "Relax. You will find her."I groaned. "This is so frustrating. Th
S E B A S T I A NIt's been exactly twenty four hours of calling Laura's number non-stop, and no response.Something was wrong.Really, fucking, wrong.Laura had never missed a call from me, and especially since she had promised to keep communication open. I have dropped more than 300 missed calls, and several texts, yet no response.Where was she?The last text she had sent me was twenty six hours , telling me that the funeral was ongoing and she would facetime me when she gets back home. But, she didn't. Something was definitely wrong.My heart was pounding in my chest, and anxiety was slowly taking over. Where was she?I was having a really bad feeling about her, and I didn't know if I was worrying for nothing or my worries were indeed valid. Laura wouldn't intentionally ignore my calls, knowing I'm sick with worry.What if something happened to her?What if she was attacked?What if her father's funeral had taken a turn for the worse? What if someone was holding her captive?Or, w
L A U R AThe shot rang in my ears, and I watched in horror as blood spurted from Marco's mouth and his body slumped to the floor."What did you do?!" Bile rose in my throat as I watched the horrific sight in front of me, a cold shiver and a feeling of deja vu running through my body.I have seen Viktor take people's life like it was nothing too many times. He kills humans faster than he kills a mosquito. He has no compassion, no emotions, no remorse. He's a monster.If you think my father was horrible, Viktor is ten times worse than him. He's the devil incarnate."Why? Why did you do that? He was innocent.""What he deserved. No one, and I mean, no one, will ever defy me. If he can't do his job, he is useless. There's no use keeping a man who's a coward. I'll have to get another one who is not a pussy like Marco to get the job done, sí?"My mind ran fast, and I had to think of a way to convince him against this. "What's the point of allowing another man to touch what is yours? It's o
L A U R AI felt a pinch on my arm, and I snapped my head to the side, to watch Viktor piercing a needle in my arm."What the fuck are you doing?""This is going to help you relax. You're tense, and nervous, and I don't want you to make a scene. Not now. Not when we're so close to finally being together again. So, stop struggling, and enjoy the ride. You will get there, eventually."He injected the contents into my blood stream, and I watched him, and the man driving, as the world around me started spinning.And, the last thing I saw was Viktor's smiling face.A face that had haunted me every single day, and a face that was the last thing I had ever wanted to see again.It was a nightmare.I slumped on the seat, and blacked out."Wakey, wakey, sleeping beauty. Wake the fuck up. I've waited too long for this."I heard Viktor's voice, and I struggled to open my eyes. I blinked a few times, and the room came into focus.I was in a room, sitting in a chair, with my hands tied behind me, an
L A U R AToday is my father's funeral.I woke up, feeling a dar, gloomy cloud over my head. It was screaming danger. Something was about to happen. Something big. I could feel it.But, I didn't let my fear get the best of me. I got out of bed, walking into my bathroom to take a shower. As the warm water cascaded down my skin, I couldn't help but remember the first time Viktor took me, and he made me bleed."Viktor, please..." I cried, trying to pull my wrists free. He was holding them down, hovering over me, and spreading my legs with his own as he smiled sadistically. No single remorse in his eyes."No."He took me forcefully, my frail sixteen year old body unable to withstand the strength and power of a thirty two year old man.It felt like he was splitting me open. My eyes filled with tears, and I begged him to stop. And when I saw that I didn't have a choice, I begged him to go slowly that he was hurting me, I screamed for help, but he slapped a hand over my mouth, and shoved hi
L A U R AMy phone rang, as Sebastian's name appeared on the screen."Hey, baby." I smiled, and walked out onto the balcony, and sat on the chair."How are you doing, Laura? Are you holding up okay?""Yeah. I'm fine." I lied, and he sighed."I know you're not okay, baby. Please, tell me the truth."I knew i had to keep lying to him. For his own sake. He didn't deserve to be dragged into my Mafia world, full of hatred, chaos, violence, and danger. He was an innocent, and his only mistake was loving me."It's just the stress from the funeral arrangements. We're having a wake for my father, and then a burial in the family cemetery. And, there are a lot of preparations that need to be made. The board, and the family members have to attend, and we have to make sure everything is perfect.""Do you want me to come? I can take some time off work, and stay for a few days, and help you. Then we'd come back to America together. How does that sound?""It's alright, Seb. You don't have to come. I'
L A U R AThe next day, I was forced to go see my father's body at the morgue. Not really forced, but it's kind of like a family tradition where a child has to see and pray on the father's body, to send him off for an eternal rest in heaven.If only they knew that even my prayers wouldn't stop God's plans for that man. He was going to make him suffer and rot in hell with the devil, exactly where he belongs. He's a devil, and the devil's family.The coroner pulled the body out of the freezer, and I had to keep myself from retching, and rolling my eyes. He was so pale, and his skin was almost blue. He was wearing an oversized shirt, and his arms were folded on top of his stomach.Fabian held my arm, and I took a deep breath, and watched as the coroner pulled the cloth off his face.He was covered in scars, and stitches, and looked like a corpse.And, the moment I saw his face, I felt nothing.Nothing at all.My heart didn't sink, and tears didn't roll down my cheeks, and no regrets or r
L A U R AGetting off the bed, I decided to unpack my bags, before getting ready for dinner. I unzipped my bag, and took out the dresses, and hung them inside the wardrobe, and placed the shoes and jewelry, and other things on the shelves.I took out my laptop, and plugged it in, and switched it on, and went through some work emails, and replied to some urgent ones, and then logged off, and checked my personal emails, and messages, and responded to a few.Giovanna had called me a bunch of times, and had left a bunch of texts, and I quickly replied, assuring her that everything was alright, and she didn't have to worry.When everything was well arranged, I finally took time to look around my room. My childhood bedroom. All my photos that were hung on the wall were all piled up now at the corner of the room, as if they were a disgrace, and no one wanted to see them.All my favorite books, and toys, and childhood memories were packed away, and stored in the attic, never to be seen again.
L A U R A I sighed, as the airplane landed. I looked outside the window, and watched as the plane taxied on the ground, and the stewardesses told us to remain in our seats, until the plane had completely stopped.It was raining outside, and the skies were gray, and gloomy, and the rain was pouring hard, and the thunderstorm roared, and the lightning was bright.It was the perfect weather for my mood.It has been two weeks since my dad's death, and his funeral was in a few days. Two weeks since Sebastian and I decided to keep our relationship a secret. Two weeks, since Viktor started tormenting my life again. It's like he never left.Two weeks, since all hell broke loose. And, I'm tired.I'm tired of the secrets, and the lies, and the sneaking around. And, I'm tired of pretending to be strong. I just want to be held, and have someone comfort me, and tell me everything is going to be alright. But I didn't want to put Sebastian or Giovanna in that position.I haven't told Gio anything