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 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 ETwo Weeks Later"I can't believe you're going through with this." I gritted out, looking at three of my biggest shareholders. No matter how hard my family and I had tried, two weeks wasn't enough to time to get the company back on it's feet. "What do you mean? They offered me an unbelievable deal, and I'd be crazy to say no. Not only that, the company is not making any money, and the board is losing confidence. They are starting to think the company is a sinking ship. We've lost one shareholder, and a lot of customers. It's not ideal. So, yes, I'm going through with it. There's no point wasting more time and resources on a sinking ship." Mr. Browne said, and the other men nodded in agreement. "This is unbelievable. You're selling the shares, and you don't even care. My father built this company, and you want to throw it all away, just like that." My words didn't seem to have any effect on them, as they still stood their ground. "Elle, it's been difficult, and there's noth
E L L EI took another swig of wine, as I adjusted my glasses, trying to make more researches about this new company.It was a Saturday morning, and if just finished with my laundry and took a shower. I was putting on just a old baggy T-shirt. It was Sebastian's.That was the only thing of his I had carried with him after our divorce five years ago, and for some reasons, I couldn't seem to let go of it. But, it was just a T-shirt anyways. I was definitely not wearing it because it reminded me of the times we had spent together.Nope.Not at all.I was wearing it, because I was a busy woman and couldn't be bothered to wear an actual shirt.That's right.I was just wearing the t-shirt and nothing else.I had a whole day to myself, and I planned to spend it on researching about this new competitor.It's not like I had anything else to do.I poured myself a glass of wine, and sat back down in front of the computer.My glasses were starting to slide down my nose, and I pushed them back.I
E L L EThe day of the party had arrived, and I was a ball of nerves.It was not like me, and the Elle I was before would not have been so worried.I had a reputation.The Ice Queen.I was fierce, and strong.But, for the past two weeks, my reputation had gone down the drain. The media were not having a good time with me.They made fun of me, and laughed at me.It was like a circus.A circus, and I was the main attraction.My father and mother were devastated.They hated the fact that the media was talking about me. They hated the fact that there were lies and false accusations.But, first I had to put a face and name to this woman and finally see what the hype is all about.The launching was held in a huge luxurious hotel, and the place was packed.Everyone was dressed in their best, and I could feel eyes on me the moment we walked inside."You know, I'm not going to lie. You do look really fierce and hot. If I wasn't in love, I would have totally gone for you." Giovanna commented as
E L L EThe party was in full swing, and everyone was having a great time.They were getting their products, and enjoying the rest of the evening.While, I was in a corner, seething with anger."What do we do now?" Gio asked."There is nothing we can do.""Elle, this is serious. You cannot sit here, and not do anything. That woman is evil, and she's planning something. You have to do something.""What? What exactly am I supposed to do, Gio? This is beyond me. It's bigger than I imagined.""You are Elle freaking Marino, the woman who has taken over the business world, and has left her mark. Do not let that bitch win.""Follow me," I said to Gio as we walked towards the shelves of the newly launched cosmetics products, and stopped.I got eye shadows, foundations, contours, lipsticks and eyeliners. I got the relaxers, took out my card and paid for them.The attendant handed me my receipt and I thanked her."What are you doing?""Just wait." I told her, as we walked to the nearest exit.T
E L L EA FEW MONTHS LATERLife was not going the way I wanted it to go.Everything was falling apart.I could see the look on my father's face, and how defeated he was.The company was losing clients, and sales were getting lower each day.No one was buying our products, and the market was dominated by Emory's company.It was not like the clients were complaining.It was the opposite.Everyone was happy, and satisfied with their purchase.But, there was no comparison.Rome Beauty had taken over, and there was no stopping them.Everyone was excited about the launch of the new product.An eye shadow palette, and it was selling out.In fact, they were launching a whole new line of eye shadow palettes. They were the talk of the town and everyone was excited.Everyone except, me.I was angry and frustrated.We'd worked hard and tried so much to maintain our status.But, it was like a huge slap in the face.We were losing.And, it hurt."Elle, I need you here, please." My father spoke, and
E L L EThe next morning, I got a call from Avery."Elle, something crazy happened last night. Check your WhatsApp, I sent a picture to you."I did as she said and went to my WhatsApp."Holy shit. Same thing happened to me, Avery. I have this small gash on my face and reddish patch.""What are we going to do? Should we sue them or something? I knew something was definitely off with their products, it was too good to be true. There must be a dangerous chemical in their products that's harming our skin. This isn't right.""I'm going to do a little digging, Avery. We need to find out what is in their products.""Elle, they're launching another line. A skincare line. Can you imagine what could happen to everyone? To us? This is ridiculous. And, to think they'd release another line after damaging the skin of people who bought their other products. That's ridiculous. Do you know how many women will buy that product? Millions. That's what's going to happen, and we're just going to stand and
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
E L L EIt's Valentine's day today and Mikhail has either called nor texted.Not even a good morning.He didn't even return my text from last night and I was a bit disappointed. It was a Friday afternoon, and I was scrolling through social media, watching people celebrating their partners, gifting and taking selfies with their significant others.Even Giovanna and Avery were sharing pictures of them having a romantic time, and I was alone.Alone and sulking.My phone rang and my heart jumped in excitement, thinking Mikhail was finally calling, but to my dismay, it was my mom.Grumpily, I answered the call. My mother and I haven't spoken in a while, I could as well use this time to catch up with her."Hi, mom. Happy Valentine's day.""Hey, Elle. How are you doing, sweetie? You've refused to see your father and me. We were worried.""I'm sorry, mom. Work has been hectic, I didn't have the time to stop by.""Sweetheart, you work at an office. There's no way work is keeping you busy. Your
E L L EI was sitting in front of the same men that turned their backs on me a couple of months ago.Seated in front of me were my shareholders, the same ones that didn't think twice to dump my company and take their shares at the verge of bankruptcy. The same company that was my life's blood for the last three years, and the same company I worked tirelessly for, to make it flourish and now, all those years were flushed down the toilet by the very people I had trusted and given my loyalty to.They were greedy and money hungry, running to the first big bidder without thinking of the hard work and sacrifice I had put into the business.I sat with a straight back in my chair, hands crossed in front of me with a blank face staring at them. The room was quiet, but the air was filled with tension.They refused to maintain eye contact with me, probably ashamed that they were back to the place they once called a sinking ship.My eyes shifted from one person to the next."Gentlemen, why don't
E M O R YI sat in the taxi that was driving me to my new apartment, feeling no regret for my actions. I wasn't caught up for that life.I didn't want a life with Michael, and I didn't regret leaving the baby with him. I was no good for her, I surely wasn't mentally and emotionally ready to become her mother, considering the circumstances after her birth.Her birth brought me nothing but bad luck and my life hasn't remained the same since her birth. I lost my body, I have surgery scars on my stomach, I lost Sebastian, and now I lost my company too.Things were just too hard for me to deal with.And the moment Michael said that I was selfish, it angered me. Because deep inside, I knew that he was right. That I was being selfish, thinking about myself and nothing else. Michael was only acting out his emotions, he was blindly in love with me, and doesn't want to accept that I would never see him that way anymore.He had nothing to offer me. Nothing at all. The past three weeks of living
WARNING: This chapter contains explicit mature content. Read at your own risk! E L L EWe stumbled into his room, his lips devouring mine."Fuck. You taste so good. So fucking good." He muttered against my lips."Bed." I moaned, and he complied, leading me to the bed, pushing me down and climbing on top of me.His kisses became rougher and he trailed them down my neck, nibbling and sucking.He pulled my dress down, exposing the surprise I had for him.I wore a red, lace corset, paired with a thong and garters."Holy fuck." He breathed out, his eyes wide, lust filled."Like it?" I asked, smiling."Fuck. It's so sexy."He bent down, licking and biting the exposed flesh, and I moaned."Fuck. You're so hot. I love the way your tits look in this."His mouth found my nipples, his tongue swirling around them, the cold metal of his piercing creating a tingling sensation.He continued his trail, moving down until he reached my panty.He hooked his fingers into it and slowly dragged it down, h
E L L EThe drive to the restaurant was a blur.I couldn't stop thinking about the many ways I could make tonight interesting.And it was obvious Mikhail couldn't either, his hands kept wandering up my thighs, his eyes fixed on the road.The tension in the car was intense, and I had a feeling he was holding back, his grip on the steering wheel tightening every once in a while.When we arrived, the valet was quick to open the door for us, and we were led inside the restaurant, which was packed.The atmosphere was cozy and romantic, and the ambience was warm.We were seated in a booth, and a waiter came by shortly after, pouring us some wine, and taking our order.After we placed our order, the waiter left, leaving us to have our alone time.Mikhail couldn't keep his eyes off me, and I couldn't either.He looked gorgeous, his hair slightly disheveled, his lips pulled into a small smile."You look absolutely ravishing tonight, baby. That dress, fuck. It should be illegal."I bit my lower
E L L EIt's been a very hectic week, from being harassed by Sebastian almost all the time to the workload in my company.I didn't have the heart to complain about my company though, it has been an answered prayer. My business was standing on its feet, stronger than ever and generating loads of income.We were quickly gaining more and more investors who were interested in the company and that was a huge deal.We hired more people, expanding, and improving.I was proud of what we've become.But, it was tiring.I missed Mikhail a lot, and the few times he would pop in, was a breath of fresh air.But it was finally Friday, which means I get to spend my weekend with him. He asked me out to dinner tonight and after we would go back to his place.I haven't seen Giovanna in a few weeks because she was previously out of town with Avery for a mini staycation but, she's finally back and currently sitting on my bed, watching as I tried to pick out a perfect dress for my date with Mikhail."So, a
M I C H A E LLuna was in my arms as I watched Emory barge into the apartment from wherever she slept last night and walked into the bedroom, sparing me no glance. Pissed at her audacity, her uncaring manners towards her own child, her selfishness and narcissism.She's a terrible mother.The kind of woman I would have stayed away from, but she's Luna's mom.So, I had no choice but to accept her.The moment I walked into the bedroom, I saw her going from the closet, throwing her clothes into a suitcase, while mumbling angrily."What the fuck are you doing?"She turned around, glaring at me."Don't question me, Michael. I don't owe you shit."I raised my brow at her, surprised at her attitude. "You think you can come back from wherever you went and decide to pack your things and leave? Just like that?""Yes, just like that. I'm done living like this, pretending that my world hasn't just crumbled in front of me. And you know what, Michael, it's all your fault! All your fucking fault, Mi
S E B A S T I A NI rubbed my face and sat up. The pounding in my head was the first thing I noticed.The second was that someone was inside the room with me. Wrapped around my bare body.What the hell?My eyes adjusted and the moment I saw the head full of red curls, I pushed her off of me so fast that she fell to the ground."What the fuck are you doing here?"Emory looked up at me with a shocked expression on her face."I was worried about you, baby. You had a lot to drink last night and I just wanted to take care of you. You were drunk and you needed someone. The bartender called me and I had to pick you up as fast as I could."Just how much drink did I consume that I didn't realize when the bartender took my phone and of all people, he decided to call Emory?What the fuck happened last night?"You didn't answer any of my calls, Sebastian. I've been looking for all means to talk to you. Imagine my happiness when I saw your call. I miss you baby."She had some nerve.This lady righ