Thoughts? ⊙﹏⊙
E L L EIt's been a couple of days since I gave the products to Daniel for the tests, and the wait was killing me. But, I knew it wouldn't be a good idea to rush him.I couldn't afford any mistakes. Not now.I took the day off from work, because I love been feeling a little under the weather and had been trying to manage it, but I couldn't. So, I thought I'd call it a sick day.I was sitting on the sofa in the living room, with a blanket draped over my legs and my laptop on the coffee table.I was attending to the documents Mina sent to me, basically doing my office job at home and relaxing.My head was banging, and I was feeling too feverish. I could literally feel my bones shivering. A sudden knock on the door brought me out of my daze, and I walked over to the door, and opened it.Giovanna was standing by the door, a smile on her face, as she looked at me."Good morning. I went to the office and was told you're a little unwell. How're you feeling?" She asked and pulled me into a hu
E L L EShe didn't push it further, but I could see she wasn't too happy about the fact."Okay. Well, let's get your fever down and I'll go make you the soup. You should eat something.""Thank you, Gio.""Anything for my best friend. Now, give me the towel."Best friend? I liked the sound of that. She placed the small bowl of water on the table, and sat next to me, and dipped the towel inside the water.Once she was done, she wrung the water out and placed the towel on my forehead. The water was cold, and it felt soothing against my hot skin."How's that? Does it feel good?""It does, thanks." I said with a relieved sigh. I turned and laid in a more comfortable position, with my head resting on the pillow and the towel still on my forehead."I'm gonna go make you the soup, okay? You lie here and rest, and I'll bring it for you.""You're an angel, Gio. I'll owe you.""Nonsense. That's what friends are for. And, I'm your best friend." She winked and I laughed."I don't remember you ask
G I O V A N N AI ran towards Elle and caught her just before she could hit the floor. Her eyes lulled back and her whole body was limp.I immediately picked her up, grabbed my car keys and hurried outside."It's okay, Elle. I'm gonna get you help, okay?"The moment I buckled her inside, I got behind the wheel and drove off towards the hospital.My heart was hammering in my chest, and I could hear my blood rushing through my veins.I was scared. Scared for my best friend.She looked sick and pale and it had only gotten worse.I didn't even waste any time in the waiting area, and rushed straight to the reception."Please help. My friend is really sick, and she fainted. I need help."The lady immediately pressed the button and the doctors rushed to the scene."What's her name?""Elle.""Her surname?""Marino."They placed her on a stretcher and asked me to wait outside the room while they checked her.The moment I left the room, I called Avery."Hey, baby. How's Elle?""I'm at the hospi
G I O V A N N A"Do not put words in my mouth, Giovanna. I love Elle and she's like a sister to me, and you know how much I'm worried.""Then focus on why we're here and nothing else, do you fucking get it? Claire and I had an history, it's all in the past now. I'm not going to put her life on pause just because I fucked her. She's doing her job and it isnt my fault that we'll always get to see her, I can't wipe her off the face of earth. So, get the fuck over yourself and stop bringing up this bullshit every damn chance you get. It's fucking annoying.""Fine." She muttered, and let go of my hand.She didn't say a word to me again after that, and I was grateful for the silence. I couldn't deal with her dramatic ass anymore.When the Marino family came back out, Avery and I walked inside.The sight of her, so weak and helpless, was heartbreaking.Her skin was pale white and her eyes were dull, she had an IV injected in her vein and the monitor beeped every second, recording her heartbe
S E B A S T I A NThe moment I stepped into the house, a foul smell greeted me. The living room was a mess, leftover pizza, opened drink, and candy wrappers were strewn on the floor.I shook my head.No matter how much I've gone through this for the past five years, I still couldn't get used to it.I walked into the bedroom and it was just as expected. Empty plates of food, used underwear, and clothes littered the floor. It looked like a pigsty.On the bed lay a woman, my wife. Her arms and legs spread out, in a drunken slumber. The stench that emanated from the bed made me grimace.I looked at the sleeping figure and sighed. I'd always hoped she'd clean up her act one day, but now, looking at her, all I felt was a dull anger and frustration.My pregnant wife would rather sleep all day, than take a shower. Don't get me wrong, it would be totally understandable if she only became dirty and lazy before pregnancy, because it takes a lot to carry a human inside of you, but this started eve
S E B A S T I A NI left the bedroom and walked around the house, searching for her. I finally found her in the guest bedroom, she was freshly showered and putting on her nightgown.She looked at me and rolled her eyes."Em," I said, taking a step forward."Don't come near me," she snapped.I sighed. "Em, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. You know, I'm going through a lot and I'm very frustrated. But, you have no idea how grateful I am to have you in my life, and how much I care about you and the baby. I just want the best for the two of you, and I want to give you the life you deserve. Let me hire the maid, Em. Please. You don't have to do anything, except take care of yourself and the baby. You've helped me a lot, and I'm trying to return the favor. Okay?"She stared at me, and I couldn't tell what was going through her mind."I know I'm not the best wife, Seb. I know I'm lazy, and irresponsible, and I drink a lot, but I'm trying. I'm trying to make myself better,
E M O R YI parked my car in the factory's garage, and walked towards the building."Good morning, Mrs. Black," the security said, as he held the door open for me."Good morning," I said, before walking into the building.We were making new products since the old ones were sold out, and I needed to make sure the manufacturers are following my rules.I put on a pair of gloves and a mask before walking in, the smell of chemicals was strong."Hello, ladies and gentlemen," I said, and all the workers greeted me back."How's the work going?""Great," one of the workers said, "we've finished making 200 units of the cream. It'll be delivered by tomorrow, as per the order.""And the special stuff? Did you add it to the 200?""Yes, madam. Just as you instructed. But, ma'am, I think it's high time we stopped applying them to the products as they could be quite harmful to the human skin. We can't just give people cancer and call it a day, that's not a good way to run a business. And the FDA woul
E M O R Y"Money?" I laughed. "You need money? I gave you one million dollars five months ago from my new business so you can stay out of my life and build something for yourself. And you're standing here asking for money?""I spent it," he said, shrugging his shoulders."How the fuck did you spend it? How much did you gamble and drink with the money, Michael? Tell me, please.""It's not my fault, okay? I needed money. I'm a man. I have a lot of debts and—""No, Michael. That's your own damn fault. You're a grown ass man, and you gambled away my hard-earned money. I don't owe you shit. Get the hell out of my sight.""I'm not leaving until I get my money," he said, and grabbed my arm, his grip strong and painful.I looked at him, square in his eyes. "I have no money to give you, Michael. One penny, I'm not giving. Now, get the fuck out of my office.""You don't have the money, or you won't give it to me? Don't forget, Em. I have the evidence of the crimes you committed. That's why you
E L L EI stood in the middle of my walk-in-closet, wearing a silk, short, red robe, trying to figure out what to wear."What do you think?" I asked, holding up a blue dress, and then another, showing Mina.She was here with me, helping me decide on a dress for the party. She had a few dresses herself and would try them on after helping me."Hmmm. Both are great. But, you have to keep in mind that your man is the Russian Billionaire, right? You can't be wearing something too simple, especially when he's going to be by your side the entire night. So, go for the red." She said and I sighed, knowing that she was right.I had a lot of beautiful dresses, but most were simple and casual.But, Mina and I were determined to change that.We wanted to make sure I dressed up and made myself look the part."Fine." I said, and placed the blue dress back into the closet."Try on the red one." She said and handed it to me.I walked into the bathroom and changed.The dress was a V neck, tight-fitting
E L L EI haven't even gotten over the shock that Mikhail had done that for me. Why? He barely knew me. Didn't know if I was worthy of this, but he did it without a second thought.Was this a dream? Because I didn't want to wake up.But, then again, a part of me wished he had listened.I was a strong believer that God has a plan for everyone. He doesn't do anything randomly. And, there's a reason Mikhail came into my life. There's a reason why I was saved by him.And, he has a reason to like me.Mikhail.The same man that has been painted bad by the public for being rude, arrogant, cold, uninterested and emotionless was doing this. I've come to realize that they were spreading false news about him, because he wasn't giving them that attention like other celebrities do. Women flocked around his every time, but he doesn't even bat an eyelash at them or give them the time of the day. He wasn't just saving me.He was making me believe in miracles.He was showing me a life where the past
E L L EI applied the final touch of make up to my face as admired my reflection through the mirror.I felt amazing and happy, like i didn't have any problems to deal with. It's been about five years since I genuinely felt happy, felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel. Spending just a little time with Mikhail was a feeling I haven't felt in a long while. I felt young, I felt beautiful, I felt worthy of being loved.Mikhail was the light at the end of my tunnel.He was bringing a new meaning into my life. And fast. It was scary. We've only been spending time together for the past two weeks, but, he's managed to make me smile, laugh and just simply enjoy my life.He's made me realize that I didn't have to put a halt on my life because of my failed marriage.But, that fear still lingered I'm my mind. I haven't accepted his proposal yet, but I knew I'd have to make a decision soon. But, that was where my fear lies.I was afraid that things would turn sour and he'd be another
M I K H A I LThe next day, after my morning workout, a hot shower, a nice meal and a coffee, I was in my study, ready for work.Sipping my coffee, my mind went back to the previous night.She was something else.I've never been this smitten over a woman before.She was the one.And, she's the only one I'd do anything for.Anything.She's a fighter. A woman full of surprises.My phone rang on the table and I picked it up.It was my best friend, Ivan."Hey, brother.""What's up?""Just calling to see if you're alive. Haven't heard from you in a while. You okay?""Yeah. Yeah. I'm good. Sorry, I've been busy.""Too busy to call me?""Sorry, bro. How have you been? Anything new?""I should be asking you that. Who's the new chick you've been seen with. It's all over the internet.""I knew you'd find out. But, yeah. She's someone special.""Special? So, this isn't just a quick fuck? What's going on?""Her name's Eleanor. But, she likes to be called Elle. And no, she's definitely not a quick
E L L EI looked around and noticed that the sky was filled with stars."It's so beautiful." "Far from the city. No light pollution. Just you and me. Come on." He said, his hand wrapped around mine and led me towards a bench.We sat down and enjoyed the view.The lake was shining underneath the bright stars. The moon was shining beautifully. It was a perfect view."Wow.""You like it?""I love it. Thank you.""No, thank you. I didn't expect to be able to come here tonight. But, here we are.""I thought you'd come alone.""No. I had to show you. The reason why I love to drive late at night. It's not always about clearing your head. It's also about the beautiful views you can see at the same time. Something worth seeing and experiencing. Like tonight.""You're right. Tonight is beautiful.""Thank you, Elle. For giving me this opportunity. To spend the night with you. Even though, it's only for a few hours, but, you gave me that chance."Why was he so sweet?It was weird, and, at the sam
E L L EI just came out from the shower, drying my wet hair when I heard a text notification.I sighed and sat down on my bed.What now?I picked up my phone and saw that the message was from an unknown number.'Hey princess.'Princess?Who the hell is this?Wrapping the towel around my wet hair, I laid on the bed and texted back.'Who is this?' I replied. 'Don't tell me you've forgotten your boyfriend's number. I'm hurt.''Boyfriend?''Yes. Boyfriend.''You have the wrong number.''Do I? I don't think so.''Yes.''Okay, okay. You've got me. It's me, Elle. Mikhail.'Mikhail?What the hell?I stared at my phone.Mikhail is texting me?How?After our last meeting two days ago, he didn't collect my number, neither did I get his. So, how?'How did you get my number?' I asked him.'Let's just say, I have connections.' I could already imagine him grinning.I smiled to myself, feeling all jittery that he was actually texting me. I felt like a teenager having her first crush.It was pathetic.
E L L EMy body went numb as I heard the words coming from her. I felt utterly disappointed as I watched Marie through the glass separating us. Her eyes met mine and she was quick to avoid eye contact.What did they do to her?She definitely wouldn't come out and say she had lied. Emory must done something to shut her up. Maybe offer her a ridiculous amount of money to retract her statements.Either way, I knew that there was no point in trying to change her mind. She has already made up her mind and it was impossible to convince her otherwise.I took a deep breath and decided to leave the interview room.As soon as I walked out, a man was standing outside, leaning against the wall, a smirk on his face.He looked at me and his smirk widened. "Well, well. Hello there, Elle. What a surprise."I took a step back and stared at him."W-what are you doing here?" I could swear I'd seen his face somewhere. Bali. Hooded guy. Chasing after me with a knife trying to kill me.I swallowed the lump
E L L EToday is the day of the interview and I drove into the driveway of Marie's apartment.I should have known that something was wrong when I arrived into her apartment and she wasn't dressed yet.I went over to her on the couch and looked at her. "Are you okay?""Yeah. I'm fine." She mustered up a smile. "Is everything alright? You look a little pale.""It's nothing. I'm fine. Just a little nervous. I don't know why. But, let's get ready.""You'll be great, Marie. You're literally saving the lives of a lot of people by doing this. And, I really want to thank you for doing this for me. It means a lot.""I'm happy to help, Elle. Now, let's get going. We're gonna be late." I still couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something off about her. She stood up and went to get dressed. While Marie was being prepared for the interview, I decided to call my mom."Hey there, sweetie. How are you feeling today?""Hey, Mom. I'm doing fine. A little stressed, but okay. I just wanted t
M I C H A E LI was standing in front of the girl's apartment.Marie was her name, according to the background research done on her. She thinks she could try to ruin my woman's reputation and she'd get away with it easily?Big fucking mistake.The worst thing she could have done is work with my enemy, and try to harm the woman carrying my child.Emory and I dated right from college and when she came to me with a new strategy to extort money, I was hesitant to watch the love of my life get married to another man, but as soon as I heard the money involved, I was game.Now, that we are in the second phase, everything has gone smoothly.She is already pregnant with my child and we are getting closer each day.She is the only woman who is perfect for me, and no one is ever going to break us apart.Not even her own husband.Knocking on the door, I waited patiently.A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing the same girl who appeared in the background checks we had done.She looked at