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'
E L L EMina was fast asleep on her side of the bed as I stared at the ceiling. For some reasons unknown to me, I felt restless.I took the sheets off my body and walked into the closet to change into a comfortable dress. I went down the stairs and towards the hotel's bar.The lights were dim, and a few people were scattered around the place, either alone or with their companions.I was glad it was quiet, and no one bothered me.I sat on a stool and ordered a glass of wine. I wasn't in the mood for anything strong, and a glass of wine would help me relax."I would like a whisky on the rocks, please."That voice."Sebastian." I breathed.He was sitting right beside me."Elle.""What are you doing here?""I think the question is what are you doing here?" He retorted."I'm not in the mood for your sarcastic remarks." I sighed."Neither am I.""Then, leave.""Not until you tell me why the fuck he decided to accept the pathetic deal instead of mine." He snapped, taking a sip of his drink.
E L L EIt was our last night in London and Mina insisted on we celebrating our winnings. My dad couldn't hide his happiness on the phone call when he heard I'd won the deal against Sebastian.Making him proud made me happy.We decided on a karaoke bar since it was Mina's choice and we would be able to celebrate, have fun, and drink as much as we wanted.I was wearing a skimpy white dress and paired it with white heels and a white clutch. I decided to go all out and went a little bold with the makeup, opting for a darker and sultrier look. My body was aching all over due to stress, but I wasn't going to let it ruin my night.We arrived at the club and it was packed with people. The music was blasting, and there was a crowd singing along. We grabbed a couple of drinks and headed towards a room to start the night.After a few hours of non-stop drinking and singing, we decided it was time to head home. I was a bit tipsy and felt dizzy."Mina, I don't feel well." I whispered, leaning on h
E L L E"This is the worst birthday ever," I sighed, biting my lips.Giovanna shared a look with Avery and shook their head, she was probably tired of hearing me say that throughout the drive. They had insisted on me following them to the mall to pick a few dresses to uplift my mood. And I was wearing one of those dresses right now on the way to wherever they were taking me. They said it looked perfect on me and I shouldn't bother taking it off.It was weird, but I didn't argue with them. Today is my 28th birthday and the only person who wished me were Avery and Giovanna. No calls from my parents, or even Mikhail. Nobody. It made me worried and hurt. Did he forget? We spoke on the phone throughout the night, and he didn't remember it was my birthday the next day? I tried to call him earlier, but his phone was switched off.What the hell?The car stopped outside a hotel and we stepped out."I still don't get it," I said as we made our way into the lobby."You'll see," Giovanna smile
G I O V A N N A"Excuse me." She said to the others in the room as she looked at me in shock. We walked outside and she caught up with me, grabbing my arm."Hey, Gio. Calm down, will you?"I didn't answer, but turned to her and grabbed her hand, leading her to the parking lot where our cars were."Hey! Stop, will you? Let's talk about this." She called out, and when we were in front of my car, I released her and faced her."What's going on, Gio?""Do you know what time it is?" I gritted out. "What? It's 7:30 pm, Gio. What the fuck is wrong with you?""7:30, huh?" I gritted out, taking deep breaths to control my anger. "Get inside." I growled, opening my car door."What? No. I came with my car.""Avery, now." I barked."What's your problem?" She was annoyed and angry now."Get inside the fucking car. Now!"She flinched, glaring at me and opened the passenger's side, getting inside and slamming the door loudly. "Asshole." I heard her mutter under her breath in annoyance. I took deep
G I O V A N N AI shook my head. "No, I don't. We have a strong relationship, Elle. We're not like that.""But, it doesn't make sense.""Right, and I can't stop thinking that it's my fault. That maybe I did something wrong, and I just don't remember.""Or maybe she's just stressed and busy. You should talk to her about it, ask her.""I've tried, but she just brushes me off. She won't even call me by my nickname anymore. I think we need a break. Maybe moving in together after just a year of being together was a big mistake, and now we're paying for it."Do you think it was a mistake, Gio?""No. I don't regret it, Elle. I love her, and she's the best thing that has ever happened to me. I just wish things were different.""Maybe they will be. Don't give up. Fight for your love. She's probably just busy and not pissed at you. Stop thinking you're always the problem, G. You're a sweetheart.""Thank you." I sifhed, feeling like a weight has been lifted off my shoulder. It felt good venting
G I O V A N N AIt has been a week since the accident and things were still awkward between Avery and me. She was cold and distant. We were hardly talking.She'd come home late and leave early. I didn't even know what was going on with her.I'd tried to talk to her about it, but she'd brushed me off, saying that she was tired and not in the mood to discuss anything."I'm going to be home late tonight, I have a lot of brand shoots to catch up on. I'll grab a bite out with the guys." She informed me, not even bothering to look at me."And you're only informing me of this now?""Look, Giovanna. It's a busy month and the studio is crazy. I'm sorry, okay? Just deal with it.""Giovanna? So, we're now on first name basis, huh?" I was hurt. She hadn't called me Gio in a while."Yeah, I definitely do not have time for this. I'll see you later." She shook her head, and grabbed her bag. She walked out of the room without even saying goodbye.I was upset and frustrated. I didn't know what to do
G I O V A N N AI was placed on the couch. "Can you get a first aid kit? She's bleeding and shouldn't lose any more." Claire told Avery, tearing my shirt as gently as possible.Avery hesitated and I knew she didn't want Claire touching me."I got this. Go."Avery's footsteps got fainter and fainter, indicating she went to get the kit."You can leave. I'll take care of this."Claire shook her head and continued tending my wounds. "No, she wouldn't be able to handle you being alone with me. I'm a professional, remember? She sure wouldn't have a problem with you being treated by one, will she? If we have a misunderstanding, that's a whole different story."Claire was right. But, I didn't think my girlfriend would appreciate leaving the two of us alone. She's already wary of Claire."I know, but I don't want to cause trouble. We broke up years ago, Claire.""Yeah, and we've moved on. No harm, no foul.""Have you?" I shot back.Claire's hands froze and she looked up at me, before she could
G I O V A N N AI drove faster as the rain began to fall. My foot hovered above the accelerator, waiting for a straight piece of road. The mountain roads were winding, narrow, and slick, and the weather was only making things worse. I just wanted to get home to the warm embrace of my girlfriend. Work has been shitty the past few days and I was hoping that she'd be able to help me through it.Thunder roared, echoing off the surrounding mountains. Raindrops began pelting the windshield. I flicked on the headlights and the wipers.I'd always loved the rain, but the storm seemed a little much.A bright light flashed, followed by a loud CRACK. I jumped and jerked the steering wheel, sending the car skidding across the wet pavement. My tires squealed in protest and I could smell burning rubber. The back end of the car fishtailed from side to side, and I felt the rear left tire go off the edge of the road.The car tipped precariously, the back wheels losing traction on the loose dirt. The w
E L L EI nodded, "That's part of my divorce story that the media never knew about. They were fine with just hearing one side of the story, you know? I lost a pregnancy while trying to save my marriage, and I fell into depression for a year after the divorce. That was hands down the worst moments of my life. And it was difficult because I was alone. The only person who knew about it were my parents. And I didn't talk to anyone else.""You didn't deserve any of that. I couldn't imagine how anybody could treat you like that. You're perfect. Anyone should be lucky to have you. Not the other way around. Any man who doesn't see how perfect you are is a fool. If he couldn't handle you, then he shouldn't have handled your perfection."Tears brimmed my eyes, and Mikhail pulled me into his arms."You're special, Elle. Never let anyone make you feel like you're less. Don't ever settle for less. You're a queen, and a queen deserves a king, not a prince. You deserve a man who would fight for you.
E L L EIt's been two weeks since the party and officially one month since Mikhail and I started talking.But, it felt like I've known him all my life. He was slowly becoming a part of me, and it was hard to explain.We were getting close, and although we had a few disagreements, we managed to make it through and have a good time.In the past days, Mikhail was busy, so I didn't get to see him, which was okay, because it gave us the opportunity to miss each other, and look forward to seeing each other again. And he always called. No matter how busy he was.Someone was finally prioritizing me and it felt so new. So good. I wanted more of it.I was getting ready for another date with Mikhail, and Giovanna and Avery were present.They were out of the town for two weeks and only got back two weeks ago. They learnt about Mikhail and me, but didn't ask many questions, and I didn't tell them much, because I didn't want to jinx anything."This is nice." Giovanna was looking at the dress I was
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