E L L EOne week passed quickly, and it was time for the fashion week and gala. I have fully recovered and I was back to my normal self, which was good. I wouldn't have missed the event for the world.Avery, Giovanna and I arrived in New Jersey and checked into the hotel we would be staying at. We had a suite booked. It was beautiful. The rooms were luxurious, and the view of the city was breathtaking.Giovanna and Avery occupied one room while, I took the other.I had decided on trusting my stylist's choice for this gala. I told her to pick a design she knows I'd like. No fittings, I didn't even know the color of dress I'd be wearing, but I wasn't worried for some reasons.She has never disappointed me, so, I trusted her.I was sitting on the couch in my room, reading through my emails, when a knock sounded on the door."Who is it?""It's us." I heard Avery call out, and I got up and walked to the door. I unlocked it, and smiled at them."Hey. What's up?""Nothing. Just wanted to sto
E L L EI was asked to close my eyes after they finished glamming my face. It was finally time to put on the dress, and I bit my lips and did as they said.The suspense already getting the better of me.I felt the coolness of the fabric of the dress as Ariel slipped it over me. The material was soft and smooth, and it was very comfortable.My hair was being styled, and the makeup artist was adding the final touches."Can I open my eyes now?" I asked impatiently."Hold on."I heard the rustling of a bag, and the opening and closing of the wardrobe door."Alright, now, you can."I opened my eyes and looked at the mirror. My jaw dropped at the sight. I looked beautiful. I have never seen myself look like this.The dress was a long, silver sequin mermaid style dress. It had a sweetheart neckline, and a slit that was at my right. The back was also low.It accentuated my curves perfectly, and I couldn't take my eyes off the mirror."I...you did so great. Thank you. This is so perfect. I love
E L L EThe show has finally started and everyone was sitting and paying attention.The runway was long, and there was a lot of people watching. The place was lit and it felt so good to be part of such a great event.I was having a good time.Avery and Giovanna were seated on my left, and we were having a good time, laughing and chatting.The first line of clothes was being presented and everyone was oohing and aahing, while taking photos and videos.The music was playing loudly and the energy was high.Everything was going smoothly, and I couldn't ask for more.I was enjoying myself, and I couldn't believe it.The models were walking down the runway, and the clothes were stunning. Everyone was loving them, and I was, too.But, the hair on the back of my neck hasn't settled and I knew I was being watched.Sebastian and Emory had arrived a little late, but I've felt his stare on me since the moment he walked into the room.It made me uncomfortable, but I decided to ignore him.I wasn't
E L L EIt all started like this...I was doing a thorough research, looking for reviews people who had bad experiences using Emory's products.Then I saw it.Hidden in the deep depths of the internet, was a blog post written by a young woman.It was a very short article, but the details were enough to paint the picture."Emory Black's beauty products are not safe. After using her hair serum, the ends of my hair fell out. And it took me weeks before the growth came back. Her face masks are not good either, and I was breaking out everywhere.Do not purchase anything from her. If you don't want to look ugly, stay away.-S.A"This was what I needed, and after reading the comments, I realized that the lady wasn't the only one.Emory Black's products were a scam, and they were killing her customers.The fact that she was so bold, and so unbothered. It angered me.She was hurting so many people, and no one was telling her.Her products were toxic, and the ingredients were dangerous.If her
E M O R YAs soon as the car pulled to a stop in front of the mansion, I got out of the car which was painstakingly hard because of this god-damned pregnancy.It was moments like this I wish I didn't have to carry a baby in me, worst of it all for nine freaking months, trying to give life to a child that will do nothing but eat, sleep, ask meaningless questions and spend my money.Then they grow up and also have this 'I hate my mom' phase, and so help me God, if my daughter ever says those words, I'm gonna be locking her ass in her room till she becomes 21 and even then, I'll still lock her up till she's 30.If I had a choice, I wouldn't even be bringing any of these coco felons to the world. I'd live my life alone and die alone. But, how then would I become the mother of the most successful business man in the country, if I don't give my husband a son or daughter?It would be a shame, really. And that I could still conceive is really a blessing, because I've gotten rid of every singl
E M O R YShit. Shit.No! Why the hell didn't I hide my tracks better? Why didn't I cover up what I was doing better?Stupid. Stupid.Now he knows.He fucking knows.Shit."Emory, answer the question. Why did you take the money without asking me?"I swallowed, and tried to act natural."Why didn't you tell me that you were taking the money? Why didn't you consult me? Why did you make the decision all by yourself? Do you know how bad that makes you look? As my wife, shouldn't you talk to me first, before making any big decisions?""What's going on with you, Sebastian?" I said, trying to divert the subject. "Don't fucking try and change the subject, Emory. Now tell me why the fuck did you steal from me?"I took a step back and glared at him."You think I stole from you? How could you even say that? I am your wife!""Oh, so you are not denying it?""Denying what? What is there to deny? I didn't steal a single penny from you, Sebastian. Your money is my money, isn't that so? We're one, r
E L L E"You did a good job, Marie." I said, handing her a glass of wine."Thanks, Miss Elle." I noticed the fear and uncertainty in her eyes. "You have nothing to be afraid of. All you said was the truth. You are a victim and you're going to be the voice of others who are too afraid to speak out. Your actions will pave a path for change, and we are going to make sure that companies like Rome Beauty Empire will no longer produce such products.""I hope this doesn't cause any trouble. I don't want people to look down on me.""Marie, you're doing the right thing. Don't think about what the others are going to say. They don't matter. Your conscience is clear. You are a good person. You have nothing to worry about.""Thanks, Miss Elle. I hope the results will be positive. I would hate myself if anything went wrong.""You are gonna be fine. We'll make sure that your name and face won't be revealed on the news. Just a picture of the places affected and your face which will be blurred. You a
E L L EI was torn in trying to know if the press were lying when they said Mikhail was a rude and self centered person, because he was anything but that.Or was he just pretending?But, he had no reason to.He has been a complete gentleman. He helped me into the car, and even opened the car door for me.It's been a while since I went out to eat lunch with a guy. And I felt a little bit uncomfortable, especially since this was my first date with him.A guy that never gives people the time of the day was giving me all of his attention.We walked inside the restaurant. He picked a very private restaurant where he was sure the paparazzi weren't already on his tail.He chose a table at the corner, where we could see everyone else, but no one could see us.The waiter came and took our order, and the only sounds were the clinking of utensils, the low music, and the chattering around the room.I fiddled with the edge of the table cloth, avoiding eye contact with him."You should stop doing 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 th
E L L EMikhail left early the next morning, promising to check on me soon. My father was at the office, since I wasn't mentally in the right state of mind to handle the company for now.My mom was out to catch up with some old friends, so it was just Varian, myself and the heap of securities my father and Mikhail had hired to watch over me.Seriously, but hiring up to twenty people just to guard me is a bit over the top. But after experiencing what happened two weeks ago, I understood their concerns and why they took so many measures. And to be honest, I felt protected knowing that there were people that would fight for me if need be. My phone dinged, signaling a text message. Varian was busy playing video games and the living room was on the other side of the house, so no one would disturb me.I smiled, seeing a text from Mikhail.Mikhail: I miss you.Elle: I miss you too.Mikhail: What are you doing?Elle: Nothing. Just laying on my bed.Mikhail: Should I order you and your broth
L A N AI sat in front of the three men I trusted so much and paid a hefty sum for their services. I knew they were the right men for the job, and they were willing to do whatever it took.Emory has been waiting for her chance to take down her arch nemesis, Elle, and now she finally had her chance.But these men just had to ruin it for me.They bowed their heads in shame, looking like a bunch of pathetic fools. My anger was beyond controllable. I could barely keep my shit together.I've had a perfect plan, but the damn men ruined it."What happened?" I asked calmly, though it was more like a threatening question."We’re sorry, mistress. She escaped before we could get a hold of her.”I stood to my feet, walking towards them and glaring into their eyes."How did she escape? I gave you guys all the necessary information and resources. How did she manage to escape? You're supposed to be the best, but you failed. You failed me.""Mistress, please forgive us. It wasn't our fault.""Not you
E M O R YONE MONTH EARLIER My stiletto heels clicked as I walked majestically towards the restaurant. I was putting on a shimmery red dress and silver heels, feeling superior and on top of the world.My make up was well done and my body was banging in this dress. Childbirth has been the worst thing to happen to me, but all thanks to my doctor who prescribed a pack of ozempic for me, and now, I'm finally back to the way I used to be.I'm the queen, and everyone is going to kneel before me.My C-section scar has healed perfectly, leaving just a faint mark. I'll be able to get it removed once I get enough money.I took multiple drugs to stop my boobs from producing more milk, to stop my hormones from going crazy and I finally feel normal again.The only downside is that my hair has started falling.My hair was a beautiful, luscious, silky mane and it's one of the reasons why people loved me. But, my hair is no longer healthy.I blame that damn baby for sucking the life out of me and ma
E L L EMikhail and I sat side by side on the dining table. My parents and brother were across from us.It was awkward, and no one spoke for the first couple of minutes.My dad cleared his throat."So, how long have you been seeing my daughter, Mikhail?"Mikhail finished chewing his food and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Six months now, sir.""And, what do you plan to do with my daughter in the future?""Dad!" I scolded."What? Am I not allowed to ask these questions? You're my daughter.""I know, but, Dad.""Mr. Marino, with all due respect, I plan on marrying her. I love your daughter so much, sir. I would do anything for her. Anything. And, if she'll have me, I would be the happiest man in the world."My heart skipped a beat and my stupid brother wriggled his eyebrow, giving me a smirk."Are you sure about that?" My dad asked."Positive. I would like to have your blessing, sir. I know I'm not good enough for her. I know I can never deserve someone like her. But, I promise that I'
E L L ETwo Weeks LaterThe nightmares hadn't stopped.It had been two weeks since the incident, and the bruises and cuts were healing, but the memories were still there.The feeling of helplessness and the fear were still haunting me. Anytime I close my eyes, the scene flashes in front of my eyes, making me wake up in the middle of the night, panting and sweating.My therapist had prescribed a few sleeping pills to help me cope, but they were no use.I had a lot of restless nights.The man in the black suit was always there.Waiting for me.I was scared, but I knew the pills were supposed to help. So, I continued taking them.I was staying at my parents' house as my house was currently being renovated and repaired.The security was also beefed up.I was lucky to have survived that.The moment my mom saw the condition I was in from the hospital, she had broken down when she was told what happened. She became even more overprotective and she and my dad with Variant decided that I was
E L L EI heard a beeping noise and a faint sound of footsteps. It felt like I was floating, and the beeping was getting louder and louder.My body felt numb, and my eyes were heavy. It was cold, and the sheets were rough.I didn't know where I was.The beeping was too loud, and the footsteps were getting closer and closer. My eyes fluttered open and I winced at the bright lights, before closing them again.My head was pounding and throbbing painfully, as if it was about to explode. My mouth was dry, and my lips were chapped. I could taste the blood in my mouth and it made me nauseous.The footsteps stopped, and the voices were clearer."Is she going to be okay?""What's wrong with her?""When is she going to wake up?"I opened my eyes slowly, adjusting to the bright lights and looked around. I was in a hospital room. The beeping sound was coming from the machines and the footsteps were doctors and nurses.I could see people standing near the door, their voices low.I tried to speak,
E L L EThe day I wasn't looking forward to finally arrived. The end of our mini vacation.Mikhail and I were in his car as we drove out of the mini heaven and back into the city.He looked calm, but I knew he wasn't looking forward to this any more than I was.My new car has been moved to my house the previous day, I would rather sit in the car with Mikhail than drive behind him. At least, I get to enjoy passenger princess benefits.Mikhail had one arm resting on the steering wheel and his other hand was holding mine, our fingers intertwined.As much as I hated to leave the house, the mini vacation had given me and Mikhail the space and time we needed. I didn't think it was possible for our bond to become even more stronger, but it did. Everyday with him feels like the first, of not just falling in love with him, but also discovering new things about him.Who would've imagined that the man who couldn't get his eyes off of me and I the same at the gala was mine and now, I get to live
E L L EI was watching Mikhail swim, his shirtless body glistening as the sunlight hit him.God, he looked gorgeous.I was sitting by the pool, and my eyes were glued to him, as he swam laps. I was wearing a sexy two piece bikini and Mikhail couldn't keep his eyes off of me. I knew exactly how to distract him.Ever since we had that talk last night, I could sense the difference in his behavior. He was more open and affectionate, which was good, but the fact that Lana had already tried to call him twice today, meant she wouldn't give up.He blocked her number right after though, and I suggested he came out for swimming to help him take his mind off of things since it was one of his favorite things to do. But, every time he went underwater, he would lift my legs and touch them.He swam closer to me, pulling my legs up so he could stand between them, and I wrapped them around him. His hands wrapped around my ass and he squeezed, causing a soft moan to escape my lips."Mm. You drive me c