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
E L L EI was home all alone today because I just didn't feel like going to work. I wanted some peace and quiet, and quite frankly, I was too lazy to go anywhere.Today would be my off day. To sleep, watch a movie, snack and repeat.I had a huge bowl of popcorn and my eyes were glued to the TV, watching the romantic comedy I had rented from the library.It was a beautiful Friday and the weather was perfect, and I wanted to relax and spend the day alone.My phone was on silent and the door was locked. I was having a relaxing time, and no one could mess with me. I placed the huge bowl of popcorn on my belly. Yes, this baby was growing too fast that my belly was not big enough to hold the popcorn.I was a quarter through the movie when my doorbell rang, and I frowned. I paused the movie and sat up. Who could that be?It rang again, and then there was a loud banging on the door.I groaned and got up, walking to the door."Hold on a second!"I opened the door and was met with wide grins. "
L A U R AI was sitting on my couch, setting up the food I had ordered down for Sebastian and I.Just a few seconds later, a knock sounded at the door.I went to open the door, and I was greeted by Sebastian standing in a dark casual outfit, a dark blue jeans and black shirt, his hair slicked back and his piercing blue eyes meeting mine."Hi.""Hey, gorgeous." He said, smiling as he took me in, his gaze moving slowly over my body, and I blushed."Come in.""I brought some wine and dessert." He said, showing the wine bottle."Great, the food is already here, and it's all set up. Thank you.""Thanks for inviting me over. You have no idea how much I missed seeing you." He said, pulling me into a tight hug, his musky scent hitting my nose, making my insides warm and fuzzy."I missed you too, Seb."He pulled away, and I had to try so hard to fight off the burning blush crawling up my cheeks."I hope you like the dessert, and the wine. I wasn't sure which wine to buy, so I bought the red, s
L A U R AMy eyes narrowed into a glare, and I frowned. "Excuse me? What do you mean?""Sebastian Black is a ruthless bastard, and he is the last man you should be messing with. He's a heartless asshole." Giovanna stated, and her voice held authority and anger.I could hear the venom lacing her voice. Why would she be so mad and disgusted at Sebastian?"You are the sweetest girl I know, and have a heart of gold. And, Sebastian, the man is just a walking corpse. He's an animal, and has a heart of ice.""How would you know?" I asked, feeling defensive. I didn't like the way she was speaking about Sebastian. How does she know him? What exactly does she know about him that's making her say such things about him? What business does she have with him?"That man doesn't deserve your love, Laura. He destroyed my best friend. They had a very messy divorce that cost my best friend a lot. When he realized that he has been living with the real enemy, he now wants her forgiveness. He still loves h
L A U R AAfter a two hour nap, filled with tossing and turning on my bed, thinking about the events that took place this afternoon, and the visit from the evil witch, I finally managed to get up and take a shower.It was almost eight, and it was time for me to get ready for dinner at my cousin's place.I walked into the bathroom, and stripped out of my clothes.Once I was completely naked, I turned the faucet, and water gushed out, filling the large tub with warm water.I stepped inside the bath, and sighed in relief.The tension eased from my shoulders, and my mind was clear.It was time to relax, and forget about what happened earlier today.After the long, and much needed, hot bath, I stepped out of the tub, wrapping a towel around my body.I grabbed the brush and combed through my hair.After drying it a bit, I went to my closet and picked an outfit. I didn't dress fancy, because I wasn't planning on going anywhere afterwards.Once I was done, I headed to the kitchen and grabbed t
L A U R AMy car pulled to a stop in front of my office. "Look, I have to hang up now. Work calls." I said to Sebastian on the phone. His call had woken me up this morning and he stayed all through my shower, dressing up and arriving at work.And there was never a point where the conversation got awkward or boring. We always had something to talk about, like we've known each other our whole lives."Okay. Dinner, tonight?" He asked and a smile pulled at my lips.Unfortunately, I already had plans for tonight. "I'm sorry, maybe another time? I already agreed on dinner with my cousin and her girlfriend. But, tomorrow is my off, you could come over to my place and we could order some food and watch movies or something.""Sounds like a plan. Text me when it's time.""I will.""Goodbye, beautiful.""Goodbye, Sebastian.I disconnected the call, and smiled.This was the first time I've actually smiled and felt good in the morning, and it was all because of Sebastian. I was afraid that I was st
M I C H A E LI stood in the corner, watching as Elle and her boyfriend made their way out of the event. I rubbed a hand over my face in frustration as soon as their car sped into the distance. I didn't mean to scare her the way I did, I was just desperate for her to learn the real truth about what happened in Bali.I had expected that reaction from her, but I had thought that I would've been able to calm her down and get to talk her and tell her everything. But, I wasn't going to give up. Not until she knew the truth."Fuck!" I muttered, frustrated, running a hand through my hair. It's not gonna be easy. She hates my guts, and I was the cause of her trauma. What did I expect? I'm such an idiot.I sighed, turning to the exit.I had come here in a disguise, knowing that Mikhail's security detail would send me out as soon as they realized I was invited for this event, but I couldn't wait.This was the only way to reach Elle and tell her everything.I had followed her and Mikhail everywh
E L L EThe next day, Mikhail's friend gave us an invitation for his fashion show. It was also my first public appearance while being pregnant and I was totally excited and nervous at the same time.His friend sent me an unreleased dress from the new line and I was ecstatic, because it was the most beautiful and expensive dress I've ever owned.It was a beautiful blue mermaid gown, that fit perfectly. The fabric was soft and delicate. I fell in love with the dress as soon as I laid eyes on it, and now that it was finally time to wear it, and the night has arrived, I was beginning to have a lot of second thoughts."Are you sure I'm not going to look fat in this?" I asked Mikhail for the hundredth time, and he looked up from tying his tie.He looked shocked by my question, because this was the first time I'd ever asked such a ridiculous question."What are you talking about? You're beautiful. And, you're not fat, Elle. Stop saying that. You're pregnant. There's a difference. You're pregn
E L L EIt's been a week of finding out that our baby is a girl, and it's been absolute bliss. I felt good, happy and content. I was always excited for the kicks, although I was warned by my mother that my excitement would be short-lived, because soon enough, she'd start kicking up a storm in my tummy, and would end up making me lose sleep.I really hoped not, maybe, just maybe my baby would have some sympathy and make me an exception.Today, we were all gathered at my parents' home. My father had called for a family meeting/dinner. He has been all up his ass since last month, refusing to attend my baby shower, because he thinks I'm making a bad decision by having a man knock me up out of wedlock.In my defense, the pregnancy definitely wasn't planned, but I'm not going to keep living in regrets for the little miracle God has given me. And I'm definitely not rushing into marriage just because I'm pregnant and scared of being judged by society.However today, I was shocked when he calle
L A U R AMy last client walked out, and I breathed a sigh of relief.My day was finally over.The rest of my evening was spent going through patient files, and checking in with my boss.By the time I left my office, the sun had already set.I got into my car, and drove home. My apartment was located a few minutes away from the city. It was small, but big enough for me. And, I loved it.The moment I stepped into my apartment, my cat came running towards me, and I bent down to pet her."Hello, princess.""Meow.""I missed you too.""Meow.""Hungry?""Meow."I laughed, and went straight to the kitchen. The moment she saw her bowl, she jumped on the counter and started eating."You're so spoiled, Lola." I said and shook my head.Lola was the most precious thing in my life, besides my job.And, even though she didn't speak, her presence was soothing.Especially, after a long and tiring day.She was my rock.And, she always kept me sane.Lola was a present from my parents. She was only six