If you were to describe Elle's growth from the beginning of this book, till this stage, how would you describe it? Drop your comments. My girl Elle has definitely been through a lot and deserves to be happy... but there's always that one thing that would try to ruin it all, isn't it? Thanks for reading!
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 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 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 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.
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
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 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 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 t
E L L EI sat at my vanity table, my towel wrapped around my body as I started with my make-up. I applied a light foundation, followed by a little blush, mascara, and red lipstick.My eyes were bright, and my cheeks were flushed. I looked absolutely different, and I could definitely see the glow that everyone was talking about. My skin was literally flawless, and I haven't had a single acne in months. The baby was trying to show the world that she's going to be a good girl, but is literally about to rupture my ribs from her constant kicks.She was a very active baby at just seven months. Two more months to go, and it could even get worse. Mikhail was busy getting ready, and he had been checking up on me constantly to make sure I was fine.I took out the hair curler and curled my hair into loose curls, letting it fall around my shoulders.Afterwards, I put on a light perfume, and stepped into my dress. The shimmery yellow mermaid gown clung tightly to my body, accentuating my curves. M
M I K H A I LI drove my car into the driveway, and turned off the engine. After a few talks with the security guards, I walked into the house with a bouquet of Elle's favorite flowers.It was strangely quiet today, because I usually see Elle in the living room, either watching a movie or sleeping.I decided to go up the stairs and look for her in the bedroom. As soon as I twisted the door open and stepped in, I was met in a dark dimly lit room.There were candles everywhere and flowers and rose petals on the floor. The sight before me almost knocked the air out of my lungs. The sweet scent from the candles, her scent, it was all overwhelming. Elle was in a red lingerie. A sexy two piece lingerie, and her stomach was protruding. She looked like a goddess. One who God has taken his precious time creating under the moonlight, perfectly moulding each and every curve and feature.She was the definition of perfection. A gorgeous goddess. Her hair was flowing down her back, and she had he
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