EL L E
My whole world came crashing down right in front of me, and I could do nothing to stop it.
'I want a divorce.' The word kept ringing in my ear.
No!
This can't be happening to me.
How did I go from being overjoyed about the news of my pregnancy, to being served with divorce?
All because I trusted someone who didn't have a single trace of a heart in her body.
I moved closer to Sebastian, my hand shaking as I tried to hold his. "Seb, please, let's talk this out. Whatever is going on, we can solve this together. Just the two of us." I pleaded with him. He was being deceived by the woman I called my best friend, the woman I confided in, and I wasn't going to back down without a fight.
I wasn't going to let my marriage go down the drain, because of Emory's jealousy and evil.
"No! Don't touch me! I've already wasted enough time with you. I'm done." He said, pushing me away from him. He looked at me like I disgusted him and that thought alone made my heart clench.
Why did all this have to happen now!? Why now that our life is finally falling into place? Why now that we are starting our own family? Was this Emory's plan all along?
She had never shown signs of being in love with my husband, but her insisting on me divorcing Sebastian because he was 'impotent' and unable to bear a child was quite suspicious.
How could I have been so dumb not to notice all of this in the past? She was never a good friend, and I didn't realize that until it was too late.
After realizing that trying to make me leave my husband for her wasn't working, she decided to do this? It was all making sense now.
She was evil and desperate.
"You're making a mistake, Sebastian. Don't let this woman ruin two years of what we've built with each other. You're letting another woman ruin our marriage. Please, you're not like this. You know me. You know the truth. You've seen me through the good times and bad. You've shared every part of yourself with me, don't let this woman ruin everything we've worked so hard for. Please, believe me." I begged, holding his hands in mine, but he ripped them out of my grasp.
"You think begging is going to get you anywhere? Well, guess what, it won't. The sooner you accept the fact that you've lost, the better for both of us. And you've lost." He stated.
"But Sebastian, the baby–"
"Get rid of it. That child isn't mine. It belongs to the other men you've been fucking behind my back. Do whatever you want with it."
"You don't mean that. I know you're only saying this because you're angry. But you'll change your mind. You will, Sebastian."
"You can't force me to take a child I have no connection to. It's not mine and will never be."
"I won't have an abortion. The baby is yours. You are the only man I've been with. You and I both know that. I don't know what's gotten into you, but–"
"You're a lying whore, who was sleeping with several other men while being married to me." He accused, his voice hard and filled with anger.
"How could you possibly believe that? I'm the woman you love. The woman you married. Why can't you just see the truth, Seb? Emory is trying to come between us, can't you see that? I don't know what she has against me, but–"
"She has nothing against you, Elle. But, you expect her to stand with you while you cheat on me? That's a good friend right there," he said foolishly. "She did what every good person would do. She warned me and told me the truth about you. That's the difference between her and you." He spat and Emory had a proud smile on her face.
"You think this is funny, Emory?" I snapped. "Do you think ruining people's lives is fun? What the fuck is wrong with you?"
"Oh, Elle, you think I did this because of my own free will? I had to do what needed to be done. If letting him know the truth will ruin our so-called 'friendship', then so be it. I told you how wrong this is, but you said Sebastian was too dumb to find out and was weak in bed. I did what was needed to be done." Emory said, dramatically.
How were these lies flowing so effortlessly out of her mouth?
"You did this to hurt me." I concluded. "You never liked me and maneuvered yourself into my life under the guise of being my friend when you were never one.
"No. I did it to protect the man I love. You are a liar and a cheat and you deserve what's coming to you."
"Protecting the man you love? Sebastian doesn't belong to you! He's my husband and he will always be. I don't care how many lies you feed him, he'll never leave me for you. You're nothing but a pathetic little whore!"
Sebastian laughed at the last word. "Oh, please, Elle. Can't you see that she has moved past that stage? You're the only woman who's pathetic enough to stay married to a man who can't even give you the pleasure you crave. I've never satisfied you and I can't understand why you stayed."
"Sebastian, you have to believe me. I never said any of that. They're all false. Emory is the one who's telling you lies. Can't you see her motive, Sebastian?"
"Her motive is to protect me from you. Now, can you just leave before things get uglier than this?"
"Are you kicking me out of my own home?" I asked, shocked.
"The house is in my name. You have no right to live here anymore. Get out. Don't make me call security." He threatened and I shook my head, not believing my ears.
"This is not you, Seb. What happened to the man who told me he would always protect me? Who vowed that he would love me forever? Where is that man, Seb? What did she do to him?"
"Stop living in your own fantasy. We're over. Finished. Done." He stated, his voice devoid of any emotion.
He held my wrist in a tight grip, and dragged me down the stairs.
"If I were you, I'd start looking for a new place. You're no longer welcome here. Get. Out." He growled, pushing me out of the house.
"Goodbye, Elle." He said, and shut the door right in my face.
EL L EI was standing in front of Sebastian's parent's house. The familiar mansion I'd been to a couple of times, suddenly feeling cold and unwelcoming.There was no way I was giving up on Sebastian and our marriage. I love him so much, and I wish he would just see through Emory's lies. He was being deceived by her, and painting me out to be the bad guy. She was vile and evil and had all this perfectly planned out all this time. She knew what she was doing, and now, she had won.No.I can't give up that easily.Not without a fight.Emory was going to pay for what she did, but first, I had to get Sebastian back."Elle! What are you doing here?" His mother, Mary asked, opening the door for me.I hugged her, the tears already starting to well up in my eyes. "Oh, no. Come on in, dear." She said, wrapping her arm around me as we walked inside.I sat down, wiping my face, and trying not to show my weakness."What happened, Elle? Did you and Sebastian have a fight?" She asked."He asked for
EL L EI could hear a loud beeping sound, and people whispering.My head was throbbing, and my whole body ached.What the hell happened?Slowly, I opened my eyes, wincing as the bright light attacked me.Where am I?I blinked repeatedly, trying to get accustomed to the light. I looked around to see I was in a hospital, then it all came crashing down on me. I had an accident. One I thought I wouldn't survive. I had seen my life flash through my eyes, yet I survived it. I saw a doctor and nurse, standing next to my bed, a smile on their faces. But, other than them, I saw no other familiar faces.Was I stupid for thinking they would care about me even after an accident?"Doc–" My voice was hoarse, and the words were stuck in my throat.The nurse poured water in a glass, and placed it on my lips. "Thank you." I whispered."It's so good to see you awake, Ms. Elle. You've made us worried." The doctor said, coming to stand beside me."How are you feeling?""A bit sore.""You were brought i
E L L EI stared at the luxurious oakwood door I had always detested as a child.The cab sped off as soon as I paid the, and I wished I could call him back because I was already regretting coming back to this place that haunted my childhood.I was empty handed, coming back the same way I had left. I felt a wave of embarrassment, realizing that my parents were right after all. They saw what I couldn't see about Sebastian and now, I was back at their place, proving that they were in fact, correct.I continued staring at the door, remembering the times when I cried to be outside, to have friends but was never give the chance to. It all changed the moment I met Sebastian at the very first event I was allowed to go to. I was only twenty then, and I felt awkward amongst hundred of people, but Sebastian made me feel safe.I fell in love with him and rebelled against my parents, just so I could be with him. I snuck out, stole money, and did a lot just so I could have a little piece of happin
E L L EFive years.It's been five years of being divorced and my life had changed drastically since then. I took over my family's business on the brink of bankruptcy five years ago, but with determination and drive, I was able to turn things around and not only save the business, but also make it the second most successful one in the entire world.I didn't even need to mention the first one, it was already quite obvious who it was. My ex-husband. Today, my company was valued at billions, and the satisfaction of proving everyone who doubted me wrong, was worth the blood, sweat, and tears.As the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company, there was hardly any free time. And the only thing that was on my mind, was work, and work alone.The media has speculated on many things throughout the years, but no one has gotten close enough to get a piece of information. No one."Ms. Marino, your meeting will begin in twenty minutes."I nodded at the young woman who had knocked on the door, then glan
E L L EThe dress I chose to wear was a deep shade of red. The material was silky, and the dress flowed down to my toes. A blood red bodycon dress with a slit that started from the upper thigh. The back was exposed and had two crisscrossed strings, holding it together.I had decided to go with my brother as my plus one, because no matter how much I tried to find a suitable date, none were able to impress me.The limousine came to a halt, and I could see the entrance and the flashes coming from the cameras.I was the first and only daughter of a billionaire. Everyone knew who I was, and I'd never felt so much pressure in my life.The door opened and I could already hear the shouts coming from the people outside."Ms. Marino, can you tell us who designed your dress? It's so beautiful.""What made you choose to come this year, Ms. Marino?""Why is your father not here with you?""Is there a special someone in your life right now?""Will you be making any announcements tonight?"Questions
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 EI took another swig of wine, as I adjusted my glasses, trying to make more researches about this new company.It was a Saturday morning, and if just finished with my laundry and took a shower. I was putting on just a old baggy T-shirt. It was Sebastian's.That was the only thing of his I had carried with him after our divorce five years ago, and for some reasons, I couldn't seem to let go of it. But, it was just a T-shirt anyways. I was definitely not wearing it because it reminded me of the times we had spent together.Nope.Not at all.I was wearing it, because I was a busy woman and couldn't be bothered to wear an actual shirt.That's right.I was just wearing the t-shirt and nothing else.I had a whole day to myself, and I planned to spend it on researching about this new competitor.It's not like I had anything else to do.I poured myself a glass of wine, and sat back down in front of the computer.My glasses were starting to slide down my nose, and I pushed them back.I
E L L ETwo Weeks Later"I can't believe you're going through with this." I gritted out, looking at three of my biggest shareholders. No matter how hard my family and I had tried, two weeks wasn't enough to time to get the company back on it's feet. "What do you mean? They offered me an unbelievable deal, and I'd be crazy to say no. Not only that, the company is not making any money, and the board is losing confidence. They are starting to think the company is a sinking ship. We've lost one shareholder, and a lot of customers. It's not ideal. So, yes, I'm going through with it. There's no point wasting more time and resources on a sinking ship." Mr. Browne said, and the other men nodded in agreement. "This is unbelievable. You're selling the shares, and you don't even care. My father built this company, and you want to throw it all away, just like that." My words didn't seem to have any effect on them, as they still stood their ground. "Elle, it's been difficult, and there's noth
E L L EHis jaw clenched, as he gave me a deathly glare. "Are you trying to call me incompetent? Don't you forget that I handed that company over to you, Child. And I know know best, I've been in the game way before you were born and I know exactly how this works. You've only just stepped into the field. Don't tell me how to run a business, and don't come crying to me when you can't fix it. You're the CEO, deal with it.""Deal with it? You want me to deal with it. Well, it's easy for you to say when you're retired. You don't commend me for all the hardwork I put into the company for five years without break. The little time I decided to have to myself, because I was fucking exhausted, is what led to this mess. A mess, which I'm going to have to clean up, alone. Without anyone's help.""You're not alone, honey." Mum interjected, but I ignored her."You want me to deal with this shit now that there's a problem. I can't fucking believe you, Dad. You didn't even tell me when I came back
E L L EThe day wasn't even over yet, but I was ready to call it a day. I was pissed. Beyond pissed.My whole body vibrated with anger as I packed my thing into my handbag, and grabbed my car keys. I couldn't think straight. I just needed to get out of the office, and get some fresh air.Then go to my parent's house.The anger I was feeling was only going to take the best out of me if I didn't let it out, and who else would I be able to let it out to.My father. He wasn't the cause of the loss, but he was also the cause. All he could have done was tell me about it sooner, I would have left every single thing I was doing in Bali, to save the company.I didn't build it to this level for five freaking years, only to see it crumble right before my eyes.A wave of guilt hit me as I realized that I was having so much fun in Bali, while my company was crumbling without my knowledge and no one thought to tell me."Fucking bullshit."I stormed out of the building, and was about to climb into m
E L L EI went into my office and locked the door, placing the files on my desk. I picked up my oho e and decided to dial Varian."Hey, you're back." He greeted, and I frowned."Varian, did you know that the financial report was a mess, and that the shareholders are thinking of ditching the company?""Oh, shit. Dad didn't tell you.""No, he didn't. He had the board members cover it up, and didn't even have the decency to inform me.""Oh, that's bad.""I had to find out during the meeting.""What? Seriously, dad was supposed to tell you.""He didn't. But, it's fine. I'll handle it." It wasn't. "What are you going to do?""I'm going to do what I'm paid to do. I'll try and convince the shareholders to stay, or if they insist, find a way to get more investors. We can't let them take the big ones, and leave us with the small fry.""That's a smart move.""It's the only thing I can think of, right now. There's no telling what could happen. There's a possibility that the shares might be take
E L L EI arrived in New York on a Friday night, and in a blink of an eye, it was already Monday. Which only meant one thing, back to work.It was weird, being in New York again after spending a month in Bali.Bali was the dream, but the city was where I was meant to be. I loved the city, and everything it offered.New York was full of opportunities and possibilities. And not to forget, stress. The city was buzzing with activities, and people were always on the move. I haven’t driven in a month, and I almost forgot how it felt to be in control of my life. Maybe I should have extended my vacation for two months, because having to run a company after having the best vacation of my life wasn't the most ideal thing.But, I knew I couldn’t leave the company under my father’s watch for too long. He wasn’t as strong and energetic as he used to be, and the last thing I wanted was for him to overexert himself.Varian wasn’t really interested in the company and it must have been hectic for him.
E L L EIt was our last night in Bali and we decided to do one last fun thing, before leaving the city and its beauty behind.It was our last night on the island and we were ready to enjoy.Avery was standing by the balcony of the bedroom, looking out at the ocean as the sun went down."You ready?""Of course.""Then, let's go. Gio should be waiting for us.""She is. I spoke to her."I nodded and walked out of the bedroom, and headed towards the front door.The driver was already waiting for us outside, and I got into the car and sat down.Giovanna was already in the car, and I leaned forward and hugged her."Where are we going?""It's a surprise," Giovanna responded, and winked."Aww. Come on, Gio. You have to give me something.""Nope. Avery made me promise not to tell you.""I did, and she's not breaking the promise," Avery chimed in."Okay, okay. Fine." I huffed. "At least tell me what am I supposed to wear.""Nothing.""Nothing? Then why am I even here?""We're not going to strip
E L L E"You're a powerful and influential woman, and they are nothing compared to you. So, stop sitting here and moping, and showing them that you're hurting, and you need their pity. Get up and prove them wrong. Show them that you're the boss and you have it all under control."She continued, "Don't let them see you cry. Don't let them see you hurt. They're winning, and you're losing. If you continue acting like this, then they'll forever be on top and will have the last laugh. Show them who the real winner is.""How? I have no motivation. I don't have a desire to fight anymore.""That's the problem. You have to start fighting. No one will be there to fight your battles. And, as much as you want to stay home and cry, it's not going to help. You'll end up more miserable than you already are. So, you have to get up and make them regret. Don't give up. Show them what you're capable of.""You are the strongest woman I've ever met, Elle. You have so much potential and are going places. Yo
E L L EI was standing in front of Giovanna and Avery's tent the next morning, wondering why they weren't still awake. It was 10am in the morning and neither of them had come out yet.Was there a party inside their tent, and I was the only one who didn't get an invitation?I opened the door, and peeked in, and saw both of them cuddled together and sleeping.I smiled. I guess they were able to talk, and make up."Ahem," I cleared my throat, and Giovanna opened her eyes and sat up, and yawned."Elle, what's up?""What's up? It's 10am, and you're still sleeping. Did you guys talk? Or have you been fucking all night?""Elle!" Avery whispered and covered her face with the blanket.Giovanna got up, and grabbed her shorts. "We definitely had a lot of time to talk." Gio teased, making Avery's face as hot as a volcano.They got up and we walked outside together. "We have till twelve before we have to check out, and then we're all leaving. You guys didn't pack your bags yet, did you?""Nope, but