EL L E
I 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 a divorce." I managed to say, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.
"What? No, no, no, that can't be true. Where is he, Elle? Did he send you here?" She asked, confused and shocked. We walked into the living room, and she sat me down.
"I came on my own." I admitted, and she gasped.
"Is he crazy? Divorcing his own wife? What has gotten over him? He can't divorce you if he wants to. What has gotten over that boy?" She rambled, shaking her head.
"It's complicated, Mary." I started. "Emory has been telling him lies and she's the reason for this."
"Emory? That's your best friend. She would never do that to you."
"She hates me, Mary. She wants to ruin my marriage with your son. She's been lying to him, making up stuff about me and the worst part is that he believed her."
"Elle, calm down. Let's call him. If he knows you're here, he'll come back."
"But, he doesn't want to see me. He kicked me out of the house yesterday. He wants a divorce. Why won't he believe me?"
"Shh... Elle, everything will be fine. You'll see. This is just a phase. Everything will fall back into place soon." She said, her arms wrapping around me, and comforting me.
"Honey, why are you–" Pedro, Sebastian's dad, came in.
"Honey, it's Elle. Call Sebastian and tell him it's urgent." She ordered, and her husband walked out.
"Oh, sweetie. I'm sure this is a big misunderstanding."
"How could she do this to me? How could she go behind my back and do something so evil? I trusted her, Mary."
"Don't worry, dear. Everything will be fine. We will sort this out, don't you worry."
We waited, and after about half an hour, Sebastian showed up. But, he didn't show up alone. Why did he bring her here with him?
Emory's hand was wrapped around his arm possessively, as if staking her claim on him. She didn't have the right to touch him, or do anything like that. I was angry and frustrated, but I didn't want to do anything irrational.
"Elle, what are you doing here? I thought I told you I never want to see your face again." He asked, and Emory's grip tightened on his arm.
"Son, you will not speak to my daughter-in-law like that. You have no respect." His mother chastised.
"Why did you come here, Elle? You need something?" He asked, not bothering to respond to his mother.
"Don't be rude, son. She's your wife, and you will speak to her with respect."
"Oh she didn't tell you?" Sebastian laughed as he looked at his mother, shaking her head. He looked at me and said, "She didn't tell you of her cheating acts and how she's currently carrying a child that isn't mine?"
The room went silent, and I felt Mary's hand slowly loosened on my shoulder.
"Son, this is not the place to discuss such matters. That can't be true. Elle would never do that."
"Well, that's not the case, mother. She was cheating on me for a while. I can't live with someone who's constantly lying to me and not being honest. I can't deal with the thought that she had sex with another man."
"Sebastian, I swear to God, I didn't cheat on you. That baby is yours, please, believe me."
He ignored me and turned to his parents, handing the pictures over to them. "Here's your precious daughter-in-law, passionately kissing and holding hands with another man in a hotel. You can't deny this, mother."
"Oh my, Sebastian." She whispered, looking at the photos in her hand.
"Why would you do something like this?" Pedro asked, his voice filled with shock and anger.
"Elle, are these true? Please, tell me they're not. This looks so much like you, but it can't be. Please, tell me this is a joke."
I was rendered speechless. How could Sebastian do this to me? He had his own parents believe in Emory's lies. And the sad part was, they were falling for it.
"Mary, you have to believe. I would never cheat on your son. I am being framed and blackmailed by the woman standing beside him."
"How can you call your best friend and accuse her of such things?" His father asked.
"She isn't my friend, I was wrong to trust her. But, the truth is, she's been lying to me, and telling your son lies about me."
"You're not even listening, Elle. There is no point in discussing this matter. Your lies and manipulation have gone too far. I want nothing to do with you. Ever. Again."
"You can't be serious, Sebastian. You know me. You've seen the good and the bad. You know how much I love you. Please talk to your son, tell him all these are lies. I've never and would never cheat on him."
Sebastian's mother didn't say anything. It was obvious that she also believed the lies that Emory and Sebastian were feeding her.
I was disappointed, heartbroken, and shattered.
Pedro finally turned to me, "I am highly disappointed in you, Elle. We took you in like our own daughter, and you repaid us by bringing an illegitimate child into my family? Have you no shame?"
"Pedro, no. That's not fair. I didn't cheat. The baby is his. Emory is lying. Please, believe me." Tears streamed down my eyes, humiliation running through me.
"Enough! You need to leave before things get worse." Mary finally spoke.
I looked at her, my heart clenching painfully. I couldn't believe the woman who'd become a second mother to me, had just turned her back on me.
The same family I sacrificed so much for, had turned their back on me so quickly. The same man who got me disowned by my own family because I chose love over money. The same man who I turned down my family's inheritance for, because I wanted to be with him.
I felt humiliated as they all stared at me. They didn't need to say the word, but I could already see how they felt about me. They saw me as a cheat, and a liar.
"Get out of my house. You're not welcome here anymore." Pedro said, and I knew then that nothing I could say would change their mind.
"Elle, please, let's not make things more complicated. Just go." Mary said.
I choked, swallowing the huge sob that was about to rip from my lips as I grabbed my car keys and rushed out of the house.
I got into my car and the dam of tears broke loose, I sobbed, starting the engine, wanting to be out of here so badly.
As soon as the car drove out of the mansion, the gates closing shut behind me, I couldn't hold in my sorrow any longer.
I broke down.
Tears streamed down my eyes like a river, my chest was tight and painful, and I couldn't breathe.
The pain was unbearable, and I wanted it to stop.
My family was against me, my husband, the man who had vowed to protect and love me, didn't want anything to do with me.
I was all alone, and it felt like the world was ending.
The road in front of me became a blur, my hands trembling on the steering wheel.
"Why is this happening to me? Why is everyone turning their backs on me? Why? Why?!" I banged the steering wheel, crying loudly.
I didn't notice the car coming towards me until it was too late.
Everything happened in slow motion.
The last thing I heard was the sound of tires screeching, and a loud horn, followed by my scream of terror.
Then, there was darkness.
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 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 EOnce I was in his room, I took off my shoes, undid the dress and cleaned off my make-up. I was in no mood to take a shower, so I went to his closet, looking for a shirt.I grabbed the first shirt I could find and wore it, climbing into bed.I closed my eyes, inhaling his scent and sighed, wondering how we ended up here.We were fine and everything was perfect and then Sebastian had to show up.Now, Mikhail's insecurities were getting the best of him and I didn't know how to make him see that he had nothing to worry about.I didn't see myself with Sebastian and I wasn't going to watch Mikhail get himself in trouble because of him.And now he has misinterpreted it as me trying to protect Sebastian because I still loved him, when the only thing I'm trying to do is avoid unnecessary drama and getting his ass in jail.Tonight was already a long night, the media are probably getting ready to post photos and articles about the incident, and this could definitely harm Mikhail's reputa
E L L EMikhail grabbed Sebastian by the throat and slammed him against the wall, and a few people stopped their chatter to watch."Stay the fuck away from us," he growled, his voice dangerously low."Stop! Mikhail, don't do this!" I cried, pulling his arms, but he was too strong.Sebastian's lips were turning purple, and it seemed like Mikhail was really going to choke him."You'll never have her. She'll always be mine," Sebastian spat, his voice barely a whisper."You'll never have her. She will never belong to you. She's mine."Mikhail's hands were tightly wrapped around his throat, and Sebastian's eyes were wide."Let him go, Mikhail!" I pleaded. "Please. You're hurting him!"He wasn't listening to me, his focus was solely on Sebastian.I could tell that Sebastian was trying to struggle against him, but the lack of air was making him weaker."Stop!""I'll kill you, I swear to god," Mikhail hissed, squeezing his neck harder."Mikhail! Please, baby. Let him go," I pleaded, trying to
E L L EThe long awaited day of Mikhail's new collections launch was finally here. I was giddy with excitement, knowing how much this meant for Mikhail, and whatever makes my man happy, makes me happy.It's been almost three months since the launch of his last collection and it was a huge success. Everyone was waiting for the new collection, and everyone wanted a piece. This was going to be my first time attending his events, and I wasn't just going as a guest, but as his girlfriend.What a dream come true. The event would be taking place at the hotel Mikhail had purchased, and had spent the past few months renovating. The grand opening would be after the event, and it was already filled with reporters and journalists from different magazines and newspapers.I was so proud of him, and I was going to be by his side.I was fresh out of the shower in my lush robe as Mikhail came into his huge bedroom, a large box in his hand and three women next to him.Apparently, I was going to be th
M I C H A E LIt's been four hours since Emory left the house, and although I didn't want to admit it, I was worried.I knew she was looking for every way to get back with Sebastian and it bothered me. How could i still love a woman who left me for another man all because he's richer?How could I love a woman who doesn't love me the same?When would I ever learn my lesson?Emory and I have come from way back and she was the woman I genuinely loved. I was obsessed with her at some point, we did literally everything and anything together in college.We were the power couple, but no one really knew what goes on behind closed doors. How much she shakes me for not being able to afford her needs, and how she's only sticking around with me because of the status I provide.She wanted the rich life.She didn't want me.I was the leader of a small gang in school, known for being a troublemaker. We did some minor drug deals, and I had a few assault charges, but Emory wasn't fazed by any of that.
E M O R YWithout giving me a chance to talk, my hands were placed behind my back and cuffed."You must be mistaken." I said, struggling with the cuffs. "You have no right to come to my husband's company and arrest me without any proofs. Where is the warrant?""Here." The officer handed the papers to me. "It has everything we need to arrest you."I read through the papers and shook my head. "This is impossible. I did not sell harmful products. Everything is approved and certified.""The chemicals used aren't approved, and it was clearly written in the contract, which you signed, that if anyone was hurt by the product, they have the right to press charges and sue you.""How sure are you that it's true? I wood never intentionally cause harm to people for the sake of money. You can't just accuse me.""That's not for me to decide. That's for the court." She said curtly. I was led towards a police car, and shoved into the back seat."I would like to contact my lawyer as soon as possible."
E M O R YI stood in front of Sebastian's company, trying to keep my composure.It was the only thing I could think of.To be honest, I was still shocked about the divorce papers, and I felt like my world was crashing down on me.Sebastian filed for divorce.The papers have been sitting in my room for the past few days and I didn't spare it a glance.I couldn't even sign it.It felt so final.So real.Like the end.And I didn't want an end.I was willing to do whatever it took to make sure Sebastian would come back to me.I needed him.I wanted him.I left Michael's house so early before he even woke up. His apartment was a little one bedroom space which left me no other choice but to sleep in the same room as him. He slept on the couch, while the baby sleeps in her bassinet.She screams her lungs out for food in the middle of the night and those are one of the worst nights of my life. She has refused to feed from my breasts, but will drink formulas. Leaving me with no option but to p
E M O R YI wiped my face and looked at myself in the mirror. I was a mess.I looked like a homeless person.I sniffled, trying to get my shit together.I walked to the door and opened it. It was a woman with a suitcase in her hand. She was holding a bunch of papers."Who are you?" I asked, my voice hoarse from crying."Mrs. Black, right? My name is Rebecca and I'm the process server for Mr. Black's divorce case.""Divorce?" I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Please, we're not getting a divorce.""Well, that's what the papers say. Your husband has filed a divorce, and according to these documents, it's final."My world stopped."No, no, no." I breathed, taking the papers from her.She smiled coldly and handed me a pen. "Sign here.""I am not signing anything."She smiled, "He only asked me to deliver it to you, you don't necessarily have to sign it now. But you will have to, eventually. So, either way, it's a done deal.""Get the fuck away from my house." I hissed and slammed the door shut.
E M O R YThe past week has been a horrible one, how did I go from living in my dream mansion to being in this crappy apartment with my daughter and Michael?The answer is simple: the baby.Everything would have gone perfectly if it wasn't for her.It has been a week since I'd seen or heard from Sebastian. His lawyer has been calling me non-stop, but I wasn't ready to answer those calls.I knew the minute I pick up that call, I'd have no chance of saving my marriage, and I wasn't ready to let that happen.I have been living with Michael and his child and we haven't spoken a word to each other. He had gone back to work and left the baby with me.I tried breastfeeding her, but she wouldn't latch onto my nipple. She wouldn't drink formula, and so far, I have been struggling to get her fed.I was tired, exhausted, and I had no idea what the fuck was going on. All she did was cry and cry and shit her diapers, and all she ate was air.I didn't know if something was wrong with her, but the d
M I K H A I LI watched Elle sleeping soundly, her breathing even and she looked so peaceful.She was safe.And that was all that mattered.I was about to have a stroke when I heard her say Sebastian came to her house at two in the morning. I was just thankful Ivan was able to get her as early as possible.But I never wanted to experience that fear ever again.And it wasn't just the fact that Sebastian was at her house.I was scared she could have gotten hurt.It was like all the blood had drained from my face when she told me.My fear was quickly replaced by anger, anger at his audacity, anger at him for having the guts to even show up at her house.He'd gone too far, and he needed to be taught a lesson.I wasn't going to sit here and wait for him to come and hurt her.No way.I had made a deal with the cops and Sebastian was spending a week in jail.If anything had happened, I wouldn't have known what to do.It would have been the end of me.I wouldn't be able to live with myself if