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,
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
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
L A U R AAn unexpected smile played on my lips as Sebastian walked out of my office, and I found myself unable to get rid of it.It was a huge mistake.Asking a therapist out on a date.Unethical.I had been in the profession long enough to know what the right thing to do was.I shouldn't have said yes.But, I did.Because, a part of me wanted to.I've never been so attracted to anyone in my life.His blue eyes, the way they sparkled. The way he was smiling. The way he talked. His voice.His accent.Everything.But, it was unethical.He was a client.A client who needed my help.My assistance.He was emotionally fragile at the moment, still on the journey of getting over his divorce, I didn't want to take advantage of his emotional state.But, the thought of having dinner with him was so appealing.So tempting.And, the fact that he asked me out, and was so eager, had made it even harder to say no.But, I had to.For him.For his own good.Until he was over his divorce. I was going to
S E B A S T I A N"Mr. Black, I actually never thought you were going to come back." Laura greeted with a smile as I walked into her office, a few weeks later. The past few weeks have been kind of a reality check. The realization that Elle had really moved on with her life had hit me harder than I ever thought. She was now pregnant for him, carrying his child, and he had a ring on her finger.I was grieving hard. Very hard. Not realizing just how much pain I would feel when I finally made the decision of not loving her anymore. When I discarded all the portraits I had drawn of her, all the pictures we took together, her clothes that had lived in my closet for six years, her jewelry, her makeup, her perfume.It was hard, and I cried like a baby. But, there was also this new sense of clarity that I didn't have before. A realization, that things weren't always going to be like this. The pain will ease. One day, it would get easier. And I would find someone else. Someone who would love me