His gaze fell on the police car halted near him."you stay here I will be back. "He jumped out of the car."Ellaya turned to see him standing tall and imposing, talking to police while typing something on his phone; she was unable to hear what they were saying. After what felt an eternity, he returned with cops by his side. A policeman leaned over and said, "Miss Stone, we are truly sorry you both suffered because of our inadequate safety system.""I hope they will not attack us again". She stated."Miss Stone, don’t worry; they have been caught."By the way, who were they"? she asked again"They were just thugs from local gangs; they knew you were a big name". said the police man "Were they kidnappers!" she rubbed her arms feeling goosebumps all over.The cop nodded his head. "Mr. Iden saved you this time, thanks to him."Her gaze shifted to his smirking countenance. She remained silent and just stared at him for a while, noticing the cuts on his face that were still bleeding and
" Oh my god! Ellaya, are you alright? How did it happen?" Eva got up from her chair, yelled, ran, and grabbed Ellaya as she came into her office."Eva, I am fine. "Why are you so worried?" Twice, she fluttered her whip."You do not look good, Ella; do you need to see a doctor"? Eva grabbed her phone to call a doctor."I am fine, Eva, don't worry. She squeezed Eva's hand."Before you say you are alright, take a look in the mirror". Being hauled into the bathroom and placed in front of the mirror, Ellay turned to face the woman, who did not look like herself at all because of her disheveled hair, pale skin, and clothes covered in blood. "How did you end up like this?" With a shake of her head,she said. "It is not mine. "It is not my blood," she thought of someone, her face concerned."Whose, then?" Eva narrowed her eyes."Someone attacked me".Eva did not respond for a brief moment."What? Who and why did they attack you?" "Are you going to spill all the beans now?" Eva offered her
"Ellaya ". Eva jolted her out of her reverie. "Oh, what? I am sorry , can ..can we go inside and talk". Embarrassed, Ellaya pivoted on her heels and headed for her office. "Could you please change the crew members? Miss Stone, or don't want me to continue shooting?" After setting her pricey bag down on the couch, Mia hunches over. You want me to replace every member of the crew. Ellaya raised her eyebrows, rubbed her forehead. Pulling out her lipstick, Mia said, "Yes, please." "Can you explain why you want us to change the entire crew?" Ellaya asked, glancing at Eva. "They are useless; they cannot even pull off a romantic scene and expect me to behave in a certain way." Mia stopped her hand from putting on lipstick. "The plot is perfect. Mia, you do not have to use your brain". Eva expressed herself. "Is there someone who can clarify for me what you are discussing?" Eva attempted to explain the plot. "ML kissed FL and thought she was someone else in confusion. After
"It's beautiful." While sprinting along the beach in her white bikini, Mia shouted, "I am wasting my time here; make sure before signing any contracts with them the next time; they do not care about other people's time." . Ellaya yelled. causing wrinkles to form around her eyes and her lips to droop. Playfully giving her a hug, Eva said, "Hey, chill, it's been a long time since you took a vacation. This is a good opportunity to enjoy your time. New Zealand is beautiful, isn't it?" "A vacation is not necessary at this time; I hope this charity event ends soon and I can go back."When Mr. Ruan shows up, they immediately begin the event." Eva threw a sunscreem's tube at Ellaya, perching on the recliner, "Is he not supposed to be here a day before yesterday?" she caught the tube."He apologized for keeping you here, but something in the company needed his attention."Ellaya pressed her lips together, remaining silent. Feeling exposed under a cover-up, she turned to look around at two
She was in the car before she realized what had happened. She peered around, unable to determine where the car was traveling. She glanced at the man behind the wheel; his shirt's two buttons were open, exposing his bronze skin, and his sleeves were folded up and the necktie hanging loose. He looked sexy as hell. She was not feeling admiring his appearance, though."Stop, stop the car, stop it right now." She shrieked.He gave her another quick glance but did not respond as he continued to focus on the road. His jaw clenched, Ellaya failed to understand his reaction."Why did you kill him? You killed him." She sobbed. "He is not dead", Iden spoke now."Why did you hit him? He was innocent and had not done anything wrong." "He wasn’t innocent Ellaya, he touched you inappropriately"."He was just helping me, he wasn't..." Her tears were so intense that she could not finish the sentence."Kissing you, helping you, yeah!" With gritted teeth, he spoke.She looked at him, not sure what to
She wanted to call Eva to tell her everything, she was pacing back and forth in the room, robbing her hands, but she realized she had left her phone at the hotel. “ohh god! The news must have reached New York; God, they must have been dying from anxiety." "My mother would kill me if she found out that I had left the hotel with a man. She never wanted me to be in a relationship, especially not this quickly. Please, please, help me". She sat for a while on the bed, wondering how she would explain the situation to her." Don’t get me wrong My mother simply does not trust those around me because she believes I am still young and men will exploit me for money." she stood up again."This insane man look terrifying; what if I spoke to him again and he killed me? No, I do not want to die so soon." Talking to herself was one of her innate habits."Okay, I am going; I know I need to talk to him." Looking up, she made the cross sign and opened her room door. She emerged from her room after sp
"Who else is meant to be present? " he asked passing the plate of pasta ."The employees and security you mentioned, that is". She spoke while taking a bite."They will be here by tomorrow morning. I was supposed to bring you here tomorrow, only if not... it is because of that jerk..." he bit hard on the fork."He wasn't kissing me". She tried to explain again."Do not tell me he was helping you, Ellaya." He slapped the table, startling her."Something had gotten into my eyes, and he was helping me get it out. He was not kissing". She spoke scared, looking down at her plate.After what seemed like an eternity, with his eyes fixed on her face, he said, "Eat."After dinner, Ellaya sat on the couch and looked at nothing in particular. She had never shared a room with a man or been away from her people before. His deep voice startled her as he said, "Want to have a drink?" He was enjoying a drink in one hand and a cigar in the other as he sat at the home bar. She had seen a lot of men, b
Lost in contemplation, Ellaya turned around and walked out of the kitchen, stumbling over the human wall, tripped and fell between powerful arms. When she lifted her head, the man in front of her was just as amazing as he had been the night before. He appeared young and charming, his damp hair cascading over his forehead. His well-defined body muscles were accentuated by the t-shirt he wore, which fit like a second skin. She caught a glimpse of herself in the window reflection. Swallow eyes, disheveled hair, pale makeup from the previous evening. She did not get a wink of sleep last night. She could not stop thinking about his touch and kisses. She was thrilled, but she was also hurt."Why are you blushing, princess?" His comment broke her train of thought. "I..I am ..am not blushing". She felt her heart in her throat and blushed. Why did this keep happening to her every time he got close to her? She was always so nervous. The more she tried to free herself, the harder she pull
Iden’s self-curses echoed through his mind, a storm of regret and anger. " Fuck! What was I thinking?" he murmured again She wasn't an angel fallen from grace or a broken spirit. She was the siren, the seductress, who led Leo astray, shattered his pure heart without remorse. She was like a potent drug, that ensnared deeper with each touch, and Leo, innocent and naive, became her plaything; she twisted his emotions with her enchanting ways and reveled in her power, relishing in her control over him. Leo, once vibrant and alive, fell prey to her wiles. He succumbed to her allure, losing himself in her web until he was left broken and defeated, begging for release. In the end, he found solace in death’s embrace. Iden’s thoughts churned, grappling with the pain of witnessing Leo’s tragic downfall at the hands of this beguiling enchantress. The memories of Leo’s suffering haunted him, a stark reminder of the destructive power love could wield in the wrong hands. And could kill the m
In that instant, time seemed to stand still as he drew in a deep breath, the sound of her humming washing over him like a soothing balm. With a newfound resolve, he strode purposefully towards her, his every step filled with an urgent longing.She remained lost in her own world, unaware of his approach, her sweet melody filling the air around them. And then, in a sudden whirlwind of movement, he spun her around, his grip firm yet gentle around her slender waist. The flowers she had gathered scattered around them in a graceful arc, adding to the surreal beauty of the moment.Her feet left the ground as he lifted her effortlessly, her skirt billowing around them like a flurry of petals in the wind. And then, without warning, his lips met hers in a tender yet passionate kiss, sealing their connection in a moment of pure, unbridled emotion.inside, his heart soared with love and desire, knowing that in her arms, he had found his true home.The man she waited anxiously, the man who had sha
As the day melted away into dusk, her heart smoldered with a fiery mix of anger and betrayal. Each second dragged on, a taunting reminder of the man who had abandoned her to face life’s storms alone. Despite her frustration, a flicker of unwavering trust lingered deep within her—a trust reserved for the man she cherished above all. She imagined him basking in sun-kissed escapades on distant shores, surrounded by strangers, as if she were a forgotten memory. The urge to unleash a tempest of accusations and sorrowful cries clawed at her insides, yet an invisible thread tethered her to the belief in his love. No video or photo could sway her steadfast heart from its loyalty. As twilight settled over her world, she stood on the edge of an emotional storm, torn between the agony of doubt and the enduring flame of love for a man whose shadow now loomed large over her fractured heart. Refusing to dwell on the same thoughts and act like a damsel in distress, she decided to do somethin
"What have you done?" Iden's voice rumbled low, his fist crashing onto the dining table with a resounding boom that silenced the entire restaurant. The mask of calm he habitually wore cracked, revealing a storm of emotions beneath. His brows knitted tightly, eyes flashing with intense fury, and the creases on his forehead etched deep with seething rage. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you hadn’t told her about the trip,” Annabell’s voice quivered with regret, her eyes darting around the room as if seeking an escape. “I really am sorry.” "Why did you have to call her?" His voice rumbled, resounding through the restaurant and capturing the attention of everyone present. Ignoring the curious glances, he focused solely on the repercussions of her actions. Emotions clashed on his face—anger sparking like lightning in his eyes. "Pay close attention. You stay away from her. Understand?" Leaning in, his words were sharp as his breath lingered heavily between them. His gaze penetrated hers with
Two months had passed, and Iden was still away. Each morning, the alarm’s harsh beep signaled another day of solitude for Ellaya. She moved through her routine mechanically—fixing breakfast, tidying up, and doing laundry—accompanied only by the hum of the washing machine and the clatter of dishes. The once vibrant house now echoed with silence, a stark contrast to the lively conversations and laughter it once held. Opening the store, Ellaya sighed heavily, realizing it was time to restock. With Iden’s absence came the absence of funds, forcing her to dip into her savings. An anxious frown creased her brow as she retrieved a packet of rice. It had been two days since she last cooked, but feeling her strength wane, she opted for a simple meal. Living a middle-class life for a year had been manageable, but now, the harsh reality hit her. Financial constraints forced her to be mindful of every expense. She meticulously planned the household budget, ensuring every penny was accounted f
Iden received a call from his mother last night inviting him to a family dinner at one of New York's most upscale hotels. When he arrived, he realised he had been tricked again. "Mom, I told you I don’t want any of these ridiculous blind dates,” Iden said, frustration evident in his voice.The girl he met was overly made-up, wearing a dress too short to hide anything. It was clear she was there for a blind date, but her attempts to seduce him were painfully obvious. He was tired of his mother setting him up without his consent. “But why not? You’re not getting any younger. I want my grandchildren before I die,” his mother insisted. Iden was packing his luggage, talking while he folded his clothes. Blind dates and marriage when he already had a woman waiting for him. He found the whole situation absurd. "Mom, who knows if he’s already married and hiding his wife from us?” Kai, the troublemaker, chimed in. Iden shot him a glare, but it was futile. Kai was never one to be intimidate
As the weight of his thoughts bore down on him, the plush sofa sank under his burdened frame. The pulsating beats of the club reverberated through the air, a stark contrast to the storm brewing within him. Kaito’s voice cut through the haze of music, delivering news that should have ignited a spark of triumph. “We got the deal,” Kaito announced triumphantly, thrusting the signed document into Iden’s hands. The paper, a symbol of their hard-fought victory, felt heavy in Iden’s grasp. Yet, he merely glanced at it with a detached expression, the mask of indifference firmly in place as he took another sip of his drink. The amber liquid burned down his throat, but it did little to thaw the ice encasing his heart. Kaito, ever the observant friend, noticed the lack of enthusiasm. “Thinking about your high-and-mighty wife again?” he needled slyly, his eyes darting around the room, searching for a distraction from the palpable tension.The club’s patrons were a blur of movement, laughter,
In the heart of the vibrant nightclub, amidst the thumping music and animated conversations, Iden sat ensconced on a luxurious velvet sofa, a drink in hand. Neon lights danced across his face, painting it with a kaleidoscope of colors as he savored each sip, his gaze wandering over the lively crowd. In that moment, he seemed a world apart, lost in contemplation amid the pulsing energy of the room. His mind wandered to the woman drenched in rain, crouched on the cold pavement. Her eyes, brimming with worry, were searched for him, her concern piercing through the storm. He had read her message repeatedly until his phone died, unable to respond. Yesterday was their wedding anniversary. He knew how excited she was; she must have spent the entire day in the kitchen, preparing his favorite dishes and decorating their cozy home. He had plans too. He had ordered the most exquisite diamond ring in the world, custom-made just for her. He hadn’t called or wished her because he wanted to surp
Ellaya’s search through the empty streets yielded no signs of life. Desperation gnawed at her, urging her to try his office. What if he was still there? Her legs moved almost of their own accord, each step a battle against the storm of doubts and fears raging within her. The relentless rain soaked her to the bone, but she pressed on, driven by a flicker of hope. Hours later, she arrived at her destination, only to have her hopes dashed once more. The building stood shrouded in darkness, devoid of any sign of life. She stood there, drenched and defeated, her eyes red-rimmed. Her white dress once pristine, clung to her body like a shroud, a stark contrast against the darkness of the night. The wind howled mournfully, tugging at her drenched hair and chilling to her core. Tears mingled with the rain as she looked up at the lonely building, the droplets casting elongated shadows that danced around her like ghosts of forgotten promises a silent sentinel in the cold, dark night. Her leg