Elena POV She picked up the phone with excitement clearly showing on her face as her eyes sparkled.“ Oh I forgot! Alex, you and Elena, dear,” she took my hand, “will be going on a vacation to Sweden.” her excitement bubbling more “ I have reserved a nice place for you guys to bond”I didn't know what to feel. I just looked at Alex, hoping he would refuse this, and he didn't fail.“ Nana, no one's going anywhere “ he said “ I am busy and I still have to”“ I have cancelled all your appointments and your schedules, so you have no excuse,” she interrupted. “ But Nana”“ No buts, you're going whether you like it or not,” she demanded, shooting him a death glare “Wonder why she fell in love with you” she teased“ Just as you fell in love with Grandpa”, he shot back, making her stand, dragging his ears, and cursing him.I just smiled, looking down. There was something about their relationship I wish I had. The love they shared for each other was undeniable and It made me feel a little b
Elena POV I stepped back, not wanting him close. My back hit the wall behind me, letting him close the distance between us, leaving us in a breath of space.“ Then what are you doing walking in front of my study at this time of the night” he leaned in, his voice dropped to a murmur, low and chilling.A jolt of pain shot through my body as my legs stepped on the broken vase, a gasp escaping my lips “ Ouch,” I hissed, glancing down to see blood beginning to pool beneath my bare foot.Alex's gaze shifted instantly, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the blood. In one swift move, he dropped his cold demeanour, replacing it with concern.“ You're bleeding” he muttered, his voice laced with concern. Without a word, he scooped me up in a bridal style.“I'm fine” I protested, my cheeks flushing at the sudden closeness. Forgetting that I was in the hands of someone who was threatening to kill someone a while ago. But he ignored me, walking towards our room.He lay me on the bed gently, grabbi
Elena POV Both of our attention turned to where the sound came from. It turns out it was just a maid being reckless. Alex, on the other hand, didn't want to leave me alone. He just stood there with his back facing me. After several failed attempts to convince him, I gave upI decided to bathe with him there, making it the most uncomfortable and the longest bath I’d ever had.After bathing he scooped me up as usual, in a bridal style, then carried me to the dresser. “ I can walk, you know” I insisted.“ And I can see that” he replied teasingly, setting me on the chair to face the mirror. I thought he was going to leave me now but he took the hair dryer and began using it on my hair.His hand tangled with my hair making me flench a little. I could hear my heartbeat reverberating in my ear, quickening with every second.As much as I liked this treatment it wasn't something I was used to. Pete never had time to do these things or even think of doing them.This attention, this care, none
Elena's POV Would I call what I was feeling jealous? No. I refuse to feel that way even though it was disappointing to know that he had a family. Nana wasn't aware of it as far as I'm concerned, or was she? For the past two weeks, I had tried my best to keep my distance, reminding myself that what I had felt before was just an illusion. It was a fleeting mistake that I thought there were men like him, after all, who had hearts behind those cold demeanours. But I was wrong. What if I was the one in her position? I wouldn't like it. With everything I had gone through, I felt and understood her pain. Even though I knew nothing about their relationship, that night when I overheard him talking to someone threateningly, it kept playing on my mind. Maybe she was the other one at the end of the call. Maybe not. Either way, I shouldn't care. As a matter of fact, I shouldn't be giving a shit about his private life. Keep it low and simple. My work here was simple: to only be his
Elena's POV " Wha…what are you doing here?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Nick Jackson, my good old friend from high school. I never thought I'd see anyone from high school as I shut everyone out of my life.I totally disconnected myself from the outside world., My life was just based on going to work, coming back home, eating, sleeping, and then doing it all again.There was nothing special about my life back then. Well…not until you know who came. I guess because of the depressed state I was in, I took my illusions way beyond making me blind to reality.Nick and I weren't very close back at school, but we had a history. He was always this kind of nerdy guy in class, and I was his seat partner.But why was he here with someone like Alex? Nick's eyes darted nervously, his glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose like they always do back in school.He pushed them back up, smiling. Alex stood there, radiating confidence. I could feel his gaze on me but I didn't care.“
Elena POV “ Elena” Alex called“ I'll get ready for the dinner party shortly.” I wiggled my hands in his grip but the more I struggled, the more they became tighter.“ Elena,” he called again, his voice low.This time I turned but didn't look at him. I didn't want him to see my eyes swollen and filled with tears. I didn't want him to know I was crying earlier. That might make him feel more mighty and self-important.“ Look at me” he said, raising my face to look at him, but I averted my eyes the other way. I didn't want to see him or talk to him.One other rule that I had forgotten in the contract was not to get too close, or else I'd get burnt. But I did get close and now I'm burnt. “ Please,” and I did. His eyes were beautiful as ever holding a hint of calmness and vulnerability. It was different from the last time he consoled me. More earnest, almost charming.I stayed locked on them for a while before looking away again. “ Mr Donovan,” I locked eyes with him once again, tryin
Elena's POV Finally, the weekend has ended, and now, it's Monday. My first day of working with Mr Alexander Donovan. Of course, I would be nervous. Sk industry was like the den of the lions, and I knew one wrong step could mean a disaster. I couldn't afford to mess this up, not one bit.Alex hadn't come back to the room after that day, leaving me with a mix of relief and uneasiness. It was better this way. I didn't have to face his piercing gaze or hear his sharp words. Yet, a part of me couldn't deny the fact that I wanted him here nonetheless.I stood in front of the mirror. I adjusted my blazer for the third time. It was perfect and brought out that confident and professional look I was striving for. I stepped into the black car Alex had prepared to pick me up and tried calming myself down. “Hey,” I looked up to the driver “Nick?” I said, my eyes widening just a fraction. “ What are you doing here, and why are you the one picking me up?” “ Alex insisted I take up to the offi
Elena POV I entered my office, which was located just beside his, with only a wall separating us. The office was classy, neat and in order. I scanned the whole place walking towards my desk. On it was a huge pile of more than ten files. I rummaged through the files on the table in utter disbelief.This was too much. How did he expect me to finish all these files before the end of the day? My chest clenched as I looked at the pile of files. There was no way I was going to finish this if I kept complaining like this. I know what he is doing; he's trying to get me tired, push me, stress me, and all worked up so that I won't work anymore, but he doesn't know this is just the beginning.I strode across the table over to my chair and sat down. I need to get to work if I am going to beat him at his little game.I flipped open the first file, forcing my mind to focus on the details inside. Contracts, reports, and meeting notes stared back at me. Their content is urgent and well laid out.
Elena POV “ Madam?” The maid called softly at the other side of the door.I stood up without responding and walked towards the door. “ Yes?”I opened it to reveal the maid with a trolley and on it the exact same food I saw in Alex's study.“ What is all this?” I asked, my eye brow knitting in confusion“ Mr Alex said to bring this to you as he noticed you've been in your room and probably haven't had anything yet to eat.” She said with a smile on her face.“ and I have microwaved it, ma’am”"This is ridiculous," I muttered under my breath, staring at the food for a while before stepping aside for her to take it inside the room.I sat in front of the food not knowing whether to eat or not. Not like there's something wrong with the food.As a matter of fact I was so famished but for what reason, because I didn't want to face the woman that I sat in her position with.I was ashamed of myself even after knowing he had a wife. I still stayed and allowed myself to fall for him.No.It's al
Elena POV Silence spread throughout the room like wildfire. It took a while before I could look up at Alex again.I looked at him waiting, searching and anticipating his reaction. He just tilted his head back, the before amusement leaving his eyes and replaced with a sudden chill that could suppress me whole.I couldn't tell from his reaction what he was thinking. He just looked at me with a calm expressionless face like the words I said didn't border him.I steadied my nerves, biting my lips “ last night…”“ What happened last night?” He asked, his voice echoing like a beating drum.“ Last night we..” I paused, coming to a realisation. “ Mr Alex, I don't need to remind you of what occured between us last night. It was a mistake that won't happen again”I tried sounding as nonchalant as possible even though inside me was raging for no apparent reason. It's not like we did something intense yesterday night.We're adults, aren't we?I could see the muscle in his jaw tick, but he remain
Elena's POV For the rest of the day I stayed in my room, not wanting to come face to face with his wife.I'm sure she must have heard of me taking her position and must have some disdainful thoughts towards me but that's less of my worries right now.Infact I shouldn't be even thinking about it too much. All I should do now is secure my exit from this place so I won't get hurt too much.Whatever happened between me and Alex was far from anything meaningful. It was nothing. A mistake that shouldn't have happened. Normally I thought that him showing some care after that incident at the club would account that he has feelings for me or the night that he held me shielding me from the horrifying sounds of thunder, I thought he might have some feelings for me.Whether he did or didn't, it doesn't matter. Nothing matters now that his real wife is back with his child.Everything we've shared, all memories, would be gone within a twinkle of an eye.I wasn't from his world but I came into it
Elena POV The next morning, a light tickling sensation on my face stirred me from sleep. Without opening my eyes, I instinctively swatted at it, unwilling to wake up just yet. A comforting warmth surrounded me, unfamiliar yet oddly familiar, pulling me deeper into its embrace. It was so soothing that I instinctively snuggled closer, seeking more of it. As I nestled into the warmth, a strong hand suddenly wrapped around me, pulling me in completely. My cheek rested against a firm, warm surface, and curiosity made my fingers trail over it absentmindedly—until a deep, rumbling hum cut through the silence. “ Haven't had enough, cupcakes?” My eyes flew open, and my body went rigid. I was lying on top of Alex's shirtless chest! What the hell? Realization hit me like a shockwave, and I immediately tried to pull away. But before I could move, his arms tightened around me, holding me in place. He bent his head slightly, his lips brushing against my collarbone, sending an unexpecte
Elena POV But for all I know he should be with her—the woman who had come back after all these years. Instead, he was standing here, drunk and falling apart in my arms.I swallowed back the emotions threatening to rise. Now wasn’t the time for questions.With great effort, I guided him toward my bed, lowering him onto the edge. He groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. His normally sharp, unreadable eyes were clouded, his expression worn.He lies lazily, losing his tie, his big slender hand grasping his forehead as he tries to soothe the impact of the alcohol. I stared at him for some seconds before inhaling and exhaling sharply.His hair that was usually perfect l Hel was now in his array and his buttons were undone.“I’ll get you some water,” I said, quickly turning toward the nightstand.Before I could take a step, his fingers wrapped around my wrist, pulling me into a sudden embrace.The sudden pull made me hot my back softly but suddenly on the bed before I could blink an eye.H
Elena POV I leaned against the railings of the balcony, letting out a soft breath and staring at the clear night sky.My mind drifted to everything that had happened since the day I was left on the altar. I was far from wishing for a calm and peaceful life now.The only thing I could do to help myself was survive, especially from Catherine. Wonder what trouble she'd cause next.As I was lost in thought, a deep familiar voice startled me back to reality. “ well that was quite a show”I turned to find Nick standing there, arms crossed, an amused look in his eyes.I chuckled, shaking my head “ you saw?” “ Saw it? I practically want to frame it and hang it on the wall” he grinned, “ I thought the old Catherine I knew in school was gone but after this, I definitely know she's buried somewhere there.”I sighed, “ I allowed her the first time to have her way but won't allow for a second or third time” Nick's eyes softened, grabbing my cheek “ good, you shouldn't let anyone trample over yo
Elena POV The grand hail was lit up in dazzling golden lights, laughter and chatter filling the air as Alex and I walked hand in hand locked in.I smiled softly not wanting to arouse any suspicion as our engagement has been announced to the public even though grandma has agreed to wait, the news still circulated the internet.I could fill all the gaze on me as I strode to Nana who was standing with two other elderlies of her caliber. All dressed in exotic clothing.From their appearance you could tell they were wealthy and held authority.Nana smiled, holding out her hands as I walked close. I sealed the hug smiling back at her." Happy birthday, Nana" I said hesitantly, giving her the emerald necklaces I had gotten for her a while ago.Honestly I was skeptical about giving her because the necklace looked cheap but either way if she didn't like it I could prepare something else for her." Oh my, look" she opened it showing the two guests beside her. " My granddaughter-in-law got this
Elena POV I turned my eyes meeting those familiar grey eyes boring into mine, his lips curling into a smirk.I rolled my eyes, not wanting to indulge or talk to him since he's been busy with his business lately. Not to talk of his attitude towards me changing immediately we got home.“ What do you want?” I asked blankly.“ Nothing much”“ Okay then, if you would excuse me I need to rest,” I quickly said, turning on my heels. But stopped mid way, suddenly remembering something. I turned to him.“ Knowing your connection and how fast news travels these days, I'm sure you are aware of the little incident that happened at the mall today?” I asked.Looking at his expression, it seems he did, so I continued without waiting for a reply “ I apologise for the incident if it affected you in any way. But might I remind you to please caution your…” not knowing how to address her, whether a friend or lover, either way I just left it hanging “ seeing how close you two are I think it would do us a
Elena POV As we walked through every section of the mall, it was clear who the star of the day was.Catherine Stones -The fairy Princess of Las Vegas. Always perfect. Always radiant and flawless. The center of all attention.Nobody paid yield to me, a nobody. They only attended to her and left me like I didn't exist at all.Not like I'd care.I wonder how she still has the energy to still carry on shopping like she was made for it cause I was already tired.My legs ached from all the go here and there. Although she tagged me along I knew I didn't belong in this world. It wasn't my speciality.Just as finally thought this misery was about to end as we were about to exit the jewellery store, a voice stopped us." Excuse me, miss," the store attendant dressed in a crisp white shirt and black short skirt approached me.I frowned, " yes?"The woman crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. " We need to check your bag, miss"My brow furrowed. " Why?"The security guard beside her stepped closer "