GeorgeI can't help the hunger that grows from deep within me. It's strange, to say the least, that I even stop to process these feelings. In the past, there'd be no stop. There'd be no thinking. My dick would need taking care of, and then I'd get exactly what I needed from my wife.But that's what caused the problems in the first place. Not just my dick, but the entire idea that Ella is ever more than the woman I married. I look at this absolutely stunning beauty, knowing I'd never even considered my actions before. But now, as I lean closer into Ella's space, I can't stop myself from the hunger welling up inside.I feel her soft skin with my hand, caressing her cheek as I watch her slowly blink at me. She is still drunk, which I'm still not used to seeing, and I question how this marriage has ended up in this mess.Lips meet as we stop on the stairwell, as I breathe in every single scent she holds. Even though she is still smelling like a liquor store, I can't possibly be expecte
GeorgeThe sound of chirping birds reaches my ears, causing me to slowly wake up. Disoriented from not remembering how I fell asleep, I let my eyes open just a crack, dawn breaking outside my window and sun starting to stream in.Morning. I can't even remember the last time I slept through a night. And all because...I turn and look at Ella, asleep beside me, though she's in the middle of what looks to be a fitful sleep. Her skin is slick with sweat, and she moans with discomfort in her sleep. Something's wrong.I reach over and feel her forehead, careful not to be too forceful and wake her up. She must be having a nightmare because she's unable to form coherent sentences and twitches every minute or so."The horse is in the lake."I lean back and blink at this sentence. Well, whatever nightmare she's having, it seems to be an interesting one.Grabbing my phone off the nightstand, I walk out of my bedroom and quickly dial a doctor. Though Ella may be a great name in her field, t
EllaI groan as my hand finds its way to my forehead, sweat abundant at the smallest of touches. Ugh, this is absolutely gross. I can't even remember the last time I sweated in my sleep. I normally only sweat in my sleep when I'm getting sick, seeing as my body temperature can't handle the sickness.My mind tries to remember what led to being here. It's tough fighting through the fuzzy memory from the previous night. I finally open my eyes just a sliver, and the sight gives me the jolt I need to remember the worst parts of the day before.I remember the Forest Hotel. I remember the alcohol. I remember George demanding to take me home...I sit up, seeing the villa around me, and more memories flood back: the car ride back here, the intimacy shared between the two of us. The way he tried to carry me inside and I fought against him.The way I pushed him away and told him we were divorced.At least some part of my brain decided to kick in and work last night. How could I let myself g
Ella"Stop–George, stop it!" I push him away, hating how I'm blushing, having enjoyed the press of his lips and his passionate touch as if he might... as if he wanted me. I'm not going to fall for it, I refuse to. The only reason he wants me right now is because he's jealous that he isn't allowed to have me. That I am denying him. His interest only goes so far. I'm not going to hand my heart over to him just because he demands it. "You're enjoying this," he murmurs, leaning back in but I'm firm in my decision, not letting him get any closer. "Be that as it may, I don't want it. I thought you said you respected me." He pauses at that, pulling away. I wait as he obviously contemplates his options. Finally, he sighs and pulls away completely, leaving me feeling slightly cold, almost sad about it, but no. No, I can't be weak like that or give in. I learned better, haven't I? "Fine. You're still recovering anyway. I'll have one of the maids bring you dessert." "I'll eat d
EllaI carefully pull my hand away from George's grip and look away. In the reflection I notice him tense up, expression turning colder. I don't want any tender moments with him, nor do I want to make conversation when it'll just devolve into a fight. He's just driving me home, nothing more. It shouldn't be anything more either. I still FEEL too much about George. That's probably part of the reason why we always fight. Too many unresolved things, too many unresolved feelings that just bubble to the surface and turn vicious and poisonous. We're not good for each other like this. All we're doing is hurting each other, antagonizing one another to the point of rage and neither of us stop. I try to distract myself with my phone but frown as I realize it's on 'do not disturb', despite me never having done that. While I was off work at the hospital due to the conference, I was still one of their surgeons. They needed to reach me in any medical emergency such as calling me in fo
EllaI sigh as the deputy director is finally dragged out of the hospital after causing a small comotion of having to be forced out. Honestly, it was annoying how loud he'd been, begging for forgiveness or mercy despite how it was far too late for that. He won't find any of that from me, not after what he did."Thank you for compiling the data for me," I tell the corporate general manager. He's been a big help throughout this. "Of course," he replies, "you're doing good work despite how you've only been here for a short time." I hum, standing up and facing him properly. Emmit Ballwin, general manager for five years, has worked at the hospital for about eight. He did good work, was diligent and kept a good organization of the files. There were a few strange things about his background, but that's why I had him help, to get a better idea of his personality. He is a decent sort, and there is nothing truly incriminating in his history that wasn't in an effort to help the pa
Ella"Dinner?" I question.I'm incredibly aware of Elijah's intentions when it comes to me. He's not exactly subtle with his emotions, and I can read his face with ease. I won't delude myself into thinking he has real romantic feelings for me, however. All this is–all this shall ever be–is a professional, working relationship. Right now, even if I want more than this, the hospital's partnership is my primary concern.And honestly, I don't want that. I want to focus on the work that made up my early twenties. I want to help grow and expand this hospital and the people within it. Leaving George just to fall into another man's arms feels like an insult to my strength and position as a surgeon. The right path for me at this moment is to worry about what I can control in my career, not my love life."Alright," I respond matter-of-factly. "Let's go.""Wonderful," Elijah states, clapping his hands together. "I have a few places in mind."We make our way out of the office and walk si
EllaI can't help it. I begin to chuckle into my hand, and Rachel quickly follows. We snicker like schoolgirls as my best friend recounts to me what happened before she arrived."Real police officers, Ella! They passed right by me while I was wearing this fake uniform!" she says between her laughter. "That is incredibly ironic," I counter. "Can you imagine if they'd asked for your identification or even if you were answering a call?"She shakes her head, carefully wiping away a stray tear under her dark blue eyes so as not to ruin her perfect makeup. "Well, if one of them had asked me out, then maybe I'd have kept the charade going."I scrunch my face into a tighter smile, amused. "Oh? Man or woman?""Either one is fine with me," she shrugs. "The blonde female definitely had me turning my head."I allow myself to laugh harder, grateful for the best friend I have in Rachel. "Besides," Rachel states, flipping her hair away from her, "I look perfect.""Yes, but the problem was
Ella I scowl down at my phone, silently scoffing. I'm not George's any longer and he has no say about what I do nor a right to my time.So what if things didn't work out with his secretary? I'm not some rebound for him and I'm not with him.I don't understand what I have to do for George to actually come to terms with that, seeing as he still won't leave me alone despite how clear I made my feelings.Maybe it's time for a restraining order."Ella—Ella!"I sigh heavily, going to hang up before the phone is gently pulled from my hands, and I look up in surprise to see Vinny who gives me a smirk before bringing the phone up to his ear."Mr. Wickham! Hello, I'd say it's a pleasure but judging from my dear sister's expression, it hasn't been."Damn. Right for the throat immediately, his cheerful tone doing nothing to hide the venom inside of it."Who is this?""Oh, right, we've never been formally introduced. Vinny Reina, Ella's older brother. I've heard your conversation a bit
EllaWith Rachel by my side, we walk in sync around the shopping mall. We're laughing about a joke she's just told. It feels right being here with my best friend."So, which dress are you considering for the banquet?" Rachel questions, pointing down at the bags in my hands."Haven't decided yet. There's still one boutique I'm interested in going to," I explain, nodding in the direction of the store."Ahh, is this to impress Mr. Martins?" she asks in a knowing way. Rachel's face dances with mischief. I know she only wishes to extract the information from me, and I laugh again."No need to impress him." I toss my hair to the side, my newly manicured red nails flashing in the corner of my eyes. "He's already smitten.""Is that good or bad?" Rachel taunts."Honestly? I don't know."We arrive at the boutique I mentioned, a small store in the middle of the shopping mall that caters to those with a higher caliber of wallet. Rachel immediately beelines for a group of black dresses near
GeorgeArriving at the hospital, I get directions to where Charlotte resides. Not only do I feel several pairs of eyes on my person, but I also hear the whispers."Mr. Wickham is here," one person murmurs."Are the rumors true then?" another asks.God, do these people have nothing better to do other than gossip? I don't wish to be here, and now I must hear the things people speak under their breath.Charlotte truly doesn't seem to understand the situation she's compromised herself into.I find her room with ease, seeing her messing around with her phone."Charlotte."I keep my voice even, though a bitter bite does slip its way through. I narrow my eyes at the woman who continues to spread false information about me.For her part, Charlotte whips her head around to see me, looking almost surprised at my appearance. Why, though, would she be surprised when she's the one who called upon me?"I didn't actually expect you to show," she says quietly."Yet here I stand," I deadpan.
GeorgeAs I let my gaze fall on Ella, I notice she wears her evening dress confidently. It's strange, seeing as I cannot fathom the life she hid from me in our marriage. But as she stands there, hands on her hips, I can't help myself from making a smart remark."Finally going on that date with Elijah, then?" I quip, a sharp bite in my words. I let my arms cross over my chest as I watch her.Ella merely rolls her eyes at me, seemingly dismissing me altogether."I rushed here to see YOUR grandmother, seeing as she's grown ill. There was no time to change out of my outfit."As cruel as my words intended to be, she somehow one-ups me with ease. My mind swims with possible retorts, wanting to make my intentions clear but not appear desperate for her eyes to remain on mine.A mixed bag of emotions seeps into my skin, prickling as it moves across my body so fast, I don't have a moment to breathe. "You took Ella for granted during your marriage," a voice sneers in the back of my head.
GeorgeWatching Grandmother practically have a fit over Charlotte's presence is not how I want to spend my afternoon, but it's not like I can just leave when someone has to be responsible. "Grandmother, please. Charlotte is here as just a friend, nothing more," I sigh and she scoffs loudly, pointing a bony finger judgingly at Charlotte. "You are BLIND! When will you learn?!" "Grandma Anna, I know we haven't always gotten along but George is telling the truth. As his friend I should at least give you my well wishes, shouldn't I? You've been in and out of the hospital so much recently!" "I want none of your wishes, well or not! I could be dying and I wouldn't want you here!" "Grandmother!" Jessica gasps. "Don't say something like that!" "And you! Have you no shame, Jessica? Befriending that gold digger and pushing your brother towards her?" "Mrs. Wickham, please, your heart," one of the nurses says helplessly but finally, grandmother huffs and gives in, leaning back agai
GeorgeAnother late night turns into an early morning. Ever since the divorce my work hours have been... tumultuous. Sometimes I end up staying late into the evening to finish my work or try to at least. Then I wake up early and return to the office early to attempt to finish that work. Unfortunately, I am off my game. It isn't as easy as it used to be and I know why. I'm distracted. Usually I wouldn't be stuck in my head like this, but there is a lot to think about. I'm sitting in my office, having gotten in early, finishing up some casework and looking through the morning news when a new article is posted. It's really just gossip and drivel from the news companies but the photo catches my eye. Ella is standing next to Elijah, the pair looking nothing short of perfect together. All smiles and warm gazes, the photo perfectly captures how well they go together. They truly do seem like a perfect couple, and the article gushes about it too, how Ms. Reina and Mr. Martins are
EllaThe staff party is going to be held off site, with the staff given the week off afterwards as a gift to them. As much as they told me they enjoyed their job, having a party at their place of work just meant that THEY would have to set everything up and clean everything up which was counterintuitive to celebrating them. I chose a lovely location at a private venue at the Rosalin Hotel. Their banquet area is exquisite and they offer five course meals to large parties, which will be a true treat for everyone. Or, well, it would be, once we decide on the menu. I am currently in the test kitchen of the Rosalin Hotel. Normally people aren't allowed back there, but they made an exception since I am such a high profile client. "And I'm telling you that the foie gras appetizer will be served on a crostini with caramelized apple confit and balsamic reduction! We have given you options for the menu already!" Head Chef John argues.I sigh, looking at the dish. The dish itself is
Ella"Uncle Conrad," I say plainly, remaining polite to the older man. "How are you?"I watch my uncle, a few years younger than my father, waffle in uncertainty at my entrance. He clearly wasn't expecting to be met with kindness. That much is obvious. I revel in his reaction. "Uh, uh," Conrad stutters. His son stands up, his head swinging wildly between all of us. He becomes slack-jawed, and I let myself laugh, but only inwardly."I would love to discuss some things with you if that's all right. You are, after all, in my home without me." Conrad's spine straightens, and he knows he's been caught with his tail between his legs.Kingston's eyes brighten, and I can tell he's doing his best to keep his snickers to himself."I want to make it exceedingly clear: there are valid reasons behind my decision to fire certain hospital staff members. I assure you there were no hastily made choices. Each time I did what I did, I did it for the good of the hospital. I want it to be very clear
EllaI can't help it. I begin to chuckle into my hand, and Rachel quickly follows. We snicker like schoolgirls as my best friend recounts to me what happened before she arrived."Real police officers, Ella! They passed right by me while I was wearing this fake uniform!" she says between her laughter. "That is incredibly ironic," I counter. "Can you imagine if they'd asked for your identification or even if you were answering a call?"She shakes her head, carefully wiping away a stray tear under her dark blue eyes so as not to ruin her perfect makeup. "Well, if one of them had asked me out, then maybe I'd have kept the charade going."I scrunch my face into a tighter smile, amused. "Oh? Man or woman?""Either one is fine with me," she shrugs. "The blonde female definitely had me turning my head."I allow myself to laugh harder, grateful for the best friend I have in Rachel. "Besides," Rachel states, flipping her hair away from her, "I look perfect.""Yes, but the problem was