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"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
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
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