EllaThe dim lights of the police station buzz in my ears as I sit across from two detectives. I shiver from the cool air wafting into the room while my head rattles with countless thoughts."Mrs. Wickham, did you hear my question?" the female detective asks, returning me to the present situation. "Sorry, no," I admit."What caused the accident? Did someone walk in front of the car? Did Miss Deluca miss something? Or were you perhaps the distraction?"I've done nothing wrong, yet these two detectives continue to question me as though I'm the culprit and criminal. I was in the back seat of the car when the accident happened. "No. I don't know what happened."The two make eye contact with one another, and I can see a conversation pass between them in silence. The male detective sighs, and the two stand. "We're going to keep you here overnight."I sit up straight. "But I did nothing wrong!" I insist, hating myself for raising my voice. "You should be going to ask Miss Deluca
Ella"Why didn't you answer your phone?" I ask. Maybe it's the stress that has pushed my body to this point, or I feel uncomfortable, but whatever it is, I just rip his hand away from me. Maybe it's from the cold at the police station or something, but my head is really hurting. "What?" he asks arrogantly.I try to speak up but my throat is scratchy and dry. "I called you multiple times."He furrows his thin brows at me, turning his head to the side. "I was unaware of your calls, Ella. And anyway, I don't have to explain myself to you," he snaps back.I struggle to speak, unable to shake myself of the words he'd spat into the phone while at the hospital: "You should be ashamed of yourself. You're an adult. Act like it."I hold back a little moan at the cool touch of his palm, trying not to lean into it. Despite everything, even though George cheated on me with Charlotte, even after three years of neglect I still love him. It's stupid. It's a bit pathetic how hopeless I
EllaDisoriented and groggy, I sit up in my bed from the nightmare I've been having. I take a few deep breaths, looking around the guest room as I take in my surroundings. I calm myself slowly, memories of the previous days blurring together.I'm at Rachel's house. George has chosen another woman over his bride. Charlotte is... pregnant.Those words shoot through my veins like an ice storm. A chill shivers down my spine, and I find myself shaking. "Bastard."It's the word that gets me up, but a piercing headache and sudden sweats knock me back.I feel my forehead. God, is that a fever? Maybe that's why I feel so shitty.It takes me another ten minutes to stand. I wrap a light blanket around my shoulders as I head for the kitchen to see my best friend. "Morning, Ella. You still look like shit." Rachel is perfectly coiffed this morning, like always. Her ponytail is already tied up tight, and those signature black heels boost her up to give her the perfect shape. It's a wo
EllaAs I stand in George's office, I reflect on the beginning of our marriage. I remember times when I used to bring in lunches for my husband due to his picky tastes. I've never been a genius in the kitchen, but I learned to cook for him. It's a valuable skill that I am still quite happy to have discovered. I remember dressing modestly and being kind to Mrs. Cates.Honestly, I wanted her to like me back then. But the more I came to the office, the more I watched the woman's demeanor change. She started out smiling at me, and as time went on, she became as distant and uncaring as the man in my life.I scoff to myself as I cross my arms in front of my chest. This woman is no longer someone I'm afraid of. I'm not a maid. I'm not just a housewife. I'm Ella Wickham.No. I'm Ella Reina. That's who I was before this marriage. And that's who I'll be once more."Wait a minute, Ma'am, there's no appointment in the books for you; you can't be here without one."I turn sideways t
EllaI open my eyes, wincing at the bright light shining into the room. It's been a long time since I've been in this place, and the luxurious room brings back memories.My mother, January Reina, sits down on the bed before I've really woken up, throwing her arms around me and bursting into tears. "Oh, my girl! My beautiful baby girl!"Memories of last night are slowly starting to return to me. As powerful and life-changing as my meeting with George was yesterday, my fever just got worse. Thankfully, I called my mom before I collapsed in the lobby of the building.She brought me back to my childhood home in New York. She put me to bed and gave me medicine. Now, I can tell my fever broke through the night. Mother sometimes really does know best."How are you feeling? Are you okay?" she coos, pulling away as she takes in the sight of me. She pushes strands of my brown hair behind my ears as though I'm a child once again. It doesn't feel wrong or bad to hear her speak like this. I'
EllaI arrive early at the courthouse on the day of our divorce proceedings. Dressed in a business suit, I am prepared to have an air of importance about myself. The time spent with my family has allowed me to feel better and look better. I have better posture and I'm more confident. Heads turn toward me as I walk down the street, my bold outfit and red fingernails attracting attention.As I sit waiting for our lawyers, I notice that the usually punctual George is running late.Fifteen minutes after the hour, George finally shows up looking disgruntled. I find it intriguing to see George out of his element and clearly frustrated. "Ella." He says it like there's punctuation in the air. "George." I return the energy, straightening my shoulders to appear taller and more in control. The truth is, I AM in control here. I'm the one who finally took the plunge. I'm the one who made my feelings, emotions, pain, all of it visible."George and Ella?" a voice calls into the lobby. We
George"Make sure she receives it, will you?" Those are the last words Ella utters to me as she hails a taxi. I watch her walk away, a new confidence in her I've never witnessed. How is she so different yet very much the woman I married? Her shiny brown hair cascades perfectly around her figure, and she moves purposefully. I reach out for her and try to open my mouth to speak her name. Where is she going? How is she going to manage without my money or influence?But that's the problem, isn't it? Clearly, those weren't nearly enough for Ella.My eyes open slowly to the dark apartment I now live in alone. As I wake, my expression and my body start to grow cold. It was but a dream, yet I'm still living the nightmare of being alone.I furrow my brow as I slowly sit up, aches stiffening my back as I do. Tension in the shoulders once again. It's been happening more frequently this past week, even though I've always struggled not to hold every piece of stress between my shoulders.
GeorgeMy office is quiet, the video having been silenced, leaving me to my thoughts about everything that has just happened in those few short minutes. I am in disbelief, trying to comprehend everything I have just heard and seen. The video has ended, but various links pop up to other articles about the staged crash, the views climbing as more and more people comment on it. Charlotte's fans are either viciously defending her or slamming her across social media platforms, made all the worse by the comments Charlotte has made in defense of Ella. I'd been surprised that despite everything and how poorly the two had gotten along that she still wanted to defend Ella's actions, going so far as to ask the judge to give her a lighter sentencing–though, I suppose now it makes more sense. It had all been an attempt to make herself look better in the public eye by forgiving and pitying the person who supposedly hurt her. It would've been a good publicity stunt if it hadn't blown up in h
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