ElianaI walked out of the house, wincing, when a piercing pain crossed my chest. Nicholas was following me outside the house as I wheeled my small suitcase, begging me to at least turn back and look at him. I knew the longer I stayed there, the more his words would stop me from going on with my plan."Please don't do this to me, baby," he said, his trembling, weak voice drawing instant tears that blurred my vision."I love you, Eliana, so so much that it fucking hurts." The last part came out as a whisper that prompted more tears out of my eyes.Sniffing again, I whispered, "fix it.""But you don't have to leave. We'll find a way around this, and even if Gavin leaks the photos, we will have each other." He stood in front of me, blocking my way. I could have sidestepped him, but my feet felt heavy the moment I glanced into his eyes. They reflected a swirl of emotions that glued me to the ground."What about my dignity? Do you want it to go down the drain just like that?" Deep down, I

ElianaMy head was pounding, but I kept it held high, walking with Gavin as his security team finally pushed the paparazzis away. Question after question ran through my mind. Had Nicholas seen the interview? What was his reaction? Was he going to forgive me?"I didn't tell you that this dress outlines your figure just the way I like it," Gavin's annoying compliment snapped me out of my thoughts."Why thank you!" I faked enthusiasm."I bet you taste as good as you look," he added, making me roll my eyes."Anyway, there is the annual Excellence Awards for the business community in this state," Gavin said after the interview, as he led me to the backyard of his residence."How does it concern me?" I spat, looking sharply at his arm as he guided it around my waist. His touch stirred bile in my gut, but I had to deal with it because it was the only way."Watch your mouth, Ellie; remember, you are at my mercy here," he added,

Eliana"Who would have thought that you'd one day dine with me in my house, plotting the downfall of your step-uncle, or should I say boyfriend?" Gavin mocked, adding a smirk while he pulled his dining chair to sit back down. I pressed my teeth rathed hard, wishing for the day I would get to wipe the fucking smirk off his face."And to think that you two thought I wouldn't put two and two together... that you are romantically involved?" He laughed while I bit the inside of my cheek. He had left to receive a call, which took him almost 20 minutes, only to come back mocking me. It must have been about my mom or his plot against Nicholas.Earlier, after he carried his phone to the bathroom, I came up with an excuse not to take the shower, saying that I didn't have undergarments to change. He suggested sending someone to buy them or getting them online, but I told him that I preferred getting them myself. In the process, I noticed he had two iPhones, both with black, distinct cases. One w

Eliana"I want to be left alone," I said when the guestroom door was knocked."Open up, Ellie; it's me." Allan's voice drifted inside."If he's there, I will close the door on your face," I warned, dragging my feet."If you mean Nicholas, he left without a word as soon as you closed your bedroom door." I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to stop emotions from taking control over me. The Nick I knew would have followed me, but to hear he had already left? I couldn't pretend that it didn't make my chest ache."Come in." I stepped aside when I opened the door as Allan stepped in."He is hurting, Ellie," he said, his words making me swallow thickly to soothe my drying throat."I attached the chip to his SIM card slot," I uttered, deciding not to comment on Allan's previous statement."For real?""Haven't you seen anything from your end?" I asked, sitting on the bed."I was a little caught up," he rubbed his neck sheepishly, avoiding eye contact."I understand. Catching up with friends