Adopted by her father after her mother's death, Elena Woods was taken in by her father's new wife, a woman who made it clear to her that she wasn't wanted. She had a tough time growing up, feeling like she wasn't loved by anyone. At the beginning of adulthood, she was forcefully pushed into a marriage where she wasn't cared about. Her marriage life was miserable and synonymous with pain. How would Elena overcome the challenges thrown at her? Will she find love in her relationship? Discover the answers in this amazing book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
View MoreRaymond's POVI paced back and forth, my feet continuously drumming on the tiled floor of the shopping mall. With each minute that passed, my fury brewed. “Where the bloody hell is she?” I gritted, cursing her under my breath as I scanned the area.She called herself Anonymous and had chosen to remain hidden, even after sending such a stupid email to me. Hours had passed since our conversation and she chose to remain hidden.“Coward. She has no balls to speak to me,” I hissed. Does she take me for a joke? Why is she gonna tell me to meet her in the shopping mall and keep me waiting? Is she scared? My eyes scanned the bustling shopping mall marking each face I came across. “Raymond,” a familiar deep voice called behind me, startling me. I turned around to see Mike, wearing a smile that revealed his dents.“What’s up, mate?” he asked, extending his hand for a handshake. I stretched out mine and gripped his hand, feigning a smile.“Chillin’ like a villain dude,”
Elena's POVThe curtains fluttered, a gentle caress on my skin as the wind brushed through it. I sat upright on the bed, my eyes darting around the corners of the bed.Raymond wasn't beside me, perhaps he might have headed to work.“Early birds,” I muttered as I stretched my arms and started my day.I dragged my exhausted feet into the bathroom and turned the shower on, the gentle chilling water cascading down my spine. For a brief moment, I had forgotten about the conversation I had with my stepmother and was feeling relieved.As I emerged from the shower, I reached for the towel and wrapped it around my waist as the morning lights peeked through the curtains, casting their soft rays on my body. I walked to the wardrobe and ran my fingers across the dresses that hung there. My gaze settled down on the sky-blue gown; a secret gift Ralph had given me on my birthday. He was the only one who remembered my birthday and gifted me. “Great guy,” I mumbled.I slipped into the soft blue gow
Raymond's POV Moments after Elena disappeared into the bathroom, she resurfaced with an unusual smile tugging beside her lips. As we danced, I caught the shift in her expression. Her gaze was fixated on the floor, lost in thought. I didn't bother her with questions, certain that if she felt the need to share her worries, she would do it effortlessly.I let the musical notes carry us, our bodies moving in the wordless symphony, hoping the music would trigger a little fragment of joy in her.I watched her slip away from me and mix with the crowd even when I was against her leaving.“Nice performance with Elena, ” a voice said behind me, startling me from my thoughts.With a half cup of whiskey in my palm, I swiveled to find Ralph, wearing a smile on my face.“You stole the show,” he laughed, hitting me on the shoulder in a joking manner.His gaze darted around the corners in search of what I was oblivious to.“Where is she?” he said“Who?” I asked, placing my lips on the cup and gulp
ELENA’S POVA smile played on my lips as I used the faucet, the warm water washing over my hands in a gentle caress. The day was indeed lovely, or so I thought."A lovely day indeed," a voice dripped with cold sarcasm from behind me. My reflection in the mirror shifted, replaced by the chilling image of my stepmother, the very person who had traumatized me while growing up. "M-mother," I stammered, my voice barely a whisper. It was her daughter's wedding, how could I forget that she was meant to be here?I whirled around to face her, my eyes landing on her hateful stare. A cold laughter reverberated through the atmosphere, sending chills down my spine. "Look at you," she mocked, her hand covering her mouth as she spat out her words. "You're far from the woman you once were."I was taken aback by her statement, confusion swirling in my head. What does she mean by her statement? Who was I previously?“What are you talking about, Mum?” I asked, trying to sound calm.She scoffed,“You a
ELENA’S POVThe rays of the sun crept down the window blinds and rested on my eyelids. I woke up to greet one of the most important days of the Lauren family; Ralph's wedding. My eyes fluttered open, only to realize the other side of the bed was empty. Raymond didn't return from the bachelor's party. I sat upright and my eyes scanned the room for nothing in particular. “Today is going to be a big day,” I whispered as I dragged my feet off the bed and into the bathroom.I turned on the shower and the warm liquid cascaded down my body, enveloping me like a warm embrace; Just what I needed to start my morning.With a towel wrapped snugly around my waist, I stepped into the bedroom, the rhythmic rustle of fabric against my skin as I slipped into my clothes signaling my readiness to join the Laurence household in the buzzing excitement of the day.From the mezzanine, I looked out over the bustle of activity below. Every servant and steward moved with purpose, their feet tapping a steady
Raymond's POV My fingers continuously drummed an agitated rhythm on the steering wheel, a clear expression that I was growing impatient.“What on earth are they still doing in the hotel?” I mumbled, my voice was heavy in anger.I stole a glance at my wristwatch and realized that two hours had passed since Elena and my father had disappeared into the hotel.“Fuck it!” I exclaimed as I swung open my car's door and climbed down, shutting it angrily.I stormed into the hotel as if I were chased by a wild goose.I walked over to the receptionist, ignoring the piercing eyes of the hotel's staff.“The Laurence. Where did they head to?” I questioned, my voice hoarse.The receptionist; a young beautiful girl, stared at me for a brief moment, as if scrutinizing my features.“You’re Raymond, I guess,” She said seductively while looking me in the eyes.I was thrown off balance by her lack of emotional control. Couldn't she notice my grim face? I was in no mood to flirt with her.“Are you seriou
RAYMOND’S POVI sat on the empty chair under the magazine shade, a cigarette dangling from my lips as flickered the lighter, drawing a long slow drag from the smoke.“What the hell is taking him so long?” I mumbled to myself, impatiently waiting for Mike.Another inhale, another exhale, the air around me growing thicker with smoke as I tapped my feet repeatedly on the floor.My eyes averted through the bustling city, in search of him. We planned on meeting at the western park, but why wasn't he here? Was his flight delayed? Then, from the corner of the streets, I could see him. He strode like a peacock, his sense of dressing oozing with a charm that had won him countless hearts in the city, especially the ladies. “What’s up, mate?” He asked, his voice dripping in a black American accent. He stretched forth his hand for a handshake as he gaped deep into my eyes. I reluctantly extended out mine and we shook.“What took you so long?” I asked, raising my brow. My voice was husky, showi
Chapter 24 Elena's POV“Can we head home now?” asked Raymond, distracting me from the show. I tried so hard to ignore his persistent questions but it seemed like he wasn't giving up.“Elena, haven't you watched enough?” Raymond asked again in a calm tone.“I haven't,” I replied without looking at his direction. The show had completely enticed me and it was worth my attention.“Alright, I’ll head for gents with Hope. Would be back before you know it,” he said, rising to his feet.He left the audition and headed out and, I didn't care. All I wanted was to be possessed by the musical notes.The singer's voice soared, dancing with the notes as his emotions swept through every word he sang. It was like a symphony of the soul. Just as I was humming the lyrics of the music, the lights tripped off and the audition came to a false halt. “Fuck!” I yelled so loud in frustration that everyone looked at me. “I’m so sorry,” I said, trying to free mys
Raymond’s POVMy sleek black car pulled up at the company’s parking garage. I noticed the chaos in the air but I chose to stay unfazed.The cops were stationed at every corner, armed to the teeth.“Show off,” I mumbled as I got out of my car.I calculated my steps bit by bit as I strutted towards the detective.I flashed him a smile and shook his hand as we exchanged pleasantries.“Where is she?” I asked, my gaze darting to every corner in search of Violet. “Don’t tell me she escaped from your men?” I raised my brow. “She didn’t,” he said assured me, with a sly smile appearing on his face.“She wouldn’t let us take her unless she sees you. She locked herself in your office.“Really? She’s such a freak” I mocked, dragging my feet into the company. I got to my office and pleaded with her to let me in. “I’ll let you in if the cops don't follow suit”, Violet commanded.I promised to give her a listening ear and agreed to listen to all the gibberish she’d say for the last time.The cur
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