ELLE

"So, Gabe, Elle...when are you going to give us something like her?"

Mom carried my niece up in her arms as she gave us that look. My face felt like someone had set it on fire, and I felt Gabriel's arms tensing around my waist as he cleared his throat.

We are currently at a party thrown by my mother for our first anniversary. Yes, it's been a year since our wedding; a year since all of these started. This is the first party after the conflict that happened. It was also the first one to which Gabriel agreed to go with me.

I was startled when my dad suddenly piped in, "We're so old. We still wanted to play with our grandkids, see them grow...you know?" Dad muses as he snatches the baby from mom, "Oh, you little pumpkin. Don't you look a lot like your grandmother?" He laughed, making my niece cry. I sigh, scratching my forehead as I pull away from Gabriel, surprising him.

"Dad, let me take her back to Cassandra. I'm sure little Cece here wanted to be with her mom now." I smiled at them, taking the infant in my arms and chancing a look at my husband.

Gabriel is frowning down at his shoes like he's trying to solve a very complicated problem. He appears to be in some kind of pain. My heart aches for him, but I shake my head. I have tried a couple of times before to offer him my help, but he refused, ignoring me. If only he would tell me what to do or how I could help him.

It has been six months now since that nightmare happened, destroying everything I've worked for. I am not blaming Enrico, Gabriel's father, and I am blaming myself, for I am not able to secure something that has blossomed. Since then, I have found it hard to reach out to Gabriel. He has built a wall between us; he started refusing to come home and leaving me to myself every time we were asked to go to some conventions. He will take weeks overseas, spending more time in his company than with me. He deemed me worthless, an accessory he doesn't even bother to display in public.

I do not know how I can show him how I feel. I do not know how to tell him how much I love him. We are back to how we started a year ago, living like total strangers.

I smiled bitterly, tucking a hair on my ear. I remember the first time we met at the company, The West Holdings. It is where our love/hate relationship was born.

"Gabe, are you okay?" I tried to grab his hand, but he shoved it inside his pocket. He looks down at little Cece and me before giving me half a smile that tugs on my heartstrings. "I'm fine, Elle. Maybe, I just need a drink or two?" He held out his two fingers, biting his lip as he looked at me.

Oh, no. You don't. I know that it won't be just two. You will get drunk again and cry about your father's death. Plus, you are driving me back to.

"Okay," Oh my ...where did that come from?!

"Elle, give me back my Cece." I glared at my cousin, sighing in exasperation as I turned and found that my husband was long gone.

That git, he just doesn't care!

"Elle, Come on. Let's have some fun. It's your anniversary! I mean... birthday?" the blonde imp hiccups and smiles as he makes his way down to us, sporting a shimmering blue onesie. "Either." Frances mused, dragging me to the dance floor.

This family - I always wondered how I would be able to relate to them. They are so eccentric and...odd. Very odd.

I removed my heels and stared at my cousin, "What now, Frances? What scheme-?" They didn't give me a chance to stand my ground and protest when Frances carried me in his arms and shoved me on the dance floor. "Frances! You're making me dizzy, just put me ba--AAhhh!!!" The glass crash as I collapse on the drink display.

I struggled with my wet dress, glaring at the crazy cousin of my husband. He freaking pushed me!

"Ha-ha-Elle. Uh, I'm so sorry but, uh," He gave me a constipated look before bursting out, laughing, spluttering his drink around the other guest who looked at him with delight dancing in their eyes. Bizarre! "You just, hahaha--Looks like a cat thrown out while it is raining. You are soaked like a wet pussy--Hahaha! PUSSY !" He throws his head back before strutting to the dance floor, leaving me with the mess he made.

"Damn it, Frances! Help me out." I called out. I blindly grope around, trying to hold myself up, when I felt someone hauling me up. I quickly raised my head to see who it was when Cassandra gave me a disapproving look. She ushered me up to the front door, calling for Taylor - our personal driver slash assistant.

I followed her out of the hotel and to the parking lot. Taylor opened the door for me, but before I entered, Cassandra yelled, her hands on her waist. "Clean yourself from head to foot, or else I'm going to bathe you the same as I do with little Cece! You smell like a minibar, Elle, seriously." She pushed me inside and closed the door behind her as I struggled further inside the car with my wet gown and heels. Taylor looks at me from the mirror, and I shrug at him, disliking how the evening turns out.

Taylor offered me a kind smile, and I smiled back at him. He was like the good old uncle I have never had, and I am glad he is our personal driver. I look down at my hands and huff, glaring down at the wet gown.

I wonder why ladies needed a balloon skirt and high heels. It's freaking stupid. And who made these damn heels? It makes my life harder. Even if it gave me a little addition to my height, it is still a pain in the as*.

I was surprised when the engine stopped, and Taylor opened the door for me. "Mrs. West, let me assist you," He started to carry my gown, which made me stand in haste. "No, Taylor. I can do this myself..." I can feel the heat rushing up my cheeks as I walk past him.

I was about to open the doors when I came with a thought, "Taylor?" He looked back at me as I smiled at him, "Mrs. West?"

"Oh, please...stop calling me that. Just call me Elle." I gave him another smile as he bowed, ushering me inside the mansion. I went up the flight of stairs, grumbling with every step I took. I was delighted to reach our room at the end of the hallway. I made my way inside the bathroom and stripped off every item on my body.

Hmph...like I care!

'Elle,'

"Who's that?!" I jump out of the shower and wrap myself up in a fluffy towel.

'Elleeee!'

"Wait, I'm in the bathroom!" I opened up the door only to see no one. "Gabe? Stop kidding me!"

'ELLEANA!' oh, I hate that name. I sound like a fucking alien.

I look around, but he's not in here, so WHERE IS HE?!

"Gabe, stop kidding me! Show yourself right at this moment or--"

'Help me up!' I can hear shuffling from the other side of the room, which means he's outside.

"Coming, Mister." I turned the knob only to feel his body slump back unto my knees, making me stumble with him on the floor

"Gabriel, you're so heavy!" I whined, trying to pull my husband up, but I failed. "Gabe, wake up. Please..." I looked at him, but he just gave me a lazy smile and kissed me.

WTF! HE DIDN'T JUST KISS MY LIPS...oh well!

"Gabriel, stop!" he gave me a laugh before deepening his kiss and carrying me, "Gabe--"

He throws me down on the bed as I grip the towel tight. "Gabe, I think, I think you're not ready. We're not ready, and you're drunk. You don't know what you're doing. You just--"

"NO! I know what I'm doing, and you don't have the right to correct me!" He yanked the towel off and stared at me, "I want you, and I'll have you, now or never..."

I can see his tense muscles beneath his dress shirt as he lowers himself down at me. He unbuttons his pants and slips them down to reveal himself camping in those boxers, his very excited John Thomas trying to poke out of them.

"Gabe, please. You are drunk. We can't--"

"Stop it!" he pulled my hand up and placed them above my head as he straddled me. I can feel excitement overcoming my nervousness as his hands start skimming my chest, brushing my hair aside, "Don't push me farther away, Elle. I've had enough."

"But we can't-"

"I need you. I NEED YOU..."

That made me gulp. Damn, he is turning me on with his words. So hot, but am I really up for it? I shake my head and frown in concentration - I am a married woman, and this is my husband, and I have needs, so why not?

He interrupted my thoughts as he leaned down, making me speechless as my thoughts ran wild in my cranium. I am unable to comprehend. What should I do? Should I, really?

I am surprised when my body suddenly responds with such intensity I didn't know I was capable of doing. I am now relying on my instinct - the animal that has been slumbering within.

I began kissing him back with so much passion that I found myself leaning up. I want to kiss him with all the want I have been bottling up for the five whole months that he showed no affection to me. He shut himself away because of the incident for which I'm not responsible. All the feelings we tried to suppress for the past months came rushing back with a hard recoil. It was making us shake with the passion of our feelings. Our fingers traced each flesh, wandering unto every part of our body that is better left out of the description.

He skimmed his hands on my face, pushing tendrils of hair to the side as he reached my neck. He leans in and imprints a love bite. "Beautiful. My beautiful girl. All mine..."

I could not help but moan, my hands struggling to break free as he sucked a bit on my neck. He slipped his mouth down on my chest as he took one of my nipples, nibbling at it.

"Gabe," I mentally shake my head as I hear my own voice. So, needy. Pathetic, even. I cannot just moan here and let him do it all.

I need to move.

I yanked my hand off his grip and unbuttoned his shirt, trying to memorize every contour of his sculpted chest before I slipped my hand down his biceps, pushing down his white dress shirt as I reached his hips, slipping my hands lower and lower...

"Gabe!" I tried not to shake as he slipped his finger into my core, turning them into a circular motion. "Don't--" I plead, but my husband just looks at me. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he pushed another finger.

So, he wants it. Then let us make things equal.

With that thought, I slipped my hand into his boxers and pushed them down. His body stiffened as he stared at me with eyes wide as saucers, "Mio Dio! What are you trying to prove, amóre?" he asked, his voice stopping in an edge as he used the same endearment that almost made me stop.

"Shit, Elle..." He moaned in my ears as I pulled at it and stroked, his member hardening at every move. After a while, he recovered, pushing his fingers to move farther into my core. He circled them in my folds as both of us screamed each name.

I've never expected this to happen cause I would never have imagined doing this with him.

Especially him.

I am brought back to the situation I'm in as I felt his member enter me, which made me stiff. I whimpered as it penetrated deeper, making me cry out in pain, and he stopped, "You're a virgin!?" He frowned, his member throbbing inside of me.

"God, I'm so I'm so sorry I--"

"Shhh...No, I'm not." Lie. "I'm... adjusting. I need you, Gabe. Please, don't stop...just do it, now." Faster and harder this time, our bodies tangled and sweating. Our breathing labored as I tried to remove my hands from his grip and entangle them in his hair. I dug my nails into his back as I arched my hips to meet his. His hips buck on me as he moves in haste, pounding my body and making the bed shake.

I grasped his hair with my hand, pushing myself up as I tried to keep up with his speed. I could feel something building up inside my stomach, and then it happened; his hips buckling as he had his release. I can feel his seed flowing inside of me, giving a warm feeling to my lower stomach as we grab each other. We are trying to catch our breath as we glisten with sweat, dazed with passion.

I was surprised when he suddenly turned me, throwing me down as he lay me on my stomach, entering me from behind.

"Now, I'll fuck you..."

We've done it three times, his breath hitching on every thrust. I was surprised when he suddenly collapsed on me after his third release, knocked out cold and asleep. I caressed his face as I whispered in a gentle voice, hoping that we would stay like this forever.

"I love you, Gabe. Why can't you see that?"

ELLE

I woke up in haste.

I could feel the cold wind hit my back as I stretched out, feeling sore and tired as I turned, groaning. The sun burns my eyelids, and I raise my arm to shield my face from its glare. I'm close to sleeping again, only to hear the devil speak,

"You're awake now..."

I open my eyes and realize that the devil again possessed the affectionate man I slept with last night. What happened last night made me blush both in embarrassment and anger.

Why must he be so cold and heartless now when I feel great? He loves to ruin my precious moments.

Without looking at him, I muttered in a small voice, "Yes, I am."

I waited another minute for him to go and let me sleep, but when I opened my eyes, I still saw him there - sitting on the couch, watching me like dirt on his carpet.

"Why are you still here? Don't you have to go to your office?" I glance at the clock at my bedside table and huff, "It's 9 in the morning. Don't you have some meetings to attend?"

He rolled his eyes at me and I gulped. Am I going to be berated because of what I said? I bit my lip, having this urge to slap myself. "I waited for you to wake up." He snapped, his gaze lingering on my blushing face. I hastily bowed my head, for my cheeks felt hot, and I couldn't stop.

"And--?" I urge him to continue, pulling the comforter high on my chin as I sit up and muster the courage to stare at him. He sighs, running his hands through his hair, "I waited to apologize about what happened last night." He confessed.

"Oh? That's all you're going to say?" I bit my lip and nodded my head, saying, "It's okay-"

"No! Don't say that it is okay," Gabriel stared at me, his gaze intensified so that I could feel my cheeks blushing again. He stood from his seat and made his way to me. I bowed my head. "I wanted to clarify that you shouldn't assume I will be nicer after this. I want to rectify the situation and make our positions clear in this relationship," he clenched his jaw, holding my gaze as I stared at him. He leans down at me and continues, "I don't want to make you long for my love. Elle, I can be a husband to you – I can protect you and provide for you – but I cannot love you the same as you do to me. Please, listen..."

I was startled when he snapped his fingers, pulling my chin to make me look at him. "I'm so sorry if I took advantage of you last night, and I promise it won't happen again. I promise." With those words, he straightens up, leaving me shocked as I try to understand what he just said. I look up at him, and he surprises me more when he leans down swiftly, kissing my cheek. "I need to be at the office at ten. I'll see you tonight..."

I watch as he takes his leave, shutting the door behind him. The tears I'd been trying to suppress from the last ten minutes he was in front of me betrayed me, falling hot against my cheek as I sobbed. And what is the use of trying to stop them? He isn't here to judge me or bully me. I am all alone, Always alone. Gabriel had made it clear of our positions - I will always be a step behind him, for we are always in sync, even from the very start of our relationship.

Still, I had hoped.

I thought we were perfect last night, that we finally had a chance to fix our relationship and get back to how we were before, but he shut himself off again, returning to that monster I had feared. It hurts me that he keeps treating me like this and doesn't care about me or what I do. I wouldn't say I like the fact that he treats me like trash after he's done with me.

How could I be so stupid that I give it all to him?

I'm used.

I know full well that we married because of the company's sake and not because of love, but then...we fell. Or so I thought. Was it just me that had fallen to that cheeky bastard?

AM I WRONG? Am I wrong to fall for his tricks and yearn for him to love me back?

I thought he finally accepted me last night, yet I have made myself believe a drunken man's words. I am foolish and stupid, and I hate that I turn like this with him. If only I could, I would bring back memories - that way, we were together only about a few months ago, living in simplicity and happiness as we culture the love that is developing between us.

But now it seems impossible. He's back to that monster I have married...

I grab the sheets and cringe when I see blood on them. My virginity, I gave it to him and even lied to him because I am a fool, a fool who is in love with a man that has so many issues. I yank the sheets off to change them with a new ones.

I don't care if he's going to be like this forever. I'm pretty sure the divorce papers are on their way, and he couldn't wait to get rid of me. He's probably waiting for the right time for me to give in and let him be. Besides, the year is up. He wants me to yield and have him win this.

Though I won't be the one that is going to wave the white flag, I know that in the end, it will be him.

Oh, before I forget, I muttered to myself, "Happy Birthday to me."

"Elle.."

"ELLEANA!" I sat up on the tub only to cover my chest with my hands, my cheeks heating up.

"W-why are you in here?" I held his blue eyes as he frowned down at me, though it didn't hide the amusement in them. Gabriel brushes his hand on his hair as he enters further inside the bathroom. I look around, noticing that it has grown darker; my fingers have gone wrinkly, and I feel cold.

How many hours have I been in here?

Gabriel leans back, his expression unreadable as he removes his tie. I bit my lip and adjusted in the tub, trying to grab as many bubbles as possible but failing since they had already dissolved. I worriedly tried to lower myself into the water in an

attempt to cover myself, but Gabriel remained standing there, his eyes glued to my chest. I bit my lip as I saw him watching me, the amusement now clear in his eyes. I glared at him and tried my best to cover myself with my hands.

Gabriel snorted, "There's not much to cover, so don't bother with it. Besides," He shakes his hands and smiles, "I've seen it all last night." I can feel my neck tingling as I splash water on him, my eyes widening at his words. "If you've come here to tease me, you don't have to embarrass me further by pointing out how I am a disgrace to women's race!"

His lips quirked up, and Gabriel straightened, his eyes still holding mine, "Frances gave me a chocolate cake," He poked his tongue on his cheek and continued, " he told me that you want that flavor, so--"

"What?" I asked him out loud, not sure if he was serious about sharing the chocolate, considering that it was his favorite. He gave me a look before continuing, "Do you like to share it?" He stares at me with his hooded blue eyes looking me up and down. His eyes lingered on the level of my chest, half-buried in the water and my hands.

I cleared my throat, "Of course! I will eat it with you." I blush about what I said, seeing the ghost's smirk on his lips. "If you must, you should go down while I change." He raised an eyebrow in my direction, and I splashed water on him again. It takes him a minute or two before he takes his leave, chuckling as he closes the door. I swiftly take the towel from the hinge and wrap myself in it, leaning my back at the door and locking it.

I am pretty sure that I have locked it. That cheeky bastard! He loves to tease me when I am in my most vulnerable, unprepared state.

I could not believe that Gabriel had seen me naked again, and I hated that I was feeling different kinds of emotions. Not to mention the sight of his happy friend straining against his jeans at the sight of me. Oh, joy!

I headed inside our closet and rummaged for my clothes, a bit distracted by my thoughts. I am quite ashamed of how I acted toward him. How can I be so flustered after seeing him there? I should've tried to act as normally as I could. I guess I am just shocked at the sight of him staring at me from the door while I lay naked in the tub. As for the cake, I thought he bought it for me. I guess he has forgotten about my birthday, considering that he doesn't even bother to know about it.

I grab a tee and boxers on my side of the closet before putting them on since this is what I call a sleeping outfit, for I am not a fan of lacy lingerie or nightgowns. I quickly dressed, shivering as I did so. I slipped into my favorite bunny slippers and headed down the kitchen, a bit surprised to see my husband preparing dinner.

Well, that's new.

I have never seen a man in a black suit preparing dinner. Not to mention a really hot guy preparing dinner. Did I just say that my husband is hot?

I think I did, but I'm not going to say that out loud. Not ever.

I took a seat and was surprised when a hand slipped on my shoulder, putting a plate in my line of vision, "Chocolate..." I nodded my head, watching him as he took his seat, looking at me.

"El, I have something to tell you..."

Oh great, here it is, the mighty announcement. Elle, we're going to have a divorce...Wtf. What the fu*k or Well, that's fantastic? Can I really accept this?

I wring my hands together, biting my lip as I nervously stared at him, his eyes focused on his own slice of chocolate cake. "It's about our divorce, right?" I murmured after a while of silence. Gabriel raised his head to nod in my direction. "Okay. You'll say that you don't want to be with me now, are you?" he sighed, so I continued.

"You are tired of trying. You are exhausted and annoyed. You are irritated to see this wonder, as you clearly stated. Am I right?" I pointed at my face as he clenched his fist, his eyes still downcast. He made a move to take a bite from his cake, still training his gaze down at it.

I breathe out, my hands trembling. I long to strangle him and make him see how I am feeling. I wanted to give him a taste of what he was doing to me, make him hurt as I do. But how exactly am I to do that when the man sitting in front of me doesn't care? I sigh. "Well, when do we sign the papers?" I bit my lip to stop myself from whimpering.

Can't he see that this is hurting me? He's so insensitive.

A silence settled between the two of us. I tried to even out my breath, my hands trembling on my lap as I bowed my head, now losing the courage to stay here and be with him. If it is what he wants, then I will let him have his way. I guess my opinion doesn't really matter to him. He never really showed me some affection ever since the happening.

"My lawyer told me that our wedding only lasts for two years, and it depends on us now if we wanted for it to extend. Are you willing to extend?" I grab a spoonful of the chocolate cake and let him talk, my eyes down, not having the courage to speak up and tell him about my feelings because he might only use them at me. "So, what are you going to say about it? Do you want to?" He asked again after a few heartbeats. He will tease me for being weak if I tell him how stupid I am to be in love with a guy like him.

I grab another spoonful and shove it in my mouth. It did not stop him from pestering me for answers, and as I swallowed the remains down, looking at him, "Let it be."

I got out of my seat and washed my own dish, still not caring that he was following me around the kitchen - an ever-lingering presence of the feeling I kept trying to suppress.

I wonder why he is acting like this when a few hours ago he was telling me that he can't love me the same way I did to him. So why ask me about extending it?

Is he finally interested in me because he had a taste of my body last night?

"Elle, I know you want us to work, and I'd be happy to" I tune out his monologue and focus my attention on the task at hand. After a while, he returns to his seat. I could hear him talking on the phone, but I couldn't care less. He has made it clear to me this morning that I believe I cannot sway him off his principles of being the insufferable man that he is. "Elle, you can't get away from this forever." He told me before resuming the call with his client.

I passed him by, heading up the stairs so I could finally retire for the night. The hallways were dimly lit, and I ran my hands at the walls, thinking about when I will be kicked out of there. Will he laugh at me as I haul my luggage down the stairs? I bet he will be so happy if he helps me carry it out or not. I was walking wistfully, occupied with my thoughts when I heard his footsteps behind me. As I turn to my room,

"Gabe..." I warned him, turning around to face him, only to gasp as I saw no one. Geez, could it be possible that I'm hallucinating about all these?

I shake my head and enter the room, dropping myself down on my bed. Yes, it's my bed because he never sleeps here, except last night. He never really slept here in this house in the first place, for he has a freaking penthouse on top of his building, and I never had the chance to see it, or would I ever have the chance to because I only have a year left or less if he wants.

Brilliant.

I wonder if my parents know about this arrangement or if - "Elle, move your small bum off my side."

Oh! The pillow talks.

I turned to my left only to see the man in a suit now dressed in tees like...mine. "Who told you that you could borrow my shirt?" I pinched his sides only to earn a groan instead of an answer. Gabriel rolled his eyes as he turned at me, his face dimly lit by the bedside lamp.

"Well, this is mine, okay?" He pointed down at my shirt and said, "This is my home, my room, my bed, my shirt, Mine!" he frowned at me, turning to his side, "I'll sleep now..."

"No, you shouldn't! You promise you won't sleep with me, and this is my room, Gabe. My bed and that," I pulled the tee from his back and tried to remove it.

Keyword 'TRIED'

"That-is-my-SHIRT!"

He sighs, running his hand on his hair before turning back and flipping us so that he is trapping me below. He gave me one of those devilish smirks that made my heart flutter, and he flicked his tongue on my cheek and leaned down to kiss me.

Wtf! This freakin' arse kissed me again!

"This is my room, mi amore. My shirt, see?" He pulled it out of his body and showed the tag that said 'GABE.'

"But, but--" He pulled the shirt out of my head, goosebumps appearing on my neck and shoulders as the cold air touched my exposed skin. He leans to show me the same tag, giving me a smirk as he gazes down my breast.

Oh my, my. Oh my...

I covered my exposed part as he chuckled, throwing me his shirt as I scrambled to put it on me as fast as possible. I could feel my cheeks heating up as I tried to cover myself from him.

I can't believe that he saw me naked for the third time, again.

I pulled the blanket over me as I replayed everything. God, one minute he talks about our divorce, then the next thing I know is I'm lying down below him, naked. I snuggled close to my pillow and closed my eyes tightly.

Goodness, this is so embarrassing, but I can't forget it...can I?