Some days are difficult to get through, while others are less difficult.

Nowadays, everything appears to go smoothly. The sun appears brighter, the birds' chirping appears soothing, and it feels easier to breathe, live, and laugh. And there is only one reason for it.

Arabella.

Ells, my Ells.

It's strange to call her mine, even though I've always known she was mine. I just didn't want to accept it.

She doesn't deserve me; she deserves someone who is happy, someone who doesn't carry so much baggage, someone who hasn't been abandoned by their parents' love. She doesn't deserve any of them, but I can't let her go because I'm selfish.

And when it comes to her, I'll go through hell if it involves getting her.

Her smile, laughter, clumsiness, childishness, throaty sexy moans, her everything makes my heart race and makes me happy.

She is entirely mine.

That thought alone is enough to send me insane.

And God only knows how badly I want her.

I'm already missing her.

It's been a week since we returned from DC, and every moment since then has been wonderful. We woke up beside each other every morning, my arms around her and her face buried on my chest.

We fucked on every occasion we had. Despite everything, that night turned out to be one of the best nights of my life.

I sigh and pull out my phone as I close the laptop lid.

I have a text message waiting for me.

Ells: I'm going to be late tonight. X

I knew I was going to her office right now. The fact that she might be working late and that Luke might also be working didn't make me feel any better.

I don't trust that idiot.

I left the office after instructing Ben, my assistant, on the tasks he needed to complete.

I stopped at Ella's favorite restaurant and purchased her favorite dish.

I rushed into her office, a smile on my face.

It's only been a week, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. But I'm also grieving the loss of my best friend.

My brother.

I'm angry with him, but at the end of the day, I believe his concern is legitimate, no matter how much it hurts me.

Fuck, Ells really did have a strong influence on me, didn't she?

But I've stopped caring what other people think, and for the first time in my life, I feel like I deserve happiness and the right to be content.

She saved me and she has no fucking idea what she's doing to me everyday; how she is enlightening my world by just residing there.

When it comes to her, the rest of the world fades away; it's just her. Her beautiful smile, her bouncy hair, and just her.

I had no idea how her laughter became my personal dopamine fix or how her smiles took over my heartbeat. Or the joy that has engulfed my life right now.

I just hope it stays and doesn't burn me down like it always does.

Before entering the building, I turn off the engine and park my car. It's now 9 p.m., indicating that office hours have long since ended.

As I ride the elevator, I hum a song. It comes to a halt on my designated floor, and I am greeted by an empty floor.

As I approach Ell's room, I notice that the door is open.

A smile tugs at my lips as an idea flashes through my mind.

But just as I was about to enter, I heard another person's voice,

Luke's, to be precise.

My rage comes to the surface as jealousy takes over my body.

I despise the fact that they collaborate.

"It's getting late; I'll finish this at home," Ells says.

"Alright. I was leaving as well, and I can drop you off "Luke stated.

I clench my teeth and wait right outside the door, even though I don't want to eavesdrop.

Fuck.

Please say no.

But I wouldn't have wanted her to come alone in any other situation, but this was different. Even if I couldn't pick her up today, I would have sent someone I trust to ensure her safety. And I know she would have fought it, saying she can take care of herself, which she certainly can, but I would only do it for myself because her safety now meant my safety.

She became my source of survival.

"I'm sorry, but Seb dispatched someone to pick me up." Ell responded, and I couldn't be happier.

She pretended to be sorry, but she was anything but that.

"You can call him and tell him I'll drop you off. I'm sure he trusts me more now" Luke shot back.

What the fuck is he talking about?

That jerk has no idea what he's doing.

"Mr. Henderson, I think it's better if I go my way and you go yours," Ells said, clearly finished with the conversation.

That's my girl.

Pen clicking and bag hustling resound, and just as I'm about to enter the room, the fucker I call my brother opens his mouth.

"Do you remember that day at the beach, Eli?" I could detect a grin in his voice.

He needs to stop calling her that.

"The one we went to in our first year?" She inquired, and I could hear her still packing her belongings.

"That is correct."

"What about it?"

"I miss those moments," he says softly, and I'm on the verge of breaking his nose.

Whatever they were discussing could have been about the time they were dating, and the thought made me puke.

"Well, I clearly do not; I'm enjoying my days more now," Ells replied.

I just wanted to run up to her, pull her against my chest, and kiss the daylights out of her.

I could hear my heartbeat racing. I can't wait for us to leave this fucking building and go home.

"I miss you, Eli, and every fucking day I regret what I've done."

That scheming jackass. My jaws clench as rage takes over my body.

"Eli, I love-"

"Finish that sentence, Luke, and your face will be under my shoes," I growl as I reveal myself.

Both of them appear surprised, but a smile spreads across my girl's face.

"Seb," she says softly, and that washes away half of my rage.

Suddenly I feel exhausted and I just want to go home and sleep with her in my arms.

She rushes up to me and embraces me.

"You didn't inform me that you were coming." She nuzzles her nose and murmurs in my chest.

"It was a last-minute plan, was it a good idea?" I tightened my grip on her. I inquired, kissing her brow.

"The best idea," she says, raising her gaze to meet mine.

Honey brown, my favourite color.

Someone in the distance clears their throat.

I scowl and glare at that individual.

"Seems like you guys got cozy, sharing the flat," Luke said, but his voice was tinged with anger.

"None of your business," Ella says as she pulls my hands away from her.

I know she's trying to get me away so that a war between me and Luke doesn't break out.

Ella murmurs and tugs at my hand, "Ignore him, let's go."

This time, just for her.

I start to leave, but when that jerk opens his mouth again, all my rage explodes.

"Eli, he'll break your heart. That is exactly what he does."

All of my bottled-up rage comes to the surface.

"Fucking Asshole," I growl and lunge at him, tuning out Ella's yells.

"Stop, Seb!"

I rush up to him and punch him on the fucking jaw, exhaling with pleasure as his teeth fall out and blood pours from his mouth.

"Say that one more time, or I'll take my girl's name out of your fucking trash of a mouth, and we'll have a problem," I growl, clutching his face in my hand.

"Are we clear?" I snarl,

He gives a nod.

"Stop, Sebastian! Just stop!" Ella pulls me away from him and forces me to look at her.

"I'm ready to go home. Please take me home" she says, her jaw clenched.

I nod and take her hand in mine.

I exhale, attempting to shake the dangerous rage inside of me.

"Let's go," I say as I take her hand in mine and begin walking. When she looks in his direction, anger and frustration takes over my body once more.

"Don't look at him," I say angrily, my body vibrating.

Why does she still care about him?

"Don't talk to me like that," she says, her eyes brimming with anger.

My eyes and body both soften.

"I'm sorry, babe," I apologized softly.

She closes her eyes and sighs.

"I'm tired, let's go," she says, adding, "I'll ask Maver to check on him."

I open my mouth to oppose but close it when she glares at me.

Fuck, is it crazy that I find her anger hot?

It makes me want to take her up against the wall and fuck her until she stops screaming my name.

The mere thought causes blood to rush to my groin.

She looks at me, and a flush appears on her cheeks.

My lips are twitching with a small smile.

Did I mention her intelligence and ability to always know what I am thinking is also kind of hot?

"You're not getting any today, babe," she says, but I can hear laughter in her voice.

"We'll see," I say, smiling.

She smiles back and shakes her head.

That fucking smile.

What I wouldn't give to see that fucking smile every day.

.

Author's note.

Thank you for all of your votes and comments; I appreciate your support.

Thank you for reading, and please vote and let me know what you think about this chapter.

Your votes and comments always make my day 🥰🥰