Chapter 47: chapter 47
I thought about my father's decision to leave his second company, Damien Enterprises, to Layla, along with the second mansion. Honestly, I had no problem with that. It was his choice, and I had long since come to terms with it.
But what did bother me was that despite having their own business and property, Layla and her mother, Lisa along with my uncle were still lurking around Damien Group, trying to meddle in my affairs.
"Why can't they just focus on their own business and leave me alone?" I wondered, my frustration growing.
As the CEO of Damien Group, I wouldn't let anyone undermine my authority or sabotage our operations. I was determined to put a stop to their meddling once and for all.
"I won't let any plan of theirs work," I vowed to myself. "I'll make sure of that."
Two days had passed since I last spoke to Xavier or responded to his texts. My hectic schedule and the board of directors' constant scrutiny had consumed me. Their skepticism and demands to involve my husband in company decisions eroded my confidence.
Every move I made was questioned, making me feel like a novice. "Am I not capable enough?" I wondered.
The board's implicit message was clear: "You' need to involve your husband in the company before making decisions " Their words stung, fueling my determination.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "I am my own person, capable of running this company," I reminded myself. "I won't let them undermine my authority."
It was time to prove myself, to show the board and everyone else that I was a force to be reckoned with. I squared my shoulders, ready to face the challenge head-on.
I picked up my phone, my fingers flying across the screen as I drafted a response to Xavier.
"Hey, I've been busy tackling some tough decisions at the office. The board's been breathing down my neck, but I won't let them get to me," I typed.
I hesitated, then sent the message. The weight of their expectations began to lift as I asserted my independence.
I was Eliana, CEO of Damien Group, and I wouldn't let anyone diminish my power.
Xaviers pov
Days passed since I last heard from Eliana. I'd been busy with my own projects, but I made time to check in on her. My calls and texts went unanswered, leaving me worried.
My heart heavy with concern, I finally gave up, assuming something was wrong. Eliana's silence was unsettling.
Then, after an agonizing wait, my phone buzzed. Eliana's message arrived, a brief update on her struggles with the board of directors.
"Hey, been busy tackling tough decisions at the office. The board's been breathing down my neck, but I won't let them get to me," her message read.
I exhaled, relief washing over me. She was okay.
I smiled, feeling a mix of pride and concern. Eliana's strength and determination inspired me. Yet, her silence had left me uneasy.
I typed a response, my fingers flying. "So proud of you, Eliana. You're handling this perfectly. Need to talk soon."
My heart still heavy from her initial silence, I eagerly awaited our next conversation, ready to support her through life's challenges.
I stared at my phone, the screen still displaying Eliana's "read" confirmation. But there was no response. Just silence.
A pang of disappointment hit me, but I pushed it aside. I knew Eliana was busy, and I trusted her.
Still, it stung. I couldn't help but wonder if everything was okay between us.
I took a deep breath, letting go of my doubts. "I need to learn how to control my feelings in situations like this," I told myself firmly.
As Eliana's husband and partner, I knew I'd face moments like these. Her new role as CEO would bring challenges, and I needed to be supportive, not sensitive.
"I'll be stronger," I vowed. "I'll trust her, trust us, and not let my emotions get the better of me."
With renewed determination, I set my phone aside, focusing on my own tasks. I'd be here for Eliana, whenever she needed me.
I tried to shake off thoughts of Eliana, focusing on work-related tasks. But her silence lingered. To clear my mind, I ordered a drink and settled into my hotel room.
I returned to the same hotel, aware that I might encounter Sofia once more. The possibility didn't escape me, and I steeled myself for another potential meeting.
Sofia arrived with my refreshment, her warm smile a distraction. I appreciated her professionalism, but my mind still wandered to Eliana.
"I'll not let temptation get the better of me," I vowed, firm in my commitment to our marriage. "Sofia is kind, but off-limits."
I thanked her, handed her a generous tip and watched her leave, feeling a sense of resolve wash over me.
Despite my resolve, Sofia's presence stirred a flicker of uncertainty. I knew Eliana's struggles would continue, and our connection would be tested. I steeled myself for the challenges ahead, determined to strengthen our bond and rebuild trust.
Eliana's POV
A Surprise in Store
I hadn't checked in on Xavier again, but he'd been on my mind constantly. I missed him terribly, and the distance between us felt like an eternity.
I decided to take matters into my own hands. Instead of calling or texting, I'd plan a surprise visit. The thought of seeing the look on his face when I arrived brought a smile to mine.
I couldn't wait to see Xavier, to hold him close and catch up on everything we'd missed. The hours ticked by slowly, but I knew the wait would be worth it.
As I prepared for my surprise visit, my heart swelled with love for Xavier. I was grateful for our bond, for the love we shared, and for the opportunity to surprise him.
Xaviers pov
It had been two days since I last contacted Eliana. I was proud of myself for resisting the urge to reach out, for not begging for attention.
Just as I was about to celebrate my small victory, I heard a soft knock on the door. I assumed it was Elvis, but to my surprise, it was Sofia. She pushed past me, walking into the room.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, taken aback.
"I came to find you," she replied, her eyes locked on mine.
"Why?" I pressed, trying to stay calm. "I didn't tell you to come. Please, you can go."
I attempted to gently push her out, but she refused to budge, her grip on my arms tightening.
"You're a public figure," she hissed. "If you deny me, I'll scream and tell people you wanted to rape me."
I was horrified. "Are you out of your senses?" I exclaimed.
"I don't care," she spat back. "I want you now."
I tried to leave, opening the door slightly and asking her to leave. But she refused, throwing her arms around my neck and trying to kiss me.
Just as I was trying to push her away, the door swung open. I almost choked when I saw Eliana standing in the doorway, a look of shock and confusion on her face.
Eliana's POV
I stood frozen in the doorway, my eyes fixed on the scene before me. Xavier was trying to push a girl on uniform away, but she was clinging to him, her arms wrapped around his neck.
A wave of emotions washed over me: shock, confusion, and a hint of anger. What was She doing here? And why was Xavier trying to push her away?
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. My mind racing, I tried to process what I was seeing. Was Xavier...? No, I couldn't even think it. He wouldn't do that to me.
Her eyes locked onto mine, a sly smile spreading across her face. Xavier's eyes met mine, filled with a mix of guilt and desperation.
"What's going on here?" I asked, my voice firm but controlled.
I strode into the room, my eyes fixed on the girl. I glanced at her name tag saying Sofia, my expression unyielding.
"You can get out," I said firmly.
Sofia's face reddened as she rushed out of the room, casting a venomous glare my way.
I turned to Xavier, my tone icy. "You're so quick to cheat on me, aren't you?"
Xavier's eyes widened in protest. "No, babe, I didn't cheat on you. She was trying to force herself on me. I didn't do anything, I swear."
I raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched on my face. "Who would believe that?" I retorted, my voice laced with doubt
I closed the distance between us, ignoring Xavier's explanation. I kissed him hard on the lips, and for a moment, he paused, taken aback. Then, he returned the kiss, and we plunged into a deep, passionate embrace.
We stumbled toward the bed, our clothes scattered everywhere. Xavier moaned with longing, whispering how much he loved and missed me. I remained silent, lost in the intensity of the moment.
As we moved together, Xavier's whispers turned to gentle murmurs, his love for me pouring out with every breath.
He noticed how distant I was while being intimate with him and hit deeper trying to gain my attention
The Storm Continues
As we moved together, the intensity of our passion only grew stronger. Xavier's whispers turned to gentle growls, his love for me pouring out with every thrust.
I wrapped my legs around him, pulling him deeper into me. Our bodies moved in perfect sync, the storm of our emotions raging on.
Xavier's hands roamed my body, his fingers tracing the curves of my skin. I arched my back, my body responding to his touch.
Our lips met again, our kiss fierce and passionate. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, lost in the storm of our love.
Morning After
I woke up, showered, and dressed, preparing to leave. Xavier stirred, his husky voice stopping me in my tracks.
"Where are you going?" he asked, wrapping the sheet around his naked lower body.
"I'm going back," I replied, my tone detached.
"Why?" Xavier pressed, his eyes narrowing. "Didn't you want sex? I gave you sex, and now I'm leaving!"
Xavier's expression changed from confusion to alarm. "What do you mean, Eliana?" he asked, blocking the door.
I glared at him. "You almost cheated on me, and I gave you sex so you wouldn't cheat on me."
Xavier's face darkened, and he locked the door. "You're not leaving here, Eliana, not like this, with these thoughts of yours," he said, his voice firm.
"I never cheated on you," he continued, his eyes blazing. "She threatened me, saying she'd scream if I didn't touch her. But I still didn't touch her. Sofia is nothing to me, please... "
Xavier's voice trailed off, his eyes pleading for understanding.
"...I was trying to push her away, but she wouldn't listen," Xavier continued, his voice filled with desperation. "I swear, Eliana, nothing happened between us. You're the only one I love, the only one I want."
He took a step closer to me, his eyes burning with intensity. "Don't let Sofia come between us, Eliana. She's just a manipulative person who wants to cause trouble. I promise you, my love, I did nothing wrong."
Xavier's hands reached out, grasping for mine. "Please, Eliana, believe me. I love you more than anything in this world. Don't let this incident tear us apart."
Eliana's POV
I stood firm, my arms crossed, and my eyes fixed on Xavier's pleading face. "I want to believe you, Xavier," I said, my voice steady. "But it's hard to shake off the image of Sofia in your room, trying to seduce you."
Xavier's face contorted in frustration. "Eliana, please—"
I cut him off, my voice rising. "No, Xavier. You need to understand why I'm upset. It's not just about Sofia; it's about the trust we're supposed to have in each other. And right now, I'm not sure if I can trust you."
Xavier's eyes dropped, and he took a deep breath before speaking. "I understand, Eliana. And I'll do whatever it takes to regain your trust. But please, don't push me away. I love you, and I need you."
I pushed past Xavier, my heart heavy with emotion. I couldn't bear to look at him, to see the pleading in his eyes. I needed space, time to process my thoughts and emotions.
I walked out of the room, leaving Xavier behind. The door closed behind me with a soft click, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me.
As I walked away, I could feel Xavier's eyes on me, willing me to turn back. But I didn't. I kept walking, my feet carrying me further and further away from the pain and uncertainty that lingered in that room.
I slid into the driver's seat, my hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. As I pulled out of the hotel parking lot, my mind began to wander back to the events that had just transpired.
The image of Sofia in Xavier's room, the desperation in his eyes as he pleaded with me to believe him... it all swirled together in a toxic mix of emotions.
I sighed, feeling the weight of my uncertainty bearing down on me. I didn't know what to believe, or what to do next.
As I drove, the city streets blurring together outside my window, I couldn't shake the feeling that my relationship with Xavier was teetering on the brink of collapse.
Xavier's POV
I slumped against the door, my body trembling with emotion. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me.
"Eliana, please..." I whispered, my voice cracking with desperation. But it was too late. She was gone.
I slid down the door, my back against the cold wood. I buried my face in my hands, my body shaking with sobs.
Why had Eliana refused to listen? Why had she jumped to conclusions, assuming the worst about me?
I thought about Sofia's sudden appearance, her threats and manipulations. I realized that Eliana had every right to be upset, but I wished she could see the truth.
As I sat there, tears streaming down my face, I felt my world crumbling around me. I'd lost Eliana's trust, and I didn't know how to get it back.