We had all gathered around the conference room table once again. Charles was next to his father and Pazzi was next to me. The tension was so thick you could cut through it with a knife. Everyone was uncomfortable and I couldn't wait for this fucking meeting to be over. I needed to speak with Ashton and it was urgent. Nobody was talking, everyone was silent as the only noise came from the clock on the wall. Edging me into madness with every ’tick’ it made. ”I believe this meeting is over,” I said, unable to take the awareness nor the gun-pointed dickheads that were sitting both in front of me and next to me. I needed answers. I may not deserve them but If I want to have any chance of being happy, I need to know why he told me he left the Ma

”Pazzi you don't understand,” I said in a gasp.”Then help me to understand!” He yelled as he paced around the apartment.”I can’t!” I shouted from where I stood. Pazzi turned around and took quick steps towards me. ”You were nearly killed today, Elena! Whatever the fuck it is, you can tell me!” He shouted. His warm breath hitting my face with every word. I stared at him befuddled.”How much do you know Pazzi?” I asked him in merely a whisper.”Everything,” I drew in a deep breath before nodding my head.  I grabbed his hands in mine and locked his eyes with mine.

”Leave.” I said plainly as I stared into the eyes of the man I least wanted to speak to. ”We need to talk,” he said.”I said leave, there is nothing you can say that I would be interested in hearing. And I have nothing to say to you,” I saw the pain in his eyes but I couldn't let myself be fooled. I said it once before and I’ll say it again. I have no interest in being played with by more than one person. ”Elena please,””I SAID LEAVE!” ”Please just hear me out!” He begged as he stepped closer. I got up from the bed and walked further away from him. Pazzi sighed and took a seat on the foot of the bed where I had previously sat.

My heart was speeding and my palms were sweaty as I power walked on the gravel, away from the mansion. I made it to the gate and went around it, taking the back-way so to not be seen. I pulled my sweater around me tightly, protecting my skin from the chilly breeze.  When I made it far enough so that I could breathe, I turned around and looked at the house I had just escaped from. It was huge, a mansion that showcased power and wealth. Every window was lit up with lamps and the stone staircase leading up to the door was massive. I recognized the house from somewhere but couldn't put my finger on exactly where I had seen it.  I made it to the main road and walked alongside it for as long as I could. I didn't know where I was ,let alone the

Work hadn't been anything different today than what it usually was. It was the same paperwork, meeting schedules, coffee runs, and phone calls as always. Yet somehow everything felt as if it had changed. The office, the building, the people, the walls and even the air felt different. It felt suffocating like I couldn't breathe properly. I looked at the clock and saw that the day was almost over. Relief washed over me at the thought of leaving this place and getting some fresh air. Until I remebered how I was supposed to meet Ashton down in the garage at most fifteen minutes after my shift, and the relief was gone. Pazzi would be standing by the elevator to make sure I did as I was told. I groaned in frustration as I closed the computer.I threw my bag over my shoulder and was about to head out when Anna