The Royal Contract

Serena had a vague idea of what he might be referring to when he pulled out that envelope. And somehow, it bothered her that he might have something that he could use against her. And she had to listen even if it was the last thing she wanted to do.

“Cut the crap, Elliot.” She snapped at him, putting as much venom in her words. At least, she hoped she sounded convincing because she could not let him think that he had already won.

If she had known what he was back then, she would never have formed relations with him. But, of course, as they said, regret came after she had made the decision, and mistakes happened.

Now, she could only suffer and face the consequence of her actions with the hope that she could eventually move on with her life. But that was not happening until she had dealt with this man.

“Don’t be like that. I miss you, my baby.” He stood before her, staring down at her face. “Don’t you miss me at all?” He asked as his fingers reached up and touched the strands of her hair.

She quickly swatted his hands away, disgusted that he would dare to touch her. Then, she quickly stepped back, putting a space between them but not before she snatched the envelope dangling in his other hand.

.....

“No, and don’t you dare touch me again.” She angrily spat her words at him. “Tell me what you want, and let us get this over with.” She knew she could not leave until she learned what he had planned against her. But she had no intention of staying much longer either.

She opened the envelope, and just as she suspected, it was the same pictures she had received the other night. She was afraid that he might also receive a copy of it. Now, her fear just came true.

They were pictures of Adam punching and kicking Elliot. Some photos of Elliot down on the floor, in excruciating pain. And then some more of Adam protecting her in his arms.

“Isn’t it obvious what I want?” He asked as his hands attempted to touch her face, but she quickly flinched out of his reach. His eyes were furious at her reaction, but he still smiled at her.

When she did not reply, not wanting to acknowledge him but only stared at the man who continued to make her life miserable, he answered his question for her.

“I want you back.” He stated as he returned to his seat and grabbed his drink, gulping its entire content. Then, he stood up again and refilled his glass before turning to her. “That is all I ever want.”

“Don’t you get it?” She asked frustratedly. “We are over. I don’t want us to get back together. We are through.” She added, hoping that he would finally get that in his head.

“I can’t live without you. I love you.” Elliot uttered in a lower voice, this time as if he was saying it from the heart.

But she knew him too well. The fans would have loved to see and hear him say those words, but he was a good actor, and those were just lines he memorized. He would not fool her again.

“Love? What do you know about love?” She questioned him, hearing the word come out of his mouth for the first time. At least in their entire relationship.

But she would never believe anything that came out of his mouth again, not his sweet words, enchanting promises, and lies. She had learned her lesson and would not fall into the same trap again.

“Losing you made me realize how much I messed up our relationship. I am sorry if I hurt you. I am willing to go to counseling if necessary.” He rumbled on and on about his promises to win her back.

“I am happy that you realized your mistake. I hope you will never do that again in your relationships. But it will not be with me.” She said with finality. “Where did you get these?” She finally focused on the papers in her hands, waving them in front of her.

She wondered if the same guy was trying to extort money from him. But no one had yet contacted Nora about those pictures. They were still waiting to hear from the man who took it what he had planned to do with them.

“Where else?” Elliot stated as if she should already know. “From the man I hired to take them.” He finally admitted when she appeared to remain clueless.

“What?” Her face registered surprise, but she felt stupid for not figuring it out. However, she was not shocked that he could resort to such low tactics.

She did learn too late that he staged many of his public acts so the press and the masses would love him. But she knew now that all of those were lies. Again, she was deep in the relationship when she discovered his true colors.

“I need something to help me out with my case.” He stated as he lifted his fit on the couch, making himself more comfortable as he talked to her.

“What do you intend to do with these pictures?” She could already feel the chill on her bones as she waited for his answer.

She knew he had something planned for them. It was the only reason he lured her into this meeting. She could already imagine his intentions, even without hearing them from his mouth.

“You already knew what different stories a picture could tell by merely looking at them.” He gave her a sly smile that told her a lot. He was saying that he was winning. “Those pictures spoke louder than words, don’t you think?”

“You will never win. These pictures mean nothing.” She said, despising the man before her. Then, she threw the pictures at him, letting them fly in the suffocating air. “I will fight you in any arena you want, but you will never win.” She stated, not wanting him to have the last laugh.