Like a criminal, Althea was pushed into her jail cell. This was reality, slapping her right at across the face!.
Just a month ago, she was living her best life not untill she took the fall for somebody she loves. Now, this is where she is, locked in the four walls of this prison cell. She knew what awaits her, the torture of being in jail and a criminal.. But how is she going to survive this? She shut her eyes tightly, grabbing the rails of the prison door, tears escaping from her eyes. She has been reduced to nothing but a murderer and a fraudster. She trusted him, he had promised her a light sentence, not the five years that was passed to her. What has Oscar done to her? Her mind was conflicted, can she still trust him? Will he still get her out of this hell hole called a cell? She thought within, wiping off the tears that kept rolling down her cheeks. "Hey you!!" Her eyes pulled open, hearing a croaked voice say from behind. She refused to turn around, knowing fully well that she's being referred to. "Hey, newbie!!" Said the voice again. Althea placed her head on the bars, still refusing to look back. She's so not ready to any prison dramas. Suddenly, her hair was yanked painfully and she gave a loud squeal. "Aren't you the one I am calling?" The inmate who had yanked get hair said, her hand still gripping Althea's hair tightly. Althea looked at the lady, her eyes flashed with anger as she gazed at her. She was a lady with a red disheveled hair that looks like it hasn't been washed in centuries. Taking a sneak peak around, she saw the other inmates who were also glaring daggers at her. They looked haggard with tattoos all over. "What do you want from me? Let go of my hair!" She said fiercely. She felt a kick on her leg which sent her straight to the ground. " I heard you murdered someone, tell me. how did you do it? Did you slit her throat open? Tell us about it!!" " It's none of your business!" She voiced out daringly. " Listen newbie, you can act tough for all I care, but listen to me.. Everyone right here is your superior, therefore you need to accord us some respect. Get that?.." " I won't, I won't show respect to criminals like you! " That earned everyone a share of laughter. The red haired lady, yanked her hair harder again and Althea winced. " Listen here newbie, as long as you are here, you're also a criminal. Do you think you're anyway better than us? snap back to reality, will you?!" She forcefully let go of Althea's hair " Let her enjoy her first night here! I believe by morning, she'd accept she's a murderer as well as a criminal " Another inmate said and the others laughed. The red haired lady snorted and returned back to her space. Althea picked herself up and curled herself up at a corner. She looked around, taking in everything. The inmates were busy chatting and talking amongst themselves, more like, they're used to being prisoners. But hers is different, she's not supposed to be here, she's not a criminal..! She doesn't belong here! She pull her legs up and bowed her head, crying. _________________ Morning came by in a rush and Althea had no idea she had slept on the cold ground after crying non-stop. She gasped, jerking up when she felt cold water being splashed on her face. She pulled her heavy eyes open, her six inmates stood with smirks on their faces. "Get up newbie.. Do you think you still have those luxurious freedom?" Althea refused to say a word or give in to their bully however pissed they were making her. She turned and laid down again, facing the wall. She could hear them mutter within themselves but she paid no attention. "You asshole!! Get the fúck up!" The red haired lady said annoyingly, kicking her roughly. Althea groaned loudly, clenching on her tommy while her eyes blazed with fury as she stared at the inmates. She couldn't understand why they're out to get her? Are all inmates this rude and immature? They threw their jars at her, without any care of where it landed. "Take those and do our chores. Hey! you need to hurry, do not slack off if you don't want to taste our wrath!" She turned, alongside the other inmates and was about to leave. "Don't you have hands and legs? why do I have to do your chores?" Althea asked, making them halt on their steps. The red haired lady turned, her lips creasing with a wicked snort. She walked up to Althea and crouched to her level. She grabbed Althea's cheeks fiercely, her finger nails piercing deep into it. "Do as you're told Newbie, else you will regret it!" She stood up and walked out with the rest of the inmates. Tears gathered in Althea's eyes, she rested her head against the wall, blinking out her tears. Just a day in prison and it already feels like hell hole. More like the inmates wants to completely make her life miserable else why would they turn her into a slave? How long does she have to be here enduring this? How long would she keep her hopes up waiting for Oscar to come get her out. As much as she wants to keep her faith in him firm, she just couldn't, it keeps diminishing with every passing second. She stood up, low grunts emitting from her lips. She grabbed the jars, her other hand on her tommy, suppressing the pain from the hard kick. She walked out, right outside the jail house, inhaling the breath of fresh hair she felt relieved. She began to pull water from the well as slowly as she could. "Althea Grace Miller!!" She turned when she heard her name, it was an officer, staring at her with a look of disgust. "Yes?" She responded. "Come with me, there's someone here to see you!" Althea frowned deeply. Who could that possibly be? She thought within.Althea's brows furrowed when she found Oscar's lawyer seated. A feeling of disappointment washed over her because for a split second, she had thought it was Oscar himself and he was finally here to get her out "Hello Althea?" Said the lawyer, putting on the same smile which she found annoying.It was the same smile he had on his face when he had assured her of having a light sentence alongside Oscar. It can't be trusted anymore.What she failed to understand was that, why she was giving that long sentence regardless the promises.Oscar is someone that can get things done at the snap of his fingers, getting her out of jail is a piece of cake for him, yet he hasn't done anything."What brings you here?" She said casually."How have you been Althea?" Asked the lawyer and she snorted."What a ridiculous question to ask, don't you think? Shouldn't you be asking if I'm mentally okay with the five years imprisonment or not?" The lawyer chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck." Wh
Althea balled her fists, her grip tightening on her clothes. Her breath could be heard telling how furious and pained she is right now.She felt exhausted from having to go back and forth with the jars continuously just to get water for them.This is all Oscar's fault. She wouldn't be going through this if she hadn't agreed to his empty promises.What was she thinking, taking the fall for him? If only she had known better! If only she had realized how foolish she had been!But it's too late to turn now as she's stuck in here with no hope of getting out.He must really be having a good life right now.. Damn this stupid love!All she did was sacrifice her reputation and career just to see that the man she loves is not labelled a murderer. She had no idea he was going to turn against her this way!"Damn you Oscar! Damn you!" She yelled, breaking down in tears.She was hurting so bad as realization kept hitting her."Hey newbie! Keep it down will you? We're trying to sleep here!" Came th
Flashlights were on and the cameras were rolling. The reporters were on standby, awaiting Oscar's presence.Oscar on the other hand, adjusted his tie and placed his cellphone into his suit pocket.He turned to Mayra who was busy operating on her laptop and asked."Is everything set, Mayra?" "Yes Sir! The guards are on standby so you have nothing to worry about" He nodded. " Let's go then"Mayra stepped out and pulled the door for him. He stepped out and the guards shielded the reporters from getting close to him.He had officially set up a conference so he could clear up his name. About a month ago when he was accused, he had kept away from the public. Being as influential as he is, his business associates were demanding answers and some kept pulling out of business deals.The press conference was necessary, to tell the public who exactly is the culprit and also clear his name. Getting signaled by Mayra that the stage is ready, he walked up stage as confident as ever while waiting
Althea woke up the next morning, stretching out her limbs as she yawned slightly. This is the best sleep she have had while in prison these past few days. Well, how else would she describe going to sleep without any form of disturbance from the inmates. It's the best ever. Opening her eyes, she got up only to notice the inmates returning back to their spaces with some glancing randomly at her but the red haired lady maintained a stern look at her. She mentally rolled her eyes and pulled her legs up, bowing her head against her knees, ignoring whatever thing they could be saying. Althea tried to figure out what the day is for she has lost count of the days since she arrived prison. She thought for a while a sighed, recalling what day it actually is. If she wasn't in prison, she would be at work right now, receiving her promotion. The promotion she has always dreamt off, now it's happening but she isn't there. It had taken her a whole lot of efforts to finally want to get promo
Althea tried to be better. It's been a week since Oscar's press conference and she tried to live by the terrible revelation from Oscar.All she wants to do is accept her fate, after all, she brought this upon herself.She was still sulking and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't help the grudge and hate cooking up within her.She would never have believed it if she was told that Oscar would betray her in such manner!But it's all good. Nothing can be done! Absolutely nothing."I do hope he's happy wherever, he is.... " She mumbled painfully.For the past one week, she has refused to go to the prison cafeteria and eat. How can she eat when her heart is heavy and she's hurting deeply. But isn't she only tormenting herself by refusing to eat? While he's out there living a good life and eating healthily." I must really be stupid " She said to herself again and rose from her bed, wiping the lone tears on her cheeks. "Althea Grace Miller?" She looked up when she heard her name -
Gasps, heavy breaths, the sound of heels hitting the ground could be heard. Her gasps echoing through the empty spaces on the streets, the heavy footsteps behind, seemed unending and scary. A lady in her late twenties, short spiky blonde hair, piercing blue eyes- Running for her dear Life. Regardless of how tough and confident she seemed, her life is on the line right now, for she has just messed with the wrong person.She turned, her heart racing as those who were after her were already catching up to her. However, she halted on her steps with full force when a black SUV car screeched in front of her. She held the bag of money close to her chest, her heart thumping really fast and knowing fully well that she was doomed. She took a step back when a man alighted from the car. His black tuxedo suit, dark shades and all... He looked domineering and dangerous.His men had all surrounded her by now, leaving her with no room to escape. She groaned and fell on her knees when her legs were
She could recognize it just anywhere.. That bracelet, it's hers. Oscar had gifted it to her, it's the only thing of Oscar's she has here... How could she have lost it? Why didn't she notice? She could vividly recall taking it off out of anger after listening to Oscar's press conference. How then did it get to the warden? And what does it have to do with the inmate that tried to escape? These and many more questions flooded her mind. "You have ten seconds to step out... " The wardens began to count down and with each count he took, her heart kept beating.However, she stepped out before she could stop herself."Excuse me Warden, the bracelet is mine!." The Warden sharp gaze were fixed on her." So you are that inmate who tried to escape?"" No, I assure you, there seem to be a mix up somewhere. The bracelet is mine but I have no idea how it ended up with you. I didn't try to escape, I promise " She said in her defense.She hasn't been this confused in her entire life? How did th
Althea jerked up when a cup of iced water was poured on her, bringing her back to consciousness.Perhaps, it could have been better if she had just died than to be woken up to a life filled with more misery.She looked at the Wardens whom she have come to despise so much. They are also part of this torment she's experiencing by being so unjust."Althea..." She looked towards the direction of the voice, It was Warden Zheng."Please leave us.." He said to the other wardens who hesitated before leaving.When he was sure they were gone, he moved closer to Althea, squats to her level and places a comforting hand on her shoulder."I'm sorry this had to happen. I wasn't on duty that night, I would have done something to prevent this. You must have been so scared, weren't you?" Althea casts her gaze on him. She could see sincerity and concerns in his eyes.She nodded her head, responding to his question. "I.. I promise, I didn't try to escape" She forced herself to say."Oh dear! I believe
Epilogue! 5 years later!! With the Mafia world burnt down to ashes, Oscar washes his hands off everything that would label him bad. He said it was a new beginning and he wants nothing but to live a peaceful life henceforth.As for the gang members, they have all settled down in their new lives. Even with the Mafia world gone, Oscar still made them live comfortable lives.He compensated everyone on his team with ten million dollars each for risking their lives and making it possible for him to achieve his goal of bringing down Phoenix.Rachel flew out of the country right away and set up a five star restaurant. Lynx got a job at Oscar's company as the heard of research and development team. Mayra retained her job as Oscar's secretary.As for Reed, He got a job with the police as a detective. Every one got a job that suited them perfectly and the rest of Oscar's men all went their separate ways.Life has been perfect!Althea went to the kitchen with her protruding tommy. She took out
" What? " Oscar exclaimed, standing up." Phoenix? The man who attempted to kill you? He's the father of your unborn child? "Althea swallowed, avoiding Oscar's gaze but she has already begun n and there's no going back. " Yes! Right after Phoenix got me out of prison, I began to develop feelings for him. I saw him as a perfect gentle man and he made me believe that he was actually a good person. I developed feelings for him and then one night, he took me out on a date and that's when... that when... "" You two decided to have sex!! " Oscar cuts her off and she shit her eyes tightly. She heard him scoff and she's sure he's probably running his fingers through his hair right now. " This is outrageous and I honestly cannot believe you could fall for Phoenix. What happened to the principles you wanted to uphold? The 'I don't want to have sex until my wedding night ' thing.... What happened to that? I could remember making advances towards you refused me, stating your principles and
The following morning, Althea dressed up as usually and got ready to head to the hospital for her weekly check up routine. Oscar insisted on going with her but asked him not to, reminding him that he had work to attend to and he can't keep being her bodyguard over such trivial issues. Oscar didn't want to but had to give in because of some emergencies that came up at work but still, he insisted that she should go with the driver, that way, he won't be worried. Althea felt relieved as that would give her the opportunity to do what she wants to. She got downstairs and met the ladies busy making plans for their vacation trip. As for Mayra, Oscar gave her two months leave since she still insists on working as his Secretary, after that, then she's free to return back but for the meantime, he wants everyone to go live their life's. Althea didn't bother interrupting the girls but simply hurriedly left. Minutes later, she was already getting impatient as the drive to the hospital was a s
Althea remained quiet as they drove back home. She kept staring out the window, lost in thoughts and and as Oscar noticed that she hasn't said a word, he turned on the music to lighten up the mood. "Are you okay?" He asked. "Hm" That was her response. "I loved what you days back there... You put Phoenix in his place.." " He deserved it and even worse. I hope he rots in hell.. " She gritted out. " He will, definitely!! " Oscar said, taking a U-turn and facing a different direction from home. Althea looked at him, wondering why he suddenly took a different turn. "Where are we going? " " I want you to meet someone.. It's senator James Grayson's young wife... I want you to see for yourself, the condition she's in"____________They drove into a penthouse and after pulling to a stop, they both stepped out and made their way in. As the got closer to a room, a plate suddenly came crashing right before them. Althea got startled as a little piece flew across her arm, causing her a lit
FEW WEEKS LATER.It's been few weeks already and Althea has been discharged from the hospital. During this period, Oscar never left her side, he has been her strength anger back bone.Everything he has done for her, both the ones she knows of and the ones she isn't aware of... all of it, she's indebted to him.On the day of her discharge, Althea thought of where to go to. She couldn't go back to her apartment either, she thought she'd just look for a way and sort things out, but Is at told her that she's going to live with him from now henceforth.At first, she rejected the idea but he insisted and having no other option, she went with him and now, she's living with him, not permanently tho... but temporarily.Once she's settled, she'd leave to find a life of her own... she doesn't want to be a bother to him.Althea stepped out of the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection.She had no idea if it's just her eyes but she noticed she added a little weight. I
Phoenix felt like the stars were on his side today. What an easy way to get rid of Althea. He'd simply just inject her and then walk out freely like nothing ever happened. By the time any one would notice, she'd be long dead... He felt like laughing out his victory as he placed the tray down and picked a particular injection from the tray, then turned to Althea was fast asleep on her bed with on of her arm slightly over her face. He moved closer to her, his smirk getting wider. "What a pity you'd have to die a slow and eat death. I would have loved to see you beg for my mercy while torturing you... But either ways, this is going to make you feel endless pains... Good bye Althea and don't worry, Oscar would be joining you soon" He said aloud, lifting the injection and making a move to inject her with it but to his surprise, the supposed Althea, turned and swiftly held his hands, and kicked him hard on his tommy and before he knew what was going on, he was already on the floor writ
Later that evening, The ladies were gone and it's just Althea and Oscar in the ward. Althea kept playing with her fingers, while biting on her lower lip while Oscar kept slicing the apples while avoiding her gaze. They are both acting awkward because of the kiss they almost shared. Yes, it's weird because at that moment, they both lost their senses. Sighing deeply, Althea thought about if they had really kissed, if only they weren't interrupted, she wished. "Oscar?.." She suddenly called before she could stop herself. "Yes!?" She suddenly went blank. Why did she call him in the first place? What was she going to say? "Nevermind!" She said, averting her gaze.. Such stupid thing to say. Silence befell them, but not for long as Oscar broke the silence. "I noticed you had fun with the ladies..." He said, trying to start up a conversation because he hated the way they kept acting. "Yes! I had fun. we talked about a lot of things and I really enjoyed it. It felt like we've known
"Girls.. Welcome!!" Althea said when the tension in in the room was getting out of hand.The ladies walked up to her, their piercing eyes not leaving hers."What in the world was happening?" Lynx exclaimed." I guess two individuals are about making out... " Rachel said jokingly. Althea's face flushed in embarrassment. "I suggest you two get a private Ward to go down memory lane... We perfectly understand that it's been years and you two need to recharge... it's totally understandable!!" Mayra commented, placing the basket she was holding down. Althea couldn't contain the embarrassment anymore ... " Stop it ladies, we really weren't doing anything.. " She defended herself but that earned a chuckle from the ladies. " It's okay with the teasing. Someone's face is about turning tomato red, we can't let it burst open! " Katie said, sitting on the Sofa, together with Mayra... Lynx sat on the bed beside Althea, holding her hand. " How are you doing Althea... Are you okay? We were so wo
Oscar shifted in his sleep as he enjoyed the feeling he was getting on his hair. It felt soothing but after thinking about it and realizing that he was still at the hospital, he jerked up to meet Althea's smiling face. For a moment, he went blank as he didn't know what to say. Deep down, he felt happy seeing her awake but the doctors words to him was still very much audible in his head. That alone made him had mixed feelings.. He didn't know what to feel at the moment, should be be happy or sad. However, he realized that what's done is done and he can't change anything or question fate. He decided to push it aside and just live by the present. Thinking about it constantly will only make him more sadder than he has been. He forced himself to smile, however, he tried to make it look sincere, for her sake and not to get her more worried. "Althea... You're awake!!" He said, reaching out for her cheeks and caressing them slightly. "Yes I am... " She said, her voice low and steady.