A V E L I N AIt was morning.I had spent most of the night awake, and thinking about Lorenzo.Seeing him in such a state of anger the night before, had really made me realize how much of an effect I had on him. It wasn't as if the past five years didn't give me a hint. But now, everything was hitting differently.I didn't have time to process this new discovery, as my thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of my phone.I looked at the screen, and the caller ID showed 'Unknown'."Hello," I answered."Avelina, it's Christian. How are you?" His voice was clear and loud.I had completely forgotten about him and his existence. The man was so sweet, and the perfect man, and I couldn't wait to get to know him more."Christian. Hi, I'm good. Thanks for asking.""How was the rest of your night?""Great. I just got up. How's yours?""It's great. Better now that I've called you. I was wondering, are you free today?""Um, I'm not sure. But why?""I was thinking we could go on a picnic and hang
A V E L I N AWeeks flew by in a blur. Christian and I went out more. He hasn't asked me out, or made moves. He'd contemplated kissing me o e too many times, but I was glad he was able to control the urge.He was a great guy, but I didn't think I was ready to be committed to another man again. All the men in my life had done nothing but break me.My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and read the message.'We need to talk. Now.' -Lorenzo'Talk about what?' I replied.'Everything.''I'm busy.''You'll have to make time. Meet me at the beach, in half an hour. We're not leaving until we're done.''Okay, fine.'I couldn't believe he was giving me orders. But I guess he had the right to, since I've been avoiding him for a while now.He'd tried everything to make sure I was okay with him being in the kids' lives, and I just refused to cooperate."You okay?" Christian asked. I had forgotten I was with him. He was currently driving me home."Yeah. It's nothing." I looked at him, and
A V E L I N AHe grabbed my thighs and wrapped them around his waist. "Wrap your legs around me.""No.""Avelina." He said in a warning tone."No. Let me down.""Fine."I gasped when he let go of my body and fell. He was quick to grab me by the waist and hold me up."Do you really want me to drop you?""Maybe."He groaned. "Let me help you. You're not a kid, Avelina.""Then, why are you carrying me like one?""Because, you're acting like a child." I didn't respond. I didn't know how.He continued walking. "Where are you taking me?""Bedroom.""What? No. No, no. Let me go, now." I started to struggle, but it was futile.He ignored me, and continued walking. We entered my room and he slammed the door shut. "Lorenzo, seriously. This isn't funny.""Who's laughing?" He arched a brow."Please, let me down.""Okay." I screamed when he dropped me on the bed and climbed on top of me."You're so mean." I bit my lips. "And you're so stubborn." He leaned in and kissed my neck. "It's been a while
A V E L I N AI couldn't handle the look of disappointment on my best friend's face as I told her that I had fallen for Lorenzo's trap again."You fucked him?" She said, her face looking like she was about to murder me."I- yes. But, it's not what it looks like.""Then, what is it?""I didn't mean to. I wasn't thinking straight and he was just too convincing.""Did he rape you?" She asked, and I could see that she was worried."What? No. Of course not. He didn't do anything without my consent.""You have got to be the biggest idiot on the planet.""Thank you. I know that. But, can we talk about something else, please?""No. What you did was unacceptable.""I know, I'm sorry.""Aren't you supposed to be mad at him? Not sleeping with him? What is wrong with you?""I know, okay. I don't know what's gotten into me. He's just- too fucking irresistible.""And, that's a valid reason to sleep with your ex?""Of course not. You're not listening.""You're not saying anything. The only thing I'm
A V E L I N AThere, was a picture of Lorenzo's brother. Of course, he would be the one. Why didn't it click sooner?I turned to Carina who was looking at me expectantly, "Do you know him? Don't tell me you've fucked him." She gasped dramatically and I was absolutely horrible."What? No!" I said, not being able to even imagine it. I couldn't think of Nicholas in that way."Then what is the issue? Hes too hot for you to handle?" She said with a wink.I rolled my eyes at her and said, "No, dummy. He's Lorenzo's brother. And he's literally fifteen steps away from you right now." There was silence for a few seconds as what I said started registering in her head and when it finally clicked, she started screaming."What the hell? How did you know?" She screeched."He was my brother in law, duurh." I said, obviously. " S-so, you mean he's literally staying next door and the person I've been talking to all this time is him?" She asked, shock written on her face."Yep.""Oh god, I'm screwed."
A V E L I N AThe food was ready and the table was set. The kids were dressed in their best clothes. It was a formal occasion and the dinner had to be perfect. I wore a red silk dress that clung onto my body perfectly, my hair was tied into a loose bun and I looked presentable enough.Carina was putting on a long peach two piece dress. It was a skirt and crop top ensemble, with her signature stilettos on. She looked beautiful and I was praying that it all worked out in her favor.It was exactly seven when the bell rang and I rushed to the door, opening it. It was Christian.A smile spread across my face as I saw him and his eyes roamed all over my body, unable to hide his shock. After a few seconds, he cleared his throat and murmured, "You look breathtaking," He said and handed me a bouquet of flower.I blushed at the unexpected gesture, taking the flowers from him."Come on in." I said.He entered and I closed the door behind him. He wore a dark blue suit that complimented his figure
A V E L I N AIt was two in the morning and the house was quiet. The kids were sound asleep. But, I couldn't sleep.After the whole drama with Christian, Lorenzo went home and I didn't want to be alone. But, I didn't want to stay with him, or else it'll seem like I'm giving in. So, I had asked Carina to stay for the night which had saved me. She didn't know what had happened until I told her later on. Only that Christian left early, and that Nicholas and Lorenzo had to leave because of work.I was sitting on the bench out in my garden, a bowl of ice cream in my hands. My head was throbbing and I knew I should've been in bed, but my mind wouldn't allow me to sleep."You're not going to sleep?" I jumped at the sound of the familiar voice, my heart pounding as Lorenzo stepped out of the shadows, walking towards me.He was still wearing his clothes, a slight stubble on his chin and his eyes were dark, looking down at me."I want to be alone." I couldn't even recognize my own voice anymor
A V E L I N AChristian didn't answer any of my calls. Neither did he reply to any of my messages. It was obvious that he was ignoring me.It's been a month.A month since I saw Lorenzo. A month since he left and went back to New York. A month since I told him to leave me for good.He still calls. To check on the kids. At least, that was the only good thing I could do for him. I never let him hear my voice or see my face. Once he was done talking to the kids, I end the call immediately.The kids couldn't go a day without talking to him. Even Zion had warmed up to him and would always speak to him about his day or the new friends he made.I was at the grocery store with Zion and Autumn when a man with his children passes. He carried his two kids and got whatever they pointed at. My heart squeezed as I watched my children's expression.It wasn't because I couldn't get for them whatever they wanted, it was the realization that they had never and would never have this type of relationship
A V E L I N AONE YEAR LATER..The huge doors slid open and suddenly the bright light in the hall fell on me. The entire crowd gasped as I slowly walked the aisle.My wedding gown flowed behind me. It was made by my favorite designer of all time. She was the best designer in the whole world and it was an honor to finally wear something made by her hands. I'd always wanted a wedding gown from her right from my childhood, and this truly felt like a dream come true.The details on the dress were so exquisite, and the material was so light, but elegant.It was a long dress with a train. I'd wanted a traditional wedding, and a long dress would suit the occasion perfectly.My dress was white and it was a mermaid style. It hugged my body, and the lace covered the dress, creating a beautiful pattern. The straps were laced as well. It was a strapless dress.My hair was styled in a bun, and there were some loose strands. There were also little white flowers on my head.I wore a long veil, which
A V E L I N AA gasp slipped past my lips as I realized we had arrived at our destination.We were at the beach.The place was lit up with fairy lights, and there was a table for two in the middle, right by the shore. The view was incredible. It was a full moon and the light bounced off the sea, making it sparkle."Wow, babe. This is incredible.""I'm glad you like it." He took my hands and brought me down from the car. "I'm happy I could pull this off and get you here without ruining the surprise. It wouldn't have been the same if we weren't alone.""I'm so happy.""Happy birthday, baby. Let's go eat."He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and we walked to the table. The set up was romantic, with the white and gold decorations, and the candles."Lo, this is beautiful. You didn't have to go all out.""But I wanted to. Only the best for my wife.""I'm really blessed to have you.""You're worth every little effort, and the moon and the stars. I'd give them to you if I could. You've made
A V E L I N AI burped my baby as I walked back and forth in the closet with my make up half done. She has woken up and gotten hungry while I was dressing up and I let everyone immediately to attend to her.After suckling for ten minutes, she has refused to sleep as she kept staring at my face. Her mouth formed into a toothless smile and I melted right there.Her grey eyes just like her father's own lightened up as I kissed her all over her face. I was told that her real eye color might come out but they were accentuating even more.Lorenzo's literal carbon copy.She grabbed my hair with her fist as she kicked her feet, I winced, gently pulling my hair from her strong little fist.The door opened and Carina came in. "Don't tell me you aren't ready yet." She said in horror looking at my unready state."Raine got hungry, I had to feed her. And I can't get anything done until she falls asleep.""Well, not while I'm here." She carried Raine from my hands and smiled. "My little sweetie pie,
A V E L I N A"Happy birthday Mummy!" I heard a shout followed by bodies landing on my bed. I slowly opened my eyes, to find Zion and Autumn looking down at me."Oh, thank you." I said and they wrapped their arms around me."I have a present for you, Mummy." Autumn said and gave me a paper. I smiled as I unfolded the paper, to find a picture she drew."I drew you."I pulled her into my arms. "Thank you baby. It's beautiful.""Zion, did you get anything for Mummy?"He shook his head. "Nope."I laughed and poked his cheek, "Oh come on. There's got to be something you got for me.""Nope." He said, cheekily. I knew he was definitely hiding something. "Are you sure?"Then he brought his hands from behind him and handed me a little box. Curious to know what was inside, I opened it and gasped.It was a beautiful alphabetical beaded bracelet. And it had the words 'Best Mom' in the middle."Where did you get this, Zion? It's so beautiful.""I made it for you, Mommy. Our teacher told us to mak
L O R E N Z OI arrived at the court house just in time with my lawyer and Nicholas. The first person my eyes met were Natalia's and she didn't look a tad bit remorseful.Her clothes were tattered and dirty and she looked thinner but held so much rage and enmity in her eyes. Seeing her rose lots of pent up anger in me."Order. Order. Will the jury please rise." The judge said and they all stood up."Today is the final court hearing. Has the jury come to a conclusion?""Yes, we have.""Read it out."The lady nodded her head and started to speak. "In the case of the people versus Natalia Serrano, we find her guilty. Evidences and footages have proven that she had conspired with a man to kill her boyfriend, and frame Lorenzo Salvatore for the crime."Natalia's face dropped, and the rage in her eyes burned harder than ever. The glare she gave me was something that could have killed me instantly if it had the ability."Is this true, Miss. Serrano?""No. They're lying. I didn't do anything.
A V E L I N AMy eyes slowly opened to a very blinding white ceiling and a nauseating hospital smell. I tried to adjust to the brightness and then tried to remember what had happened.Where am I?What happened?How did I get here?What was I doing before I got here?Then it hit me, I had a baby. Lorenzo was arrested. Anthonio is dead.I forced my eyes open again and this time, they didn't hurt. I turned and saw Lorenzo asleep in a chair, and the twins were on the bed, sleeping.I tried to call out his name, but I couldn't, I felt weak, my throat was dry, and I could barely move.Lorenzo started moving around and slowly woke up. He looked around the room and then his eyes met mine."Avelina, thank God you're awake." He said, rushing to my side and placing a kiss on my lips. "Oh my God, thank God. I thought I lost you, baby. Please don't ever do that to me again. I thought you died.""Water..." I said in a hoarse voice.He nodded his head and hurriedly got me a glass of water. "You hav
L O R E N Z OAs expected, the courts decided to throw me in jail until they proved me guilty or innocent. The evidence was too strong and the Mancini's were pushing it.It was finally the day of the trial, and I had been locked up for two days, and the worst thing was, I didn't get to hear from Avelina, I didn't know how she was doing. I was desperate and wanted to hear her voice, but no one was willing to listen to me. My lawyer finally arrived and we were to go to the court, and that's where I would get a verdict.I looked at Dorian and he gave me a reassuring nod. I decided to trust him. The court was packed with people and everyone was looking at me like I was a criminal. It made me feel uneasy and angry.I was escorted inside the room and I looked at the judge. The same one who ruled over my father's case."Mr. Lorenzo Salvatore. Do you understand the charges against you?""Yes.""Do you admit to killing Mr. Anthonio Mancini?""No, your honor.""Do you know of a gun which was
L O R E N Z OHe looked like he was going to attack me and I would have punched him in the face, but Dorian stepped in front of me and held his hand out."We have no business with each other. My client has done nothing and he's innocent until proven guilty.""I'll get you. Even if I have to do it myself. Mark my words, Lorenzo Salvatore. I'm going to get you.""Is that a threat, sir? Because I'll sue you so hard, your entire family will be homeless by the end of the week. My client is innocent until proven guilty. There's no reason to threaten him.""Get him out of here. I don't want to see him or any of the Salvatores in my face. You have one day. That's the only warning I'm giving you. Stay away from me and mine.""One day, and my client will come after you." Dorian responded. "You can't touch him, and I will prove him innocent. One way or another, you will see the true colors of the Mancini family."I was escorted back into the room. "Let's go.""Wait." The investigator stopped me.
A V E L I N AA sob ripped throught my lips as they cuffed my husband's hands, and dragged him out of the room while I tried to rock our newly born baby.The doctors rushed into the room after, followed by Valerie and Lorenzo's family. My heart rate increased drastically as they began to ask me a lot of questions."You're losing a lot of blood.""We have to take the baby.""Give me something for the pain.""Mrs Salvatore, please, calm down. You have to let us do our jobs."My brain couldn't function at the moment, and I was feeling a bit lightheaded."What's going on?" I asked weakly, looking around the room as they took my daughter. My head was spinning and my eyes were heavy, but I wanted to see my baby."Mrs Salvatore, try your best to relax.""Valerie." I called her weakly, my vision blurry. "Tell me... what's going on.""Everything will be fine, Avelina. Lorenzo will be back soon enough." She tried to assure but I wasn't having it. "No." I said, tears falling down my cheeks. "Do