A V E L I N AIt was another day of looking for the twins. I was exhausted, I hadn't slept a wink, and my head was killing me."Avelina." I turned around, finding Lorenzo walking towards me.He stood in front of me, and asked, "Have you been getting any sleep?""No.""Take a break, you look like you're going to pass out.""I can't sleep. I keep thinking about the twins. I don't know how you do it.""What do you mean?""How are you still standing? You've been working yourself to death.""Because I can't afford not to believe that we'll find them. If not, we'll both go crazy. And I can't have that.""Are you sure you're not tired?""I'm fine. Don't worry about me.""Lorenzo, you have bags under your eyes. You're exhausted. At least take a nap or something.""Don't worry about me.""If not me, then who else would? Who will worry about you, Lorenzo?""Just don't. Drop it.""You can't do this. It's not healthy.""Well, if that's what it takes to find our kids, then that's what I'll do. I'm
L O R E N Z OI walked away, leaving Avelina behind. It was the hardest thing I had ever done. But it was for the best. We can't be together, no matter how much we might love each other.I walked into her living room and saw the framed picture of her and the kids. Tears threatened to fall as I took a deep breath.I needed to find the twins. They were the only thing that could give me peace. They were the only ones who could give me the closure I needed.I picked up the picture, staring at my babies. My eyes filled with tears as I felt a sharp pain in my chest."I promise. I'll bring you home." I whispered."Lorenzo." I looked up to find Avelina's Mom, Camila."Sorry, I'll leave.""Stay. It's okay." She sat beside me. "How are you holding up?""Not so good.""You and my daughter have been through a lot. I wish things would have been different. She's so in love with you that she doesn't realize it. She's blinded by her emotions. She's too proud, and won't admit that she's wrong. But, I
L O R E N Z OI gritted my teeth, my shoulders slagged in defeat. I didn't know what to do anymore."Let's head back." I spoke."Are you sure? Maybe the police found something.""It doesn't look like they've found anything. But we'll have a word with them before leaving."We all walked down the stairs and found the police men already waiting for us. "Sir, we don't think he's in here anymore. I think whoever parked this car here intentionally did so to mislead us. There is a chance that the culprit is long gone.""Do you have anything that would tell us where the person could have gone to? Any evidence whatsoever?""None, sir. But, we're still on the lookout for him. We've contacted every hospital and the local police stations, to check for any reports of the same man or the kids. And there's none.""Fine. Let me know if you have any updates."They nodded and got into their vehicle, driving away. I got into the car with my brothers and my fists were tightened so hard as I tried to cont
L O R E N Z OAnthonio had always been a good friend to me.We met in middle school, and since then, we've been close.He was the kind of guy that was friendly with everyone, and would always be the first person to make friends with new students. He was the one who helped me settle in and make new friends. He was always there for me and would do anything for me. He was the exact opposite of me, I was fire and he was ice. I wasn't to be messed with and somehow, I had became friends with someone that was nothing like me. Our relationship had remained close until he slept with my girlfriend, Natalia. I had loved her, and was willing to marry her. She was a sweet girl, but I noticed her sneaking around, and sending weird text messages to someone.She would always tell me she was working or out with her friends. Meanwhile, she has been fucking someone I trusted so much behind my back. And as if that wasn't enough, she just had to bring him into my house and fucked him in my bed.When I ca
L O R E N Z OI joined at bad gang at sixteen.I could vividly remember it like it was yesterday. It was the saddest day for me. It was the day I found out that my parents marriage wasn't the fairytale love story I always thought it was.It was the day my mom brought in a man who she claimed was her long distance cousin, the day I walked into her bedroom not expecting to her her butt naked with her so called cousin, having sex. On my father's bed.From that moment onwards, my life changed for the worse. The sweet little boy I had once been , was now no longer.I watched as my father and mother divorced.I watched as my mother tried to win my affections by buying me expensive things.I remember wanting it to be a nightmare, I didn't want to believe it. I had ran and ran that night, hoping I would snap back into reality and find out that it was all in my head.But, in the end I got exhausted. I sat down on a hill, crying out my eyes.And it was then I met him. He was eighteen as at then
L O R E N Z OMassimo had always been one of the most laid-back person in the world.He never seemed like a mobster. He was always happy and smiling, but could flip his switch in a heartbeat and change.He was dangerous.And it was because of him that I had a bullet wound.And he was the best person to ask for help. "You know where I was, Max." I answered. "My name has literally been in the media for almost two decades." I rolled my eyes. "Ah yes." He chuckled, placing his hand around my shoulder and pulling me further into the mansion. The world famous billionaire, Lorenzo Salvatore. Never thought I'd live to see the day. It's crazy, huh? Seeing you in the flesh again.""I didn't come here to reminisce with you, Max. I came here because I need your help. You're the only person I can trust with this." I said, deciding to dive right into business. "And what is that, my dear Lorenzo? Please don't tell me you're here for a loan or some shit." He joked. "I didn't come all the way to the
L O R E N Z OMassimo and I were seated together as we watched one of his best men, tried to track the location of the video. He had a team working together on it and he was certain they were going to get it done."What's his name?" Max asked, turning his head to face me."Anthonio Mancini. CEO of Mancini Company. It's a small company that is known for scamming people and selling shitty products. He has been on my ass since forever. I'm not surprised he decided to finally make a move. His company has been struggling, and he has been making desperate attempts to get some money. Ripping people of their hard earned money.""Not for long." Massimo said with a smirk on his face. The glimmer in his eyes at the thought of killing was like that of a child who was promised candy. He was a cold-blooded murderer.My phone rang midway into our conversation. I grabbed it and looked at the screen.Avelina.Massimo looked at me and grinned, "Go answer your woman's call. She must be worried."I nodde
L O R E N Z OI walked further into the room and Massimo spoke. "I must commend him, he had hidden his tracks well. But that's why I have Graco here," He patted the tracker's shoulder. "He could find anyone. He is the best."Graco had a proud look on his face. "That's the best part of my job. To be the best. No one can outsmart me. Not even Lorenzo Salvatore." He laughed.I grinned. "You're the best. Thank you.""It's all good." He replied, turning back to the computer and showing the results. "So now, let's get to business. Here you can see this little red dot on the screen right? That's the location where the call was made. From the looks of it, I can tell you it is from the warehouse at the old district.""Warehouse? Are you sure?""Yes. I'm one hundred percent certain. And from what the camera footage showed, there was only two men who came in with the kids. Both were dressed in all black and had ski masks on. They weren't there to play around. This man wants you to comply. He kno
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