A N T H O N I OI watched as the bastard and his family were having a family reunion. My fist clenched, and the anger inside me was overwhelming.It was only a matter of time before I got what I wanted.I would get rid of his source of happiness. Even if it was the last thing I did.I felt enraged, seeing him happy, thinking he has a perfect family.How dare he?After collecting a deal that was supposed to be mine, he took the one thing that mattered most to me."Avelina." I gritted, her name rolling off my tongue.I wasn't going to wait anymore. I had to make a move, and soon. "I'm going to make sure she suffers a slow, painful death with that bastard child growing inside her."My mind was made.It was time for the revenge I had been waiting for.It was time.It was finally time.And this time, I wasn't going to so merciful. I smirked, knowing that my plan would be put into action. I just needed to back off a bit, make them think that I'm gone, but they wouldn't be so lucky."I'll
L O R E N Z OShock, confusion and a hint of fear covered her beautiful face. Her mouth was slightly agape, and she was trying to figure out what to say. I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but I was ready for a change."Why do you want us to move back to New York, Enzo? They're lots of bad memories there. I don't think I'm ready for that. What if–""Baby, it'll be different this time. We have each other and the kids. We have a family. The only thing we're going to do is make new memories. Forget the past and focus on the future. Please." I took her hands, and she looked at me."This is our home. The memories we've made, the things we've endured. Moving is not a good idea. Enzo, what about my business?""You already have a branch in New York. You'd make it your main office, while still managing the one here in Brazil. I want to be able to protect you and my children and I wouldn't be able to do that with us being countries away from each other. I understand your fears but I need you
L O R E N Z OThe guests started arriving around eight. Avelina was already waiting for them with the staff at the entrance. She had a bright smile on her face and I could tell she was nervous.She was wearing a beautiful two-piece dress, her baby bump on display and a flower crown on her head. She looked like a princess, and I wanted to eat her up. As the cars pulled up, she straightened herself and greeted each guest as they came out of the cars. I stood behind her, greeting everyone and thanking them for coming.Massimo was the last person to get out, and I watched as she took a deep breath and waited for him to walk to her."Thank you for having me.""No, thank you for coming." She said and hugged him.My eyes widened and Massimo laughed. Everyone around us had smiles on their faces. I looked at Carina and she nodded at me.Avelina was slowly accepting him, after all, he had saved our children and we owed him that. Nicholas, Santino, Avelina's mother and her siblings came in. Af
C A R I N AI whipped my head around as Nicholas closed the door behind us, fuming. Who the hell does he think he is to drag me out of the party like that?I didn't like it when people acted possessive.I crossed my arms over my chest and looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "What the hell is wrong with you? Why'd you drag me here like some child?"He glared at me and walked closer. I stepped back, but he kept walking. Soon enough, I was pinned against the wall, and I gulped."I'm the one asking questions here. And I want you to answer me.""Or what? Are you going to spank me? Or maybe lock me in your bedroom?""You're pushing it, Carina. Don't test my patience. Now, tell me, what's going on between you and that guy? Do you have something going on with him?""It's none of your business.""Like hell it isn't." He growled, and I gasped."He asked me to dance, so I agreed. That's all there is to it.""Is that the truth?""I don't need to explain myself to you, Nicholas. Whatever happened be
C A R I N AThe following day, I was at work when my phone started ringing. I answered without checking who was calling."Carina, can we meet?""Nicholas? What do you want? Shouldn't you be busy with work? How did you get my number?""I can find your number anywhere. We need to talk. I want to explain things to you. Please, just hear me out. I know you're at work. How about you come to my place after your shift?""I'm working overtime today. I can't.""I'll pick you up from work.""No, Nicholas. We're done.""We're not.""Why are you doing this?""Because I can't lose you again.""I–""Please, baby. Meet me after work. I'll come and pick you up.""Fine.""Good girl. I'll see you later. Bye.""Bye."He was making me so confused, and I didn't know what to think anymore. He had been ignoring me for two years, and now, he wants me back."Carina, where are the documents I asked you to bring in 20 minutes ago?" My boss snapped."I'm so sorry. They're right here."I placed the documents on h
C A R I N AHe was wearing a grey suit, his jacket unbuttoned, showing off his gun and holster. His blue-grey eyes were burning with intensity."What are you doing here?" I asked, staring at him."Can I come in?""Uhm, yeah sure." I stepped aside, and he entered, looking around."Nice place. Small but cozy.""Thanks.""Yeah.""So, uh, what are you doing here? I didn't know you were coming.""I know.""Then...what's the reason for the visit?""I wanted to see you." He murmured."You did?""Yeah." He walked towards me and brushed his fingers against my cheek. He leaned in, his lips ghosting over mine.My breath hitched, and my heart pounded. "Massimo...""Mmm." He kissed me deeply, his hands going into my hair. "You don't know how long I've been craving to do this." He deepened the kiss, and I moaned, my body responding.We stumbled back towards the couch, and I fell on top of him, his hard cock pressed against my stomach."Fuck, Carina." He whispered against my lips."Massimo...we shou
L O R E N Z OAvelina was in the kitchen when I heard the sound of the doorbell. I opened it and saw the devastated look on my brother's face.Nicholas looked like someone had run him over. He was a complete mess. His hair was all disheveled, and his eyes were bloodshot."I lost her.""Who? Carina?""Yes. She doesn't want anything to do with me. She was with that bastard, and now she's with him.""Hey, calm down. Come inside. What's going on? Tell me."He shook his head and ran his hands through his hair. "I don't know what happened. One minute we were fine, and the next, she was yelling at me and kicking me out of her place.""Why?""I found out that she was spending time with that bastard, and I freaked out. I was pissed. So, I went to her place, and he was there. I could smell him all over the apartment.""Nicholas, it's not that bad. They're just friends.""It's more than that, and you know it.""No, it's not. She wouldn't settle for Massimo. Massimo is danger for her, he doesn't
A V E L I N AThe next few weeks passed by in a blur and before I knew it, it was finally time to relocate to New York.I was having a mixture of emotions, excitement, uncertainty, fear and anticipation.I had spent so much time here that it felt like home, and I would miss it."You know you don't have to take any properties from here, right?" Lorenzo said as he packed the rest of my bags."I know. I'm not taking them.""Really?""Yep. Everything here is yours. I don't want it. I've always wanted to start fresh in New York.""That's great, I guess.""You're not happy?""Yes, of course I am. It's just... it feels like we're I'm leaving my family behind. The kids will miss their grandmother, their aunty and uncle. I know they will.""You're not leaving. You can visit them whenever you want. Or we can come here. Plus, this is an opportunity you've always wanted.""I know. And I'm thankful that you're doing this for me. But it's still weird. I've never been away from them since five years
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