A V E L I N AI smiled, and took a seat beside her. The food arrived right then, and I realized I hadn't had breakfast. I was starving, and the delicious smell of the food wasn't helping either."Let's eat first and then I'll tell you everything about me." I said, and she nodded.For the rest of the afternoon, we chatted, laughed and ate until our stomachs couldn't hold anymore. We were like best friends already. Valerie was a funny and easy going person. She reminded me so much of myself and it was refreshing."So, Avelina. What do you love doing?" Valerie asked, sipping her water."I love cooking, baking. It's always been a passion of mine. Actually my favorite thing to do." I said, my eyes gleaming with pride. I remembered the days I would spend with my mother in the kitchen while we baked every recipes known to man. It was something she made me love doing and I found out it was a favorite hobby of mine. "Really?" She exclaimed, her eyes shining. "Then you have to come over one da
A V E L I N A I found a beautiful peach apron in the kitchen and put it on, tying the strings around my waist. I had already searched through the kitchen and found the ingredients to make a nice Chicken cacciatore. It was simple, and easy. I had already gotten started on chopping the vegetables. I was so engrossed in what I was doing, I didn't hear someone enter the kitchen. "What the fuck are you doing?" Enzo's harsh voice startled me, and I let out a gasp as I jumped. I was sure I had almost lost a finger, because the knife almost slipped, and it was a good thing I managed to pull away. But it still managed to graze my finger and give it a cut. I let out a hiss as blood came out of the wound. "Damn it." I cursed under my breath, looking down at my injured finger. I heard Enzo curse and walk towards me, before taking my hand in his and pulling me towards the sink. "What are you doing, Avelina? Why the fuck are you wearing an apron?" He asked as he held my finger under the tap,
A V E L I N AI decided to go check his home office, he should definitely be there. I closed the door of his bedroom and walked to the office.I knocked twice and I heard a cold 'come in' from the other side. I opened the door and came face to face with him. He was seated on his chair, shirtless, his upper torso on full display.His strong biceps flexed as he typed away on the laptop. My eyes fell on his abs and my mouth went dry. He had the most chiseled six pack abs I had ever seen. The V-lines of his lower stomach were a sight to see and his skin was smooth and tan.I gulped. He had tattoos that covered his right arm, and I wondered what they meant.My eyes went back to his abs, and I had the sudden urge to trace every muscle and dip. I shook my head, not understanding where these thoughts were coming from.I wasn't supposed to think about him like that."Why are you staring at me like that?" He asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.I cleared my throat. "Here." I said, holding out
A V E L I N AA week passed by and things were getting more and more frustrating. I hated Lorenzo with a passion, and yet, he had managed to make me wet on multiple occasions. The way he touched me was unlike anything I had experienced before. It was sinful and dirty, and I hated him even more for making me feel this way.The worst part was, he would tease me and then leave.Just like the other day, when he had made me soak my panties. Touched me in a way no other man has, and left me hanging. I wanted to smack him and fuck him at the same time.The way he touched me was sinful. He would touch me like no one ever has, and I would fall apart. His touch was rough and his voice was dirty and filthy, and yet, I found myself craving it.I knew I should have hated it. Hated him. But I couldn't.I was confused and frustrated. I was mad at him for being so cruel, but I was even madder at myself for wanting him so badly.It was a never ending cycle.The worst part was, Lorenzo didn't have sex
A V E L I N A"Shut the fuck up!" Benny shouted, and her eyes widened."Leave. Now." He told her, pointing at the door. She quickly grabbed her bag and left."Why didn't you tell me, Benny? Why didn't you tell me the truth?" I asked, a sob leaving my mouth."You would have left me. I know you, Lina. You wouldn't have forgiven me.""Because I fucking loved you, Benjamin! Because I was stupid enough to love a cheater and a liar.""I'm sorry, Avelina. Please, forgive me. Let me make this up to you. I'll change, baby.""You'll never change, Benny. This is who you are. A liar and a cheat. I can't believe I was with you for so long. I can't believe I didn't notice.""I'm sorry, baby." He whispered, walking towards me."Don't." I told him, stepping back. "Don't come near me.""Lina." He begged, his voice hoarse."Goodbye, Benny." I said, and attempted to leave. But before I could, Benny gripped my arm, and the next thing I knew, I was pinned to the wall.His body was pressed against mine, an
A V E L I N A"What are you talking about?""Your little stunt today. I warned you. And what did you do? You went and did the opposite. Didn't you?" He spat."I don't know what you're talking about, Lorenzo. I—""Enough!" He shouted, and I jumped, taking a step back. "Don't lie to me.""Lorenzo—""I told you, Avelina. You're not allowed to see that bastard and you still went ahead and did it. Tell me, did he fuck you well?""Stop it!" I shouted, tears brimming my eyes."Tell me, Avelina. Did he? Your little pussy couldn't resist him, did it?""No." I sobbed, shaking my head."Don't lie to me, Avelina. I have eyes everywhere.""I'm not lying. I didn't do anything with him. I–"He came closer to me and finally saw my face. I felt him froze next to me, as he took in my appearance."What happened?""N-nothing." I stammered, wiping away my tears."Who did this to you?" He asked, his voice low and threatening. "That fucker did this to you?""Lorenzo, please. It's nothing. Please.""Did. He.
A V E L I N AWe were invited to dinner at Maggie’s house. It was a family dinner and I was finally going to meet the rest of Lorenzo’s family. I was nervous, and Maggie kept reassuring me that it would be alright. But, the thing was, I didn't know if they would be accepting of me.What if they hated me? What if they didn't like me?"They will love you, Avelina." She hadassured me while I was on a call with her. "Trust me. You are amazing. Anyone would love to have you."I had scoffed. "No, Maggie. People hate me. They always have. What makes you think they won't hate me this time too?""Because you are the kindest, sweetest, and most amazing woman." I knew she was only trying to make me feel better. I couldn't imagine been hated by the entire Salvatore family.A part of me was thankful that they didn't know my marriage to their brother was arranged, I would have faced worse treatment from them. "Thank you, Maggie.""You are welcome, hon. Now, get ready. You have less than an hour to
A V E L I N AWe arrived back home a couple hours later, and I was exhausted and a bit tipsy. Lorenzo and I parted ways and I walked into my room. I stood in front of the mirror and began to remove the pins from my hair. After a few seconds, I gave up. I was too drunk and too tired."I'm useless." I mumbled and sat down on the bed. "God, why is my life a mess."Suddenly, the door opened and Lorenzo came in. "Hey.""Can you help me?" I asked him, pointing to the pins in my hair."Sure." He said, and sat down beside me. He started removing the pins from my hair, his fingers grazing my scalp and neck. "I'm sorry about tonight.""It's not your fault. I should have expected this.""I should have warned you, but I didn't.""I guess he has every right to be mad. I am, after all, his brother's wife.""Yeah, but he had no right to speak to you like that.""He didn't hurt me.""Still, he has to apologize to you. He was rude and uncivilized." I wanted to remind him that he was no better than Gi
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