A V E L I N A"So, have you decided if you are going to open your business here or in New York?" My mother asked as she scooped a spoon of cake into her mouth.We had spent the morning with her. She had opened her presents and we had a big feast.I hadn't had a moment alone with her since the children came, so we were using this opportunity to catch up."New York." I answered, a wide smile spreading across my face. "I have an appointment next week with a realtor." My mother nodded and smiled.I had decided to open another restaurant in New York and my mother was very happy about that. I was nervous though, all the memories that were attached to New York were not so pleasant. But, I couldn't keep living my life based on those memories.It was time to move on and live the best life I could. "And Lorenzo? Have you spoken to him yet?" She asked.I shook my head. I didn't want to hear his name. Ever.It was the same thing every year. She would always ask me the same questions and every t
L O R E N Z OI was having the worst week. It was the worst fucking week of my life.I needed to let off some steam, and what better way to do that, than to fuck.I walked into the strip club, the loud music ringing in my ears. The lights were dim and the place was filled with beautiful women.There was one particular woman I had in mind, and she was going to be the one who would make this shitty week go away."Hey, handsome." A beautiful, blonde haired woman purred as she approached me. Her cleavage was out in the open and she wore a sexy black lingerie.She had an amazing body, but she wasn't who I was looking for. "Are you interested in anything I could offer, honey?" She asked, seductively."Actually, I'm looking for someone. Tall, brown curly hair, dark blue eyes.""Ah. You mean, Regina." She said and pointed behind her."Where can I find her?""Last time I checked, she was in the back, room 5.""Thanks." I said and headed in the direction she had pointed to.The hallway was quie
A V E L I N A I parked my car in front of the familiar garage and got out. I haven't seen him in a week as he had gone for a business trip. I missed him badly. I walked towards his door and before I could open it, the door flew open and I was soon pulled into his arms. His lips crashed onto mine, and I moaned. His mouth tasted like mint and coffee, the two things that I had gotten used to. "Baby." I moaned and wrapped my hands around his neck. I pulled away, smiling at him. "I missed you." I told him, my fingers playing with the hairs on his nape. "I missed you, too." He pulled me inside, and kicked the door closed. He grabbed my purse and placed it on the couch. He grabbed my ass and lifted me. My legs automatically wrapped around his waist and my lips found his again. We kissed as if we haven't seen each other in months. Our tongues battled for dominance and his hands were roaming around my body. His cock was rock hard, rubbing against the apex of my thighs. I pulled away an
A V E L I N ALeaving for the airport was very hard and emotional because my kids were sad and I was feeling so bad.They were begging me to stay and I couldn't bear the sight of them crying. But, this was necessary.I had left a lot of work undone and I needed to make sure the restaurant was up and running as soon as possible.Raphael had insisted on coming with me, which made me look at him funny. But, I declined to his surprise. It wasn't going to be fun and it was going to be stressful, but I was willing to do anything to keep the tears off the faces of my children."You will be good for Carina, right? And grandma?""We will, Mommy. Promise." Autumn replied, her tear stained cheeks making my heart clench.Zion on the other hand was trying so hard to be the stronger one like always, but I could see his eyes watering.I was going to miss them so much. I haven't been away from them before, talk more of spending two weeks without seeing their sweet faces. "Come here." I said, holdin
A V E L I N A As soon as we arrived in New York, the first thing that came to my mind was the cold breeze and the familiar feeling that hit me. I hadn't been back in this place for the longest time, and coming back had brought back some memories. Some I loved and some I wish I could forget. The weather was just perfect. It was chilly and the sky was covered in dark clouds. I was glad that I had gotten a black coat. As soon as I got down the plane, flashes went off in my face. I frowned, and turned to see people holding up cameras, taking pictures. I still haven't become used to the attention over the years. I wasn't exactly famous, but because of the name I had made for myself, I had been a topic in magazines, and had been on some magazine covers. And because of the fact that my ex-husband was a billionaire, meant that the media was always interested in me. I smiled, and waved at them before heading into one of the cars. The bodyguards were thankfully there to protect me from
L O R E N Z OI walked out of the meeting that has been going on for hours. I was agitated, I didn't like what had happened today.It wasn't going according to plan.My brother has fucked up, and I had no idea how I was going to fix it. We were on the verge of a war, and a lot was going on.Giovanni has gotten himself into trouble again and like usual, I would have to make sure it never gets out to the media. He has tried so hard to tarnish the image of the company.I had thrown him out of my house and disowned him as my brother for years. But, he obviously still does everything possible to fuck up."Mr. Salvatore, are you okay?" I looked at him and nodded."Yes, I'm fine. Just a little tired. I need to head home and rest. I'd be taking a day off tomorrow all works should be sent to my home."I didn't wait for his response as I walked outside, towards my car. I could hear the clicking of shoes and knew it was Giovanni.He had followed me. "What the fuck do you want, Gio?" I asked, and
A V E L I N A My hands were shaking, and I couldn't breathe. It was him. Lorenzo. It felt like a dream. Seeing him, had taken me by surprise. I couldn't believe he was here. Why was he here? It was too early for me to see him. I couldn't take him off my mind, and seeing him had brought back a lot of emotions. I was a mix of confusion and anger. I didn't know how to feel, I was scared, angry and I couldn't deny the fact that he looked good. Too good. He looked the same, just older and more mature. He was still the same. The man who had stolen and shattered my heart into pieces. The man who had ruined me for every other man. The man who had turned me into a mess. And the man that I was still in love with. Even though we've been apart for the longest time, and I haven't heard his voice, I still loved him. I hated to admit it, I had been in denial for the longest time. Denying the fact that I could never love another the way I loved him. A pang of guilt hit me. Raphael was in lo
A V E L I N AThe alarm clock went off, waking me up from my sleep. I opened my eyes, and turned it off. I rubbed the sleep away from my eyes, and sat up.My thoughts were all over the place, and my mind was filled with confusion and anxiety. My stomach was churning, and I couldn't think straight.After a few seconds, I got up from my bed, and headed to the bathroom. I had a board meeting and I was a nervous wreck.One would think after three years of living in fame, I would be used to this. I was going to be in a meeting with other millionaires and billionaires while the head of the board meeting would approve the opening of my restaurant.It was a huge opportunity, and I couldn't let this one pass by. I took a shower, and changed into a pink pencil skirt and white button-up shirt. I styled my hair into a bun and wore minimal makeup.Once I was ready, I grabbed my purse and left. My nerves were getting the best of me, and I was a nervous wreck. What if they rejected me? What if they
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