Or, would she? I'm so sorry for the late update guys. I'm down with illness and still recovering slowly. I'll try my possible best to start daily updates again. Thank you!
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 A"Mr. Salvatore–" Mr. Smith said, but Lorenzo cut him off."Smith, I would like to make a few changes. First of all, Ms. Marquez has not mentioned anything about the cost, and how much the restaurant would cost. Secondly, we have not yet seen the budget, and the profit that will be generated. And thirdly, we have not even discussed the name of the restaurant. These are important details, and we cannot approve of her restaurant until we have the complete picture. I cannot approve of her restaurant, when we have not seen all the details," he said, his voice calm and cold.The entire room was silent, and I could feel the anger rising inside me. Of course, he had to find a way to ruin this moment for me."Ms. Marquez, would you mind explaining the cost and the profit?""Yes, of course," I said, and pulled out a file."The cost of the restaurant will be five million dollars, and the profit will be thirty million dollars.""And how did you calculate the cost and the profit?" Lo
A V E L I N AI stared at the mirror, my mind running wild with thoughts. I was nervous, and I didn't know how to control myself.Today was the day of the party, and I was a mess. My thoughts were all over the place, and I couldn't concentrate.I had tried on several outfits, and nothing seemed to look right. I was a mess, and I didn't know how to stop this feeling.I had finally settled for a red strapless dress, with a plunging neckline and a slit on the side. It was sexy, and it accentuated my curves.My hair was loose and wavy, and my makeup was simple. I looked sexy and sophisticated. My engagement ring was sitting on my finger. I took a deep breath, and checked my appearance one last time. I was ready.I drove to the address Mr. Smith had sent me, and I was surprised to see that it was a hotel. The hotel was huge, and it looked luxurious.I parked my car, and walked towards the entrance. I showed the security guard the invitation, and he let me in.The inside of the hotel was be
A V E L I N AThe car ride was silent, and the tension was thick. I could feel the anger and hatred coming off him in waves, and I was nervous. I didn't know what was going through his head, but I knew he was planning something."Where are you taking me?" I asked, breaking the silence."Where else would I be taking you?" He responded, not taking his eyes off the road."To your house." He finally responded."How do you know where I live?" I asked, the panic rising."Avelina, do you really think you could hide from me?" He asked, a smile spreading across his face."I wasn't trying to hide." I spat. "All I want is for you to stay out of my life and personal business." I said, glaring at him.He laughed, a humorless laugh that sent shivers down my spine. "You think that's possible?""I didn't do anything wrong." I said, trying to reason with him. "We divorced five years ago, Lorenzo. What–""Because you cheated on me. With several men. With my own fucking brother. Need me to continue?" He
A V E L I N A"What?!" Carina exclaimed as I told her the events of last night. "Don't tell me you guys fucked. Avelina, you didn't right?""No, of course not! I stopped him before it could go further. I made a grave mistake, Rina. I shouldn't have even let him come close to me, talk more of driving me home. It's all my fault." I said, tightening my robe as the morning breeze blew.I ran my hands through my hair my eyes still swollen from lack of sleep and my head banging as a result of hangover."It's not your fault, sweetheart. You were drunk and if he didn't drive you home, who knows what worse could have happened. At least, he didn't try to take advantage of your state.""He fingered me, Carina. That wasn't the influence of alcohol. I knew, I didn't stop him. I hated to admit that I wanted it. Wanted him at that point. I thought I had made progress over the last five years, but just one touch from him, I was back to being that weak pathetic girl.""Oh, darling. It's completely nor
A V E L I N AI sipped on my hot coffee as the thunder boomed. The night was dark and stormy, and it was a perfect fit for my mood. It had been a week since the opening of the restaurant, and things had been going well. The opening had received a lot of positive feedback, and the reviews had been amazing. But, my mind was a mess.Ever since that day, Lorenzo had been avoiding me. I had been glad at first, but I was starting to wonder if he had believed my lie. There were many times when I had wanted to tell him the truth, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I couldn't imagine his reaction.My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. I frowned, wondering who could be visiting me at this time of the night.I opened the door, and there stood Lorenzo, his shirt soaked and his hair sticking to his forehead. It was raining heavily outside and the thunder roared in the background."Lorenzo? What are you doing here?""My car broke down just a few miles from here, and I walked the r
A V E L I N AI woke up the next morning feeling like crap. I hadn't been able to get much sleep. All I had been able to think about was how I had cheated on Raphael.I got dressed and left the room, the smell of coffee filling the air. I went down the stairs and into the kitchen, and Lorenzo stood in front of the counter.He wore a t-shirt and a pair of jeans, and his hair was styled."Hey," He said, looking up from his phone.I ignored him and went straight to the kitchen, I could hear his footsteps as he followed me."About last night, we shouldn't have done that. It was a mistake." I said, turning to him."Avelina," His voice was low, and his tone held a warning."No, we shouldn't have done that. I'm fucking engaged, Lorenzo. What the hell were you thinking?" I said, frustrated. He frowned, "Don't try to blame me. I'm not the one who gave in. You're a fucking hypocrite. You were the one begging me to fuck you."I winced at the word, the memories from last night rushing back. I di
A V E L I N AThe day was warm, and the sun was high in the sky. The birds chirped, and the smell of fresh grass filled the air.I looked around at the people milling about, and my heart filled with sadness. Coming back to New York has been filled with nothing but sadness, and the pain was almost unbearable.The last few days had been a blur. After making my decision, I couldn't find a way to break the news to Raphael. I just couldn't. I was ashamed, ashamed that I couldn't keep my legs close.I had broken down, and I knew that I was just being a coward. I needed to tell him the truth. It was the only way.He had the right to know, and I couldn't hide it from him anymore.Giovanni's visit to my house earlier today was sudden and I couldn't get our conversations out of my head. The threats he'd thrown at me."So, the rumors aren't really rumors after all." We're first thing he had said as soon as I opened the door.Then he proceeded to ogle at me, my body curling with disgust. He looke
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