A V E L I N AI was exhausted, mentally and physically.The past three weeks were torture. I've been having a hard time dealing with all that's happening, and it's taking a toll on my mental health. The kids were in school and I was having at time alone today. I haven't shown my face at work for two weeks and I've received calls from several of my staffs, but I didn't have the heart to pick their calls.I didn't want to face them or anybody. I've basically been ghosting for the past three weeks, and even my best friend has not been able to reach me. I've been ignoring her calls. I had told Raphael I needed a little space and he had thankfully respected my decision. How was I supposed to face him after all I'd done? I knew he noticed I wasn't wearing his ring anymore, but was waiting for the right time to ask me. My mother had noticed that something was wrong when I returned, it was unexpected. I still had a couple more days and it only increased her suspicions, but I gave her no cl
A V E L I N A I was standing in front of Raphael's house, ready to break the news. My palms were sweaty and I could feel the anxiety in my stomach. This wasn't going to be easy, and I didn't know how to go about it. But, it had to be done. I hasn't told him that I was going to be coming, and he was probably busy. I didn't want to bother him, but I just wanted this over with. I didn't bother ringing the doorbell and walked into the house. The living room was empty, but I could see light illuminating from his office, which could only mean he was in there. Raphael was well to do for himself, working under a large firm. His pay was good, but he had always complained it wasn't enough and never wanted to work under someone, but he didn't have the funds to start up his own firm. I, however, offered to fund his dreams and he was excited and quick to accept. We had this conversation two months ago, and ever since then, he kept reminding me of my promise and how I should make sure that it'
A V E L I N A"She knows the truth, Raphael. If she goes, no one will have the slightest clue. She can't tell Avelina anything. You know how much money is at stake here. It's life changing. Why would you want to risk that for a one night stand whore? She's nothing compared to the millions you're going to have in your pocket.""I can't believe you just said that. I'm not a killer. There's a possibility of Avelina finding out, and it would be disastrous. But Sasha is pregnant. For me. I have to pay child support.""Not if the child doesn't exist. It's your word against hers. You're going to lose money paying her, and she won't do anything but ruin the plans. Get rid of her. If it's a girl, no problem. If it's a boy, he can disappear. You can't let him live.""That's murder, man. I'm not doing it." He shook his head."Think about it, Raphael. You've gotten this far, you're not stopping now. This is your chance, you're not backing out. If Avelina doesn't come through with the money, then
L O R E N Z O The past three weeks have been the most hardest and heart wrenching weeks for me. Seeing her face, seeing her break down in front of me and trying so hard to prove her innocence. And I never believed her. For the past five years, I had never thought of the possibility of all these been a lie. Giovanni never liked Avelina, what were the possibilities that he would fuck her? Or that she would let him? Avelina was right. I never trusted her. I was quick to believe the words from my idiotic brother who would do anything to tarnish her image just to get back at me, over her words. Thinking back to it, I had been stupid. And, if only I could turn the hands of time, and handled it better than I did. The truth sat on my desk, glaring at my face and screaming how stupid and dumb I was. I had hired a investigator that could do a thorough research and investigate more on the photos that Giovanni had claimed were s picture of himself and Avelina fucking. "It's all photoshopp
A V E L I N ASasha was even much younger than I imagined. Raphael was thirty five and Sasha looked no older than nineteen.What was he doing having sex with s girl so young?Sasha was a dark skin beautiful girl with a dyed red hair and a flawless skim. Tattoos literally littered her skin, but behind her outrageous look, her eyes gave off just how innocent she was.I had made researches about her and it didn't take me long to track and location. I found her at the club downtown, she was a bartender. Someone who didn't know her wouldn't have guessed she was pregnant, she had a cute little bump and her work apron covering it.She didn't look surprised to see me, of anything, there was fear written on her face. "I swear I wasn't in on it. I was never in support of it. Don't arrest me, please." She begged as soon as I was able to get her to a quiet place.Carina was right beside me, refusing to let me do this alone after I told her everything about Raphael's hidden intentions. She was mad
A V E L I N AThe mansion next to mine hasn't been bought and has been vacant for two years. It was a four story building, and a lot more bigger than mine. Although, I loved mine better.Imagine my shock, seeing the house that has been empty for a few years, now being occupied by someone. It was a Saturday morning and I was the first to wake up. Carina and the kids were still fast asleep.My morning routine would usually be to wake up at six o'clock, drink coffee, eat breakfast and head to the gym. But, for some reasons I wasn't fazed. I was so eager to know who bought the house, I went straight out and decided to do my routine later.The weather was cool, and the sky was clear. I looked down at my feet and saw the sun shining over my black sneakers.I looked across the street and saw the huge white door, which was closed. I couldn't help myself but to go and look.As I came closer, a big black mat with the words, 'welcome' engraved on it caught my eye. The house was clean and beaut
A V E L I N AIt felt like I was dreaming. I didn't want to believe it, and I didn't want it to be true.Of all the people in the world, I didn't want him to live next door. I didn't want him to be anywhere near me.My shock was immediately filled with anger, rage, every strong angry emotion a person could feel all at once. I didn't know what to say."Aren't you going to invite me in?", he asked, tilting his head.I looked inside to see the twins happily eating their food, but Carina's attention was on me.To not let them notice what was going on, I jammed the door shut, turning to face him. "What the fuck are you doing in my house, Lorenzo?" I hissed, keeping my voice down."Is that how to greet your new neighbor who is just been nice?" His voice was calm, his lips curved in a smirk."This isn't a fucking game! You're not supposed to be here." I whispered furiously.He ignored my question and looked past my shoulder, "Can I come in?"I looked at him like he was crazy. "Hell to the fu
A V E L I N AIt was 8pm, the kids were already in bed.Carina had left and I was in the living room, trying to focus on the novel I was reading. But, I was failing.My mind was elsewhere.It was a while since I was left alone to my thoughts and it wasn't a good thing. I had too many thoughts running around my head.I hated that he was back. I really did.There was no way in hell that I was going to let him into my house.He lost his rights the day he chose to believe the lies instead of trusting me.If he hadn't chosen to listen to the lies and investigate the matter, he would've known that I hadn't cheated on him.Five years.He had five years to come back and fix the damage he did.And now, he's back.Asking for forgiveness.I was so mad at him, it hurt.I closed the book and rubbed my temple. This wasn't the right time to lose my mind. I couldn't afford to think about the past. I had the future of the twins to worry about. I couldn't afford to have him messing things up.I couldn'
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