A V E L I N AI spent the whole day at the office, and when it was time to pick the twins up, I quickly went to the day care center and signed them out.We got into the car and drove home. After pulling into the driveway, I shut the engine and stepped out. The kids and I walked into the house, and I led them to their room.They sat on the floor, while I unpacked their backpacks. "What did you do today?""We colored, played and took a nap.""That's good.""Can we have ice cream?" Autumn asked."I don't think so. It's not time for ice cream yet. Maybe later, okay?"She nodded. "Can we go play in the garden?""Of course. Go."They stood up and ran out of the room. I decided to use my little time to go take a shower and prepare dinner.I went to my room, and entered the bathroom. I stripped off my clothes and got into the tub. I relaxed, enjoying the hot water against my skin. It had been a long day and I couldn't wait to go to bed.After taking my time, I shut the water and stepped out.
A V E L I N AI was seated in the dining room, watching Autumn and Lorenzo play outside. He'd been trying to make her laugh, and she was eating it up.She had so much love in her heart, and seeing her being affectionate towards him made me have a mixture of emotions. I was proud that she was a sweet and kind person. However, it broke my heart that she had a connection with the man who'd abandoned her.Lorenzo was sitting beside her, holding the ball as she tried to throw it into the basket. Zion was not too far away either, he was playing by himself in the sandbox. He had a toy truck in his hands and kept driving it through the sand.Lorenzo got up and took the basket, carrying it towards the garden. Autumn followed behind him and he began to teach her how to throw it in.The sight was bittersweet, and it reminded of the days when we used to be a happy family. Just us two. Before he ruined it all. I imagined him being there for the twins since birth, how perfectly the role of a fathe
A V E L I N AI shook my head in disbelief. "You want to file for custody?" My ears were ringing, and everything was happening too fast."I don't want to, but if I have to, I will."I couldn't believe my ears. "So, this was your plan, right? Get close to the kids, and then threaten me that you would have the rights to them.""No, that's not–""It's exactly that. Don't try to deny it. I'm stupid for even considering trusting you." I scoffed, throwing the plate on the counter."I never planned any of this, Avelina. Why are you so difficult? The kids know nothing about our past, why are you hellbent on dragging them into it? They don't deserve this. You're only been selfish for bringing them into the mix."His words pierced through my chest, and I gasped. I didn't know what hurt me the most. The fact that he was threatening me, or the fact that he was right."What do you want me to do? Lie to them about you? Tell them that you didn't exist? What if they started asking about you, and I to
A V E L I N AMy siblings were back for a visit from college and I couldn't wait to see them. I felt guilty that I haven't been able to spend time with them and I do badly wanted to make it up to them.I felt like a horrible big sister. Lani and Andre were the best siblings I could ever ask for and I wanted to make sure they knew how much I loved and appreciated them. As I waited for them to arrive, I couldn't shake off the lingering tension from my conversation with Lorenzo. Despite my resolve to keep him at arm's length, his words still echoed in my mind, stirring up emotions I'd buried deep down.When Lani and Andre finally arrived, their bright smiles instantly lifted my spirits. We hugged tightly, laughing and chatting like no time had passed. They were my rock, my support system, and being with them made me forget about all the chaos in my life.Over dinner, we caught up on everything that had happened since we last saw each other. Lani shared stories about her college adventur
A V E L I N AAt first, the day seemed so ordinary. Like every other day, we woke up, had breakfast, and the kids went to school. But, little did I know that a single encounter would change my life forever.I was walking down the street, minding my own business. Then, suddenly, a car stopped right in front of me, scaring the shit out of me."Oh my God, are you okay?!" The driver yelled.I was too stunned to speak."I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you!" He said, clearly distraught.I finally found my voice and responded."It's alright, I'm okay," I reassured him."Are you sure?" He asked, concerned."Yes, I'm fine. Really," I said, calming down. He sighed in relief and then asked me if I needed a ride. I was going to refuse, but then I realized that I was a bit far from home."Um, actually, if you're heading downtown, I would really appreciate it," I replied."Sure, no problem," he smiled.He offered to drive me and we started chatting along the way. I got to know his name and I t
L O R E N Z O"She's playing a dangerous game," I growled, throwing the glass of whiskey against the wall.Nicholas looked at me with amusement. "What did you expect, bro? That she'll fall into your arms, just like that?" He asked, his eyebrows raised.I glared at him. "She's fucking mine.""Then, make her yours," he said simply, shrugging his shoulders.I ran my fingers through my hair, frustration and anger consuming me. "It's not that easy." I muttered."It's not rocket science, either.""Fuck, you're infuriating," I groaned, walking towards the window. It was almost six-thirty and I knew any moment from now she was going to come here to drop the kids."She's going on a date with another man. Is that how easy it is for her to move on?" I said, feeling agitated."You've fucked more girls unlike her in the past five years. You of all people shouldn't judge her for being in her SECOND relationship since you. At least check the bright side, you get to see your kids now. Isn't that what
L O R E N Z O"Hey, big boy." I brought out my first and a smile grew on his face as he brought his tiny fist and bumped it with mine.He looked up at me and smiled shyly. "Hello."My heart warmed at the sight of him. This boy was a part of me. A part of the woman I loved.Autumn went back to her mother and Avelina kneeled and hugged her, and the twins. "Mommy will be back, okay? Be good.""Yes, mommy." They said simultaneously."Can you both go inside for a second? I'll like to talk to your Mommy."They shrugged and ran into the house, leaving me and Avelina alone. "I guess I'd get going." She said attempting to leave but I stopped her."Wait–" She turned to look at me and I really got a look at her and my words got stuck in my throat. She looked at me expectantly and I cleared my throat, "Uhm, you look stunning."
A V E L I N AI could feel Christian's eyes on me as we drove away from my house."Are you okay?" He asked, his voice low and comforting.I turned to him and plastered a fake smile on my face, "Yes, I am."I knew he wanted to ask more questions, but thankfully, he didn't. I didn't want to explain the whole situation to him. He didn't need to know the ins and outs.We drove to the restaurant, and the drive there was quiet. It wasn't the usual comfortable silence. It was the awkward silence, which meant he was bothered by something. And I was pretty sure it was the scene he had witnessed before he drove off.When we arrived at the restaurant, he got out of the car, and helped me down. We entered the restaurant and the maître d' guided us to our seats.He pulled out my chair and sat down across from me."How are you liking the place?" He asked, breaking the silence between us. I was relieved that he didn't address the elephant in the room, and was instead acting like everything was norma
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