I widened my eyes in surprise. This was golden. How did he manage to get his hands on those documents? Becky looked toward Calvin in helplessness, and Calvin seemed equally surprised with it. He didn’t see that one coming either. If I were to guess right, he had no idea that Becky was drunk that night. “I.. the documents are not true..” Becky said.“Not true?” Enzo said, “We’re talking about Westwood Hospital, which is the largest and most renowned hospital group in the country. Are you trying to say their basic studies of blood alcohol levels are untrue? That’s going to be another lawsuit in itself then.” “I.. but I wasn’t the one driving that day!” Becky said. “How does it matter what I drank? Maybe someone spiked the drink.” “Right, that’s where I want to bring in this file, which reports the survey of the vehicle after the accident. Since there is no CCTV footage available, our best shot at determining who was driving the car that night would be this report, which claims that
Before I could even react, the judge kept asking. “How do you know that?” “Because Cassandra had asked me to help her harm Becky.” She said, “She meant to eliminate Becky from the picture so she could have Calvin all to herself. But I did not comply with her, and that angered her. She threatened to end my career if I revealed her intentions to anyone, and knowing that she came from an influential family, I kept my mouth shut. Later that night, I got to know that they met with an accident and that accident almost cost Becky her life.” “You’re lying!” I cried out in angst. “I never even spoke to you that night! You are lying!” I couldn’t control my anger. I knew I was not helping my case with my sudden outburst, but I could no longer sit idle like that because she lied her way through the conversation. I never did anything to her. What would she gain out of something like this? Does she even realize what sort of consequences I would have to face because of her little stunt? “Mr DeL
“The trial has concluded. Ms. Cassandra Harper Anderson has been convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to life imprisonment!”The final judgement pierced through the silence of the courtroom, echoing through its vast hallways. Lifetime imprisonment?!I didn’t hear a word beyond that. All at once, those two words seemed to be the only things I could make sense of. I never realized till now that it would take merely two words to pause your life and crumble everything that you’ve built in it so far.How is this possible? How could the judge be so biased? Was he bribed by Becky? I couldn't help but anxiously glance at Enzo.Enzo and his associate falling into a deathly silence driven by astonishment and denial. On the other end of the room, laughter and celebrations began. Hugs were exchanged, congratulations were conveyed, and victory was celebrated. Becky leapt into Calvin’s arms, and he dipped down to meet her for a kiss. The new couple celebrated their win over their enemy, an
Enzo’s POVI vividly remember the time when Cassie left me. It was decades ago when her adoptive parents came to take her to her new home. Cassie was reluctant to go. She didn’t want to go at all. When her new parents asked her why, she said she didn’t want to leave me. I wonder if she even remembers that episode now, but it was something I could never forget. It felt like the first time someone was choosing me, the first time someone cared about me. Ever since then, she remained a significant person in my life. As she eventually left me that day, it felt as though she was taking a part of me too. Somehow, nothing changed till this date. I watched as the police took her away, standing by myself all alone and helpless. She didn’t even look at me as the vehicle moved, perhaps she couldn’t bring herself too. The farther she went from me, the more unreachable she seemed. With every passing second, I realized that I was losing her once again, and something within me told me that this ti
Cassie’s POV Life inside the prison was exactly how I expected it to be. Miserable. There was no life, no beginning, and no end. It was a vicious cycle of doing the most mundane things, with not a soul to talk to, not a confidant to vent to. One just had oneself, and one had to make peace with that. The only time I saw people was during breakfast, lunch and dinner when people were fighting for their share of food. The quality of treatment of convicts was poorer than I’d expected. I had to fight for basic needs such as food and clean water. Since we were here after committing a crime, nobody deems us worthy of receiving such basic commodities although the government provides it to us. Apart from the food breaks, we are allowed an hour in the morning and another in the evening to spend outside the confines of the cell, and most people engage in an activity or service in the prison to kill time. I was reluctant to partake in any of those activities, simply because I knew I didn’t bel
A nurse was called to tend to my wounds, but not a single soul asked me how I acquired it. I guess nobody spoke about such things in a prison, as they merely did not care for the safety of the prisoners. There was no place to complain about the issue either, so that left me with just one option: comply. I had to comply with the unsaid rules and norms of this place and give in to the power of other people when they demanded it. If I had to survive in this place for the rest of my life, I had to be submissive to its demands and my fellow inmates. But I could not do that. Even if I tried, how long could I possibly dance to someone else’s tunes? Surviving here was a challenge in itself, and listening to other people’s commands was another task altogether. “I need to make a phone call." “Are you sure you want to waste your phone call so soon? It’s been just a week since you’ve come here. Mind you, you’re only allowed one phone call per month.” The guard said. “I’m sure,” I said.
Enzo’s POVI felt exhaustion taking over my body as I stared at the screen before me. I saw seated in the backseat of my car and my driver was sitting in the front. I need to work on a document to share with a client but I couldn't focus. My thoughts were drifting to Cassie. I was wondering how she was doing and if she was okay. I would have to force myself to focus back on work, as worrying about her will hardly do us any good. If I wanted to help her, I would have to wrap up my pending work and give her case my undivided attention. Snapping out of my thoughts, I looked at the task at hand and started working on it. Within a few minutes, I finished writing the document and saved it. I was busy typing away when I heard my phone ring. I grabbed the phone with annoyance. When I read the caller ID, it only revealed an unknown number. Clicking my tongue in dismal, I cut the call and went back to writing my email. After about five minutes, I finished all my work. I closed my laptop and
Calvin’s POV I had a throbbing headache when I came back from the office. This week had been pretty hectic. I barely had any time to take a break. The only good thing was that Cassie was finally out of the way. I could peacefully focus on better things now.Becky had gone shopping earlier in the day and didn’t return yet. I took that chance to go to my room and rest for a while. I quickly showered and got ready for a nap. As I made my way to the bed, I noticed that the trash box in my room was filled. Beside it lay another paper bag which was also filled with things. Curious, I walked toward it and looked inside. It was a photo frame. And it looked familiar. When I pulled it out, I realized that it was my wedding photo. I was shocked to see it in the trash. Becky must have thrown it there, now that Cassie and I were divorced. It felt strange to look at our picture now. My heart felt heavy. Cassie looked so happy back then, as it was her dream to marry me. But it wasn’t mine. I did n
“All’s looking great, Cassandra.” The doctor said as she stepped away from my belly, that has now grown into the size of a giant watermelon. Or bigger, actually. “Nothing to worry about. Everything’s going fine and we’ll be able to get your daughter into this world in two weeks, on your expected date of delivery.” I grinned, looking at Enzo with excitement. But he seemed tense. “I can’t wait.” “Yeah.” He said, “Anything we should know about? Any extra care in these last few days?” “Nothing apart from the usual. Look for fetal movements, eat and rest well. You know the drill.” She said, “Don’t worry, Mr Deluca. You’re doing everything right.” “Thank you, doc.” A few minutes later, we were in Enzo's car making our way home. He was driving me, and while I tried to make conversation with him, he limited his responses to monosyllables. His eyes were focused on the road, but his mind was elsewhere. “Enzo?” I said, “Are you okay?” “Yes,” He frowned, stealing a quick glance at me, “Wh
The next few days passed like a breeze. Enzo and I explored Positano, travelled to the Amalfi town, and came back to Naples to spend the evening there. And then, it was finally time to head back to Sicily. We would be joining Grandma and Grandpa for breakfast before we flew back home to the states. “Did you guys have fun?” Grandma asked as she sipped on her orange. “Oh, yes. It was a great trip. All the credit goes to Cassie here.” Enzo said, “She even planned a surprise gender reveal for me.” “Really?” Her face beamed. “Yes, Grandma, it’s going to be a girl.” “Another one?” Grandpa said, pleasantly surprised. “Damn.” “Don’t be like that, Albert!” Grandma said, slapping his hand. “No, I’m delighted. I can’t wait to spoil her.” He grinned, “It’s Enzo I’m worried about. It’s not easy having pretty daughters.”We broke into a laugh, and that was when someone approached the table. As I looked up, I realized that it was Axon. “Hello, everyone.” He said, “May I join you?” “Of cour
We scrambled inside the bedroom like two love-sick teenagers. “Careful there.” Enzo said as I fell back on the bed, dragging him by the shirt with me. “I’ll be fine.” I said, pulling him in for a kiss. Enzo planted his hands on either side of my head, delving deeper into my mouth with his. His kisses were hungry, yet gentle. There was always a softness with his touch. He never did anything to claim me, to make me feel like I belonged to someone else. Everything he did, he did it with care and respect. And that’s what I loved the most about him. He nibbled at my lower lip, giving it a gentle suck, as though he was playing the bigger game of seducing me. But I didn’t need to be seduced. I was already insanely turned on. I was yearning for him, his love and all I needed was for him to take me. Show me how much he loved me. “Enzo, please.” I said, “Can you get rid of your clothes already?” He sighed, pulling away from me completely. He started unbuttoning his shirt, suppressing a s
For dinner, I made a reservation at La Sponda, a Michelin star restaurant. The place was candle-lit with the view of the sea - an entire package of a romantic dinner. Enzo was pleased with my choice as he sat at our table, looking dapper in his crisp white shirt paired with tailored trousers. He looked nothing short of ravishing tonight. As for me, I settled for a simple summer dress in pink, hoping Enzo picked up on the clue. Once we were done placing the order, the waiter asked, “Shall I get a bottle of wine, ma’am?”“Yes, please. A bottle of-” “No, actually. We’re good.” Enzo said, handing him the menu. “Why? Don’t you want some?” “I’ll give you company on your virgin Pina Colada.” He said, “By the way, there’s news from the UK.” I raised my brows, “Okay?” “Raymond got the contract.” I breathed a sigh of relief, “Thank God.” I said, “All that hustle… well, it worked in our favour afterall.” “Yes, and he asked me to thank you specifically.” The waiter came back with our fo
Enzo and I checked into our hotel at Positano, a small town on the Amalfi coast, officially kick-starting our babymoon. Since I was the one to suggest the idea, I took it upon myself to make all the hotel bookings and itinerary. So when Enzo casually walked into the room only to stop dead in his tracks, I knew that I’d managed to impress him. “Wow.” He said, glancing at me with surprise filled in his eyes, “This looks amazing. I wonder what the view is like.” As we went into the balcony, we were met with a breathtaking view of the coast, with the sea on one side and the bustling town on the other. It was just like what they promised in the hotel pictures. “How did you manage to get us a room here? That too, on such short notice.” I shrugged. “Do you like it?” “I love it.” He said, pecking me on the lips. “I can’t wait to get out there and have some fun on the beach.” “About that.” I said, grinning. “I’ve booked us a private boat ride at sunset. And we have about three hours to
There was no news about Alfred and his family the next day. All we knew was that his son bailed him out this morning, and they haven't stepped foot in the mansion since the ceremony. Inorder to make things better, I’d told Grandpa to be fair and give them what they wanted, to which he begrudgingly agreed. “I’ll take care of it.” He said, “Just enjoy your vacation.” “I sure will.” I said, “But you take care of yourself. We’ll be back in four days.” He nodded, before something caught his attention. Following his gaze behind my shoulder, I found Enzo talking to my grandmother. She was examining his wound, gently tapping it to see if it was still tender. As I glanced back at my grandfather, a warm smile claimed his face, “When we came to you, we were praying to God to let us have a granddaughter in our lives. I think God was sorry for us, and gave us a grandson too.” His words tugged at my heart. This was the same man who questioned if Enzo was the right person for me just mere wee
“Enzo got three stitches on his forehead and a mild concussion.” Leo announced to us in the waiting room. “Oh, thank god.” Grandma said, wrapping her hands around my body. I let out a sigh of relief finally, my head hanging low. “Yeah, and the doctors said he needs to rest for the next twenty four hours. So minimal visitors.” “Yeah, yeah. Of course.” Grandma said. “When is he going to be discharged?” “They just want to keep him under observation for a few more hours before they let him go. It’s just for safety.” He said and his eyes then found me. “You can meet him in a few minutes. The nurse is just finishing up.” I nodded, “Yeah.” Right then, Grandpa came in, searching for my eyes. The police held him up at the mansion after hell broke loose, so he had to stay back and take care of that business. Before I left, he swore to me that Alfred would be behind the bars, but I told him to just get here as soon as possible. “How is he?” He said as he approached me. “He’s okay.” “Tha
“Wow.” I said, chugging a glass of water. “That was something.” “Just another day in my life,” Enzo said, as a matter of fact. He left out a tired sigh, closing his eyes for a few seconds. “You okay?” I said, grabbing his shoulder gently. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He said, “Just a light headache. I’ll be fine.” “Do you think Ratliff is going to listen?” “Sure, he has no choice.” Enzo said, “Moreover, that is our best bet right now. We can’t really-” Enzo cut himself off as we heard a strangled cry from a distance. “Get away from him!” It was Grandma. I stared at Enzo in worry, “What the hell?”Both of us whipped our heads toward the hall, where Grandma was standing in a corner, watching commotion break loose. It was Alfred that held Grandpa’s collar, a murderous glare claiming his face. They seemed to be having an argument, and people gathered around to see the show. Enzo and I headed over immediately. “Alfred, get away from him right now.” Enzo intervened, pushing Alfred off of Gran
Cassie’s POVOnce the rings were exchanged, my grandparents took us around to meet everyone.I tried to remember the names of the first few people I’d met, thinking they were important, but once I realized just how many names I had memorized tonight, I’d given up on the task. I just made some mandatory small talk and exchanged some pleasant smiles with them.I don’t know how long it went on for, until my grandparents had to tend to some other business and that gave us a chance to finally meet our friends.“Thank God you’re here.” Kelly said, sighing, “I thought I wouldn’t catch you tonight.”