As we descend the stairs, I hear Jasmine questioning Elena on what the celebration was about. I could tell that she was desperate for an explanation and I tap her shoulder with a smile.“Claire, is everything okay? Elena invited me for a celebration and -“ I mediate my show her my left hand and watch as she is gobsmacked and flabbergasted. I smile as I twinkle one specific finger.“Tell me that the same diamond I witnessed five years ago. The same halo and white gold accents that I adored so much?” She grabs my hand gently and I watch as her shock turned to happiness. She pulled me into a big hug.“You’re getting remarried? Oh Claire!” “No, actually. I had a clause added to the addendums of our divorce, if Claire ever chose to return to me - the decree of our divorce would be void and we’d continue our marriage.” Leo answers from behind me with a slight smile.“You succeed at taking her away from me - again!” We all laugh at her remark.“I’m willing to share custody of my wife. On he
I have my eyes deceived me? Claire is wearing her wedding rings and Leonardo informs me of their marriage continuance. He loved her and he let her go and she came back. A true definition of love in my eyes. We continue to the dinner table and I notice his Claire excused herself after having just sat down. I found it a little odd but chose to ignore it - until I saw Elena excused herself after herself as well.“Am I missing something?” I ask Leo as we wait for both ladies to return.“Like what?” He seemed genuinely confused by my question.“Well Claire went to the bathroom and then Elena forgot the wine? Seems like a ruse, no?” Were they planning or hiding something?“Oh, I’m sure Elena is just wanting to make things perfect for Claire. She’s extremely happy to have her home.” He was blinded by love.Shortly after, Elena comes back with wine and glasses. She places and pours three glasses.“Claire’s not going to have a glass? She loves wine.” I pout as I express this to Elena.“Ms. Cl
I didn’t think much of Jasmine’s curiosity but she did make some valid points. I decide it’s best if I go check on my wife - just to be on the safe side.I head down the hallway and hear nothing but silence. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary as I reach the door but I knock anyways. I see the door open carefully and Claire looks in shock as she sees me.“Is everything alright? You’ve been in here for a while now and Jasmine was starting to get anxious.” I can tell that she’s blocking the door.“Yeah. I just have some sour stomach from our new health shakes. Nothing serious.” She recited the same excuse as Elena had told Jasmine and I.“Interesting. Elena just said the same thing.” I could tell when Claire was lying. She would always look into my eyes and redirect her gaze to my chest as she did.“I’m okay, really.” “Well I’d rather see for myself. How about I stay with you until you feel well enough to join everyone?” “Don’t be silly! It’s rude if we’re both absent.” She was stalli
I felt a wave of guilt as Leo pulled the pregnancy test out of the wrapper and read the results. I thought to lie and say it was Elena’s but there was no sense in dragging her down with me. I’d have to face the reaction he had towards my actions. I lower my head in shame as I wait to be scolded for being so careless. This wasn’t the right time for us to have a baby. With one attacker at large and the mastermind behind it all still living freely - I was putting myself and another child in danger.I’m surprised when I see Leo smiling and hear his response as I apologize. Leo was excited for a child - our child. He suggests keeping our pregnancy private until we find out who’s been after me and I agree without a second thought. “Can we tell Jasmine?” I didn’t like hiding things from her.“Yes. And I have some news I want to share tonight afterwards. Are you ready to get back to dinner?” I nod and Leo opens the door and wraps his arm around my waist in excitement as we return.“Is every
Even from this confined space, I could tell that it was morning. The tiny sliver of the window was able to let in just enough light to give confirmation. I wish I could say that I’ve slept but the anticipation of my release had a restless effect on me. I was appointed a court proceeding at two o’clock to be acquitted of the crimes committed against me. I would be a free man. I’d be able to hug Starla and be there for the birth of our child and I’d be there to support my sister and show her that I’m able to be the brother she’s always believed in - the brother she deserves.I heard the prison guards make their rounds and administer breakfast and I’m met with a guard who’s beckoned me to the door. I walk over to listen to them as I grab my tray.“The warden says that you’ll be out right after your motion is filed. Make sure to collect any and all of your belongings prior to court.”“Yes sir.”“Another thing, I will be allowing you one call to a loved one prior to entering the courtroom.
I get up quickly and hurry to get dress myself. Leo was in his office which happens to be the next room over. I grab my bag and as I run towards the door, I meant with Leo. The confusion on his face is evident.“Is something wrong Claire?” I feel guilty as I see his facial expression change to worry.“Matthew is at the courthouse downtown. He’s being released today and asked that I pick him up. I have to go get him some clothes!” I felt panicked but in a good way. Matthew would be free soon and after all the work he’s done to become a better person - I didn’t want to let him down.“Okay. I’m not busy so I’ll go with you. They have a few shops downtown that we can stop at.” I nod in agreement and we descend the stairs quickly. “Oh wait! I madeSome pecan sandies earlier this morning! I need to bring them with me.” I hurry to the kitchen and am met with Elena before I enter who holds the sandies out to me. “You don’t want to be late, Ms. Claire and tresses no good for the baby.” I smi
I felt disgust as I watched the clerk blatantly disrespect my wife. I was even more disgusted by her doing so while my child was present. Some may call it dramatic but I didn’t want my child to ever see the negative that surrounded his parent’s lives. I never wanted them to see their mother cry over my behavior again, see her be disrespected, ever see me giving attention to another woman instead, and most importantly, feel as though we don’t love them. I want to protect Claire and our child to the best of my abilities.I’m drawn aback when Claire asks about my family. I hadn’t spoken to them since Claire was in the hospital. Mother insisted that I leave Claire as she had become ‘useless’ and Emilia had tried to excuse her hurtful requests as her simply being our mother and wanted to keep our family in a respectable manner.I try to explain to Claire what had occurred and I watch as her face begins to pale. She was terrified.“I chose you, Claire. I should’ve done it a long time ago bu
Looks like I really got myself in a pickle this time. That bitch, Charlotte will pay for this. Running her over was a mistake. I should’ve killed her when I had the chance.I’m shackled heavily as I’m pulled from my jail cell and told that I will be taken to my arraignment. With the positive sketch and identification of my victims - I wouldn’t have a way out of this one and I knew that they wouldn’t risk setting me free.I wait to hear the judges‘ motion and am defeated when I hear that bail would be off the table. Looks like I’d have to find another way to get to Charlotte. As the judge bangs him gavel, I’m redirected to leave the courtroom by two officers. I look over at the stands before the door and am shocked by what I see. That frail woman who I had pushed down the stairs - resulting in the death of her child was sitting there and behind her - I see Leonardo. The man who started it all. That’s not all I notice. I see the ring on his finger as he silently comforts her. The child
Looks like I really got myself in a pickle this time. That bitch, Charlotte will pay for this. Running her over was a mistake. I should’ve killed her when I had the chance.I’m shackled heavily as I’m pulled from my jail cell and told that I will be taken to my arraignment. With the positive sketch and identification of my victims - I wouldn’t have a way out of this one and I knew that they wouldn’t risk setting me free.I wait to hear the judges‘ motion and am defeated when I hear that bail would be off the table. Looks like I’d have to find another way to get to Charlotte. As the judge bangs him gavel, I’m redirected to leave the courtroom by two officers. I look over at the stands before the door and am shocked by what I see. That frail woman who I had pushed down the stairs - resulting in the death of her child was sitting there and behind her - I see Leonardo. The man who started it all. That’s not all I notice. I see the ring on his finger as he silently comforts her. The child
I felt disgust as I watched the clerk blatantly disrespect my wife. I was even more disgusted by her doing so while my child was present. Some may call it dramatic but I didn’t want my child to ever see the negative that surrounded his parent’s lives. I never wanted them to see their mother cry over my behavior again, see her be disrespected, ever see me giving attention to another woman instead, and most importantly, feel as though we don’t love them. I want to protect Claire and our child to the best of my abilities.I’m drawn aback when Claire asks about my family. I hadn’t spoken to them since Claire was in the hospital. Mother insisted that I leave Claire as she had become ‘useless’ and Emilia had tried to excuse her hurtful requests as her simply being our mother and wanted to keep our family in a respectable manner.I try to explain to Claire what had occurred and I watch as her face begins to pale. She was terrified.“I chose you, Claire. I should’ve done it a long time ago bu
I get up quickly and hurry to get dress myself. Leo was in his office which happens to be the next room over. I grab my bag and as I run towards the door, I meant with Leo. The confusion on his face is evident.“Is something wrong Claire?” I feel guilty as I see his facial expression change to worry.“Matthew is at the courthouse downtown. He’s being released today and asked that I pick him up. I have to go get him some clothes!” I felt panicked but in a good way. Matthew would be free soon and after all the work he’s done to become a better person - I didn’t want to let him down.“Okay. I’m not busy so I’ll go with you. They have a few shops downtown that we can stop at.” I nod in agreement and we descend the stairs quickly. “Oh wait! I madeSome pecan sandies earlier this morning! I need to bring them with me.” I hurry to the kitchen and am met with Elena before I enter who holds the sandies out to me. “You don’t want to be late, Ms. Claire and tresses no good for the baby.” I smi
Even from this confined space, I could tell that it was morning. The tiny sliver of the window was able to let in just enough light to give confirmation. I wish I could say that I’ve slept but the anticipation of my release had a restless effect on me. I was appointed a court proceeding at two o’clock to be acquitted of the crimes committed against me. I would be a free man. I’d be able to hug Starla and be there for the birth of our child and I’d be there to support my sister and show her that I’m able to be the brother she’s always believed in - the brother she deserves.I heard the prison guards make their rounds and administer breakfast and I’m met with a guard who’s beckoned me to the door. I walk over to listen to them as I grab my tray.“The warden says that you’ll be out right after your motion is filed. Make sure to collect any and all of your belongings prior to court.”“Yes sir.”“Another thing, I will be allowing you one call to a loved one prior to entering the courtroom.
I felt a wave of guilt as Leo pulled the pregnancy test out of the wrapper and read the results. I thought to lie and say it was Elena’s but there was no sense in dragging her down with me. I’d have to face the reaction he had towards my actions. I lower my head in shame as I wait to be scolded for being so careless. This wasn’t the right time for us to have a baby. With one attacker at large and the mastermind behind it all still living freely - I was putting myself and another child in danger.I’m surprised when I see Leo smiling and hear his response as I apologize. Leo was excited for a child - our child. He suggests keeping our pregnancy private until we find out who’s been after me and I agree without a second thought. “Can we tell Jasmine?” I didn’t like hiding things from her.“Yes. And I have some news I want to share tonight afterwards. Are you ready to get back to dinner?” I nod and Leo opens the door and wraps his arm around my waist in excitement as we return.“Is every
I didn’t think much of Jasmine’s curiosity but she did make some valid points. I decide it’s best if I go check on my wife - just to be on the safe side.I head down the hallway and hear nothing but silence. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary as I reach the door but I knock anyways. I see the door open carefully and Claire looks in shock as she sees me.“Is everything alright? You’ve been in here for a while now and Jasmine was starting to get anxious.” I can tell that she’s blocking the door.“Yeah. I just have some sour stomach from our new health shakes. Nothing serious.” She recited the same excuse as Elena had told Jasmine and I.“Interesting. Elena just said the same thing.” I could tell when Claire was lying. She would always look into my eyes and redirect her gaze to my chest as she did.“I’m okay, really.” “Well I’d rather see for myself. How about I stay with you until you feel well enough to join everyone?” “Don’t be silly! It’s rude if we’re both absent.” She was stalli
I have my eyes deceived me? Claire is wearing her wedding rings and Leonardo informs me of their marriage continuance. He loved her and he let her go and she came back. A true definition of love in my eyes. We continue to the dinner table and I notice his Claire excused herself after having just sat down. I found it a little odd but chose to ignore it - until I saw Elena excused herself after herself as well.“Am I missing something?” I ask Leo as we wait for both ladies to return.“Like what?” He seemed genuinely confused by my question.“Well Claire went to the bathroom and then Elena forgot the wine? Seems like a ruse, no?” Were they planning or hiding something?“Oh, I’m sure Elena is just wanting to make things perfect for Claire. She’s extremely happy to have her home.” He was blinded by love.Shortly after, Elena comes back with wine and glasses. She places and pours three glasses.“Claire’s not going to have a glass? She loves wine.” I pout as I express this to Elena.“Ms. Cl
As we descend the stairs, I hear Jasmine questioning Elena on what the celebration was about. I could tell that she was desperate for an explanation and I tap her shoulder with a smile.“Claire, is everything okay? Elena invited me for a celebration and -“ I mediate my show her my left hand and watch as she is gobsmacked and flabbergasted. I smile as I twinkle one specific finger.“Tell me that the same diamond I witnessed five years ago. The same halo and white gold accents that I adored so much?” She grabs my hand gently and I watch as her shock turned to happiness. She pulled me into a big hug.“You’re getting remarried? Oh Claire!” “No, actually. I had a clause added to the addendums of our divorce, if Claire ever chose to return to me - the decree of our divorce would be void and we’d continue our marriage.” Leo answers from behind me with a slight smile.“You succeed at taking her away from me - again!” We all laugh at her remark.“I’m willing to share custody of my wife. On he
I awake to the sound of Francisco’s phone ringing and become quickly agitated. It wasn’t hard to tell that I was napping. Pregnancy was as exhausting and it was unappealing. I roll over and toss the phone at Francisco who is doing push-ups on the deck. “Did it wake you?” He asks as he comes to a stand after catching the phone.“What do you think.” I close the French door and can still see his shadow moving from side to side. Great - more pacing. I roll back over and begin to drift back into sleep when Francisco bursts in and asks that I listen to him immediately. I roll my eyes and rise to a sit.“What now?” I was becoming tired of his constant talking.“They have Mark.” “Who the hell is Mark?” I had no interest in names. When you have money, you can call people whatever you want.“Ay dois! The man you paid to kill your ex-lover’s child. I got word that he was arrested for what he’s done to Claire and they are building a strong case.” I freeze as I hear the news. Surely, they would