LOGINShare
1- leaving
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Katrina's pov
I gather all our belongings in a rush. I try to calm myself and focus on keeping a brave face for my daughter. my soon to be ex-husband comes in screaming at me. I try to ignore him and shove more clothes into bags until the burning sensation spreads across my cheek. "I'm talking to you you selfish little bitch. you think you can just leave and take our daughter?" he screams in my face. " You can't make it one day without me!" I try to move past him and continue packing, but he shoves me into the dresser. "You think you can just pack up and leave? You're broke and have no place to go porca puttana!" he continues to insult me, but all I can hear is my little girl screaming from her crib. "You can't keep us here anymore. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself and Jane." I scream at him as I push past him and pick up my daughter to soothe her. I put her in her carseat and grabbed my phone and keys. "I am leaving here, taking my daughter, and there is nothing you can do to stop me!" As soon as the words left my mouth, he throws me across the room. rage consumes me, and I lunge at him, punching and jabbing at whatever body part I can hit. "I've taken enough of your bull shit! you can't and won't hurt me anymore! I'll be damned if you ever lay a finger on Jane!" I scream at him while continuing to punch and shove, matching every blow he gives. "You deserve everything you got bitch. you're a worthless whore and you'll never survive without me. I'll sue you for custody!" he screams as he throws me against the wall in the hallway. I grab the vase on the table in the hall and break it over his head as he charges for me. I watch as he falls to floor rage consuming me. I'm soon snapped back to reality when I hear Jane screaming in her crib. at least I was smart enough to put her somewhere safe. I start grabbing bags and my baby. I hurry to the car and get her and everything that will fit into my suv. as I pull out the drive, I see him in my review screaming and cursing after me as I speed away. I want to throw the car in reverse and flatten him but continue to drive away. I'm free (mostly) 3 long years of abuse and a beautiful daughter later, and I'm free. I should have left sooner, but I was trapped. I will never be trapped again. no amount of money or fake love was ever worth that hell hole he called a house. 4 years ago, I was forced to marry Dylan Costa. it was a "treaty" marriage my father called it. my father arranged the marriage to smooth over the mishap murder of Dylan's cousin Derek, who was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. my father didn't hesitate to marry off his only daughter. I begged and pleaded to my father, but the big bad monster didn't even bat an eye. at first, everything was amazing. The first few months, Dylan and I were the greatest 6th generation power couple. I was the perfect wife, quiet and obedient, beautiful and smart. then, one night, Dylan went off on a business trip. When he came home 3 days later, his 6'11 muscular frame and dirty blonde hair covered in blood and dirt, I was worried and concerned. I asked too many questions. those beautiful green eyes went black, and shortly, so did my vision. it was the first time he every laid hands on me. the first of many times he beat me senseless. from that night on, I was banned from ever speaking to anyone outside of the Costa family. I was forbade to ever speak to my family and friends ever again. I knew what my husband's job was. I knew what it meant to be a Costa's wife, I was the daughter of Karlos Ramano. the ramanos and the Costas were two of the largest and most powerful mafias in all of New England. but it didn't prepare me for the next 3 years of the roller coaster mess of a marriage i was now trapped in. some days were better than most. the beatings only happened every few weeks or so. but when Dylan was on a trip, I knew what happened when he came home. some trips i could seduce my way out of a beating other trips, I wasn't so lucky. what I thought would be my saving grace was when I found out I was pregnant with Jane. she was the first daughter born to Costa's family in 3 generations. she was adored and spoiled by the entire family except for her own father. Dylan couldn't pumble a newborn, but he had no issue with torturing his own wife. Jane and I stole the show from his many triumphs in the business one of us had to pay for stealing his glory.Related chapters
The Broken Diamond 2- homecoming
I drove as far as I could, trying to forget everything that just happened. I didn't know where I was going or what I was doing. Dylan's voice still ringing in my head. I needed to find my family. I needed to get Jane to a safe place. i hadn't spoken to my brothers in years, and my parents were gone. my mother passed after a mysterious accident that is still under investigation, and my father met his demise shortly after the downfall of my marriage. I had to turn my phone off because Dylan was blowing up my phone with calls and text of threats and pleads. I wasn't falling for that again, not this time. Jane is 3 months old, and she's already seen too much for even an adult to witness. I wasn't turning back. No amount of money or luxury was going to make me return. he may be a big bad wolf, but I'm even bigger and badder lioness. I had the feeling to check my phone, so I pulled over for gas and turned my phone on. After what seemed like a million notifications later and filling up
The Broken Diamond 3-after the shock
I woke up in a panic, my heart racing with fear. Where was Jane? where am I? I took a deep breath to calm myself. the smell of lavender and cherry blossoms brought me back to a state of calm. I looked around and recognized the dark purple walls and gold trim everywhere. I was in my old room, in my golden Cali King princess bed, as I used to call it. the door was cracked just enough for me to hear my brother cooing and awing somewhere close by. they must have Jane. I tried to sit up, but it hurt so much to move. an unfamiliar face popped in from the bathroom door carrying a basket of medical supplies. "Oh good, you're awake! don't move dear, you're far too weak. Let me help you, " the middle-aged woman said, hurrying over to me. I guess she was a nurse of some sort. she helped me sit up and stuffed pillows behind me. "I'll go get Mr. Kev and Dr. Brown." the woman said, walking away without giving me a chance to speak. I hate when people do that. Kev and an older gentleman in a whi
The Broken Diamond 4-decisions
I could feel his breath in my hair. I could smell his skin right under my nose. i could feel his muscular frame wrapped around me. I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or if this was real. I prayed this was real. I opened my eyes and looked around. I almost didn't believe it. I was in my old room, but nothing had changed. it was just the way I left it except for Jane tucked away in her crib in the corner next to my king-sized bed. I tried to roll over, but Alexander's grip got tighter. I guess he thought I was trying to leave. "I want to see you face not run away," I laughed. he loosened his grip and propped himself up on his elbow. "i was lost in the moment." he said sleepily. " The moment lasted all night, and your lazy bums are wasting daylight." Kade interrupted, standing at the foot of the bed. " Get out!" I threw a pillow and hit Kev completely missing Kade. all my brothers stood at the foot of the bed. once Alexander realized it, he jumped halfway across the room like a teena
The Broken Diamond 5- Lighting the match
we landed in Chicago and went to luggage claim. Jane slept in her baby wrap snugg as a bug on Alexander's chest the whole flight. I was falling in love with Alexander more and more. he was amazing with Jane and a natural at that. she didn't even cry when she woke up at the air port. " I'm surprised she behaved so well for her first flight," I told Alexander as I helped him take off the wrap. "Well, she had a comfy bed and a great sound machine," Alexander laughed as he patted his chest. I laughed and took Jane to get changed while the guys found our luggage. I returned back to the group and noticed Cousin juno kept checking his phone. I didn't think much of it until I saw the number that was calling him as he ran off from the group. " Well, I'll be damned." I said, walking over to my brothers. " What's wrong, Kar?" Kyle asked " I'm gonna ring a blue canaries neck," I said, pointing to the poll, juno was trying to hide behind taking his call. "What do you mean?" kev step
The Broken Diamond 6- the meeting
I woke up to the sound of knocking at the door. I looked at the clock- 1030 am. Hurriedly, I threw on a robe and opened the door. it was Nona holding a tray of breakfast. "I thought you two could use some nourishment." Nona said with a wink. "Your brother and a few cousins are off tending to some things. sweet Jane is playing with nonno in the sitting room. come join us when you're ready, " she said casually as she placed the tray on the dresser and walked out of the room. "Thank you, Nona!" I said as she shut the door as I carried the tray over to the bed, Alexander sat up, stretching his long muscular arms. he kissed me and helped me back in bed with the food. on the tray was a couple of plates with eggs, bacon, sausage, crepes, and fresh fruits. we each had a nice cappuccino and orange juice as well. "Nona outdid herself," Alexander mumbled with a mouth full of bacon. "This is amazing. reminds me of my childhood, " I said, scarfing down my crepes. after we finished our b
The Broken Diamond 7- don't show fear
After the family meeting, I was left with so much fear and frustration that I couldn't seem to shake a feeling. I decided to take a walk around the garden and get some fresh air with Jane. Alexander and kev joined us. the garden was full of beautiful flowers, ripe fruit trees, and gorgeous weeping willows. everything was beautiful under the full moon. in the center of the garden was gazebo covered in vines. it looked almost abandoned but was well kept. there was a sitting area and a child's swing set as well. I decided to stop and think. I placed Jane in the swinging basket and gently pushed her. kev and Alexander went over to the fruit trees and started picking some peaches and plums. lost in thought, I sat absently pushing Jane. a noise in then bushes near the gazebo caught my attention. I looked around to see what it was. I saw nothing but the shadows the moon light casted off the beautiful plants and trees. I searched for kev and Alexander but couldn't see them, not even thei
The Broken Diamond 8- the hunt is on
after hearing that Dylan was hunting us, i needed to get to Jane. My instincts kicked in, and i lost control. I was no longer an innocent child. I was officially a Romano woman. I left the garden without a word and let my brothers deal with the intruders. I walked into the house and said nothing. I just stood in the doorway of the sitting room watching my Nona and aunts awe over Jane. Alexander walked in behind me and scooped me up without a word. he carried me upstairs and into our bathroom. Alexander sat me on the side of the tub and started a shower. I stood up and looked at myself in the mirror. I was covered in blood, and my dress was ruined, but I didn't care. I was numb and infuriated. Dylan was relentless and heartless. little did he know so was I. I wasn't going to give up until he was dead and no longer a threat to my daughter or my family. Alexander walked up behind me and undressed me without saying a word. his touch was gentle and caring. the silence was heartbreakin
The Broken Diamond 9- pregame
after a great breakfast and plenty of laughs, it was time to get down to business. we needed to get everyone on the same page and get this plan into action. I was tired of sitting around and waiting to be attacked. Jane and I were ducks in an open field, and anyone outside could be the hunters waiting to get us. Alexander's family was more than helpful. they had ties to the Costa family, business partners, you could say. they even knew where Dylan was and how to get to him. "Well, since we know where he is, what's stopping us from getting him?" I asked a little irritated. "we had no idea Dylan was causing trouble like this until you called us," Mrs. Branson explained calmly "Then we need to get the ball rolling," kev said, ready to take charge. "Let's make a plan." "As soon as possible would be lovely," Alexander said, seeming annoyed I placed my hand on his thigh, trying to calm him, but something was off. he didn't acknowledge my gesture and just stared down his brothers
Latest chapter
The Broken Diamond 33- loving husband
the ride home was a blur. I was in shock. how could I not know for fourteen weeks that I was pregnant? i couldn't help but think back on everything I had done in the last fourteen weeks. the engagement parties, the wedding, the honeymoon, I didn't get drunk or anything, but I did have a glass of wine or two. Alexander drove us home, and he couldn't stop smiling. every now and then, he'd squeeze my hand. thankfully, he didn't say anything. my husband is amazing and understanding. i hope he knew I was excited too just right now, I was shocked. we got home, and Alexander went to the bedroom to make a phone call. I just sat in the living room and tried to process everything. after about twenty minutes, Alexander came down stairs and scooped me off the couch. "What are you doing?" I asked, giggling. "My mom has Jane for the night," he stated. "You and I are going to process your emotions about this baby together, and you're gonna start by taking a bath." Alexander sat me down in
The Broken Diamond 32- Shocked and excited
I sat in the waiting room, nervous and excited. it felt like hours, but I knew it had only been a few minutes. so many thoughts were running through my head right now. Alexander sat next to me, rubbing my knee and filling out some papers for me. I had filled out most of them, but he knew all the insurance stuff. "Mrs. Karina Branson" I heard a woman call my name we stood up together and walked to the nurse standing in the door to the back. I squeezed Alexander's hand as tightly as I could. "Follow me. we're gonna get some vitals and get an ultrasound before I take you to see the doctor." The woman smiled as she led us back. she was pretty blonde with hair pulled up into a cute, messy bun. her scrub top had hearts and pulse lines. her eyes were beautiful and kind, and I was jealous of her make-up skills and full lashes. the name tag on her badge read 'Eliza'. what a pretty name. "Alrighty then, let's get you to ultrasound." Eliza smiled and led us to dim room with a big screen
The Broken Diamond 31-honey moon
i tossed and turned last night. it was hard for me to sleep for some reason. i wasn't feeling well here lately. we'd been back for our honeymoon family trip for about a month and a half now. i slipped out of bed and headed for the shower. on my vanity laid a pair of leggings, one of Alexander's shirts, my undergarments, and a box with a note. *Take me, you're late* what was he talking about? I wasn't late... I checked the date on my phone. oh, snap. I checked my tracking app. I was a week late. I ripped the box open and hurriedly opened the package. I laid the test on the counter and waited. Alexander came into the bathroom and leaned against the wall. he looked at me and smiled. "Was I right?" he asked "I haven't looked." I sighed."I haven't even showered. "Well, shower, and then we'll look together." Alexander said as he turned on the shower for me. I was too nervous to take a shower, but I did anyway to hopefully calm my nerves. how in the world did this man know? what
The Broken Diamond 30- Vows
I gave the honors of walking me down the aisle to kal. my heart was racing, and my hands were sweaty. my big brother was there to steady me. I wasn't sure how I got to the altar, but all of a sudden, I was standing in front of Alexander. his eyes were filled with tears, and he was smiling at me like a kid in a candy store. you could tell by the look on his face he was fighting the urge to kiss me. all my nerves and anxiety melted away once kal placed my hand in Alexander's. we both had clay hands, but neither of us cared. we stood there staring at one another, smiling from ear to ear as the officiant began. "Who gives this woman to this man?" she asked. "I guess her brothers do," Kal laughed. " Everyone, you man be seated," the officiant cleared her throat. " we are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of two hearts. in this ceremony, we will witness the joining of Alexander and Karina." everyone was beaming with excitement, joy, and p
The Broken Diamond 29- Flower Power
flowers everywhere, roses, sunflowers, daisies, carnations, tulips, daffodils, orchids, lilies, dahlias, gladoili, iris, mums, and so much more all mixed shades of red and yellow spread all throughout the house and gardens. the property looked like a florist fairy had a party. gold and red tapestry was hung and flowing throughout as well. everything looked like a flower fairy tale. I was a bit nervous it was all too much, but Alexander insisted on going all out. up the bridal suit, the girls and myself were getting ready. everywhere was getting hair and makeup done by a team of artists. we were all laughing and just having a great time. I couldn't hide my nerves for anything. but it was the moment we were all waiting for. my hair was up in a traditional curly bridal updo with a gold tiara jeweled with rubies. my makeup was also red and gold. I stepped out from behind the curtain and revealed my dress. I stood in front of my bridal party as they stared in awe over my white straple
The Broken Diamond 28- finishing touches
the alarm blared in my ear. it was only seven thirty. we had to get up, though. today marked 4 days before the wedding. we had to get last-minute preparations done, pick up tuxes and dresses, and pack for our separation time. Alexander was going to his parents' house for three days and I was going to stay at my family home. we agreed to separate a few days before the wedding. our families wanted us to separate for a week, but we couldn't do that to Jane or ourselves. we'd all three go crazy. "Are you excited?" Alexander asked as he turned off our alarms. "I'm nervous," I whispered as I curled into his arms. "There's nothing to be nervous about, my love," he said, kissing my head. he rolled me on top of him, and I straddled his lap as he leaned against the pillows. I could feel his morning wood through our pajamas. Alexander moved his hips as I grinded against him. we began to kiss passionately when both our phones started ringing, and Jane started calling for us through the
The Broken Diamond 27- ringing in my head
"I can't let you turn into one of us," Alexander's words kept replaying in my head as I lay next to him. it was no secret what my family was or what Alexander's family was. I grew up knowing about my family's business transactions since I was old enough to press the panic button. I was trained to defend myself and my family since I was fifteen years old. I learned to keep log books and lists of everyone since I was sixteen. I grew up to be one of them. why was Alexander trying to protect me from the one thing I was raised to do? was he scared? did he forget that I took care of his operations while he was unable to? did he really think that I was incapable of being a Branson? I was angry with him, but I also admired him. he was making me feel weak, but he was also trying to protect me from further damage of becoming heartless. my brothers and Alexander are not heartless, but the elders in our families were. the women and older men were heartless when it came to enemies and peopl
The Broken Diamond 26- the end of it all
after Janes amazing party, we thanked everyone for coming and all the great gifts. we paid the vendors and cleaned up the backyard. mean while in the house, my brothers cleaned up the mess Nicky made struggling against them. they grabbed her and took her back to the Romano house as planned. after everything was cleaned up and Jane was sound asleep I'd take care of that bitch. I was ready to get rid of that bitch. she endangered my child and my husband out of pure jealousy and psychoness. I may seem like a crazy jealous wife but she messed with the wrong one. after everything was cleaned up, we headed over to the Ramano house. my brothers had left her in the secret safe room. it was just the old wine cellar that we converted into a safe room when we were kids. it was soundproof, had various locks on both the inside and outside, and we made it into a tiny apartment. more like a hideout than a safe room. it was necessary growing up for us. not just from danger from the outside world
The Broken Diamond 25- party time
soon, it was time for the biggest celebration of Jane's little life. HER FIRST BIRTHDAY!! Alexander and I planned a huge party and went all out for our little girl. we invited everyone who was a part of our journey. we even invited Alexander's doctors and therapists since Jane was always at every appointment as well as myself. the entire backyard was decorated in unicorns and rainbows. pastel pinks, purples, greens, and blues were sprinkled everywhere. the tables on the deck were covered in food from end to end. we had everything a kid could ask for. there were peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, French fries, corn dogs, hot dogs, chips, fruit and veggies platters, cookies, cup cakes, chocolate and so much more. we even had an adult table with steaks, burgers, and pizzas. we had popcorn stations, cotton candy stations, BBQ pit masters, and, of course, an ice cream truck. Jane's party was more like a festival, and Alexander did most of the planning. we even ha
