Over the next two days I was almost prepared to go to trial. Miranda and I had already discussed her court meeting that would happen in a few weeks. Having no other meetings gave me lots of time to work on Brinda's case. Mr. Dubois signed the divorce papers without a hitch thankfully.
I was sitting on my living room floor, my computer sitting on the marble coffee table with papers scattered all over it. I was wearing a black silk satin night dress with lace and my hair was tied into a lazy bun.
These cases were really important to me, so I spent every moment of free time I could working on them. I made sure to finish most of my paperwork for other cases so I could have quick meetings with them.
I held the cap of the pen in my mouth as I signed a paper, requesting evidence from the prosecutor. They were going to use everything little thing they could to win this, so I had to gather as much information on their marriage and then them separately.
There was music playing in my ear from the headphones, but I could still hear the slam of the front door. I jumped, almost messing up my signature. Oliver walked into the kitchen mumbling something under his breath. I frowned my eyebrows and watched as he grabbed himself a beer.
Oliver walked over to me in the living room and set his briefcase on the couch, loosening his tie with his free hand. "We're on the same level of success, right?" He questioned causing me to slightly raise my eyebrows.
"I mean I assume so. You have your company and I'm one of the very few best lawyers." I shrugged and went and went back to researching about the jury. Sadly, he was a he who went by the name of Judge Charles and who also dismissed a lot of his rape cases.
"You assume?" He took a seat beside me on the floor. I sighed and pulled my headphones out.
"What happened?" I clammed-shut my computer and turned to face him to show I was all ears.
"So, at work I was having lunch with a few work friends when everyone's phones started blowing up. That's when the topic of your status, business wise, was starting to overcome mine. And I don't know I guess I felt some type of way about."
"So, you were butt-hurt because some guys said I was better than you?"
He drank some of his beer. "When you put it like that you make it sound bad."
I scoffed. "No shit. It sounds like me being more successful than you is a problem. Would you rather them degrade me and say that I don't work hard?"
He stood up and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm not saying that, Athena. Why are you trying to turn this into an argument?"
"How am I trying to start an argument? Are you not proud of my success?" My face expression changed into a bit of a saddened one and I move onto the sofa.
"Of course, I'm proud of you! But I just don't think your success overpowers mine." He shrugged.
"Would it be such a bad thing if it did?"
He scoffed once more and rolled his eyes. "If men are looking at me as weak then yes. I'm a man and you're a-" He cut himself off.
"No please finish your sentence. I'm a what?"
He sighed deeply and went to the kitchen to put his bear away. "I was just saying that they should be talking about me more."
"You sound like a sexist." I said and followed him to the kitchen. "Why is it so wrong for people to be hyping up my success more than yours? If it were you then I'd be proud people at my workplace thought so highly of you." I folded my arms across my chest and looked at him confused but also hurt.
He took a deep breath before saying, "I'm going to go so you can calm down." He grabbed his car keys and coat, heading for the door.
I followed him saying, "Stop walking away from me whenever you disagree with me!" I raised my voice. Just as he was about to reach for the doorknob I said, "You'd stay if you love me."
Oliver stood still for a moment before turning his head slightly to me. "I'll be back soon." And with that he shut the door behind him. He left. He fucking left. The few tears that fell from my eyes I wiped them away and walked over to where my phone was.
"Serene." I said once she answered on the fourth ring. "Can you come over?" I guess she heard the tremble in my voice because she said she'd be here in twenty. Just like I had a spare key to her house she had on to mine. I put Brinda's case papers back into the files and went to put them up before coming back to sit on the couch.
Serene walked inside and to the living room with bags full of snacks and drinks. I gave her a sad smile and she dumped it all onto the table. "Maybe when you decide to go the gym and lose a few pounds..." His words echoed in my head when I reached for a candy bar.
"I probably shouldn't be eating sweets right now." I sniffled and moved back on the seat. "I'm gaining weight."
She furrowed her eyebrows before throwing the candy bar in my lap. "You're not gaining any weight and whoever the hell told you that is just putting you down because their insecure." I smiled at her words and went to open the candy.
Serene was a God sent gift. I was so blessed to be able to call her my best friend. We'd been inseparable since the eighth grade. Her mom and dad were a like a second set of parents for me. She always stuck by me even if we did argue and disagree sometimes, we always bounced back. She knew everything about me, meaning she knew about my one-night stand. She was a model, tall, skinny and light brown hair with green eyes.
She wore a mini black skirt, lace bra that covered a lot, and thigh high black heels with an oversized denim jacket. "He makes me want to shove a knife up his ass. Ugh!" She said after I told her what happened.
"I know I know but he's my husband and even after that argument I still love him. I can't just give up on six years of a marriage you know?"
She laughed sarcastically. "You gave up on this marriage when you had sex on that vacation."
I sent her a glare and she put her hands up in the air defensively. "That was a drunken mistake." I said, directing my attention back to the bag of chips I had. "I haven't seen Alessandro in over six months."
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean you haven't thought about him. You guys literally got the same matching tattoo on your hands, and you got him a ring, for whatever reason. After a night like you described I'm sure he still wears it. Hell, he's probably thinking about you right now."
I smiled at that thought. It would be nice to see if that night still lingered around in his mind like it did mine. If he memorized every inch of my body like I did his. That thought quickly left me when Oliver came to mind. "I'm married. That was a terrible mistake I plan on never making again."
"Your, in my eyes, in a loveless marriage. No matter how much you might say or tell yourself you love Oliver means it's actually true. Just because you guys have been together for six years. It's possible to fall out of love with someone and still care for them." The tears started falling again and she came over and pulled me into her chest. "It's okay Athena. Everything will be okay."
We changed the subject, talking about her love life instead of mine. "I told her I wasn't the relationship type! It's not my fault I eat pussy so skillfully and she got attached." She shrugged acting as if she did not give a single care in the world. She'd been like this ever since her parents divorced when she was twelve. She stopped believing in love and just dated for company.
"One day you're going to get attached and they will break your heart. Karma can be a real bitch."
"Yeah right." Her phone lit up with a message and she picked it up, a huge grin coming over her lips. "I've got to go. Are you alright? I can stay if you need me to."
"No, no it's fine. I'm tired anyway."
She stood up and grabbed her denim purse. "Okay that's good. I'll see you later I'm about to wreck someone's vagina. Love you!" She yelled as she went to the door.
I laughed at her boldness. "Love you too!" I yelled back. She really is something else, I thought to myself. I cleaned the living room of our snacks, putting them all in the pantry, and went upstairs to shower. I had hoped he'd be back once I got out so when he wasn't here, I called his phone. It went straight to voicemail the first three times I called him, so I gave up and changed into one of my oversized shirts.
I grabbed my brown fur blanket and walked back downstairs to the couch. I tried to worry for his safety but as One Last Heist played on the TV all I could seem to think about was Alessandro.
I laughed as the pretty guy that was putting ink on my skin made a silly face. "You know this is my first tattoo? I don't even feel anything." I giggled.
Alessandro put an arm under his head. "Because your drunk pretty girl." He said with a handsome smile.
"I am so not drunk- wait did you call me pretty?" He nodded and I looked over to the artist. "Did you hear that? He just called me pretty." I thought I was whispering but him chuckling told me I wasn't.
The tattoo artist whose name was John I think nodded. "You are a very pretty girl."
"My very pretty girl." He said while staring heatedly at John.
A huge grin made its way on my face, and I blushed. "Stop you guys are making blush." They both laughed at my drunken state. "Well, Alessandro, you are a very handsome man."
"That made my heart flutter." After a few more minutes John and his artist, Fred, were done with our tattoos. He took my hand in his and kissed it. "Just in case we never see each other again after this night, let this be my memory to you. Even though I'll look for you until I can't anymore."
I laughed and grabbed his hand, mimicking his actions. "Just in case we never see each other again after this night, let this be my memory to you. Even though you'll look for me until you can't anymore." I smiled cheekily and he grinned.
The artists behind us started clapping. "Sounds like you guys just exchanged vows." They laughed. Alessandro and I weren't paying them any attention as we looked into each other's eyes. He knew I was married but, nonetheless, he leaned in and pressed his lips against mine.
It felt like I was having my first kiss all over again. Frozen in this moment, I kissed him back and wrapped my arms around his neck. My hands tangled in his hair and his hands gripped my ass, bringing me impossibly closer, savoring this moment.
We didn't care if there were other people around, we devoured each other. This kiss was different... unique. It sent tingles to my core and shivers through my body. The way his tongue massaged the inside of my mouth left me feeling more aroused than ever.
I moaned into his mouth, and he went to squeeze my ass harder. My panties, at this point, were soaked. I was ready to indulge in what this man would give me-- wanted to give me. I had to pull away from the kiss to catch my breath, our lips still hovering over each other's.
He traced over my bottom lip with his thumb and stared down at them. "I can't wait to make this pretty voice of yours sing."
Oliver and I made up when he got back home the next morning. He said he had gotten really drunk and went to a friend's house because he didn't want me to see him in that state of mind. He apologized for how he acted and told me he loved me. It sounded like bullshit, coming from a lawyer, but I decided to believe him anyway. He reeked of cheap perfume and for him to have gotten really drunk his hangover wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. He'd have to come up with a better lie, he married a fucking lawyer for God's sake.Today, I wore a simple dark red tight-fitting dress with matching color heels. I was going to go see Bella today so I could get her testimony, she was a prime witness after all and would be a great help to the case. I put on fake lashes and dark red lipstick before I started to straighten my hair.Oliver walked in his usual brown trousers and a red button up shirt. "Where are you going?" He scanned my outfit."I have to go and see a client's daughter." I continued
Why did you run you fucking idiot? Because you have a husband; a husband you love. That's why you ran because you are a faithful wife. "Shit." I moaned as he pumped his fingers in and out of me. He kissed up and down my neck, leaving marks I'd have to hide later on.He kissed down my collarbone to the exposed part of my breast. Alessandro yanked my dress over my hips and palmed my ass while I gripped onto the railing behind me. "W- we're almost at the penthouse." I panted.He threw my leg over his shoulder, not caring that someone could easily see us. He moved the thin layer of my purple lace underwear over. "Fucking beautiful." His hot breath hitting my clit causing me to suck in a breath. His entire mouth-A loud honk brought me back to reality and I rolled my eyes at the car behind me. He put his middle finger out of his window, and I did the same. "Fuck you too, asshole!" I drove off and didn't hear whatever else he had to say back. You are not allowed to be daydreaming about an
Why does my life have to be so complicated? I work my ass off but I still have to with not knowing what I want in my personal life.I want to experience a night like the one I did six months ago. But Oliver doesn't like getting tattoos, he doesn't want to stay up all night and entertain me in any way and I'm almost one-hundred percent positive he isn't what I'm into sexual wise.I grabbed my purse and briefcase before getting out of the car. "I love you so much, Oliver Smith." I took a deep breath, ridding Alessandro of my mind, and walked inside. Oliver was sitting on the sofa already dressed watching TV.I gave him a kiss on the cheek before going upstairs and showering. I honestly didn't know why we needed to go to a store when I have plenty of dresses here. After showering I changed into black shorts, a rolling stones hoodie and slipped on red Jordan 1's."Are you-" Oliver walked in and once he saw what I was wearing he furrowed his brows. "You know that paparazzi will probably be
Brinda's court date was set to the twenty-fifth, a week from now. We were both grateful and relieved that her case made it to court we even celebrated over a glass of champagne. When I told Oliver the good news, we had celebratory sex. I couldn't help but feel like I was, once again, stepping out on my marriage. I didn't want Oliver to be under me I wanted Alessandro. He was the only person I could think of while having sex with my husband.I hadn't even spoken to him since that night, although he's been asking to see me. I've been dodging him with the 'I'm busy' excuse each time. I want to see him, so so badly, and that's the exact reason why I won't. I've already crossed a boundary because of what happened last night, and I can't go any further than that. Not again. Stay faithful, I'd tell myself whenever I'd want to call him.I was getting ready for the lunch with Oliver's mom and to say I was dreading it was an understatement. Oliver's mom has hated my guts ever since we started d
Alessandro. He wore black slacks, a tight black dress shirt that hugged his muscles too well. He got out of the car with a serious look, fixing the cuffs of his shirt. "I think your opportunity to be petty just arrived." I heard Serene say and Rachael hum in agreement.After a minute of me staring and him not looking he finally did. His silver orbs staring right into mine with a smirk. He walked right past my husband, ignoring the dirty look and the people asking questions, and stalked over to me. "Fuck, fuck he's coming." I said, looking back over at Serene and Rachael."Just act normal dummy." Serene said."Act normal, Athena. Don't embarrass-" Rachael started but cut herself off. I could feel him standing behind me and that alone sent chills throughout my body. "We'll be inside. Alessandro." Rachael said, taking Serene, who wanted to stay and be nosey, with her.I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked at him. "Athena." Oh, fuck. Why does he have to say my name like that?"Ales
Time has flown by and it's now four days before Brinda's trial. I've never been this nervous that it could go south but now is a different story. Sexual assault cases rarely make it to court and when they do, they don't even have a full trial. Having a male as judge isn't helping my case either.I'd usually talk to Oliver about this, but he's been busy with his own company and whenever we do get time alone, he either wants to 'make love' or talk about himself. Serene is out of town for a while, with Rachael, and is very busy with modeling and disturbing her time with her girlfriend who isn't her girlfriend doesn't feel right.I seriously need to make more friends.A knock came from my front door, and I stretched, setting my wine down and pulling my crop top down. I wore very short black shorts and a matching top with white socks on, my hair falling down my back. There was a man standing in front of me with a huge bouquet of blue and white flowers. "Is Mrs. Escarra here?" He asked with
I took the short way home, trying to get there before Oliver so he wouldn't question me on all of the manly products I had gotten. I couldn't hide them in my car because we switch between mine and his when we're going out together, it would just be plain dumb of me to keep them in the garage."Fuck." I sighed, chewing my bottom lip while thinking about where to hide the bags. I walked into my closet, dumping all of my heels and other shoes out. I had brought Alessandro's things upstairs already so I stuffed all of it in the boxes, knowing Oliver wouldn't go through my things.I had a few minutes left so I hurriedly put all the boxes back and ripped the receipt before throwing it away. Having a sidepiece is hard when you're married. I changed into a pair of short pants and a tank top that pushed my breast up.Oliver's car was pulling in when I started putting up the things I bought for myself. I already knew what to expect when he walked in and threw his things on the bed where I was f
Waking up, I found myself turning over and trying to go back to sleep when I saw Oliver and wished for Alessandro. It had to be somewhere around four o'clock in the morning and Oliver looked like he'd been asleep for some time.I smiled, thinking about Alessandro and I's time on the phone, laughing and joking around for seven hours straight. Simple, I thought. He was... new. Something I'd never experienced, only being with Oliver. At sixteen I wouldn't have even looked in Alessandro's direction, mostly because of my father.I think that's why my attraction to Alessandro is so strong; I was never able to experience the excitement of being with someone so dominant. But I can't blame anyone but myself for the infidelity, even if I want to blame my father and the rest of the world. I know right from wrong; I knew I shouldn't have let him touch me intimately, but I let it happen anyway. I let the passion take over and I fucking enjoyed it.I enjoyed every bit of it, the night I met him and
It's the day of the funeral. Michael wanted his wife to be buried in the most beautiful and Godliest church we had and in the most expensive casket. He'd make sure to only have us and the family that actually knew her in the front rows.The morning was quiet. The girls and I had gotten up late to see him downstairs with breakfast made for us. We all ate in silence before the Wren wanted to go to her room and Amara had started to cry again. Alessandro took her to the living room and put on some cartoons while I had to make a few calls to my job, Serene, and some other family friends.It was time for the funeral now though. I was slipping on my black dress while Alessandro leaned against the closet door. He had on black slacks with a matching button up. The dress went all the way down to my knees and I straightened it before trying to zip it. He came up to me, his lips kissing up my back softly and sending goosebumps across my skin. "You look beautiful." He mumbled against my neck, wrap
I left them and went into the kitchen, finding Michael leaning over the counter and pouring himself another glass of whiskey. I don't say anything, I just go over to him and give him a hug. A very tight hug that he gives back. "I'll never be able to love another woman like I loved her. She was my entire life. I can't imagine a life without her. My Rosaline."I swallowed, trying my hardest not to cry and be there for him. "I know. I know. She loved you just as much. You'll get through this with time and we'll all be here for you."He laughed, a laugh that turned into a sob. "Take care of my boy, yeah? He- He isn't going to take this well. He loved her almost just as much as I did.""Yes, of course. And if you need anything at all give me a call and I'll come by. Okay? Don't drown yourself in alcohol. Please."He pulled away, pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Thank you. I'll be okay soon." I gave him a small reassuring smile before grabbing a water and walking back into the dining room wi
3 Years Later...AlessandroWe've been married three years now with our beautiful baby girls Amara and Wren. Everything in my life was going great. I was complete, happy even. I'd marry the love of my life, adopted Wren, and had a child of our own.But, of course, nothing ever stays good in my life.Mom has cancer. Two years after we got married she was diagnosed. She's been fighting for over a year and Dad, Rosa, Kano, and I have been throwing money in every possible direction in order to get her the best care. I'm at the hospital every single day I can be there and I bring the girls and Athena as much as possible.I want her to see us together before... before the inevitable happens. We all know. Her doctor, Dr. Jennova, showed us the X-ray scans yesterday and the cancer is spreading to fast for the treatment to keep up. There are three more tumors than there were yesterday and though no one wants to accept, at the very least say it, we know her time is coming.I walk in the house,
3 Years Later...AlessandroWe've been married three years now with our beautiful baby girls Amara and Wren. Everything in my life was going great. I was complete, happy even. I'd marry the love of my life, adopted Wren, and had a child of our own.But, of course, nothing ever stays good in my life.Mom has cancer. Two years after we got married she was diagnosed. She's been fighting for over a year and Dad, Rosa, Kano, and I have been throwing money in every possible direction in order to get her the best care. I'm at the hospital every single day I can be there and I bring the girls and Athena as much as possible.I want her to see us together before... before the inevitable happens. We all know. Her doctor, Dr. Jennova, showed us the X-ray scans yesterday and the cancer is spreading to fast for the treatment to keep up. There are three more tumors than there were yesterday and though no one wants to accept, at the very least say it, we know her time is coming.I walk in the house,
AlessandroHappiest man ever.That's how I was feeling all of today. Like the happiest man ever. Athena was finally my wife, we were having a child. I smiled at that.Carrying her into the hotel bridal style, we went up to the top floor were the best and most expensive suite was. Her dress and veil were not helping at all and at this point I regretted telling her to go over four hundred thousand.Once we were in the room she was still a smiling mess. "I don't want today to be over." She said, turning to me as she took of her veil."Me either. Maybe we can get married again tomorrow." I smiled down at her as she laughed."No way. You'd go broke." She wrapped her arms around me and I slid mine around her."We'd go broke, baby. Your my wife now, my money is your money.""And my money is yours, right?""No. Your money is your money." She rolled her eyes playfully, knowing what my answer would be. "I love you, Mrs. Sinclair.""I love you too, Mr. Sinclair." She pecked my cheek and turned,
Alessandro and I were doing our first dance to Easily by Bruno Major. We swayed side to side, my arms wrapped around his neck and his around my waist. My head was his chest, my eyes closed with a smile.I am so glad to be his wife. It feels good to have my real soulmate dancing with me. He completes me, supports me, cares for me, loves me more than earth itself, always makes me smile. Everything about him is all I could ever wish for. We've had our ups and downs but we overcame them and now look we're we are. Married. In love. Happy.As the song started to come to a slow end the fog came in and the glass chandeliers creating a beautiful glow on us. I looked up at him and he bent down to place a kiss to my lips. Everyone cheered again and took more pictures along with videos.All the bridesmaids and groomsmen got onto the floor and we all started to dance. Beyoncé playing loudly in the background. Serene came over and engulfed me in another hug. I turned around in her arms with a smile
That morning when we woke up everyone had a terrible handover and we all stayed in bed. Wren made us breakfast— cereal and an apple with orange juice. The first thing I looked at was my hand because I felt like I was dreaming but no. There was a huge diamond ring sitting on my finger it made my day one thousand times better.Alessandro's clothes were dried so he was changed back into his boxers and slacks. As soon as we got home, with Wren and three pets, we immediately started house hunting. Not only would we be paying for a house, but Alessandro knew that deep down I wanted a humongous wedding even though I'd settle for a small one.His exact words were, "If we spend over five million on the wedding so be it. I want you to look beautiful, in a beautiful venue, before we go on honeymoon and I fuck the shit out of you." Wren was too busy playing downstairs which I thanked God for. This man was so horny I was worried Wren would walk in on him talking like that.After a good hour of sea
Serene walked over crying with Rachael, Rosa, and Leslie. They all hugged me with tears. "That was so beautiful." Serene said and I thanked her. "I love you so much.""I love you too." We pecked each other's lips.Alessandro came over. "Baby, there's like three more surprises.""I don't think any surprise can top this one." I look at the big diamond on my ring with a smile. Wren ran over and I picked her up in my arms."Your my real Auntie now!" I smiled as she hugged me tightly. "Love you Auntie Athena.""I love you too, Wren." I kissed her little cheek when Kieran also ran over. Setting her down they both ran off to do whatever children do."Come on baby." Alessandro took my hand and led me outside. I squealed at the black Jeep that had a tie wrapped on it."I love it! Thank you!" I hugged him quickly before running to it. When I opened the door I was practically jumping up and down in excitement. The car was filled with beautiful white and light pink lilies. Serene took pictures of
AthenaWe are at court now. Hopefully this will be the last time I step foot in here for this case. Nate is already in jail right now. Now, it's time for Zac to go behind bars with him.We were now waiting for the jury to decide a verdict after the closing arguments. Zac had a new lawyer and his entire family along with Brindas was here. Brinda didn't want Bella to come just in case it didn't go our way but Bella crawled into the backseat of Brindas car without her knowing and she ended up here.Alessandro, Serene, and Rachael were also here and I just wanted to hold their hands while we waited. My heart was beating out of my chance at the thought we wouldn't win. Only about six percent of rapist spend a day in jail and that percent is just as lower as the ones that stay behind bars of trial."All rise." The bailiff called as everyone stood as the judge walked out. "You may be seated." With the quietness of the room you could hear everyone taking deep breaths. One side rooting for the