Louisa:
Yolanda gasped. "What is wrong with you??" She glared hatefully, rushing to help Jenna who was bleeding slightly from a gash in her forehead.
I was just choking on my own spit, sniffing and wiping my tears painfully. I didn't know what to do again.
"First she cheated on my son and now attempted murder? Are you even sane?" Lena, my mother-in-law said with disapproval.
They knew of the video? Alexander showed them? Oh goodness, it's over for me. I rushed down the stairs, weak and defeated.
"She's not even remorseful" Yolanda sighed with disdain, petting Jenna who was still crying uncontrollably. Even Lena went to help her up.
I felt a pang of jealousy in my heart. I couldn't believe it. They're so nice to Jenna, treating her like she's their daughter. A treatment that eluded me.
"I'm calling the cops. I'll make sure she's jailed for life." Mrs Lena said, walking towards me and when she reached, she slapped me hard across the face. Twice.
"Let's make the world aware of this video. We'll post it on all platforms, humiliating her. She'll be scarred forever! Everyone will despise her." Yolanda suggested.
"And guess what? I suggest you commit suicide because you'll be hated by everyone." She added, folding her arms.
"Please..." I begged but Mrs Lena slapped me again. "I'm calling them right now.* She said coldly, making my eyes widen.
My heart started palpitating terribly. No!
My heart died. If my mother-in-law wanted to arrest me, it's going to be possible. The Salvatore's have so much influence. They're capable of arresting someone even for no reason, they have all the authorities at their disposal. Since late Mr Salvatore was a friend to the mayor.
And with this influence, everyone would soon know we're divorced. It'll be all over the world and they will all be pointing their smelly fingers, blaming me for infidelity. They want to disgrace me. Just because I have no one. And Alexander is a devil. How could he hurt me?
I bit my lips, helpless. I didn't know how to defend myself right now. I was emotionally down and it was hard to talk due to the lump which formed in my throat. How did it come to this? Why would someone frame me?.
"Don't worry, I already did." I heard from upstairs. It was Alexander with a smirk on his face. "As a matter of fact, they're here, already."
My husband called the cops on me??
"I didn't push her down the stairs! She staged it! I didn't do it, please!" I begged with teary eyes.
Alexander didn't even say anything as he shrugged. "Arrest the damn bitch."
I stood frozen, horror creeping up my spine, as Mrs. Lena pointed at me. "Arrest her," she spat, her voice venomous. "She's the one who's been lying, cheating, and manipulating my son. She's a vile human! She's ruining our lives! And she tried to kill Jenna!"
The police officers exchanged uncertain glances, but one of them took a step forward, handcuffs at the ready. My heart beat harder like it wanted to shatter and I ran to her feet, holding them.
"No, Mom, please!" I begged, my voice shaking. "I've done nothing wrong. I love Alexander, I love our family... Please stop him."
Mrs. Lena's face twisted in disgust. "Love? You call this love? You've destroyed our family, Louisa, I never liked you anyways, so good riddance!"
"Wait!!" I heard from the stairs. It was Clara, Alex's cousin who came visiting.
Clara immediately stepped forward, her voice calm but authoritative. "Wait, officers. There's no need for this. Aunt, don't do this."
All eyes widened angrily. The officer hesitated, looking at her , uncertainly. My heart was brimming with hope. Unlike them, Clara was nice and friendly to me. Sometimes I confided in her too, not only Jenna.
She still trusted me ? I felt my hopes rising. I wasn't alone in this. Clara would help me.
Mrs. Lena's voice rose angrily. "Don't listen to her! Clara, get in!. Officer, She's guilty. Take her away!"
I felt tears streaming down my face as I pleaded with Mrs. Lena. "Mom, why are you doing this? I thought we were family..."
My mother-in-law despised me because a simple, struggling girl got married to her son. She had a bride for him but he picked me over the rich heiress.
Mrs. Lena's expression hardened as she folded her arms. "You're no family of mine. You're a poison, Lou. And it's time someone got rid of you. It's best you go peacefully or I'll accuse you of more crimes that'll taint your image, got it, girl?" She threatened in a whisper.
Just as the officer was about to cuff me, Clara intervened again. "Aunt, there's no need for this, please." She begged, staring at me with sympathy.
Mrs. Lena's face turned red with rage. "Arrest her! Now!"
"Don't worry about that mother, Clara is right. Don't bother, she's as good as dead to me." Alexander said coldly, shooting me a repugnant glare.
I felt like I died and resurrected again.
The officers were dismissed. I sat on the floor, choking on sobs. I was thinking about my child and future. I had no home, no friends. It was over for me and my baby.
I was kicked out. The door was slammed shut in front of me. I turned away from the house in tears.
I started running, going anywhere. I am getting really tired now. I was so lost, not even knowing what to do. I had nowhere to go but I still ran, determined, not daring to stop.
Suddenly, a car careened around the corner, its tires screeching. I tried to react, but my body felt frozen. It was just too late to do anything about it.
Time slowed as the car hurtled toward me. I saw the stranger's face contort in horror, his arms outstretched as he tried to stop the car.
The impact wasn't sharp, but a dull thud. I felt myself flying through the air, my body twisting. Oh no! No! No!
Everything went dark.
Louisa:Alex's expression remained neutral. "Pass me the salt, please. It's at the top shelf." "The salt?" I echoed, outraged. "You're ignoring me?""Lou, I'm trying to cook." He held out his hand expectantly. "Umm– the salt?"I hesitated, wondering what I should do about this, and thinking of nothing, I picked it and slammed the saltshaker into his palm. "You said you were going to go immediately!" I mumbled angrily. "Why are you still here?"Alexander sprinkled salt onto the pancakes. "I was just trying to help, Lou, it's not a big deal." He gave a smug smile, casted a cursory glance at me before focusing on what he was doing, ignoring me totally. "Help?" I snapped. "You call this help? You're undermining my authority and confusing my children. Well, that's what you've been doing the moment you got here! 'mommy's boyfriend?'– really? They call you that all the time and wouldn't stop talking about it!" "Maybe that's because they know you need a boyfriend– or a husband," he quippe
Louisa:My heart was thumping wildly with fear. What have I done? But just as I reached for him, he sprang upright, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Gotcha!" he exclaimed, chuckling. "So you still care about me?" His grin widened For a split second I was relieved. Then my relief turned to outrage. "You sneaky...! I thought you were really having an allergic reaction!" I thundered, shooting daggers at him.This pretentious, manipulating bastard! What the hell is wrong with him? He made me so worried! I tightened my fists.Alex's laughter filled the room. "Payback for the cigarette earlier. You should've seen your face, you looked so soft, sweet and innocent! Daddy likey!"I rolled my eyes, seething.. "Go to hell!" I immediately hit him so hard on the jaw. He didn't even wince as I got up immediately, enraged.Alex pulled me back, making me fall on his chest, earning a light gasp from me. "Sorry, Lou. I just wanted to make a point. I know you still cared."I sighed, shak
Louisa:"I know it's crazy right. It sounds stupid right –""It sounds like you've got your brain shoved right up your ass!" I interrupted angrily."I know. I'm sorry. The things I did, it was a mistake. I was fooled. The day I lost you Lou, everything fake crumbling down. I was never the same again. I need you back in my life. I want a chance to make things right. I..." Okay; that's it. I've heard enough of his bullshit. "Stop the car!" I yelled. "What?" He gasped in disbelief."I'll find my way back, do you understand? So stop the fúcking car!""Lou, I'm sorry –""Just stop it, damn you!" I yelled, infuriated."I want to make a deal with you, Lou." "What?""Let's get home first." He smiled.We got home afterwards and I immediately called my doctor. Luckily, there wasn't any problem. I was fine. Alex didn't tell me anything. He said we'll talk tomorrow. He stayed over.It was night. My kids were soundly asleep but I couldn't sleep.I needed to relax and I didn't want to box either
Louisa: I was utterly transfixed. I was so pissed. What's his stupid ass doing here? Close to my children? How dare he return after everything that happened? Is he nuts?Probably needs his brain rewired or something?? I couldn't stand that... that... shit!!!Before I knew it, my boxing room was in a mess. I had overturned tables, thrown things around crazily and punched without wearing the damn gloves. Why is he here now? What does he want from me? So much anger coursed through my veins. There's no way I'm playing along with this boyfriend shit. He should get that. I had dragged my babies off, leaving him standing. It's been three years since our divorce which he handed to me so heartlessly and cruelly, so what's his plan? Why does he want me back? Such a jerk.My mind flew to Jenna and I smirked. She's gone into hiding. I'm waiting for the day she'll reveal her face. I'm going to relish every single moment because I will make sure she pays for this! Mark my words Jenna, you're go
THREE YEARS LATER Louisa:I wrapped my hands tightly around the worn leather gloves, my eyes fixed on the punching bag swinging before me. Three years of sweat and tears had transformed this room into my sanctuary.With a deep breath, I unleashed a flurry of punches, each strike a release of pent-up tension. The bag creaked and swayed, absorbing my fury. Damn, this was good. My mind cleared with every blow. It felt so relaxing as usual. I was no longer the broken woman Alex had left behind. I used to cry a lot like a little bitch. Silly me.I was now Lou Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. A real estate mogul with a portfolio worth millions. A shrewd businesswoman feared and respected by my peers. Everyone revered me. But in this room, I was just Louisa. Free to unleash my demons.Free to be myself. Punching relaxes me. I also imagine faces of people that get on my nerves and punch.As I pounded the bag, my thoughts drifted to my twins, Jasper and Jade. Their innocent laughte
Alex:Everything about Lou has changed. I couldn't believe, not in a million years, that this woman standing in front of me could sweep me off my feet, knock the air out of my lungs...again. And this time, as a badass. There was nothing soft about her in those brown eyes. I knew she despised me. She hated me and I'm ready to do whatever it takes to get her back. Get my sweet innocent Lou back into my life. "Is that a bet?" Louisa laughed, still reeling from my words. A small smile crept up my lips. "However you want to see it." I'd heard whispers of her meteoric rise to power, how she'd catapulted to the pinnacle of success with ruthless determination. It was crazy, man.Everyone knew her as "The Badass" – the enigmatic and elusive owner of Blackwood Enterprises, a business empire that had expanded exponentially under her leadership. Something that was astounding.But despite her formidable reputation, she remained a mystery to everyone. She was anonymous. No photographs of her ex