KATERINA
“I just received the news that Melissa is dead…” My lawyer's words echoed in my head over and over again, like bad music which was put on repeat.How? I couldn't help but question myself, trying to make sense of his words. Melissa's happy face flashed in my mind. That bright smile that could light the dark sky and melt away all sadness.She was so happy about the case. She was in good health a few hours ago when we parted ways and agreed that we would meet on my Monday for the court’s hearing. I shook my head, refusing to accept what Evan had just told me a few seconds ago, the words so fresh in my mind.“This can't be…” I shook my head frantically, trying to convince myself that it wasn't true. The corner of my lips curving into a bitter smile. If this was a joke, I swear it's the worst joke that I have ever heard in my entire life.It wasn't funny at all!“She was perfectlyKATERINA THE FOLLOWING DAY, SUNDAY I stared at the cold unmoving body, my vision blurry with tears. I was still holding onto that glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe…there was a confusion of names. However, staring at Melissa’s body in a morgue cooler proved otherwise.There was no confusion, not even slightest.She was dead!Her eyes were shut tightly and her lips clumped together. I wished she could blink or…opened her eyes to tell me that it was just a bad nightmare and it would pass. To my disappointment, it was quiet inside the morgue, no traces of life apart from the morgue attendance and the people who had accompanied me to see the body.We followed up with the police first thing in the morning and we were told that she died right after she was hit by the car. It was a hit and run kind of situation. The car that hit her drove away and it didn't have a silence plate for identical. The police are still lo
KATERINAIt wasn't easy. I almost gave up the fight but…thanks to the heavens I had people who gave me strength to keep on fighting! David, Paula and my lawyer gave me the strength to keep on going, and the day that we have all been waiting for was finally here.Melissa's death was still a mystery, the person who knocked her with the car is yet to be found. Her mom hates me to the guts, blaming me for her daughter's death. I chose to remain silent, accepting the blame because I know how hard it's for her. It's hard for both of us…Heaving a deep sigh, I stared at my reflection in the mirror and for a second , I didn't recognise the person who was looking right back at me. I looked pale and exhausted. Even though I had applied light make-up, the dark circles on my eyes were still visible. It was hard for me to fall asleep last night.Each time I closed my eyes, I woke up to nightmares. The death of Melissa triggered the memories of my parent’s tragic deaths. My mind jolted back to
KATERINA It was silent inside the courtroom, even a pin-drop could be heard. Both prosecution and defence parties had settled down, patiently waiting for the judge to enter the room so that the hearing could begin. The air was thick with tension, anticipation and hope as the seconds passed by. There were exactly five minutes left before 9am.Katerina released a deep breath , trying her best to calm her racing heart. As though David sensed her discomfort, he touched Kate’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Katerina turned her head momentarily to look at David and flashed him a gentle smile, silently thanking him for his unwavering support.On the other hand, Stephanie looked so relaxed, as though she wasn't the one accused of murder. Her shoulders were relaxed and there was a hint of smile across her face. She turned to look at her lawyer and they exchanged knowing looks.Lucas eyed Kate from the corner of his eyes. He saw how Katerina clung to th
AUTHOR'S POVThe atmosphere in the courtroom was thick with anticipation, silence taking over as everyone patiently waited for the judge to give his ruling over the preliminary hearing. There were only two possible decisions and the judge could only choose one. Either his rule leans on the defending side, meaning the case would be closed and there would be no further hearing. Or…she leans on Katerina’s side, giving her a chance to prove to the judge and the entire world that indeed, Stephanie was behind her Dad's tragic death.Kate sucked in a tight breath, trying to brace herself for whatever had to come. She gave it her all. She told the court what needed to be told, not leaving any stone unturned. She believes that she did her best to convince the judge and everyone in the court that Stephanie is the real culprit. If it were up to her to make the ruling, she would give the case another chance since she strongly believes that if she's giv
~KATERINA ~ "Wha-what are the results doctor?" I inquired as soon as the doctor entered the waiting room holding test results. I shifted uncomfortably in the chair, my heart pounding wildly against my ribcage as though it would escape from my chest the next second. " Congratulations Mrs Thompson, you're pregnant!" The doctor said with a big smile on his face. My eyes widened when I heard his words, " Re-really doctor?" I stuttered, not sure if I had heard him right or if my ear was playing some dump trick on me. It felt surreal. I have been waiting to hear those words escape the doctor's mouth for like forever. If it was a dream, I didn't want to wake up from it. I wanted to dream forever because the reality was too harsh and my fragile heart couldn't take it anymore. " It's real, Mrs Thompson. I have run a few tests and all gave the same results. Here are the medical reports, see for yourself." The doctor handed me the test papers. Taking in a nervous breath, I stretched my s
~KATERINA~ My hands shook uncontrollably and my legs felt weak. I sat on the chair, tears burning in my eyes. I blinked countless times to make sure that I wasn't dreaming. If it was a dream, I wanted to wake up from it. Sadly, I wasn't dreaming… ' Is this the reason why Lucas was acting cold towards me?' I couldn't help but question myself. I tried to recall if Lucas and I ever talked about getting divorced but it didn't ring any bell in my head. Why? Why was he divorcing me? Why did he decide to divorce me now when I needed him the most? Tears streamed down my cheeks because I couldn't hold it back anymore. My phone on the table dinged but I didn't care to check what the message was all about. I continued to stare at the divorce papers as tears rolled down my cheeks. What about the innocent soul growing inside my belly? What will I tell the baby when she/he asks about his daddy? More tears streamed down my cheeks when I gave it a thought. I subconsciously wrapped my hand aro
~KATERINA~ " Monalisa?" I asked in surprise, trying to jog my memory. I couldn't remember talking to Monalisa or telling her anything before her wedding. Even though four years have passed by, I still remember every tiny detail as if it happened yesterday. " I'm happy for you, Monalisa. I wish you all the best in your marriage with Lucas." Those were the words that I told her with tears in my eyes. I couldn't remember telling her anything else. " You thought I would never find out about it? Monalisa showed me the message that you sent to her. Threatening her that if she gets married to me, you would harm our baby. That's why she ran away to protect our son just like any woman out there would do in case someone threatened the life of their baby." My eyes popped out when I heard Luca's accusations. " Surprised? You thought I would never find out?" He asked, the corner of his lips curving into a bitter smile. " I never sent a text message to Monalisa the night of her wedding. She to
~LUCAS~After leaving the room that I shared with Katerina.I headed to the guest room to have some alone time. I couldn't find it in my heart to share the same space with Katerina after finding out what she did four years ago.It felt like I didn't know her anymore. She felt like a stranger to me even though I have known her my whole life. All I wanted was the truth from her but she was still lying on my face and that made me feel like a fool. Why was she denying the truth while all the evidence was pointing at her?I thought Katerina cared about me, or so I believed. In all the people in this world, I never expected that Katerina would hurt me the most. We grew up together, played together and did many things together. We were like twins even though we didn't share the same parents. Katerina knows the pain that I have gone through while growing up. She knows me more than I know myself. She has been there for me in the darkest days of my life, giving me hope and encouraging me not to
AUTHOR'S POVThe atmosphere in the courtroom was thick with anticipation, silence taking over as everyone patiently waited for the judge to give his ruling over the preliminary hearing. There were only two possible decisions and the judge could only choose one. Either his rule leans on the defending side, meaning the case would be closed and there would be no further hearing. Or…she leans on Katerina’s side, giving her a chance to prove to the judge and the entire world that indeed, Stephanie was behind her Dad's tragic death.Kate sucked in a tight breath, trying to brace herself for whatever had to come. She gave it her all. She told the court what needed to be told, not leaving any stone unturned. She believes that she did her best to convince the judge and everyone in the court that Stephanie is the real culprit. If it were up to her to make the ruling, she would give the case another chance since she strongly believes that if she's giv
KATERINA It was silent inside the courtroom, even a pin-drop could be heard. Both prosecution and defence parties had settled down, patiently waiting for the judge to enter the room so that the hearing could begin. The air was thick with tension, anticipation and hope as the seconds passed by. There were exactly five minutes left before 9am.Katerina released a deep breath , trying her best to calm her racing heart. As though David sensed her discomfort, he touched Kate’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Katerina turned her head momentarily to look at David and flashed him a gentle smile, silently thanking him for his unwavering support.On the other hand, Stephanie looked so relaxed, as though she wasn't the one accused of murder. Her shoulders were relaxed and there was a hint of smile across her face. She turned to look at her lawyer and they exchanged knowing looks.Lucas eyed Kate from the corner of his eyes. He saw how Katerina clung to th
KATERINAIt wasn't easy. I almost gave up the fight but…thanks to the heavens I had people who gave me strength to keep on fighting! David, Paula and my lawyer gave me the strength to keep on going, and the day that we have all been waiting for was finally here.Melissa's death was still a mystery, the person who knocked her with the car is yet to be found. Her mom hates me to the guts, blaming me for her daughter's death. I chose to remain silent, accepting the blame because I know how hard it's for her. It's hard for both of us…Heaving a deep sigh, I stared at my reflection in the mirror and for a second , I didn't recognise the person who was looking right back at me. I looked pale and exhausted. Even though I had applied light make-up, the dark circles on my eyes were still visible. It was hard for me to fall asleep last night.Each time I closed my eyes, I woke up to nightmares. The death of Melissa triggered the memories of my parent’s tragic deaths. My mind jolted back to
KATERINA THE FOLLOWING DAY, SUNDAY I stared at the cold unmoving body, my vision blurry with tears. I was still holding onto that glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe…there was a confusion of names. However, staring at Melissa’s body in a morgue cooler proved otherwise.There was no confusion, not even slightest.She was dead!Her eyes were shut tightly and her lips clumped together. I wished she could blink or…opened her eyes to tell me that it was just a bad nightmare and it would pass. To my disappointment, it was quiet inside the morgue, no traces of life apart from the morgue attendance and the people who had accompanied me to see the body.We followed up with the police first thing in the morning and we were told that she died right after she was hit by the car. It was a hit and run kind of situation. The car that hit her drove away and it didn't have a silence plate for identical. The police are still lo
KATERINA“I just received the news that Melissa is dead…” My lawyer's words echoed in my head over and over again, like bad music which was put on repeat.How? I couldn't help but question myself, trying to make sense of his words. Melissa's happy face flashed in my mind. That bright smile that could light the dark sky and melt away all sadness.She was so happy about the case. She was in good health a few hours ago when we parted ways and agreed that we would meet on my Monday for the court’s hearing. I shook my head, refusing to accept what Evan had just told me a few seconds ago, the words so fresh in my mind.“This can't be…” I shook my head frantically, trying to convince myself that it wasn't true. The corner of my lips curving into a bitter smile. If this was a joke, I swear it's the worst joke that I have ever heard in my entire life. It wasn't funny at all!“She was perfectly
KATERINA A FEW DAYS LATER “Are you sure about the decision that you have made? There is still time for you to reconsider the decision. You don't need to feel obligated if you don't want to.” I asked the young lady who was in her early twenties.She told me that her name is Melissa.“Yes,I’m sure about it ma’am.” She nodded, a subtle smile taking over her features.“That wasn't the first time the woman caused trouble at the shop. There was this time that she harassed me, reporting me to my boss and my salary was deducted. I tried to explain to my boss that she was the one at fault but…she didn't want to listen to me, saying the customer is always right.” Melissa said and I could feel the raw pain in her voice. I could tell that she really dislikes Stephanie and she has been waiting for this chance to make her pay for what she did to her.I turned my head to look at Evan, my lawyer and he nodded, his
KATERINA “You have tried countless times to separate the two of us but it doesn't work. When are you going to realise that our union was a match made in heaven?”Monalisa's words re-played in my head over and over again. Perhaps she was right about what she was saying. Perhaps they were destined to be together.I didn't have a problem with Lucas choosing Monalisa over me because he has the right to choose whoever he wanted to side with without being pushed to make the decision.However, what hurt the most is the fact that Lucas had lied to Monalisa and everyone about his visit to my apartment.My jaw twitched and I gritted my teeth when I gave it a thought. He tainted my name, making me look like some desperate whore. If only I knew opening the door to him would make things more complicated. I wouldn't have opened it in the first place.After the heated conversation with Monalisa in the coffee shop, I headed to my lawyer's office to inform him about Luc
KATERINA “Lucas my love, we’re supposed to visit my mother's lawyer and discuss the case. There's no way we're going to let that bitch Katerina lie about my mother!” I didn't want to believe that voice belonged to Monalisa but it was loud and clear. I would still recognise it even if I'm deep in slumber. It belonged to her. A click pierced through my ear, then followed by silence on the other side of the call. He had hung up on me, just like many other times when Monalisa was around and she needed his full attention. With shaky hands, I pulled the phone from my ear, placing it on the table. Perhaps I would have stick to the decision that I had made with my lawyer yesterday night, this wouldn't be happening. Maybe if I would have gazed through those blue eyes keenly, I would have noticed that he was only playing around with me like a rug doll. How could I be so dumb not to read between th
KATERINA I took a sharp breath when I heard Luca's words, not believing it. I thought that…Maybe he said what he said yesterday because of the alcohol influence. However, it turns out that he meant every single word that he said.Did he just…choose me over Monalisa? I couldn't help it but ask myself. Wondering if I had heard his words right or if I was dreaming. I stared at his hand on top of mine on the table then raised my head to look at him and our eyes locked.“I hope you won't regret the decision that you just made. I don't want to cause any problems to your family so that I can be the reason for it falling apart, again.” I felt the bile raising up in my throat when the words escaped my mouth but I swallowed it back.I remembered how Lucas blamed me for breaking his family four years ago. I recalled the hurt and anger in those blue eyes which were now looking at me with care and concern. I didn't want to be the reason for his breaking. I had made up my mind and decided that I w