She was the victim, Now she's the reckoning

VALENTINA'S POV

Once this plan succeeds, Valentina will be done for. My sister-in-law, Ariana said.

Are the man and the room ready? Damien, my brother-in-law, asked.

Yes, once she's unconscious, we'll carry her to the room and record her video. Then we will use it as evidence to present when Matteo files for the divorce.

Damien smirked. Finally, she would be gone from our lives for good.

My eyes widen in shock. I know my brother-in-law and sister-in-law hate me but I didn't know it was this deep, for them to be willing to ruin my image.

Why are you quiet brother? Damien asked a figure in the dark. Don't tell me you are backing out of the plan, brother.

What? Matteo? He's here? Curiosity got the best of me. I peeped more into the office and saw him standing, his hands in his pocket, his expression cold and calculating.

The sooner she's gone the better it will be for me. Besides, the plan was to get the deal on the supply of ammunitions from her family.

Ariana sighed in relief. I thought you had fallen in love with her.

Why would I love a pawn? Alana is the one I love. He said darkly.

No, Matteo can't be involved in this. He can't betray me like this. Just make sure that whatever you do, doesn't trace back to us. You guys know how dangerous her family can be.

Heartbroken, I rushed to the nearest restroom with tears flowing down from my eyes.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I can't believe my marriage of three years was all a lie. Matteo never loved, it was all a pretense to get the ammunition deal signed with my family. It was Alana he loved from the very beginning. And I was just a pawn in his games.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. Well, since he wants a divorce, then I'll give it to him before he tarnishes my image. I declared to myself.

I pulled my phone out of my purse and dialled my lawyer's number. Thankfully, she picked on the second ring.

Draft me a divorce agreement.

Woah! Woah!.... Valentina, are you sure this is not an impromptu decision? You might want to rethink it.

No, there's no need to rethink. I said firmly, cutting the call before she could reply.

I looked in the mirror, my makeup was ruined from all the crying. I did a quick retouch and exited the restroom as if I wasn't crying a few minutes ago.

I saw Matteo with a group of guests laughing as I entered the huge garden in our backyard. He had just signed an alliance with the Russian Mafia and the party was thrown to celebrate the alliance.

Baby, he excused himself from the group when he saw me. Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you.

He reached for my hand and raised it to his lips, kissing my knuckles.

Just went to the restroom. I said flatly, and walked away mingling with the other guests.

I felt his gaze on me but I ignored him and kept mingling with the guests. Then, out of the blue, Damien came with two drinks in his hand.

Hey Valentina, he called, handing me one of the glasses. Cheers to my big brother's successful alliance. He said clicking his glass with mine.

He did well hiding his evil intentions but I won't be fooled. I raised eyebrow and stared at the drink. Matteo came and stood beside me, a drink in hand.

Cheers baby, I smiled, but it didn't reach my eyes. I hoped he'd stop me from drinking it. But he simply smiled.

Cheers, more wins to us. He drank his drink in a gulp.

Us. I muttered. The word tasted bitter in my mouth. It hurts. To see the person you love betray you to your face. I pretend to take the drink when someone bumped into me and the glass slipped from my hand.

Goodness, Valentina! Why are you so clumsy? Damien exclaimed. His voice drawing the attention of everyone.

Matteo rushed forward to me, examining me for any injuries. Did I stop him? No. I let him carry on with his act. Everyone who saw this would think he was a loving and caring husband even though he is a made man.

When he made sure I wasn't hurt, he called the staff to clean the glass.

Go on, don't keep your guests waiting. I urged him.

You're so understanding. How did I get so lucky? He kissed my forehead and left.

Lucky? Yeah right, lucky indeed.

Immediately Matteo left, Ariana came out of nowhere and pushed me. I didn't see her and I wasn't expecting it at all.

I fell to the ground, my palm directly on the glass.

Valentina!! she yelled.

I wasn't lucky as shards of glass stuck to my palm.

Everyone rushed to check up on me. Matteo got to me first, and for a split second, I saw worry and concern on his face.

He yelled for one of his men to get the car ready. Let's get you to the hospital.

He was about to scoop me into his arms when Damien came rushing in.

Matteo, we have a problem. Alana fainted at the airport!

What?! He roared.

He let go of me without much thought, pushing the crowd and rushing to his awaiting car.

VALENTINA'S POV

What's going to happen now that Alana is back? Someone asked from the crowd.

I don't know. But Matteo had always loved Alana. I know one thing though, their marriage won't be the same again. Another replied.

Tsk, tsk, it's so sad that a lady this graceful and sophisticated, cannot keep man like Matteo all to herself.

What's the story behind it?

Well, Valentina married into the Da Vinci family when they're were down after the attack on the business three years ago. So it was an arranged marriage kind of thing.

Now, that Alana is back, I'm sure she'll be tossed aside by Matteo.

Shhh, she might hear you, keep it down.

So three good years, was just a cruel joke? I was kept on the dark all this while?..

I picked myself up, the glass shards in my palm made pain shoot through my hand.

By the time I got to the ER, it was past midnight. The shards were removed and bandaged. I stopped dead in my tracks, when I saw Alana leaning against Matteo as they came out of a room.

What are you doing here Valentina? Matteo froze, shielding Alana. I forced a smile, and raised my hand. If you've forgotten, your sister pushed me.

Alana spoke. why are you blaming Ariana? Isn't she your sister-in-law?

That's none of your business. I replied coldly.

Valentina, I won't have you talking to Alana in that manner, apologise to her this instant. His tone deadly.

I turned to leave when he held my hand. Apologise to her. Now! His grip tightened. I stared into his cold eyes. Nothing. I felt nothing. A cold smile etched on my lips.

So this was it. You should concentrate on her. I said coldly and walked out.

I stared at the villa in front of me. The place I called home for the past three years, my safe haven was all in my head.

The following morning a text came in from an unknown number. It's just a matter of a few hours before you're gone from our lives forever.

Alana. Not surprised.

I was making breakfast when Matteo walked into the kitchen. You're up early. He said.

He came and placed a kiss on my forehead. But what I saw was like a slap on my face. Through his opened button, a hickey sat there, clear as day.

I may have ignored Alana's message but the hickey? That send a clear message if what this whole charade was.

Baby, I'm so sorry for running out and leaving you yesterday. I was just worried about Alana, I didn't mean to upset you. He apologised, tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear.

He kissed my temple and smiled. I have organised for us all to have dinner at a five star hotel tonight to celebrate the new alliance properly. Just us family and friends.

His words felt sincere, I would have been filled with blushes by now but, I felt nothing.

Last night, after I left. A nurse came running, that the doctor forgot to give me some injections to prevent infections when I heard them talking again.

What do we do? The plan failed. Ariana said, her voice anxious.

What are you worried about? Matteo should just talk her, he has organised a dinner to celebrate the success of his alliance, and we'll have right where we want her to be. And the plan will be carried out smoothly. Alana said, casually.

I got the injections and left. And now, here was, the man I was so in love with, planning to ruin me, pretending as if everything was okay.

You guys enjoy the dinner, I'm not going. I voiced out flatly going back to my cooking.

Come on, baby, don't be like that. He coarsed.

No. I replied again, this time coldly.

Matteo's jaw tightened and his expression darkened for a moment before it was quickly replaced by the warmest smile he could muster.

Everybody is already invited. It won't be nice not to have you there.

Fine. I'll be there. Send me the address. Focusing back on my cooking.

I'll pick you up. Wear something nice and fancy.

I watched as his figure retreated upstairs. I felt nothing. It doesn't feel numb. I just felt cold and empty.

I was reviewing some files about a pending overseas project left by father from his legal side of the family business in my home office when I heard Matteo's car outside.

I placed the files in my bag and entered the car without a word. The car ride was silent.

Where are we headed? I asked, my attention on my phone.

The B&B lounge and bar.

I quickly typed in the name of the place and sent a message, dropping my phone back in my bag.

Matteo directed us to a private room. The loud music made me frown as we entered the room.

Valentina. I heard Alana yell my name. You are here, come, come sit here!

She did not wait for me to respond before she grabbed my hand, dragging me to seat on one of the chairs.

I hope you don't mind me being here? I scanned the room quietly. Everyone here was either Alana's or Matteo's friends.

What a dinner!

Just then, Ariana came with two glasses. Valentina, I'm so sorry about yesterday. I wasn't looking where I was going. Please forgive me, I didn't mean to push you. she said, giving me one of the glasses.

Matteo sat at the corner, drinking silently. He made no attempt to talk and just stared. But I wasn't naive.

I smirked. Ariana, if you really want my apology, why don't you drink it first? I need to know, if you're sincerely sorry right now. I said smiling.

Why are you being so difficult now Valentina. Ariana is sorry, she just apologised. What more do you want? Alana accused.

Then will you drink it? I raised an eyebrow.

You wench

That enough, Matteo's voice boomed.

Valentina, stop being so difficult. Drink it, don't spoil the mood for everyone.

I wasn't in the mood to keep playing along with their games. I checked the time on my watch. With another word, I turned to leave when a hand stopped me.

Matteo held my jaw tightly, forcing the drink down my throat. No one stopped him. In fact, they laughed at my misery.

Matteo left my jaw when he was sure I had swallowed the drink. My vision was blurry, pain and humiliation burned in my chest. I grabbed my bag and ran out looking for the restroom.

VALENTINA'S POV

I finally stopped, my hands dropped to my sides. I threw up everything bit of the drink until I was certain, nothing was left. Exhausted, I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

My eyes were red, my hair was disheveled and my makeup was smeared. A bitter smiled edged my lips.

I took a deep breath and stared back at my self in the mirror. Why exactly am I upset? The three years wasted or the illusion I was under thinking Matteo wasn't as heartless as people viewed him to be?

I looked back in the mirror. The tears I was holding back finally spilled. The pain, the humiliation of these past few days came weighing on my shoulder.

I fixed my makeup, straightened my hair and my dress, pulling myself together and walking out of the restroom. I approached a waiter and he directed me to the private room for my meeting. I pushed the door open, only to bump into a wall or rather someone.

Miss Felucci, you're here finally! I was beginning to wonder if you canceled on me.

My apologies, Mr. Romano. I was held up my something on the way. I said, smiling politely.

If it any better, I'll take care of our bills tonight. I offered.

The man, Alexander, placed a gentle hand over mine. Don't worry about that. Besides, we men should learn to wait for ladies. He said with a charming smile.

Let's talk about the project. Meet my assistant, Daniel.

His assistant handed him a file. My father had a pending project with the Romanos. Years ago, they moved abroad, where he was handling the overseas company, and now he's finally back and as the CEO of the cooperation. I was just notified yesterday that he was back in the city. And he agreed to meet for a meeting.

Thank you for meeting here on a short notice.

I should thank you, it will be my greatest honour to continue this project with you. And also for making this meeting a success.

If you don't mind, I'll drop you home. He offered.

Sure! Thank you.

Just as we were about to leave the lounge, the door busted open. Valentina! There you are. Alana said, grabbing my hand.

Where did you go? We've looking all over for you! We were getting worried!

I pulled my hand out of her hold. You guys enjoy yourselves, I've a lot to do, I'll take my leave now.

Aw, don't be such a spoil sport. We were just having fun earlier, no need to take it personal.

Miss, Alexander stopped her. Pulling my hand from her hold. Why are you insistent? It's clear she doesn't want to go with you.

Well, well, well, who do we have here? The almighty Alexander Romano himself. She said her voice suddenly seductive and more polite.

It's Mr. Romano to you miss.

Well, Mr. Romano, we were just having fun and Valentina here just couldn't handle it. You know, joke among friends. You know, she's very sensitive.

Sensitive my foot. I thought.

Out of nowhere, Matteo appeared, dragging me back inside with him. Alexander tried to follow but Alana blocked him. When he left, Alana was behind us. We went to the lounge and Alana opened the door and Matteo shoved me inside, locking it.

Matteo, let me out. I banged on the door. The door opened and five thugs waltzed in.

Open the door, Matteo!

One of them whistled. Damn, we got some motherfucking luck, aye?

I trembled, my hands clutch my bag tightly. I didn't plan for this but clearly, nothing goes as planned. Don't come any closer. I said, backing away.

The men kept coming forward. I removed my heel and held it as a weapon. Relax darling, we just want to have some fun. One said, as they circled me.

Wh..what do you want? Money? Name your price, I'll pay you double the amount they gave you. I said, barely able to keep my voice grounded.

One lunged at me. I hit him in the jaw with the heel. Damn, she hits hard. he growled.

Well, if they're feisty, they tasted best. Another said. Two came up from behind me and held me tightly. One was already unbuckling his belt and the other two, trying to unbutton my shirt.

Let me go. If my brother finds out, you all are dead. I screamed at the top of my lungs.

Please, dondon't do this to me. I beg you

My blouse was removed, my bra was torn. PlepleaseI beg you. But my plea fell on deaf ears.

Nobody came to my aid. Who would? It was all a plan.

My dignity was about to be ripped off me. I laid there naked, in despair.

Just as I was about to succumb to darkness. A loud crash burst through the door and it opened with a bang.

VALENTINA'S POV

Get your hands off her.

Alexander?

Valentina, Valentina, look at me. He urged.

I tried to open my eyes but it was difficult. Ale.. I succumbed to darkness.

The bright light woke me from a deep slumber. I opened my eyes, trying to adjust to the blaring light in the room. Where am I?

I rose from the bed and surveyed my surroundings. I was in the hospital. How did I get here?

The events of what happened to me came rushing in my mind. The betrayal, the humiliation and lastly, the pain. A drop of tear falls on my hand and they kept coming. I cried, for the pain I supressed these past few days.

Nothing hurts more than the cold betrayal from Matteo. The fact that he was willing to ruin my reputation just for a divorce.

The door opened and Alexander walked in. You're awake! How are you? Are you in any pain? He rushed out.

I couldn't speak, I simply nodded my head. Thank you for saving me. If you hadn't come earlier. The words stuck in my throat.

But, how did you find me. I asked.

Something didn't quite feel right. I turned back around but the lady from earlier lied to me that you were in the restroom. I searched for you but you weren't there.

Then I heard you scream. She tried to stop me from going in the room but my men held her down. That was when I broke the door down. He explained.

And Matteo? Did you see him? I asked. I don't know the answer I was going to get, but maybe, just maybe

He wasn't there, only Alana, a young lady and a man were outside.

I don't want to intrude but I need to know what exactly happed that led to that incident.

Uhmm. I licked my lips. It was plan. I said finally.

Plan? What plan? Alex asked.

Its a long story. I saidz trying to avoid the conversation.

I have time. Alex sat down on the bed beside me. Valentina, you can talk to me okay? He held my hands in his, I don't know if he was trying to comfort me but it was soothing my nerves.

I took a deep breath. Matteo, my husband and his siblings, Ariana and Damien planned to ruin my reputation inorder fronhom to get a divorce from me. I started.

I looked at Alexander who was quiet. Matteo loves someone else, Alana, the one who dragged me from you yesterday. He nodded.

They plan to get back together after removing me from the picture.

Three years, three years Alexander. I thought Matteo lovede but it was all a pretense. A pretense to put up with me until he's able to cast me aside. I cried.

Alexander's hold on my hand tightened. I watched as he fumed. That bastard. He's going to regret doing that to you. He promised with conviction.

I called your brother, he should be arriving anytime soon. He said.

My eyes widened, my brother? How did you know my brother? I asked, confused. If he knowsy brother, how come I've never met him.

Uhh.. he's my best friend and brother.

I'm not getting you here. Besides, I would have known about you. You've never been around him, how come you're best friend.

Well, we hardly meet. And the fact that we are now both headed the family businesses both legal and illegal, we hardly have time to hangout. He explained.

Illegal? Which family mafia are you? I couldn't help but ask.

I am the head of the Greek Mafia.

I gasped. You..you are Alexander Volkov? He nodded.

But, why are you under the name Romano?

Romano is the legal name for the business and Volkov is for the Mafia and the real one.

Wow. Then something downed on me. Where are they? The guys who..

They are in my warehouse. You don't have to worry about them. They will be well taken care of. He smirked. And it wasn't a good one.

Oh boy.

Peanut, I heard my brother's voice. He rushed to me and hugged me tight. Thank goodness, you're safe.

I hugged him tight. I've missed him. In these three years, I never visited home once and it's because Matteo doesn't allow me to.

I missed you bro. I cried in his arms.

I missed you too, peanut, I thought you didn't want to see me, that's why I stopped reaching out to give you more time.

What do you mean? I asked, confusion manning my face.

I reached out to you a couple of times to visit you but the letters always came back with another one stating you ,you were married now and you don't have time to see anymore

But I never got any letters. I said.

What? Leave that, well discuss some other time. Tell me what happened.

I recounted the event to Dante and by the time I was done, he was fuming.

Matteo will pay for what he's done.

Suddenly, Alexander's assistant rushed in. Boss we have a problem. Miss Valentina is all over the news.

VALENTINA'S POV

Miss Valentina is all over the news. Was the only thing I heard before everything faded away. I couldn't move, I couldn't speak, I just cried.

I knew what Daniel meant, by I was on the news. They succeeded.

What do you mean by Valentina is on the news. I could hear Alexander ask his assistant.

Here, sir, Daniel replied, handing Alex his tab. Through blurry eyes, I could see the strong hold Alex had on the tab.

Let me see. My brother said, collecting the tab from him.

That bastard!! Dante seethed, throwing the laptop across the room.

After everything our family did for that bastard, this is how he repays us?! Dante yelled, fury dripping from every one of his words.

Dante, calm down, what's done is done, now we need to focus on damage control before dealing with them. Alex reasoned, calmly.

I sat there, the pain and betrayal sliced through my soul. I wiped my tears, it wasn't worth it. I looked towards Dante who was still seething. Given his over protective nature, I wasn't surprised. I glanced at Alexander, his hands in his pockets. But I could see through the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.

I took a deep breath before speaking. I already had my lawyer draw up divorce papers. I said breaking the silence.

Two heads turned to me, their eyes filled with questions. Im supposed to meet up with my lawyer today to pick up the divorce papers. I explained.

We can start from there, Alex said. Can you give Daniel your lawyers contact so he can pick them up?

Yes, I reached for bag and pulled out my lawyer's card.

Ill get to it now. Daniel said, walking out of the room. Leaving me with two angry mafia heads.

Dante? I called my brother in a small voice. He rushed to my side in an instant.

I'm sorry, I sobbed. You warned me but I was too in love to listen. I'm sorry. I cried harder this time.

Why are you sorry peanut, it's not your fault. You just fell in love and nothing is wrong with that. You fell for the wrong man. Don't blame yourself for something you have no control over. He cooed, his arms wrapped me in a comforting hug.

Dante wiped my tears, just as Alex spoke. His voice was calm, calculated and edged with a restrained fury. I could tell he was still enraged and he was doing a damn good job at keeping it cool.

We need to get Valentina out of this place. The reporters are already in front of the hospital. I'll have my men control the situation and get us an exit. He said, as he was already dialing on his phone

Dante walked over to the window and peered out. Damn it. He muttered.

Control the situation at the front and get me an exit. Alex ordered whoever was on the other end of the phone.

Dante pulled out his phone also. I rolled my eyes. No wonder they were best friends. Get the jet on standby.

I said nothing. Just watched the two men bark orders to their men. I picked the remote and tuned on the TV in the room, curious to see what was being said.

Italian heiress, Valentina Rossi cheats on husband, Matteo Da Vinci with five men at the B&B lounge. The headlines read.

They even had a blurry, obviously photoshopped image of me on the floor, with a man on top of me. The comments were vile My character and upbringing were questioned on the internet.

My grip on the remote tightened. Matteo and his siblings would live to regret what they did to me. Alana included. I promised as fresh tears ran down my cheeks

Alex's phone rang. I need the hospital staffs cleared out until Valentina leaves the hospital. Send out the best guards to room 409. He ordered.

Get dressed Valentina. Dante said as he grabbed my bag.

What about the divorce papers? I asked. Weren't we supposed to wait for Daniel?

Daniel knows where to meet us with them. Alex answered.

A knock sounded on the door before it opened. Boss. A man said, walking in.

Valentina meet Micheal, my right hand man.

Alex introduced.

What's the situation out front? Alex asked.

Worse.

What about the exit?

We have it under control. Micheal assured.

Let's move.

VALENTINA'S POV

Can we go to the house please. I asked no one in particular.

No.

No. Dante and Alexander said at the same time. I rolled my eyes.

We are going and that's final, I stated firmly, glaring at the both of them.

I see no reason why you need to go back to that house. Dante replied with his own glare

I need to get my things, if not all, I have some valuables.

Valuables? Let me guess, your jewelries? He asked and I nodded giggling.

Have Daniel meet us at Matteo's house to sign the contract. I told Alex, who just gave a curt nod. The idea clearly doesn't sit well with him.

His silence, the clenched jaw and fist gave it all away.

When we arrived at Matteo's mansion. Alex opened my door and held his hand out to me which I took. That was when I noticed the fleet of cars in front and behind us. We were in the middle.

Wow. I whispered.

We walked inside, the door was open and we made our way to the living room when we heard voices coming from there.

Wow, Alana, you really amaze me. How did you get those images photoshopped? Ariana praised Alana.

Oh well, it wasn't that hard. A few connections here and there and you get things like this done. She said proudly.

I'm just glad she's out of our lives. Damien voiced out.

How's the divorce preparation coming along brother? Ariana asked.

I looked at both men on each of my side. Alex looked like he was about to rip someone apart and Dante was no better. I placed my hands on theirs. And I felt them calm down, a bit though.

The papers will be ready tomorrow. Matteo answered. He sounded cold.

There's no need for that. I came out from where I was with Alex and Dante by my side.

They all looked like deers caught in the headlights. Matteo and Alana were the first to recover before. Damien didn't give a fuck and Ariana looked stunned for a moment.

Well, the slut came out of her hiding spot. Alana accused.

Excuse my manners. I said, battling my eye lashes.

Micheal, please lead the guys to my room. My valuables are coming with me. Two doors on the left. I instructed.

Yes ma'am. Micheal was about to take the stairs when Matteo stopped him. Stop right there!! He yelled.

Valentina, what is this? You bring men to my house now? He accused. I looked at him, unbelievable. Seriously?

Micheal, do your job. Without another moment, Michael and a few guys went up to my room.

I looked as each of them disgusted. Daniel, hand me the papers.

Daniel handed me the papers and a pen. I signed and looked up. You wanted a divorce right? I asked Matteo. You should have just asked me for it. There was no need to go through the hassle of ruining my image. I threw the papers in the air.

You think we framed you? Alana said, offended.

Then who did? Me? You guys think I didn't know of your plans? The spiked drink? I looked at Damien who looked uncomfortable.

What, you think I'm stupid? That I wouldn't find out? An unbelievable laugh escaped my lips.

I walked up to Matteo. I stared at him and he gave me a cold stare. It didn't faze me. He didn't know who he messed with. They don't know but they will soon enough.

You disgust me. Framing your own wife, just because you want to be with a slut.

Watch your mouth Valentina, he warned.

Or what. This time it was Alexander who talked. He walked up to him and stared at him like a predator ready to devour his prey. For a moment I saw Matteo waver.

And yes, Dante said from behind me. The deal for the ammunition is over. You'll be getting nothing from us again.

Oh, I don't care anymore. I've gotten as much as I wanted In these three years. Matteo said nonchalantly.

Dante smirked. You wouldn't say that again, I promise you.

All of you, will pay for the stunt you pulled. That's a promise I'm will keep. I threatened.

There's nothing you can do Valentina. Alana said.

You don't know me Alana. It's best if you keep your filthy mouth shut. I smirked.

Micheal and the guys came down with my luggages

. It's done. He said.

I looked at the four of them. You all will pay for what you did to me. I'll be back for each of you.

Be ready for my return. You just messed with the wrong mafia princess. I said, and walked out of the door and their lives for now.