Episode 4

CHAPTER 3

I left the mansion with a fervent desire for revenge in my heart. I had never experienced such a powerful emotion: a dark, cruel fire that consumed me from within. I had gone from adoring Dreiner with every part of my being to wanting to see him destroyed, turned to ashes. I wanted to crush him with my own hands, make him suffer every moment of this torment that tore me apart.

That night, while the world rested, I devised my plan. In front of the mirror, with my eyes inflamed by anger and betrayal, I promised myself that I would not let them take anything else from me. Not my identity. Not my freedom. It was clear to me that Dreiner was ambitious, that his greed knew no bounds. And if I needed to promise my soul to the devil to defeat him, I would do it without thinking.

At dawn, I dressed up in a way I hadn't done in years. Tight black dress, perfect makeup, loose hair waving like a banner. I was no longer the submissive wife. I was no longer the woman who endured in silence. It was time to show what Antonella Bernal really was.

I went to the company as if marching into battle.

But Dreiner had set another trap for me. One that I never saw coming.

As soon as I crossed the glass doors, a flurry of flashes dazzled me. Reporters, cameras, police . . . it all happened so quickly that I could barely react. They put the handcuffs on me in front of everyone, amidst shouts and shoves. My dignity was trampled as they took out my belongings as if I were a criminal.

The accusations were not long in coming: embezzlement of funds, acquisition of poor quality materials, false tenders, illegal constructions. Documents signed by me appeared on every page, false evidence that pointed to me as the leader of a millionaire fraud.

My lawyer, with an expression of horror, told me the only truth I didn't want to hear:

"Everything involves you, Antonella. There's no way to escape. It would be best if you plead guilty."

The strength I had gathered during the night vanished like dust in the air.

I was not granted bail. They took me to a cold cell where other women greeted me with mocking laughter and raised fists. They beat me and took off the few clothes I was wearing. They left me in a corner, curled up, in a ball, broken and without dignity.

I stopped talking. Of fighting. For me, life had ended, I lost everything for a love that apparently only I felt, a love that now that I think about it was sickening.

The following days were a bleak and miserable repetition, the sentence came quickly, like a chopping ax: federal crimes, life imprisonment. A secret account also appeared in Switzerland, full of millions that, supposedly, I had stolen. I couldn't believe it. But I knew that every detail had been meticulously planned by Dreiner. I, the loyal wife, the faithful partner, was now seen as solely responsible to everyone.

As I was being taken to the maximum security prison, a small television in the station gave me the final blow: Dreiner, impeccable, with a sad expression, made a moving speech in front of the cameras.

"I'm devastated . . ." he said, his voice trembling, while Paloma, looking radiant beside him, held back fake tears. "I never thought Antonella would do something like this. But I will take responsibility for repairing the damage . . . and moving on."

And I, with my hands chained and my gaze empty, finally understood: it had all been a trap from the beginning, one that I was too stupid to see.

Months passed. I lost my appetite. I couldn't sleep. Every day, my spirit weakened a little more. Until, one night, some shadows entered my cell.

They were large women, with tattoos, and murderous looks. They approached in silence, like hungry she-wolves. One of them, making a cruel grimace, whispered in my ear:

"This is a message from Paloma Valencia... She says to go straight to hell."

I did not defend myself. I didn't scream. I accepted each stab as an act of mercy. I felt the warm blood flowing through my body, staining the floor. And with each blow . . . I was moving a little further away from this world.

In my last breath, looking at the dirty and distant ceiling, I murmured a broken prayer:

"God . . . if you would grant me another chance . . . I promise you that I will not be the same. I don't deserve this ending. If there is divine justice . . . let the guilty pay."

Then, darkness enveloped me.

And I died.

Or at least . . . I thought so.

Welcome to this new story, thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my novels, as you know I publish from Monday to Friday, this novel is in editing, don't get angry it is a short novel, but I know that you will like it just like the others, don't forget to comment and leave your likes I want to know if you like this plot. Thank you again for reading my novels and don't forget to follow me so that you get the notification every time I publish. Kisses to all and thank you very much.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***