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.