CHAPTER TWO: My trauma

ROSA'S POV.

My eyes widened seeing the number on the screen.

My heart raced as I hesitated to answer.

The number on the screen was my mum's number and I knew I couldn't avoid her call, ignoring it could only make things worse.

Taking a deep breath,I answered

“Are you ready to come home," she asked sharply.

I paused for a moment before bursting into tears, Dominic's betrayal,pierced so hard in my memory.

“She's pregnant mom, Dominic betrayed me”,I voiced out my voice cracked and weary.

There was a pause from the other end.

My grip tightened on the phone as I dried the tears that streamed down my cheek.

“It's fine Rosa,just come home,I will talk to your dad about reducing your punishments,he is furious, Rosa”.

“He knows everything. You need to come home and face the consequences”.

My face fell, hearing that as I sighed loudly.

“Okay mom,i will come back but please one more thing I said sharply.

“Terminate all contracts and funds that come to Dominic's account,I will file a divorce later,I announced”.

As I hugged up the call,and scrolled down through my phone.

The Update from the journal caught my gaze.

Caption;

“Don Dominic expects a child from his newly wedded wife,Rosa in so much weary as he hands a divorce to her”.

Seeing that,I clenched my fist in anger. Dominic did not only humiliate me in secret but chose to make a scandal of me.

I clicked down to the comment section,and a video link was sent.

The full album pictures of Bianca and Dominic's memories.

Their wedding ceremony and proposals.

For three good months I was down in the hospital, Dominic only visited me twice,his continuous text messages and morning calls blindfolded me.

I thought that was just enough but all those three months he used it to make out with another woman.

I remembered the first time he visited me in the hospital. It was our third anniversary, but he forgot.

He came with a flower, apologizing for forgetting, but he didn't even sit down for more than thirty minutes. His phone rang, and he ran outside, saying he had a business call.

I was so happy to see him that I called my mom telling her of the kindness Dominic is showing to me.

I just wanted him to be happy. But now, I realize that was just an excuse.

The second time he visited me was to ask me to sign a contract.

He wanted me to be a witness for one of his businesses.

I accepted because I just wanted to make him happy. I didn't know where this contract would lead, but I knew it would make him happy.

But now, I realize that I was just a fool in his game.

He used me to get what he wanted, and now he has thrown me like trash.

The applause and cheers from fans on Bianca's page as they congratulated her for getting pregnant.

“A big congrats to Bianca, what Rosa couldn't do for three years you did it for three months," a comment read.

I gritted my teeth,as I pushed the phone away, wrapping my hands around my tummy and screamed loudly.

My mind struck with the realization that Dominic purposely never wanted to have a child with me.

My effortlessly tries to keep every pregnancy but he forces me to take contraceptives pills with his excuses of never wanting a child.

Those memories ran through my mind.

I smirked bitterly letting off a loud bittered laugh

Suddenly, Bianca stormed back into the room,her eyes blazing with anger.

“Don't play victim here Rosa!

Do you think you are the only one hurt here,”she spoke quickly.

“You caused Dominic to betray me”.

“For years now I have been a shadow of myself wishing one day Dominic will stand close to me and hold me so tight”.

I stared in confusion as she spoke further,my eyes rolling upwards and downwards.

“What are you talking about Bianca?,you just met Dominic ,you both have no memories together”,I snapped,my voice low and cold”

Bianca sneered, raising her eyebrows as she moved closer to me.

“You lost Rosa,don't ever think Dominic would fall for an old poor brat like you,it doesn't matter the time and moment I met Dominic”.

“He is now mine, get that into your skull”,she pondered.

I controlled your marriage Rosa,I had controlled every move Dominic had ever made”.

“Now I'm here to take charge”,she spoke harshly.

Her facial expression as she spoke made me giggle loudly,which caused her face to redden in anger.

Immediately,she grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the bed.

Her grip so tightened as her fingers drugged through my arms.

I stumbled,my legs trembling in the sheets but she didn't let me go

She pulled me quickly across the room,my heel cracking against the floor.

Before I knew it,she pushed me into the bathroom,slamming the door shut behind us as she lifted my head up, forcing me to face the shower.

The running water streamed down my nose, choking me as I pleaded for help.

But she paid deaf eyes,her fingers dug deeper into my arms.

Forcedly,I loosed her grip from my arms and pushed her to the wall of the bathroom,where she fell and slumped.

CHAPTER THREE: Decision

ROSA POV

“Bang!”.

The sound of Bianca's heavy fall echoed.

My legs trembled as I watched as she lay lifeless

Immediately, Dominic rushed in quickly to the bathroom,his eyes darted with rage.

“What have you done Rosa!”,he said, lifting her up as she carried her across the bathroom to the bed.

“Can I get an answer!”,he yelled again, this time loud and harsh.

“I did nothing Dominic, believe me,she tried to kill me," I said defensively.

He called out to his boys to inform the doctor about the incident.

Immediately,he dragged me away,my feet crashing against the tiles.

“If anything happens to my child, Rosa, I will kill you,”he said angrily.

“I didn't mean to hurt Bianca!”I screamed loudly.

I pleaded for him to hear me out but he paid deaf ears.

Then he pushed the door of the torture room and pushed me inside,there I fell,my back hitting so hard on the ground.

My gaze fell on the stern face of Dominic.

My mind raced as he slammed the door behind and locked it.

The realization of disregarding humiliation sank down my mind.

Memories of Dominic's past behavior flooded my thoughts.

I remembered how he would return from his rival group, his anger and frustration boiling over, and take it out on me.

He would use me as a punching bag, and I would endure it, blinded by my love for him.

But now, seeing how he didn't even want to listen to me, made me realize that he had never truly loved me.

The memories of him apologizing with flowers after his maltreatment on me now seemed manipulating.

I pulled out my phone and dialed my mom's number.

"Mom, I need you to call the lawyer. I want to start processing the divorce papers," I said, my voice low and firm.

“I would come back home as soon as possible,”I added.

Hearing that,my mom's voice filled with joy.

Ever since my departure,she had been so worried about my well being with Dominic.

Each time she asked about my marriage,I would lie and cover up for him.

“Mom, my marriage is perfect, Dominic is the perfect man for me,”I would say.

But deep down I knew I wasn't satisfied with my marriage,I just couldn't stop loving him.

But now my mind is made up,my love for him is gone.

Mom broke the long silence as she said excitedly.

“Dominic's contracts with the vitellin group had been terminated ,I guess he would come crawling back to you when he goes broke," she said.

“Ready to reveal your identity to him”,she added sharply

My grip tightened on the phone,as I sighed loudly,

“No Mom, I'm not ready to reveal my identity to him not now either,”I voiced out.

Just as I finished answering the call, I heard the door open.

Dominic walked in, Bianca by his side. Her hand was wrapped around his arm.

I was stunned in silence as I realized Bianca acted it up.

She smirked as she let off a sly grin.

“Honey,release her,she did that out of jealousy,You can see I'm fine now”,

She said,her gaze stern towards me.

Dominic released Bianca's hand, and walked closer to me,his gaze locked onto mine.

“Thank your God nothing happened to my wife and child,I would have sent you to hell”,he growled.

“She acted it up, trust me,she tried to kill me”.I replied defensively.

“Shut it Rosa,you liar,your days are numbered, you have no business with me anymore,” Dominic snapped quickly.

I clenched my fist,my face reddened with rage.

Hearing Dominics voice now doesn't just irritate me but makes me hate him more.

I hissed loudly, “fine Dominic if that's what you want,the divorce letter is being processed,I would sign it and send it to you”.

With that, Dominic turned his face away from me,as he stared at Bianca.

Immediately, Bianca took a step forward,her eyes flashed with anger, her fist clenched hard.

“What do you think about yourself Rosa”.

Her voice harsh and loud

"You're nothing but a poor slut,Why don't you just crawl back to whatever hole you came from and leave us alone?”

Bianca's words cut deep, but I stood my ground, refusing to be beaten by her words.

My desperation to win Dominics love made me track his every move and make myself available for him that night at the bar.

I guess he never fell for my greenlight but the fact I'm always available for him

“I'm no slut! I just fell foolishly in love with Dominic,”I murmured silently as hot tears streamed down my eyes.

“Don't fall for her pretentious attitude honey”,Bianca said sharply as she wrapped her hand tight on Dominic's arm, her gaze fixed on me.

Immediately,I strode slowly away from the both of them but Dominic was so quick to grab me back.

His grip tightened on my arms.

“Marco's family is having a family party tonight and you will be there,it's not a request",his voice commanded.

For a moment,I stood in silence.

Marco's family!.

Dominic's family.

My mind flashed back to the countless times I had been humiliated by Dominic's family.His parents who never accepted would be there.

My gaze locked on Dominic,I guess he knew the reason for my change in facial expression.

Immediately he left and Bianca followed him from behind as she smirked.

As they left,my mind raced to which decision I would make.

Attend the party and face Dominic's parents once again? Or resist Dominic's command and go to my parents.

CHAPTER FOUR: Getting back at them.

ROSA POV.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror,I had chosen the perfect gown for the evening,a stunning expensive dress father had given to me on my twenty-first birthday.

I had been saving it for a special occasion and today seems to be the perfect day to reveal my identity.

Marco's family would pay for all their humiliations and betrayals.

My gaze fell upon the expensive jewelry I had carefully selected to complement my gown.

The diamonds and pearls glittered vibrantly.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of my room, prepared to confront whatever humiliation I would face this evening.

But as I entered the hallway, my eyes fell on Bianca's shocked facial expressions.

We were both wearing the same dress, jewelry,it seems she mimicked my dressing on my 21st birthday.

What is she up to? I murmured, ignoring her gaze ,as I walked past her.

The ceremony began as a group of mafia Dons and elites walked into the hallway.

I turned my face towards the table where Mr and Mrs Marco sat.

Taking a deep breath ,I strode towards the table, my heels clicking on the tiles as I pulled a seat and sat down.

They all smirked,but I bluntly ignored their looks and sat down.

Mrs Mari raised an eyebrow,her eyes narrowing.

“You still have the mind to attend this party tonight Rosa,is that how desperate and clingy you are to Dominic?”.

“I suppose you are waiting for him to notice you,” she added sharply.

I leaned back in my chair,my gaze turned towards her,my lips widened letting off a sly grin.

“Maybe,”I said,my voice low and firm.

Her face reddened,but before she could respond,Bianca hurried towards her as she wrapped her hands around her shoulder.

"Suocera, mi sei mancata tanto”.

Translation:Mother in-law I have missed you so much.

Mrs Mari's lips widened as she pulled Bianca closer to her, rubbing her palms on her belly.

"Ti ho anch'io persa, figlia mia,”she said her voice filled with warmth.

Translation: I missed you too, my daughter-in-law.

My heart sank as I realized that all along,the Marco's family had humbly accepted Bianca into the family.

“Here's a little present for you,”Bianca said as she pulled off a stunning gold necklace. It's a diamond sparkling in the light.

“Mother this is a bulgari serpenti,made from 18k Italian gold,”Bianca said with confidence.

The room fell silent with all eyes fixed on the necklace.

“Wow this is so nice and expensive,your daughter in-law is so generous,”a feminine voice said.

“This cost a fortune,I would do anything to have this on my hands,”another guest exclaimed with a grasp.

Mrs Mari’s face gladdened as she pulled Bianca closer and hugged her passionately.

I smiled at their expressions because I know Mrs Mari's attitude

If Bianca does anything wrong now,she won't mind the gifts but would quickly unleash her anger on her.

I recalled the humiliation I faced in my first year of getting into Marco's family.

How she belittled me in front of everyone and made me feel like an outsider.

So wise of Bianca to learn her lifestyle this early,I murmured.

I smirked,my gaze locked onto Bianca who stared at me with hatred.

Immediately,she cleared her throat, her voice clear and loud.

“This is my little way of honouring my mother in-law,as the sole heiress of the vitellin family I'm meant to do more,”she revealed.

Hearing that my jaw dropped.

“Is she trying to steal my identity?”.

I now realized the reason she had the same dress and jewelry with me ,Bianca had clearly claimed to be me all this while.

I stood up,my eyes locked on Bianca

“That's not true," I said , my voice loud and firm.

Mocking laughter filled the hall as everyone stared at me.

“I'm the real daughter of Vitellin,Bianca is impersonating my identity”.

Bianca laughed loudly, “look who's claiming to be someone she is not,”she said.

I took a step forward,as I dipped my hands into my clutch and pulled out a stunning necklace.

“Here this is the real bulgari serpenti 18k gold necklace,hers is fake," I revealed .

The room fell into sudden whispers and murmurs as they all stared at me as a joke.

“Wow this is incredible,”a voice whispered.

Seeing the difference,Mrs Mari's face brightened.

She stretched her hands trying to get hold of the necklace but I pulled it away from her. A sly grin spread across my face.

“This isn't for you,Mrs Mari you don't deserve it,”I voiced out loudly.

Mrs Mari clenched her fist,her face reddened with rage,she tried to slap me.

But I caught her hand holding it with a firm grip.

Don't ever try that again,I warned my eyes darted with anger.

Mrs Mari was stunned in silence,her face turned pale,but before she could say anything, Dominic and his group rushed towards us.

“Rosa what's going on here?,’he asked In a demanding tone.

Immediately,Mrs Mari rushed towards him,tears streaming down her eyes.

“Rosa humiliated me in front of everyone”,she sobbed.

Hearing that,Dominic's face darkened and he turned to me.

“Rosa what's going on here?,”He repeated.

This gift from Bianca is fake,”I said, my voice clear.

“Her dress, her jewelry, everything is fake. She's trying to steal my identity.”

Bianca's face turned red,and she took a step back, her eyes filled with anger.

“How dare you impersonate my identity Rosa”.

“My dad, Don Alessandro Vitellin gifted this dress to me on my 21st birthday,here is just a little reveal of my luxury,”she said sharply.

Dominic didn't flinch,instead his gaze locked onto mine.

“And what's that with the necklace?, where did you get it from?,” he asked.

My eyes widened,seeing Dominic never believed what I said rather only standing by Bianca's side.

I took a step backwards, it's of no importance revealing my identity to them anymore.

“I..I bought it,”I stammered as I tried to stand firm.

Dominic raised an eyebrow.

“With what money Rosa,you know you are not swimming in cash”.

The room fell silent as all eyes stared at me.

“Could it be Rosa had been stealing from Dominic all this while?”,a voice retorted.

I...I saved up," I said sharply , trying to defend myself.

But Dominic just laughed.

"Saved up? You expect me to believe that? Rosa”.

“ I know you've been stealing from me. I know you've been taking money from my account to fund your selfish desires”.

The room flared into gasps and whispers, with all eyes fixed on me.

My legs trembled, I felt like I was going to collapse from the humiliation.

"That's not true!".

"Don't lie to me, Rosa. I have proof. You're just a thief and a liar.”

Immediately he dragged my clutch,his grip tightened on it as he pulled out his credit card.

Everyone gasped in shock.

“What else do you want to say huh! Using my money to show off,”Dominic voiced out loudly.

My jaw dropped as my heart raced in confusion at the thought of how Dominic's card got into my clutch.

Ever since our marriage,I was strictly warned never to make use of his credit cards,instead I asked him for the money.

Tears welled down my eyes as I realized I had been framed.

“I didn't do it,”I said sharply.

Immediately,Mrs Mari stepped forward,her face reddened with anger.

“I think we should cut ties with Rosa,she's clearly not good enough for this family”.

“Instead of a separation letter,why not sign the divorce paper now,”she added.

I was stunned in silence, Dominic had processed the divorce documents even before I did.

My plans of revealing my identity and getting back at Marco's family had failed.

Instead I was handed a divorce paper by Dominic publicly in front of everyone.

Tears streamed down my eyes freely.

The humiliation is just too much for me to withstand.