Forced To Kneel, I Went All Out

The air went still.

Lorenzo stopped unbuttoning his shirt.

He picked up the papers, glanced at the title, and laughed like it was a joke.

"Divorce? Vivian, did you get sick from the cold wind down at the docks today? Where will you go if you leave me? Back to your broke family? Or begging on the streets?"

He stomped over, grabbed my chin, and made me look at him.

In those deep-set eyes, there was not an ounce of love, only anger at being challenged.

"Have you paid the prison for your dad's dialysis bill this month? If not for the strings I pulled, he might not even make it through tomorrow."

My pupils constricted.

My dad was the last family I had.

Two years into our marriage, my family went bust, and my dad went to jail for financial crimes. His health had been going downhill fast.

Lorenzo saved his life by getting him special treatment in prison.

I always thought Lorenzo did it because he loved me.

But now I realized it was a collar that he slipped around my neck.

Whenever I misbehaved, he could tighten it to choke me.

"You're a scumbag, Lorenzo!"

I shook all over, tears welling up in my eyes.

Seeing me scared, Lorenzo let go, content.

He was back in control.

He completely changed his attitude. He gently stroked the red mark on my chin, and when he spoke, his tone was indulging in a way that sent chills down my spine.

"Be a good girl, Vivian. As long as you behave, you'll always be the Don's one and only wife. Elena's just a business partner. She can open up the South American routes for me. Can you do that? No. You two have different roles. She is to be used, and you are to be spoiled."

What a sickening excuse.

He made cheating and having illegitimate children sound so rational.

He pulled out a velvet box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a sparkling ruby necklace.

"There's a family dinner tomorrow evening. Dress nicely. I will announce to everyone that Elena is officially joining the family’s inner circle. As the hostess, you must show your generosity."

He fastened the necklace around my neck. The necklace felt cold against my skin, like a snake.

"Don't disappoint me, Vivian."

He kissed my forehead and went into the bathroom.

I could hear the water running.

I clutched the necklace so tight my knuckles were white.

For my dad's sake, I had to endure it.

But I would not endure it forever.

Late that night, Lorenzo mumbled "Elena" in his sleep.

It made my stomach churn. Fighting the urge to throw up, I quietly got out of bed.

I went into the study and rummaged through an inconspicuous corner until I found a dusty notebook.

Lorenzo thought I was just bringing him tea and coffee in the study for the past three years.

Little did he know, I had an extraordinary memory.

I remembered every account he reviewed, every under-the-table deal he discussed.

I remembered it all and wrote it down in this book.

This would be my gift to the FBI!