Chapter 26: She was playing the Joan of Arc

****

(Idk why but this reminded me of Alessandro and Serenity, so I had to put it up)

***

"Its time." Simone Vitali came to inform his cousin.

Alessandro and Serenity were relaxing in the apple orchard behind the mansion.

Alessandro gave a curt nod, "I will be there."

Serenity looked at him confused.

"Are you going somewhere?"

"Yes, love. Now let's get you back to your room. The wind is chilling."

"I thought you said, you wouldn't let me out of your sight." Serenity teased shyly.

"Hmm." Alessandro leaned towards her as she moved back and a sly smirk tugged up on his face.

"Should I do that?"

Serenity blushed and pushed his chest to create space between them.

"No, silly. You do not have to babysit me."

"Come." He forwarded his hand and she took it with no hesitation.

Alessandro remembered the times when she used to flinch and jump at his every word and move. It was a big improvement, she was getting comfortable with him. His stone cold heart swelled at the thought.

He didn't tell her that it was the day he was going to give his verdict at the girl who dared to hurt his little flower. And he knew he wouldn't shower an inch of mercy for this vicious act.

He bend over a little to place a kiss on her forehead like always. It was a silent adieu because he could never let the word slipped out of his mouth. Goodbyes don't exist for him when it comes to Serenity.

"Come back soon... and safe" Serenity said, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeves.

"Do not go out of the house love, There is a thunderstorm brewing this late morning."

Serenity frowned and looked out of her window. Indeed there were dark clouds hovering across the sky.

She nodded obediently.

Alessandro once again gave her an look all over to ensure she was fine and healthy.

Serenity giggled, "Now, Go Alessandro. I am good."

"Call me if you need anything and I mean "anything" love."

"Fine." She drawled.

The soft look on his face disappeared once he closee door behind him. Simone was waiting around the corner of the hallway. Alessandro nodded at him.

"Everything is prepared. The Russell's have been brought in the court room. The father dared to threaten us, we might or might not have broken a leg or two though. The girl keeps chanting it wasn't her fault. She isn't ready to confess anything."

"And Connors?"

"The elders arrived last night. Zio Giovanni, your father have not made a statement yet. So I believe it's a green light."

Alessandro grunted in reply. He clenched and unclenched his fist. Since the past two days, the anger and rage building up on him was disastrous. It was only in the presence of his little red head that he was able to calm his monsters. Now that she won't be there, he can unleashed them however he please.

"And about the O'Sullivan's...." Simone paused deliberately

"What about them?"

"Most of them have agreed except for the youngest son, Igor O'Sullivan. He is ready to fight us back and he had blatantly disrespected your words."

Alessandro's eyes darkened.

"Do whatever you and to do but I want it done before next week."

"Okay."

***

The dark clouds casted over the city, a thunderstorm swirling in the sky. Two hundred students had gathered in the indoor stadium. Anxiety and Excitement displayed on their faces. The news have undoubtedly spread far and width of a particular red head beauty breaking into the ice prince's heart.

It will be a sight, a history that will be experienced in Connors Private Institute of Education.

"I have heard that they are childhood lovers who just gotten into contact. Apparently she is the reason why Alessandro never bat an eyelash on any other girl."

"No way, what about Athena Springton then?"

"Yes, I believe they were dating before Serenity even come along."

The first girl snickered, "Who knows if they have a kink for three."

They giggled silently pressing their hands over their mouth.

The auditorium was filled with students and even some parents from the underworld regime.

Another guy infront of them turned his head.

"You ladies seemed to have gotten the wrong information."

"Oh Really?'

He smirked, confident with his information.

"Yes, She is an O'Sullivan, the youngest daughter of Conall O'Sullivan. I heard the Vitalis' had striken an alliance with the O'Sullivans and that..." he leaned forward and beckoned the girls to come closer before whispering, "...that she is his keep."

The girls gasped, "Oh my God! Like a sex slave?"

"Ew! All these for a whore." One of them said in disgust.

"Keep your voice down!" The guy infront hissed.

"Alessandro Vitali seemed to be fond of her. Do you want to get punished?"

"And besides she is an O'Sullivan. One of the most powerful crime families, the Irish mob! Do you think she will be a mere sex slave as you put. If anything, I believe they might be betrothed to one another."

"Ah! Does that mean Alessandro Vitali will never be available for us?" One of them whined.

The guy rolled his eyes and turned away, "He never was..." he muttered under his breath in disbelief at the delusional young girls.

The Tsukumo triplets perched up on slanted roof of the building, keeping an eye on the event.

Mina passed each of them their bento as they sat crossed leg on the carpet Mini had laid over. It was not really a safe 'place' to have lunch but they loved it. Sitting on roofs especially the slanting ones were their favorite.

"Is there chicken on the menu?" Mona asked.

"We have grilled octopus with lemon and oregano."

"I like the live ones more."

"I specifically ordered the chef to not add it on the menu in case Athena joined us for lunch."

"Right...Where is she by the way?"

Mina shrugged her shoulders.

Mini and Mona stared at each other mischievously. Mina already sensed a bad feeling about it. She was the only sensible one out of the trio.

"Don't-" Her warning went in vain as Mini tore off an octopus tentacle and dropped it down.

The meat went down and apparently dropped on someone's head. A loud high pitched shrieked went off a second later.

Mini and Mona giggled. Mina couldn't help but crack a smile, shaking her head.

"JESUS CRIST! WHAT IS THIS! AHH!"

"A dick!" Mona yelled back.

The trio quickly laid down to not get seen, laughing while palming their hands over their mouth to not get caught.

"Oh my God! That was fun! Who is that lucky lady?" Mina giggled.

"Ms. Dracoan."

They laughed harder.

"Serves her right."

Mini sighed and looked down again at the buzzing crowd of students. She frowned when she saw a particular someone.

"Hey girls, see this" she beckoned the other two near her, "What is Serenity doing here?"

Mina's eyes furrowed as she stared at the direction her sister pointed.

"How can she be here? The Vitali's haven't arrived yet."

"I don't know but it's her. Only she has that vibrant auburn red hair in CPIE." Mini shook her head.

Mona took out her binoculars and squint her eyes at the instrument. She suddenly gasped and jumped back.

"What is it?" Her sisters snatched it . As they watched, their jaws dropped and they stared at each other wide eyed.

"Svetlana Yohontov!" They hissed in unison.

"Oh my God! She used to impersonate Athena before and now she is after Serenity!"

"Her obsession with Alessandro Vitali is growing ridiculously."

"I am telling you she is an erotomaniac. Urgh! I can't believe this. I am calling Athena right now." Mini pulled out her phone but Mina slammed it down.

"No, you idiot. Let us atleast wait and see her actions first."

"We wait and prepare." They nodded at each other helplessly.

In a far away distance, the Vitali's have already entered the institute.

***

Serenity sighed in boredom. Alessandro won't allow her to lift a finger. The butlers were rushing at the slightest sound of her groan. One of them even asking if she wants to be fed. She looked around in disbelief. There was nothing to do.

She was tired of laying down and watching the TV screen.

Her eyes wandered to her phone. Foolishly she had exhausted the battery and was waiting for it to fill up. She wouldn't be so bored then.

A ping notified on her phone alerted her. She frowned and didn't paid any heed to it. She didn't know who would text her. Alessandro and his siblings preferred talking over texts.

Another ping sounded.

She looked up curiously and grabbed her phone.

It was a request on Facebook along with a message.

She accepted the request and went into her chat box.

There was a link.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she waited for the video to download.

It was a video of CPIE. She could see a humongous indoor stadium there was a crowd. People were constantly muttering and she couldn't make out a word but one was said with such distinct conviction.

Alessandro Vitali

Serenity couldn't understand what was happening.

The screen blurred for a minute before focusing on someone. It was Alessandro. He was seated on a posh chair on a platform, looking like a king. There were several other men with him but he stood out perhaps because of his dangerously beautiful appearance and tha aura that intensified with his cold hard gaze.

Serenity knew this video was of recent as she could see his suit. He wore it in the morning. Simone and Alicia stood behind him. She could tell it must be something very important, Something very off.

There was a large clearing formed by the crowd. It reminded her of a verdict ground in ancient days waiting for the King to execute its prisoners.

What was happening?

Serenity could feel her chest tightening. Her guts were telling her something bad was going to happen.

And just as she felt it, her eyes widened.

A young girl around her age was dragged out harshly and forced to kneel on the ground. She appeared to be terrified and soon an older couple followed behind. The man kept growling in pain while clutching his bloodied legs while the woman begged for mercy.

Serenity gasped.

This couldn't be happening.

Alessandro wouldn't do that. He is so kind....She then realized another thing....only to her.

The video ended there.

Serenity jumped up on her bed. The hammering of her heart beating against her rib cage. She paled at the realization.

They are going to punish the one who was behind her incident.

Alessandro had mentioned it a handful of times that he wouldn't spare them. She just smiled and brushed it off. And now she knew he meant it.

She paced around biting her nails, nerve wrecking and brainstorming her mind to think of a plan. She had to save her. Or else, she would never forgive herself.

Yes, the girl did horrible to her but being punished by a crime Lord is worse than anything else.

And Alessandro...she had to stop him.

A notification from the phone alerted her again.

She warily looked down on the screen.

'Come to the fourth gate if you don't want someone to die by your name.'

Serenity flinched at the message. She was digging herself a grave but all her senses flew out of the window. She gulped down the fear and took deep breaths in to calm herself down.

Clearing her throat, she stepped put of her room. The two bodyguards spotted by her door straightened up. Alessandro had assigned them her protection before he left. She gave them a nervous smile.

Their monotonous expression didn't waver and she couldn't see their eyes as they were opaqued by black glasses.

"Is there any problem, Miss?" The one on her right asked.

"Y-Yes..." Serenity stammered and quickly cleared her throat to appear confident, "...I would like to take a walk to the floral garden..."

"But Miss-"

"P-Please...the room is so stuffy and-and the doctor says that it's good to have fresh air..."

The two men looked at each other, clearly hesitant.

"Of course Miss." He nodded.

They wouldn't leave their eyes off her for a second. Serenity bit her lips as she trailed her fingers on the rose petals.

How was she supposed to escape them?

The fourth gate was along the wall near the garden. It was forgotten and rusty, she could try climbing it.

An idea struck her.

"I am bored! Let's play a game." She forced an excited smile on her face.

The bodyguards stood unbothered.

"Oh come on....Please, please, please...Alessandro never lets me do anything." She pouted and enlarged her eyes.

A small expression slipped off the younger man's face. Almost resembling pity.

Serenity inwardly grinned and further played her trick.

"Okay! We are playing hide and seek." She announced.

Both of them shook their head, no

But it wasn't like they could convince her.

"I and Mr. Red tie will hide." She pointed at the younger man. "Mr. Black tie. You will be the seeker. Count to fifty and no cheating. Okay?" She grinned at them.

"Come on!" She stomped on her feet.

The older guard sighed and grumbled turning his back.

"One."

"Two."

Serenity squealed and quickly run to her plan but then she realized the other guard was also following her.

"No, no, no you cannot hide with me! We will get caught. You go that side and I will go this way. Hurry!"

Being caught in the game, the man stupidly ran the other way.

Serenity glanced back and escaped towards the fourth gate. Slipping her shoes off to get a better grip.

She groaned and winced as she climbed the wall, trickily stepping on the ruined edges of the concrete.

Once she was on top, she almost let out a scream. The wall was so tall from the other side, almost eight to ten feet tall while on the inner side it was about six feet.

She carefully treaded along the inches and a garbage bin caught her sight.

She scrunched her nose, summoning all her non existent courage jumped down.

With a humped, she was dropped into the trash.

Serenity gagged. She couldn't believe herself.

But desperate times called for desperate measures.

After all she have a life to save.

By now, she could hear the shouts of her bodyguards from the other side of the wall. They were looking for her. She hurriedly ran down the street.

Just the luck, the rain began pouring down from the sky.

.

***

Svetlana smirked, looking down at her phone. Nobody can save the bitch now. Alessandro's wrath wasn't something to mess with.

She proudly look at her reflection of the glass window.

So beautiful.

Why wouldn't he fall for her?

Another achievement was that Alessandro glanced at her in the morning. She knew he would love it.

When she walked into the hallway, all eyes were on her. Their jaws dropped and their eyes wide. She knew she was gorgeous. Everybody loves her. Even Ms. Dracoan was shocked.

"Svetlana, Is that you?" She had asked.

"Yes, Ms Dracoan."

"Oh my- What happened to you?"

Svetlana sneered, "What do you mean?"

Ms. Dracoan quickly gulped and shook her head.

"No, no...I-I mean..you look abso-absolutely stunning."

Svetlana smiled back, satisfied.

She watched her man sitting on the aisle like a king. The Vitali siblings were behind him. She noticed that even they took a double glance at her. It fed her ego. A bunch of old powers were also seated on the aisle but her Alessandro was the most magnificent. After all he was hers.

The bastard, Nicole was dragged out along with her useless parents. In Svetlana's opinion, they don't deserve to be in the elite world. Too pathetic. She was glad they are finally kicking her out of the institution. She was taking up too many expensive oxygen.

Her body tingled with irritation as the Jury started placing their views and opinions.

Just kill her already damn it! Svetlana shrieked in her mind.

They already have the full proof from the surveillance camera. Get over with it. Why were they taking so long?

A girl gasped beside her.

"What the hell! Isn't that Svetlana Springton?"

Svetlana turned to the voice.

She raised an arrogant eyebrow in question.

The group of girls quickly scurried away under her gaze.

They gossip in hush tones but Svetlana didn't mind. She happened to be in a good mood.

Mr. Jeffrey, one of the Board Directors stood up to make a statement.

"The proofs laid are all against Ms Russell. The surveillance has a direct footage of Nicole Russell locking Ms. O'Sullivan in the abandoned washroom and infusing tear gas smoke at the scene. Do you have anything to say in regard to this incident or do you plead guilty of all the charges deemed on you?"

Nicole quickly shook her head and cried.

"No, please...I can explain!"

"If you accept your fault and make an open apology in public then Mr. Vitali might consider lessening his verdict." Another director said.

"Yes, I did it. I am ready accept my mistake-"

"It wasn't a mistake!" Alicia screamed, "You did it purposely and deliberately. You were in your senses so don't push this matter as a filthy mistake!"

"I am sorry!" Nicole sobbed on her knees, "I wronged her, I know! But there is also someone who is equally in part with this."

Alessandro clenched his jaws, "Explain."

His word rang heavy and maliciously. The atmosphere suddenly muted with chilly aura daunting over the scene.

" I do not have any bad intention towards Serenity O'Sullivan. Heck! I didn't even know her when I did what I did. I was Naive enough to be fooled so stupidly." Nicole gritted her teeth and her eyes wildly searched for that particular someone. She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw her.

The imposter!

Nicole wildly pointed her finger at her.

"It's her! Svetlana Yohontov, that told me to do it! I was desperate to take the role of Giselle in the upcoming theater that I did what she bid me to do. She said that she will give me the role if only I locked Serenity O'Sullivan in that room and infused the gas. She said it was only for a minute and...and to teach her a lesson...for di-disrespecting her. I swear I didn't do it on my own. Please believe me."

Svetlana's eyes twitched but a smirk landed up on her lips. She had taken care of that matter too. She put on her most confused and innocent face and faked a tear.

"What-What are you talking about?"

"Believe me! I am not lying! She is the one!" Nicole screamed

"ENOUGH!" a loud female voice dominated from the crowd.

A series of gasps erupted as the sea of student parted way for the woman.

Vladimira Yohontov appeared out of the entourage of jury.

Her voice shaken with anger, she yelled "How dare you petty low life blame your dirty deeds on my innocent child!"

"I AM NOT LYING!" Nicole equally stood her ground, "She promised me the role of Giselle! I was desperate okay! I was desperate. Svetlana always gets the spotlight even if she commits mistakes. She is clearly favored. The rest of us are overlooked. For the past seven years, ever since she joined, it has always been her. The others get a little show only once in a blue moon. I wanted to seize the opportunity anyhow."

Vladimira blinded by rage smacked Nicole right over her face. "Not a word! I dare you, not a word against my Svetlana. It won't take me a minute to bury your entire family. I will fucking destroy you all."

"Ms. Yohontov, Please step away. This isn't your affair to deal with. It is us, the Vitali's that give the verdict. Not you. And I assure you if by any chance your daughter is involved with what happened to my bestfriend. She will get the equal penalty as Russell will."

Vladimira clenched her jaws. As much as she wanted to retaliate with the blatant disrespect. Alicia Vitali wasn't someone to mess with. She couldn't get in bad books with any of the Vitali's. Grudgingly she stepped back.

She stood next to her dearest daughter who has been pulled out from the crowd, holding her hand.

"Mama won't let anything happen to you, baby." She silently promised.

Svetlana forced a pitiful face and hold her mother like she hasn't thrown a glass of water right at her face this morning.

"What evidence do you have to support your statement?" Mr. Conall addressed to Nicole.

"M-My phone! I recorded the- the call." She stammered and patted her empty pockets.

Svetlana stilled.

Antonio looked towards Alessandro and he nodded back curtly.

Antonio quickly pulled out her phone from one of the briefcase. They had confiscated every digital technologies that could render them help earlier.

Nicole pressed on her screen and opened the recording.

"Hello! You can't just bail out on me. I did as you said. You promised me that I would have the position of Giselle in the upcoming show!"

"W-What are you talking about? It's 3 in the morning."

"Please Svetlana, Save me! The Vitali's have sent me a white rose stained in blood...a threat and the next thing I know is the Dean had summoned my entire family in the campus court tomorrow! We can't even run away. There are scary men in black watching our house. We can't call the police either. Our lines to any help center disconnected. "

"Nicole...Are you drunk? *yawn* I don't understand anything. What have you done to the Vitalis and when did I promise you the role of Giselle. It's only Ms. Dracoan that decide on the role."

"Svetlana! You know what it means and how big of a trouble I am in! They have found out that it was me. They will kill me damnit!"

"I can't help you. Nicole. If you did something wrong then you deserve to be punished. "

"You can't do this to me. No- Svetlana!"

The beep-beep sound of the phone ending came on. Nicole, shocked to the roots, slumped down on the ground helplessly.

How could this happened?

This wasn't the recording!

Svetlana smirked subtly. Her plan worked

"There you have it! My daughter is innocent! Leave her out of this and punish this stupid wench. How dare she put her blame on my precious child!" Vladimira cried.

Alicia frowned and turn to Alessandro, "That phone call is suspicious. It's the work of an amateur."

He gave a curt nod in return. He flicked his fingers to the side and two of his men quietly left the scene.

"Now that everything is settle. It is the time of verdict. Throw this girl into the gas chamber for ten minutes!"

Gasped erupted everywhere. Nicole was dead. She wouldn't survive the gas chamber for even five minutes.

"No please. Leave my daughter alone. She is just a child!" The wails of her parents dragged on and on.

Nicole surrendered unconsiously to her fate. She was numbed. She had failed. Just one unacknowledged mistake, she had ruined her life with her own hands.

Her hands were cuffed with tight ropes and she was forcefully pulled up on her feet.

"NO! You can't do that to her! No!"

Suddenly a little red head blocker her view. Serenity O'Sullivan was pushing away the men from her.

Alessandro was speechless. His eyebrows furrowed and his jaws clenched.

Her hair was unkempt as if she was swallowed in a tornado. She was drenched head to toe and She looked like she had run a mile.

"How the fuck did she get here?" Simone breathe from his side.

Alessandro was wondering the same thing.

Her pure white sundress was messed with dirt and the bottom was shredded. And to top it off, her bare feet had red gashes and light cuts and marks.

Alessandro was angered. She was still recovering! She was supposed to be on her bed! Not here playing Joan of Arc.

"Please Alessandro. Don't do this to her! Gas chamber?! What are you? Hitler?" Serenity sobbed, clinging onto a surprised Nicole.

Alessandro found it hard to keep his straight face. He wanted to snatch her in his arms and squeeze the hell out of her.

Damn!

Her adorable antics was amusing him needless to say.

"Come here, love." He commanded with an infinitesimal soft tone.

The entire crowd went silent as they registered his word.

Love

"No, I won't! You look like Hitler! I don't like it."

She just denied him in public.

The drama couldn't get any better. It was getting more interesting. Now they had unofficially confirmed that Serenity O'Sullivan belonged to Alessandro Vitali and vice versa.

"Love." Alessandro warned.

Serenity hesitated and stepped forward slowly.

Right when she reached infront of him. He stood up and gently took her arm and push her down on his seat.

The crowd was shocked.

Svetlana visibly paled and her breathing turned ragged. She didn't want to believe what she saw. He can't do this to her. Alessandro cannot love someone else.

Her eyes narrowed to slit. His hand which was supposed to be on her and only her was placed on that dirty whore. Her throat tightened. Tears brimming her orbs. She rubbed her eyes, irritated. And when she looked down, one of the contact lens had fallen out.

She could feel her heart breaking down. The immense feeling of betrayal froze her senses. He was suppose to love her.

But what completely killed her inside was when Alessandro leaned down to press a long kiss on Serenity's forehead.

"Hello! You can't just bail out on me. I did as you said. You promised me that I would have the position of Giselle in the upcoming show!"

The real recording blasted through the speakers all of a sudden.

"I did...Oh! I don't remember."

"Please Svetlana, Save me! The Vitali's have sent me a white rose stained in blood...a threat and the next thing I know is the Dean had summoned my entire family in the campus court tomorrow! We can't even run away. There are scary men in black watching our house. We can't call the police either. Our lines to any help center disconnected. "

"What do you want me to do with it? Jeez, don't act like a kid. It's not that of a big problem."

"Svetlana! You know what it means and how big of a trouble I am in! They have found out that it was me. They will kill me damnit!"

"I don't know what you're talking about. Listen, It's time for my beauty sleep. Do not disturb me. It's your problem, not mine-"

"You can't do this to me. You were the one who told me to do that! Svetlana! No! Hello- Svetlana."

The Tsukumo triplets looked at each other and laughed.

****

That was one long ass chapter.

How was it?

Good?

Bad?

Or just meh?

I am so sleepy. So I won't bore you much.

Until then,

Adios

Stella Cadante.