Chapter 70: Jail terms
Two days before the election
Isabelle stood in front of the court, smiling triumphantly.
Her father had been given a jail term of 18 years while Ann and Mario were sentenced to life imprisonment.
The court was filled to the brim with ministers, political officials and reporters, Ann was crying profusely, refusing to be taken.
Roberto stood still, tears pouring out of his eyes as he maintained eye contact with Isabelle.
Getting them to the court the first time wasn’t easy as they as Roberto tried to leave the country but were denied access.
Ann took refuge with mafians, she had hidden with them and it took lots of tracking and plans before they could capture her, she had tried to escape several times and the judge had ordered for her to be put in prison till the court case was over.
Mario had a defiant look on his face, he wasn’t remorseful but he had a sad look on his face. He looked around, watching as reporters captured his face.
His hand was handcuffed and he bowed his head, sighing… he had lost everything, his properties, his only son, Selena and his freedom, he wondered how he would cope, living in prison till death.
He had left the country before but through his guard Collin, they had captured him and locked him up.
Annabella and Andrew were weeping, Annabella knelt, bending her head as she sobbed.
She wondered what kind of life that was left for her as her parents were being jailed and all the properties were gone.
Andrew patted her head, trying to comfort her but she refused.
Ann had been sued for murder, embezzlement of funds and an accomplice in drug trafficking, Roberto had been sued for looting funds and releasing criminals while Mario had been sued for murder, tax evasion, money laundering, kidnap and assault.
Isabelle left no stone unturned as she made sure she exposed all of their secrets, the whole nation was at their toes as the judge kept adjourning the case but now that justice was served, everyone felt relieved.
Some ministers shook their heads sadly, said their farewells before leaving.
Isabelle stared at her father who had so much to say but was speechless. She broke into tears, hugging him tightly.
“A minute please” She pleaded and the officers waited.
“I’m so proud of you, don’t feel sad for me, I choose this path foolishly, never choose evil over good, fight for what is right no matter what, I love you so much” Roberto broke into tears and she hugged him affectionately.
“I love you too dad”
“Take care of your siblings, you’re all they have”
“I will, I’ll alway be there for them” She muttered, watching them take him away.
Annabella and Andrew hugged Ann, weeping loudly, Tears rolled down Ann’s face and she hugged them, patting their back.
“I’ll be fine, take care of yourselves… Do not fight each other, you have no one else but yourselves… Don’t ever be greedy for what isn’t yours, especially power and money, I love you both”
“I love you too mom, we’ll visit you whenever we can… I’m very sure Isabelle would take care of us, please mom don’t hate her, she’s only doing the right thing” Andrew bade and Ann nodded before being dragged off.
“It’s sad to say goodbye. If we come to this world again I hope you choose a better path” Lilian muttered, feeling sad and Mario scoffed.
“I don’t feel sad, this is even better, what do I have left? Spending the rest of my life is better as I wouldn’t have to come out and start from square one but do you know what’s much better? Killing you!” He yelled, using his cuffs to hook her neck.
She screamed, choking and gasping for breath, everyone took shelter as the officers asked Mario to release her but he shook his head, tightening his grip.
The officers screamed, asking him to release her, pointing his gun at them and he refused, an officer counted to 3, shooting his back and Mario staggered, gritting his teeth as he held her neck.
The officer continued shooting, piercing holes in his body and he fell slowly, Lilian dropping with him as she gasped for breath.
Officers rushed her to the hospital while Mario’s body was taken to the morgue.
Isabelle stared around sadly, all because of their greed, three families had been ruined.
Alessandro, Brianna, Thomas, Darrell and Lettice stood by her side, trying to comfort her.
They walked outside and were met with a crowd of reporters, all of them pushing and trying to talk to them.
She stood in front of a few reporters, listening to their questions.
“No doubt, I feel sad but I still am happy, I’m happy that justice has been served and deaths have been avenged”
“The only family I have now is my siblings, Alessandro and my friends… I would like to urge everyone to vote for whom they think is right for the country, I’ll still be here, fighting for the right of everyone” She replied.
“What about your career? Would you go back to acting or modeling? How would you cope now, being a peasant?” Reporters requested.
“I’m not a peasant, I’ll work for my money and hard work pays… About my career, you’ll have to ask my manager for the details, I wouldn’t want to steal her thunder” Isabelle replied and walked away, still watching her father being driven away.
“Are you alright?” Alessandro demanded, holding her hand and she shook her head.
“No, never have I imagined that my family would come to this, I feel broken” She replied, wailing on his shoulder and he patted her hair.
“You still have us, we will always be by your side and never let you down, be strong for everyone, especially Annabella and Andrew, this is the time they need you the most… be there for them, please” Alessandro pleaded and she nodded, pulling herself together.
“Where are they?”
“Lettice went to get them” He replied as they strutted towards the car.
She broke into tears when she saw Annabella’s swollen face, they hugged her, wailing and everybody sighed.
“I’m so sorry, this is all my fault” She apologized and Andrew cleaned her tears, kissing her forehead.
“You did the best thing, I admire you greatly for what you’ve done, you’re a rare gem to the country” He confessed and she smiled through tears.
“I’m lucky to have you guys in my life, let’s head home to start our family” She muttered and they entered the car.
Alessandro drove them to his house which was furnished with congratulatory designs.
Isabelle walked inside and was startled when Diamond and Loretta rammed into her.
“We are so proud to have a daughter in law like you” Loretta confessed and Isabelle smiled tearfully.
She stared at all the decorations, covering her face as tears rose to her eyes.
“Don’t cry, you deserve to smile for as long as you leave” Diamond cleaned her tears, drawing her inside.
“Bless you my children, it’s lovely to have you in the family” Loretta welcomed, hugging Annabella and Andrew. They were taken by surprise but didn’t say anything.
“Mom! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” Alessandro demanded and Loretta giggled.
“Surprising my son isn’t a bad idea, I brought something… this has been with our family for a very long time, it has been passed on from our ancestors and now I think it’s time I pass it on too” Loretta replied and handed a little box to him.
He opened it slowly and gasped when he saw the brooch his mother and grandmother had cherished a lot.
He stared at his mother with love, tears glistening in his eyes and she nodded.
“I think it’s time you give it to the person your heart wants” Loretta whispered and stepped aside.
He walked on top of Isabelle who was chattering with Diamond, he drew her close and placed the brooch on her head.
“You’ve been accepted as the latest bride in the family” He whispered and she opened her eyes wide with amazement.
“What!” She screamed, jumping on him and he held her waist, lifting her up while Diamond clapped.
He dropped her and she smiled, loss of words. She went to Loretta and hugged her affectionately.
“Thank you for this honor, I promise never to let you down, Thank you so much” Isabelle mumbled and Loretta laughed.
“Child this isn’t a honor, all I did was ask him to give his wife”All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.
“The brooch looks pretty, thank you so much”
“Just keep it safe, this has been passed down from generations and I would love it if you passed it on also” Loretta advised and she hugged it.
“I promise to keep it safe, I’ll guard it with all my heart,” She vowed.
“Someone’s getting jealous already,” Diamond teased, snickering at Alessandro.
“Stop it Diamond, you should have better things to think of, like the engagement and wedding” Loretta retorted and Diamond nodded, laughing as she and Annabella twirled in circles.
“We would have a big wedding, I’ll invite everyone back to Miami, we could have it at the biggest hall, what about the honeymoon? You would spend a week…”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if she returns with a baby bump. Would you like to relocate or stay here?” Loretta asked and Alessandro groaned.
“Mom! Please, let’s take things slowly, we have a long way ahead”