Chapter 4 Word Cuts Deeper

CAMERAS flashing. Countless questions. Deafening assumptions.

Magdalena was used to people calling her names, but there was one word she would never accept-because that word could ruin her daughter's life. She didn't care if her own life was destroyed, as long as her child was spared.

"Magdalena Mendoza, do you have anything to say before the formal announcement today?"

"Magdalena Mendoza, is it true you killed your former husband? What's your response to the interview given by his family?"

Lena froze at what she heard. She slightly lowered her sunglasses, but a man beside her quickly adjusted them back into place.

"Magdalena will not answer any questions. Let's wait for the court's decision," said Attorney Moretti calmly.

"Attorney Moretti, is it true you're in a relationship with Magdalena Mendoza?"

There was no answer, which only made the press more aggressive. Magdalena was surrounded by police, her hands clenched tightly together. Around her wrist was something she never imagined she would wear-handcuffs. She was a sinner, yes-but not a murderer. That was the truth she had been fighting to prove for the past months.

Danilo had married her, given her a good life-but his family never accepted her. Why? Because she was a prostitute. At first, she did it for her dreams. She was terrified of being poor again. But when Danilo died three months ago, she was forced to return to the same life. That, perhaps, was why his family wanted to brand her a killer. To cut her off completely.

As she entered the courtroom, Lena could feel the chill-not from the air conditioning, but from the Mendoza family's icy stares.

The sharp looks thrown at her by Danilo's mother, father, and sister followed her every step until she was seated.

"You'll be fine, Lena," whispered Attorney Viktor Moretti, seated beside her.

She's trapped. With no other way to fight the Mendozas, she once again grabbed a double-edged blade-she agreed to marry a man twice her age in exchange for her freedom.

Viktor Moretti had been a notorious womanizer in his youth, which was why he became a father early. His only son, also named Viktor (now called Lucian), was currently in the U.S., serving in the military. Despite his reputation, Viktor was kind to Lena. He used his power to help her-but she knew what he truly wanted in return.

Lena's thoughts drifted aimlessly, floating through fears and memories-until she heard the two words that shattered her emotional dam:

"... This court has found Magdalena Mendoza not guilty."

It felt like a giant thorn had been pulled from her throat. Lena lifted her head as the judge continued:

"The jury having found the defendant not guilty, the court hereby orders that Magdalena Mendoza be released immediately, unless she is held on other charges. This court is now adjourned."

"NO! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!"

Her breath caught. The outburst came from her late husband's family.

"YOU MURDERER! THIS ISN'T JUSTICE! AFTER KILLING MY SON, YOU JUST WALK AWAY?!"

"Order in the court!"

Attorney Moretti quickly escorted Lena out while Danilo's mother screamed curses at her.

Lena's chest thudded painfully with every insult hurled at her. Yes, she was a prostitute. But she never once imagined harming the man who had saved her from the darkness.

"Are you okay?"

She turned to Viktor as they got into his car. They sat side by side in the back seat. He held her hand tightly.

Viktor was kind, but Lena felt nothing romantic for him. Still, she was thankful-because maybe, just maybe, this time someone would finally respect her.

Danilo was her first. The only man she had ever slept with-until his sudden death from a heart attack. After that, she had no choice but to return to the streets to support her child, especially when the Mendoza family took everything-the insurance, the savings-everything.

"I already had Angel picked up by my staff. She's at the house now with your things, just as we discussed."

Viktor's words brought her back. She gave him a small smile and nodded. "Thank you, Viktor."

He returned the smile and squeezed her hand. "I told you, I'll do everything for you. And I'll wait until you're ready to give me a chance. I know the pain of losing your husband is still fresh, so I won't force anything. But for now, you and Angel will be safe at my house."

Lena nodded silently. She turned to look out the window. The world is beautiful, but it can also be cruel.

They arrived at a grand mansion. The moment they entered, a line of maids greeted them by the door. The interior was elegant. The paintings alone must be worth millions. The luxurious furniture drew the eye-but that wasn't what caught Lena's attention.

It was the two people sitting on the sofa, staring each other down.

A little girl with pigtails, dressed in a matching pink outfit and white shoes, was holding a doll and frowning.

Angel Mendoza. Her five-year-old daughter. Danilo spoiled her, and it showed in her temper.

But when Lena shifted her gaze to the man sitting across from her daughter, she felt a sudden tightness in her chest.

The man sitting before her daughter radiated sheer perfection. From her angle, his pointed nose stood out. His lips were pressed into a straight line. His brows were furrowed. His eyes-cold and unreadable.

He's handsome. But that's not what shocked her. It was the fact that the man sitting across from her daughter was the man who gave her intense pleasure not too long ago.

Lucian...

"Lucian, you're here..." Viktor approached the young man, while Lena froze. It is him. Why is he here?

"Am I not allowed?" Lucian's voice was low, cold, and deep. He stood-and as he did, his eyes met Lena's.

Lena sucked in a breath. She felt the weight of his cold stare like a slap. He's become different. Lena felt like she was facing a different person. Gone the playful college jockey and his lopsided grin.

"Oh! I should introduce you," Viktor said with a smile, taking Lena's hand and gently pulling her forward. "Lucian, this is Magdalena."

Lena swallowed, unable to take her eyes off the man before her. She guessed he was about five years younger than her-but there was no denying his presence. He was tall, lean, and handsome. His skin was slightly tanned. Now that she saw him up close, his face was absurdly perfect. His damp hair clung slightly to his forehead, and a dog tag hung from his exposed chest.

Nothing changed about his appearance. Only his cold stares and dark expression.

"N-Nice to meet you..." Lena reached out for a handshake.

But her stomach dropped as his lips curled into a sarcastic smirk and he uttered painful words: "Gold digger."