“Mur– murder? Me?” Miriam stuttered as confusion danced across her features. “You must be joking.” She laughed nervously.

“What is this? A prank?” She turns around to ask Dante, as she spares a glance at Bellamy. “Another scheme of yours to make me sad? Or better yet, your top-tier birthday gift?” She asked, annoyed as she glared at them.

“Ma’am, please respect yourself and cooperate with us.” One of the police officers walked forward and took out the handcuffs from his pocket. “Stretch out your hands.” The police officer directed her, but Miriam scoffed.

“Who do you take me for? A fool to play along with this annoying prank?” She questioned angrily.

“You are a murder suspect for the death of Lawson Harold, and here's the arrest warrant for you.” Another police officer came forward and handed her the warrant.

There, Miriam could see that these men standing before her were truly men of the law. They were not here to play or prank her. So, her demeanor quickly changed as she realized that she was in trouble.

“Officer, let me see the warrant.” Dante stepped forward, unable to hide his smirk as he read through the arrest warrant.

“Isn't that the CEO of LH Enterprise?” Bellamy asked as she also stepped forward to take a glance at the warrant.

“Yes, Lovie, he's the CEO of my company's rival,” Dante replied. “But how did this happen?” He questioned one of the police men.

“He died last night. And Mrs Martinez here was the last person who met with him.” The officer replied, “Your hands, ma'am.” He said to Miriam, whose mouth was agape, as she was in shock.

She slowly stretched out her hands, and the officer handcuffed her. “Bu– but I didn't do it. I didn't do it.” She mumbled, but her voice was still audible to be heard.

“You have the right to remain silent. You also have the right to an attorney. Anything you say can, or will be used against you in the court of law.” The policeman who just handcuffed her recited to her. “So once again, Mrs Martinez, respect yourself.” He said to her in a stern voice as he grabbed her arm.

“But I didn't do it. You can't arrest me for what I did not do.” She argued in a shaky voice as fresh tears began streaming down her face. Her heart was beating rapidly from the sheer fear of what her life had suddenly become in a matter of some minutes.

From being divorced to now being accused of a crime she did not commit.

“She's no longer a Martinez, Officer. Please don't address her as such. I refuse to allow this murderer to taint my family name.” Dante said with disdain settling in his eyes.

“For more information, you can follow us to the police station.” The policeman informs them as they drag a reluctant Miriam out of the house.

“Oh no, Officer. I'm no longer family with her. She is back to being Miriam Wellington. She is no longer my wife.” Dante chuckled lightly, following the officers out of the house.

“Dante, please tell them I didn't do it. You know I'm incapable of such a thing. Please tell them.” Miriam, desperate and scared, cried to Dante.

“But we can never be too sure. After all, you were not home last night.” Dante replied to her.

“God knows why she would murder such an innocent soul," Bellamy spat out.

“Officers, please take her away,” Dante said as he waved at Miriam, who was being forced into the police car.

“Please, I'm innocent. I didn't do it.” Miriam cried and argued, but the officers didn't hear any word she was saying as they did their job.

Her eyes looked towards her husband she had known for three years, while slaving away her life and enduring all the pains and torments he caused her. She saw the satisfaction and joy that took over their facial expressions. She watched her husband and his new mistress bid her goodbye with smiles on their faces as if her misfortune was their happiness.

As if her downfall was the cause of their euphoria.

Miriam cried as the car drove away from the mansion, her heart squeezed tightly in pain as she couldn't fathom just how fast her life was turned upside down. It wasn't as if her life was one to write something home about, but at least even if she was sad, she still had her freedom.

But not anymore. In just one day, the day that she marked a new age, she was divorced, ridiculed and accused of a hefty crime.

Her heart broke even more as she recalled how Charlie chose Bellamy over her. She left her entire life behind just to be with them. She gave up everything, including her career, just to serve and love him with all her heart, and there was nothing she couldn't do for Dante. But what did she get in return?

What was her gain for sacrificing three years for a man who never loved or respected her? A man who used her and betrayed her.

After arriving at the police station, she was dragged towards one of the desks by a police woman. She sat on the chair, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.

"Your name?"

"Miriam Wellington,' She absentmindedly followed the officer's instructions.

"Age?"

"28," Miriam responded.

"Write out everything that happened detailedly," Miriam gazed at the blank papers in front of her as liquid dropped from her ears.

She slowly held onto the pen, but it fell almost immediately. She bent, and her eyes caught an unfamiliar man's gaze lingering on her.

As he walked away, Miriam's eyes remained fixed on him, her mind racing with questions. And then, she heard it - her name, spoken in a low, husky tone.

"Miriam Wellington," Her heart skipped a beat as their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze.