Put Me in Jail and He Came Begging

Chapter 8: The Accidental Fall

The day began like any other, a dull haze of routine that barely masked the simmering tension beneath the surface. My life had become a series of mechanical actions, devoid of joy or meaning. Each step felt heavier than the last as I walked to Leonardo's office building. My heart ached with a familiar longing, a hope that refused to die despite the harsh realities that constantly slapped me in the face.

Sophia was there, as always, a constant reminder of what I could never have. She was beautiful, confident, and cruel. Her eyes sparkled with malice whenever they met mine, and today was no different. As I approached the building, she was waiting for me, a smug smile playing on her lips.

"Alina," she called out, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "What are you doing here? Still hoping Leonardo will notice you?"

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm. "I'm here on business," I lied, hoping she wouldn't see through my facade.

Sophia laughed, a high, mocking sound that grated on my nerves. "Business? With Leonardo? Please, Alina, don't delude yourself. He doesn't even know you exist."

Her words cut deep, but I refused to let her see how much they hurt. Instead, I squared my shoulders and met her gaze head-on. "I'm not here for your approval, Sophia. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to do."

I tried to walk past her, but she stepped into my path, blocking my way. "You're pathetic, you know that? Always lurking around, hoping for scraps. Leonardo doesn't want you, and he never will. You're nothing to him."

Something inside me snapped. Years of pent-up frustration and pain boiled over, and before I knew what I was doing, I lashed out. "And what are you, Sophia? Just another pretty face in his endless parade of women? Do you think you're any different?"

Her eyes narrowed, and I saw a flicker of uncertainty in their depths. "At least I'm in his life," she hissed. "Unlike you."

The words stung, but I refused to back down. "For now," I shot back. "But one day, he'll see you for what you are. A manipulative, heartless—"

Before I could finish, Sophia lunged at me, her nails aimed at my face. Instinctively, I raised my arms to protect myself, and in the struggle, I sidestepped, causing her to lose her balance. It all happened so fast. One moment we were grappling, and the next, Sophia was tumbling down the stairs that led to the building's entrance.

I watched in horror as she fell, her screams echoing in the stairwell. Time seemed to slow down as she hit the ground with a sickening thud. Blood pooled around her head, and for a moment, everything went silent.

My heart pounded in my chest, and I rushed down the stairs, my mind racing. I hadn't meant for this to happen. It was an accident. I knelt beside her, my hands trembling as I checked for a pulse. She was alive, but unconscious, her breathing shallow.

Panic set in, and I fumbled for my phone to call for help. But before I could dial, a shadow loomed over me. I looked up to see Leonardo standing at the top of the stairs, his expression one of shock and fury.

"What the hell happened here?" he demanded, his voice cold and hard.

I opened my mouth to explain, but the words wouldn't come. My mind was a jumble of fear and confusion. All I could do was shake my head, tears streaming down my face.

Leonardo's eyes blazed with anger as he descended the stairs. He pushed me aside and knelt beside Sophia, his hands gentle as he checked her injuries. "Call an ambulance," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

With shaking hands, I dialed 911 and relayed the situation, my voice barely above a whisper. Leonardo stayed by Sophia's side, his face a mask of concern. The minutes stretched into an eternity as we waited for help to arrive.