Put Me in Jail and He Came Begging

Chapter 11: Unexpected Visitor

The cold, damp walls of my cell were a stark contrast to the opulent mansion I once called home. The iron bars were a constant reminder of my downfall, a punishment for daring to dream beyond my station. It had been weeks since I was thrown into this forsaken place, weeks of solitude and introspection. Each passing day chipped away at my anger, leaving behind a steely resolve to reclaim my life.

My days followed a monotonous routine. Wake up, eat, and reflect on the events that led me here. The nights were the hardest. The silence of the prison was deafening, amplifying the sound of my thoughts. I often found myself replaying the moments that led to my imprisonment – the confrontation with Sophia, her fall, and Leonardo's cold, unforgiving eyes as he watched the police take me away.

It was during one of these sleepless nights that I heard the sound of footsteps echoing through the hallway. They were different from the usual shuffle of the guards, more purposeful and deliberate. My heart began to race, and I sat up, straining to hear more. The footsteps grew louder, stopping just outside my cell. I held my breath, waiting for what felt like an eternity.

The door creaked open, and a guard stepped inside. His expression was unreadable as he announced, "You have a visitor."

A visitor? My mind raced with possibilities. Could it be my parents? No, they had cut ties with me the moment I was arrested. Maybe it was David, coming to rub salt in my wounds. Or perhaps it was Ethan, here to gloat. None of these possibilities brought me any comfort.

I stood up, brushing off the wrinkles from my prison uniform. The guard led me down a series of corridors, the sound of our footsteps bouncing off the walls. Finally, we reached the visitation room. The guard opened the door and gestured for me to enter.

As I stepped inside, my eyes widened in shock. Sitting at the table, looking as out of place as a diamond in a coal mine, was Leonardo Romano. His dark eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe. He was the last person I expected to see here.

Leonardo's presence was overwhelming, even in this dismal setting. He exuded an air of authority and power, his tailored suit a sharp contrast to the drab surroundings. He stood up as I entered, his gaze never leaving my face.

"Alina," he said, his voice low and controlled.

"Leonardo," I replied, my voice betraying none of the turmoil I felt inside.

We stood there for a moment, locked in a silent standoff. Finally, he gestured for me to sit. I moved to the chair opposite him, my mind racing with questions. Why was he here? What did he want?

"Why are you here?" I asked, unable to keep the curiosity out of my voice.

He leaned back in his chair, studying me with those piercing eyes. "I came to see you."

"I gathered that much," I said, unable to hide the sarcasm in my voice. "But why?"

He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "I came to talk. To explain."

I raised an eyebrow. "Explain? There's nothing to explain. You made it pretty clear where you stand."

"Alina, listen to me," he said, his tone softening. "I didn't come here to argue. I came because I owe you an explanation."

I crossed my arms, leaning back in my chair. "Fine. I'm listening."

He took a deep breath, his gaze never wavering. "When I saw you with Sophia, I...I was furious. I thought you had intentionally hurt her."

"And you believed her over me," I said, the bitterness seeping into my voice.

He flinched at my words but continued. "Yes, I did. But I've had time to think, and I realized I was wrong. I let my anger cloud my judgment."