Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

As both Jerlina and Scarlett were disoriented not knowing what to do next, Cia did something unexpected. 

Baby Cia held Scarlett's cheek softly, with her chubby little hand. Her fingers were pink and her round cheeks were like apples as she looked at her mother. The blue eyes were filled with innocence and she appeared as an angel as she smiled. 

"Ma...ma..."

The baby said with a small smile and patted her mother's cheek. 

Jerlina who was holding back her tears till then placed her hand over her mouth and started crying seeing the baby's gesture. It was as if Cia understood that her mother is in distress and comforted her.

"You're right, Cia..." Scarlett hugged her adorable baby.

How could I forget this little thing? I have to be strong for her.

And what has happened? Nothing much! Bobby had an accident and they got the ambulance at the right time and he is getting the necessary treatment!

He'll be fine!

Jerry is with him and he'd make sure Bobby is well taken care of. 

All I have to do now is to stay by Bobby's side to help in his recovery.

He'll be fine! 

My Bobby will be fine! 

He will not leave me and our baby alone this soon. I know how much he loves us. He talked about how he'd threaten any boy coming near Cia with a weapon and challenge him for a wrestling match. He bragged that he won't let anyone near his baby girl. How will he do that if he dies now?

Right?

He'll be fine. My Bobby keeps his word.

And Bobby taught me what to do in these kinds of situations. I should stop crying and start acting appropriately. 

Tears streamlined through Scarlett's cheeks but she wiped them with her hand and sucked in a deep breath. "Let's be strong for our dada, right? He'll need us to take care of him. Will Cia be a brave little girl and stay with your granny for the time being?" she spoke softly.

Jerlina saw Scarlett's hopelessness turning to determination. In just a minute she has composed herself and she looked like a warrior.

Amazing.

Or is she...

"Are you okay, Scar? Do you need any help?" Jerlina asked Scarlett. She was a bit worried.

What if Scarlett does something stupid?

Scarlett understood Jerlina's concern. Jerlina couldn't hide her feelings much anyway.

"Jerlina," Scarlett held her hand. "I knew I will receive this kind of call one day or another. Although I thought he'd get hurt in a fight or by his enemies. But that fool..." she let out a chuckle wiping the corner of her eyes. 

"Yeah, I am fine. I'll call you if I need help, alright?" Scarlett patted Jerlina's head and turned to leave.

Jerlina helped Scarlett with the car seat of the baby and she realized that although Scarlett is scared of the uncertainty in Bobby's condition, she decided to be optimistic and do her best. 

This is strength, alright?

"Drive carefully, Scar. Bobby's a good guy and he'll be fine. Don't hesitate to ask for help, okay?" Jerlina said every word from her heart.

Jerlina watched Scarlett leaving with a forced smile and her heart became restless as she remembered Scarlett's words. 

This kind of call...

Yeah, I have to be strong too. Although... I wish Joel never gets hurt.

Can I even bear it? This kind of call?

Joel, be safe always.

Joel... I miss you.

Jerlina's mood got spoiled and she was in no mood to go along with the delivery anymore. She called her company and told them that they can deliver it the next day.

But uncle Pat suggested that the delivery be done as planned and asked her to do the quality check another time. 

Jerlina agreed since that seemed like a better idea. The products are already loaded on the van and it would be troublesome to unload it today and then load it back tomorrow.

She closed the door of Jeremy's office and sat on his chair rubbing her forehead. She wondered if she should call Jeremy to get an update on Bobby's condition but feared that she might be disturbing him.

Ugh! I feel useless...

Jerlina rested her head on the table and closed her eyes. She was disturbed by a knock on the door. 

No one comes inside Jeremy's room when she's alone as far as she knows, except Bobby, Scar, or Charlie. Only Jeremy does and he won't knock.

Who might this be?

"Come in," she said and stood up.

She was stunned to see two cops entering the room, followed by a woman and a...

Is that a camera crew?

Jerlina noticed the woman holding the microphone. She is a reporter in one of the local news stations. She has seen her face on TV before.

"Hands where we can see them," The officers pointed their weapon at her and Jerlina showed them her palms. 

By how things are progressing and seeing the press wearing a Kevlar vest and keeping a safe distance from her as if she's dangerous, Jerlina inferred that the cops are here to arrest her.

But why?

"Ms. Jerlina Hopkins, I ask you to come with us to the station," One officer stepped forward with a handcuff. 

"Am I under arrest? For what?" Jerlina questioned.

"You drive the white Porche around here, right?" the officer asked. 

Jerlina knew she doesn't have to answer them and complying is the best defence against cops. 

But she felt something is fishy here.

"What is the charge?" Jerlina asked and took a step back as the cop tried to get her hand.

"Vehicular manslaughter," one cop said as he tried to get to her. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used in the court of..." he read her the Miranda rights.

"You didn't even identify yourself," Jerlina tried to get her phone but one cop came behind her and slammed her against the wall.

"You might be a ganglord's wife and think that you're above the law, but the law doesn't discriminate," Jerlina cringed as the cop said looking at the camera.

Jerlina got where this is going. She is getting framed for vehicular manslaughter? She hasn't even hit a deer or a raccoon ever. So what is the purpose of this arrest?

A PR for the police department? Is that why they brought the press with them? 

Jerlina looked out the door and she saw a commotion starting outside. Surely they will not let Jeremy's wife getting arrested.

A lot of curses and threats were shouted at the cops and the situation was escalating.

Jerlina saw the smirk by the corner of the reporter as she started to report how the "thugs" are aiding in their boss' wife resist arrest.

Are they live?

Jerlina now got what this is about.

Another attempt to bring Joel down!