Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction and only a product of author's. Names, characters, places, events are fictitious
unless otherwise stated. Any resemblance to real person, living or dead, or actual events are purely
accidental.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No part of this book may be reproduce or transmitted in any forms or by means, without the permission of
the author.

Title: Vengeance of an Innocent Beauty

Username: @butterfly
Facebook Name: Shauntelle Animalia Pucanda Seredwin
Genre: General Fiction

BLURB

She could kill.

With the crime she was accused of, she could easily give up and runaway. She was framed up and everyone
does not believe her, even her father.

She could just easily moved to a different country with her boyfriend with his connections but she couldn’t
let someone give her the responsibility of the crime she did not commit.

As days passes by that she wanted to prove her innocence, a lot of discoveries shocked her. Lying and
betrayal, she felt that to the person she trusted the most.

But she’s not just a woman, she could kill.

And yet still choose not to because she is innocent.

PROLOGUE

"I didn't kill him! How many times do I have to tell you that I don't even know that man? Why can't you
believe me? Just this once?" I said trying to hide the pain and disappointment to my father.

"Your necklace was seen there. How can you explain that? Don't you dare, lie to my face again Aura
Glaciel!" my father's voice thundered.

I shook my head in disbelief, of all people that is accusing me for this crime, my father's blame hurts the
most. It made me feel like I really did that. His words feels like a knife pointed in my throat directly.

"You started this mess so you better fix this. Don't wait for me to put you in jail," he warned me and ended
the call.

I sighed. How can other people believe me when my father couldn't even do that?

Truth is, I only knew the man when I attend a party for my brother's absence. He tried to ask me out but I
refused because I'm not interested. How can I fucking kill him? And my necklace, I don't really know how
it got there. I haven't wear it for the past years.

I took a warm shower to calm myself. I've been detained for 2 days and I just got home after I bailed.
Everything just happened so fast.

After all my routines, I received a text from my lawyer. He wanted to meet me and discuss about the case.
And even though I badly wanted to stay home and take a rest, I have to go and meet him. I need him to win
this case. I am fucking innocent but everyone just couldn't believe that.

Alright, be there in 5 minutes.

Sent.

So I gathered all my strengths left and drove myself to the restaurant near my brother's company. I just
realized we could have meet on my brother's office but whatever, I'm here.

I took a sip of my coffee as I silently look at the busy outside. It's already 9:00 in the evening and we are
here trying to discuss about the crime I am accused of.

I feel like I've never been this stressed out. What did I even do wrong?

"You have to tell us the truth, Aura. I can't defend you there if you can't trust me," Attorney Corpuz said.6

I sighed and look at him blankly, "I did not kill him."

I wanted to scream at him, I've been telling him this for countless of time but he keeps on repeating his
question. If only I could choose another lawyer, I'd definitely would.
"Can you at least tell me what happened that night? We can't continue this kind of conversation. You have
to tell me everything so I could defend you," he said.

"I have nothing to tell, Attorney. That man is out of my circle, I don't even remember being with him alone.
If you want to defend me, stop accusing me."

I took my bag and stand up, ready to leave. I couldn't stay any longer knowing this man wants to insist that
I know something about person's death.

"Ms. Deanco, you have to cooperate with me."

I smirked and slightly shook my head, "Let's work together once you know me."

With that, I left him alone. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I wanted to scream, I have never felt
this heavy before. I rushed to my car to avoid being recognized. I've been hunted by the media and all I
could do is to play hide and seek with them.

Damn it, my father would definitely be disappointed again. Everything sucks, and that lawyer. I can't
believe he's my brother's best friend.

I got home fast. I sighed when I saw my brother and his fiancé waiting for me.

"Aura, where have you been? I told you to stay home for the meantime. Why are you so stubborn?"

"Oh please, drop it. I had a meeting with Mr. Corpuz," I said and kisses on his cheeks and then to his fiancé.

"Stop bombarding her with your laments, Franco. Your sister is stressed already," Devine said.

My brother sighed and hugged me. I bit my lower lip, trying to stop myself from being emotional but I
couldn't anymore.

"You should stay with us, you're not safe here alone."

I couldn't answer my brother. I didn't know why but I feel like there's something wrong in here. I just
couldn't figure it out.

"Your brother is right, Aura. You can stay with us, we'll fix this. I'll talk to my connections so your name
would be clear soon," Devine sweetly said.

I turned to her and slightly nod.

"Great, come on. Let's fix your things."

As planned, Devine help me out with my things. After that, we got home to their house. I didn't spend much
time with them because I'm so tired. I just wanted to sleep and skip waking up. I wanted to cry so bad until
I couldn't even blink.
I couldn't stop thinking about everything that is happening to me right now. I can't understand why, would
that murderer frame me up when we barely know and talk to each other. Who the hell is the killer?

"Arghh!" I shouted out of frustration. If my father and my lawyer couldn't believe me, then I guess I needed
to do myself a favor. I have to prove my innocence to everyone.

I tried closing my eyes to sleep but I just couldn't. I keep on thinking of the possibilities, could it be someone
that I know? I'm sure my father would never do that to me even if he hates me because he despise
controversies and issues linked to our family. My brother loves me so much, so no way in hell he would do
that to me and for god sake he would never kill anyone. My frustration gets worst when I remember my
lawyer's face after I told him I am innocent. I feel like everyone is judging me already, it was really easy
for them to think that way towards me since my father would always be vocal about me being stubborn and
crazy.

CHAPTER 1

I woke up late the next day. My head hurts but I couldn't dwell on that too much. I've seen a message from
my lawyer saying he'll drop by here later. I just rolled my eyes and started preparing myself. While thinking
of possible ways on how to solve this damn crime. I was busy drying my hair when Devine knocked on my
door.

"Coming," I said.

She greeted me with her usual mysterious smile.

"The food is ready and Quentin is already downstairs."

"Okay, I'll just get my phone and follow."

She nodded and smiled sweetly. There's something about her smile that makes me bother. I don't know if I
am being too suspicious of everyone but something really changed the way she look at me. I shrug my
thoughts off and proceed on our dining. The three of them is already waiting for me there.

"Good morning, I made your coffee."

I smiled on my brother and sip on my coffee.

"Let's eat first before you two discuss about the case," my brother said as if we have another plan.

I didn't bother talking so they started their conversation. I noticed how Devine stare at me but I didn't react.
I just focused on my meal. After finishing our brunch, I told my brother I wanted to talk to Quentin
somewhere else. He was hesitant at first but when his best friend agreed to me, he just shrugged and agreed
too.

I'm still silent on the way to Quentin's office. I'm still pissed with this man but I had no choice, I need his
help. I'll tell him my truth and if he still won't believe then I'll get through this alone. I don't want to be
blame of a crime I didn't commit.
"What's bothering you?" he asked as soon as we entered his office.

I rolled my eyes but still answered, "It's not necessary. I'll just want to tell you my truth and you have to
believe me. But if you still don't then I guess I'll have to defend myself there."

I saw his jaw clenched before saying something, "It's not that I don't believe you. I just need you to tell me
the truth. You have to trust me and cooperate so we could win this. I know you didn't do that but I needed
more information."

He sounded more professional while saying that. I took a deep breath and nod in agreement.

"I first knew that man on a party. My brother should be the one in there but he's with Devine in Singapore
so he asked me to come for him. I was with Mr. and Mrs. Sarmiento, the one's who hosted the party, when
that man showed up. He greeted me and then he was introduced to me. After some time, we were left alone.
I was quite since I do not really like to talk to anyone there, and if only I could just leave then I probably
did."

He nodded his head and make me continue.

"Around 11:00 in the evening he tried to talk to me and asked me out but I refused. I told him I wasn't
interested so he just offered a ride. I agreed but I still didn't go with him. After that night, he followed me
on my instagram and messaged me. Then he keeps on asking me out since I dumped him at the party."

I stopped and look at Quentin's serious face. His all attention was on me.

"I accepted his dinner invitation since he promised to stop bothering me after that. And so I came to the
restaurant we agreed to me but he didn't show up. The next day, the news about his murder case is all over
the television. The next thing I knew, I was the murderer."

"He knew you even before you know him," he said in a very serious tone. I raised my eyebrow and was
about to throw questions at him but he continued.

"He greeted you directly when you first saw him. And he was the only one introduced to you but he knows
you already."

"It's probably because he knew I am my brother's sister."

"That could be it or that could mean something else. I checked the files again and in the reports, his phone
is nowhere to be found. They tired tracking it but they couldn't because it is turned off. I needed your phone,
I wanted to read his messages to you. For the meantime, you have to keep yourself safe all the time. The
murderer framed you up but since you had been bailed that person might go after you. Make sure you trust
no one, anyone can be the murderer."

I nodded. I felt more heavy, I haven't process everything yet and now I have to make sure of my safety
because the murderer might come after me.
"Are you sure you haven't notice anything weird around you?" he asked after minutes of silence.

"I don't know, I might just being paranoid or something," I stopped for a while and sighed. I'm not sure if I
should tell him this but I guess I will.

"I kind of feel that something’s up with Devine. I mean, she's acting so weird. She keeps on going and
looking after me," I continued.

"I noticed how she stare at you while you were eating too. She might like you though," he said and laugh a
bit.

"Damn you," I cursed and prepared myself to leave.

"I'll drive you home. You should observe more on your sister-in-law," he reminded.

"I can go home alone," I said irritated.

"I know. I'll still drive you home. For your safety."

"You're my lawyer not my bodyguard," I said and left him.

But before I could leave their building, I already saw a media waiting outside.

"Damn it."

"Yes I am not your bodyguard and yes I am your lawyer. But I am also your boyfriend, Aura. Until when
will you want us to be this way? I told you, I know you're innocent. I just needed you to tell me those details
you gave me on my office so we could win this case. I would never doubt you," he said sincerely.

"I told you I am breaking up with you. I don't want them to drag your name on this stupid case. I-I can't let
that happen," I said trying to keep myself together.

"I trust you, baby. I need you to trust me too. We'll win this case," he said and kissed my forehead.

"I just couldn't bare dragging your name to this. You know the media, they could make everything look
bad, I don't want to ruin your name this is your dream," I whispered almost wanting to cry.

"I would rather out my name at stake than leaving you here alone. Stop thinking about my name and my
profession, you are innocent and we'll prove them that. Okay? Now let me take you home," he said as he
caress my cheeks.

We took the exit from behind to avoid the media. The truth is, we're together for 4 years now. Only my
brother knows because I wanted to keep our relationship away from all of the shit going on with my life.
And for my dad to stay away from us.

"Call me if you need something okay? Keep your eyes on your brother's fiancé," he said when we reached
my brother's house.
"I will, don't worry. Go back safe," I said and kissed him on his cheeks before entering the door.

I headed on my room in this house. Devine has always been aloof to me. She barely talk to me even before.
And now that she shows too much care for me, I find it off. But I can't be sure too, I don't have evidence
and besides she may be like that because she doesn't want me to feel alone in this situation.

I am too caught up with my situation that I feel like my senses are too sensitive that when heard a running
steps I unconsciously hide myself under my bed. I bit my lower lip when I heard someone opened the door
of my room.

"So she's really staying here?"

I couldn't recognize that voice but I'm sure she's talking to Devine.

"Of course. I suggested it to her. So I could monitor her actions," she answered.

"What's your plan?" the other woman asked.

"I have to make sure she wouldn't ruin my plan."

CHAPTER 2

"I'll make sure she'll end up in jail. I want her to suffer."

I barely recognize her voice. I'm sure to her being soft and sweet that hearing her say stuffs like this makes
me shiver. I almost wanted to show myself and confront her but I stopped myself. I have to know what she's
up to.

"Come on help me find her phone. I'm sure it's here," Devine said after minutes of silence.

"Just make sure you don't get caught by your fiancé. If you still want to marry a good man, take extra
careful."

"I know how to fool him, Viane. Trust me, I could even turn their dad against him and his sister," she said
and laugh like an evil.

"Good, I don't want a friend that would end up in jail."

"Hurry up and help me."

"Why do you need her phone?" the other woman asked.

"I needed it to frame her up more."

My heart almost skip a beat.

"Got it!" Devine excitedly said. After some time, I heard them leaving.

I couldn't process everything right away. I can't believe she said all of that. Is she the killer of that man?
Why did she want me to suffer?

I didn't know what to react so I waited and made sure they already leave before coming out of my room. I
called Quentin and asked him to fetch me up. And as I wait for him to come, I took it as a chance to check
out on my brother and Devine's room.

I don't know if I am overreacting or I could really hear my heart beat. I still can't believe she said that.

I look for anything in her belongings but I made sure I put everything back in place. I don't really know
what to look for but I still want to look for something, anything that I can use against her. I didn't know her
next plan but I have to make sure I have a counter attack. I just wish I had a chance to record them.

I continued searching for unknown to their things, I was about to give up when I saw the box of my heirloom
necklace and beside it is another phone. I almost touched it but Quentin's voice startled me.

"Do not touch it, why are you here?"

"I'll explain later. Right now I have to give this to the investigators."

"Let's not touch it, I'll take a picture of it then let's get the phone."

I wanted to protest but I have to stay calm and trust him. He knows better. He seriously took a picture of it
and then get the phone. He returned everything in place and guided me out of their room.

"I think we should leave here. Devine, she's the one who framed me up. I heard it from her," I said with
frustration.

"Shh, let's go. Don't worry, I'm here. You have to calm down."

I nodded and do as he say. We decided to go at his place. I couldn't focus because I wanted to call my
brother and tell him everything.

"Wait for me here, I'll get you something to drink."

I didn't bother answering and just continued thinking about everything I heard. I took the phone I saw on
her things and opened it. It doesn't have pin code so it was easy for me to access everything.

I opened the gallery and saw a pictures of my family posted on a board. I saw a lot of picture of that man
and her too. I started to feel like my blood is dripping. I can't breathe properly. They know each other, she
killed him, and then framed me up.

I also looked at her messages and saw their conversations there. They were lovers. She wanted that man to
pursue me but he liked me really so they fought over it. Maybe that was her motive.
"Aura, do you think it’s better if just leave the country? I'll fix everything that we need," Quentin said.

I shook my head in disbelief. No! I would never do that, especially now that I can prove to them that I am
innocent.

"Come on baby, listen to me. We can start a new life there, away from your dad and all the issues here," he
said trying to convince me.

I looked at him in disappointment. I can't believe he's saying this to me.

"Are you insane, Quentin? You want me to runaway to this fucking issue? I thought we'll win this case?
You really think leaving here would prove my innocence? No! How can you tell me that?"

"I just want you to be safe, baby. We both know you're innocent and that's the most important right?"

"Can you hear yourself? Running away is like admitting I am guilty. If you want to drop this case then fine.
Just don't ask me to run away."

"It's not because I want to drop the case, Aura. But I can't risk your safety. Quentin, I'll win this case. And
that would assure my safety. Even if I get hurt and I put myself at risk, then so be it. I wouldn't let anyone
ruin my dignity."

"Your father knows everything, Aura. He called me, he wanted us to leave the country as soon as possible.
He knew from the start," he said.

I couldn't say anything. He knew and he still accused me of lying?

"I didn't agree but I wanted to ask you to choose that. I am afraid for your safety."

I sighed. My head hurts thinking about all that. It's been two days since I had that conversation with Quentin.

Today is the day. I'll make sure I'll go home proven my innocence.
I looked at my reflection, and when I'm satisfied I headed to my car ready to meet Devine.

"Are you done?" Quentin asked.

I nodded and walked out of my room. He guided me to his car. We are both silent during our drive. I didn't
mind though.

"Are you sure you want to talk to her?" Quentin asked before we entered the private room we saved.

"Of course, I am."

"Alright, I'll be right beside you."

I smirked and headed straight to where she is sitting. She's smiling at me from ear to ear and waved a bit. I
sat on the chair in front of her.
"Did I make you wait?" I asked softly.

"No worries. You didn't tell me you'll bring a date. I should have bring your brother with me," she said and
laugh a bit.

"Oh, don't mind him. He's my lawyer and he wanted to make sure I am safe before the trial."

"So he's like your bodyguard too, now?"

"Well, not really but maybe?" I chuckled.

"So why do you want us to meet?" Devine asked after our food was served.

I took a deep breath and took something out of my bag.

"I wanted to return this, it's yours right?" I asked as I handed her the phone.

"H-how did you-"

"And also this, I think you're the owner of this too."

I handed her a piece of earing, I also saw on their room when I sneak in.

"Did you just sneak in to our room, Aura?" she asked. I can hear the anger in her voice already.

"Aura, why did you not show me that earring?" Quentin asked.

"B*tch, did you really sneak in to our room?" she stood up madly. I could see her face turn red out of anger.

"I thought it would be fine since you did it to my room too, right?" I asked mockingly.

Her eyes widen. There, you're shock huh? You really think you could just fool me that easily?

"I-I just need to get something on your room," she said defensively.

"You mean my phone?"

She couldn't say anything. She turned to face Quentin and throw her table napkin on him.

"You stupid! I told you to handle her, how did she f*cking know that?" she almost scream at him.

"What are you saying?" Quentin replied to her.

"That's the only thing I asked you to do and you still failed? Are you f*cking dumb?"
"Damn it! I didn't know you sneak in her room. I told you she's suspecting you and you still didn't take
extra care!" Quentin shout out her.

"And now you're blaming me? When you could have just f*ck this b*tch. Anyways, let me just credit your
intelligence. You really knew I killed that man. Well, you couldn't blame me. I told him to seduce you and
ruin your name but he fell in love with you so I have to get back at him. If he couldn't love me then I
wouldn't let him love somebody else, especially you."

She held a knife and playfully pointed it at me. I looked at her directly in her eyes and smirked at her.

"Do you want me to kill you too?" she asked and laugh.

"Go on, you think I'm scared at you?" I teased her.

"I'd love to kill you now but I wouldn't do it here. Why don't we go to your house and let's kill you there?
So your brother would be devastated and your father would be angrier," she teased me back.

"Or why don't we have Quentin kill you instead? You love him right? Poor you, he works for me. That
heirloom necklace? I didn't stole that, honey. He took that and gave it to me," she said and pointed the knife
more on my neck. I could feel a pain in it but nothing hurts more than the fact that I trusted the wrong
person.

"Aww, you're teary eyed darling. I like that! Come on cry, beg for your life."

"Stop it, Devine. This is not part of our plan. We just wanted to get revenge to your father. Stop this,"
Quentin said trying to stop her.

"You are really dumb huh? Stupid piece of sh*t."

"This is not part of our plan!"

"Since when did we follow our plan, Quentin? I don't even remember a time when we planned to kill that
stupid man. So why do we need to plan before killing this b*tch?"

Quentin couldn't say anything.

I laughed mockingly at them, "You guys shouldn't fight in front of me. It makes me want to call my brother
and tell him that his best friend and his fiancé is sleeping together and both a murderer. What do you think
he'll say?"

Devine suddenly laugh hysterically, "Do you really think he'll believe you? Do you really think he'll choose
you over me? You are crazy."

"Well you're right, he wouldn't just believe me when I told him all of this. So I made sure he'll know
everything we talked about in here. Oh and not only him but also the police so they're probably on their
way to get you two," I said and slap her hand away from my neck.
They couldn't react right away. Quentin pointed a gun at me.

"Are you sure you wanna shoot me? We both know I am better than you in terms of that. I already proved
you how I shoot with all of my trainings," I said making sure I wouldn't let him see that it still hurt me.

"I don't care. You don't have a gun right now," he said and aimed more on me.

In one smooth move, I held his wrist and managed to get his gun. I pointed it at him and then to Devine
who tried to run at me.

"I could kill you both now and said it was a self-defense," I said not showing any hint of emotion.

"I could just shoot your heads here but I won't."

"Of course because you're weak. I should have been the only daughter of our father. He should have chosen
us instead of you and your stupid brother!" Devine shouted.

"It's not because I'm weak, Devine. I just can't afford letting my hand commit a crime for an unworthy
reason. It's easier to pull this trigger but I wouldn't because both of you deserve to be in jail. Your death
will never be enough to trade my innocence."

We heard a loud bang on the door and saw the police. I put my gun down and gave it to the police near me.

Devine hysterically shouted curses. She was crying too. While Quentin is looking at me directly.

"Any woman can kill, Quentin. I could kill you because you're evil but I don't want to be like you. I may
be a fool to love you but I will never be a martyr over someone like you. Go to jail, both of you deserves
more than hell."

I said and walked away.

I couldn't cry anymore. Maybe I cried too much when I knew he was lying to me all along. I already felt
the indifference and anger towards him the day I heard him telling Devine that I am suspecting her.

My heart may be broken for all the betrayals but I would never let anyone prevent me from showing my
capabilities. I may be failure in love but I would never allow anyone steal my freedom and innocence.

THE END