Finally free

Moore

As I walked through the dark alley of the prison wall out to the blinding light of the day, I pushed my hands to my face, shielding my eyes from the rays of sunlight. Laughter, tears, or whatever emotion I could think of conjoined together, seizing my breath away as I walked diligently towards the extremely large gate that caged me and many others in isolation.

I was free! The idea of freedom overwhelmed my very being. I couldn't help the rush of tears amidst heartfelt laughter.

“Grey will be happy,” I whispered inwardly, my mind running to my husband as the men standing guard at the prison gate opened it so I could walk out. A step towards the freedom I had looked forward to for five years, an overwhelmed screeching voice of a young lady called, running breathlessly towards me, halting my movement.

“Moore, Moore wait!”

I turned, and my eyes broadened in shock. Nicole? “Don't tell me you're released too?” My voice was laced with excitement. Nicole McWood was the only friend and acquaintance during my time in jail. She gave me hope when no one else did, constantly reminding me of the love I had at home, though my husband Grey Addison didn't visit throughout my jail term. I believed he was too busy managing the company to have time to visit. But Nicole had families, despite her grave offence, trooping in and out every single day.

“Yes, Moore. I bet Dad believed I have learned enough lessons to last me for the rest of my life.” She grinned, holding my hands firmly as we both walked out of the prison wall. “I can't believe I missed seeing the sun.”

I smiled, holding dearly to her and my belongings. “Nicole! My goodness, Nicole!” As expected, Nicole was snatched out of my firm hold by people I believed were her family. She was swamped with hugs and kisses from various people happy to finally have her amidst them.

I turned away, my eyes searching keenly for people I believed were amongst the few in the crowd, my heart beating in excitement and anticipation. “Grey...” my lips let out his name as I couldn't find anyone resembling the love of my life.

My heart twitched in pain, no sign of Grey or Nora, my best friend. My family? They were the least of people who came out for me during this trial time. I bet Father knew I was imprisoned because for months, the news never stopped covering my case.

“Billionaire daughter, Moore Quinn, arrested for money laundering and fraud.” A real big stain on the richest man in Italy's name.

He probably would have supported me if I hadn't defied his orders by marrying Grey. “Goodness!” I sighed, frustration and helplessness written on my face. How do I get home? I bet both parties had been too busy with the company to remember I would be released today.

Impulsively, I pushed myself forcefully out of the jubilant space to brood on how to get home when Nicole called again. “You need a ride home?” A broad smile found its way to my face as I nodded. So nice of her to notice my dilemma even amidst the crowd around her. “Hop in then. I'd love to know where you live so I can come visit. This definitely won't be a goodbye.”

I turned and walked over to the SUV parked a few steps away from me as I entered, seated close to her. She introduced her family to me, and I gave her my location.

During the ride, my thoughts drifted to my husband. I must say I'm proud of his achievements. The company I set up with the money I had left was topping the chart after Dad's and Lucien's companies.

The news always portrayed it, and I got to see my cute husband on TV doing absolutely well. A few minutes later, the car pulled over at the mansion belonging to my husband and me.

Nicole and I exchanged addresses, and I waved at her as the car zoomed off.

Beaming with smiles, I carried my steps to the entrance and pressed the intercom, using my hands to swiftly arrange my hair packed in a messy bun.

The gate opened, and I gasped at the number of guards at the entrance.

“Who are you, Miss?” one of the mean-looking guards asked, raising a brow at the question.

“Moore,” I replied, scanning amidst the hefty men for any familiar face, but none of them struck me as one who recognized me. “Moore Addison.”

“What do you want?” the same guard asked, his eyes ravaging my body. Yeah, I know, I looked tattered.

I smiled, trying to sound friendly yet authoritative. “My husband is your boss, Grey Addison.” I bet they're new recruits, and it's quite understandable why they don't know me.

“Sorry?” Mocking laughter escaped their mouths, making me wonder what was funny about what I said. “You're who?”

“Excuse me?” I was getting agitated already. “My husband is Grey Addison. Let me in this minute, or you will regret making a mockery out of your boss's wife.”

“Is this some new method in—”

Angrily, I pushed my way inside, cutting off his words. “You want proof, huh?” I roared, tired and weak with each word. “Here!” I said, pushing a little frame I had always carried with me towards him. It's a wedding picture of Grey and I.

They stopped laughing, each shocked and surprised. “How is this even possible?”

“You will know how possible it is after I get in and get you fired for your insolence,” I said, snatching the frame from his hands and marching angrily into the mansion.

They were, for whatever reasons, too stunned to stop me. I opened the door, my happiness at its peak as I eagerly anticipated burying myself in his warm embrace.

The familiar smell of the living room got me extremely emotional. “Grey,” I called, my voice echoing as I ascended upstairs, not giving room to the noticeable changes in the house. The house seemed quiet; maybe he was at the office. Well, I doubted it; today was Saturday.

I quickened my pace, my excitement taking hold of me as my hands found their way to the knob of my bedroom. Without much thought, I turned, and my wide smile turned into horror at the sight before me as the door gave way.

“Oh my goodness! I love you, Grey, yeah! Harder!” were the welcome party I met as my dearest husband rammed with intensity into the core of my best friend!