***Trigger Warning***

The following work of fiction

contains verbal, drug use, sexual content, and physical violence.

Read Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five

Why am I still here? He is the devil! She needed to take her life back. Elizabeth took out her diary.

December 2013.

Dear Diary,

I have had enough.

My husband needs to pay for all he has done, not only to me but to others.

I need to do this for the baby I never got to hold!

I need to do it for myself, and I am praying to God for his guidance!

Elizabeth.

She hopped into the shower, a few minutes later she got dressed.

Valentin got called to the hospital again while he was working downstairs. “Honey, I have to step out!” he said and walked out the door.

Elizabeth missed him but saw him drive off. Good, he is gone. Now is my chance. Layla told her she was still at the apartment. Then she drove off in her own car to meet up with Layla. When she walked in, Layla was still in bed,  not dressed,  and  appeared incoherent.

“Okay, Layla I am here.”

Layla stared at Elizabeth. The tears were streaming down her cheeks. “I am sorry.”

“Layla, right now I need for you to let me help you!”

Layla was having troubling standing. “Okay!”

Elizabeth looked for some clothes to help her get dressed. She noticed all the marks and bruises on Layla’s body. This was all too familiar for Elizabeth.

“Okay, Layla,  Are the drugs he gave you are still in your system?”

“Yes.” Layla whispered.

“Well, let’s see if you can try to stand up.”

It took a while, but eventually, Layla got up.

As they walked to the car, Layla took a pause.

“Take your time, Layla.”

“No, I wanted to show you this.”

“What is it?”

Layla handed her a small video camera. “I got him this time.”

In the video footage, Layla captured Valentin injecting her and then having his way with her. It was all on the video.

Both women cried. Elizabeth hugged Layla and tried to console her.

“Layla, I know this is painful, but this will help us so much.”

“Yes, it is.”

They drove off to the police station. It appeared Valentin would finally pay for all his crimes. Elizabeth did not see Layla as the woman who slept with her husband. She was another victim like her and wanted to make it right.

***

At the hospital, Valentin was back to his duties and getting his caseloads for the week’s surgeries to come.

Valentin was caught-up in the excitement of beginning seeing his patients, he forgot that he would have to submit to another drug test.

“Dr. Kiriakis, thank you for making it back today,” said Chief Monroe.

“Thanks for calling, Chief.”

“Look, Valentin, I know your first official day is on Monday, but due to Elizabeth being caught and suspended you need to take a drug test.”

Damn it I did not know implicating Elizabeth would get me here. Still, he nodded and smile like everything was okay. “No, I understand, and this will not be a problem.”

“Good. Well, just head to the lab, you know how it works.”

“I have to go back to my office and get all ready for Monday.”

“Thanks, Valentin.”

“No problem, Chief.”

Valentin’s heart raced. Damn, I forgot about the damn drug test!  Now what I am supposed to do!

 ***

At the police station, Layla was being tended too by the lead detective and another female officer. Since this was being treated as an assault case, the officer needed to take the pictures of all the scars on her body. She needed to go to the hospital. Layla did not want Valentin to see her so she asked to go to the local community one. Elizabeth went with her.

Layla cried as the officer took the pictures and then the nurse came in to do the exam.

Elizabeth waited outside.

Goodness poor Layla. Damn you Valentin. Elizabeth dried her tears. Once Layla was all settled in her room. She asked to see a doctor for herself.

She walked into the exam room and  undressed. It did not take long for the doctor on call to see she was clearly a battered woman.

“Yes, doctor, these bruises are due to the abuse by my husband, and I also want to press charges!”

Within the hour one of the lead detectives in Layla’s case came by to take Elizabeth’s statement.

“My name is Elizabeth Mary Kiriakis, and I am a victim of domestic violence.”

“Can you tell us who did this to you?” asked the detective.

“Yes I can, it was my husband Dr. Valentin Kiriakis, and the sad part is he not only hurt me but also another woman.”

The detective could not help but shake her head. She was the Special Victim’s unit. “Well, I wanted to let you know, I am Marisol Gomez, and I will handle both your case and that of the other young woman.”

Elizabeth glared at her and tried to smile for a moment. “Thank you,” she cried.

“Well, now we need to get him,” said Detective Gomez.

***

In the meantime, Valentin was still in his office looking for a way to get out of taking a drug test. Damn it all! How am I going to do it now?  I am in deep trouble. This was an understatement. Little did he know the police were on their way to pick him up.

***

Elizabeth’s doctor asked her to stay in the hospital for observation.  After the long day, she was ready for some rest. Luckily, she had grabbed her diary back at the house.

December 2013.

Dear Diary,

Well, I finally took charge of life. This time I was brave. I also helped another become brave too.

I never thought Valentin could stoop even lower. He truly is the damn devil!

Elizabeth.

Layla, sedated, was in the room across from Elizabeth. The torment by Valentin had really affected her. The doctors were not sure she would ever be okay. He had used the ecstasy drug on her. He had used high doses on her. Then she had tried the oxycodone while helping Valentin. Then the trauma along with the drugs had caused the psychological issues for her. Fortunately, she contacted her father and aunt, and they were coming from Brooklyn to be with her.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, was alone. She had never been close to her parents. They always disapproved of Valentin, and she had  angered them when they got married.

Later in the day, the police arrived at the hospital. Everyone could not help but wonder what they were doing there. You could hear the whispers as the detectives made their way through the hallway. Detective Gomez was led  to Chief Monroe’s office.

The chief was on his way to get Valentin when he heard someone calling him.

“Chief Randall Monroe?”

“Yes, Detective,” he answered.

“Hello, I am Detective Gomez, and I am looking for a Dr. Valentin Kiriakis, is he here?”

“Yes, he came in today,” he exclaimed, looking at her, “Why do you ask?”

“Can we go into your office, Chief Monroe?”

“Sounds serious?”

“It is serious.”

Chief Monroe closed his office door. Detective Gomez informed him of the charges against Valentin. She showed him the photos of both Layla and Elizabeth.

“Dear God, Nurse Elizabeth was telling the truth!” he exclaimed. He stood up. “How is Layla?”

“Not well.”

“I will do all I can to help you.”

“Thank you, Chief. Right now I need to find Dr. Valentin Kiriakis.”

“He is in his office. I will walk with you.”

“I appreciate it.”

***

Back in his office. Valentin sat on his desk and tried to find an answer. He glared at the picture of Elizabeth by his desk, and he had a memory of their wedding day.

Elizabeth was ravishing, and they both were so in love with one another. Tears fell down his cheeks. Why have I acted so cruel? What is wrong with me? I need to make this right. I will, once I can figure out a way out of this damn jam I am in. He was about to walk out the door when he got a text from Elizabeth.

It’s over now Valentin.

Everyone knows now.

Valentin gasped. What was Elizabeth talking about? He looked up his from his phone and saw someone approaching.

“Dr. Valentin Kiriakis?”

“Yes, who is asking?”

“I am Detective Gomez, and you are under arrest?”

“Arrest for what?”

“For the assaults of your wife, Elizabeth Maria Kiriakis, and intern, Layla Elliott.”

“What, are you insane?”

She read him his Miranda rights and cuffed him.

“Chief, why are you not doing something about this? He asked.

“Because I know you are guilty. I saw the pictures!” he screamed.

Valentin could not hide it any longer. All of his secrets were unraveling.

“How could you blame Elizabeth for your drug problem?” asked the Chief.

He looked down. “I am not saying anything without my lawyer!” he shouted.

“Take him away,” said Detective Gomez.

The officers dragged Valentin out as everyone looked on.

Once the officers placed Valentin into custody at the police station, things became real for him. I can’t believe this is happening to me. Damn you Elizabeth and Layla! How could this be!

***

After a few weeks, Elizabeth the doctors released her from the hospital, and she returned to her old house to pick up some of her things. Since she was still married to Valentin, all the estate property went to her.

Elizabeth filed for a divorce and planned on taking a sabbatical to clear her head. She wanted to explore Europe and had always wanted to visit England. Elizabeth even planned to go back to nursing, but for the time being there was no immediate plans to return. But all of it would have to wait until she attended her sessions with Dr. Cayro, who was assigned to her to help her deal with the trauma of her abuse. She was a bit nervous but taking it in stride.

On this early morning, Elizabeth had gone to visit Layla back at the hospital. Things did not look good for her. Layla seemed to fade in and out. At times, she did not recognize those around her. Layla was being transferred to a mental institution to get more help. It was a private hospital which offered one-on-one support. Elizabeth felt terrible for her and wished she could do more. Visiting her gave Liz some peace.

***

Finally, on January 7^th, 2014, Dr. Valentin Kiriakis was found guilty of Domestic Assault and two counts of Sexual Assault. He was convicted of drug abuse and stealing the oxycodone from the hospital. He lost his medical license and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for drugging both Layla and Elizabeth. He would spend all his remaining years in prison. At his sentencing, he teared up. He glared at Elizabeth one last time.

Layla was not there. Layla’s doctor recommended that she not attend he felt that seeing Valentin would do more damage on her.

It devastated Valentin’s parents, but surprisingly, Valentin’s mom came to Elizabeth’s defense. She saw Elizabeth at the hospital.

Elizabeth would never forget her words.

“I should have been there for you,” she cried.

Elizabeth was taken aback. She was not close to her parents. They disowned her, even after everything. They never reached out to her.

She felt hurt. How could her mother not care? But it was this way growing up. Her family was never close. Elizabeth had a brother who passed away when she was in high school, and her parents were never the same. Desi was the best. He was the oldest and was always there for Elizabeth. He was going to be the doctor in the family. He wanted to be a heart surgeon. Sadly, at 20, Desi got sick with terminal cancer. His death destroyed their parents. Elizabeth’s mother tried to resume her normal routine, but it was no use. It seemed like Elizabeth kept getting in her way. Then Liz went into college, and they lost touch. Her father tried to contact her, but his work in architecture kept him busy. So, she had grown close to Gianna. She was like the mother figure in her life.

Hearing those words from her brought Liz to tears.

“I am sorry dear.”

“Thanks for coming by, Mama.”

“Anytime, dear, believe it or not, I know your pain.”

Elizabeth did not understand what she meant, well not at first.

She leaned over and pulled her sleeve up a bit.

This stunned Elizabeth. Valentin’s mom had bruises which were now fading.

“I wish I had been as brave as you, my dear.”

Liz grabbed her hand. Both women cried.

Then Gianna walked out the door. This revelation left Elizabeth stunned. She never knew this was ever going on with Valentin’s parent.

***

As the weeks went on, Elizabeth progress in therapy seemed to be coming along well. She moved to the countryside of Asheville and had gotten a two-bedroom home which suited her. The money she received from her divorce left her living a comfortable lifestyle. She was not ready to go back to nursing yet but was hoping she could get back to it.

In the present time, Elizabeth enjoyed planting in her garden and sitting outside her backyard while writing in her diary.

She smiled at how lovely the sky was, and she looked forward to the new day. This was the first time in a long time Elizabeth felt whole. Elizabeth looked up to the sky and thanked God for all her blessings.  She knew after everything she had come a long way. With her pen and diary on hand, it was time for another entry.

June 1^st, 2015.

Dear Diary,

I am happier than I have ever been.

I have my own home now, and Valentin is not a part of it. 

I heard from Layla the other day. She is slowly making progress. I am just glad she recognizes everyone again. It has been a rough road for her.

I love the sessions with my doctor. She is very patient. I could  speak about Valentin, and what he did to me.  This was progress.  

I still, at times, struggle with the idea we are no longer together. 

I get frustrated at these thoughts, but I am learning this is normal. I loved him, and I thought he loved me.  I thought he was the one. Boy, how wrong I was.  It is a shame.  He fooled me.

I am sad, at times, but I know I will never miss him or the devil he became. 

Tomorrow is another day, and I look forward to the new chapter in my life.

Elizabeth.

Photo by Rondell Melling | Pixabay