Bitter Betrayal, How Sweet the Revenge- Subtitle-Realization That Revenge is Not Always Sweet, but Forgiveness and Love is.

Bitter Betrayal, How

Sweet

The Revenge

New Edition

Realization that Revenge is not always sweet, but Forgiveness and Love is.

By

Shirley KalpinOlson

Dedication

This revised E-book is dedicated to those who have has been betrayed by a loved one. It shows how he/she feels so terribly they would even try to kill themselves. This is just what happened to Joanna, only to be saved and helped by someone who cared and led her to believe in herself and know that she also was loved by a God who would be her helper and Savior. I Pray that anyone who has this happen to them would find help in your God and Savior as Lord of your life. If you make amends and ask for forgiveness of your betrayer and yourself, you will be given peace and understanding with a new love and faithfulness in your life. This story shows this hope.

This is the first book of two- series, Calamity of Betrayal, 2nd book Oh No, My Ex is Back, and Causing Trouble Again. Both part of the, Truth in fiction Stories from the heart to help the Sad, hurt, and the lonely by this author.

Title of Contents

Chapter 1--Paul’s Accident

Chapter 2--Paul Runs into Greg

Chapter 3--Joanna’s Woes

Chapter 4--Joanna’s Fake Death

Chapter 5--Joanna, to Safe Place

Chapter 6--Meeting new Friends

Chapter 7--Revenge Strategy

Chapter 8--Meeting Joanna’s Family

Chapter 9--Joanna and Paul Plans Funeral

Chapter 10-Joanna to own Funeral

Chapter 11-Joanna's Revenge

Chapter 12-Mystery Trip and Engagement

Chapter 13-Carrie Hospitalization

Chapter 14-Good-byes to Family

Chapter 15-Special Marriage Proposal

Chapter 16-Joanna's Spiritual Awakening

Chapter 17-Carrie Kidnapping

Chapter 18-Paul Kidnapped

Chapter 19-Paul’s Rescue

Chapter 20 Joanna calls Andy About Paul

Chapter 21-Carries Funeral, New Baby

Chapter 22-Joanna Adopts Carrie Marie

Chapter 23-Harassing Phone calls

Chapter 24-Paul Home from Hospital

Chapter 25-Wedding Plans

Chapter 26-Using Nursing Skills at Trial

Chapter 27-Soon to be Wed

Chapter 28-Wedding Blessings

Other Books from the Truth in fiction stories

Chapter 1 Paul’s Accident

The rain crushed against Paul’s car window making his drive a hazard, this early October morning. The windshield wipers swished to the beat of the throbbing in his head. He was on his way to meet with a persistent client who always needed his help. He would have gone anywhere, except to her. No one wanted to take on this client. It had been many months since he had to deal with her, and it surprised him when she called and asked for him, specifically. Why me? I really didn’t want to get involved with this lady again.

His thinking interrupted as the lightening brightened the sky, causing him to slow his car, as he entered the two lanes of the Second Avenue Mississippi River Bridge. Just as he started to cross the bridge, the lightening streaked across the darkened sky again.

Paul was shocked and said aloud when he noticed a shadow standing high above the bridge. What is that person doing on the railing ahead?

He gripped hard on his steering wheel as he inched closer, another lightening streak lit the sky, his heart stopped and sweat poured from his brow realizing that it was a woman teetering as if she is ready to leap into the raging waters below.

He was upon her when the wind suddenly forced her back and she fell, slam dab in front of his car. He slammed on his breaks and as his car swerved, he let out a gasp, Oh my goodness! I can’t stop in time. He bumped into her. The car stopped. He jumped out and saw a woman lying so still, with blood spurting from her head. He stripped off his rain jacket and tied it tightly around the wound. He quickly pulled out his cell phone and dialed 911, yelled into the phone, I need help at once on the Second Street Bridge. I accidently ran into a woman, who fell off the bridge railing in front of my car.

Help is on the way. Keep her comfortable and quiet. Control the bleeding as well as you can.

Paul continued to hold pressure on the wound as he waited for the ambulance. He peered down at the woman and gently pulled a strand of long blond hair from the woman’s eyes, his heart thumped as he recognized the once beautiful face of his first true love in college. He remembered the face of an angel, which now appeared withered and hardened. Something was dreadfully wrong.

Joanna moaned. Her eyes opened as she stared at him. The sadness and cloudiness behind those dark brown eyes now appeared ghost like with no life in them. Why was she on top of the railing as if she was ready to jump? He had to find out!

Seeing those eyes, which had been so lively, now so sad, brought him back to the college days, when he was studying for his law degree and Joanna was in nurse’s training. The two had dated for several weeks and he had fallen hard for her. He’ll always remember the special spirited and lively person she was. Her eyes would sparkle with excitement and her energy kept him loving her. He was shy and had a difficult time showing her how much he cared.

Suddenly, she changed and turned her eyes for the captain of the football team, Greg Jenkins. He knew he had no chance there. He had lost his one and only love. He could never get over her.

Did Joanna recognize him? Paul could not be sure. Paul’s mind was in turmoil. How could he get to know her again? Peering down at her left hand, he noticed an empty ring finger. This little image gave him a spark of hope. The screaming of the ambulance brought him back to reality as it came toward him.

At their arrival, the medic rushed to Paul, just as he had the bleeding stopped. "Could you tell me your name and if you happen to know what this lady’s name is?

My name is Paul Andres, and I had gone to college with her ten years ago. She went by the name of Joanna Williams but has since married.

With Joanna’s breathing labored, the medic at once placed an oxygen mask on and gave her oxygen. Paul breathed a prayer of thanks when life returned to her checks. The medics then placed a brace on her neck and the two placed her on a stretcher. Paul held her hand until they put her into the ambulance. His heart hurt when they had to take her away from him. He had wanted her for such a long time. He resolved to fight to get her back, but he knew he had a battle ahead of him she could be another’s wife, but he had to try. He lost her once. He couldn’t lose her again.

Chapter 2 Paul Runs into Greg

After giving the Policeman the information and an accident report written, the police officer verified that the accident was unavoidable. Paul wiped his brow, knowing that he was not at fault in her accident Paul called his office and explained what had happened. The senior partner said, We’ll send another to see your client, but you owe us, big time.

When he strolled into the hospital, the antiseptic smells depressed him. He had never liked hospitals and he wouldn’t be there now if it weren’t for Joanna.

Since he wasn’t a relative, he told them he was her lawyer, to get in to see her. He was told, You may go in, but you can stay for only a short time.

As he entered her room in Intensive Care, his heart skipped as he noticed Joanna lying so still, with a ventilator to help her breath. All the equipment attached to her made her a prisoner. His heart pounding, he walked to her as she stared at him, her eyes remained blank. They were certainly not the beautiful eyes he had remembered for so long. Where was the Joanna he used to know? He concluded that hitting her on the bridge certainly didn’t cause that fear, blankness, and sadness in her eyes. What could be going on with her, he continued to ask himself?

He put his hand on hers. I don’t know if you understand what I’m saying but I want to tell you how sorry that I’m for what you are going through. I didn’t mean to hit you. I couldn’t stop when I saw you fall.

As Paul spoke, Joanna’s eyes widened with fear as she looked behind him. Paul swirled and faced her husband, Greg. He could see the anger and hate in his eyes as Greg’s fist came toward him ready to bust him in the face, So you’re the one who almost killed my wife.

Paul lifted his arms up to brace against an attack, just as the doctor came in. Please leave, before we must call Security. Joanna doesn’t need this stress.

Paul left at once with Greg following ready to go after him again, You leave my wife alone. She doesn’t need you.

Paul turned and faced him with an unsympathetic look. When I came upon your wife on that bridge, she was about to jump off the Mississippi River Bridge. Why would she do this if she was happy?

Greg face reddened. You’re lying! Why would she have any reason to do anything like that?

Maybe when she is able to talk, you should ask her. Paul rolled his eyes.

Suddenly a woman, very much pregnant, ran to Greg’s side, Why did you make me wait so long in the car, you said that you were just coming in to check on her and be right back?

Trying to keep others from hearing her, Greg pushed the intruder to the hospital door.

Paul noticed the interaction. Maybe this is why your wife tried to kill herself.

Greg gave Paul a disgusted look as he forced his girlfriend out the door of the hospital.

Paul went back into Joanna’s room and took her hand in his. I don’t like to see you this unhappy. If you need any help, I’ll be here for you. I’m going to leave my card in your drawer Please have your nurse call me when you wake up.

Paul couldn’t tell for sure if she understood but hoped that she did. He placed his card into her top drawer and ambled out with his head down, vowing that he would return.

When Paul walked out to his car, he could see Greg giving his girlfriend a powerful kiss. Paul’s stomach churned. Greg does not deserve Joanna at all. She can do a lot better than him.

Chapter 3 Joanna’s Woes

The next morning after a restless night, Paul’s cell phone shrilled. He jumped and grabbed the phone, ‘noticing that it was the hospital answered breathlessly, "Hello.

This is the Hennepin County Hospital. I’m Ann, Joanna’s nurse. Joanne is awake now and off the respirator this morning. She has asked me to call you. She would like to talk with you. Could you come in this morning? She is concerned about something.

You tell her that I we'll be in about one hour. Thanks for calling me.

Paul showered, shaved, and pulled on blue twill pants with a matching shirt. As he combed his hair and peered at his reflection in the mirror, Paul’s heart pounded. I still have it. I still have a chance with her.

Paul jumped into his car swerving in and out of traffic racing to the hospital, just hoping he would not get a ticket. When he arrived at the hospital, he prayed that Greg did not show up again. He’d never liked him, as he was always so arrogant, but now he disliked him even more, for what he was doing to Joanna.

Paul parked and rushed into the hospital, grateful not to see Greg anywhere. Knocking on Joanna’s door, he heard a groggy Come in.

His heart was in his stomach as he stood by her bedside. I’m so happy that you are awake and doing better. Want to apologize for hurting you. Pounding my head trying to think why you were on the railing, anyway. It looked like you were going to jump.

Tears fell as Joanna choked out, I was, because when I found the love letter from my husband to my best girlfriend. The words of the note pierced as if he had thrust a dagger deep into my heart. It brought back all the hurt I felt when my mother told me that she had never wanted me. Just inconvenience to her. Decided that if I do away with myself, I wouldn’t inconvenience anyone again. Just as I was ready to leap, the wind blew me your way.

Paul voice cracked as he said, Sure glad it did. Did you know who I was when you saw me?

No, I didn’t, at the time, but when I saw the card, I recognized your name right away. I see that you are an attorney and I need your help.

Paul voice dropped with a slight disappointment but knew he would help her. I’ll do anything to help. What kind of help is it that you need?

Overheard Greg and Carrie, his girlfriend, talking, while in my room last night. Thinking that I was still in a coma, Greg was telling this tramp, ‘We need to give her something to do away with her. If she signs the divorce papers, I won’t get all her money. She is half-dead now anyway-we just must help her along. Paul will take the rap, as he ran her down. If she’s dead, we’ll get all her money and live like we have dreamed of for such a long time.’ The nurse came in just then and they left at once. I’m so frightened. Need to get out of here. Joanna’s hand gripped hard together. Told the nurses and doctors not to say anything to my husband that I woke up.

Can’t believe that they would do that to you! Do whatever you need me to do? Paul took Joanna’s hand and squeezed it.

I just want to get even with them. Know that I tried to commit suicide, when I read that terrible love notes telling me that Greg didn’t want me anymore. Wanted to die. I certainly would never kill myself for his sake now. I’m more determined to fight for my life than I have ever been. However, I need your help to get even with them and hurt them as they have hurt me. I feel so betrayed, and I hate them! Joanna hands went to her face as tears flowed down her checks, uncontrollable.

Seeing Joanna weep, Paul heart hurt for her. He went to her and placed his arms around her shoulder. She shook as she continued to weep.

Paul said with tenderness and trying to console her. Maybe we should notify the police? t,

Can’t, Greg is a big shot State Senator in the government, now.

Wow, I guess we have our work set out for us. It’ll be hard for us to fight the government. Our first thing is to get you out of the hospital to a safe place. When can you be released?

Should be able to leave tomorrow.

That is great! If you don’t have any problem with coming to my house, I’ll pick you up as soon as you get that release and take you to my place. Have an extra cottage, just for visitors. Greg wouldn’t think of looking for you there. You should be safe until you want to get back to your own place. Would that be okay with you?

Want to get away from here so bad I don’t care were.

It would be a good idea to pretend you are still in your coma, while they are here and tell the nurses to go along with this. Mention to them that you are frightened when your husband comes, and maybe when he is around, they can check on you more often. Like to pay to have a nurse be with you constantly until I come back.

Do anything to get even with those creeps. Appreciate what you are doing for me.

Okay. Staying at the Days Inn on Second Street, tonight. Have other business in town so will need to stay over. Just have the nurse call me there. Here’s the number.

Thanks, you don’t know how much this means to me. Have the nurse call you.

Okay. Expect a call as soon as the doctor comes in and remember you will still be in a coma while Greg is here, even if the nurse is in your room. Must go now to check out some things before I come and get you. We are going get them! See you tomorrow. Paul gave Joanna a peck on her check and walked out the door. He would have liked to take her with him right then, but the doctor needed to check her first.

Paul drove the short distant to the Days Inn and registered for the night. When he got into his room her called his office, I’m staying at the Days Inn downtown Minneapolis. How did your interview with my client, go?"

Your client Cecelia said, ‘I’m very disappointed you didn’t send Paul. When I ask for someone, I expect to get that person!’

Paul gasped, I can’t go through this all again.

When we explained, you taken part in an accident, calmed her down some. We set her up with our other junior partner, Helen Clinton. That will work the best as she can relate to her. Her big problem was that she wants to get rid of another husband. I think she’s in love with you. His partner, Harry razed.

Paul groaned. Please! I don’t know if I can take more of her advances. Thanks for helping me out of that situation.

We will do what we can from now on to keep you away from her, now that she is going to be a free woman again. Harry cleared his throat loudly.

Whoa, bit the dust again. You don’t know what that means to me. Paul sighed with relief.

His hands through his hair as he remembered how he had gotten involved with this woman, Cecelia. When he finished Law School, he started collaborating with his dad in his practice. As a young intern, she was his first client. She was so forceful and after losing Joanna, he was naïve, and vulnerable, he dated her a few times. Then one evening a man threatened him and told him that he was Cecelia’s husband, and he would kill him if he didn’t leave her alone. He got out of the relationship fast, but she never