Chapter 17: True feelings

Belinda's POV

My heart is beating faster than ever before. We entered the creepy tunnels and I felt like I might squeeze the little child in my arms to death.

Raelynn, I have come to learn is her name, is indeed a breath of fresh air. Ever since these six lovely kids arrived I have felt nothing but joy in my heart. It gave me the feeling of having children around.

Children I never had.

It didn't even matter to me that they're the children of the woman I despise the most.

Maria Ferrer.

She had everything I ever wanted and the one thing I truly desired.

John's heart.

John....

The light in my darkness, the air that I breathe and my true reason to live. I started working for him twenty years ago, back when my life was horrible.

My father died if lung cancer, my mother abused me everyday until eventually, she kicked me out. My friends abandoned me and I was left to die on the streets.

But then John came into my life. My hero, my Savior, my everything. I remember it like yesterday. I was on the streets, covered in mud in front of some fancy bar when he found me. He was drunk at the time, even offered me a drink. He didn't mind my condition or how disgusting I looked. So we got drunk together. He told me he was heartbroken, that the love of his life was stolen by his own brother. You could feel the pain radiating off him.

My heart ached for him. At the time, I didn't know why, but seeing him in so much pain was the worst experience in my life.

And that truly said something.

I told him about my parents and that I had nowhere else to go. He offered me a place to stay and food to eat if I worked for him and met certain..... Needs.

At the time, I didn't care what needs he was referring to because I was starving so I accepted. That night he took the one thing I had left.

My virginity.

Once he woke up the next morning, he immediately regretted what he had done, he said it was a mistake and apologized. I told him it was okay, that I.... Enjoyed it. A look of disgust flashed within his eyes and my heart broke.

He never touched me again. A couple of times he would return drunk, and being the fool that I am I took it as an opportunity to get closer to him.

But play with fire and you'll get burned.

Instead of getting closer to him, he would start ranting about Maria and how happy they were together.

Maria.

Maria.

Maria.

Who is this woman?

I got my answer a few days later. It was Maria's twins, Ronan and Rolland's birthday.

John decided to take me with him, and of course, I thought he actually wanted to spend time with. Obviously, I was wrong. All he wanted was to make Maria jealous. So he made me wear a really tight dress that revealed way too much skin. It was not appropriate for a kid's birthday party. But being the stupid girl that I am, I said nothing about it.

When we got to the party, John ditched me at some point. I decided to walk around and guess what?

I tripped and my dress ripped. I was so embarrassed. I thought that if John had seen me he'd never want to take me out again. I was such an embarrassment to him.

But then the most beautiful woman I've ever seen appeared.

She was an angel, a Goddess.

She wore a dress of gold that hugged her curves and flowed freely after her knees, sweeping the floor as she passed by. Her blue eyes were deeper than any ocean. Her hair was long, darker than night. Her smile was brighter than the sun, it could bring an army of men to their knees.

Her beauty was beyond enviable.

She gave me a new dress. It was more comfortable and appropriate. Not to mention ten times more beautiful than what I had on. At first, I couldn't accept it but she was so stubborn and wouldn't take no for answer. I thanked her and we parted ways.

When I found John he didn't say anything about my change of clothes. He was speaking with a man, a very handsome man might I add. His features were prominent and sharp, he had the eyes of steel and an aura that screamed power and dominance. There was only man known for such qualities.

Alessandro Ferrer.

He was holding a child whom I assumed was one of the twins on his left arm, while holding a little girl's hand with his right. The girl was beautiful, as a matter of fact, she looked awfully familiar.....

And like a slap to the face, the woman from earlier appeared holding the other twin. How could I not have realized that the goddess was none other than Maria Ferrer.

After that night, I never wanted to see her again. I felt ashamed to despise such an angel. Even though I claim to hate her, a part of me doesn't. When I heard of her death, I broke down in tears. That's why, when her children arrived, I made sure to take care of them personally.

That's my thank you for the dress, Maria.

And Raelynn, this sweet child is the spitting image of her mother. I adore this child that I carry in my arms, and I would do anything to protect her.

And for John, for many years I've lived with him. Cleaning, accompanying, comforting him. Yet, I never found the courage to tell him how I feel. I'm an old woman now, I'm not attractive. Not that I ever was.

He deserves better.

We made it to the back of the compound where five helicopters are stationed. Four of them were filled with armed men, the sight brought me to a halt.

John must have noticed because he looked at me with concern in his eyes. He grabbed my bicep and the touch brought so much warmth. "It's okay, I know you're afraid. But this will all be over soon. I won't let anything happen to you."

But why do I feel like the worst is about to happen?