♥ Chapter 5 ♥
08:30 '' City of the Valley. '' Zefinópolis
Elara Sinclair.
I'm grateful every day for the family I have, a blessing that many don't fully understand. My story begins on the streets of Zefinópolis, where I was abandoned by my biological parents. My adoptive mother, an angel disguised as a human, found me among the urban debris, rescuing me from the hopelessness of the streets. I suffered horrors in those dirty alleys, fighting for every crumb of food and a place to shelter. The memories of those dark days still echo in my mind, marking me forever.
The city I was born in is a real mess, and to make matters worse, I was abandoned on a rare day of torrential rain. I remember the icy water flooding my clothes, threatening to drag me away from life. However, thanks to the love and compassion of my adoptive mother, I survived to tell the story and be taken in by an extraordinary family, even if my father is the leader of the local mafia.
Today, at twenty-two, I have become an elegant and beautiful woman, but the scars of those dark days still inhabit my being. Even in the safety of my comfortable, soundproof room, the nightmares of those times come back to haunt me.
****
I left my room only to collide with someone in the corridor, but I immediately realized that it was the man who made my heart race.
Axel is a man of striking presence and distinguished appearance. He has an imposing height of around six feet, which makes him stand out in any crowd. His posture is firm and confident, reflecting his determination and inner strength.
His facial features are angular and well-defined, with a square jaw and pronounced cheekbones. His eyes are deep and penetrating, a dark, intense color that seems to capture the attention of everyone around him.
He has thick dark hair, which falls in a controlled mess around his face, giving him an air of rebellion and mystery. His expression is often serious and contemplative, but his eyes can light up with a spark of determination or humor when necessary.
His skin is lightly tanned by the sun, giving him a healthy and robust appearance. He has an athletic and muscular build, the result of years of training and experience in the life of crime.
In short, this man is too wonderful.
'' Sorry. '' Our words came out simultaneously, followed by a shared laugh.
''That was a good one. ''I commented, feeling lighter in his presence.
'' Yes, it was. Did you hurt yourself? "He asked, his concern warming me inside.
''No, what about you? ''I returned his gaze, losing myself in its intensity.
''No... I'm fine. ''He replied, his gaze conveying a serenity that calmed me.
''That's good; I'm relieved to hear you weren't hurt. ''I smiled at him, feeling grateful to have him there.
Ah, Axel... I'm so in love with this man. He means so much to me, but I know it's impossible for a man as stunning as him to love me back.
A gasp interrupted us, bringing me back to reality.
''If I'm not in the way, Axel, could you come in? ''My father's voice made me startle.
''Oh... Right, boss. ''He replied, clearly clumsy.
And he wasn't the only nervous one there.
''I'm going to check on Mom. ''I said quickly, moving away from them like a bolt of lightning.
I went down the stairs with my heart still racing. Shit, I really am completely in love with this man. His mere presence is capable of making my heart race, my legs wobble and a chill in my stomach appear out of nowhere. This man has the power to leave me completely unarmed.
'' So, sister, have you seen the love of your life? '' I roll my eyes at Orion's provocation.
''Look, don't start this first thing in the morning, please.
'' And since when is there a time to bother, sister?
'' God, give me patience. '' I sigh, looking up.
''I just wonder when you're going to propose to each other. ''He continues, ignoring my request.
His words strike a chord in my heart, but I know better than to listen to a ten-year-old boy.
''You should stop pranking people, Orion. ''He snorts, clearly not enjoying the lecture.
This kid sometimes sounds like an adult.
'' And why should I worry about those who only know how to talk badly about others behind their backs?
I don't understand.
''What do you mean, Orion?
I approach him and sit down next to him.
''Why do you think I played that prank on the principal? '' He stares at me, asking a question that puzzles me.
"Let's talk about it.
'' He was talking badly about our mother, Elara.
'' What? What did he say? "I asked, already irritated.