MATURE

Life hasn’t been kind to me. One moment, I was a carefree eighteen-year-old with dreams of a bright future. The next, I was a 28 year old lady and my world went up in flames. literally. My mom died in the fire that destroyed our home, my little sister is in a coma, and my brother’s in jail for trying to keep us afloat. My dad? He left us drowning in debt and despair.

I thought I’d hit rock bottom, but then I found myself working in a place where dreams go to die, doing things I never imagined just to survive. That’s when he walked into my life, Alex Romanov. Dangerous. Mysterious. And entirely out of my league.

He’s everything I should fear, but there’s something about him that draws me in. Maybe it’s the way he looks at me like I’m more than just another broken soul. Or the way he makes me feel alive when I thought I’d forgotten how.

But Alex has secrets, dark ones that could destroy us both. And as my past collides with his world, I’m left wondering: Can I trust the man who’s slowly stealing my heart, or will his darkness swallow me whole?

This isn’t the life I wanted, but it’s the one I’ve been given.

As I slowly guided the car forward, my hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves bubbling inside me. Donald sat calmly beside me, his hands resting on his lap as he watched my movements carefully.


"Alright, Bella, now gently press the brake," he instructed, his voice even and reassuring.


I took a deep breath and did as he said, pressing the brake pedal with caution. The car came to a smooth stop, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me.


"Good," he said with an approving nod. "You're doing great for a beginner."


A small smile crept onto my lips. "Thanks. I thought I'd be a lot worse at this."


Donald chuckled. "Most people think that before they start. But driving is all about practice and confidence. You're already getting the hang of it."


Chapter 161 - 161