Chapter 21

She had learned how to bury those feelings, she felt when she found herself alone in the room. She was frightened to imagine the stalker around her every time. The fear and anxiousness, she couldn't control. The heavyweight that she was feeling in his absence was making her suffocate.

She blinked a few times, plucking her eyes away from the door.

It opened softly. Her heart began to race in anticipation. A slow smile appeared on her face.

"Ria," Her mother walked into the room.

She didn't let her smile drop, "Mom," She hurried her feet at her mother, "Is dad treating you..."

Marcella shook her head, "Did he hurt you?" She cupped the side of her face.

A deep frown foamed over her face, "Why would he hurt me, Mom?" She shook her head in disapproval, "He's not father," She added, looking into her eyes.

Marcella glanced at her, looking stunned, "He isn't cruel."

"Why would he?" She relaxed that her mother wasn't g