Page 189 of Arturo's Temptation

“What?” My eyes widened.

“Oh don’t pull that with me. You were never any good at lying to me, Arturo Ramos. Don’t start now. You wanted me dead that day… Admit it!” she spat.

“What the fuck are you sayin’? I never wanted you dead.” Where was this coming from?! What the fuck had that tosser told her?

“And the lies continue. You were the one who ordered the hit,” she panted, thrashing her arms against the chains. “I told you to leave the Hamiltons but you didn’t want that, did you? You wanted me out of the way!”

“Can you fuckin’ hear yourself? Do you hear how ridiculous that sounds?” I stared at her, shaking my head.

“You paid someone to kill me, but you failed. They took me in, told me the truth and showed me what youtrulyare. A murderer, a cold blooded killer. You’re nothing but a monster.” I felt Lorenzo shift behind me, but a swift wave of my hand caused him to pause. “They couldn’t go through with what you paid them to do so they did everything to make it look as though I was dead. Thank god I don’t remember much of my life before them.”

“Whatever he or they told you is a lie, and the fact you believe the fuckin’ Hamiltons over your own son is vile.” Feelings of anger and betrayal made my arms shake. “They’ve brainwashed you, turned you against me for their own gain.”

“Don’t you dare disrespect them like that! They are myfamily, and you…? You are nothing.” Her words cut deeper than I cared to admit. “You make me sick.”

There was no point pushing her for more. She wasn’t my mum. My mum was gone, and it was time I closed the door on it all.

“Arturo, what do you want us to do with her?” Lorenzo asked. I squeezed my eyes shut and gripped the back of my neck.

“Find somewhere for her. I can’t risk Isabella and Valencia’s safety again.”

“I know of a place. They’ll do what they can for her.” Lorenzo replied, sorrow filling his voice.

“Thanks, can you two handle that? I need to get back to Bella and my daughter.”

“You get back to my sister. We’ll deal with your mom. I’ll call you when there’s something to know.” Luca nodded, holding the door open for me, the sea air hitting my nostrils.

“No need, I don’t need to know anything from here on out.” I sighed, shutting myself off to any emotion I felt. I loved the woman she was once, but the woman I adored was long gone and there was nothing I could do to bring her back to me.

“I hate you, Arturo! You were the biggest regret of my life, a fucking mistake.” My mother spat and screamed from behind, thrashing against the chains. I closed my eyes and let the words roll off me. I had to remind myself she was loyal to the Hamilton’s now and cutting her out of my life was what I had to do.

“Goodbye, Maria,” I whispered and stalked out into the sun.

When I enteredBella’s private room, I found her sitting up in bed with a green tea, Ana perched beside her making her laugh.

“You’re back!” she beamed the moment she saw me. “You good?”

“I’ll head out and give you two some privacy. Do you mind if I go and sit with Valencia?” Ana asked with a hopeful look on her face.

“You never need to ask, Ana.” I answered as she clapped her hands together with excitement before hurrying out of the door I held open for her. “Y’know, when it comes to her grandchildren I’ve never seen her move so fast.” I laughed as Bella winced whiletrying to join in. “Don’t be rippin’ them stitches, you hear? I want you home soon.” I kissed her forehead as I sat down.

“What happened?” she asked, taking her hand in mine.

“She’s gone,” I sighed. “They brainwashed her,hermosa. They did everything possible to turn her against me, and they succeeded. They planned it out so fuckin’ perfectly. Made it look as though she was dyin’ in my arms, made everythin’ so fuckin’ real.” I muttered, closing my eyes.

“What do we do now?” she questioned.

“I asked your dad if he could put her somewhere she might find some psychological help. He and Luca are takin’ her to a rehabilitation centre as we speak. Who knows if they can even reverse the shit they told her. Fuck, she’s lost her whole life. Everythin’ before them, it’s all gone, Bella.” I breathed.

“Whatever happens, I am here and I support you one hundred percent.” I truly didn’t deserve Bella, her strength shocked me. “Even if that means you want her in your life. I can’t say it won’t be hard to look at her or be around her after what she did, but if it’s what you want I’ll try… for you.” She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“She can remain in whatever rehabilitation centre they find for her, she’ll remain there until she takes her last breath, your pa will make sure of that. I don’t need a relationship with her, Bella, I just couldn’t bring myself to kill her.” I sighed, unable to meet Bella’s gaze.

“I completely understand that, but what I don’t understand is why the Hamiltons are hell bent on destroying you.”

“Because I killed Arthur Hamilton.” I breathed, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“Who?”

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