Chapter 46

After two days, Sophie was released from the hospital, while Bella slowly recovered and healed fully. Thanks to technology, her scars and bruises are all gone now, but I know the invisible scar will forever be there.

Those scars will make us stronger and remind us that life is short and that we should value and love each other more. It will always remind us that we are given a second chance in life, at love, and we should not waste it.

I stayed with Bella in the hospital while Aunt Agnes took care of Sophie at home. Bella is scheduled to be released tomorrow, and we are so relieved. We watched a classic movie on the TV, Bella is leaning on me with my arms around her when there's a knock on the door, and an unexpected visitor came in.

" Sorry, I hope I did not interrupt anything?" Principal Tom came in with flowers and fruits.

" No, no, Mr. Peters, come in," I answered him, but I did not make an effort to stand up. Instead, my hold on Bella tightened. As I've said, everyone is guilty until proven innocent.

" How are you, Bella? I'm sorry if I only came today. I was busy at school, especially when you're class suddenly was left without a teacher. We had to find a substitute teacher, asap. I am so glad you are okay. We were so worried when we heard you had an accident with Sophie on board." He apologized and approached the bed, handed the flowers to Bella, which I didn't like, and handed me the basket.

I reluctantly let go of Bella and placed the basket on the table. He sat down on the chair beside Bella's bed and held her hand. I glared at his back and went around the bed to again gather Bella in my arms. She pulled her hand from Tom's grasp and thanked him for the flowers.

She turned to me, smiled, and kissed me. I was shocked for a while, then smiled and kissed her back. I like this side of her. She's not embarrassed anymore to show her feelings for me, especially in front of this guy.

" Thank you, Tom, for handling the situation in school. I will be released tomorrow and rest for a month before I can go back to work. That is if I still have a job to go back to." Bella asked Tom with sad unsure eyes.

" Of course, Bella, the job is still yours. Come back whenever you're ready, the school can wait. I am just glad you and your daughter are okay. And congratulations to both of you, I guess. I can see that you've patched up whatever it was between you two." He said, smiling, but it didn't reach his eyes.

" Thank you, Tom, we appreciate that," I answered him with a nod and kissed Bella's temples.  He only stayed for a while. The atmosphere is a bit awkward, so he stood up and left after wishing Bella well.

When he left, Bella and I were left staring at the TV. We are both lost in our thoughts. I am weighing everything in my head whether to suspect Mr. Peters or not. I really don't know the guy. I haven't heard of him. I don't think he studied at our school because I would have remembered him.

" Baby, how well do you know, Tom?" I asked Bella. She looked at me as if she knows what I'm talking about.

" Are you suspecting him, babe? Honestly, I was thinking the same thing. Remember the time we went on a date, and I told you he was acting strange?" She asked me, and I nodded.

" Well, that night, I saw a different side of Mr. Peters. The first time we met in school, he was sweet and kind. But when I turned him down, he seemed to be aggressive and pissed off." She continued, and I listened intently.

" What do you mean when you turned him down? Did he make a pass at you? Did he court you? That scumbag!" I was surprised and enraged by what she said.

" Yes, he stated his intentions when we were at the restaurant. Then I told him I was not ready for a relationship, but really I was pining for you. Then when we were in his car outside my house, he wouldn't let me out. That's why I was so thankful you called at the right moment." She told me, and I was trembling in anger. That son of a bitch tried to use force on my woman!

I will have to keep an eye on him and dig deeper about him. He may have a solid alibi, but he could still be behind all of it.

" Baby, I want you to stay as far away from him as possible, okay? Do not let yourself be alone with him in a room or anywhere. I will have to tell Detective Drew about this and tell him to dig more about Mr. Peters. Please, baby, promise me." I looked her in the eye and made her promise. I can't bear it anymore if something happens to her again.

" I promise, Liam. I'm not comfortable around him anyway. I will have to find a way to avoid him, although it will be difficult once I start working." She answered while cupping my cheek. I kissed her forehead and tucked her head under my chin.

" Don't worry, love. We will find the bastard who did this to you and our little Princess. Oh, baby, you don't know how happy I am to know she is my daughter. I was over the moon but scared at the same time. I don't have any idea on how to be a father." I confessed to her my fears of being Sophie's dad.

" Liam, you were wonderful. Even if you make mistakes, she will love you no matter what. Can't you see how much she adores you? She loves you, babe, don't forget that. We will make it work, you and I." She said softly, smiling up at me.

" I am sorry, again, my love. It was never my intention to hurt you or cause you pain. Destiny was mean and played a trick on us. It conspired to drive this wedge between us, but despite the mistake of lying to you, my heart and soul has always been yours." She continued tearfully.

" Baby, that's all in the past. What is more important is that you are here, in my arms, alive. We will start afresh, my love, with our darling little Angel." I told her, cupping her face in my hands.

I dipped my head and captured her sweet lips to mine and kissed her with all the love I felt for her. I savored every moment with her because every second, every minute, is valuable to me now. I will show her every day how much she means to me.

I was a fool six years ago, and I intend to change that. I won't let my fear and insecurities stop me from what truly makes me happy.