Page 34 of Wounded Hearts

Chapter 17

Mara pressedthe last corner of the box and gasped as it slid open, her eyes flying to Drew. “We did it.”

He looked at her with an open expression of pleasure that warmed her heart. With every word he uttered and every action he did, she was falling for him harder. It was too soon, and it was foolish, but she knew in her heart that it wasn’t. She’d had feelings for Drew when she was helping with his recovery. Everything about him had drawn her into his orbit wanting to be near him. She wondered if Brayden had known he was losing her before she’d even realised it and if that was why he’d isolated her so quickly.

“Do you want to open it?” she asked as Drew continued to stare at the box.

He nodded. “Yes.”

She watched him lift the lid with care and reverence. The air in the room stilled as they held their breath waiting to see what it held. Inside lay a key, a folded piece of paper, and a yellow gold ring, with a large square cut green gem and a triangular diamond on each shoulder.

“Wow, that’s beautiful.”

Mara watched Drew lift the ring and turn it over in his large hands. “I’ve only seen this ring once before. It was my grandmothers on my mum’s side. She loved this ring, said it was all she had to remind her of her mother, but she never wore it.”

Mara lifted her hand and placed in on Drew’s shoulder. “I’m glad you have that link to your mum.”

Drew placed the ring back in the box and lifted the key, turning it in his hands. “This looks like a safe key.” He handed it to her, and she looked it over, noticing the burr marks on the edges. “It’s not the original though, look at the edges, you can see they’re clean cut with no wear on them.”

Drew took the key back and examined it. “Yeah, you’re right, good catch.”

Mara smiled at his compliment. She could feel his trepidation as he looked at the piece of paper. It could hold so many answers or none at all.

“Would you like some privacy?” She moved to stand but Drew caught her wrist.

“Stay, please.”

Mara could sense how much he needed her. She’d never let this man down when he’d saved her. More than that, she’d never let him down because she cared for him more than anything else she’d ever known except her babies, and that was completely different.

“Of course, I’ll stay.” She placed her hand over his and smiled.

Drew picked up the paper and flipped it over, unfolding it with care, but his eyes never met the actual words as if he was afraid to read what was on them.

“Would you like me to read it?”

Drew looked at her for a second and his eyes tighten as he tried to control the emotions inside him. His lips thinned and he nodded. “Please.”

Mara pulled the single sheet of lined paper towards her and kept his hand in hers, holding on tight to him. Her gaze lower and she saw the handwriting that was looped and girlish and wondered at the woman who’d written it. Mara cleared her throat and began to read.

My Darling Drew,

If you’re reading this, then chances are I’m no longer with you. I hope you’re safe and happy and living a life filled with love and joy. I know I wasn’t the mother I should have been to you, and for that I am truly sorry. My biggest regret in this life is that I never gave you the protection you needed from a man who hurt you. I’m weak and love is a powerful thing that makes people do things they shouldn’t. If I was better, I would have left and taken you away, but I didn’t, and you suffered. I believe in my heart that Marcus loves us in his own way, and I trust that as I took my last breath on this earth, he was there with me and is now giving you the love you deserve.

Love is our most precious gift, my sweet gentle son, and I hope you find someone who loves you with the truth and devotion that you deserve. Don’t let a toxic love, such as the one I have for your father, ruin your life. Look for the person who makes you better, who fills your soul with joy. This is my wish for you.

The ring, as you know, was my mothers. She had the gift and promised the ring given to her by your grandfather would always protect the couple who shared it in love. I hope you find a woman who is worthy of it, because I wasn’t.

The key is for a safe in our home. I’ve left my diaries there in the hope that one day you will understand why I was the way I was and forgive me.

Love always,

Mum

xx

Mara was openly cryingas she finished reading the letter to Drew. Laying her hand on the table, the letter still clutched there, she looked at Drew. He looked crushed, heartbroken by the words she’d read to him. “Drew.”

He stood abruptly. “I need a minute.”