Chapter 45
Two weeks have passed, and I’ve focused entirely on my recovery and adjusting to life with the babies. I spent many days barely surviving while sedated, and when I woke up, I was withering away. I received vitamins, a nutrient-rich diet, and medications to fight infection. Anna and Ágata helped me care for the babies, and after this period of recovery, I feel much stronger. Today, the Brotherhood decided Luara’s fate—she will face a slow and painful death in the cell, as Samuel suggested. Before that happens, I need to pay her a visit and give her a few well-deserved slaps.
I walk through the mansion’s garden, where everything is vividly green with spring. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and I inhale the sweet scent of the blossoms. I’m startled when I turn around and see someone standing there, waiting for me.
"Father?" I rush to him and wrap him in a strong hug. "Dad, I’ve missed you so much!" He touches my face and kisses my cheek affectionately. He’s wearing a white shirt, his hair is neatly combed, and his eyes are full of happiness.
"How are you feeling, my daughter? I waited until you were better to visit. I know you’ve been through a tough time."
"I’m feeling better. I’m still a bit sore from the C-section, but in a few days, I’ll be fully recovered," I reply, happy to see him.
"That’s good, my daughter. I’ve missed you too! You’ve always been such a determined girl, and your strength makes me proud. What do you plan to do with your life now? I know you’ve become emotionally involved with Samuel Colt. I could tell the moment he said your name and brought me here," my father reveals, visibly moved.
"He brought you here?"
"Yes, he said you missed me!" I hug him tightly again, holding him for a long time.
"What’s troubling you, my daughter?"
"It’s time for me to decide my future, Father," I say as he strokes my hair to comfort me.
"Are you still unsure about what you want?"
"Not really."
"Then what are you afraid of?"
"I’m afraid of being happy!" I confess, feeling the gentle kiss he places on my cheek. My father looks at me attentively, with that familiar expression that says he’s about to give me advice.
"Don’t forget that happiness comes from within us, not from another person. You choose who to share and multiply your happiness with," he says, comforting me warmly.
"Dad, you’re always right!"
After spending the afternoon with my father, I take him to meet the babies. At the end of the day, he confesses that Samuel offered him help to finally overcome his gambling addiction—a new beginning for Olavo Petrova.
"I’ll conquer this addiction that nearly took you away from me, Tatyana." A smile escapes my lips, happy to see his determination to start over.
"I’ll be back soon to visit you all again," he promises. I nod, feeling joyful, and bid him farewell with a tight hug.
***
After an emotional moment with my father, I finally decide to confront Luara. I descend the stairs leading to the Colt Mansion’s basement. As I step inside, I notice how dark and grim the place is. I hear uncontrollable sobbing and am startled to see Maria writhing in agony in her cell, with countless rats crawling over her body.
"Serves you right, you treacherous old hag!" Luara sneers, her sharp voice echoing through the space.
"Wow, who would’ve thought sweet little Tatyana would wish such a cruel death upon someone?" she says with mocking irony, while the security guard watches me closely.
"I think everyone gets what they deserve—simple as that. You’ll have your end too!" I reply, stopping in front of the iron bars. "Open the cell, please," I order the guard, who reaches into his pocket for the keys.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!" The guard opens the cell, and Luara stands to provoke me. She clutches her injured arm, clearly in pain. The wound must be infected—it’s been days since she’s been left here without any care.
"What are you going to do, Tatyana?" she asks. As soon as I step inside the iron bars, I lunge at her and slap her face repeatedly.
Luara falls to the floor, screaming, raising her arms to shield herself. The blonde looks terrified by my surprise attack. I stop hitting her and glare at her in anger. Thinking I’m done, she lowers her arms, but I take the opportunity to land another blow to her face.
"Ah, you crazy woman, stop it!" Luara screams, but I let my fury take over and strike her even harder.
"You vile snake! This is for daring to think about making my daughter suffer!" I slap her again as she tries to crawl away from me on the floor.
Her strength is weakened from the bullet wound in her arm, but without remorse, I pull out a pocketknife and grab her face in my hand. Luara panics when she realizes what I’m about to do. Without hesitation, I force the blade into each of her eyes.
The blonde thrashes in agony, screaming in desperate pain.
"Did you know snakes don’t see very well? It wasn’t fair for you to have the gift of sight." She curls up on the floor, terrified, now trapped in permanent darkness.
"If you thought you were a bad person, it’s only because you haven’t seen what a mother is capable of for her children! I hope you suffer immensely until death finally comes for you." I step out of the cell and am startled to see Samuel waiting for me.
He looks at my blood-covered hands and pulls a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe them clean. His arms wrap around me, and I let the feeling of his protection wash over me.
"Let’s go. My mother said she wants to make an announcement at dinner."
"Of course, let’s go," I reply.