Chapter 77
Ace
The rain fell in relentless sheets, each drop a miniature drumbeat against the earth. It mingled with the tears on my face, blurring my vision as I stared at the figure lying before me. My heart pounded like a drum in my chest, each beat a desperate plea for the outcome I feared the most.
As the raindrops danced upon her face, slowly clearing the mask of water and dirt, I felt a surge of apprehension grip my chest. It took every ounce of strength I had to force myself to look, to confront the truth that lay beneath that veil of rain.
And then, as if the heavens themselves were granting me a reprieve, the features became clear. It wasn't Bella. It was Maria. Relief flooded through me like a tidal wave, threatening to sweep me away in its current. I let out a shuddering si
