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I decided on a simple T-shirt and a pair of faded Jean trousers, I stared at my reflection in the mirror as I ran my fingers through my hair to loosen up tied knots.

Although I changed my appearance, my long brown hair was now a short chin length blond, people around know me as Grace and not Graciela, that scared little girl was still somewhere inside of me and Shawn's friendly statement had rattled me up more than I'd like to admit.

That rainy night I had ran five years ago will be forever engraved in my memories.

I had boarded a taxi, quietly told the driver to take me away as far as he could...

Away from him..

He hadn't questioned anything as long I had the cash and I had more than enough at that time, Sebastian had ensured that.

A young girl in a new city, no family...friends or anyone I could call my own, I wondered around aimlessly for some hours before I bumped into Mrs Paula, she was the first person who greeted me with a friendly smile which I so badly needed at that moment.

I learnt later that she owned a small orphanage where I currently work, both she and her grandson Shawn were nice people, they were kind and friendly but I didn't allow myself to get too close.

After everything I have been through I don't think I could allow any one get too close to my heart ever again.

I had wondered so many times if I had made the right choice to leave him that night, for the first few weeks I had felt like I had lost a huge part of myself, I would often catch myself thinking about him.Wondered how he reacted when he woke up and found me gone..

He must have raised hell, that was without doubt.

I told myself then that I didn't fall in love with my tormentor, that I didn't miss him, I mean how could I?he'd made my life so miserable, corrupted every little bit of innocence I had and smeared me with his darkness..

But despite these thoughts I still cried myself bitterly to sleep every single night in the past year, the bed had always felt so cold and empty.I never realized I had grown accustomed to his warmth or his touch.

I hated how he had made me grown used to him without even realizing it, despite being far away a part of me craved his darkness and his touch.

Was it even possible to fear anyone so deeply but wanted them at the same time?

That showed exactly how much he had messed me up.

For about a whole month I didn't step outside my apartment unless it was absolutely necessary, and all those times I did so In fear, always looking behind my shoulders.

Mrs Paula had noticed, did I mention that she's also my landlady?,she always sort me out every day offering cookies and other she probably knew her attention was unwanted but still she did not give up, she always made sure she checked up on me for at least twice a day.

Shawn also did the same whenever he was off duty, he only became a cop four years ago but he thinks he's obligated to ensure everyone's well-being I decided to get used to them since they both wouldn't just give up.

The neighborhood was entirely safe, The money Sebastian gave me ensured that I lived comfortably but I wondered if it would be enough to protect me from HIM.

Three months later I found out I was pregnant .

With his baby .

I didn't realize it sooner because I had been so stuck on so many things, most predominant was the fear of being discovered.

When the hospital had confirmed it I had only been slightly surprised, I felt nothing else at that moment, a part of me had just accepted the fact that I would never be able to get rid of him.

He had still managed to leave inside me a part of him, I would always be reminded of him whether I like it or not.

For about a week I would just stare at the doctors report in a dazelike state.

I wasn't even able to protect myself, how would I manage to protect the life that was growing inside of me?

But I decided to keep her, for some reason besides fear it awoke something else inside of me, a very strong feeling of belonging, like I was no longer alone, I would have someone who would really love me.

a baby.

Who would really want me no matter what.