Heart of Pains

Chapter One

Hannah's POV

*Dream*

"Why are they hurting you, Daddy?!" I screamed, my eyes wide with fear.

Instead of answering me, he nudged me away as men surrounded him, kicking him in the sides and punching him in the face. He grunted in pain, his hands coming up to try to shield himself from the attack. He then looked at me, one of his eyes swollen and bright red blood dripping from his lips.

"Hannah, you must leave, or they'll hurt you too!" But I was so scared I couldn't move. Eventually, I reached for him, but he shook his head. My hand froze before it dropped to my side.

"I can't come with you, baby, but I want you to remember that I'll always love you and that you'll never disappoint me. And protect your family, even the ones who don't love you. Now, you need to run," he said, his voice breaking as a tear rolled down his cheek. I shook my head as tears streamed down my face.

"I can't leave you," I replied, shaking my head and clenching my jaw stubbornly.

This only served to anger my father. His face turned red with rage despite the pain and the men beating on him.

"I told you I don't want you to get hurt, Cupcake. Run!" he roared, the sound so loud it nearly shattered my eardrums.

I turned on my heel and quickly took off, sobbing profusely. All the while his body was slowly growing weaker. However, I knew I had to let him know even as he was dying, that I still loved him very much.

"I love you, Daddy!"

"I love you more, cupcake." His pained voice echoed behind me, but I did not look back.

*End of Dream*

I woke up from another nightmare, once again reminded of my unfortunate circumstances. Lying there, contemplating how to fill my time, I realized I had already shed enough tears for my dad.

RING.

Glancing at the clock, I saw that it was 4 am, signaling it was time to get up and face the day. I dressed in oversized gray Adidas sweatpants paired with a white tank top, tied my dark hair into a bun, and headed to my private gym.

There, I attacked and punched dummies, did planks on the planking horse, and completed sit-ups. I was done by six and showered and got dressed for work before proceeding to the kitchen. I was going to make myself some breakfast when my plans were interrupted by an unexpected call, my phone playing Nicki Minaj's song, "Fly".

I saw that the caller ID was my assistant, Owen Max.

"Hello," I greeted coldly.

"Good morning, ma'am. You're needed urgently at the Spike family mansion. I'll be there shortly to pick you up," he relayed.

"Thank you, Owen," I replied, ending the call.

Soon, he arrived, and I got into the car with him. We drove to my family's home, a few minutes away. Several cars were already there, indicating I was the last to show up. After Owen parked, I went inside and found everyone in the living room. My grandparents were the first to spot me.

"Hannah, dear," they said kindly.

"Hi, Mom and Dad," I greeted my grandparents, giving each one a peck on the cheek.

After stepping away from them, I turned around and noticed my birth mother, Monica, and my older brothers, Kelvin and Cole.

"Monica," I said, acknowledging her presence despite the fact that she hated me.