Belle's POV
For about ten minutes after my mom left the room, and called Jackson in, I was totally engrossed in my thoughts. I had even forgotten about my whole issue, I had no idea my mom passed through all this. I have been wrongly assuming she was weak and intentionally ignoring my dad, indulging his excesses.
It was when Jackson came in and rushed to my side to hug me, that I came back to the present. Once more, I remembered the deep mess I was in.
"I'm so sorry, sweetheart…" he muttered in my ear while as finally pulled back from the hug.
"It's fine. I know I'll be fine." I managed to say even though I didn't believe a word. I was everything but fine.
"Of course, you'll be. That's why I'm here, to make sure you're fine." Jackson assured me and his smile was truly reassuring. He
