Devika Levine's pov:

I've lived my entire life working my a*s off. I can't remember a time when I wasn't trying to make ends meet for my family,a time I took to actually take care of my own needs.

My father has been out of the picture for the past six years now and since then all I could remember was all the responsibilities being left on my shoulders, fending for my sick mom and two younger siblings, life hasn't been easy on me over the past few years.

I was sixteen and enjoying my teenage life, until all of a sudden my father started acting strange and distant towards my mom and I and my siblings were not an exception. He would come back home late at night, drunk to stupor, and when my mom would try to confront him it always ended up in a heated argument that most times lead to him beating her into a pulp.

Davika's Flashback (age 16)

(trigger warning ⚠️: violence)

"Please stop". A tiny Larisa begged as she watched in horror as my father beats up my mother

"Larisa come here now" I whispered

I was hiding under the bed in my room with my 6 months old younger brother, Ash, in my arms.

Larisa shook her head at me and turned back to watch.

I carefully put Ash down and crawled out from under the bed with the intent of getting my baby sister out of harm's way, because at that moment he was capable of anything and everything.

I was only 16 and three years older than Larisa who was just 13. Larisa was about clocking twelve when mom got pregnant with Ash,who was just three months at that time.

"I'll be fine". I muttered words of motivation to myself as I ran to grab Larisa's hands

"You two little shits can never be quiet" he yelled as he walked towards us with his hand raised.

I could see my mom struggle to get to us with blood seeping out of her nose and tears running down her eyes,she was in so much pain.

"Rowan please stop". She pleaded, choking on her sobs, as she managed to grab onto the hem of his trouser.

"Move away, useless piece of trash". He gritted as he shoved her back down to the ground harshly. "And you....". He said while pointing at Larisa. "You're becoming really gutsy lately, you've been picking up on your sister's bad character, haven't you ??".He spat angrily at her, making her shudder in fear.

Even if he was drunk,what he said wasn't completely false, everyone knew I was arrogant, rude and very sassy. But I didn't mean for Larisa to start picking up on my attitude. And now we were going to suffer for that little observation of his. On a normal day he might have let her off with a warning, but this was completely different, he was drunk, if not drunker than usual.

"You leave my daughter alone". mother Said between sobs as she tried to find the strength to lift her self off the ground.

"And you shut up!!, you think I wasn't going to notice how soft you've gotten on them, letting them do whatever they liked, with your pathetic excuse of having a high blood pressure".

It was true, mom was getting really weak an pale lately, and it was due to the fact that her blood pressure was extremely high. But apparently dad didn't care.

"But don't worry". he reduced his pitch. " I can discipline them for the both of us". he said menacingly

"Please don't hurt them, please I beg you" Mother cried.

"SHUT UP!!". he yelled violently before fiercely backhanding her.

My eyes widened in shock as I saw my mom fly across the room and her body collided brutally with the floor. I couldn't comprehend what what going on until Larisa screamed out in terror.

"MOM !!". her tiny voice screamed

And that was enough to snap me out of my daze. Larisa yanked her hands away from mine as she ran helplessly towards my mom's unmoving body.

"Mom!, Mom!!, Mom!!, mom please wake up". she cried out to my mom who was obviously not hearing a word she was saying.

"DAVIKA !! DO SOMETHING !!!". She snapped her head towards my direction yelling at me.

And that was when I realized that I've been rooted to one spot all along. A single tear trickled it's way down my cheek as reality dawned on me. I turned around and saw my dad standing there with a shocked look on his face and in a flash he was making a run for it towards the door.

"Dad!, Dad!!, please don't go.... help us take mom to a hospital, I promise I won't tell anyone it was you... PLEASE!!". Yelled as I sprinted after him like a mad person.

But it was already to late, he was too fast for me to keep up and all I could do was cry and try to come up with a solution. I ran towards our neighbors house to see their door lock from the outside signifying that there were not home. They were the closest people who could have helped us considering that I and their daughter, Aaliyah we're best friends.

I sprinted back into the house to find Larisa still trying to get Mom to get up, I ran upstairs and pulled Ash out from under the bed, before I came back down, then I ran towards the house phone and dialed a number, I offered silent prayer hoping he would pick because it was literally almost 3am I the morning.

"Vika is everything ok ?? Why are you calling so early this morning" Andrei's deep voice pierced through the speaker and I was grateful.

"Andrei!!... it's mom!!, dad beat her up again and now she's unconscious and I don't know what to do" I said it all in one breath as tears washed my face.

The grogginess in his voice disappeared immediately and was replaced with that of worry.

"Okay!! okay!! listen to me I want you to calm down. And when you get off this phone I want you to make sure she's still breathing". he tried to sound as soothing as possible but I could hear worry lacing his voice.

"Can you do that for me??" he asked

"Yes". I replied almost in a whisper but it was loud enough for him to hear.

"Just calm down.... I'm on my way". He said as he hung up.

I sauntered across the room with little Ash clasped against my hips and tear flowing down my face. It broke my heart to see my mom in this condition, but what shattered me the most was that my innocent baby sister has to experience this kind of incident. She was too young for this she didn't deserve it. She held my mom's battered body in her tiny arms as she sobbed quietly. This was definitely going to traumatize her forever

Not to long after a loud siren was heard and medical assistants rushed into our house. They picked up my mom's body in a stretcher and pulled her away.

Andrei rushed towards I and my siblings, he took Ash from me and and embraced his small body into his large arms while pulling me and Larisa into a hug. Andrei was a very huge and intimidating looking man and his large biceps didn't help the situation.

"Don't worry everything will be okay, you guys are safe now" he mumble

"Thank you Andrei". I whispered between sobs

"It's alright ". He said and led us towards the door.

It was then I realized that the whole neighborhood had come out to see if we were alright. It warmed my heart to see them care so much. I looked to the right a bit and saw Andrei's two brothers and the entire biker gang on their bikes explaining something to the police.

I was glad to know that even if my dad didn't care about us we still had people who would.

My mind wandered back to my mom, I ran towards the ambulance and was ready to follow them when I felt someone tugging on my shirt, I turned to see Larisa staring at me we glazed eyes and Ash clasped against her hips

"Vika!! Where are you going??" she asked with her voice breaking

"I need to go with them, I have to know if mom's gonna be okay" I said trying my hardest to sound calm

"Let me come with" . She offered

"No, no, someone has to stay back and take care of Ash" I said in the most soothing voice I could muster

She nods her head in understand before I pulled her into a hug

"It's gonna be okay.... We're gonna be okay" I whispered to her before she pulls away with tears threatening to fall down from her eyes.

She nods and Walks over to where Andrei was talking to some police officers.

I hopped into the back of the van and the tears I have been Trying to fight came flooding back as I saw my mom fight for her life. The medical assistants tried their best to make sure she was stable till we got to the hospital.

My mom was rushed to the ER immediately and all I could do was sit in the waiting area and pray for her to be okay. I was later joined by Andrei who assured me that everything would be fine

I left the hospital that day with the knowledge of my mom being diagnosised Cardiomyopathy that was caused through a high blood pressure.

That day my teenage life was taken away from me completely and it was all because of my own father.

-DL-

I was sixteen when I started taking care of my family single handedly. I made sure to work extra hard so I was able to graduate early, because going to school and running the small boutique my mom couldn't handle anymore, wasn't enough to pay my bills, considering I had to pay for mom's medications, and train both my younger siblings in school.

I had taken up a part time job when I was 18 so that my mom and my siblings could at least eat a three square meal per day.

"I'm done for the night ". I said as i hung my apron on the hanger. I couldn't go out in my waitress outfit because It was far too small and the skirt kept riding up and i would constantly have to pull it down.

I remember complaining about it too Louis, my boss about it and he told me my a*s was too big and I should try loosing a few pounds, as if I wasn't already skinny enough.

And besides, it was already after 12am and I didn't want to get into unnecessary trouble with the perverts that we're always hanging around, looking for their next prey, not like I didn't have Andrei to protect me, I just wasn't in the mood for a situation were he would first beat up the son of a b*tch and then make them disappear from the surface.

Just then my phone rang and I instantly picked it up.

"Hey Vika, you done with work??". Speaking of the devil.

"Yes 'Dad' I'm done, I'm already heading home" I said as with a light chuckle. "Is there anything you want me to drop pick up for you this time??" I asked knowing fully well that for him to call me by this either meant he was worried or he had an urgent package for me to deliver to him. And in this case it was the latter.

"Yeah... I'm sorry for bothering you Vika, but I really need this favor". I said almost pleadingly

"Okay fine....what is it ??". I asked as I knew I couldn't turn him down even if I tried.

"Could you help stop by at Alfredo's to receive a package for me, it's due already".

"Alright see you soon". I breathed out

"Thanks Vika you're a life saver" he muttered before hanging up.

I sighed softly as I turned around and started for Alfredo's house.

Alfredo was an infamous gangster who lived in our neighborhood. He was an a arms and drugs dealer. In the eyes of the law he was a notorious criminal but in the eyes of our neighborhood he was a Godsent. The people loved him for his generosity and that was all that mattered.

I know at this point you're already getting confused, I mean, how can an average girl like me be involved with drugs and arm dealings, well!!, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do to survive.

Not to mention, I wasn't even neck deep into it. I just ran a few errands here and there and made a couple of bucks in the process, it's not like any harm was being done.

I took a right turn and Alfredo's house came to view, I walked up to the gate of the house and pressed the bell. Seconds later a thick Romania voice was heard from the speaker.

"Who is it ??". The voice blared through the speaker.

"Hey there Gunther, It's Davika, uuhmm, I'm here to see Alfredo, Andrei asked me to pick up a package for him". I said

Immediately the gate yawned open slightly and I walked through it. I turned my head to the side to see, Gunther, Alfredo's bodyguard, sitting on a chair close to the gate. Gunther had the body of a pure Romanian man that suited his thick voice which gave an intimidating aura. But it didn't scare me because I've known him for a while now and he had a soft spot for me, infact they all do, especially Alfredo.

"Hey Vika, Alfredo is just right inside." he said with a huge smile on his face as he stared at me.

"Okay, thanks" I replied with the same smile on my face as I walk up the stairs that led to the main mansion.

I stood in front of the large door before knocking on it twice.

I wasn't long until the door creaked open revealing Alfredo's face. He stood there with the upper half of his body completely bare exposing the multiple tattoos scattered around his chest. He was the Exact definition of a Gangster!!.

"What are you doing standing there baby girl, come on in".He said with a warm smile on his face.

I did as I was told and stepped in.

"Hi Alfredo" I greeted

"Let me guess, Andrei sent you to get the package instead of coming to get it himself." He chuckled while leading me to the living room. something about the interior of the house made me comfortable everytime I came over.

"Yeah, he sounded really busy when he called". I said plopping myself onto his couch

"It's pretty late you know, he shouldn't send you on errands by this time of the day, it's dangerous" He retorted crossing his arm over his broad chest.

"Aarrgghh, Fred!! stop bothering about me, I'm not a kid anymore, and besides you know I can take care of myself". I countered pursing my lips.

"That's still not gonna stop me from beating the shit out of him when I see him. You may be good at combat but who knows what dangers lurk in the dark" He said sounding worried

"Okay fine, I'll be more careful from now on, now would you give me the package so I can head home"

"Yeah, give me a second," He said as he sauntered into a door that was right below the stairs.

He came back out with a brown paper bag and handed it to me.

"Here !!". He said and I took it without questioning.

Before I could get up he handed me something else that was wrapped in brown paper.

"For your troubles". He winked

"You don't really have to" I told him staring at the bundle of cash in my palm

"I insist". he said with a tone of finality and I knew he was serious.

"Thank you" I breathed out with a side smile playing in my lips

"You deserve it" He told me, before leading me towards the door.

I stepped out of the house after we both said our goodbyes.

"Bye Vika" Gunther said as I walked out the gate.

"See ya."

I walked down the dark alleyways and it we're times like these I missed my car, which I had to sell due to obvious reasons. I was thankful I didn't need to beat anybody up as I walked towards my house.

It was dead silent when I walked in, which meant that my mom and Ash has already gone to bed. I sauntered to the kitchen, I opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. Setting down the package, I rummaged through my purse to find my phone. And two unread messages popped up on the screen.

One was from kassie, the nurse I hired to take care of mom and Ash when I wasn't home. She worked as a babysitter and a care taker and I was really grateful for the fact that she never complains. she texted me not to long ago to inform me that she was leaving for home and couldn't wait for me anymore. I replied a quick 'okay' and thanked her for her service before going to the next message which was from my younger sister Larisa.

Larisa was currently in the university which was a six our drive away from here. She texted me saying she needed money ASAP and I got a little worried because she has been asking me for money for the past two weeks now but nevertheless I still sent it to her because I wanted her to be happy and satisfied.

Just then I heard the door bell ring, I walked out of the kitchen grabbing the package Alfredo gave to me, knowing fully well who it was. I opened the front door and Andrei's large body came to view,his motorbike parked just outside the house.

"Hey Andrei" I said handing him the package

He took it from me before taking a peek into it which made me roll my eyes.

"Good night Vika" he said flashing a smile at me. He walked up to his bike and hopped on it revving the engine before speeding away into the night.

I shut the door and locked it with the key before getting my bag out of the kitchen and making my way upstairs. I tiptoed towards my mom's room to find her fast asleep with Ash's hand clutched around her waist.

Ash was seven years old now and he was growing up really fast. I leaned on the doorframe as I watched them both sleep peacefully. It warmed my heart.

Word had it that my father, after fleeing six years ago, became a drug addict and a gambling freak. I tried my hardest to keep that piece of information away from my mother, because who knew what would happen to her if she finds out that the man she used to love has become a completely different person. Her weak heart couldn't bare that.

He could do what he likes for all I care as long as it doesn't affect either me or my siblings.

I quietly walked out of the room and shut the door behind me.

I had a boutique to run in the morning and I needed all the rest I could get.

-DL-

7:30am

I rushed myself around the kitchen, packing up Ash's lunch into the box. I knew for sure, that if I went any slower he would most definitely be late for school. Good things I taught him how to prepare himself for school while he was growing up.

Kassie called in sick this morning and I had to call up Aaliyah,my best friend, and called in a quick favor. She was more than happy to help.

Over the years Aaliyah's parent's business grew and they became famous. But unlike her parents, Aaliyah refused move out of their old house, which was right next door. She insisted on staying back mainly because she didn't want to be separated from me. She was there for me through thick and thin, but sometimes I couldn't help but feel like I was holding her back.

Ash came running down the stairs all dressed up and ready for school.

"Be careful". I said but it was too late

He was already in the kitchen giggling like a child, well he was one.

"Good morning Vee" He said in-between his giggles and all I could do was smile down at him.

I crouched down to his level and lifted him up placing him on the kitchen island.

"Good morning my sunshine". I said placing soft kisses all over his cute little face making him giggle even more loudly

"Stop... it tickles". He laughed out and pushes my head away , grabbing his breakfast bowl and settling it down before digging in.

"It's not my fault you're so cute." I said while running my fingers into his silky smooth jet black hair.

As I was about to turn back to the stove, I saw my mom's silhouette descend from the stairs. My heart skipped and I instantly ran over to help her.

"Mom!! what are you doing down?? you should be up in your room resting, I was just about to bring breakfast up for you."

"Oh my Davika, you worry too much, I have enough strength to at least come downstairs and save you the stress, I know you're already as late as it is." she said placing her cold fingers on my cheek

"I just don't want you to overworking yourself okay" I said looking down at her pale face that had gradually lost its color over the years and her angelic blue eyes that had once been filled with joy and happiness.

I would do anything to bring back the Joy and happiness that life stripped her of. I loved my mom so much I could go to hell and back just to make sure she had everything she ever wanted.

Deep down I know her sadness was mainly because of my father's betrayal. She loved him so much, it hurt her when he left without looking back.

"Isn't Kassie here yet??". Mom asked snapping me out of my daze

"Naaahhh!!... she said she wasn't feeling too good this morning and decided to call in sick". I explained "But don't worry I already called Aaliyah and she's on her way".

Mom mouthed an 'oh'. Immediately the door bell rang.

"She's here!!" I said to mom as I walked towards the front door. I could hear Ash ranting about something to mom as she pretended to be interested. I chuckled shaking my head as I reached for the door handle.

I opened the door only to be shocked by who I was seeing. I had opened the door with the intention of welcoming Aaliyah. But instead I was seeing Larisa standing there in all her glory.

"SURPRISE !!!". She yelled as she jumped onto my body with all her weight, not minding that she was taller than I was. "Did you miss me big sis??."

...~~~...

"Oh my God Larisa, what are you doing back from school so early ??." I questioned her suspiciously as I helped her with her bags and shut the door.

"Big sis aren't you happy to see me back??." she said flashing me a toothy grin

"Larisa Ivorianna Levine!!!, ANSWER MY QUESTION!!" I said with anger seeping through my voice. I couldn't help but get a bad feeling about it

"It's dad." She finally said as her countenance changed

"What about him ??". I asked as I was finding it hard to connect the dots.

Just then mom peeked her head out of the kitchen door

"Aaliyah is that...... LARISA!!."mom said obviously stunned.

We both knew better than to continue our conversation about dad because we we're certain it would definitely lead to her passing out or worse,I cringed at the thought.

"Mommy.... I missed you" She said walking over to her and wrapping her in her embrace.

"I missed you too sweetheart.... why are you back home??....Did something happen ??" she asked with worry lacing her tone

"No no!!.... everything is fine, I just missed you guys so much and decided to come home, or didn't you miss me ?" she lied right through her teeth.

"Oh okay, you're right, I did miss you too" mom said smiling brightly and I was glad she bought it.

"Lala !!! you're back". Ash ran as fast as his tiny legs could take him towards Larisa and I couldn't help but chuckle

At this point we had to put our conversation on hold, but the thought of something really bad happening to dad still troubled me.

Not like I cared about him, but I was scared of what mom's reaction might be when she finds out, I was scared of loosing my mom.