Chapter One–Hundred Forty–One

Chapter One–Hundred Forty–One
Valerie's POV

Jake's eyes flickered with disappointment. His lips parted like he wanted to speak further, but they closed—he quietly turned and walked away, the gigantic bouquet of red roses still in hand.

It felt like someone had ripped open the wound in my heart I thought had healed fully.

I had barely shut the door when Chad stood before me, his expression set in an angry scowl. "Care to explain who that was?"

I sucked in air and exhaled. "Not now, Chad," my voice frail. "Please."

"Really?" He lifted a thick, perfectly arched brow. "Another man brings flowers to my woman and you expect me to just let it slide?"

The audacity of Chad claiming a position I never gave him.

"Your woman?" A humorless laugh slipped from my lips. "Oh please. If you'll excuse me, I have some important things I need to attend to."

I tried to move past him, but he was faster. His large hand circled mine, forcing me to stand still.

"Start talking," he demanded. "I'm listening." His green eyes pierced into mine, daring me to do otherwise and face the consequences.

I tried to pull my hand free, but I was no match for his strength, so I surrendered. "Fine," I sighed deeply. "Jake is my ex-husband and the father of my son. While I was pregnant, we had a terrible falling out, and ever since then, we haven't been in touch. I–I have no idea he was visiting."

Chad released his grip and stepped away from me, his hands clasped to his face as he stayed silent, soaking in every word I had just said.

"Just hear me out first, please," I said, moving to touch him, but he pushed my hand off. I respected myself by keeping a distance. "Jake and I happened in the past. Him showing up with flowers at my doorstep doesn't mean anything. You have to believe me."

Silence settled in the atmosphere.

I was grateful the house was empty, as Dad and Mom had gone for my father's weekly check-up at the hospital. The only exception was Jayden, who was fast asleep in his room.

"Look, I am not some pushover, Val," Chad finally spoke, his voice soft, strangely gentler than I expected. "I like you—a lot. Heck, I made that clear from the start, but I am not desperate. I am tired of waiting on the sidelines for you to make up your mind; tired of you toying with my emotions."

Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to gush out. Hearing Chad open up sent a pang of guilt through my chest.

He dipped his hands into his pockets and stepped closer, leaving a thin space between us. His woody cologne permeated the air around me. "The decision is yours—who you want to spend the rest of your life with. And I won't force you to pick me," the sadness wasn't lost in his voice. "I'm leaving. You know where to find me."

Without hesitating, he reached for the door and walked out.

I wanted to stop him, to scream his name and beg him to stay, but I couldn't muster any courage.

The tears I had been holding back trailed down my cheeks, a dark gloom settling within my chest.

"Mum, are you okay?" Jayden's voice snapped me to reality. I looked up to see his small form standing on the staircase, hair tousled and eyes drooped with concern.

I quickly ran my palms over my face to wipe away the tear streaks. "Uhm–Mummy is fine. I just have a slight headache" I lied.

"Sorry about that, Mum," my son was now standing in front of me, wearing a comforting smile. "Can I give you a hug?" he offered, spreading his small arms open.

I bent forward to meet his embrace, soaking in the warmth it gave. Oh, how proud I am of this little young man I birthed. Jayden would definitely grow up to become a kind and good-hearted gentleman.

"Thank you," I muttered when we finally parted. "Now, who wants to get some cookies?"

"Me!" an excited Jayden shouted, throwing a hand in the air.

His happiness was contagious, and a smile broke on my lips. This was definitely the distraction I needed with everything happening. I led the way to the pantry and brought out some cookies, which I paired with ice cream.

We had some quality mother-son time as we watched his favorite cartoon show together while enjoying the snacks.



What should have been a quick visit to New York City was spiraling into weeks. My dad's health was better, although he was still recovering. Still, I couldn't bring myself to leave—at least not yet. I'd wait a little longer until I was certain he could stand on his own feet.

I didn't abandon my business in Canada. I'd kept in touch with Chloe, who had been handling everything behind the scenes. She was efficient—I trust her leadership.

Today marks exactly a week since Jake visited and Chad walked out of my life—technically, he was still hoping for a response from me.

I was reading a book to my dad when my phone started vibrating. Sarah's name flashed across the screen. I handed the book over to my mother to continue and excused myself so I could answer the call.

"Hey, bestie," Sarah's bright voice echoed. "How's it going?"

I let out a sigh. "Just hanging in there."

She inquired about my father's health before dumping what I assumed was the real reason she called.

"Jake wants to speak with you."

For a moment, my breath caught in my throat until I forced myself to speak. "Sarah, you're my best friend—I love you. But I don't appreciate you bringing up Jake into our conversations."

"I know, I know. I'm sorry," she apologized. "I didn't want to do this in the first place, but he pleaded with me. Can you just hear him out this one last time? I promise never to ask you for any favor regarding him."

This was a hard request to fulfill. Jake has caused me so much pain—pain I fear I might never recover from in a lifetime. Does he really deserve my presence?