Chapter One–Hundred Forty–Three

Chapter One–Hundred Forty–Three
Valerie's POV

It has been over two weeks since Jake and I met up. Knowing that Damian was paying for his sins in prison gave me satisfaction. I haven't been responding to Jake's incessant calls and messages begging for a date. He's been sending expensive gifts, but I had them returned.

I had just finished breakfast and was reading a book in my room when a knock came on my door. "It's Gina. Can I come in?" My sister's lively voice echoed from outside.

"Yes," I answered, putting my book down.

An excited Gina strolled inside, holding gift bags. "These came in for you."

A frown appeared on my face. I could guess who they were from, but I asked regardless. "Who sent them?"

"Jake Lloyd," she said, already pulling out the boxes from the bag and opening the items.

"Return it!" I demanded sharply.

She shot me a quizzical look. "Don't be like that, Val. This necklace is so expensive. I already know the perfect dress that can go with this," she said, showing me a diamond piece still in the package.

I shot her a death stare. "You heard me, young lady."

Gina released a disappointed sigh. "I think you're being too extreme. This man is head over heels in love with you, but you keep pushing him away. This is the kind of man ladies would literally die to have...maybe you should just give him a second chance."

I felt tears well up in my eyes. "You don't understand, Gee. Jake hurt me so much."

Gina dropped the diamond necklace and sat next to me on the bed. "Your anger is valid, but he has shown his remorse. Jake even went as far as bringing the culprits to book. Now he wants to make things right," she took my hands and stared into my eyes. "If not for anything else...do it for Jayden."

The last part got me. Gina was the last person I expected to talk about Jake in this manner.

"I'll try," I heard myself say.

She pulled me into a comforting hug that lasted a moment.

"Now let me take a look at those gifts," I said when we parted.

"Can I at least keep the Chanel bag?" Gina made a pout.

"Let me see," I rubbed my chin, pretending to be in deep thought. "No!"

Gina's fake sobs echoed in the room, and I burst into laughter.

Hours later, my sister had left after she somehow convinced me to give her some of my gifts.

I paced around the room, phone in hand, as my thumb hovered over Jake's contact. I drew in a breath and tapped on it. He picked up almost immediately.

"Uhm–hello," I said, forcing my voice steady.

"Hey, Val," Jake's rich voice echoed through the speaker. "You called. This is a miracle." His bubbly laughter trailed behind his words.

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever. I am ready to accept your offer. Just send me the time and venue."

"Roger that, ma'am," he teased playfully.

I terminated the call immediately, not wanting any further conversation.

Was this really the best thing to do? I hope I wasn't making a huge mistake.



The cool evening breeze blew against my skin. A red silk dress clung to my body like a second skin, with thin straps. My heels clinked against the marble tiles as I strutted into the high-end restaurant. The place was empty—Jake must have booked it entirely.

I spotted Jake at a table. He rose the moment he saw me, a smile spreading across his lips. He looked handsome in a black suit, minus the tie. He pulled out a chair for me, and I murmured a quiet thank you.

"You look gorgeous," he said once we both finally settled down.

Without permission, a smile etched on my lips, and I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear suddenly feeling shy in his presence.

He poured wine into my empty glass and did the same for himself. "Thank you for agreeing to see me. It means a lot."

As if on cue, the waiter appeared and handed over the menu. After we made our order, he quietly slipped away.

Jake's phone started vibrating. His face shifted into a frown as he glanced at the screen. He rushed to switch it off.

"Go ahead and answer it," I nudged and took a sip of my wine.

He shook his head. "Donald can wait. He wants us to continue the contract from where we stopped."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Congratulations."

"I haven't given him a definite answer," he revealed. "But thanks."

The way he so casually dismissed Donald's call surprised me. Indeed, Jake was a changed man.

Our meals arrived shortly—steak with garlic butter for Jake, and a grilled salmon with mashed potatoes for myself.

Comfortable silence enveloped us throughout, until it was time for dessert. The waiter served slices of chocolate cake. I was already halfway through when Jake cleared his throat.

My eyes snapped to him.

He stood up and went down on one knee, his hand stretched out with a box where a diamond ring with a large stone sat inside.

My hands flew to my mouth.

A smile curved on his lips. "Valerie, the last time we married, it was for selfish reasons. I was desperate for that contract, and you wanted a boyfriend you could use to keep your family at bay."

I laughed softly, wiping a stray tear that slipped down my cheeks.

Jake continued, "In you, I found true love. In you, I've found a woman who is beautiful, hardworking, and would go the extra mile to make her loved ones happy. I messed up the first time, but this time I want to make things right. Marry me."

My heart thudded frantically against my ribs, loud enough for me to hear. I looked at the ring and back to Jake's face. His honey-brown eyes stared into mine, eager, waiting for my response.