Chapter One–Hundred Twenty–Eight

Chapter One–Hundred Twenty–Eight
Valerie's POV

With only a few days left until the end of our contract, I found myself unsettled, caught between choosing to stay or leave.

I quickly brushed the thought aside.

Jake didn't deserve my forgiveness. He'd hurt me too much. I needed space to heal, to reflect on my life without being constrained to the same environment with him.

I retrieved the contract documents from my bedside drawer. Flipping through the pages brought back nostalgia. I remembered putting down my signature like it was yesterday.

I didn't realize my eyes had filled with tears until my vision blurred.

Putting the file away, I walked into the bathroom for a bubble bath that was already waiting for me. After the relaxing session, my body felt revitalized, and I slipped into a comfortable maternity gown.

I had a list of things to do for the day, but first, I had to fuel my system, so I had a healthy breakfast of cereal and a bowl of mixed fruits.

I started by packing up my clothes from the wardrobe and arranging them in suitcases. Then I reached out to my travel agent to confirm arrangements for my flight.

The day finally arrived. I didn't know if I was supposed to be excited or relieved. I called up Antonio to my room and instructed him to take my luggage downstairs. The older man had a quiet questioning in his eyes, but he didn't dare speak up.

I took one final glance at the now-empty room I had spent the past twelve months in before turning to leave.

I drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly to center myself before knocking on Jake's door.

No response.

I knocked a second time—same thing.

I pushed the door open only to discover Jake wasn't there.

My brows knitted in confusion as I checked the bathroom—still no Jake.

I wanted to dial his number right away but decided to check his home office first. On the first knock, a voice answered. "Who is it?"

I swallowed a lump. "It's Val."

He hesitated.

I could hear the ruffling of files until his cold voice echoed through the door. "Come in."

My eyes rested on Jake sitting behind the desk—hair disheveled, dark circles carved beneath his eyes. His usually handsome face looked...worn out.

I cleared my throat to find my voice. "I'm ready to leave."

There was no need for any long sermon. He already knew what I was talking about.

At this, Jake nodded and reached out to retrieve a checkbook from his drawer. He scribbled against it for a minute before pulling out a check and stretching his hand towards me.

I hesitated before collecting it from him.

The moment my eyes landed on the amount, I didn't scream—although I was tempted to.

I was staring at a gigantic sum of three million dollars. My final payout for the contract.

Suddenly, the check felt heavy in my hand. Our deal was done. I had been paid, but a fresh ache settled in my chest.

I dipped my hand into my purse and brought out the key to the car Jake got me. "Here you go," I carefully placed it on the table.

Jake's brows knitted. "Keep it," he said firmly. "It's yours."

I shook my head. "Thanks, but I wouldn't be needing it."

A flicker of disappointment flashed through his face. His lips parted like he wanted to protest but closed again.

He nodded once. "Fine."

For a moment, neither of us spoke. Just silence settling over us as the atmosphere became charged with unspoken emotions.

Our eyes held briefly, and I quickly looked away. I felt that maybe—just maybe—if I stared into those captivating brown eyes any longer, I would end up changing my mind.

A small sigh escaped my lips, and I felt a sharp sting in my eyes. "Goodbye, Jake," I heard myself say, and I turned to leave.

"Val," Jake's sharp voice rang out, forcing me to stop at once.

I turned around slowly to find Jake on his feet, eyes softened. He walked over to me and stopped a few inches away.

"Stay."

I blinked hard.

He took a step closer, leaving little room between our bodies. "You should stay back until the baby is born," his eyes settled on my bump. "His nursery and everything he needs is right here. Maybe from there we can work towards sorting out...us," his voice softening at the last statement.

Instead of feeling excited, I felt bitter, angry at Jake that he still expected me to remain here after all his cold treatment these past months.

Too late.

With this final paycheck and all the savings in my bank account, I was certain I was capable of taking care of my son by myself without his help.

"We will be fine, Jake," I forced my voice to stay steady. "I have to go now. Don't want to keep the driver waiting."

Without waiting for his response, I walked away. My heart thudded loudly against my chest as I rushed down the staircase, legs moving faster than I could control them.

The driver—bless his soul—helped arrange my boxes neatly into the car trunk.

I relaxed against the backseat, eyes squeezed tightly as I refused to let the tears slip.

Why did my freedom suddenly feel like a loss?

I used my head to make the decision, and my heart would have to adjust to my new reality.

Subconsciously, my hands wrapped around my expanded abdomen. I was doing this for my baby...for Jayden. He doesn't deserve to remain in an environment where our position was uncertain.

One day, he would look back and thank me.

We arrived at the airport, and my flight was about to board. I got settled in, and by the time the plane took off, my eyes looked down onto the beautiful city. I was leaving behind everything—memories, my successful business, family, friendships—and starting from scratch.

I was rewriting my story all over again...