Chapter One–Hundred Twenty–Nine

Chapter One–Hundred Twenty–Nine
Valerie's POV

Moving to a different city is one thing; moving to a new country is another. Doing both simultaneously? That's an entirely different level.

Canada was the first country that came to mind when I decided to restart my life. I ended up choosing Ottawa.

The silence in Ottawa was the first thing that unsettled me.

No blaring horns and sharp sirens slicing through the night. Just the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional whisper of wind brushing past my window. Unlike New York—a city that never slept, where people were always up and active regardless of the time of day.

Surprisingly, I found myself missing the chaos, the noise, and the busyness that came with my former environment.

It was already too late. I was here, and there was no way I could turn back to the past. I'd even changed my phone number so no one was able to reach me unless I reached out first.

I rented a well-furnished, two-bedroom apartment—one room for myself while the other would be Jayden's nursery. I just needed to do a little touch-up here and there as the space was already beautifully arranged.

The days that followed were lonely. Time moved slowly. I spent most of my time journaling and sipping coffee in the mornings. I was finally living instead of existing. I wasn't bound to any work schedule or business appointments.

One sunny afternoon, I was going through my childhood picture album—enjoying a glass of juice—when my eyes landed on a particular family picture of Gina, myself, and Sophia, my cousin. Three little girls around the ages of seven to eleven years old wearing matching pink dresses at what I assumed was Sophia's birthday party.

I found myself staring at the picture, a wide grin stretched across my face. Then a sudden realization hit me—Sophia was in Canada! I recalled her moving with her husband after their wedding. The only problem was that I didn't know which particular city.

Our relationship had gone bland as we got older, but right now? None of it mattered. I just needed company, and what better way to start socializing than with family.

I grabbed my phone and scrolled through my contact list. Luckily, I still had her number. I proceeded to type in a message.

1:15 PM

Valerie: Hey, Coz! Just moved to Canada and would love to meet up. Where do you stay?

I hoped that wasn't giving off an "I'm lonely and miserable" kind of vibe.

I let out a deep sigh and pressed send.

With that, I went to the kitchen and began preparing lunch. When I finished, I dished a plate of pasta salad and headed to the living room where I turned on a movie to keep me company as I ate.

My phone vibrated.

I reached out for the device and discovered that Sophia had just responded to my message.

2:50 PM

Sophia: OMG. That's amazing! I stay in Ottawa. What about you?

An excited scream escaped my lungs. "What a coincidence!"

I did a happy dance before sending a follow-up message that I also stayed in the same city. A call came in immediately, and Sophia's thrilled voice vibrated through the speaker. We exchanged pleasantries, the conversation flowed freely, and we ended up picking a venue to meet up the next day.

I woke up early to prepare for the hangout with my cousin. It was refreshing to finally go outside after staying indoors for so long. I slipped into a comfortable dress, pulled my hair into a low bun, and headed out.

Sophia was already seated at the restaurant, and when I arrived, she stood to give me a warm hug. For some reason, I held onto her longer, her soft jasmine body mist seeping into my nostrils. In a world where I didn't know anyone, she was...home.

When we finally pulled apart, her eyes settled on my bump, but she didn't say a word.

I know, Coz. You weren't invited to any wedding, and here I am—with an enlarged belly.

I was grateful she didn't bring up questions. I'm here to let my hair down, not discuss the shameful past I left behind.

We settled in, and a waiter appeared to take our orders.

I had a fun time with my cousin. We talked about different aspects of our lives, and she even offered to show me around the city whenever I got the chance.

Subsequently, Sophia and I bonded. She visited my apartment every day and would bring along gifts and snacks. I was overwhelmed with her genuine love and care. Without her asking, I opened up about how I ended up with the pregnancy, although I omitted some parts. But I didn't hold back on how family pressure pushed me into my current state.

"There's nothing to be ashamed about, Val," her soft voice spoke after my long confession. "Nobody is perfect. Just know that I'm always here whenever you need someone to talk to."

Warmth spread through my chest at this.

She reminded me of my best friend...Sarah.

"Thank you, Sophia," I sniffled. "This means a lot coming from you."

She pouted. "Come here." Her hands spread open, inviting me for a hug I couldn't turn down.

I leaned closer, soaking into her warm embrace as my hands wrapped around her.

Now Sophia and I could freely have conversations around motherhood. Being a mom of a toddler, she confidently schooled me on some tips I should keep in mind as a first-time mom.

I'm certain the universe brought our paths together for a reason.

The next day, I went about my morning slowly. The kitchen smelled faintly of toasted bread as I reached for the knife, spreading butter across the surface, humming to one of my favorite songs.

A sudden warmth rushed down my thighs.

I froze.

My breath hitched as I looked down—my clothes soaked.

A sharp pain gripped my insides. Instinctively, my hand went over my stomach.

"Easy, Val," I whispered to myself, taking in controlling breaths to force a calm.

With trembling fingers, I reached for my phone and dialed Sophia.

The phone rang once with no answer.

A panic tore through my chest as I called again. "Please pick up," I silently prayed as tears blurred my vision.

My life hung on the line. I needed her now more than ever...