Chapter 130: Chapter One–Hundred Thirty

Valerie's POV

The line went through this time. "Sophia..." my eyes glistened with fresh hope. "I think the baby is coming."

"Take it easy, Val. I'll be there before you know it," her calm but alert voice instructed.

I nodded slowly, forgetting that she couldn't see me.

The pain only intensified, and a sudden weakness gripped my legs. In slow movements, I struggled to make my way to a nearby kitchen stool.

I didn't know if time flew or if Sophia was faster as she pushed through the door wearing a look of concern. She pulled me up carefully to my feet and led the way to the already open car. Her husband sat behind the wheel. Once I was settled in the backseat, she rushed back inside to grab my hospital bag, and off we dashed to the hospital.

"Oh God!" my sharp cry came out as my grip tightened around Sophia's arm.

"Breathe in...and out," her tone was laced with care.

I obeyed.

"We're almost there, okay?" Her eyes silently pleaded for me to hold on.

I managed a small nod.

When we arrived, a nurse was already on standby, and I was wheeled straight into the theatre room.

By now, waves of unbearable pain crashed over me. My body weakened as I struggled to take in air.

"Valerie, listen to me," the doctor's loud, commanding voice echoed in the background. "You have to push."

I shook my head. "I–I can't."

"Yes, you can. Push!"

Sophia's hand gripped mine tightly. "You've got this, Val! Come on!"

A scream tore from my chest as I pushed with the last strength in me—until I found a sudden release.

Almost immediately, a shrill cry tore through the room.

My back collapsed as my body trembled. I was spent, exhausted.

"It's a boy," the doctor announced.

I was still struggling to catch my breath. In a twinkle of an eye, the nurse placed the small bundle on my chest.

Jayden was here.

My weak eyes took in his soft brown hair, tiny hands tightly closed, and then those eyes fluttered open—honey brown, familiar.

For a fleeting moment, time stopped moving. I was staring at a replica from my past.

Tears trickled down my temples, and I shut my eyes closed.

Sophia never left my side throughout, and I was grateful I didn't have to go through this alone. Baby Jayden was cleaned up while I was placed on bed rest for close observation.

Several hours later, I was slowly regaining myself. At least I could breastfeed my baby. I found myself staring at his little form while he slept peacefully in the cot beside my bed.

"He is so handsome," Sophia gushed as she equally peered into the cot.

A faint smile curved on my lips. "Thank you."

I reclined into the pillow propped behind my back, and Sophia was now sitting at the edge of the bed.

Silence hovered between us for a brief moment.

"So..." my cousin began, a smile spreading on her face, "should I inform Uncle Nicholas about the—"

"Don't!" My tone came out sharper than intended, and I felt sorry for her.

My father doesn't need to know about anything. He was quick to rebuke me without hearing my own side of the story. Nope. That's definitely not going to happen.

I forced my expression to soften. "What I mean to say is—I'll let him, them, know at the right time."

"That's fine," she reached out to squeeze my hand softly.

Some days later, I was finally discharged and allowed to go home. Becoming a mother wasn't as easy as I'd had in mind. Jayden's cries echoed through the night, but he slept peacefully during the daytime, hence disrupting my routine. Sophia really played a big role during this newborn phase; she showed me how to rock him to sleep properly, shared her baby meal recipes, and was there to offer kind words during days I felt overwhelmed.

Six months later, I had adjusted to motherhood pretty well. Baby Jayden was really healthy-looking with plump cheeks, which gave me satisfaction that I was on the right path.

After feeding Jayden and quietly putting him to bed, I stepped into the shower for a cool bath. I laid in my bed, but sleep wouldn't come—a pang of guilt stuck in my chest. Sarah was supposed to be aware of the birth of her godson, but I didn't have it in me to break the news to her...yet. Even if I left everything behind, our beautiful friendship was still worth holding on to. I know she must be worried sick about me.

I was living in my bubble and functioning on a repeated cycle of waking up, taking care of my baby, and visiting Sophia and her family occasionally.

As time flew by, I was beginning to get tired of that pattern. Former Valerie used to be obsessed with work and busyness. Technically, it wasn't all that bad. However, you can get too caught up that you no longer have a work-life balance.

Right from the start, I have always been passionate about my job. With or without the money, I always had a sense of satisfaction whenever my work was appreciated—maybe it was time to return to that version of me.

During one of those many brunches we normally had, I decided to pitch myself to Sophia. It felt weird hearing myself talk about work.

Surprisingly, she was elated. Although she didn't have any work for me at the moment, she promised to reach out to her friends and colleagues.

That was how I ended up landing my first client in Ottawa—Mrs. Joana. She wanted a full house renovation and needed an "expert" to handle the project. I gave her my word, and she clung to it.

At first, I doubted myself. After being away for almost a year, it felt...different. Determined to prove to Mrs. Joana—and myself—that nothing had really changed, I delved into building mock-up designs, hunting for artisans and extra help to pull things off.

After three months of sheer hard work, late nights, and pouring out my heart, the project was completed.

I remember the first time I stepped into this space. The walls were painted in harsh colors that didn't match the furniture, and everything was out of place. No one would believe the before and after pictures because it now exuded luxury. A fresh coat of warm colors washed the walls, leather seats and original art pieces positioned at strategic spots.

"Oh, Val..." Mrs. Joana cried, clasping her hands together. "This is breathtaking. You went beyond my expectations."

A proud, satisfied smile etched on my lips.

This was my calling, and there was no denying it.

Mrs. Joana opened doors to several other rich clients. My business started flourishing as my name became known far and wide. I was slowly putting together the pieces of my life.

Until a call came.

A foreign number.

I hesitated before picking up. "It could be a client," I convinced myself.

The moment I answered, a familiar voice pierced through the speaker.

I was tongue-tied.

The past I tried to leave behind has finally found me...