Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Five

Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Five
Valerie's POV

I had barely ended the call when Chad's concerned voice spoke up. "Val, what's the matter?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, without permission, hot tears slipped from my eyes.

Chad hesitated before pulling me to his broad chest and wrapping his arms around me. My sobs began, tears staining his spotless shirt. My nostrils inhaled his woody cologne.

He rubbed a soothing hand on my back, and we remained like that for a moment until my cries subsided and he released his grip.

He handed me a tissue, which I used to wipe my face.

Thick silence hovered between us. Chad didn't push any questions, just offering his presence.

Now my eyes were swollen and heavy. I sniffed into the tissue. "That was my sister on the phone. She called to tell me that my father is dying," I explained, my voice barely above a whisper.

Chad's brows furrowed with worry. He reached for my hands. "I'm sorry to hear that. How can I help?"

I shook my head. "No. This is something I have to face alone. I'll be on the first flight to New York tomorrow."

My heart was overwhelmed with sorrow. Hearing myself say it out loud made me feel worse.

"In that case, I'll have my private jet prepared for your use by tomorrow. Don't say no, Val. I want to help," his eyes softened.

A sigh escaped my lips. "Okay."

Chad's face lit up with a smile. "Thanks. I would have loved to tag along, but I have a meeting with my company stakeholders. I promise to join you as soon as I can."

My eyes snapped. "There would be no need for that—" I started to say, but he cut me off before I finished.

"I insist. How do you expect my heart to be settled when you're not around?"

This sent warmth curling up in my chest, and a half-smile broke on my lips. "Thank you, Chad. For everything."

He just nodded. "Anytime."

With the sad news Gina revealed, I could no longer concentrate on work, so I packed up and headed home. I needed to start arranging my bags to prepare for my trip tomorrow.

The moment I walked into my room, I dumped my office bag on a nearby couch, peeled off my clothes, and stepped under the shower. I let the warmth of the water run down my body, soothing my aching nerves.

Then I brought out a small suitcase and started shoving selected clothes into it. I wasn't certain how long I was going to stay, but I definitely knew I wasn't going to remain there forever. I didn't want to stay away from work for too long.

A knock came on my door.

"Mum. It's Jayden," my son's sweet voice called out.

"Come in, honey," I yelled, my concentration on the dress I was folding.

Jayden pushed the door open, and his small form walked inside. "Mom? Are you traveling?" he asked innocently.

"Mmm-hmm. Mummy needs to go see Grandpa," I added a smile so he wouldn't catch the sadness in my tone.

"Grandpa?" his eyes lit up with excitement. "Can I come too?"

I shut the suitcase and turned to face my son. "No. You can't. You have school, remember?"

"But I want to see Grandpa...and Grandma and Daddy and everyone else," his tone wavered near tears. "Take me with you, Mom. Please!"

I drew in a deep breath to center myself.

I didn't like the way this conversation was headed. Yes, he deserved to see his family, but this was definitely not the right time.

I walked up to him and cradled his small face between my hands. "Mummy will go with you next time, okay?"

He shook himself free from me, tears gushing from his eyes. "I don't want to wait for next time."

Then he ran out of my room.

I finished packing everything I assumed I would be needing, then I went to have dinner. Alice served me my food, and I began eating. It was when I looked up that I noticed she was standing nearby.

My brow lifted. "Alice, is there any problem?"

She took a step closer, rubbing her palms together anxiously. "Yes, ma'am. It's Jayden...he has refused to eat."

Oh God! Not again.

I took a gulp from my glass of water and instructed her to pack up the meal. I rushed to Jayden's room only to find him curled up on the bed, sobbing, his eyes swollen with evidence of crying for a long time.

I sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed his hand. "That's enough, okay? You can travel with me tomorrow. I'll ask Alice to begin packing your stuff."

Instantly, Jayden's frown changed to glee. "Thank you, Mom," he rushed me in a hug.

His excitement was contagious, and I found myself smiling. "But first things first, you need to get up and eat."

He nodded, still clinging to my body.

The next day, I woke up very early so we could leave on time. Chad had his driver pick Jayden and me up from my apartment and take us to the airport.

Chad was calling every now and then to get updates on my whereabouts. He was so sweet.

On the other hand, a part of me hated that I was returning to the city that had shattered me.

The moment Chad's jet landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport, nostalgia wrapped around me.

My phone kept buzzing with calls and messages from Gina, so instead of heading to the hotel, I instructed the driver to take us to the hospital where Dad was admitted.

Jayden's small fingers intertwined with mine as we made our way into the hospital building.

Gina's form appeared at the entrance. Her eyes were heavy, sleep-deprived, and her hair disheveled.

We locked in an embrace that lasted a moment.

In quick steps, she led the way to my father's room, but a doctor was already standing in front of the door, blocking our path.

My steps slowed as I felt a sudden ache in my chest.

I hope I wasn't already too late...