Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Eight

Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Eight
Valerie's POV

That night, I didn't sleep peacefully. I kept tossing and turning in bed as different thoughts flashed through my head. Chad was perfect. Handsome, filthy rich, and a true gentleman. I didn't need a magician to tell me he would make a good father to my son. This was what I wanted—to start a new relationship and family, but I didn't know anymore...

The following day, I rushed through breakfast and headed out. The ride I booked was already waiting outside. I settled in the backseat and watched the vehicle navigate the streets, taking the familiar route to my destination.

By the time the driver came to a halt, I hesitated before getting down. I drew in some air through my mouth and let it out slowly to center myself. Sarah had no idea I was visiting. I was silently praying she hadn't moved houses with Caleb.

I pressed the doorbell and waited for a response.

I can't even deny it—I was nervous as hell. I didn't know what to expect from Sarah after being away for five years without reaching out.

Almost immediately, the door flung open and Sarah stood before me. Her eyes widened like she was looking at a ghost. Before I could open my mouth to speak, the door slammed hard in my face.

I jumped.

"Well deserved", I muttered under my breath.

I pressed my lips together and shut my eyes tightly, holding back tears that threatened to erupt.

I turned around slowly to leave. It was clear. She didn't want to see my face and wasn't interested in having anything to do with me.

I had barely taken five steps when the sound of the door opening made me turn.

Sarah's face was set in a tight scowl, unsmiling. "What do you want?" she demanded sharply.

I rushed to her side and fell on my knees, hands clasped together as I cried. "I'm sorry for being a jerk. You didn't deserve my silence. I–I don't know if I can ever make it up to you, bestie."

Trails of tears trickled down my cheeks as I pleaded for mercy.

By now, Sarah was already using her palms to wipe off her tears.

"Get up," her hands helped lift me to my feet. Then she led the way into the living room and gestured for me to sit down.

Sarah excused herself and returned with a bottle of water and a glass cup that she set on the stool beside me.

A short-lived silence enveloped us until Sarah spoke, her tone slightly broken.

"For years, I lived with guilt that I was the reason you left the city you literally grew up in and built your life around. If I had just minded my business and not involved you with Jake, maybe I wouldn't have lost my best friend," she sniffled and used a tissue to dab her face. "I searched everywhere for you, Val. In my search, days turned to weeks, weeks to months, and suddenly years flew by. I thought to myself...even if I was the devil, that shouldn't stop you from trying to reach out to me."

Instantly, I stood up from my seat and joined Sarah. "It wasn't your fault, babes. I was too blinded by hurt at that time and felt running away was the best thing to do," I held her soft hands in mine and stared into her eyes. "You have been nothing short of kind and sweet right from the beginning of our friendship. Could you please find it in your heart to forgive me?"

Sarah nodded hastily and pulled me into a warm hug. "I forgive you, Val," she whispered softly as her hand rubbed soothing circles on my back.

A sudden rush of relief washed over me.

After what felt like an eternity, we pulled apart.

"What about the baby?" Sarah inquired softly. "Did he survive?"

A small smile curved at my lips as I nodded quietly. "Your godson is hale and hearty. He just turned five not long ago. In fact, we came to New York together."

Sarah's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I want to see him!" she gushed, placing both hands on the side of my shoulders. "Promise to bring him along tomorrow?"

I let out a sigh. "I promise."

Sarah and I caught up on each other's lives. She now had an adorable four-year-old son, Brian, with blended features of her and Caleb. I let her in on how business had been successful in Canada. At first, I didn't want to open up about my relationship with Chad, but I eventually spilled the tea. My best friend didn't appear as excited as I expected. I didn't bother asking after her brother—Jake can go to hell for all I care!

I left Sarah's house with a promise to return the following day with Jayden.

Back at our family house, everyone had returned. Dad was finally discharged from the hospital. His freedom came with a long list of do's and don'ts from the doctor, but that wasn't a problem for me. To say I was excited is an understatement. I am just grateful to the universe for giving my father another chance to live.

Gina and I sat next to each other in the master bedroom, staring at my father's sleeping form.

"Gee, I think you should go home and rest," I slowly turned to face my sister, whose hair was disheveled and eyes swollen—evidence of sleepless nights in the hospital.

"B–but Dad needs me," she stuttered. "What if he wakes up and doesn't find me?"

I reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. "I'll let him know you stepped out, sis. I'm sure Dad would understand. Besides, you need to take a break so you don't end up falling sick."

She shook her head. "I'm fine, Val. I don't think I want to—"

I wasn't going to accept that, so I stood up and pulled her to her feet, grabbing her small travel bag and heading out.

I assured her that everything would be fine. I would take care of Dad. I knew Gina was really worried.

The next day, I woke up early to prepare for my visit to Sarah's. I dressed up Jayden, and off we went to his godmother's house.

Sarah's joy knew no bounds when she saw my little one. She offered ice cream to the boys while I joined her in the kitchen to help with some muffins she was baking.

We were in the middle of spicy gossip about an influencer involved in a scam business, and I was trying to explain the details of the crime and people involved but Sarah didn't know their faces. So I rushed to the living room to grab my phone.

My eyes shot up the moment I stepped into the room, and I froze.

It was like someone was replaying my worst nightmare before my very eyes.

I couldn't believe it.

He was here.