Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Nine

Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Nine
Jake's POV

There are some people in your life that you can never erase from your memory, no matter how much you try.

In my case, Valerie Edwards is that one person. We accidentally became a couple to solve mounting pressures in each other's lives. Unfortunately, that single deal left us more broken than before—at least that's true for me. My contract with Donald was terminated, she left a scar in my heart, and a scandal unresolved.

During that scandal phase, I was torn between believing her side of the story or the evidence from Damian. I couldn't wrap my head around why Valerie would do such a despicable thing to me. Everything was happening at the same time. I was trying to convince Donald and the company stakeholders that I had everything under control and that the rumors were fake, but when I returned home, the reality was different. It felt like I was lying to myself.

I'd never forget that day when a heavily pregnant Valerie walked into my home office to announce that she was leaving. There was nothing I could do to stop her; her mind was made up. She walked out that door and out of my life...forever.

Depression slipped into my life. I'd dress up and go to work, performing my duties perfectly, but when I returned home, I became a different version of myself. I fell into the comforting arms of alcohol and drugs, which numbed all the pain and problems I wanted to forget.

In my eyes, women became objects to satisfy my sexual needs and nothing more. I didn't want to waste time getting to know anyone or becoming emotionally attached.

That was the life I lived for three years until I decided to sober up and stay clean. Ever since that decision, I've had a couple of dates courtesy of Sarah, but none of them lasted more than three months.



During my meeting with an investor, my phone kept buzzing with calls from Sarah. I sent her a text that I'd call her back, as I didn't want to be rude to my guest.

Moments later, when I was finally alone in the office, I dialed her number, and she picked up on the first ring.

"Can you guess who came to visit me today?" Sarah's voice rushed through the speaker.

"Is this why you wanted to blow my phone with your calls?" I asked pointedly.

I could imagine her rolling her eyes. "Since you refused to even attempt to guess, I'll just spill it already," she paused. "Valerie just left my house not long ago."

For a fleeting second, I couldn't breathe.

Sarah was full of mischief. It could be that she was playing a prank on me.

"V–Valerie Edwards?" I stuttered.

"The very same," she remarked. "I was surprised as you when I found her on my doorstep this morning, but then—she's still my best friend."

Realizing I had nothing to say regarding her news, Sarah continued, "Valerie said she'll be in town for a while, and I just thought you might want to know."

"Oh."

"Yeah," Sarah chirped. "She's coming over tomorrow morning in case you want to—"

I didn't let her finish before I cut in. "I really have to go now. Busy day over here. Talk later!"

I buried my face in my hands and shook my head. "This had better be a nightmare."

For the rest of the day, I couldn't think clearly. Valerie Edwards was back in New York City. What could possibly be the reason behind her return?

The loud ring of my alarm woke me up at exactly five a.m. I turned it off and pulled myself from the bed. I slipped into my gym wear and headed to the gym for my morning workout. By the time I was done, my body was drenched with sweat.

I freshened up and went downstairs to have breakfast. Antonio served toasted bread, scrambled eggs, and a glass of orange juice.

It was the weekend. I was supposed to relax and enjoy my meal, but memories of my conversation with Sarah from yesterday kept flashing in my head.

Once the plate before me was empty, I grabbed my car key and headed out. A force I couldn't resist was pulling me towards Sarah's house to meet my ex-wife. But what was I even going to tell Valerie? What if she was remarried and had moved on with her life?

Fuck! Jake, this is crazy. You need to turn the car around.

My hands gripped the steering wheel as I stubbornly navigated the vehicle, taking the route that leads to my sister's house. I arrived faster than I imagined and parked properly before stepping out.

I drew in a deep breath before knocking softly on the door. There was no answer. I turned the knob, and luckily, the door pushed open.

Taking a confident demeanor, I sauntered into the living room but froze in my tracks when my eyes settled on a little boy seated next to my nephew.

His brown hair was messy in a cute way, and those familiar brown eyes glistened with glee as they watched a cartoon playing on the LED screen.

Brian must have noticed my presence as he dropped the ice cream he was eating and rushed at me. "Uncle Jake!"

I snapped back to reality and forced a smile on my face, scooping him from the ground. "Look at my big boy."

We were still basking in the moment when I noticed a small form standing before me. The little boy lifted his hands. "My turn. Carry me, please." His puppy eyes made it difficult to resist.

I carefully set Brian down.

"Hey, buddy," a genuine smile curved on my lips as I did the same and pulled him up. The child burst into delighted laughter.

"Whoa," I murmured, steadying him against my chest. "You're a strong little guy."

His small hands grabbed onto my shoulders, fingers tangling in my hair as he laughed.

I brushed a hand over the boy's head to smooth down the messy strands.

"Put him down."

A voice cut through the moment like a blade.

I froze.

Valerie appeared from nowhere, her expression hard, her eyes blazing.

"I said," she repeated coldly, "put my son down."

I quickly obeyed, and the little boy scurried to his mother's side.

"Hello, Val," I managed to say.

Sarah emerged next to her best friend, wearing a surprised look like she had no idea I was coming.

"I'm sorry but we have to go now" Valerie said hastily.

"But the muffins aren't ready," Sarah tried to pacify her.

"No. You guys stay," I said, my eyes holding Val's briefly before she looked away. "I'll just come back later."

Without waiting for any response, I stormed out of the house.

At a reasonable distance from the building, my palm opened as I stared at strands of the little boy's hair—the only thing that would validate whatever Valerie and I once shared.