Chapter One–Hundred Forty–Four

Chapter One–Hundred Forty–Four
Valerie's POV

Before me was a new version of Jake—different from the one I signed a contract with. I saw a man who had taken accountability for his actions, repented, and fought to bring me justice.

We'd grown and evolved over the years. Yet I couldn't deny it—a part of me still wanted him. If he was willing to give us a second chance, so was I.

"Yes," I gasped, standing up and extending my hand towards him. "I will marry you."

His eyes flickered with genuine happiness as he hurriedly slid the diamond band onto my finger.

"Thank you, Val!" A wide grin appeared on his face. "I am indeed the luckiest man in the whole world."

Jake leaned forward slowly, his gaze dropping to my lips—an unspoken request to seal our engagement.

I met him halfway. Our lips brushed in a tender kiss that started soft before deepening. His large hands circled my waist, pulling me closer.

Instinctively, my arms wrapped around his neck as I leaned into his hard chest, his masculine cologne enveloping my senses.

I hadn't realized how much I'd missed this—how much I'd missed him.

We pulled apart slowly, like neither of us really wanted to let go. Our breaths were uneven, our hearts louder than the silence between us.

"I love you," Jake whispered softly, his eyes locked into mine.

"I love you too, Jake," I breathed. And this time, I meant every bit of it.

When I later discovered I had been proposed to with his late mother's ring, my heart melted into a puddle.

Sarah was the first to hear the good news. I sent her a picture of my hand with the wedding band sitting pretty. It was a good thing I'd had my nails done a few days back.

My parents received it with partial excitement. I know I was going back to the very same Jake I'd deceived them into believing I was dating. Anyway, they had no choice but to accept him into the family because he was the only man my heart beats for. A dinner was set up the following day. Jake was able to work his charm into my family. What started as a tense and quiet dinner ended with everyone smiling and laughing over dessert.

After dinner was the perfect time to introduce Jayden to his father.

I had Jake wait outside Jayden's room while I prepared my son. I sat on the bed next to him. "Hey, honey," I smiled warmly. "There's someone special I'd like you to meet."

"Is it Santa?" His eyes glistened gleefully, making soft laughter bubble from my chest.

"Not at all," I smoothed his hair with my hand. "Just wait here. I'll be right back."

Jayden nodded obediently.

I quickly excused myself and returned with Jake. Father and son stared at each other for a long moment until I broke the silence and introduced them properly. Jayden's excitement was out of this world. They bonded seamlessly, but our son was inquisitive and keen on getting answers from Jake. His questions included: "Where have you been?" "Did Mum and I do something bad?" "Do I have other brothers and sisters?" and a million others.

Poor Jake.

Jake was patient enough to give Jayden audience to express himself.

Left to Jake, we would have gotten married that very day I said yes. But I wanted my fairytale wedding—strictly with family and a few close friends. We had to move the date to exactly a month later so we could have enough time to plan everything.



The loud ring of my phone alarm woke me to a new day. Not just any day—the day I get to change my status from single to married. A wide grin appeared on my face as I turned it off and jumped from the bed to kick off preparations. It was indeed going to be a long day.

Sarah arrived shortly, still dressed in her pajamas, holding big bags containing her outfit and accessories. We were lodged in a hotel as the bridal shower had been the night before.

The makeup artist and hairstylist were punctual and finished their work in no time.

I stood in front of the full-length mirror, staring at my reflection. Off-shoulder sleeves, short, exposing the rest of my arms. The dress clung to my chest but flowed freely from the waist down, sweeping the floor.

"You're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen," Sarah sniffed from behind, dabbing her face with a tissue. My best friend's halter-neck burgundy dress was perfect for a bridesmaid—it had thin straps and a decent slit that stopped just above her knee.

"Thank you," I muttered quietly, eyes tearing up as I fanned my face.

"Now you're making me get all emotional," she rushed to dab my face. "I don't want to be the reason your makeup gets ruined."

We both laughed.

Moments later, I was walking down the aisle, my arm tucked into my father's as the melody from the orchestra carried into the air.

"Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can't help falling in love with you..."

The congregation rose to their feet. Almost everyone had a handkerchief or tissue to their face.

Warmth curled in my chest as I spotted Jake standing midway down the aisle—looking so handsome in a black suit, his hair styled perfectly.

We approached him, and father handed me over. We completed the journey together to the altar.

Jake and I stood opposite each other with a decent space between us.

But before the officiant could begin, little Jayden scampered towards the altar, adorned in an adorable tuxedo, holding a ring box.

Tears rushed to my eyes, and a small smile curved on my lips.

This wasn't just a wedding—it was the official union of our family.

Jake's jaw tightened, but his eyes were soft. I could tell he was reining in his emotions.

The officiating minister began the ritual, reading the vows while Jake held my gaze throughout.

"...Valerie, do you choose Jake—to stand beside him, to love him, and to build a life together from this day forward?"

I paused, eyes flickering to Jayden, then to the congregation. My family was watching quietly.

With all the battles I'd fought and won, with all the storms that had raged and all the forces that had shaken our relationship, I couldn't see myself being with any other man than Jake.

A confident smile spread on my lips. "Yes, I do."

He nodded. "By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Turning to my groom, "Jake, you may kiss your bride."

Jake's hand cupped my face as we sealed our union in a gentle kiss.

We pulled apart, my eyes holding his, staring into those brown eyes.

"The last time I was 'Accidentally Yours,'" my voice came barely above a whisper, "this time—I am forever yours."

"I love you till death, Val," Jake promised softly, planting a kiss on my forehead.

And that was all the reassurance I needed.

My heart was full.

We were actually restarting our lives together—as a complete family.