Chapter 003

3.

6 YEARS LATER

Janette’s POV

A familiar feeling crept up my belly as I stepped out of the plane, back in New York, the city I had stayed away from for the past six years, the city where I had suffered and almost lost my life. It felt good to be back, and I was able to shake off the feeling of unease that welled up inside me.

Everything was fine now because I had put my past behind me, and have come here to start anew. After leaving here, I was blessed to have met a good man, who accepted me the way I am, and helped me achieve my dream.

It’s been a hell of years, but I’m proud because I am now one of the most sought after medical doctors in America.

“Mommy!”

I turned to where that angelic voice came from and smiled as my bundle of joy, my sunshine, my son, Ethan rushed out of my Secretary’s grasp to embrace me.

“I missed you.” He wrapped his tiny arms around me and I returned his hug with just as much warmth and affection.

“We were in the same plane, Ethan. You only followed Rosa to claim our baggage, and you miss me already?” I asked, chuckling a bit.

“Yes!” Ethan exclaimed, pulling away from me just enough to meet my eyes. “But you were way up front, with the fancy people.” His face lit up, and he giggled as I knelt down to his level.

“Oh, were you jealous?” I teased, a playful glint in my eyes. “Well, from now on, I promise to stay close to you forever,” I wrapped him in another hug, breathing in the scent of his hair and he giggled.

I stood up, taking his hand in mine.

“Now, let's go get you settled in, okay?” I said, leading Ethan towards our luggage. Rosa stood by patiently, a polite smile on her face.

“Where's Uncle Liam?” Ethan asked, his little face scrunching up in confusion.

“He'll be here in a bit,” I explained, ruffling his hair once again. “He has something to take care of back in Chicago and will join us soon.”

Ethan's expression brightened as he spotted our luggage. “There's my suitcase!” he exclaimed, racing over to grab the handle. “Come on, Mommy!”

We made our way to the car, chatting excitedly as Rosa loaded our luggage into the trunk. As we drove through the bustling city streets, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought me back to New York.

Six years ago, I had left this city broken and alone, but now I was returning as a successful doctor, with a handsome son and a strong support system. It felt like a dream, but one I was determined to hold onto.

We arrived at our new home, a spacious and elegant penthouse on the Upper East Side. As Ethan skipped up the steps, his eyes wide with wonder, I felt a surge of pride and joy. We had come so far together, and now we were finally able to call this place home.

Rosa unlocked the door, and we stepped inside, taking in the sight of the grand foyer. The light streaming in through the windows cast a warm glow over the marble floors, and I could already imagine filling the space with laughter and memories.

Ethan ran into the living room, his arms spread wide. "Mommy, this place is huge!” he exclaimed.

I chuckled as I watched him spin around, taking in every detail of the spacious room. “Yes, it is, Ethan,” I replied, a smile on my face. “And you'll have your own room here, with plenty of space to play and explore.”

He turned back to me, his expression one of pure delight. “Can I have a toy room too?” he asked, his eyes shining with hope.

“Of course you can, darling,” I said, ruffling his hair. “This is your home, and you can have whatever you want.”

As Ethan dashed off to explore the rest of the house, I stood in the living room, taking a deep breath. It was hard to believe that after all this time, I was finally back in New York.

My thoughts were interrupted by a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Rosa, with her iPad placed on her chest.

“I just got a message that the grand opening of your hospital will take place by noon tomorrow. Is that okay with you or do you need any readjustments?” She asked, but I shook my head.

“It’s fine with me. I’ll be taking Ethan to register at his new school tomorrow. I should be done before noon and join you at the hospital.”

She nodded with a smile.

“You can leave now.” I said, and she smiled before walking out of the house. Rosa has been my secretary at our branch in Chicago. I’m glad she agreed to come work here with me in my hospital, since she grew up here and also had her accommodation. It made everything easier and less strenuous for me.

I tried to call Liam, but his number wasn’t going through. I wanted to tell him that I had arrived, but it seemed he was still in the meeting. I sighed and looked around with a smile.

“Janette, it’s time for a new start,” I smiled and clasped my hand.

“Mommy, come! I found something!” Ethan drew my attention.

“Coming!” I took one last look around before rushing up the stairs to meet him.

***

The next day, I dressed Ethan and myself up and drove Ethan to the school I’d be registering him. I had stayed up all night, searching for the best schools in the state for a 5-year-old. Ethan was a smart kid, but it was necessary he started from kindergarten.

As we approached the school, Ethan bounced excitedly in his seat. “Is this the place where I get to learn new things, Mommy?” he asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“Yes, sweetheart, this is where you'll go to school,” I replied, squeezing his hand. “I know you're going to have so much fun here.”

We arrived at the school entrance, and Ethan rushed out of the car, eager to explore. As I trailed behind him, I couldn’t help but admire my baby boy. He was my driving force and the reason I withstood everything to become successful today.

We got to the office and were greeted by a friendly lady. She introduced herself as the receptionist and walked me through the admission process while Ethan looked around the office, admiring the colorful dots on the wall.

“He is quite an explorer, isn’t he?” She asked with a smile and I nodded.

“Yes.” We finished the registration process, and she gave me all the books he would be using.

“He can start today if you like, and if not, it’s okay for him to start tomorrow.” She mused and I nodded.

“He will start today,” I stood to my feet. She directed me to where the kindergarten was located, and I held Easton’s hand, leading him there as I felt a wave of nostalgia.

Walking through the halls of the school, memories of my own childhood came flooding back. It seemed like only yesterday that I was starting kindergarten, full of the same excitement and wonder that Ethan was displaying now. Though my happiness was short-lived when I lost my parents and was dumped in the orphanage. I was adopted by nice couples, who gave me everything and raised me from a child to an adult. They’re gone now but I will forever remember them and make sure I stay alive to give Ethan the best as well. He is my source of joy and I would do anything for him.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as we entered the classroom, where a dozen other children were already seated at their desks. Mrs. Johnson, the kindergarten teacher, greeted us with a warm smile.

“Welcome, Ethan, to kindergarten! You're just in time for circle time,” she said, gesturing towards a colorful rug on the floor. They must have informed her of our registration for her to have known Ethan’s name so quickly. It was cool.

Ethan glanced up at me, uncertainty flitting across his features. I gave him an encouraging smile and knelt down, bringing my lips close to his ear. “It's okay, sweetheart. You can sit down with the other kids,” I whispered. “I’ll come pick you up later in the day, okay?”

He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips, and made his way towards the rug. As he settled in next to a little girl in a pink dress, Mrs. Johnson began to read a story aloud. I smiled and walked away.

I got to the parking lot and opened my car.

“Janette?”

I froze at that familiar voice. Cold shivers ran down my spine. It’s been six years and I can still remember that voice vividly.

“No way.” I muttered. Maybe I’m hearing things.

“Janette, is that you?” The voice came again, and I turned, only to come face to face with the person I didn’t expect to see again.

Lucas!

My ex-husband!