Chapter 005

5.

Janette’s POV

I sat in the event, my thoughts drifting far from what was happening on stage. I couldn’t believe it. I saw Lucas, that scumbag! Never in my life did I imagine that I would see that jerk again.

After all these years, after six fuckìng years, he had to show his face to me again and open closed wounds. He had to come back into my life at a crucial time like this, a time that I was getting out of the ashes he put me in.

Why the heck did I have to see him of all people and ruin my day, huh? Why? Why him? After leaving the country, and surviving the harsh reality of his behavior towards me, I saw him as dead to me and never wanted to see him again, but fate had to be so cruel to me and make us meet again. Why didn’t he remain dead? Why—

“Ma’am,”

I gasped and turned to see Rosa looking at me with a worried expression on her face.

“Are you alright?” She asked, and I released a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

“Yes.” I answered.

“Good because it’s time to cut the ribbon and announce the hospital officially opened. They’ve been calling you to come up for a while now.” She relayed, and I quickly stood to my feet, embarrassed that I had zoned out in my own grand opening ceremony.

I rushed to the stage and gave them an apologetic smile before holding on to the scissors along with the shareholders.

“And with great joy and pride, we announce the official opening of the Janette Heart Care Hospital!”

“JHC Hospital!” The crowd cheered, a sea of clapping hands and happy faces surrounding me. I let out a sigh of relief, my nerves slowly dissipating.

“This hospital is not just a building,” I started, addressing the crowd. “It represents hope, healing, and the power of second chances. It is a symbol of my own journey, from pain and loss to triumph and success.”

The shareholders beamed proudly at my words, and I felt a surge of gratitude towards them for making this dream a reality, especially Liam. It would have been better if he was here by my side.

As the celebration continued, I mingled with the crowd, answering questions and accepting congratulations like I should, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling in my chest. Remembering how Lucas ruined my day did me dirty. As much as I tried to get rid of his face from my head, it kept coming back to me.

After the celebration, Rosa came to me. “The doctors that will be assisting you will join you soon. I have also posted job openings for professional nurses and cardiovascular experts like you asked.”

“Thank you so much, Rosa. How about the nanny I asked you to find for Ethan?” I asked the most important thing on my list.

Due to how busy my schedule was going to be, I needed to hire a nanny to take care of Ethan.

“I haven’t found any that meets the descriptions and qualifications you gave me, but I will keep looking.” She answered, giving me a small smile and I nodded.

“Inform me as soon as you get one, okay? I will be doing the interview myself. It has to be someone I can trust.” I stood to my feet and started heading for the elevator.

She followed me immediately. “Noted.”

We took the elevator to my office on the top floor of the hospital. The windows offered a stunning view of the city, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what I had achieved.

I looked around the office and took a seat.

“Is there anything left for me to do again today?” I inquired, but she shook her head.

“You’re all good.”

“Alright. I’ll stay here for a while before going to pick Ethan up. You can leave now and rest. We will have a lot of work to do soon, and you need to relax before then.” I stated, and she nodded with a slight bow before walking out, her heels kissing the floor as she left.

I took my phone and called Liam again. He answered after the second ring and switched it to a video call.

“Babe!” He called, a wide smile spreading across his face.

“Today’s meeting must have been so hectic. I haven’t been able to reach you since morning.” I pouted and exhaled.

“Yes, it was. I almost died of a heart attack but seeing your face now just healed me completely.” He winked at me, causing me to chuckle.

“You and your sweet words. When will you be coming to New York? We still have our wedding to plan.”

“I’ll be back soon, okay? I saw your hospital’s grand opening on the news today. Congratulations. I am very proud of you, babe.” He smiled, and I couldn’t help but return it.

“Thanks. I wouldn’t have done it without you. You’re the best.” I blew him a kiss, and he acted as if he caught it and placed it on his chest.

“I miss you so much. I know it hasn’t been long since you left, but it feels like years already.” He sighed.

“I know, right?” I giggled.

“Mr. Liam, you have a meeting in 10 minutes.”

I heard a male voice yell, and he looked at me apologetically.

“I have to go now. I’ll call later in the evening to see Ethan, okay?” He hung up before I could answer, and I sighed, dropping the phone on the desk.

“Liam and work,” I sighed with a smile and stood to my feet, grabbing my phone and car keys. It was already time to pick Ethan up from kindergarten.

I drove to the school and rushed in. It’s been hours without him and I already miss him so much. As I walked through the hallways, I could already picture the smile on his face when he sees me, and feel his tiny arms wrapped around me.

I got to the classroom, but the teacher wasn’t in. I used my eyes to look around.

“Mommy!” I heard his cute voice and my face lit up with smiles, but my smile died the moment I saw who he was with.

There with my son was that jerk, Lucas, stacking building blocks with him. He stood to his feet when he saw me and I frowned. I stormed to where they were and held Ethan’s hand, taking him out of there immediately.

“Jane! Janette!”

I ignored him and got to the car, but he somehow caught up with us and held my hand.

“Janette, please hear me out.” He demanded, but I yanked my hands away from him.

“I want to hear nothing from you. Stay away from me and most especially my son!” I snapped at him and put Ethan in the car, closed the door and wanted to get into the driver’s seat, but he held me again.

I wanted to slap him so bad, but I held back because Ethan was in the car.

“It was all a misunderstanding, Janette. I’m sorry for everything I did to you. I was misled—”

“Shut up!” I snapped at him, my voice breaking. “I don’t want to know whether it’s a misunderstanding or not. I want you to stay away from me. I do not know you. Stay the hell away from me and my son!” I sassed and slipped my hand away from his.

“He is my son too!” He said, and I froze. “Ethan is my son, my blood. I know I have hurt you badly, and I know sorry isn’t enough to mend what I’ve broken but—”

“Don’t, Lucas! Don’t! Go away!” I turned, but he grabbed me and pulled me to himself. I struggled to get out of his grip, but he didn’t budge.

I looked up and our eyes met. I couldn’t explain what I saw in his eyes. Longing? Regret? No way!

What he said next made my eyes widen and threaten to burst out of its sockets.

“Dear Ex-Wife, Let Us Restart.”