10. NEXT DAY… That morning, Sophia was already at the house, ready to take care of Ethan. She smiled as she rang the doorbell. “Coming!” Janette yelled from the kitchen, rinsed her hands with water and cleaned it before leaving to get the door. When she opened the door and saw Sophia, her eyes widened. “Sophia,” she called, shock evident on her face. She wasn’t expecting her to come this early. “You’re here early.” Sophia smiled. “Yes, good morning, ma’am. It’s my first day of work at your place. First impressions matter, don’t you think?” she asked, and Janette grinned. “I guess,” she moved aside. “Come in,” she said, and. Sophia nodded before walking into the house. “Where’s Ethan?” she asked, looking around. “He is still asleep in his room. You could go wake him up.” Janette suggested, and she nodded, leaving for Ethan’s room immediately. Janette checked the wall clock. It was just a few minutes past six. ‘Is Sophia this diligent?’ she wondered, and glanced at
11. Janette burst through the doors of the hospital and Rosa rushed to her the minute she saw her. She had gotten ready as quickly as she could. “Ma’am,” Rosa called as Janette approached her. “Where is he?” Janette asked, her expression unreadable. “I asked him to wait in your office.” Rosa answered and Janette nodded before storming to her office. When she got there, she threw the doors open, alerting Lucas of her presence. He stood to his feet and walked up to her, a small smile on his face. Janette didn’t return his smile, instead she looked like she couldn’t wait to deal the hell with him right now. “Good morning, Jane.” he greeted with a warm smile that only made her sick to the stomach. “What the heck are you doing here?” she asked, her face contorting into a frown. She sounded so harsh and icy that Lucas didn’t know when he shuddered. He cleared his throat. “I came to see you.” he answered and she raised an eyebrow. “You came to see me? What for?” she asked.
12. Lucas returned to his office and took a seat. He swayed in his chair and heaved a deep breath. His eyes gazed blankly at the wall as he thought about Janette's words. He knew he had hurt her deeply, and he didn't blame her for feeling the way she did. He deserved her anger, her hatred, and her resentment. But he couldn't give up. He couldn't lose hope. He had to make things right, not just for himself, but for their son, Ethan. He wanted to be a good father and a good partner as well. He wanted to show her the love he had deprived her of in the past. Lucas took a deep breath and stood up from his chair. He walked over to the window and stared out at the city. He sighed as he watched people go about their daily lives. He returned to his chair and took a seat. His personal assistant walked into the office with a smile and bowed slightly. “Sir, you have a meeting with the board of directors in fifteen minutes. They will be at the conference room anytime soon.” Lucas sighed
13. THE CAFETERIA… Sophie sat at the cafeteria, her tray of food in front of her, but she hadn't touched it. She was so lost in thoughts that she didn't know when her colleague and best friend, Mia, sat in front of her. Mia watched Sophie for a while, wondering what was wrong with her. When she couldn't take how pitiful Sophie was looking, she tapped her, causing her to flinch. “What is wrong with you? You haven't even touched your food. Are you sick?” she asked, but Sophie shook her head. “Then what is wrong with you?” Sophie sighed and looked around to make sure nobody's attention was on them before speaking up. “It's Mr. Lucas.” she answered and Mia sighed. “I should have known he's the only reason you can sit here, lost in deep thoughts and not touching your food,” she rolled her eyes and Sophie frowned at her. “What is up with him this time, Sophie?” she asked. Sophie adjusted in her seat and looked at Mia, her expression sad. “Mr. Lucas doesn't seem happy lately, an
14. “No way! Are you serious?” Janette asked, her heart literally bubbling with joy. This was the best news she has heard today. Liam chuckled from the other end. “I can’t wait to finally see you, Jane.” She blushed, her face beaming with smiles. “I can’t wait to see you too. I bet Ethan will be thrilled to hear this news,” she said and there was no reply from the other end. “When are you coming? I need to get everything ready and prepare your favorite meal of course.” Liam hummed. “I’ve missed your cooking, Jane. I simply can’t wait,” he said and she chuckled. “I’ll be coming in two days.” Janette couldn’t contain her joy. “I can’t wait.” They talked for a while before hanging up and Janette couldn’t help but smile throughout the day. She had to even get off work early so she could pick Ethan up from school, take him to his favorite cupcake shop and allow him to have fun. * “Mummy!” Ethan exclaimed the minute he saw her walk through the door. He rushed into her arms and she pe
15.“Beauty tips?” Janette blinked. “She is just a kid!”Fiona scoffed. “That doesn’t matter,” she blurted out, her gaze flying to Ethan, who stood, holding on to Janette’s hands. She couldn’t deny that Ethan was good-looking and she wondered what skin cares routine Janette uses for him. “What skin care routine do you use for your little boy?” she asked and Janette blinked.Janette looked at Ethan then back at Fiona.Ethan was quick to defend his mother. “My mummy doesn’t use any skin care routine on me. I am naturally good-looking. I got it from my daddy!” Fiona raised an eyebrow. “There is no way you’d look handsome and cute without your mother using any skin care products on you. Trust me, you’re just a kid and you know nothing. You’re simply—”“I’d have to stop you right there, Fiona,” Janette interrupted with a raise of her palm. “My son is naturally cute and adorable, and so is your daughter, Amaya. You should focus on taking better care of her and her needs instead of trying t
16.After dinner, Janette cleared the place and tucked Ethan into bed before making her way to the porch with a cup of coffee in her hand. Since Liam was returning home today, she didn't want to bother Sophia with coming over anymore and had to do most things herself.She took a seat and crossed her legs over themselves as she gazed at the stars with a smile on her face. She had always loved watching the stars every night but after everything turned upside down, she lost her love for them.She felt they weren’t even living things and they got to stay up there tasked with only the job of aiding the moon in lighting everywhere while her life was in shambles.But after she got her life back together, she felt apologetic and developed her love for them again. She heaved a deep breath as they shone and shimmered above her head.She took a sip from her coffee and her phone beeped. She took it and checked to see that there was an emergency at the hospital that needed her attention immediatel
17.Janette stared at Lucas, her mouth agape. The world was a small place, wasn't it? She had fought tooth and nail to save this woman's life not knowing that the woman was the Aunt to her jerky ex-husband.Lucas looked up to meet Janette's gaze. Her expression turned indifferent at the sight of him and it made him feel hurt. "How is she, please?" he asked, his voice slightly shaken.Janette sighed. "She made it through surgery and will be fine," she said and Lucas breathe a sigh of relief. "The healing process is going to be long, but I will be with her every step of the way."Lucas felt grateful. He held her hand. "Thank you so much, Janette. You have no idea what this means to me. Aunt Mary had always been my source of comfort and confidant-""Mr. Lucas?" she interrupted him, pulling her hand away from his grasp. "I am not interested in your history with her or how good your relationship with her is. What I'm concerned about is her health and I already told you she would be fine."
30. After Ethan had played to his satisfaction, he fell asleep in Lucas’s arms as they walked back to where the car was parked. Janette walked beside Lucas, her eyes darting towards them now and then. Sophie, on the other hand, seemed to be in her own little world. She maintained a straight facial expression, but it was like a volcano was about to erupt inside her. She took deep calming breaths severally to maintain her composure. When they got to where the car was parked, Janette opened the door and Lucas helped tuck Ethan in. Janette made sure he was secure and wouldn’t fall while she was driving before shutting the car door and facing Lucas. “Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to play with Ethan today,” she gave him a polite bow, but Lucas only raised a brow. “Jane, stop that,” he said, and she looked up to meet his eyes. “Why are you talking like it’s a job I was paid to do?” he sighed. “It’s my responsibility, so you don’t have to thank me. I should be than
29. A week later, “Do you think Uncle Liam will be able to make it, mummy?” Ethan asked Janette as they waited at the park. She smiled and nodded. “Yes. He promised that he was going to be here.” she answered but she wasn’t so sure anymore. It had been thirty minutes and she was beginning to wonder if he was going to make it or not. A few minutes later, she knew he wasn’t going to make it. Her smile faltered immediately. He promised… he promised her he would make it to the park to make up for all the times he hadn’t been able to spend with them. He personally suggested they came to the park and wait for him, now he was nowhere to be found? Janette facepalmed. She couldn't do this anymore. She was sick and tired of giving him second chances only for him to disappoint her all the time. She looked down at Ethan. “I guess he’s busy.” she said and Ethan nodded. “Let’s go home, mummy! I don’t feel like playing on the swings or running around the water fountain anymore.” he lo
28. "I was in the neighborhood so I decided to come say hi to you and Ethan." he answered. "How did you know I live here, Lucas? What the heck is wrong with you? Why won't you just leave me alone, huh?" she snapped, her expression hardening as a friend settled on her face. Lucas sighed and ruffled his hair. "I'm sorry if I came here out of the blue, Janette. I just wanted to see my son-" "Stop calling him your son!" she yelled, her fists clenched. "You lost that right when you almost killed me years ago." "I had no idea you were bleeding for real, Janette," he said, his voice breaking. "I thought you were doing that to get my attention, but it's not an excuse and I'm sorry. I won't get tired of apologizing until you forgive me," his eyes turned misty and Janette could only stare at him with wide eyes. "You're free to do whatever you like with me. Punish me, insult me, beat me up, or even break me, but please," he looked into her glassy eyes. "Please, don't keep me from seeing my
27. "And... This goes... here," Janette smiled as she placed the flower vase on the dining table while Sophia went to get the dinner they had prepared. After the confrontation at her office, Liam had apologized and had told her he would try his best to show her that he was the best person for her, to show her that she didn't have to think about Lucas anymore, and Ethan wouldn't have to lack a fatherly figure in his life. He had suggested they did normal things couples do. Like, having a relaxing evening dinner together, going on movie dates, the park and even grocery shopping together. Janette had been excited, and she was happy as she was getting the table ready for them to have dinner like a big, happy family. Liam had not been able to make it the last two nights due to work, but he promised to make it today, and she was happy for that. "Ma'am, should I put the chicken soup along side the rice, or it'll be eaten separately since we have stew." Sophia inquired with a smile, hol
26. Janette walked into the office and the minute Liam noticed her presence, he stood to his feet immediately and faced her, his expression hardened. "What is going on?" he asked, trying his best to keep his anger at bay. He was still reeling from his confrontation with Lucas. The last thing he wanted now was taking his anger out on her, but she wasn't helping matters either. Janette could sense that he was mad, so she tried her best to play it cool. "Look, Liam," she said softly, walking to her seat but he held her hand and turned her so she could face him. "I don't think we should get married next month. It's too fast." Liam ruffled his hair. "Too fast?" he scoffed. "We've been delaying this for weeks. And you were the one pestering me when you returned to this city that we should get married," he looked at her, his eyes filled with hurt. "What changed?" Janette bit her lower lip. He was right. She was the one who was always pestering him about marriage back when they were awa
25. Janette sat in front of Aunt Ann's hospital bed, watching the woman's chest rise and fall slowly. She grabbed hold her hand, and forced a smile. "You will wake up, soon, Aunt Ann. I can't wait to look into your honey brown eyes again; those eyes that always stared at me with love, reminding me that I had to be strong no matter what life threw my way," she muttered, rubbing the back of MaryAnn's palms. "I can't wait for you to see Ethan as well. I used to tell him stories about you, and I'm certain he would be happy to see you." Janette smiled, recalling all the fun memories she had with Aunt MaryAnn. Her mind drifted to a day she had a fight with Lucas and had left the house to Aunt Ann's place.... FLASHBACK Janette was in tears as she rushed through the streets, heading for Aunt Ann's place. Luckily, it wasn't that far from her and Lucas' place and she would always go there to clear her head. Lucas has ignored her again, calling her barren and allowing his mother to hurl al
24. GEOFFREY CORP Liam was seated in the office, going through some files when Victor, his personal assistant and best friend walked in with a sad expression on his face. "Liam," Victor called, nervousness dripping from his tone as he ran his hands through his chestnut brown hair. Liam looked up to meet the grey orbs staring back at him and raised a brow. He hadn't seen Victor this nervous or sad before. "What happened?" he asked, returning his attention to his laptop as he typed away. Victor hesitated for a while and Liam looked him again, urging him to speak up. Victor took a deep breath. "I met Janette with the wedding preparation plan like you asked, but-" "But what?" Liam asked. Victor cleared his throat. "She asked us to hold on. She isn't ready to prepare for any weddings right now." he related and Liam's fingers paused on the keyboard. His expression hardened as he looked up to meet Victor's gaze. "She said what?" he snapped. "That she doesn't-" "Hell, I know what s
23.“Liam, what is the meaning of this?” Janette asked and she walked further into the house.She had returned from the hospital only to see Liam dressed in suit, holding a bouquet of flowers with the house decorated in lights and flowers. Her eyes darted to the farther end of the living room, where Ethan stood with Sophia.She looked at Liam. “What is this?” she asked again.Liam sighed. “I just wanted to apologize for picking up an argument with you today. It was my fault.”She raised an eyebrow. Liam continued. “It wasn’t your fault that Lucas…” he trailed off and looked at Ethan before averting his gaze to Janette. “I was just worried that you would go back to him. You know that saying “It’s hard to get over your first love?” I was worried that since he had come into the picture, I would only fade into the background. I was scared and I’m sorry for taking it out on you,“ he stretched out the flower to her. “Am I forgiven?” he asked.Janette couldn’t help feeling touched. She coll
22. Janette sat in her office as she swayed on her chair, her mind drifting away. Seeing Genevieve this morning just ruined her already sour mood. She recalled how cruel the woman had been to her and from the way Genevieve spoke to her today, she was sure the hatred was still intact. She went through hell in Genevieve's hands and she wasn't going to allow the woman break her again. She wasn't the Janette whom people got to trample on anymore, she wasn't the puppet housewife who was always controlled and made to do things she didn't want to do, she was no longer the timid wife who lived in fear of her mother-in-law's wrath. Janette's thoughts turned fierce, her eyes flashing with determination. She had rebuilt herself, brick by brick, after the devastation of her divorce. She had rediscovered her strength, her passions, and her sense of self-worth. Gone were the days where she would have to work her butt off to please people. Now, she was living for herself and her little ray of su