chapter 3

Present Day

Miley POV

I awoke in a hospital room, a man seated before me the same man that had picked me up from the alleyway.

" How do you feel?" his voice was Kind, yet I couldn't even respond to his question before I had to sit up and vomit.

He patted my back while calling for the doctors.

" considering her situation, we can say she's progressing quite well. However, in her condition, both her physical and mental state are quite poor." I don't grasp what the doctor is talking about; I don't feel any different than a few moments ago.

" what do you suggest, doctor? surely something can be done." I don't understand why this person cares so much for me; he doesn't even know me.

" My advice is an abortion. that way the young lady might survive. otherwise both she and her baby risk dying."

" what did he just say? I'm pregnant? but it was only a few hours ago when..." I felt a pat on my shoulder.

" It's been almost a month since I found you in the alley, and you are almost a month pregnant. it's tough for a woman without a husband or any form of support to withstand a pregnancy, but the choice is yours, do you want to abort?" All I could do was burst into tears as the man embraced me, listening without a word.

I hadn't wanted any of this; I'm sure I didn't deserve it. they took everything from me, my dreams, ambitions, my will to live. what point was there in continuing this wretched life? there was nothing left for me.

And now it's my decision to make another life? Why is life so cruel to me? what did do to deserve this?

" if you choose to live and abort, you have my support, and these doctors will ensure that you lead a trouble-free life. if you decide to keep it, I'll find the best specialists to ensure no harm comes to you both."

" Who are you? What do you want from me?".

" I want nothing more than for you to be able to live."

" you're right, I'll be frank. I'm doing this because it's what I couldn't do for my own daughter. like you, she was a young lady who lost her husband and died of grief without me being able to do anything. it's been four years, and I still can't get over it. you remind me very much of her.

"I'm just reopening the same wounds in your heart. I can't be saved."

" You're wrong. Everyone can be saved. you have something my daughter did not."

" And what's that?"

" A reason to live. Do I truly have one? And if so what? Should I feel happy expecting the child of a bastard who raped me and left me to die?".

" Think about it. perhaps life isn't taking everything from you. But Tell me, what do you think?"

" Miley, my name is Miley."

" It's a pleasure, Miley. I'm Jasper Hales." that name rings a bell but I can't remember where from.

Jasper: You don't have to answer now. Take some time to think about it.

" No, I have made my decision, but I have to ask you for a favor."

Jasper: whatever you need.

" Help me, get far away from here, I promise that..."

Jasper: You don't need to promise anything. I told you, just living is reward enough.

" Thank you."

Jasper: I will the doctor.

...

...

...

Several years later

Miley sat reviewing documents on her laptop, her life having taken a turn for the better. Now named Miley Hales, Jasper had no issues giving her his surname, treating her just like his two other children, who also cherished her as a sister.

Every so often, Miley would glance away from her work and smile at a pair of beautiful children with black hair and gray eyes playing in the playground Jasper had set up in his garden for them.

The lovely little girl approached, bearing a rose for her mother.

" Mummy, take this." It was a custom of little Kiara's every day to gift her mother three roses, one for each surprise of the day, her way of saying thanks.

Miley: thank you, my princess. I have a gift for you too.

" what is it today, Mummy?" Each day she had a sweet surprise for her little ones, knowing how much they loved them. she would wrap the treats herself, saving them to give later.

Her daughter's smile upon receiving the gift filled her heart with joy.

Miley: And you, Jaden, do you have something for me? Her son, having observed quietly, unlike Kiara, Jaden was more reserved, almost always serious in demeanor, though he was protective and indulgent with his sister. In fact, he was the one who cut the rose each day, ensuring Kiara never got hurt.

Jaden: nothing.

Miley: Not even a hug?

Jaden: Only one. He gave his mother a strong embrace, which was happily reciprocated.

Miley: One more.

Jaden: You always say that. And though he protested, he still gave another hug.

Kiara: I want one too.

Miley: come here, my dear.

"May I join as well?"

Kiara: Uncle Aiden!! the little girl ran into his arms.

Aiden: Aren't you going to greet me, Jaden? The boy glanced at his mother, only moving to greet his uncle after receiving a nod.

Aiden: How big you have gotten! go on and play; I need to talk to your mummy.

Jaden: why hasn't Grandpa come? The two adults exchanged a look.

Miley: your grandfather Jasper is busy, but he will surely come. The children scampered off.

Miley: Your return is not a good sign, is Dad's situation serious?

Aiden: Miley, Dad passed away this morning.

Miley: That can't be true! he said he was fine, just tired...why so sudden...

Aiden: calm down. it's tough I know, but the kids are here. You must be strong for them. She knew Aiden was right, but it was so hard. That man had been more than a father to her than anyone, supporting and caring for her like no other. it was difficult to believe he was gone.

Miley: when is the funeral?

Aiden: Tomorrow. Breaking the news to Kiara and Jaden will be hard, so I'll be here for you.

Miley: Thank you. we'll leave today; I want to attend the wake as well.

Aiden: as you wish. Nathan is handling everything.

Revealing the news to her children was daunting. How should she begin? They were too young to comprehend death.

Jaden: So Grandpa's not coming back.

Miley: No, he can't come back to us.

Kiara: But he promised he'd come. You said promises should never be broken.

Aiden: Sometimes circumstances force us to break them, but I assure you, your grandfather will always be with you.

it was a struggle to see him in a casket; just days ago, he was laughing and joking with the kids and her. She had thought she'd have many years with Jasper; if only she had known time was short.

Approaching Jasper, Miley planted a kiss on the man's forehead.

Miley: I know I didn't say it enough, but thank you! Thank you for giving me hope and a home to someone who had lost the will to live. You were and will always be my angel. Thank you, Dad.

Kiara: Mummy, why doesn't grandpa get up? isn't he tired? He's been lying down for so long. You said too much sleep isn't good.

Miley: he can't get up, my Love.

Kiara: why not? is he sick?

Jaden: He's dead, right, Mummy? Her son's assertion left her speechless.

Kiara: what does it mean to be dead, mummy?

Miley: it means he's gone to heaven, princess.

Kiara: Can we go see him?

Jaden: We can't,can we, mummy?

Miley: No, son.

Kiara: I didn't want Grandpa to leave; I Loved him so much.

Miley: we all wanted him to stay with us, but sometimes it's unavoidable.

Aiden: Miley, come. Mr.Pierce and his two sons have to come offer condolences to the family, Nathan is with them now.

Miley looked up to see Logan talking to her brother, her former father-in-law, and the father of the two beside him. she quickly stood up, took her children, and left.

Aiden: Where are you going?

Miley: I'm sorry, I'm just not feeling well ( I can't let that man see me or my kids) She hurried to her room, grateful that these people did not attend the funeral the following day. She wanted nothing to do with them. Knowing her new family had dealings with them, it was Jasper who always handled those affairs.

Now, with Jasper gone, many things would inevitably change.