chapter

Chapter 15

Sonia 

"Please, drive faster." I urged the driver as I sat in the car with my heart racing in my chest. 

I can't wait to leave this country. Ethan must not find me. 

I looked at Jay who was sitting quietly beside me, watching me closely like a guard. He didn't ask any questions but I could see the confusion in his eyes. 

I smiled and pulled him into a hug, kissing his forehead. 

I sighed and stared out the window, watching the city blur past. I couldn’t wait to get to Europe. I needed to get far away from Ethan. 

My heart is heavy with worries as I think about yesterday. I still couldn't believe that Ethan was the president of King's corporation, the person I was supposed to be working with. The excitement of getting the contract from King's Corporation does not allow me to investigate them, to know their president. 

I have a strong feeling that all this was his plan but it won't work. I won't allow him to get close to me or my son. 

When I saw Ethan yesterday, the memories of the way he kissed me at the party flooded my head. It's as if I could feel his touch on my body. 

It hurt that Even after all these years, he still had a way of making me feel things I didn’t want to feel.  

“Mom,” Jay's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “Why do we have to leave London so quickly? I like it here and I wish we could stay a little longer.” He said, staring at me. I could see the sadness in his eyes which broke my heart into pieces. 

I promised myself to always make him happy, to always take him on vacation to any country of his choice but right now, I can't grant him his wish and it broke my heart. 

I forced a smile and stroked his hair. “I know, Jay. But I have important work in Europe that I need to do but I promise, We’ll come back another time.”  

He frowned, “Is Mr Ethan a bad man? Is he trying to hurt you? Is that why we’re leaving so fast?” He asked, looking straight into my eyes as if he wanted to get the truth out of me.

I was stunned by his question. My heart ached with pain as his words hit me hard. I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t tell him the truth. 

I took a deep breath, looking at him with a smile, “No, Jay. Mr Ethan isn't a bad person, he wasn't trying to hurt me. I’m not just feeling well, and I have important work in Europe. That’s all.” I tried to make my voice sound as convincing as possible but it seems Mr man wasn't buying it. 

He narrowed his eyes, "But Mommy, I noticed that you always feel sad whenever you see Mr Ethan" His question cut me off guard. 

How did he know all this? 

I was speechless, "Uhm.... Jay, it's nothing like that okay. Mummy is just tired." I stuttered, not knowing what else to say. 

He looked at me for a moment and nodded in understanding even though his eyes spoke otherwise. 

It hurt to lie to him, but what else could I do? How could I explain everything Ethan had put me through?  

After seeing Ethan at the office yesterday, I knew I couldn’t stay back at the hotel. 

He's an influential man and I knew he was already aware that I was staying at the JK Hotel. I was sure he’d show up if I didn’t leave. That was why I packed our things and checked out last night.  

I tried to book a flight to Europe immediately, but the airline said the weather was bad. I spent the night restless, waiting for today’s flight at 8 a.m.  

I've told Shirley, my assistant everything, and she didn’t try to stop me. She just supported my decision, and for that, I was grateful.  

The car finally drove into the airport and I sighed softly, glancing at my time. It was quarter to eight which meant I was just right on time. 

...... 

I sat in the airport, my eyes moving from the clock to the gate as time felt so slow to me. 

It was already past 8 a.m., and there was still no news about our flight. My stomach twisted with worry.  

Jay sat next to me, playing quietly. Sometimes, he would look around with curious eyes. I could tell he wanted to explore, but I couldn’t let him.  

“Stay close, Jay,” I said, pulling him closer. I couldn’t risk losing him again, not like the last time. That day was still fresh in my mind—the panic, the fear. I wouldn’t let it happen again.  

I kept checking the departure board, hoping for an update. Finally, the speakers crackled, and an announcement came.  

“Attention, passengers. Due to unforeseen issues, the flight is delayed for three hours. We apologize for the inconvenience.”  

What!! Three hours!

This can't be. My heart sank as I leaned back in my seat, closing my eyes. Why now? I was hoping we’d be on the plane already, far away from everything—far away from Ethan. 

I know Ethan, he must have started searching for me by now and the thought of him finding us here made me feel sick.  

“Three hours, Jay,” I said quietly. “We have to wait for three hours before our flight.” 

Jay looked up at me with excitement as if this was the best news he just heard, "This is good news Mommy!" He giggled with excitement, "We can stroll around the airport before our flight.”  

His smile glows in my heart. I forced myself to smile back, brushing his hair gently. “Maybe later, sweetie.”  

Inside, I felt trapped. Every minute we stayed here felt dangerous. I just wanted to leave, to put Ethan and the past behind me.  

Thirty minutes later, my phone buzzed, breaking the heavy silence.

It was Shirley, my assistant. I picked up, trying to sound calm, though my heart still felt uneasy.  

“Good morning, Ma'am,” Shirley’s voice was cheerful, but I could tell she was holding back excitement.  

“Morning, Shirley." 

"I hope you have not left London?" 

"No, haven't, My flight is delayed for three hours. What’s up?” I asked, keeping my voice steady.  

“I have good news for you ma," she said quickly, she couldn't control her excitement. 

"Good news?" 

“Yes, MA." She replied with excitement. “Johnson Group, the top jewelry company in London, reached out. They’re interested in partnering with Sonalve Designs.”  

What!! My heart skipped a beat. Johnson Group? They were a giant in the industry, known for their exclusive designs and massive influence.  How do they know about Sonalve Design? 

“They want to invest in us, ma,” Shirley continued. “Their proposal includes funding to open branches across the country. This could be huge for Sonalve Designs. It’s the kind of opportunity we’ve been dreaming of.”  

For a moment, I couldn’t speak. I can't believe my ears, It sounded perfect—too perfect. But then reality hit me. “Shirley, I can’t accept it,” I said, my voice low.  

“What? Ma, are you serious? This is Johnson Group! The company everyone is dying to partner with. Why would you even think of saying no?”  

“I can’t stay in London, Shirley,” I replied, glancing at Jay, who was now engrossed in his game. “Ethan is here and there is no way I will stay in London that he won't find out. I can’t risk him finding us again.”  

Shirley sighed deeply. “Ma'am, I understand. But think about this. You’ve worked so hard to build Sonalve Designs. This partnership could take the company to the next level. Do you want to let fear hold you back?”  

Her words hit me hard. I had poured my heart and soul into Sonalve Designs, sacrificing so much to see it grow. But Ethan’s presence in London was a dark cloud I couldn’t ignore.  

“Shirley, I—”  

“Ma,” she interrupted, her tone softer now. “You’re stronger than you think. Don’t let your past control your future. You’ve built something incredible. Don’t let one man take that away from you.”  

I swallowed hard, her words stirring something deep within me. She was right, but the thought of staying here, so close to Ethan, terrified me.  

What should I do? Should I accept the offer and stay back in London?