Chapter 3

Five years later

Leah's Pov

"I won't let you take my grandson away!" my dad screamed, his voice echoing through the room.

I looked at my dad, feeling the weight of his resistance bearing down on me. "Dad," I called out calmly, "Jasper needs radiation therapy after his brain tumor surgery. The province doesn't have enough medical facilities, so they recommended us to take him to Country H."

My dad snorted and muttered, "Wasn't it Country H where you met that man? Hmmph, I won't allow you to take my grandson away from me, even if I have to die."

Turning to my mom, I exclaimed, "Mom, please help me."

Sitting down on the sofa, I sank my face into my hands. My dad would never support my decision to go back to Country H, but I had no other choice. It was the best place for Jasper to receive the radiation therapy he needed, and I had to do it for my son's sake.

"I won't agree for you to take my precious grandchild from me," my dad said stubbornly.

"Do you prefer him being isolated from his peers?" I sobbed. "For three years, Jasper has never had any real friends. He's been deemed a bad luck just because he has a brain tumor and he's bald. Jasper has had to wear caps anywhere he goes just to be like one of those normal kids. The therapy is the only medical treatment left for him, Dad. You can't be selfish."

My dad looked momentarily guilty, but his expression quickly turned indifferent. However, Micheal, who had been seated quietly, finally spoke up. "You need to let Jasper go to Country H. Don't worry about their safety. I got a transfer and will be there with them."

My dad was about to protest when my mom whispered something in his ear. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I could swear with their level of shamelessness that they are discussing matters other than Jasper's wellbeing

Suddenly, my dad cleared his throat and said, "Fine, I will allow you to take Jasper for the therapy, only if Micheal will be with you two. I don't want you leaving my grandson all alone and following a wild man. At least Micheal will keep you in check."

I breathed In in relief, my dad has always been a hard nut to crack.

Feeling a surge of gratitude, I mouthed "Thank you" to Micheal, who smiled and stood up. "I will go book the flight," he said, "He looked at my parents and said, "I need to leave, aunty, uncle."

My mom stood up and said, "Don't leave yet, Micheal. I was already preparing your favorite beef stew. Why don't you stay and have dinner with us?"

"Don't worry, aunty," Micheal laughed. "I will have dinner with you some other time." With that, he bowed and walked out with his long strides.

My dad looked at Micheal as he left and remarked, "What a handsome young man." I chose to ignore him and, with a heavy heart, made my way upstairs, not wanting to engage in another round of praises about Micheal.

Three days later, in the airport

“In this bag, I packed your favorite acorn meal, cornmeal, corn cakes, pemmican, dried meats, and then…” My mom said excitedly, pointing to a bag, her face furrowing in confusion. “Joseph,” she called to my dad, “Did I forget to pack anything?”

“You packed the whole house, woman,” my dad grumbled, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I looked at my mom and hugged her. "Mom, we are going to a big city, don't worry. We can't go hungry," I reassured her.

"I hope so, dear. It's a big city and things are costlier," my mom worriedly replied as she handed the two heavy suitcases to me. "I packed some food for you, make sure you share with Michael. And also, I packed your and Jasper's clothes in this bag, and his favorite bunny is in there too," my mom said with a smile.

"I know, Ma," I replied, grateful for her thoughtfulness.

My mom had spent the last three days packing our things and checking the weather forecast for Country H repeatedly, just to ensure our comfort.

I hugged her tight, not wanting to leave. My dad cleared his throat and said, "You seem to have forgotten something, woman."

My mom looked at my dad and said, "Oh, that’s true." She quickly opened her purse and brought out a credit card, handing it to me. "For you, dear," she said with a tender smile.

"Ma, you and Dad needed this card more than me. Don't worry, Michael already found me a job and the interview is tomorrow," I quickly said as I handed the card back to her.

"I know, Leah," my mom said, cutting me off gently. "But what will you spend when you get to the city until you get your pay? Your dad and I are senior citizens and we get our pension monthly, you need this more than us," she said as she squeezed the card into my hand. "You have to live a comfortable life, Leah, so that those scumbags would regret losing you," Mom added, stroking my head affectionately.

"I understand, Ma," I nodded and then looked at my dad. "Thanks, Pa," I said. My dad humped and looked away, but I could see the love in his eyes. I laughed and went over to hug him, despite his grumpy exterior, I knew he loves me.

"Leah, we need to leave," Michael said as he helped drag our bags away.

Jasper tagged along, his bright red hat making him look even more handsome.

He smiled and showed his cute dimples, taking a respectful bow, he said, "Grandpa, Grandma, it's time for me to go, but I'm going to miss you so much. Thank you for all the fun times we've had together - playing games, reading stories, and just spending time with each other. You're the best grandparent in the world, and I hope you have a long and healthy life. May the sun shine down on you, and may you have many more happy days to come. I'll be thinking of you and sending you my love, every day."

"Aiyoo," my mom exclaimed, as she gathered Jasper into her arms. "Such a cute and lovely boy." Dad also hugged him and smiled happily.

"We need to go now, Ma," I said as we hugged each other and bade each other goodbye. We then entered the plane.

It was already dusk by the time we arrived at country H.

After we settled Jasper down in the hospital, Michael took me to the apartment he rented for us in Country H.

"This is your room key, Leah. My apartment is just in the third building. You can contact me when you need anything," he said, handing me the key.

I collected the key and muttered a thank you, but Micheal held my hand together with the key, his gaze intense as he stare at me.

The tension in the corridor was palpable as i stood face to face with Michael. His eyes burned with an intensity that made my heart race. I tried to focus on anything but his gaze, but it was impossible to look away.

I felt the wall behind my back, and realized that he was now standing so close that i couldn't move. It was as if the world had stopped and we were the only two people in existence. All I could hear was the sound of my own breathing, intermingled with his, as we stood Michael's lips were inches from mine and i could feel the heat radiating from his body.

The air was thick with anticipation, and i could feel the tension rising. i closed my eyes and tried to steady my breathing, but it was no use. He was too close, and i could feel my heart pounding in my chest.

Just when i thought I couldn't take it anymore, i heard his voice.

"Good night, Leah, don't forget your interview tomorrow." he said softly, and then he was gone. I opened my eyes and looked around, but he was nowhere to be seen.

I place my hand in my chest, and breathed in, was I overthinking? I signed and dragged the luggage into the apartment.

The apartment was spacious, with two rooms. I settled our luggage into the master bedroom and sank into the bed, feeling exhausted. "Country H," I whispered. "Am I really back?"

The next morning, I went for the interview, hopeful for a better future. However, my hopes were shattered when the manager told me they couldn't employ me.

"Why?" I asked, confused. "I met all the requirements."

"Yes, Miss Leah," the manager said. "You are a well-established fashion designer, graduated with a good grade, but..."

"But what?" I asked, feeling nervous.

"You are a divorcee," the manager said.

"A divorcee?!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "So a divorcee does not have the right to look for jobs?"

"Miss Leah, you are not just a divorcee, but the ex-wife of Axel Russo. We don't want to offend the Russo Empire," the manager admitted.

I was shocked. They didn't want to employ me because I was Axel's ex-wife. For the first time in five years, I felt anger. Anger at Axel, because who would have known that being his ex-wife could come with its disadvantages.

As I walked down the hot and bustling streets, I couldn't help but feel dejected after my unsuccessful job hunt in the city. The heat was intense, and I could feel the sweat beading on my forehead. As I used my hand to wipe it away, I ended up smudging the makeup I had carefully applied earlier.

"Ugh, even my makeup is against me," I muttered to myself. Looking around, I noticed a black car parked by the roadside, its windows tinted. Assuming no one was inside, I took out my foundation foam and began to touch up my makeup.

After fixing my lipstick, I decided to express my gratitude to the owner of the car. I leaned in and placed a small, playful kiss on the window.

However, to my surprise, the car slowly started to drive away, leaving me dumbfounded. "Wait, someone was in the car?" I exclaimed, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and confusion.

"F*ck!!