Racheal's world falls apart on her 30th birthday when she comes home to find her husband, Jack, gone, leaving behind only a note that says, "I can’t do this anymore. I’m leaving you." Shocked and heartbroken, Racheal is into a whirlwind of confusion and pain as she desperately seeks answers. She visits Jack’s cold, wealthy family only to be handed divorce papers signed by the man who promised her forever. As Racheal tries to navigate the wreckage of her life, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with the betrayal of a husband she thought she knew. But when a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger named Jake pulls her into a night of distraction and unexpected connection, Racheal begins questioning everything about love, loyalty, and her future. As she pieces together the truth behind Jack's sudden departure, including the secret affair he had been hiding for years, Racheal is forced to confront her deepest fears and find the strength to rebuild her life. Along the way, new relationships form, old wounds are reopened, and shocking revelations threaten to destroy everything she thought she knew.
View MoreRACHAEL'S POV
Sitting across from Amy, sunlight filtering through the café windows casting soft rays on our table, I was lost in our conversation reminiscing about the good old days.
“Remember that time we went to Ibiza for our birthdays?” Amy asks, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
“You almost missed the flight because you insisted on entering that store. “I laugh, shaking my head at the memory.
“Hey, I had to get those boots! They were gorgeous.”
Amy raises her glass, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
“And now look at us. Thirty and still day drinking like we’re twenty-five.” I clink my glass against hers, feeling a pleasant warmth spread through me, not just from the daytime drinks but from the joy of spending this moment with my best friend.
We had been through so much together, from wild nights in college and spontaneous trips to heartbreaks and new beginnings. Today felt like a nod to our youth, but with a touch of something deeper and more meaningful.
“I can’t believe you’re 30,” Amy says, setting her glass down and reaching for her purse.
“I got you something.”
“Oh no, you didn’t have to. Your sparkling company is enough.” I tease.“
She rolls her eyes and pulls out a small velvet box. I blink, surprised, as she hands it to me. I open the box slowly, and there it is: the necklace. The one I had seen when I was young, the one I had promised myself that I would buy the minute I started making money but never did.
“Amy...” My voice trails off as I run my fingers over the delicate chain, as it twinkles in the sunlight. It was exactly as I remembered. Simple, elegant.
“I know how much you wanted it,” she says softly, watching me. “I thought it was time you had it.”
Tears prick the corners of my eyes, but I blink back quickly, not wanting to get too emotional in public. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”
After enjoying a few more sips of our drinks, I couldn't stop the excitement bubbling up inside me.
“You know, I have a feeling Jack’s up to something today. He’s been acting weird all week. I’m sure he’s planning some sort of a surprise party, and you’re in on it too, aren’t you?”
Amy looks innocent, but a guilty smile tugs at her lips. “Me? I have no idea what you’re talking about, Racheal. I haven’t seen Jack all week.”
“Oh, please!” I laugh. “You’ve been plotting this birthday lunch for days. I bet you’re just stalling me so he can get everything ready at home.” Amy shrugs, giving nothing away. We finish our drinks with a toast to the big three-oh.
“Happy birthday, my love,” Amy says with a wink as we hug goodbye. I leave the café a little tipsy, the necklace she had gifted me bouncing lightly against my chest as I walk to the car. My heart is racing with excitement, my mind spinning with thoughts of what Jack could have planned.
A party, maybe? Or a romantic dinner for two? I couldn’t wait to get home and find out whatever it was.
When I arrived at our penthouse, I practically flew through the front door, expecting to hear laughter, music, or at least some sign of life. But instead, I am greeted by dead silence.
I pause, standing still at the entrance, my heart full of hope. “Are they are hiding?” I smile to myself.
I tiptoe across the living room, my heels clicking softly on the wooden floor. I go to the kitchen and find it empty. Not a single plate was out of place. I head upstairs, my pulse quickening with each step, anticipating for the moment everyone would jump out with a loud “Surprise!”
But as I reach our bedroom, something cold and unsettling twists in my stomach. To my right, the closet door is open, and Jack’s side... it is empty. His suits, shirts, shoes, and everything that he owns are gone. I rush to the suitcase rack, and I notice my big suitcase is missing.
“Jack?” I call out, my voice trembling now. I turn and hurry to the bathroom, pushing the door open, I see it.
A note.
Stuck to the mirror, plain and unforgiving. The handwriting is his, unmistakable. My breath caught in my throat, I step closer, reading the few words scrawled across the paper:
*I’m leaving you. PS: Sorry to do this on your birthday.*
For a moment, I couldn’t move. The world seemed to tilt, and the silence that had filled the apartment was now echoing in my chest. I reach out and touch the note, the paper cold and sharp against my skin, like the words themselves.
I stare at the note for a few more seconds, a laugh bubbling up in my throat. “Okay, Jack! This is a good one. You can come out now.” My voice echoes through the apartment, but there is no answer.
My laughter grows, though it is more from being nervous than amused. This had to be part of the surprise. Some over-the-top, dramatic joke. Either way, Jack always had a flair for the theatrical. Maybe Amy was in on this too. The note is too ridiculous, right?
I step back into the hallway, expecting him to jump out from some hiding place or to hear footsteps, but the apartment remains eerily quiet. My heart starts to pound in my chest, faster than before. The uneasy feeling that had twisted in my gut earlier began to return.
“Jack?” I call out again, trying to sound more confident. “Come on, you’ve had your fun. Where are you?”
Still nothing.
I race downstairs, my heels clattering against the steps as I reach for my purse. My fingers fumble inside until I find my phone. Quickly, i swipe to Jack’s contact and press call, my pulse thumping louder in my ears.
The phone rings once, followed by the automated voice: “The number you have dialed is no longer in service.”
The words hit me like a punch to the stomach. I blink, staring at my phone screen, trying to process what I had just heard. “I must have dialed wrong.” I tell myself. I hit the call button again, more urgently this time.
“The number you have dialed is no longer in service.”
My heart sinks. I stand there, frozen, as the truth starts to creep in slowly. Jack wasn’t hiding. This wasn’t a joke. The note, the empty closet, the missing suitcase, it was all real.
I drop my phone into my purse, suddenly feeling dizzy. My legs tremble beneath me as I stumbled toward the couch and collapse into the cushions. I stare at the living room in front of me, at the photos on the wall, the small mementos from our life together.
He was gone.
Two years later.RACHAEL."Ms Rachael, all the meetings have been pushed to Monday," my secretary says with a warm smile. "You can go enjoy your wedding weekend."I exhale deeply, letting out a relieved laugh. "Thank you, Claire. You'll be there, right?" I ask, squinting playfully."Of course! Wouldn’t miss it for the world, “she replies before closing the door behind her.I had reopened my marketing firm and focused on luxury brands. It had been a dream of mine ever since I worked for Mrs Raymond all those years ago. One year in and we had acquired clients all over the country. Jake had been my rock through it all.I lean back in my chair, tapping my feet excitedly on the floor. "I’m getting married," I whisper to myself, a grin spreading across my face.After organizing my desk and shutting down my laptop, I grab my bag and wave goodbye to my team."See you all on Monday!" I call out, heading toward the exit.Waiting for me outside is a familiar, handsome face I hadn’t seen in a few
JAKE’S POVThe day of our trip is finally here. I stop by Rachael’s mom’s house to pick them up. Dean is practically bouncing with excitement, unable to contain his joy about flying on a plane again.Rachael’s mom walks us out to the car, her eyes glistening with tears as she hugs Rachael and Dean tightly.“I’m going to miss you two so much,” she says, her voice trembling.“Mom, we’re not going away forever,” Rachael reassures her, squeezing her in return.Her mom crouches down to Dean’s level and wraps him in another warm hug.“Grandma’s going to miss you the most,” she whispers to him before planting a gentle kiss on his forehead.She then turns to me, her expression soft but serious, and pulls me aside. “Take care of them, will you?” she orders, hugging me.“I promise,” I reply, bending down to return the hug.She leans in closer and whispers something into my ear. Whatever she says makes Rachael look at us with suspicion from where she is standing. I just smile and ignore her cur
RACHAEL’S POV“That was a nice surprise,” Jake mutters, his voice breathless as he leans back against the couch.I chuckle, nodding. “You are welcome.”We both glance around the living room and burst into laughter. The place is an absolute mess—pillows on the floor, a lamp knocked over, and even a picture frame tilted on the wall. This isn’t me at all. Jake was bringing out a side of me I didn’t even know existed. It was wild, exciting, and so out of character, but I loved it.“There’s food in the kitchen if you’re hungry,” he says, brushing my shoulder lightly.“I’m good. I had dinner at my mom’s before I came,” I reply, tilting my head to look at him. “But I’ll take some water.”Jake stands and heads to the fridge. My eyes follow him, lingering on his waistline and the defined muscles of his back. A small smile plays on my lips as I lean back into the couch.He comes back with a glass of water and hands it to me.“Not that I’m complaining, Rachael, but how did you know where to find
JAKE’S POVI couldn’t wipe the grin off my face as I drove to the penthouse. The last 24 hours had been the best of my life. Having Rachael in my arms all night felt like a dream. Watching her sleep was a moment I would replay in my mind forever.It had cost us so much to get here, but we finally made it. I wasn’t about to waste any more time.Before I even pull into the basement, I grab my phone, call my attorney and financial manager, and instruct them to meet me at the penthouse as soon as possible. There is much to plan—starting with selling the house in Oakwood. I didn’t want to keep any ties to that place. It is a crime scene, but It is Oakwood—someone will still buy it without a second thought.Next, I need to file for the divorce and get the process moving for our clean slate. And then, the most important job is finding a home for us. Somewhere, we could truly start over in peace.But I already had a plan for that. It was going to be a surprise for her.By the time I get to the
RACHAEL’S POVFor the first time in weeks, I slept through the night without tossing and turning. Jake and I spent the entire night cuddling, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this... peaceful.I’d called my mom to let her know I wasn’t going, and she agreed to put Dean to bed, though I suspected she knew there was more to the story.I turn to watch Jake as he sleeps. He looks so handsome and peaceful.“Stop staring, Rachael,” he murmurs, a lazy smile spreading across his lips.I laugh softly, surprised he’s awake. “I thought you were asleep.”His eyes flutter open, locking with mine. For a moment, we just gaze at each other, no words needed. Then I sit up and reach for his shirt, slipping it on as I climb out of bed.“Where are you going?” he asks, his voice husky from sleep.I laugh, shaking my head at his question. “You’re aware we have a child, right?” I tease.Jake sits up, his messy hair only making him look more irresistible. “And?” he counters with a playful smirk.
JAKE’S POVAfter giving me the best blowjob of my life, Rachael suddenly pulls away and stands up slowly. Without hesitation, I grab her waist and lift her effortlessly. Her legs wrap around me as if they belong there. I carry her to the wall and pin her gently but firmly. My mouth crashes into hers and I kiss her with a passion I didn’t know I had in me. Her hands dig into my back, pulling me closer, and I feel her nails bite into my skin—a sweet pain that only fuels my desire.I adjust her slightly, aligning us perfectly, and in one fluid motion, I enter her. A soft groan escapes me as her warmth surrounds me. She arches her back to me, her pleasure matching mine. One of my hands supports her while the other moves to her back, keeping her steady as I begin to move my hips in slow, deliberate circles.Her head falls back, and I lean down, my lips finding her chest. My teeth graze her nipple, biting it gently just enough to draw a gasp from her. The sound of her pleasure pushes me fur
RACHAEL’S POV“I love you, Rachael,” Jake repeats it, his voice gentle and softer this time, as if to ensure the words truly reach me. My breathing slows and the words sink into me like a wave washing over the shore.I never thought I’d ever hear those words from him. Jake, who carried himself with such control and restraint. But now, those walls he had worked so hard to put up were gone, leaving only vulnerability in his eyes.“I’ve loved you since the day I met you in that club,” he whispers leaning in closer leaving no space between us. My body starts to tremble, every nerve alive with the intensity of the moment. My lips part slightly, the words forming before I can stop them.“I love you too, J—”Before I finish the sentence, his mouth finds mine, cutting off my words with a kiss that steals my breath. The kiss is filled with passion, longing, and something deeper which makes my head spin.I stretch my hands and wrap them around his neck, pulling him closer. My fingers tangle in
JAKE’S POV.Rachael rubs her eyes for what feels like the hundredth time."J..ake?" she slurs drunkenly.I start moving closer, and her legs give out again, and she collapses. I catch her before she hits the ground, and her body limps in my arms.“Rachael,” I call, though I know she can’t hear me.I carry her to the car I’d driven to the beach, her weight almost nothing in my arms. Her face is flushed and I can smell the whiskey on her breath.I drive her to the small apartment I’ve been laying low these past few days. I carry her out of the car, careful not to jostle her too much, and gently place her on the bed.I sit beside her and stare at her chest rise and fall steadily. She looks like she has been crying for days and I know I have something to do with that.Suddenly, she stirs, and her eyelids flutter open. She sits up abruptly, her eyes darting around the unfamiliar room.“Where am I?” she asks, her voice hoarse and disoriented.I reach out and gently tap her shoulder. Her wid
RACHAEL’S POVOn my way out of the hospital, I feel a light tap on my back. I turn around, and my breath catches. A face I hadn’t seen in years stares back at me.“Amy?” I call out, leaning in for a hug before she can say anything. She hugs me back, though stiffly. I feel the awkwardness and pull away. She looks at me like she’s seen a ghost.Her eyes roam from my head to my toes, and I stand there, waiting for her to say something.“What are you doing here?” she asks finally, her brows furrowed in confusion.“I... I had come to—” I falter, unable to bring myself to say the words out loud.Instead, I change the subject quickly. “You? How have you been? It’s been ages since we talked.”Her face tightens, and I can tell she doesn’t want small talk.“Rachael, you disappeared on me without a word. Let’s skip the pretense.” She replies, her tone cold and distant.Before I say anything else, I see Ethan approaching from behind her, and with him is a little girl, probably around Dean’s age.
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