Jake's POVDamn! We just landed and then my stomach started to act up. It must have been due to the prolonged alcohol abuse. I never had a high alcohol tolerance. Neither did I have any tolerance for substance abuse. But it had become my norm for quite some time. " We will do a quick check up and then reach the spot. You guys go ahead. There is a descent hospital on our way. Might as well stop and get Jake checked. "I heard my manager tell the rest of the team and crew as we changed our course ahead of the next bifurcation. I sat with my hands under my stomach, couched. " Jake, are you alright? ”My manager rubbed my back as I squirmed my face in pain. " I'm fine. Don't worry. I think I just need some pills... ”He frowned before settling back in his seat and I didn't have the energy to clarify what I mean. The car turned right after entering through the main gate. As we were headed towards the parking lot my manager suggested that the two of us got off at the emergency entranc
Lea's POVI rolled down the window looking out from the car as we drove back home. There was a traffic diversion up ahead so we had to take another route. The road was marked with colourful decorations and lighting which I was sure would look wonderful in the evening. The sign boards pointed towards the university up ahead. As we crossed, my eyes took in its magnificent beauty. The campus looked huge even from the outside. I had no idea that the area boasted such a grand facility. " You want to take a look in. The event is free for all. The entire town is invited. I took the day off. I can bring you here in the evening if you want. "The difference between Jake and Phill was that Phill noticed minute details. He observed me while saying nothing. He would say the exact thing that my heart craved yet my lips hesitated to say, making things easier on several occasions. While Jake was the opposite. He never understood any underlying meaning. He was impulsive but passionate. He didn'
Lea's POVThe campus was over crowded. I regretted my decision to come as soon as we set foot on the ground. There was a huge crowd surging all around. " Come on, Lea. Let's get in from the back. ”Phill grabbed my hand as he took me through the side entrance and eventually we got in from a vip entrance. I didn't know people knew Phill out of hospitals but they apparently did. One of the managers came out himself and greeted him as they led us in. The place was too loud. The bass of the music shook the foundation of the building. We were shown inside a waiting place that opened into a balcony. From there we could directly look at the stage. The wave of the crowd surrounded the stage as the beam lights danced along with the neon ones. And then the crowd erupted into loud cheers and roared as the first band took the stage. The lead singer took the microphone in his hand walking forward with swag and style as the other members checked their own mics and instruments. " My hearti
Jake's POVAs the guitarist hit the cord and I grabbed the mic to hum the note, my eyes closed automatically. The sea of people in front of me vanished. I was back on top of the mountains. Lea was right in front of me where I could touch her. She smiled as she heard me hum and I loved to see that I made her smile like that. And it went like -"In the echo of our whispers, I hear eternity's call,But the tears in your eyes paint a different wall.Promises of forever, now shattered like glass,Our love's flame flickers, fading into the past.(Chorus)Forever together, yet forever apart,Two souls entwined, but torn at the heart.In the silence we linger, in love's bitter embrace,Forever together, yet forever apart. "I tried to keep my voice steady because of the sheer emotions that the song was bringing back, shook me so much from within that my voice was about to crack. I had to go back and schedule surgery as soon as was possible. Perhaps it was evening, perhaps it was the air,
Jake's POVI was headed towards my car when I stepped over something. I don't know why but I bent down to pick it up. I don't know whether it was good or bad luck. I don't know whether I should have picked it or not. It was a ear ring. Not anyother ear rings. It was Lea's ear ring. I knew because I had made it with my own hands when I worked at the silverware factory. Her intitials were hand graved inside. The shape was tattered and ugly, yet she wore it everywhere... even to weddings. And I found one piece under my foot after thinking that I saw her not once but twice in a the same day. There was only so much of a coincidence in the world. This was confirmation that Lea was there. My mind wasn't playing tricks anymore. She was there watching me sing the song once more. Why? Why didn't see come to see me? Why did she watch from far? One of the body guards literally shoved me in the car as the crowd surged even more. My car drove past the university towards my hotel, our
Lea's POVI will be absolutely honest when I say that Phill supported me unconditionally. He had not for once, asked why I didn't want Jake to know about the baby. He didn't ask what our relationship was or anything related to it. He simply trusted me and let me make my own decisions. But I think I had pushed his limits that night. I cannot deny that I was behaving like manic after losing that ear ring. The ear ring was definitely important but that was not the only matter. Seeing Jake after such a long time and not being able to touch him had the exact same effect on me as that of a thirsty person in the middle of the desert, deceived by a mirage. Desperation was mingling with my pregnancy hormones and forcing me to throw a fit in the middle of the road, in the middle of nowhere. " Lea!!! Get a hold on yourself! "Phill literally grabbed both my hands in his and shook me violently. " I thought you cared about your baby! ”His voice was clearly rhetorical. "I don't know what hap
Lea's POV Phill was right. Jake needed to know about the child but deep down I knew exactly what he would be doing. I knew the exact challenge that he was facing. I didn't tell Phill what Rosa had shared when she visited. Jake's agency had already given him the choice - relationship, scandals or a high flying career that had already taken off. I had seen Jake's hesitation when he had received the call from his manager. I didn't want to pester him and he had decided to not talk about it at all. I wanted Jake to know about the child. Of course I did. Why the hell would I not? But I didn't want him to regret the child later on in his life. I want Jake to know about him when he is ready. I told myself that I would raise the child well. I told myself that I was strong enough. I told myself that I was only giving ourselves some time. I was giving Jake the time to concentrate and focus on himself. Even though I had explicitly written in the letter that I left
" We can shift him to another room if you have a problem Miss. Rodgers! ” " Oh,No... no no! I didn't know you were moving him beside me. I am absolutely thrilled... I mean I have no problem. Please make him comfortable. ” Mercy jumped up on her bed cutting the nurse off before she could change her mind. " Ok! Great. We will help Jake settle down. He was having trouble sleeping alone. There isn't a single room available with a spare bed. I was meaning to ask you if he could stay the night but you were sleeping, so we decided to erect the partition and let him... "" It's alright. You did the right thing. " Mercy cut her short once more. She was elated at finding none other than the rising superstar Jake beside her side. She was already wrapping up a shoot for her debut musical when her stomach ache landed her in the hospital.She was about to be discharged tomorrow morning after some medication and rest. Jake was her latest role model. She loved his voice, his style, his charismat
A month after Lea's death - Jake stood in front of Lea's grave, holding onto the bouquet that he had brought. He had her favourite box of chocolate, custom made by the old baker lady back in their home town. He brought her flowers everyday after seeing Kai off at his daycare. He spent the rest of his day talking to her before going back to picking Kai up again. He brought her all the things he had promised to get her one day when they were little. He was trying to give her everything he always wanted to give her but never really could. Today was no different. As if Lea's death wasn't enough of a blow, after the postmortem Jake was told that Lea was pregnant with their second child. It didn't make things any easier only driving another dagger through Jake's heart. Perhaps it was just because Kai existed that he could move forward.He didn't want to but he had to for the sake of the little guy. With Lea gone, there was no meaning left in this world. All colours were gone. It was o
" NOOOOOO! " Jake flung himself forward trying to put himself between Lea and the bullet but it was too late. The bullet hit her right on point blank. She fell right in front of his eyes,blood gushing out like a crimson fountain. " LEAAAAAA!!! "Jake's voice broke with the sheer intensity of his scream as he ripped his white shirt and pressed it over her forehead. " CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE! NOW!!! " He barked, desperately clinging onto Lea's body as Kai grabbed his shoulder and began to whimper. " It's alright, baby. Don't worry. Mommy will be fine. " Jake could barely hold onto his child as his hands started to tremble. Mercy fell down on her knees, probably the only one whose rationale was still working. She closed Lea's lifeless eyes as her body whacked with tremors as she cried.Lea was no more. It was instant death. " Mercy! What are you doing? " Jake shoved her hand away from Lea's body. " Somebody please call an ambulance! " He kept screaming as Kai's cries reached the breaking po
Lea's POV I stood in front of the grand mirror.Today, I would marry Jake, the love of my life, and the father of my Kai. Our journey had been anything but normal but it had brought us to this breathtaking moment. My dress was a masterpiece, a custom creation by one of the most renowned designers in the town. The silk fabric clung to my figure, adorned with intricate lace and delicate pearls that sparkled as I moved. The train flowed behind me like a river and the veil was draped over my shoulders, waiting to be lifted.I felt goosebumps at the thought. "Lea, you look like an absolute dream," Lisa said, fussing with the final touches on my veil. She stepped back, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Mr.Rodger is not going to know what hit him." I laughed, trying to steady my breathing. "You think?" "I know," she replied, giving me a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder."Wow, Lea. You're stunning. Seriously, Jake's going to lose it when he sees you."The door opened and my maid of h
Suddenly Jake leaped off the bed, crossing over Lea as he did. He went for the cupboards, yanking them open, rummaging through the drawer as he did. Lea raised herself up on one elbow, watching him closely. " Jake, what's going on? " She asked with one brow raised. " I swear it has to be somewhere in here. I left it just as it was. " Jake kept searching not looking back at her. Lea signed as she got up from the bed, still very naked and walked right over. " If you tell me what you are looking for, maybe I can help. Is it your wallet? " Jake yanked another section of the cupboard open and Lea stopped at the sight of all the neatly arranged laundry. It was her side of the cupboard. Absolutely mess-free and tidy, just like she had left it years ago. She left Jake as he went through the night stand , touching the fabrics and checking if they were still in the same sequence like she left them. " They are untouched. Why didn't you move them? " Lea's voice was barely above a whisper
Lea's POV His kiss soothed me a little. Those things had been bottled up inside and it was high time I let it escape. Tears streamed down my face as memories I had tried so hard to suppress resurfaced. I couldn't hold back the sobs that wracked my body. Jake's presence beside me was both comforting and agonizing."Lea," he begged, his voice trembling slightly, "talk to me." I shook my head, unable to find the words to express the turmoil inside me. Instead, I let out a choked sob, burying my face in my hands. Jake's arms wrapped around me, pulling me close. His embrace was warm and strong."I'm here," he murmured, his lips brushing against my hair."I'm not going anywhere." His words broke something inside me. I clung to him, my fingers digging into his shirt as if he were the only thing keeping me from falling apart. His scent filled me with comfort as I burried my nose over his neck while he nibbled at mine. His lips slowly found it's way back to mine. But before he could kiss
Jake's POV " Yes, we are coming right now. Yes please. Keep the keys ready. " I called the old watchman because it had been ages since I last went there. Lea hadn't spoken for the rest of the drive and I knew for certain there was something cooking in her little head. I wasn't complaining. She had been through a lot and I was happy to be of any serve to her, any use... anything to make my Lea happy again. Make her smile and dance like when she was a little girl. My crazy, sweet, innocent Lea. She had been leaning on the seat but as soon as we entered the driveway towards the apartment she sat up, rolled down the window and stretched her neck out. " Lea, careful... " I tried to pull her back but she opened the car door before I could pull up and made a run for it. I tossed the keys to the valley with much frustration and ran after her. " Lea, wait" She topped right in front of the elevator and turned around. I was running so fast, I almost banged into her. She pulled my hand int
Jake's POV " Of course you get that job, whether you like it or not. " I wasn't even lying. Who better than Phil to look after my little one. I knew he would always have his back, no matter what. Phill chuckled before turning around. " By the way, did you sign the papers before coming inside? " He asked me and it took me off guard. " Papers? What papers? " " Discharge papers. Didn't they tell you before you entered? " He made a disappointed face and looked out of the door even though he could see no one. " These incompetent workers. They can't get one thing... " " Discharge papers? Who is getting discharged? I thought you needed around a week to recover. " Lea interrupted looking straight at Phill. " I am not getting discharged. You are! " Phill pointed at Lea but she stood up. " Me? Oh, alright. Makes sense. " Phill turned his gaze back to me and said, " Get the paper works done and take her home. I think I need to get some sleep... " " Take who home? " Lea stood face t
Phill's POV I had to do it. I knew how much I was going to suffer after that kiss ended. I didn't want it to end. I didn't want to let go of her hand. I didn't want to see her with anyone else, even if it was my own brother. I knew I was finally letting the dam break. I had been holding back way too long I couldn't do it anymore. I had to let her know. The moment her taste touched me, I lost track of everything. I lost control of myself. I lost my sense of the place. I kissed her and she let me and I was grateful for that. I was half expecting her to shove me back but she didn't. She held me, held my hand as I took from her what I needed. My life force. She was like an EpiPen bringing me back to life. " Phill... " She finally mumbled against my lips, her hands on my chest, gently holding them but not pushing. It took way too much of my energy to stop and finally look up at her face. I couldn't read her expression. Was it shock, fear, disgust, sympathy.... I could not understan
Lea's POV " Kai... " The moment my eyes opened I threw my hands in all directions, trying to get up and look for Kai. But i didn't have to look much further. He was right across and I could see him in the other room. My baby was latched to the beeping machines with pipes and wires and what not. And right beside him was Phill. He sat at his head side, his hand gently gliding up and down through his hair. Phill turned towards me with a smile when he realised I was up. My head was still groggy because of the sedative the nurse had injected me with but I was feeling all better and alright. " Lea, you are up! Are you feeling alright? "He asked me with that infectious smile. I should have been the one to ask him that question. He was the one with a wound. He had just saved my child's life all over again, perhaps for the zillionth time. " I am fine. How are you feeling? How is Kai holding up?" I walked towards where he was. He was in a wheelchair, I noticed when I went near. He