Chapter 7

After I ditched Jacob, I landed in a small town in Florenze.

Finding work was easy—I'd hustled through way worse before. With my savings, I snagged a small house. Nothing fancy, but it was mine.

Life slowed way down. Just me, the bakery, and home. The neighbors were sweet, always saying hi.

Well, everyone except my boss—Noah Carter. He never even said good morning.

I used to think he just didn't like me, but at work, he always had my back. If a customer got outta line, he'd rather lose the sale than let them treat me like crap.

One time after that happened, I shot him a grateful look. "Mr. Carter, let me buy you dinner. Consider it payback for the cash you lost."

He nodded without looking up, but I swear his ears turned a little red.

That night, I blew nearly half a month's paycheck booking the nicest spot in town.

Sitting across from him, I realized Noah wasn't cold—he was actually hilarious. Had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt.

I hadn't laughed like that in forever. With Jacob, it was all stress—savings, debt, waiting for some collector to pop out of nowhere.

We must've lost track of time, because the waiter had to remind us they were closing. I jumped up to pay, but Noah beat me to it.

I slapped my hand over his. "Mr. Carter, we said this one's on me."

He smiled. "I had a great time. Let me."

After he paid, I realized my hand was still on his.

Our eyes locked. Something shifted. He pulled away first.

"Come on. I'll drive you home."

We talked the whole ride back, but I couldn't shake that moment in the restaurant. My chest felt warm, kinda electric.

When we pulled up, I opened the door—then Noah grabbed my hand.

"Goodnight, Zoe."

I was about to say something when someone yanked me out of the car.

"Zoe, who the hell is he?!"

Jacob.

I never thought I'd see him like this—eyes bloodshot, dark circles, looking like he hadn't slept in days.

I yanked my hand back, face like stone. "What's it got to do with you?"

Jacob froze—he'd never seen me like this.

"What do you mean? I'm your husband... the father of your child!" His voice cracked.

My eyes burned, but I didn't flinch. "Husband? We never got married LEGALLY. And the baby? That baby's GONE."

His whole body stiffened. His eyes dropped to my stomach. "You aborted our baby? Zoe, how could you be so heartless?!"

I raised my hand.

Smack.

Jacob grabbed his cheek, totally thrown.

My eyes burned. "That baby died because of you. Or did you forget shoving me to the ground for Lillian that night?"

His face went pale—like the truth finally hit him. He must've clung to some hope, thinking that shove didn't really end it.

"Zoe... please. I didn't know. If I'd known you were pregnant, I swear I wouldn't have—" His voice cracked. "I know it's too late, but... maybe we could still have another baby."

I scoffed. "How many times are you gonna say that, Jacob?"

He just stood there—blank, lost.

"The first baby was gone, and you said that. Then the second... and you said it again. But you know what?" My voice cracked. "After the first miscarriage, my body was wrecked. That second baby was a miracle."

I swallowed hard. "And you destroyed that one too.

"There's no next baby, Jacob. And no future for us."

I turned to go inside.

He grabbed my hand, eyes wild with panic.

"No. I'm not letting go. You're coming back with me—I'll do better, I swear."

His grip was brutal. I yelped.

"Let go!" I fought him off, but he wouldn't move.

That's when Noah lost it. He jumped out of the car and socked Jacob straight in the jaw.

"You jerk! Ever heard of respecting women?!"

Jacob, fueled by rage, swung back. "Who even are you?! This has nothing to do with you!"

They went at it. I tried to step in, but Jacob shoved me—hard. I hit the pavement.

"Zoe!"

"Zoe!"

They both rushed over, but Noah got to me first, pulling me close.

His jaw was clenched. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

I gave a weak shake of my head, then stared Jacob down. He looked wrecked.

"Leave. I don't want to see you again. And yeah—Noah's my boyfriend. He's got every right to protect me."

Jacob blinked like I'd slapped him. "No way. You've only been gone two weeks! How the hell do you already have a boyfriend?!"

I didn't answer. Just linked arms with Noah and headed inside.

Jacob tried to follow, but the door slammed in his face.

Through the window, I saw him collapse on the steps, staring blankly at the glass.

I turned to Noah. "Can you do me a favor?"

He looked thrown off but nodded.

I rose up on my toes, arms around his neck, pulling him close.

Jacob's shout exploded from outside. I ignored it and rested my head against Noah's.

Only after Jacob stormed off did I let go.

We hadn't even kissed, but Noah's face was lit up red.

I panicked. "Sorry, I—"

He cut me off with a kiss. Deep, sure.

When he pulled back, his voice was low.

"You said I was your boyfriend. I'm not letting that slide."