Chapter 5

Jess POV

As i turn in my bed i could feel jumping on the bed mommy mommy goggles kisses splash all over my face i

I opened my eyes to see Liam, his little hands patting my face. His messy curls framed his chubby cheeks, and his wide grin made my heart melt.

“Morning, sweet boy,” I whispered, pressing kisses all over his face, making him squeal with laughter. “Thank you for waking Mommy up.”

Moments like this made everything worth it.

But the peace didn’t last long.

The bedroom door creaked open, and Ava breezed in, all smiles and energy.

“Rise and shine, Jessie! It’s your big day — interview time!”

I groaned, throwing the blanket over my head.

“Don’t remind me.”

Ava yanked the blanket back.

“Oh no, you’re not hiding today. You’ve worked too damn hard for this.”

She wasn’t wrong.

Three years ago, my life took a turn I wasn’t ready for. One reckless night with a stranger left me pregnant, scared, and convinced my future was slipping away. I was alone, terrified, and barely holding on.

But I refused to let fear win.

I picked myself up, went back to school, and fought for a better life. Balancing motherhood and classes wasn’t easy, but I did it. I graduated, packed up my life, and moved to New York City with Liam and Ava to start fresh.

And now?

Today was my shot at something new.

After a quick shower, I dressed in my best outfit — a fitted black skirt and a white blouse that screamed hire me.

I kissed Liam goodbye and headed out, nerves buzzing under my skin as I arrived at Diaz Tech Enterprise. The sleek glass building towered above me, intimidating and imposing.

I stood at the entrance, took a deep breath, and walked in.

The receptionist sent me to the eighth floor, where a few other candidates were waiting. I took a seat, clutching my resume in sweaty hands.

“Jessie Moore?”

A sharp-looking woman called my name, and I stood quickly, smoothing my skirt.

The interview went well — or at least, I thought so. I managed to keep my nerves in check and answered every question with confidence.

By the time I walked out, I was relieved. I made it through.

As I scrolled through my phone, heading toward the elevator, I barely noticed my surroundings.

Until I collided with someone. Hard.

My phone slipped from my hands, clattering to the floor.

“I’m so sorry,” I started, reaching down to grab it.

Then I froze.

Gray eyes.

Familiar, piercing, unforgettable gray eyes staring right at me.

My breath caught in my throat.

No.

It couldn’t be.

But it was.

The man from that night.

He stared at me, shock and recognition flashing across his face.

Hearing him say you sent a shiver down my spine. His voice was exactly as I remembered — smooth, commanding, with an edge that sent my heart racing.

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

My mind spun with memories of that night — the heat, the passion, and the moment everything changed.

He took a step closer, his gaze locked on mine.

“It’s really you.”

Panic set in.

I couldn’t do this. Not here. Not now.

Without a word, I shoved past him, bolting for the elevator. My hands shook as I jabbed the button, willing the doors to close before he followed.

As soon as they did, I sagged against the wall, gasping for air.

What the hell just happened?

Three years.

Three years without a word from him. And now, out of nowhere, here he was.

Why now ?

The moment I stepped outside, my phone buzzed in my hand, snapping me out of my daze.

It was Ava.

“Hello?” I answered, my voice shaky.

Ava’s panicked voice hit me like a punch to the gut.

“Jessie! It’s Liam. We’re at the hospital!”

My heart stopped.

“What? What happened? Is he okay?”

Her voice cracked. “Just get here. Hurry!”

I didn’t wait for more details.

My mind went blank as I flagged down a cab.

“Bellevue Hospital,” I told the driver, my voice trembling. “Please — hurry.”

As the city blurred past the window, my hands shook, clutching my phone like it was a lifeline.

Tears stung my eyes as I whispered a silent prayer.

Please, let my baby be okay.

But through the fear, one thought lingered in my mind.

Those gray eyes.

The past I thought I’d buried was back.

And somehow, I knew this wasn’t the end