Chapter 3

Unexpected Encounters 

Jessica's POV

The first rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains,nudging me awake.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Rolda's cheerful voice floated in,and I groaned, stretching lazily.

The room smelled faintly of coffee and the promise of a new day.

"You're dressed already? Isn't it too early?" I mumbled,squinting at her.

"It's past 8am," she said,smoothing the front of her blouse. "I have to be at work by 8:30." She added casually 

I let out a tired laugh,swinging my legs over the bed. "I haven't had a peaceful sleep in years. I forgot what this feels like." I yawned tiredly.

Rolda's hand found mine,squeezing gently. "You're back,Jesse. That's what matters.  Just breathe it in." She assured me.

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. I finally returned to New York,after two years of running,hiding, and grieving, not just for my mother but for the version of myself I'd lost.

After Rolda left for work, I dressed quickly, threw my hair into a ponytail, and grabbed my bag.

I needed to see the city again,breathe its chaos and reclaim my freedom. 

The apartment felt safe, but it also felt like a cage if I stayed in it too long.

By mid-morning,I had hailed a taxi and instructed the driver, "Walmart."

The streets of New York passed in a blur. For the first time in years, I felt the simple thrill of privacy. Strangers moving around me,none knowing my past,none watching me.

I wandered through the grocery store, picking up vegetables and checking items off a mental list. 

The boring act of shopping was a luxury I had forgotten, a freedom disguised as normalcy. And then, it happened.

Someone collided into me, sending my basket tumbling to the floor. I bent down to help pick up the fallen items. Then I froze.

"Jessica?" The voice was calm, steady, familiar. My heart stuttered in my chest. I looked up and saw Gabriel. 

Jake's best friend. The one man I had always trusted in that toxic world.  He was staring  at me, eyes wide, mouth slightly open in disbelief.

"I... I didn't expect to see you here," I muttered, my voice tighter than I intended.

Gabriel's expression softened, a mixture of concern and surprise showing. "I've been looking for you... everyone has. We had no idea where you went. " He mentioned, I could see the relief all over him.

I forced a smile, stepping back, putting distance between us. "Let's not talk about that. I'm just... back in the city for a while." I replied carefully,my words not giving room to further questions.

He nodded, but the eagerness in his eyes betrayed him. "I'm glad you're okay. Truly.  I.." He was saying when I cut in.

"Gabriel,  stop," I said firmly. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm handling things myself now.  No more questions,  no more tracking me. Please. " I pleaded,my eyes locked to his with tenacity.

His shoulders relaxed a bit, and he nodded. "Of course. I understand. I just... wanted to make sure you're safe." Gabriel responded.

I gave a small,honest smile. "I am. Thank you." I assured him.

He hesitated, glancing around the store.

"I have to... I have to tell Jake you're back.  He's been searching everywhere for two years." He instantly added as though he was just meeting me.

My blood instantly ran cold. I had hoped to stay under the radar, to exist for a few days without him knowing. I couldn't help but ask. "Tell him what?" I questioned, trying to keep my voice steady.

"That you're here," Gabriel admitted, avoiding my eyes. 

"I didn't want to, but he'll find out eventually. I just... thought you should know." He reminded me.

A cold weight settled in my stomach. Two years of running,of freedom, even if fragile could vanish in an instant.

I took a deep breath, forcing calm.

"Thank you for telling me," I said evenly.  "But I'm not ready to see him. Not yet. And Gabriel.... you can't tell him anything else. I won't allow it." I threatened as though the situation was still within my power.

He studied me carefully, then gave a slow nod. "I understand, Jessica. Truly."

I forced another smile and turned away, trying to focus on the groceries in my basket. But my eyes flicked to the front of the store and froze.

A sleek black car idled just outside the automatic doors. Its engine hummed quietly,harmless but too familiar. 

My chest tightened.

I didn't need to see who was inside. I already knew it was Jake.

My pulse quickened. Fear, anger, and a spark of desire  collided in a storm within me. It was something I haven't allow myself feel in years.

I gripped my basket tighter, forcing myself to stay calm.

Gabriel must have noticed the change in me. "He hasn't seen you yet," he whispered. "You're safe for now." He said with confidence.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. I needed to move, to get out, to think. But part of me froze.

The past and present crashed in that moment, and I realized this was no longer about avoidance, I would have to face him eventually.

And when that day came, it wouldn't be on his terms.

With one last glance at Gabriel, I said gently, "I have to go."

I walked swiftly to the cashier, paid, and stepped out into the sunlight.

The city hummed around me indifferent, but I knew Jake had found me.

And nothing,not the years,the pain,freedom I had clawed back, would stop him from coming.

My chest tightened, my mind racing with plans and defenses.

I was ready.... but was I ready for him?