All Chapters of UNWANTED BRIDE : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Lila. The plane had been in the air for maybe an hour. It was quiet now dimmed lights, soft hum of the engine, and rows of passengers either asleep or pretending to be.I wasn’t either. I couldn't sleep, I tried severally but how I could I really when I had so much on my mind. I was sitting with my arms crossed tight, jacket pulled over me like it could hold me together. My thoughts spun in every direction my son, the hospital, the sterile white room I knew I would be walking into soon. But Jake... Jake wouldn’t leave my mind no matter how hard I tried to shelve him or distract myself from thinking about him. The flight attendant had said it was okay to use phones in airplane mode now. I hesitated. I didn’t want to open it. I did want to open it. My fingers moved on their own.When my lock screen lit up, I saw it: JakeMy heart jumped into my throat as the notifications popped up. I opened the message, hands shaking again, breath caught between hope and fear."You didn’t mess a

JakeToday felt like it had been productive despite of the rocky start I had with Lila right before the party. But it was time for me to get out and fly back home, she was all I could think about and I needed to be there for her. She acted all strong, but over the past week I got to know her a little and I know she is all soft on the inside she just puts up a wall to act strong. Probably because she was the only parent present. I never really understood people who chose to have kids and then abandon them or leave all the burden to the other parent. The music had started to fade into background noise, just a gentle hum against the echo of my heartbeat. I had already said my goodbyes, shaken the hands, smiled the smiles. The jet was waiting. My bag was packed. Lila had sent a photo of Kyle asleep, one small arm flung across the stuffed bear I got him from that road trip to Asheville. My place wasn’t here anymore. It was with them. I was almost at the front doors when I heard her vo

JakeI couldn't believe this, a part of it felt like I was dreaming, but all this was very real. A few minutes ago I was face to face with the woman that abandoned me twenty five years ago. I immediately tapped my driver, there was no way I was going back to New York tonight. I had unfinished business here and I also wanted to see her again. Atleast I thought I did, I had so many questions I needed her to answer, I needed closure and if I left for New York I was not sure I would get the chance again. Lila would understand. I thought to myself. I was halfway to the airport when I told the driver to turn around. “Take me to Vortex,” I said, my voice sharper than I meant it to be. Vortex was one of the most famous and high end luxurious club in Miami, and tonight I wanted to be wasted. He glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Sir, are you sure? Your flight is” he stopped immediately he saw my face “I said take me to the club.” I said, my voice cold now. The man didn’t

Jake I don't know how long I had stayed up, I also had no idea how I ended up falling asleep but it was one of the best sleep I had in a while. I slept through the night probably because I was drunk, but I was not complaining. The sunlight stabbed through the cracks in the blackout curtains like it was personally offended by me. I groaned, dragging the comforter over my head, but it was no use. My mouth was dry, my head pounding like there was a construction crew jackhammering inside my skull.I sat up slowly, the sheets tangled around my waist. My clothes were scattered on the floor. Her perfume still lingered in the room sweet, expensive, and far too strong for this early. I rubbed my eyes, trying to blink the fog out of my vision.The girl I still didn’t know her name was asleep peacefully beside me, her back turned, one leg hooked lazily around a pillow. Her hair spilled across the pillowcase like something out of a commercial. She looked peaceful. I hated her for it, just a

JakeThe apartment was small, neat, and smelled faintly like chamomile tea and medication. There was a knit blanket folded perfectly on the couch, some paperbacks on the table, and a vase of slightly wilted flowers near the window. It felt… lived in. Quiet. Like she was trying to build a little peace in a life that hadn’t known much.I stood awkwardly in the middle of the room while she shut the door behind me.“You want some tea?” she asked. Her voice was soft. Hesitant.“No. Thanks.” I rubbed the back of my neck, unsure where to look. “I won’t stay long.”She nodded and moved slowly to the armchair by the window. I noticed how careful her steps were, like her body wasn’t entirely hers anymore. She sat down, motioned for me to take the couch, and folded her hands in her lap.There was a silence that stretched too long between us. I couldn’t believe I was here. Sitting in her home. After everything.“You look like your father,” she finally said.“Don’t.” I said almost too harshly, but