Semua Bab The Betrayed Heiress: Chasing Her Back: Bab 171 - Bab 180

They settled into their seats, Sara still clinging to my hand like I might disappear if she let go. Michael sat close on my other side, and Jaime gave us space, retreating to the opposite side of the table."Tell me everything," I said, trying to keep my voice light despite the turmoil inside me. "What have you two been up to?"Sara launched into an enthusiastic recounting of school, her new teacher, her best friend Emma. But as I listened, something began to shift in my chest."And I got a gold star for my drawing, but there was no one to put it on the fridge because Daddy's always working and Aunt Laura doesn't care about stuff like that," Sara said. "I wish you were there. You always made such a big deal about my drawings."Micheal bobbed his head in excitement. “And remember how you used to pack our lunches with the little notes?" H added. "The cafeteria lunches are gross and Aunt Laura just gives us money. It's not the same.""And bedtime stories!" Sara chimed in. "Aunt Laura do

I stood on the doorstep of what used to be my home, my finger hovering over the doorbell. My heart hammered against my ribs, and for a moment, I considered turning around and leaving. But I promised myself I needed to do this for closure, if nothing else. I pressed the button and heard the chime echo inside.Footsteps approached, and then the door swung open. Jaime stood there, his eyebrows shooting up to his forehead as he smiled. "Alessandra. I wasn't expecting you.""Can I see the kids?" I smiled back but it was forced. "Just for a few minutes."He hesitated, then nodded and stepped back. "They're in the playroom. They'll be thrilled to see you."I walked past him, trying not to notice how familiar everything still felt."Sara! Michael! You have a visitor!" Jaime called up the stairs.The thunder of small feet preceded Sara's appearance at the top of the staircase. Her face lit up when she saw me."Mommy!" She flew down the stairs and launched herself at me.I caught her, pullin

Laura's POVThe motel owner's fist pounded on my door again, harder this time. "Miss! I know you're in there! Open up!"I pressed my back against the door, my heart racing. This was the third time today he came demanding for payment."Please," I called through the thin wood. "Just give me two more days. I'm expecting a wire transfer any moment from now.”He paused for a moment and I almost breathed in relief when he pounded against the door again. "You said that last week!" His voice was angry now. "You're two weeks behind on rent. Either you pay today or you're out!"I closed my eyes, trying to think. My bank accounts were frozen, Jaime had made sure of that when he kicked me out. The credit cards he gave me were all canceled. I had maybe three hundred dollars left to my name, and that wasn't nearly enough to cover what I owed.The pounding stopped. For a moment, I thought he left then I heard the key turning in the lock.I stumbled back as the door swung open. The motel owner, a

ALESSA’S POV"So, pasta or stir-fry?" Jason called from the kitchen as I stood awkwardly in his living room, clutching my overnight bag."Um, pasta?" I said, though I honestly couldn't focus on food right now.All I could think about was that I was at his house. His house. Where we would be alone. All night. And something might happen.Not that I wanted something to happen. Well. I didn't not want something to happen.God, I was a mess.I had prepared, just in case. And by prepared I mean, I shaved everything, worn my nicest underwear, applied lotion until my skin was soft as silk thenn put on subtle makeup that looked like I wasn't wearing any.And now I was standing here like a nervous teenager, wondering what the hell I was thinking."Need help?" I called, desperate for something to do with my hands."Sure!" Jason appeared in the doorway, grinning. "Come keep me company."I followed him into the kitchen, setting my bag by the counter. He already started pulling out ingredients.I

ALESSA’S POVI was still holding Sara's hand, murmuring reassurances when I heard hurried footsteps in the hallway.Jason appeared in the doorway, he was slightly out of breath and his face tight with concern. When his eyes found mine, then moved to Sara, his expression softened."Hey, little one," he said gently, moving to the other side of the bed. "I heard you had a bit of a scare."Sara's swollen eyes tried to focus on him. "Who are you?” she asked weakly through the oxygen mask.“A friend,” Jason responded, his eyes flickering to me and smiling. “My name is Mr. Jason.”She slowly bobbed her head. “Mr. Jason?”"That's right," he said, his voice warm. "And you’re going to be just fine. The doctors are going to take very good care of you."My lips curled into a smile at their interaction and when he turned to him, I quickly filled him in on what had happened.After I finished explaining, I mouthed, “Is this okay?” gesturing to my presence here.Jason just smiled at me but I could te