She just laughs—fucking laughs, as if she hadn’t just done that on purpose. “Oh, come on, Jase. We’ve kissed plenty of times before.”
“You know I’m with someone else now. Why would you do that?” I hiss, keeping my voice low so Jake won’t hear, but sharp enough to reveal the anger simmering underneath.
“Would you just relax? It was just a little thank you kiss, that’s all.” she says, her tone light and way too casual, only fuelling my anger. “Anyway, give Jake a kiss for me.” She flashes me one last smirk, before giving a little wave to someone behind me. When I turn to see who it is, my stomach drops.
Mila is parked across the street, still in the driver’s seat, her expression shadowed with something that looks a lot like hurt.Fuck!I call out and rush towards her, but I’m too late—she takes off, tyres screeching slightly as she drives away without so much as a glance back.
“If she can’t handle a little healthy competition, then is she even the woman for you?”
Elena’s voice rings out from where she now stands beside the passenger door of the Uber. My jaw tightens so hard it feels like it might shatter.
As I storm towards her, Jake suddenly pokes his head out the front door, messy hair and all. “Hey, Dad,” he yells out. “Can you make me eggs? I’m hungry.” I clamp my jaw tight, holding back a scream that threatens to escape.
Elena seizes the moment to escape my fury, slipping into the Uber and peeling out of the driveway. I watch her go with my jaw tight and fists clenched at my sides. I’ll deal with her later.
Once she’s out of sight, I head back inside, pulling out my phone to call Mila. But she doesn’t answer. Not the first time. Not the second. All seven of my calls go straight to her voicemail. I start to panic, praying she made it home safely.
Determined to make things right, I call my dad and ask if he can watch Jake for a little while. He doesn’t press for more details, just tells me to bring him over.
Twenty minutes later, I’ve dropped Jake off at Dad’s and I’m back on the road, heading straight to Mila’s apartment. When I arrive, I instantly notice her car missing from its usual spot, but I go up anyway, just in case. I knock. No answer. The silenceconfirms what I already suspect—she’s not home. She’s probably at Sofia’s by now, venting about what a complete arsehole I am.
I pull out my phone and send her a text, hoping to try my luck one last time.
Me:Mila, I’m outside your place. Can we please talk? If now’s not the right time, I’ll come back whenever you’re ready. Just… please don’t shut me out.
Knowing she’s not going to respond anytime soon, I slip my phone back into my pocket and head towards the car, bracing myself for the long, agonising drive back home.
CHAPTER 37
Jason
My pulse quickens and sweat gathers in my palm as I reach out to knock on Mila’s door. I’ve never felt this nervous and scared before—not even when Bryan, my private investigator, showed up at my doorstep with proof of my Elena’s affair tucked inside a plain A4 envelope. I’m that fucking anxious.
I drove straight to my dad’s house after leaving Mila’s apartment this morning, not wanting to be alone with my thoughts running wild. That was six hours ago—six hours of silence from Mila, each one stretching my anxiety tighter. Then, finally, her text message came: three simple words—I’m ready now.I didn’t hesitate. I told my dad and Jake I’d be back, then left faster than the speed of light.
Now I’m back for the second time today, ready to drop to my knees and beg Mila to forgive me. The kiss she saw wasn’t my fault, but itwasmy fault for trusting that Elena wouldn’t stoop that low as to throw me under the bus like that. Deep down, I always knew she was up to something. I just never imagined she’d be this vindictive and cruel. It felt like she’d been waiting for the perfect moment to sabotage, maybe even destroy, my relationship. And I’m terrified she’s succeeded this time.
I hear the sharp click of the lock, and the door creaks open slowly. Mila stands there in an oversized hoodie and leggings, her hair swept into a messy bun. She’s still breathtaking, even if her eyes, red and glazed, tell a different story. I can tell she’s been crying. And that fucking crushes me. I never wanted tobe the reason for her tears. I wanted to be the one to wipe them away. But seeing her now, I know I already failed her. I’ve broken my promise never to hurt her.
“Hey,” I say softly, as she offers me a sad, fragile smile.
“Hi, come in.” She steps aside to let me in, then gently closes the door behind us. We linger by the entrance, just staring at each other. I search her face, trying to read something—anything—that might tell me she’s angry or hurt. But all she gives me is a soft, unreadable expression, and it leaves me more uncertain than ever.
“Thanks for seeing me. I’ve been worried about you all day,” I say nervously. She reaches for my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “I’m fine now.” She exhales heavily. “Come on, let’s sit down.”
I give her a small nod, and she keeps hold of my hand as she leads us to the couch.
We walk in silence, but my heart pounds loudly with every step, a knot of unease tightening in my stomach.Why does it feel like I’m about to have my heart torn out?
“Would you like something to drink?”
I shake my head, offering a faint smile as I sink onto the couch. “I’m okay, thank you.” I’m not sure I could keep anything down right now. Not with my nerves all tangled in knots.
Mila draws in a sharp breath before settling into the spot beside me. She angles herself, facing me, but her gaze stays fixed on her hands, which fidget anxiously in her lap, fingers sliding over each other in restless motion.
I watch her in silence, waiting patiently for her to speak. But as the minutes stretch on and she remains quiet, the tension between us only thickens. Finally, unable to take it anymore, I break the silence first.
“Mila, I want to start by saying how deeply sorry I am. I’m sorry for how much it must’ve hurt to see what you did thismorning. But before you say anything, please… I need to explain what really happened—”
