Jane's P.O.V
It's been Five years since Liam and I broke up. I started a new life since then. I moved to France, learned to be alone all over again, and learned the French language. I was able to speak and write French after a year. It was a challenge for me to pick myself up again, adapt to my new life, and overcome my depression.
But I found the greatest love.
I'm in love with someone else, ever since I set my eyes on him. He is my joy. He places the pieces of my damaged heart back together. He has always been the one to wipe away my tears ever since he came into my life. I can't even imagine my life without him. He gives me hope every day I wake up or think about him.
The day I met him was the greatest day of my entire life. He made me laugh, put the biggest smile on my face, and made me cry tears of joy. Even though he gave me many sleepless nights, I don't regret ever having him in my life. I will never trade him for anything in this world.
Ian is the best gift Liam ever gave me and I love him for that because without him I wouldn't have my bundle of joy.
Ian repaired my broken heart with just his first smile. He filled all the space in my heart. He gave me hope.
I still love Liam. I've never stopped loving him. Those two men occupied my heart. Even though one broke my heart, the other one fixed it with just a smile.
I smiled at the thought of seeing my charming knight when I got home. We celebrated his birthday yesterday, My baby is four years old now.
I left New York for France the second day I found out that I was pregnant. The only people who know about Ian being Liam's son are my family, Arie, and Aiden. They also know where I live.
Aiden and I still talk. I apologized to him and he understood. He's married now, and they had a beautiful baby girl named Courtney, a year ago. His wife is so lovely and friendly.
My mom and my sister stood by me when I was pregnant. My mom stayed with me for three weeks before I had Ian. Julie was there when I gave birth to Ian. They made sure I was not alone.
That day was a great day. I laugh anytime I remember that fruitful day. My sister recorded it all with her camera even though I told her not to. She ended up giving the camera to me.
I named my son, Ian Alexander Greenwood, for some reason I wanted him to have his father's name.
I got home and parked my car. I opened the front door only to see Sarah chasing Ian to wear his onesie. They are at it again just like every other night. I walked towards his room where he usually ran to and hid.
I laughed at Sarah when I saw her struggling to make him wear his clothes.
"Mama!" Ian said, running to me.
"Hey baby, Tu m'as manqué (I missed you). Did you miss Mommy?" I asked caressing his hair. "Yes, Sarah and I had fun today. Can you imagine she tried to get me to wear ze onesie? I'm a big boy now. Je ne peux plus porter ça (I can't wear that anymore)," He said with his French accent making me smile.
"Non, c'est pas vrai! (No kidding!) Je sais que vous etes un grand garçon maintenant (I know you're a big boy now). How about this? Wear it for the night, and Mommy promises to buy another one for you tomorrow," I said with a smile. He nodded. "Okay Mommy," He replied and walked towards Sarah.
"Now, apologize to Sarah for being difficult," I instructed him. "I'm sorry, Sawah," He said shyly, making Sarah laugh. "Aww, you're so cute. No one can stay mad at you. It's okay," She replied and put on his onesie for him.
"Hi Sarah, hope he didn't give you too much trouble today," I asked, helping her tuck Ian in. "Non, just Ian and his big boy talk," She replied with a smile. Sarah is Ian's babysitter, my friend, and she's also my neighbor.
She babysits him when I need to go out. I don't work, but I freelance sometimes. I consult for companies. I have enough funds to take care of myself and my child for the rest of our lives.
I kissed Ian on his forehead and whispered "Goodnight".
Sarah and I stepped out of his room and switched off the light. "How was your today?" She asked.
Sarah knows everything about my past.
"Not bad, just ran some errands," I said as we sat on the couch.
"I was thinking about moving back to the USA now that he is in preschool so that he can start kindergarten in New York. I know we're going back to New York one day. I want it to be now not later. I don't want it to affect him too much" I explained to her.
"Look I get it, but what if you meet his father? C'est effrayant (It's scary)," She said.
"He is not a problem. He has forgotten about me. We see him on the news with different girls. We see his face in magazines like a model these days." I replied, tiredly.
"Oh... that reminds me about ze brother, Logan, he's so dreamy, and ze sister, Liana, looks like a goddess in magazines," She gushed over Logan and Liana.
They are both models now. I didn't see it coming, especially from Liana.
"Focus Sarah focus," I said, hiding my laughter. "Oh sorry," She said shyly.
"Je me sens comme poinçonner ce crétin quand j'étends mes yeux sur lui. (I feel like punching that jerk when I lay my eyes on him)" I said getting angry. I can't believe I still love him.
"Calme facile vers le bas. (Easy, calm down)" She said while smiling.
Ian asks about his dad almost every time. I just kept on giving him excuses. I'm tired of lying to him. Liam doesn't know he exists. I'm afraid of him knowing. I know what he can do. I don't want my baby taken away from me.
I know it's selfish of me.
"When are you planning to leave?" She asked.
"Probably a month. I need to call Arie first," I replied. "Are you coming back?" She asked hopefully.
"I don't think so. Maybe just for visits," I answered her. "I'm going to miss you guys," She said, sadly. "I know we will miss you too Sarah. You have been so good to us and we appreciate it. I hope things work out with you and Tim. Make sure you invite me to your wedding," I said with a smile and she hugged me.
Arie and I call each other every time. She said she was in a serious relationship with someone but she wouldn't tell me who the person was.
I called Arie when Sarah left. I told her about my plan and she agreed to help me find a suitable apartment.
After talking to her I cleaned up the house and went to check up on Ian. He was sleeping peacefully, which brought a smile to my face. I remember when I was four months pregnant and the doctor told me I might lose him. I was worried. I was so terrified.
My mom came to stay with me when I was close to having him.
I love my mom, but I don't want to end up like her. I don't want my child to go through a tiny bit of what I went through. I know for sure she doesn't want me to go through what she did.
The only man I have in my life right now is Ian. I find it so hard to move on with someone else. I don't even think I want to, but I know Ian wants a father figure.
I've gone on dates but it always fails. The longest I have had after Liam was less than 3 months and none of them ever met Ian. I never let it get to that stage.
It was 2 a.m. by the time I left Ian's room. I walked into my room and lay on my bed. I heaved a sigh. I couldn't help but wonder what Liam was doing right at the moment, and who he was with.
I saw him on the news months ago. He opened up a new restaurant in Paris. I saw it on TV, but I switched off the TV when it was time for him to give a speech.
I decided to push all the thoughts of him away. I switched off the light and slept off.
□■□■□■□■□□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□□□□□■■■□■□□■■□■■□■□■□□■□□■□■■■□□□■■□■■■■□□
Liam's P.O.V
Five freaking years and I don't understand why I'm still stuck with all the memories we had together. I try to put all my focus on work and not think about her for once. I just end up failing.
How can you not get over someone who left Five years ago? Never to be seen or heard. She vanished. She became invisible, nonexistent. I tried so hard to find her. I paid people to search for her but nothing. I don't understand how she did it or maybe I didn't search enough.
My dad had to put a stop to all my searches. He knew I was going too far. I just don't understand how I can't get over her. I have slept with different types of women. I have tried and I still can't get over her. I can't help but compare her to every woman I meet.
The type of hold she has on me is out of this world. Instead of loving her less as time passed by, I kept loving her more and wanting her. It's crazy.
Is this what love does? I should have never fallen in love with her.
All I feel is an ache in my heart, an emptiness. I try to get engaged in a lot of things just to get busy. I never really go home. I sleep in my office. Even when I go home I sleep on the couch, it has become a habit. I can't seem to sleep on the bed. I become restless when I try. So, I stopped trying.
I only sleep well when I'm crazy drunk. Even with all the renovations, it is still lonely. It's depressing. Her side of the closet is still empty. I can't bring myself to fill up that space. I go crazy at the thought of filling it with other things.
How can one woman turn me into this sad pitiful person?
I always put on a facade for the public to think I'm right and I'm over her. To make them think she left no impact on me. But the reality is that she did leave a huge impact. She gave me the greatest love I ever experienced.
She didn't just leave me, she took my heart with her. Her leaving changed my life. I became worse than I ever was before I met her. The public didn't know why she left. They kept on making up different stories. Some believe we broke up because she cheated on me with the guy she had lunch with.
Most people blamed her and called her names, saying they knew all she wanted was the attention, calling her a cheat, and a phony. But those who knew us blamed me. Saying they figured out I was the one who did something wrong.
I once punched a reporter in the face for calling Jane names right in front of me.
I became an addict for almost two years after Jane left me. I almost got kicked out of the company by the board members.
I was trying to make the pain go away and I started drinking. I had to go to rehab.
After rehab, I started working all the time. I partied all weekend with different girls in clubs. My family and friends complained about it, but I never listened to them, even Nikos of all people was engaged. George had his second child a few months ago.
Fortunately for the company, I was able to dedicate all my time and energy to work. I was able to increase our ROI. Our company is now top five of the most profitable corporations in the world. My dad couldn't be more proud. He's happier than ever.
"Mr. Greenwood, these are the reports sent from JM. I think it will be good if we build another restaurant in Paris. The result is really good," Lola my new Executive Assistant said.
I stared at her with disgust. She always annoyed me somehow.
I want to fire her but HR won't let me fire another one. I already fired 15 of them in the past five years.
"Your job is not to advise me. That is not in your job description. I don't remember asking for your opinion," I replied, coldly.
"I'm sorry sir," She said innocently but she's not.
"Get out," I said to her and she ran out.
I stood up and stared at the busy city for a few seconds before returning to my desk. I opened the last drawer of my desk. I picked up Jane's picture that I kept there.
Jane advised me to do my own thing. We worked on the plans and designs together. That's why I named the one in Paris after her. Her first name and middle initials are JM. Jane and Mia.
I wonder if she has changed. I mean it has been over Five years since I saw her. She doesn't use any social media anymore. She stopped using the ones she had five years ago.
"Wait! What if she's married to someone else?" I thought out loud. No no no! I felt an unpleasant pain in my heart.
Sometimes I hate her for leaving. I think her disappearance made it worse. I would rather have her break up with me and stick around than not know how she is. That hurts more.
"Jane, please come back. Five years without you is like hell," I said as if she could hear me. I never knew I was capable of ever loving someone this much. I never even believed anyone could love someone this much. I thought love was just a fantasy everyone was thirsty to experience.
I feel like the walls are closing in on me right now. I stood up from my chair and stormed out of my office.
I'm going crazy all because of one woman.
People think I've forgotten about her because I've been sleeping with different women since she left. I was just trying to ease my pain, it's not working though.
I saw John in the lobby talking to someone. He walked towards me immediately when he saw me.
"Give me the key," I ordered. He looked into my eyes and he knew it wasn't the time to argue. We've argued over this many times, but he knows he can't stop me. John is like my brother. He has been working for me for many years.
He gave up and gave me the key to my car. I ran to the car and drove off. I decided to go to my parents' house.
After driving for two hours, I finally got there. I walked into the house.
"Liam, what's wrong? You're always at work by this time. Is everything okay?" She asked in a concerned tone. "I'm fine, Mom," I said sitting on the leather seat.
She gave me a 'don't give me that' look.
Mothers.
"Look, Mom, I'm fine. I just needed to clear my head and I decided to come here. Are you going somewhere? You look like you are ready to go out," I changed the subject.
"If you say so. Yes, I'm going to the mall. You know Liana and Logan's birthday is coming up. I want to get some gifts for them. Do you want to come with me?" She asked.
I thought about it for some seconds.
"Yeah, that would be good. By the way, where are those two nuggets?" I asked Mom while standing up. We walked outside and I opened the door for her.
"Logan is having a photo shoot in Mexico. He said he would be back tomorrow. And Liana is also having a photo shoot in Las Vegas. She should be back today or tomorrow" She said with a smile.
She's proud of them, I am too. They've accomplished a lot on their own.
"Did she tell you about her new boyfriend?" She said and chuckled. "She has a new boyfriend?" I asked.
I don't know anything about my siblings anymore. "Guess who she's dating now," She said. "Who?" I asked.
"Jack Stuart the singer," She answered. "What! That jerk? I told her not to let those guys in the industry ruin her life." I said, getting angry. "Not everyone is like you, Liam." She said firmly.
"Whatever Mom. I'll crush anyone that treats my sister like something to play with," I said firmly.
"Maybe you also need to change the way you treat them since your sister is one of them. I'm sure you don't want guys to treat your sister the way you treat others. Just find someone and settle down already, it's been five years," She urged.
Here we go again.
"First of all, she's not like them, Mom. I didn't force them, they came to me. And can we not talk about that again today? I came to clear my head, Mom, not to jump into it again," I said.
"You know that's not what I meant," She said apologetically.
I parked the car and walked to the other side to open the door for my mom. We walked into the mall together.
Mom has been shopping for over an hour now. All she said was that she wanted to get some gifts, but I think she's buying the whole mall now.
Something hit my leg. I looked down to see what it was. I saw a small boy around 3 or 4 years of age. He has hazel eyes and curly blonde hair. He looks so adorable.
"Sorry," He said in a French accent. He was about to go but I stopped him. "Hey little man, what's your name?" I asked.
"Why do you want to know my name?" He asked smartly. I smiled. "No reason I just want to know since you bumped into me or my leg," I said and chuckled.
"Ian. I think have seen you before," He replied, sharply.
"Oh, where?" I asked with a smile. He's so adorable. "I don't remember," He replied shaking his head, making me chuckle again.
"I like your accent. How old are you?" I asked, smiling. "I'm four years old," He replied.
There's something about him that is familiar.
"Where's your mom or dad? Who did you come here with?" I asked. He was about to answer when I heard a familiar voice from a distance.
"Ian! Ian! Ian sweetie where are you?" She called out in a worried tone. The voice was so familiar. She ran towards us and the boy went to meet her.
"Mama! I'm here," He replied and ran to her arms.
She looked so familiar, but her long black curly hair covered her face.
"Oh... Ian, how many times do I have to tell you not to play hide from Mommy whenever we are outside? Nous ne sommes pas en France, ça est New York (We are not in France, this is New York) Don't you ever scare mommy like that again, entendu?" She scolded while the boy nodded feeling bad.
Jane?!
It's Jane! It's Jane! This isn't one of my dreams, right?
I couldn't stop staring, but she hadn't seen me yet. I stood at the same spot in shock. I couldn't move, my jaw was almost on the floor.
"I'm sorry Mom," The little boy said while she hugged him tight. She stood up straight just for her gaze to meet mine. Her face dropped like she had just seen a ghost.
I couldn't help but stare at her. She didn't stop staring at me either and at that moment everything else stopped. We were the only ones on earth, just us two staring at each other.
"Jane..." I heard my mom whisper. I didn't even know when she got beside me. Jane's gaze moved to my mom briefly and then back to me. We were like that for who knows how long.
All I wanted was for her to be in my arms. I want to kiss and hug her all day long just like I've always imagined ever since she left.
My eyes traveled to the small boy I met minutes ago. So, she's married with a kid?
What!
Shoot me.
"Liam," My mom whispered again. I twirled my head to look at her, but she wasn't looking at me. She was looking at the little boy beside Jane. Her eyes were filled with tears, confusing me.
"Oh no!" Jane said covering her mouth with her hands. Before I knew it, she carried her child and ran out of the mall as fast as she could leaving me much more confused. This isn't how I imagined it to be.
My brain finally started working again and I ran after her.
"Jane! Jane! Jane!" I called running after her trying to push my way through. Before I could get to the parking lot, she already buckled up her child. She was about to open the door to the driver's side. She entered the car before I could get to her and she drove off.
"Damn it!" I yelled out loud. I could see my mom coming towards me breathing heavily. I brought out my phone from my pocket and dialed Jacob's number.
"Hello," I said after he picked up. "Hello sir," Jacob replied. "Listen to me, Jane is back in town. I need you to find her and send me her address right now," I ordered. "Yes sir," He replied and I hung up.
Mom stood right in front of me looking so shocked.
"Was that Jane or were my eyes deceiving me? And the little boy looked just like you when you were his age. Except his hair is blonde, just like mine. Oh my god!" She uttered out of breath.
"Yes, Mom that was Jane, but what are you talking about? How is that even possible?" I asked walking towards my car while she followed me. She didn't reply. She was still in shock.
"Mom, just get in the car. Jacob will send me her address now," I said before starting the car.
Soon enough I received a text. "Great, Jacob sent me the address," I spoke out before driving as fast as I could. "Liam slow down," Mom protested, but I didn't listen to her.
I don't understand why she ran, so fast if I may add. I wasn't expecting her to run. That's just__ I don't even know what to call it.
After it felt like forever, we arrived at a condominium. We found her floor and I knocked on the door.
"Arie, thank___," Jane said as she opened the door. She was about to close the door as soon as she realized it was me, but I was fast enough to stop it from closing. I guess she was expecting someone else. I entered and Mom followed.
Mom went straight to the little boy sitting on the couch.
"Jane, why would you run away like that?" I asked.
"Great, first question he asked," She mumbled, folding her arms. "You disappeared for over five years. Yet, you are still running away from me. Why?" I asked, but the little boy spoke up.
"Mommy, is he my dad?" He asked all of a sudden.
Wait what?!
I stare at Jane in shock.
What is going on here?
Then I remembered the little boy telling me he was four years old. I started making some calculations in my head.
"Answer the question, Jane! Is it true?!" I yelled at her. "Liam, calm down," My mom said.
"Don't tell me to calm down, Mom" I replied, angrily. "Is he my son?!" I asked Jane.
"Look, I'm not gonna let you take my son away from me. You already took a lot from me. I'm not gonna let you take my child," She replied, leaving me speechless for a moment.
I can't believe this.
"Well, let the judge be the judge of that. I hope you have a good Lawyer," I said. I twirled my head to look at the little boy who could be my child. I knew there was something about him when met.
My gaze went back to Jane, I could see tears in her eyes.
I've always imagined what it would feel like to see her again. This is nothing like this. In my imagination, there were hugs and kisses, and most importantly love.
"Mom, let's go," I let out, still holding Jane's gaze.
"But Liam___" Mom tried to protest, but I cut her off. "Now Mom," I said and she walked towards the door. I closed the door behind me, and we left.
Jane's P.O.V
I burst into tears when they left. I wasn't expecting this so soon. I thought I had some time to prepare myself.
Why did I run? I didn't know what to do.
"Mommy, why are you crying? I'm scared," Ian said crying too.
I wiped my tears immediately, and I drew him close to me. "I'm sorry baby, I didn't mean to scare you. It's all good. We're gonna be fine," I said, trying to swallow my tears.
"Mommy, is he my dad?" He asked again.
I couldn't hold it anymore I started crying again. I feel so horrible.
"Yes, that's your dad. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I promise you we are going to be fine okay? Don't cry" I said wiping my tears. I pull him closer to me for a hug and wipe his tears too.
I guess he got scared.
What am I going to do? I need a good lawyer. I know Liam has the best lawyer in town. He always fights to win. When he's determined, he gets what he wants.
I need to act fast.
Wait a minute! Laila is a Lawyer, also one of the best in New York. She owns a firm.
How am I supposed to get in touch with her? It's been years. I know she's mad at me for leaving like that.
I need to think fast.
I should call Arie. I need her to watch Ian for me. I picked up my phone from my pocket and dialed Arie's number. She picked up on the third ring.
"Hello," She answered. "Arie, please do me a favor. Send me the address of your new place. I promise I'll explain everything when I get there," I said. "Er...hmm..." She said.
"What are you hiding? Why don't you want me to know your new place? You have yet to tell me who your fiancé is. Look this is not the time. I'll find out sooner or later. Just give me the damn address. It's 6 pm now you should be home," I said, getting angry.
"Okay, I'm sorry. I'll send you the address. Just don't freak out when you get here. I'll explain later," She replied. "Whatever, text me now," I hung up.
"Come on baby let's go," I said to Ian.
I buckled Ian up in the car as soon as I received Arie's address.
After 20 minutes of driving, I finally got to the address. The place looks so familiar. The receptionist showed me the elevator to use to the penthouse.
This is all too familiar.
Ian was already asleep so I carried him in my arms.
The elevator door opened, leading me directly into the penthouse. I stood at the door in shock at how familiar the place was.
She has a lot of explaining to do.
Arie walked out of the same door I had once walked out of. "Jane, you are here. You should be here... I mean you are standing here, aren't you? That was just a stupid question," She rambled. That's how she talks when she is nervous. I walked towards the couch to lay Ian down.
The elevator door opened again, but I didn't bother to look back.
"Babe, I'm home. I had the craziest day ever. You can't believe what happened__" The very familiar voice said but Arie hushed him.
I twirled my head to see a familiar face. I couldn't believe my eyes.
"Jane?!" He asked.
Is it Arie's fiancé? She has been keeping this from me all these years. When did they start dating? Was it when I left? How could she hide this from me all these years?
Please vote and comment thank you!