Dominick and her had agreed to set up a meeting so he could meet Luka. Dom had given her his number so she could call him about anything…
She had called him Sunday morning to let him know that on Monday at seven in the evening, he could come to her apartment to meet their son. Dominick thanked her, and she hung up.
He knew things wouldn't be easy with her, but even so, he wouldn't give up. If he had managed to make her want him when they were still at the hotel, he believed he could do it again—awaken that desire from years ago. And not only that—he would make her fall in love. Dom had absolute confidence in his powers of seduction…
{...}
Jade
Sunday
Jade
7:25 p.m.
She was anxious—finally, after so many days, she would get to see her baby again. She was at the airport, waiting for the arrival of her friends and her son. She smiled like a fool when she saw them walking down the corridor.
Armand was carrying Luka in his arms; apparently, he had fallen asleep. She jumped to her feet.
"I'm dead," complained Nerea, yawning. "Hi, Jade."
The brunette hugged her, and she immediately returned the gesture.
They broke the embrace.
"I missed you," said Jade with a smile. She looked a bit tired. Armand handed her Luka.
"He fell asleep not long ago. He wouldn't stop talking about you and saying he'd show you all the things my mother gave him," Armand commented.
"Your mother's going to spoil him," Jade joked. "How is she?"
"Better. She says she'll come visit us soon."
Jade smiled.
The three of them walked out of the airport to the parking lot and got into the car. Armand drove to the restaurant while Jade couldn't stop admiring her son's round little face…
[...]
Monday
2:37 p.m.
The day had gone on normally. For a few hours, she had even forgotten that later, Dominick would come to meet Luka. She wasn't sure how to feel about it.
She had given him a small vote of confidence so he'd have the chance to meet his son and spend time with him. She prayed nothing bad would happen—that Dominick would behave appropriately…
She remembered once, when her psychologist had suggested she look for him to tell him about Luka's existence. The idea had horrified her. She had imagined the scene—her telling him they had a child, and him calling her a liar, thinking the worst of her as he always did. That day, she swore to keep silent.
"So, you already talked to him," said a voice from the doorway.
Jade sat up on the bed; she had been lying there staring at the ceiling. Nerea approached and sat beside her.
"Yes. I don't know how Dominick found out, but on Saturday I found him in my room with Luka's photos," she said, resting her head on her friend's shoulder. "We talked and… we can say we reached an agreement."
"That Dominick…" the brunette shook her head. "Even though I'm still mad about what happened between you two, the best thing that could have happened was that he found out, even if it wasn't through you."
"I suppose so," she murmured.
"Luka needs his father. Let's hope Dominick acts maturely. For now, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt because he's shown some understanding and even a bit of calm about all this. I think he really wants to prove to you that he's changed—based on everything you've told me about what you two talked about."
"I'm trying to believe him. I forgave him, and for the first time, I could talk to him like two rational people. I've just given him a vote of confidence by letting him see Luka, even though it's his right," she took a deep breath.
"But…?" Nerea pressed after Jade suddenly fell silent.
"I can't fully trust him. Deep down, I feel like he's deceiving me—that he wants to hurt me—or worse, that he'll take Luka away from me at any moment. I don't want to think that way, but I can't stop myself. I'm lost…" She closed her eyes. "Dominick always brought out the worst in me, and he never gave me a single reason to think well of him. Well, maybe the only decent thing he ever did was stop that bastard Elías from raping me." The memory made her shiver.
"I can imagine."
"And besides, he screwed everything up afterward. Whatever he builds with his hands, he destroys with his feet. That's why I'm scared."
"Don't worry, nothing bad will happen. When you start doubting again, remember at least he didn't make a scene like he always did when he found out you'd hidden Luka from him. Does he know Armand registered the boy as his son?" Nerea asked.
She shook her head.
"Jade!" her friend scolded. Jade lifted her head.
"I forgot—I'll tell him later…" she excused herself.
"Don't complain later," Nerea warned, standing up. "You should've told him right away. Now pray he doesn't unleash the beast he has inside."
"You're not helping," Jade huffed.
"I'm going for a walk. Tomorrow I'm back in the kitchen, so I'll make the most of today. Talk to Dominick as soon as possible, because the longer you wait, the harder it'll get," Nerea snapped. "Actually, you should go to his house."
"His house?" Jade frowned.
"Yes. You've already been there, and I don't see the problem. Are you afraid to be alone with him?" her friend narrowed her eyes. "You should talk to Dr. Ernes about that…"
"I'm not afraid of being alone with him." She crossed her arms. "In fact, I'll go right now and settle this once and for all." She stood up. "Let's get this over with."
She grabbed her bag and put on her shoes.
"Afraid? Me? Please," Jade muttered as she slipped money, her phone, and a few things into her purse. "Ridiculous."
She left the room, mumbling things too low for the brunette to understand, who burst out laughing, amused by her friend's innocence. She had tricked her like a child, and Jade hadn't even noticed.
"You'll see!" Jade exclaimed determinedly as she opened the door—she had come back in just to say that—and Nerea immediately stopped laughing.
Jade went down the stairs and left the restaurant. She got into a taxi and quickly gave the driver the address. She hoped she was remembering it right; she had only been there once and hadn't exactly been in the best condition to pay attention to the way.
When she confirmed she was on the right track—she recognized a small farm along the road—she wondered why she had taken a taxi instead of her car. She shook her head; that wasn't important now.
The taxi stopped in front of the house. Jade suddenly realized what she was doing. The heat of the moment had faded, and now regret crept in. She wanted to leave, but part of her wanted to go back.
"Are you going to sit there all day?" asked the bored driver.
She rolled her eyes, paid him, and got out.
She approached the door and knocked. A few seconds later, Mrs. Ofelia opened it.
"How can I help you?" the woman asked with a smile.
"I'm Jade," she introduced herself. "I came to talk to Dominick, but if he's not home, I can come back later." She turned, ready to flee, but Ofelia's voice stopped her.
"Oh! Finally, I get to meet you! Don't go—Mr. Jackson is here," the woman informed her. Jade froze, a little startled.
"He talked to you about me?"
"A lot, dear! You're even more beautiful than he said. Come in!" Ofelia stepped aside for Jade to enter. She couldn't help but smile—the energetic woman seemed very pleasant.
"Thank you," she said, walking in.
She looked around as if it were her first time there. She reached the living room.
"I suggest you look for him in his room. He's always checking some papers on the balcony. I have to go," Ofelia said. "It's down that hallway, first door on the right."
"Do you want me to…?"
She couldn't finish the question; Ofelia gave her one last smile, turned, and left the house. Jade sighed.
She wandered through the place, admiring the decorations, touching things here and there—until she accidentally knocked down a small vase. The crash echoed through the house.
"Damn it," she muttered, gathering the pieces and hiding them in her purse. "I hope no one notices."
She followed the hallway Ofelia had mentioned, walking slowly and admiring the paintings on the walls. She reached the door, but it suddenly opened—and she collided with Dominick, who was about to come out. He grabbed her arm, and with his other hand, held her by the waist to keep her from falling.
Jade looked up and met Dominick's confused eyes—he couldn't believe she was standing right there. Her gaze drifted to his damp hair, then to his bare chest. Drops of water slid slowly down his body, covered only by a towel. She swallowed hard.
"What are you doing here, Jade?" he asked, still holding her.
"I came to discuss… an important matter," she cleared her throat, looking away.
He let go of her waist and gently tugged her by the arm, pulling her into the room.
"I can wait outside," she said quickly.
"That's not necessary. I'll change fast and then we'll talk. Sit out on the balcony—it has a wonderful view," he said.
He placed his hand on her back, and Jade tensed. Dominick smiled inwardly. He led her to the balcony, and she sat down immediately, escaping his touch…
Dominick got dressed, and minutes later, he joined her on the balcony.
~•~
6:53 p.m.
Dominick had talked with Jade. She explained the situation and why Armand had to register the boy. At first, he was furious, but once he listened to her, he calmed down. He would've never imagined it.
He parked in front of the restaurant with his heart pounding. For the first time in a long while, he felt nervous, anxious, happy, and expectant—all at once. He got out of his car and walked toward the entrance. This time, he'd knock; barging in like he owned the place was over—at least for now.
Jade opened the door. Dom gave her a full look—she looked stunning in that green dress. Though he wanted to stare longer, he forced himself not to, not wanting to seem like a fool.
"Hi," he greeted carefully.
"Hi, Dominick. Come in," she said, stepping aside. He entered the apartment.
She motioned for him to sit down.
"Nerea's changing Luka. They'll be out in a moment. Would you like something to drink? Juice, soda?" she offered.
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
Dominick glanced toward the hallway several times, waiting.
"I told my baby that his dad—you—travel a lot, and that's why you're not with us, but that one day you'd come," she confessed. "Even though he's little, he understands some things perfectly. Today I told him you'd be coming. Luka knows you're here."
"I…" He couldn't finish. When he saw the boy arrive with Nerea, his pulse quickened and a storm of emotions hit him. That was his son—his beautiful blond boy—the only good thing to ever come from all the bad he'd done.
"Jade, I have to get back to the kitchen. We'll talk later. Call me if you need anything," Nerea said, giving Dominick a warning look. "And you—be careful what you do."
"Don't worry," he assured her.
The brunette nodded and left the apartment.
Luka ran to Jade's arms, who immediately held him and sat him on her lap. Dominick watched him as if he were some rare creature, a being from another universe. He wanted to hug him, to tell him he was his father and would never leave again—but he feared rejection, that the boy would cry if he touched him.
"Mommy," said the child, touching Jade's face, trying to pull her closer. "Is that my daddy?" Luka pointed at Dominick.
Jade wanted to cry right there, but she held back.
"Yes, sweetheart, that's your daddy. Do you want to meet him?" she caressed his head. Luka nodded eagerly.
Jade set him down, and the boy ran toward Dominick, who stood frozen. Luka lifted his little arms, and Jade felt like she'd die if Dominick didn't react—but she sighed in relief when he smiled and picked him up.
"Can I give you a hug?" the boy asked, his voice tender and clumsy. Dominick held his breath—pure happiness filled him as he nodded and hugged his son, who wrapped his tiny arms around his neck.
"Mommy, can I take Daddy to my room?"
Jade nodded.
Luka practically jumped from Dominick's arms to the floor, making her flinch. The boy ran down the hallway, and Dominick quickly followed. He opened the door, and they both went inside. Luka showed him his toys, and Dominick sat down to play with him.
At that moment, Dominick felt like one of the happiest men in the world. He had started to earn his son's affection and was finally spending time with him. He told himself he wouldn't waste another second—he'd give Luka his last name right away. After all, things were finally falling into place, and now his life had a new purpose.
All that was left was to make Jade accept being more than just the mother of his son…