Chapter 2 Jessica's Custody

*Four years later

Heading down from the helicopter, I watched as my four-year-old daughter jumped around excitedly after flying up in the air for the first time. Her beautiful curly brown hair was packed up on the top of her hair making her extremely cute as she jumped. She had a lot of energy for her age but I wasn't complaining.

" Can we go home now? That's the sixth time you are making us fly around. I think everyone is extremely tired, Jessica." I said smiling as I watched my daughter pout cutely in front of me.

" Fine. But can we stop to get ice cream first?" Jessica asked fumbling with her hands cutely as she stared at me.

She knew it was my weak point and she was right. My daughter was my weak point. She was the only reason I had survived for so long and why I had kept on being happy despite all that Jared did to me.

" What flavor do you want, sweetie?" I asked watching as a smile formed on Jessica's face.

" Mint chocolate!" She yelled excitedly making me laugh.

A few minutes later, we arrived at Jessica's favorite ice cream spot to get her favorite flavor. The line was a bit long but I didn't mind standing under the sun for my daughter. Once it was my turn, I took my eyes off Jessica to make my order. After placing it, I looked back gasping in shock as I realized Jessica was no longer where I had left her. Running out of the line to go look for her, I called her name several times anxiously as I searched the entire place for her but she was nowhere to be found.

" Is this your daughter, ma'am?" A voice called out to me making me pause.

Even before I laid eyes on the stranger, his voice struck a familiar chord deep within me. It was the same voice that had guided me through three long, sightless years when I was separated from my family. It was Jared's voice. When I turned to face him, I saw the shock in his eyes as he registered my presence. It was probably quite a surprise for him to see me again, especially now that I had regained my vision.

" Mommy!" Jessica shouted as she ran over to me wrapping her tiny arms around my legs.

Suddenly, our ride arrived gaining my attention. Watching several of my bodyguards come out of the cars, I could see how shocked Jared was at the sight. He was speechless. Looking at Jessica, I patted her head slowly.

" Sweetheart, can you go to the car and wait for Mummy? I want to thank this kind man for bringing you back to me." I lied watching as my daughter nodded her head leaving.

Once we were alone, Jared and I sat down in front of a restaurant near the ice cream shop. I could see Jared staring at me like I was some sort of alien and I knew he must be shocked.

" You remarried?" Jared asked making me burst out laughing the moment I heard it.

" Why are you asking? Is it because of the bodyguards you are seeing or is it because of another reason?" I asked clenching my hand anxiously as I hoped that he had not yet realized the truth.

" Michelle, it's been four years since we separated. Can't you forgive me now? I know that what I did to you was wrong but you have to know that I did it for your own good. You won't have been happy if we continued to stay together." Jared said making me scoff at him as I looked away.

He was still a damn good liar.

" Can you stop pretending now? My good? I know you had a mistress while we were married, Jared. I saw both of you the day you asked me to sign the divorce papers. Are you surprised? You must be thinking about why I didn't confront you then. Because I wanted to give you what you wanted. A divorce. I'll get going now." I said standing up and immediately put on my sunglasses as I headed to meet my daughter.

Driving away, I couldn't help but cry as I watched Jared through the window. He had been dressed in expensive clothes and looked extremely wealthy. It didn't seem like he had been suffering in the last four years and it pained me. For some reason, I wanted him to get punishment for what he did. Heading back home, I go straight to bed after putting Jessica in. I hoped never to see Jared again even if it was work-related.

But the next day didn't go as planned. I was hit with a subpoena at my office, and fury surged through me when I learned that Jared had filed for a DNA test on Jessica. Clenching my fist, I stormed out of my office and made my way to his company. To my shock, I discovered that Jared had become the President of the company by marrying his mistress. Ignoring all attempts to halt me, I marched into the building, determined to confront Jared.

" How dare you? Don't you have any shame?" I asked angrily walking up to Jared who was standing at the reception with some people.

Looking at their outfits, I could tell they were business associates of his which meant he was having a meeting. I knew he wouldn't want to be embarrassed.

" Michelle, please let's have this talk later," Jared begged walking up to me.

Slapping him hard across the face, I watched as Jared placed a hand on his cheek surprised. He couldn't do anything because we were in public and one wrong move from him would destroy his entire business.

" Now is not the time to discuss this. Please leave now. Security!" Jared shouted.

" Jessica is not your daughter." I lied standing boldly in hopes that he would believe me.

" She is not my daughter? Then who is her father?" Jared asked staring at me.

Looking around the room, I quickly scan the place searching for someone to take the fall for me. Knowing Jared, he wouldn't easily believe my claim unless someone stepped up as Jessica's father. Spotting a hand in a grey suit coming, I look at his entire outfit realizing he is the only one with the least expensive suit in the room.

" Him. That man is Jessica's father." I declared hoping that I didn't make the wrong choice.