Chapter 4 HEARTBREAK

He gently pulled me into a hug, allowing me to take in his sweet musky scent, and though a part of me was still scared, I allowed myself to lean into his warmth, and who knows, maybe things would get better.

After he left for the day, I returned to our home, finding the mess Isabel had left in her wake. Glass from the broken fruit platter still lay scattered across the floor, along with the remnants of half-eaten fruit she hadn't bothered to clean up. Sighing, I knelt down to start picking up the pieces, determined to keep myself busy and shake off the remaining frustration.

It was as I was clearing the last of it that I heard a familiar buzzing sound from Jake's study. I glanced toward the closed door, hesitant. Jake was very particular about keeping that room to himself, and I rarely went in there, respecting his space. But the buzzing continued, insistent, and something told me it might be important.

What if it was news about Alex? A part of me dared to hope, wondering if somehow there was a chance he'd been found alive and if this could bring the closure that had been haunting Jake and Isabel.

Inhaling deeply, I made the choice to enter.

The room remained just as tidy as always - shelves filled with books decorated the walls, his desk was neatly organised, and the faint fragrance of his cologne hung in the air. The buzzing ceased, and I answered the phone, realising it was the search team calling for an update on the search progress. I felt my heart beating rapidly. There was no time to lose; Jake would expect this to be dealt with right away.

I immediately opened the message and promptly confirmed for them to proceed with the search without hesitating. After I ended the call, I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. I wished it was the correct decision, that Jake would appreciate my quick actions.

As I set the phone back down, something on his desk caught my eye-a painting, its colours rich and inviting. It was a beautifully done oil painting of a woman, and as I stepped closer, my breath caught. The painting's silhouette... It looked like me.

The dark beautiful hair, the shape of the face, it was unmistakably me, it had to be me. A bouquet of red roses was beside it, fresh with a nice fragrance, filling the room with its sweet scent. And next to the flowers was a small, elegant card with my name written in his familiar handwriting.

A rush of warmth filled my chest. Could this be for me? My heart softened as I realised it must be a birthday surprise.

Jake had put in extra effort to arrange a lovely painting and roses, it was the man I had deeply cared for, who had comforted me during my tough times.

I allowed myself to feel a bit of happiness for the first time in a long time. Perhaps this was his method of showing that he hadn't forgotten about me, that he still cared, that he still noticed me. The painting, roses, and card reminded me of the beginning of our marriage, of how he used to make me feel loved and protected.

I made the choice not to tell him that I had seen it. I would patiently wait for him to reveal it on his own, allowing him to enjoy his moment. And if he did, perhaps that would be the moment when I would finally reveal my own truth, which was the announcement of our baby.

However, as I was about to leave the room deep in my own thoughts, I almost ran into Jake who was standing in the doorway. His complexion appeared somewhat pale, it seemed as though he hadn't anticipated seeing me in his office.

He asked me, with a strained voice, "Why are you here?"

I took a gulp, looking down, instantly sensing guilt like I had been found guilty.

"I... I heard your phone buzzing. It was from the search team, and I thought it might be important, so I approved the message." I gestured toward his phone, hoping he'd understand.

His expression softened a little, though he still seemed on edge. "Oh... I see," he murmured, his eyes flickering toward the desk where the painting and roses still sat. "I appreciate you handling that. I just... I don't like people going through my things."

I nodded quickly, trying to ease the tension. "I understand, Jake. I didn't mean to invade your space. I was just... trying to help."

He appeared to momentarily calm down, with a slight smile starting to show at the edges of his lips. "Sarah, I thank you for your help." He smiled a little more. "I understand that you were just trying to help."

I gave him a slight smile, sensing a spark of the intimacy we used to have. I had a lot to say and many questions to ask him, but I hesitated due to a lingering doubt that prevented me from speaking.

Instead, I chose to leave.

The thought of his surprise-filled me with hope, making me feel, for the first time in a long time, that maybe there was still a chance for us-still a chance for our marriage, for our family. And maybe, just maybe, we could rebuild what had been broken, starting with this unexpected gesture of love.

The morning was peaceful, and I allowed myself to think it would be a positive day. A faint, uncertain hope filled the air that Jake's unexpected gesture would help us bond. I believed the painting, roses, and card I discovered in his study the previous night were intended for me. I held onto that idea tightly, reassuring myself that this action indicated he still had feelings. He saw me.

However, the glimmer of hope started to diminish as soon as Jake arrived home, his expression tight as he entered the kitchen, where I was tidying up.