Chapter 4 My fractured Heart

Chapter 4: My Fractured Heart

Valerie's POV

As I stood up to leave, a tight knot twisted in my stomach. The grandeur of the mansion faded into the background, replaced by a rising sense of dread. I followed the tall man-at least six foot two-with broad shoulders and a silent, commanding presence. He walked ahead, leading me to the door with quiet efficiency.

The echo of my heels against the marble floor filled the long hallway, a sharp contrast to the heavy silence that had settled around us. I glanced back. Jake's mother stood on the balcony, her eyes fixed on me. There was something in her gaze-a sorrow, a question, a warning-that sent another shiver down my spine.

At the massive front door, the man pushed it open. Blinding sunlight spilled in, forcing me to raise a hand against the glare.

"Thank you," I murmured awkwardly.

He gave a stiff nod. "Have a good day, Miss," he said, his voice deep and formal.

I stepped into the light, but it brought no comfort. The warmth of the sun clashed with the cold weight in my chest. The mansion loomed behind me-beautiful, yes, but now ominous. As I walked down the long driveway, the same question kept spinning in my mind: Why was she hiding him from me?

What business could be so urgent, so private, that Jake couldn't even step out to see me?

The gate creaked as I pushed it open and stepped onto the sidewalk. The fresh air hit me like a wave, but I couldn't shake the unease that clung to my thoughts. I inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, forcing myself to calm down.

No matter what it takes, I thought, I'll find out what's going on.

But first, my practical exam was tomorrow. Still, I couldn't ignore this any longer. I needed to see Jake-before everything spiraled out of control.

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Jake's POV

Three weeks later

I sat at the edge of my bed, staring blankly at the wall. My room felt like a cage. It had been three weeks since I'd left school-three weeks without a word to Valerie.

Not by choice.

My phone had been monitored ever since Mom's accident. She'd called me home urgently, and ever since, things had been... strange.

Sebastian, my oldest friend and the only one who dared speak freely around here, sat beside me. He studied me carefully, concern etched in his features.

"Jake, what's going on?" he asked quietly. "You've been cooped up in this house, barely saying a word. Talk to me."

I sighed, dragging a hand through my hair. "It's Valerie," I said. "She hasn't called, hasn't texted. It's like I don't exist anymore."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Jake, she's probably focused on exams. You disappeared without warning. She might be hurt... or confused."

"I tried to reach out," I said, my voice low. "But every time I tried to call her, someone was watching. And now Mom is on my case, pushing this marriage to her friend's daughter-Jill." The name left a bitter taste in my mouth. "She says Valerie isn't in our class, says marrying Jill will 'secure the family legacy.'" I scoffed, rising to pace the room. "She knows how I feel about Valerie. And yet she's doing this."

Sebastian leaned back, his expression troubled. "A wedding? Man, you haven't even spoken to Valerie. You think you can fix this overnight?"

"I have to try," I said firmly. "I need to talk to her. Clear the air. I love her, Seb. And I won't let my mother's schemes ruin what we have."

He nodded, pulling out his phone. "I'll try to reach her for you. But Jake, you have to be prepared. She might be hurt. Angry. She might not want to talk."

"I know," I said, my voice tightening. "But I need to face that. I need to fight for her. I can't marry someone I don't love."

Sebastian gave me a long look, then tapped away on his phone. "Alright. Let's see what we can do."

And in that moment, a sliver of hope sparked in my chest.

As I stood up to leave, I felt my stomach intertwining, making me feel uneasy; the grandeur of the mansion seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a sense of foreboding; I then followed the 6ft2 man, his broad shoulders leading the way, as he escorted me to the door,

The sound of my heels clicking on the marble floor echoed through that hallway, a stark contrast to the silence that had fallen between us. I glanced back at Jake's mother, who stood watching me from the balcony, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and concern.

As we reached the entrance, the man pushed open the massive wooden door, revealing a bright sunlight that seemed almost blinding after the dimly lit interior of the mansion, I squinted, raising a hand to shield my eyes.

" Thank you", I muttered, feeling a sense of awkwardness all over me.

The man nodded, his expression impassive, " Have a good day, miss" he said, his deep voice was firm but polite.