After Our Fall, Love Reclaimed
Chapter 9
Jayden Lewis was clearly taken aback. He lowered his gaze, his lips pressed in a thin line, as if he had wrestled with a decision for a long time.
“Lilah, considering your family’s current situation, my parents would never approve.”
“But rest assured, I won’t leave you. I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life.”
“Jayden.” I called his name softly, and when he finally looked up at me, I smiled gently.
“Do you know what I’m most thankful for right now?”
“What’s that?”
“I’m thankful that we never got involved deeply.”
“I’m thankful that the baby I’m expecting isn’t yours.”
“Lilah…”
Jayden's eyes showed undeniable panic. I took a couple of steps back. “Don’t come looking for me again.”
“Don’t make me regret ever having feelings for someone like you.”
I grabbed my suitcase and turned to leave, but Jayden persisted.
“Lilah, where can you go in your current condition?”
“You’ve never had to work hard your entire life. How will you manage outside of New York, away from me?”
I suddenly turned around, letting go of my suitcase, and showed him my calloused hands.
“With these hands, Lilah Rivera won't go hungry.”
In the distance, the town's Thanksgiving parade was about to start. Floats and marching bands were gathering, and the scent of spiced honey cake floated through the air, mingling with the aroma of fresh coffee from a nearby café. The brisk autumn air was invigorating, crisp and full of promise, much like the kind you'd find in the Alps.
Jayden was wearing a Victorian-style suit, a sarcastic nod to his family’s old-fashioned values. I held my head high, gripping the handle of my suitcase as I walked towards the life I was determined to build on my own.
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