Paige: A Second Chance Romance Novel – Paige’s POV Six Years Ago I couldn’t hold back my tears as I realized that the only boy I let into my life would be the same person to break me, “You can’t deny everything just like that, not after everything we have been through” I cried, trying to fight the truth that was staring at me, His lazy gaze fell on me slowly from where he stood a dark look in his eyes I had never seen before, “Well, watch me, Paige, and point of correction we have not been through anything together but it was fun playing with you though” he shot, I could feel my heart shattering into so many tiny pieces at his words, “We need to do something about this baby, our baby” I yelled, letting the tears stream down my face.
“Your baby, not ours” he coldly retorted, crashing down on the sofa behind him as if the gravity of our situation weighed nothing on him, ” You are not really expecting me to kill our child, right?” I questioned already dreading his answer, he had already mentioned it so why am I expecting a change of mind, he wouldn’t have even mentioned it if he had not thought about it, “Anything you do with your child is none of my business” he shot at me, his words like a shock to my system, “You can’t deny sleeping with me and you know deep down this baby is yours, so why are you doing all this, Jace, why?” I cried out in pain, “Look, I accept that I slept with you but I definitely did not get you pregnant. Why don’t you go and ask all your numerous boyfriends, maybe one of them would own up to it” he said in a bored tone, this has to be a dream right?
“What does that mean? You know very well that I have no other boyfriend apart from you, so what are you even saying?” I asked unable to hide my shock at his words, “Oh please spare me all the melodrama. Whenever you are done with all of this, you can leave and shut the door behind you” he dismissed walking towards the bathroom leaving me with tears streaming down my face and a broken heart, “Just so you know, if anyone asks you who is responsible for that child you’re carrying and you dare call my name, I promise you I will deny ever knowing you. And trust me when I say, I’ll make your life miserable” he threatened just before disappearing into the bathroom, slamming the door loudly behind him.
I was left alone to my fate letting my silent sobs grow into loud cries, I should have listened to Mum. I have never dreaded going home so much up until this moment, I can’t face my mother like this, not after the promise I made to her, she can’t relive what my father did to her with me. “Mum, I’m home” I yelled out my usual greeting hoping she wasn’t home, she couldn’t see me this way she would know something was wrong without me even needing to tell her. Much to my relief, I was greeted with silence, which should give me enough time to come up with a plan, I should have known letting Jace in would only end up in tears and pregnant at 16. College is in two months and I can’t go to college pregnant.
They will revoke my admission for sure but I can’t kill my child either, I will never forgive myself. Sitting on the floor of my room, tears continuously streaming down my face, I stared at the picture Mum and I had taken only a few days ago at my graduation ceremony, she was so happy I was finally going to college as I have always dreamt, her little princess was finally growing up, she cried so much that day I thought something was wrong, but she assured me she was fine, she was only happy with our progress and how my father’s absence had not turned me into a bitter sad child. She has always been there for me working two jobs to ensure I got the best in life, she can’t find out about this baby, it will break her, and I can’t do that to her. With that thought in mind and a heavy heart, I made a big decision. Grabbing a box and a small bag, I packed anything I could carry. I won’t let my mother suffer the same fate she suffered 16 years ago when my Dad left her, and with college in two months I won’t be able to hide this baby for long, so it is best to leave.
Taking one last look around my room, I said a silent goodbye to my safe space, Mum always said I could make any adjustments whenever I felt it wasn’t to my taste anymore, she always wanted me to be comfortable and I was but I can’t bask in that anymore, I have a baby to take care of now. Entering my mother’s room, I inhaled her lingering scent one last time, basking in its comfort. Leaving a note on her neatly made bed, I tried to gather my courage, I was going out to the world all alone, “I am sorry, Mum but this is for the best. I love you, today, tomorrow, and always, please take care of yourself for me, I will be back one day when I am sure I can face you, you will always be in my heart and I hope you will forgive me someday” it read. Throwing on a hoodie to cover my face, I headed out with no particular destination in mind, getting to the train station, I got into a train heading south into an uncertain future.
Paige’s POV “Alex, time for breakfast or mummy is going to be late for work,” I yelled out to my son from the kitchen as I tried to make something for breakfast, “I can’t find my other shoe,” he whined in response, not again, “Are you sure you dropped it properly?” I asked as I hurriedly put the few pancakes on the plates and prepared tea for Alex, It was no news to both of us that he didn’t know how to keep his stuff properly and even if he did, he wouldn’t remember where he put them, “Found it, Mum” he yelled back after a few minutes, earning a little chuckle from me, “Okay then, come down for breakfast” I replied, “I’m here, mum,” he said from the door, making me look up from what I was doing with a small smile on my face, “Come sit and have your breakfast,” I cooed, pulling out a chair for him; I was so going to be late for work; it’s not something new anyway. “Mum,” Alex called out lowly, making me turn to him, “Is there a problem, love?”I asked concerned, “No…it’s just that… I was…wondering why .. you know… you are not…eating .., are you okay, Mum?” he asked in a whisper, “Don’t bother yourself; Mummy is fine; eat up so we can go,”
I replied, trying my very best to hide the tears forming in my eyes; he stared at me a little before going back to his meal, not saying any more words which I was extremely grateful for. “You are late, Miss Moretti,” Grayson started as I walked into his office to take note of all that needed to be done for the day, “I am so sorry, I had to attend to something very urgent,” I said, trying my best to keep the most apologetic face I could muster, “This is the second time this has happened this week; whatever is making you late, you better stop or you know what,” he said with anger written all over his face, but it is the only expression he is always spotting; I have learned to adjust to it. He tossed a pile of files to me, asking me to sort them all before lunch, “But sir..”I wanted to protest, but he glared at me, and I quickly left the office without saying any more words, “how I hate my life”, I screamed internally as I walked into my little cabin, throwing the files on my table with a groan.
I guess this is my punishment, and then, So here’s the thing,after I left my home,I got a little job so I could gather money to pay for the little apartment Alex and I are living in currently and buy a little baby stuffs for Alex before I became too heavy to work, Mum tried several ways to reach me so I had to change my number and change all my social media accounts that could possibly leak my whereabouts to my mum,I cried for the whole 9 months and even when I gave birth to Alex the tears became worse no one was there to help me look after him or even witness his birth,there was a time we were both sick and we had to be admitted but I couldn’t even stay in the hospital cause if I did I wouldn’t have been able to pay his hospital bills luckily I got better with the help of the drugs I took ,I was all alone and I am still alone,Alex is 6 now and he is really growing into a loving,smart and awesome boy,he looks a lot like his father which sometimes bring back memories I am still struggling to put aside even after six years but I try my best to make him happy and comfortable,sometimes he asks about his father but I just shrug it off,what am I supposed to tell him,that his dad didn’t want him? Of course not.
After his birth, I applied to work at this company; since I wasn’t able to go to college, I was only pitied and given a side assistant to the secretary, who, FYI, treats me horribly, just as everyone else, but I need the job to take care of Alex so I have to endure. No one knows Alex is my son though, for those who asked I just made them believe he is my sister’s son who she abandoned and ran away since I do not have a sister I really don’t care the kind of things they say, it doesn’t really matter, it’s not like I am not proud of him I just can’t face the people and the treatment given to single mothers in the society, I have enough on my plate already I don’t need more, they will find out one day but till then. “I can see your little pathetic life is starting to show on you, don’t you think so, Paige” I heard Vanessa say from the door but I easily ignored her arranging the documents on my table as I began to sort them ‘the earlier the better right’ I said to myself, “What’s wrong, Paige, cats got your tongue?” she tried again, moving further into the cabin, making me roll my eyes, “What do you want, Vanessa?”
I blankly asked, hoping it would be over soon “I was asked to check on you and it’s obvious that Grayson was right, you are really useless here, it’s about time we got rid of you,” she said smirking waiting for my reaction, probably hoping that I would kneel and beg or cry for my job in front of her, not this time Missy. “Okay,”I said simply,still focused on my work, “That’s all you have to say huh,trust me you will be begging soon” she yelled before leaving banging the door behind her loudly causing me to flinch a little,why are people so bitter in life? I finally looked up staring at the door as tears slowly fell from my eyes,all of is starting to choke me,why me,why did it have to be me,what wrong did I do wrong?, “It was one mistake you know” I screamed mentally as I pinched the bridge of my nose fighting the tears, “No time for tears,Paige” I reprimanded,putting myself together, I focused back on my work pushing all my pains down, determined to get through the day.
“Mum, there is this girl in my class” Alex started as we walked down the streets heading home,I would have to go pick up my car from the mechanic today, “What about her?” I asked trying to not to sound as tired as I feel, “She said, I don’t have a Dad,that he couldn’t stay with such a wretch like me,is that true Mum?” He said making me stop right in my tracks,I crouched in front of him till I was eye-level with him,staring into his shining blue eyes that looked exactly like his Dad’s,one thing that gets to me everytime,using my index finger to raise his chin so he could look into my eyes too,I spoke up, “That is not true, don’t ever allow such words get to you,Okay, Mummy loves you and that’s what matters” placing a smooch on his forehead I pulled him in for a hug,making him smile,what do parents say to their kids this days? ” And I love mummy too”he replied, smooching my cheek before I stood holding his hands as we walked home in a comfortable silence. Paige’s POV I tucked Alex into bed, smooching his cheeks and forehead before turning off the lights and leaving the door open, just in case he woke up later on. As I walked out, I sighed tiredly, running my hand through my hair.
Today was really hectic, and I am very grateful to have actually made it through if the pounding of my head doesn’t count as anything. After a quick shower, I put on a comfortable black shirt and loose shorts, the perfect fit for bed. I reviewed the work I had left unfinished since I had to pick Alex up from school, reminding me that I needed to hire a nanny to help me both physically and emotionally, it would reduce the eyes on me a little, I just hope she doesn’t charge much. I don’t think I can handle that right now, but at the same time, I can’t keep enduring the harsh comments from people who were growing suspicious of my denial about my son. I woke up really late, realizing I was running behind schedule. I quickly showered and dressed in a professional pink blouse and black pencil skirt, I could try to look presentable at least. I checked on Alex, who, gratefully, was already dressed and waiting for me, his big blue eyes reminded me so much of his father gazing up at me with a mixture of curiosity and concern. We stopped by McDonald’s to get him something for breakfast since we were already too late, and I decided to get lunch at once before dropping him off at school and heading to work, feeling guilty for not having enough time to prepare a homemade meal.
As I arrived at the office, Grayson spoke up, “Miss Moretti, you’re lucky you made it just in time.” Vanessa stood beside him, smirking, which I found suspicious, the look on her face already gave me the confirmation I needed, she had done something she knows will only add pressure to my workload, She stared at me like I was some dirt under her show but I couldn’t care less, I have worse problems than her pained self, “Were you able to finish up the work yesterday?” Grayson asked as he gathered a few files on his desk, “Yes sir” I answered quickly, trying to sound confident despite my exhaustion. I can’t even remember the last time I slept properly without the pressure of work pushing down on me “That’s good because I have more for you, Vanessa couldn’t finish up her work yesterday so I want you to help her finish up. She has to go to the hospital and check herself, she is having a fever. We can’t have a sick employee doing anything around here, it is not good for the employee or the company, I am sure you know that” he said turning to glance at Vanessa who quickly morphed a sick and pitiable face which I can never fall for, how on earth can he even believe such a pathetic lie.
“I am so sorry, Sir, I didn’t know it would get this bad, I would have given prior notice but I just have to go and check whatever this is before it becomes worse,” she said feigning tiredness as she clutched her stomach like she wanted to puke but I knew better, Vanessa’s fake sick leave was a familiar tactic, and I am tired of covering for her or even trying to make Grayson see her for who she is, “I understand, don’t worry you are free to go,” he said to Vanessa and she nodded slowly before walking out but not without hitting me on purpose and the stupid blind boss couldn’t even see it, I won’t blame him though Vanessa has her charms, why on earth will anyone even want to favor me not to even think of looking at me with how messed up I am, I couldn’t even keep my high school boyfriend. Before Vanessa left, she stopped by my office, “Thank you so much, Paige, it’s so nice of you to volunteer to finish up my share of the work” Vanessa started as she walked into my office smirking, the fakeness in her voice irritating to the ears, it took a lot not to throw something at her just to see how she would react to a bruise on her so-called pretty face.
“My pleasure, you are supposed to be resting, why are you here, you will not get better if you don’t treat yourself” I replied with an obvious fake smile, two fakes might make it real right? “Oh please we both know nothing is wrong with me,” she said flinging her hands in the air as she expressed what I would like to call stupidity, “But it would have been nice, don’t you think so?”I smiled sweetly at her flooding my arms in front of me, “Ugh,” she shot angrily before storming off, “How ironic” I muttered to myself with a slight chuckle facing the work in front of me. At lunchtime, I prepared myself for a break, relieved to have a call from a potential nanny for Alex, although I prefer not to go out for lunch but why not use the opportunity? I scheduled a meeting at the cafe down the street since it wouldn’t be so far away from the company in case of emergencies.
I knocked twice in Grayson’s down before opening the door after a faint ‘come in’ from him, “I will be going for my lunch break now”I informed him from the door, not entering the office totally, “Be back in 15 minutes there is a lot to be done, I just got a call from R&J Technologies, they finally accepted our proposal to work with them, and fortunately for us the meeting will be held here so we have to out in our best to impress them” he said with a sly smirk on his face probably because he is proud that he is finally going to be working with one of the greatest company in the whole of New York, it is great news actually but I know better than to be happy for a company that is likely to throw me out someday like I didn’t matter, “That’s enough time, thanks”I appreciated rushing off without remembering to ask him the date for the meeting, well guess I’ll find out later. I met with the woman at the café and we discussed the details. She was a simple woman in her mid-forties and, luckily, she actually didn’t charge much, saying she wasn’t doing it for the money, that it was more like a hobby to her than a job, and she wouldn’t mind it.
I headed back feeling a sense of hope that I might finally find someone to help me balance my work and motherhood. Paige’s POV Good news is I finally found a nanny, turns out the lady is a woman in her mid-forties looking for something to keep her busy while her husband is at work, she didn’t ask for much as her pay which is my luck, and she seems nice enough so I think Alex will love her Now that’s off my list I have to find a way to finish the extra work I was given because Vanessa practically ditched work today I have to do everything all alone, it’s already past 9, and I still have a lot to do, why on earth can’t he just assign someone to help me, he is definitely doing this on purpose and it isn’t fair. The office phone rang bringing me back to reality with a sigh I picked the call, “Can you bring me a cup of coffee, Miss Moretti”
Grayson said through the phone, sounding just as tired as I am? “On my way” I said simply, as much as Grayson doesn’t treat me so well I still tend to pity him or should I say care for him as an employee, he works hard day and night just to make sure his family is comfortable and happy, I found out few months ago that his wife is a cancer patient and is somewhere off in Italy receiving treatment leaving him to care for their four children, Grabbing his favorite cup from the cupboard, making it totally black as he likes before heading to his office, Knock knock knock. “Come in” he said a little above a whisper, I trudged in dropping the coffee slowly on the desk to avoid spilling it, “Are you done with the files” he asked as I turned to leave, “Almost” I said wincing slightly already preparing myself for what he has to say, “You can go, finish up tomorrow” he said, shocking me to the core, “Wait, what?” I said turning quickly, well faster than I would have liked, “I said you can go home, it’s past 9 already, you could come early in the morning to finish it up” he said glancing back at his laptop screen, I stared at him intently still in shock that’s when I noticed the difference, His undoubtedly looks stressed.
But it’s like all his walls that were always up and high in the day is down like completely, it’s like he just let himself be himself at nights, how did I notice earlier it’s part of the façade as a CEO he probably feels being vulnerable and nice we will run him over, well, someone has to tell him otherwise then “The meeting is tomorrow, I won’t have enough time to review the documents, I am almost done anyway a few more hours won’t hurt besides I can’t let you stay here all alone right?” I said with a small smile on my lips, he looked up once again with this emotion swirling in his eyes that I cannot identify, but it’s giving a nice feeling so… “Thank you Paige”he said sincerely before going back to his work like he didn’t just do something more than shocking, I stood there opening and closing my mouth, but I couldn’t formulate any words, he can say ‘Thank you’ wow that’s something I won’t forget easily. Walking into my apartment, I glanced at my watch, and it read 11:30pm,well, that’s a bummer Alex is definitely asleep already so much for asking him how school was today but at least I finished the work, “I was this close to concluding you won’t be home today”Someone said, making me shriek in fear.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you” Mrs. Rivers, Alex’s nanny said, and I smiled softly at her, surprisingly she agreed to start immediately which right now I am grateful for, “It’s ok, I wasn’t really paying attention to my environment if not I would have definitely noticed you standing there” I said taking of my shoes, “Dinner?”she asked gesturing me towards the kitchen, “Ooh thank you so much, I was actually planning on going to bed like that”I said with a shrug, “Thank God I left some for you besides Alex mentioned you not always eating, and I should please get you to eat”she said smiling at me, “He makes it seem like I am going to starve myself to death I am just not usually hungry”I said as I sat on a stool as she put my food into a plate serving it, “Thanks “I said digging in, “Alex is asleep which was a bit difficult for me considering the fact he won’t stop asking about you, he is a nice boy by the way you did an impressive job” she said making me smile a little, “Thank you “I said smiling back at her, though it didn’t reach my eyes, “I will be heading home now, it’s late already” she said picking her purse, but the look in her eyes told me she wanted to ask a lot of questions that I doubt I can or will be able to answer, so I am glad she held herself, “Exactly it’s late already so stay the night, the streets aren’t the best at night.
I said sincerely, I basically live downtown cause that’s what I could afford and at night let’s just say things that shouldn’t even be heard of happens, “Don’t worry I have a driver, he is here already so I would be fine, thanks for the offer”she said coming to smooch me on my cheeks before leaving, I like her already, I washed off the dishes before heading to my room, I took a quick shower putting on a pink night gown with my robe letting my hair down, I stood at Alex’s door staring at him with a small smile on my face, as much as his father didn’t want him and I went through a lot and still going through a lot because I decided to keep him, I am delighted I have him he is my little bundle of joy, I know I can be very hard on him sometimes, and I am not doing so well giving him all he can get and should need, but I am trying my best it just feels like my best isn’t enough, I walked over to his bed placing a smooch on his forehead, “Mum”I heard him mutter in his sleep, making me smile softly, “Yes baby”I said, brushing hair off his face, “Why didn’t you pick me up today”he asked, the sadness evident in his voice making me feel worse than I already feel, “I am so sorry Mummy had a lot to do but didn’t you like Aunt Rivers?“
I asked wanting to hear his opinion of his nanny, “Hmm, she’s ok, I just prefer you “he said with a shrug as he slowly closed his eyes sleep taking over, “And I will always love you, mummy will make it up to you somehow”I said smooching his forehead again making him sigh as he snuggled into me, “Can I sleep with you today mum?”he asked slowly trying to fight the sleep that has won already, I smiled at him carrying him carefully to my room, I placed him on my bed using the blanket to cover us both as I cuddled him making sure he was comfortable before I let sleep take its course. “Good morning Grayson” I said calmly as I walked into his office, “Paige”he said not looking up but acknowledging my greeting at least, well great his walls are back up, “The meeting with R&J technologies is 30 minutes from now”I said as I dropped the files I worked on yesterday on his desk, I would have returned it yesterday’s, but I had to rush home, “Ok then go get Vanessa I need you girls to welcome our guests and lead them to the conference room when they get here, I will be there soon”he said still not glancing up, “Ok”I said simply leaving the office, walking back to my cabin knowing fully well Vanessa saw me and is definitely following me to say some trash, “Oh my favorite person in the world how nice of you to stop by”I said letting my sarcasm drip from my voice, “Don’t even dare”she said glaring at me.
“I don’t think I have done anything wrong, but that’s by the way, Grayson said we are to escort our guest to the conference room so be on the lookout”I said taking a seat behind my desk, “Grayson?”she asked, raising her brows questionably, “Yea isn’t that his name” I said in a matter of fact tone, “Since when did you start calling him by his name?”she asked, placing her right hand on her waist, “I think our guests have arrived, shall we?”I said as a message popped up on my computer screen from the receptionist totally ignoring her stupid question which I feel she won’t let go off with the look on her face, Walking past her without waiting for a reply I headed towards the elevator where the receptionist said they will be coming up from, just as I got there the elevator dinged open and two men dressed very formal with their suits and black ties walked out, but with the look on their faces and the way they presented themselves, none of them here can be the actual boss right, making me look around to see if he is taking another route or something, “He is coming, he asked us to go ahead “one of them said as if sensing my thoughts, “Ooh ok then, shall we, she will come with your boss”
I said, gesturing toward Vanessa who finally decided to show her face with a fake smile, “Ok” the blonde guy who had spoken up the first time said again while the other just nodded seems like he doesn’t talk much, well, that’s ok. I led them to the conference room gesturing them to seat down informing them that Grayson will be with them shortly, turning to leave, As I opened the door Vanessa walked in with whom I presume should be their boss because he literally screams power, as he turned to look at me everything stopped, I think my heart stopped too, Everything came rushing in like a wave causing me slight dizziness, I am sure the look on my face mirrored his, Shock but mine quickly morphed into anger while his changed to something I don’t even want to figure out, before he could even think of something to say I dashed out heading to my office lucky enough for me Vanessa is taking the minutes for today’s meeting, so I am not going in there again. As I walked into my office I shut my door behind me as I felt a wave of emotions all at once as my breathing became labored not another panic attack, It’s him, JACE RUSSO, he hasn’t even changed so much, he still has those eyes that I see every day in Alex …..