Chapter 38
Mila
I step into my apartment after returning to Sydney from a short trip to Melbourne to celebrate my sister’s birthday—my now engaged sister.
It still feels surreal that Skylar has found her true love with a man who cherishes her in every way, especially after enduring a painful betrayal.
No one is more deserving of such happiness than my big sister and watching her take this next step with her new fiancé, Heath, fills me with a deep, unwavering sense of joy.
When she introduced him to the family for the first time on New Year’s, I knew instantly he was the right one for her.
The way he looked at Skylar—like she was his whole universe—and the way he treated her with such care and affection, was all the confirmation I needed to know that Heath was here to stay.
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching the two of them so completely in love.
On the flight home, I caught myself reaching for my phone again and again, my thumb hovering over Jason’s name, longing to call and share the good news. But each time, hesitation crept in—a quiet ache blended with fear and nervousness—holding me back.
It’s been nine months since I broke things off with him—nine months of learning how to be okay on my own, without having to depend on anyone.
Nine months of healing and battling the darkness that clung to my mind like suffocating smoke.
It was tough, to say the least. But I knew that if I wanted to break free from the pain and trauma of the past, I needed to put in the work.
I made it a point never to miss therapy, even on some days when getting out of bed felt almost impossible.
I always showed up to every session. If it weren’t for Dr. Lawson, I would’ve never found my way back to what I once loved—playing tennis.
It wasn’t just for exercise, but a vital release—a way to reconnect my mind and body again.
I joined support groups and found myself surrounded by some of the most inspiring people, others who had walked a similar path and whose strength helped carry me through my darkest days.
But the biggest breakthrough in my recovery came when I simply packed my bags and set off on a solo road trip from Sydney to Cairns, hoping to reclaim some of the independence and control I had lost. The change of scenery gave me space to breathe, to sit with my feelings, and to process them at my own pace.
That journey became more than just a trip—it was a powerful and healing experience.
So much so, that I know I’ll do it again.
After months of therapy and learning how to take back my power and ownership of my life, I’m finally in a place where I can face the future with confidence and hope, ready to embrace whatever comes next.
Spotting a half-empty bottle of apple juice on the bottom shelf, I quickly grab it and take a long, generous sip.
Once finished, I throw the bottle in the recycling bin and spend the next half hour unpacking my bags and starting a load of laundry before finally collapsing onto the couch to watch some TV.
Halfway through the documentary, I hear my phone buzz on the coffee table. I reach for it and instantly see a text notification from my sister.
Skylar: Did you get home okay?
Ever since I sat my sister and mother down on the last day of my trip and finally told them everything that happened with Dean and me, Skylar has been checking in on me religiously.
As I expected, there were tears—so, so many tears. Then came their anger towards Dean, wanting him to pay for what he’d done. And finally, guilt settled in, mostly for being completely unaware of what I’d endured and for not being there to help me through it.
As soon as I reassured them that it wasn’t their fault and that I hadn’t faced it alone, thanks to Sofia and Jason, they seemed to ease up a bit.
They especially loved the part where I told them how Jason beat the crap out of Dean, sending him flying out of my apartment.
Literally. That seemed to genuinely please them.
Me: Sure did! Got in just over an hour ago. How are you? Are you still on cloud 9 or have you finally come back down to earth?
Skylar: I still can’t believe I’m engaged! ENGAGED, Mila! How is this my life right now? Heath pulled the perfect proposal. I didn’t even suspect a thing!
Me: LOL! Yeah, he made us swear to keep it a secret. You should’ve seen how nervous he was when he asked Mum for your hand in marriage. Mum, of course, cried like a baby, but the way he asked was just so damn adorable! You definitely found a winner. I’m so fucking happy for you!
Skylar: Well, my maid of honour, get ready for some serious wedding planning. I want the whole shebang this time!
Me: Really?! I’m so honoured, Skylar. I won’t let you down. Whatever you need, I’ve got you!
Skylar: Good to hear—because we’ve already set a date. It’s happening at the end of this year, late November.
Me: That’s 6 months away!
Skylar: Blame Heath. He said he doesn’t want to wait too long to marry me.
Me: You guys could always get married at the Registry Office if you want to speed things along.
Skylar: Fuck no! My first wedding was small and pretty disastrous thanks to Kaden’s drunk, idiotic family. This time around, I want everyone there. All of mine and Heath’s side. I want it big. Not too big. Just a little bigger.
Me: Done. Done. And done! We’ll make sure it all happens! I’m so fucking excited!
Skylar: ME TOO! I love you, sis! I’ll call you once I’ve sent out the wedding invites.
Me: Can’t wait! Love you! My heart swells at the thought of my sister finally getting her happily ever after.
Knowing I’ll stand beside her as maid of honour, I can’t imagine anything better. She deserves the wedding of her dreams, and I’ll go to great lengths to make sure she gets it.
I glance at the time—almost 5:30 in the evening. My stomach growls loudly, reminding me it’s definitely time to haul my arse to the shops for some groceries.
After a quick shower, I slip into a pair of ripped jeans, a thick sweater, and my well-worn sneakers. With my phone and purse in hand, I head outside to the car.
Fifteen minutes later, I arrive at the store and grab a basket, heading straight for my favourite section—the snack aisle. I pick out some popcorn, vegetable chips, dark chocolate, and an extra-large packet of chocolate-chip cookies, because, why the fuck not?
While browsing the juice aisle, lost in the sea of organic options, I suddenly hear my name.
“Hi, Mila.”
I spin around and come face to face with the one person I’ve missed terribly these past nine months.
Jake stands before me, a wide smile lighting up his face, instantly warming my chest. Before I can say a word, he rushes towards me, his little arms squeezing my waist tightly, and I wrap myself around him just as gently and fiercely. God, I’ve missed you!
“Sweetie, what are you doing here all by yourself?” I ask, just as a familiar deep voice calls out from behind me.
“Dammit, Jake! Where the hell did you run off to?”
I straighten my spine, my arms still holding Jake firmly against me, and slowly turn around. The moment our eyes meet, Jason lets out a sharp breath.
It’s the first time in nine months that we’ve seen each other face to face.
The day after I ended our relationship, I called him to say I couldn’t work for him anymore, that it would be too hard, too complicated if I kept going to their place.
He understood completely, and though I could hear the pain in his voice, he accepted it without argument.
It was one of the hardest days of my life, knowing I wasn’t just losing Jason—I was losing Jake as well.
We occasionally texted, always keeping it friendly and brief.
I knew it was his way of showing me that he was still around, while respecting my need for space.
The last I heard from him was a few months ago, when he texted to say that Kaden’s baby wasn’t his, that his mistress-girlfriend had cheated on him, and that he was now living with them.
It was our longest conversation to date, given the nature of the news, but it was also the last time we spoke.
And now, here he is, standing in front of me after months apart—as all the old feelings come rushing back. Judging by the look on his face, I can tell he’s feeling it too.
“Hello, Jason,” I say with a warm smile.
His mouth opens, then closes again, as if he can’t quite believe I’m really here.
I chuckle because he looks like a fish out of water—wide-eyed and mouth opening and closing.
“Mila.” His voice is soft yet deep, the familiar sound sending a rush of warmth through me as my name rolls off his lips. I could stay here forever, just listening to him say it again and again.
“What’s wrong, Dad?” Jake asks, breaking me from my thoughts. “She said hi.” His pointed look at his father is almost adult-like.
Jason clears his throat, his gaze still fixed on mine. “Sorry, bud. I was going to say hello, but I’m still trying to believe if what I’m seeing is real.” His voice is just above a whisper as he asks, “Are you really here?”
I nod slowly. “I’m here.”
He lets out a long exhale, like he’s been holding his breath since he saw me. Then he closes the distance between us, standing just inches away. His gaze slowly drifts down my body and up again, as if trying to soak everything in.
“You really are here,” he whispers, more a statement than a question.
“She already said she is, Dad.” Jake rolls his eyes, then lets go of me to look up at his father, his head tilted right back. “Now can you just say you’re sorry for being a butthead so she’ll come visit us again?”
The look Jason fixes his son makes me want to burst out laughing.
Oh, how I’ve missed this.
“I think it’s going to take a lot more than just a sorry, kid.”
“Well, then can you just kiss her on the mouth and take her to dinner?” Jake insists, and I quickly cover my mouth to stifle a laugh.
Jason chuckles, a low, raspy sound, as he rubs the back of his neck, clearly feeling the pressure from a very persistent six-year-old.
“Believe me, son, there’s nothing I’d like more than that.
But it’s up to Mila. And she seems busy right now, so why don’t we let her finish getting her groceries?
We’ve already taken up enough of her time.
” His eyes meet mine, steady and unblinking, almost like he’s quietly hoping I’ll say otherwise.
Jake’s gaze flicks silently between Jason and me.
Seeing them tonight has stirred that familiar sense of comfort and warmth—the sense of home I always felt whenever they were near.
It was as if those feelings had never truly left, only settled quietly in the background over the months.
No matter how hard I tried to silence them, they always lingered.
Because the truth is—I still think about them.
I still miss them. I still love them. And one thing I know for sure is that I still ache for Jason.
As the silence drags on, Jason looks down at his son with a bittersweet smile and takes his hand. “You ready to go, little man?”
Jake glances up at me, a flicker of disappointment crossing his little face before he looks back at his father and nods.
“Say goodbye to Mila,” Jason says, offering me a small smile.
“Bye, Mila.”
“Bye, sweetie.” My voice cracks as the words leave my mouth. Jason’s gaze lingers on mine a moment longer before he finally walks away with Jake. As I watch them quietly disappear around the corner, something inside me fractures a little.
I stand frozen in place, chest heavy with longing and heartache.
After all this time, Jason’s love for me hasn’t wavered, he’s never stopped caring, and he’s never given up on us.
Even now, I could still see the hope in his eyes, the hope that one day I would come back to him.
And damn if that doesn’t fill my heart with overwhelming joy.
There’s no denying it anymore—I still want Jason.
I want him in my life, in every way that matters.
And it’s time I finally tell him the truth.
I want to give us another chance, a real one this time.
And I refuse to wait a single moment longer.
With my mind made up and my heart wide open and free to embrace love again—his love—I sprint towards the registers, praying they haven’t left just yet.
As I turn the corner, I see them just ahead, waiting in line. My heart quickens, and I start moving towards them. Jason looks my way, his brow furrowing. But when he reads my expression, he quickly takes Jake’s hand and steps out of the queue.
“Mila, are you okay?”
I steady my breath as I close the distance between us. “I’m fine. I just wanted to ask you something.”
He nods slowly, curious. “Of course. You can ask me anything.”
“Can I call you sometime?” I ask, then quickly shake my head. “Actually, no. What I really wanted to ask is… is it okay if we could all hang out again sometime? Like we used to.”
Jason draws in a deep breath, his face alight with shock, relief, excitement, and hope all at once. His smile stretches wide, and I can’t help but mirror it.
“Mila, you never have to ask. Jake and I would love that. Right, bud?” he says to Jake without breaking eye contact with me.
“Please visit us,” Jake pleads. “You have to meet Mongoose.”
I raise an eyebrow at Jason, who lets out a chuckle.
“It’s his pet guinea pig,” he explains. “Jake wanted a real mongoose, but I told him they’re not allowed as pets, and that they don’t actually live here. So, a guinea pig was the next best thing.”
“Right. Gotchya!” I laugh as I look back at Jake. “Well, I would love to meet Mongoose—the guinea pig.”
His adorable smile stretches so wide I wish I could freeze it in my mind forever. When I glance back at Jason, his expression is tender, radiating warmth.
“I better let you get those checked out.” I gesture to the full shopping basket in his hand.
“I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”
He nods, pulling Jake close to his side. “I’ll be waiting,” he says softy, then winks at me before turning around and heading back to the checkout with Jake.
I walk in the opposite direction as them, resuming my search for more groceries. But as I wander through aisle after aisle, my mind is no longer on food—no, it’s focused solely on the next time I get to see Jason again.