Chapter 39
Mila
Sofia is sprawled on her stomach across my bed, propped up on both elbows as she surveys my outfit with a critical eye.
It’s the third one I’ve tried tonight, but I already know this is the one—a gorgeous long-sleeved blush dress that’s fitted through the bodice before flaring softly at the hips, the hem skimming just above my knees.
“What do you think?” I ask, tugging at the skirt as if it might magically straighten itself.
When Sofia’s lips curve into a smile and she gives me a cheesy thumbs up, I feel a rush of relief, and maybe even a little excitement too.
I take one last look at my reflection in the mirror, and that’s when it hits me, a wave of nostalgia—taking me back to the day, a year and a half ago, when I was getting ready for my interview with Jason.
Just like then, Sofia is stretched out on my bed, helping me pick the perfect outfit while I try to quiet the nervous flutter in my stomach.
But this time, it’s not a job I’m preparing for—it’s a date.
My first date with Jason since we ran into each other at the shops only a week ago.
“I can’t believe the day has finally come for you two. Now that nothing’s standing in your way, you can finally love freely, get married, and—God help us all—unleash a whole army of mini-Jasons into the world,” Sofia teases, snapping my attention back to her.
“Dude, we literally just saw each other for the first time in nine months. We’re a long way from talking about marriage and kids.”
Sofia rolls her eyes. “Please, girl! You two were fucking like rabbits when you first got together, I’m surprised he hadn’t knocked you up.
And now after some time apart? I’m pretty sure Jason’s about one nostril hair away from dropping to one knee and proposing.
Trust me, it’s going to happen a lot sooner than you think. ”
I shake my head at her dismissively. “That’s crazy talk, Sof. Anyway, that’s not what matters right now. We’re practically getting to know each other all over again.”
“Well, don’t go taking forever. Jason’s almost forty.”
“He’s thirty-six this September.”
“Exactly! He’s not getting any younger.”
I grab my heels scattered on the floor and sit at the edge of the bed beside my best friend.
“I’m not rushing things this time. I made that mistake before, and look how that turned out. I just want to let it unfold naturally between us—see where it goes.”
Sofia slowly sits up, crossing her legs as if she’s meditating.
“Look, from everything you’ve told me since running into him again, it’s clear you two never stopped loving each other.
The truth is simple—despite all the setbacks, you were always meant to be.
And now… you have a second chance. This time, it’s going to work out. I can feel it deep in my bones.”
I give my best friend a warm, heartfelt smile. “I really hope so.”
She squeezes my hand gently. “Now, if you don’t hurry your arse up and finish getting ready, he might just change his mind.”
I chuckle as she snatches my heels from my grasp, hops off the bed, and kneels in front of me to slip them on.
Once my shoes are fastened around my feet and ankles, I stand and reach for my phone on the bedside table just as it vibrates.
Jason: I’m here.
“He’s here,” I tell Sofia.
She smirks and gives me a cheeky tap on the butt. “Go get your man, sexy girl!”
I laugh, shaking my head, then snatch my coat and purse from the desk and give myself one final glance in the mirror.
As I step out my apartment door, my heart races with each click of my heels. After nine long months apart, I’m finally ready to give us another chance. Ready to fight for him—just like he’s always fought for me.
Jason eases the Ranger to a stop in front of the entrance. Soft music and the low murmur of diners greet us as we step out. Tonight, we’re dining at the Green Sanctuary—Sydney’s newest hidden gem—and the 360-degree view of its lush botanical garden steals my breath the moment I leave the car.
He ushers me to the door, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back.
As soon as it swings open I gasp, my words getting caught in my throat.
The interior is as gorgeous as the garden outside—lush plants spilling from every corner, some cascading from the ceiling.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the outdoor garden, twinkling under a canopy of fairy lights.
It’s so stunning and almost majestic that it truly feels like a sanctuary.
One thing I have to give Jason credit for is his impeccable taste in dining experiences, and this right here is the perfect example. This is better than any place any man has ever taken me to. And I’ve been to some pretty fancy places, both here and overseas.
As Jason gives his name to the hostess, I take a moment to drink him in.
He looks absolutely divine—dressed effortlessly for the occasion.
Most of the time he’s in a casual shirt and jeans, which always suits him perfectly.
But tonight, he’s in a fitted navy blazer over a crisp white dress shirt and black chinos.
A black leather belt and matching wingtip shoes complete the outfit, giving him a sharp yet effortlessly masculine edge.
Just the sight of him alone has me practically drooling at the corner of my mouth.
The hostess leads us to a table by the window. When my eyes catch a glimpse of the garden beyond the glass, I’m left momentarily breathless. This place is truly something—magical, intimate—spectacular.
He slides my chair out, and I slip out of my coat, draping it over the back of the chair before settling into my seat as gracefully as I can.
Once he’s sure I’m comfortable, he strolls to his side and removes his own jacket, dropping it over his chair, and sits down, his gaze never once leaving mine.
The way he’s smiling at me is almost unbearable.
I feel shy and nervous all of a sudden, like a virgin on her first date.
The waiter arrives minutes later, and after scanning the menu, Jason opts for a medium-rare steak with roasted vegetables, while I choose the seafood spaghetti marinara.
We settle on a chilled glass of Chardonnay to accompany our meals, and once the waiter leaves after filling our water glasses, our eyes meet again, this time lingering just a tad bit longer.
“You look beautiful, Mila.” His smooth baritone cuts through the air, deep and tender.
My cheeks instantly warm. “Thank you. You look very handsome yourself. It’s hard to picture you in anything other than a casual shirt and jeans these days.”
He releases a low, breathy chuckle, and it resonates deep within me. “Yeah. Well, I promised a very nosey little six-year-old that I would try my best to impress you.”
I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. “You can tell him I’m highly impressed.”
“Phew!” Jason sweeps the back of his hand across his forehead with a playful sigh, feigning relief. “Wouldn’t want to disappoint him now, would we?”
“Oh, definitely not. Where is Jake tonight, by the way?” I ask curiously.
“He’s spending the weekend with his other grandparents.”
I nod silently and take a sip of water.
“I hope this place is okay?”
Taking my time, I let my gaze sweep across the room, soaking in the ambience and the calm, welcoming energy. A wide smile slowly spreads across my face. “I couldn’t have picked a more perfect place. You really outdid yourself, Jase.”
“I thought you’d like it,” he says, fidgeting with the napkin in front of him. “When it first opened a few months ago, I knew right away I wanted to take you here.”
“Is that so?” I reply, a playful grin tugging at my lips. “You were that certain, huh?”
“I was hopeful. And I knew sooner or later you’d give in to my irresistible charm… and this.” He runs his hand down his abs.
I burst out laughing. “You’re so full of it,” I tease, shaking my head.
A tingle of heat courses through me as he winks.
“I miss that,” he murmurs.
“Miss what?”
“The sound of your laugh. Your smile.” His gaze drops to my mouth.
I lower my eyes to the table, needing a moment away from his gaze. The room suddenly feels warmer, and it has nothing to do with the heating.
When I glance back at him, he’s staring intently, as if trying to decipher my thoughts. I open my mouth to speak, but he beats me to it.
“To be honest with you, I’ve been dreaming about this day.” He exhales softly. “There were so many times I thought I’d never see you again, and that kind of terrified me. Just having you here, sitting across from me… It’s the best thing that’s happened in a long time.”
I nod slowly and smile, letting his words process. “I just needed time, that’s all. And I’m glad I had it. Because it made me realise a few things.”
“Like?”
“Like how jumping into a new relationship was mostly because of the safety I felt with you. I practically craved it. You were the first man who made me feel truly secure after everything that happened, and I guess I clung to that like a life raft. It was like I needed you in order to survive, in order to function. And when I didn’t get the reassurance I needed, that sent me spiralling down a very dark path. ”
Jason reaches for my hand, his thumb gently brushing over the skin of my knuckles. He doesn’t say a word, silently encouraging me to keep going.
“My therapist explained that this is common among survivors of domestic abuse—the need for safety and constant reassurance. She helped me realise just how overdependent I had become on you, and that if I had continued down that path without getting the proper help, it would have eventually destroyed our relationship.”
Jason nods in understanding. “What would you say was your breakthrough moment?”