Seventeen Months Later…


    VALERIE


    “And this is the kitchen. There’s a microwave, and a stove and you will have to buy the refrigerator,”


    Thendlord says, shoving his beefy hands into his pant pockets.


    I take a deep breath as I look around the one–bed apartment t that I will be renting for the next


    twelve months.


    “Sounds great. I have a refrigeratoring tomorrow.” I reply, giving him a small smile.


    He nods, taking out a rather stained napkin and wiping the sweat off his forehead. “Good, good, now


    about the payments…”


    I zone out as he goes over the legal work again, although I’ve already checked. everything online and


    paid the deposit.


    “Yes, Mr Frank. That’spletely fine, you will be paid on the 1st of every month, and I assure you


    there will be no dys.”


    “Good, good… and I heard you will be working at the hospital. Your papers said you were a–a nurse?”


    he scratches his head, trying to remember.


    “A doctor. I’ll be working at Neverson Hospital, yes.” I remind him.


    “Ah, ok, then you should be able to afford the rent.


    Of course.


    “Well, if we are done, if I may…”


    “Ah yes, of course, carry on and wee to the block. I am on the first floor if you ever need anything.


    My wife also bakes cakes…” he keeps talking as I usher him towards the door.


    God, this man!


    When the door shuts behind him, I look around the apartment.


    I’m ready for a new start…


    I needed this break, away from home, away from the memories of him…


    It’s been seventeen months since he left, but I find myself still remembering him


    Is it because he never epted my rejection?


    (FLASHBACK – SEVENTEEN MONTHS AGO)


    “Hey, you sure?” Zaia asks me softly. She’s standing there looking incredibly stunning, the glow since


    she’s been back with Sebastian shows on her face.


    She’s happy, and that makes me damn happy, too.


    “Sure? Of course, I’m sure. Why should I go see him?” I ask, looking at the tray of bloods I am testing.


    She nods, and I can see she feels guilty.


    “I know, I just-”


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    “I may have epted that he deserves a second chance, but that doesn’t include me being a part of it.


    He can go to hell for all I care,” I say bitterly.


    It still stings, but since Sebastian told me just yesterday that he’s leaving today, it’s messed me over. I


    don’t know why, but it has.


    “Ok, as you wish, Val, don’t let this bother you.” Zaia’s voice is one of concern as shees over and


    gives me a hug. I hug her back tightly, wishing that I wasn’t mated to a killer…


    And I pray to the goddess I never see him again.


    (END OF FLASHBACK)


    I walk to the window and look out at the small downtown district I’ve moved to, one that is several hours


    from home. A ce I chose nestled far from the crowded. central districts.


    When I was looking for jobs, this ce instantly drew me, and I knew that this was where I wanted to


    work and since they were looking for doctors, I took it as a sign.


    I rest my head against the frame of the window, crossing my arms as I rx, admiring the peaceful


    surroundings of a carefree block.


    The surrounding buildings are all apartments. I can see a few haveundry out on their balconies,


    children y on the streets below and I smile at the group of boys ying ball, reminding me of my two


    nephews back home, Zion and Xander.


    I’ll miss Zaia’s kids, all four of them!


    Yeah, Zaia had a little girl eight months ago, a gorgeous little princess with


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    vibrant ginger hair andrge blue eyes. Kaia. The final angel toplete the family and even


    Sebastian agreed that that was enough kids and that they needed to use protection.


    I smile, recalling giving the couple a contraceptive pep talk.


    I chuckle as I open the window a crack before I look around the ce, nting my hands on my hips.


    It’s not huge, with two doors leading off from the open living space, one that leads to a bathroom and


    one to the bedroom. The lounge itself has a couch, a feature wall where a TV bracket is hung, a small


    dining table and then the kitchen area. Not that I’m much of a cook but I need coffee.


    I walk over to the couch and sit down, my smile fading as I stare at my hands and sigh heavily.


    Zade.


    Seventeen months ago when he was allowed to walk free, he left but two dayster the tracker stopped


    working. We don’t know how he managed to destroy it but he did.


    Sebastian sent a squad to track him but there was no trace, almost as if he never existed. There was


    nothing left to follow, the ID was never used and where they found the tracker, the money Sebastian


    gave him was also left there.


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