Page 122 of Chaos

Before I crumple to the floor, he grabs my wrists and holds me.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m really fucking sorry.”

Falling to my knees, I feel like I’m in shock. “I can’t forgive you for this, Jax. We are done.”

His cheeks glisten with tears as he nods slowly. “I know, baby.”

Meave’s crying shakes me back to reality. I’m numb. I’m heartbroken.

This hurts more than anything I’ve ever felt.

He ripped not just ours, but our daughter’s future from her.

When I look at the pain on his face, I almost feel sorry for him. This is different from Brody. Whatever the hell happened, something is nagging at me that it’s not right.

Bile rises my throat as Jax walks over to Maeve and cuddles her into his chest. He nuzzles his head against her, but I can hear his sobs.

Each one shatters me.

This family was his life. He told me so.

I can’t watch anymore. It’s like I’m a passenger in my own body, watching my future burn in front of my eyes and I can’t stop it.

Moving silently, I sprint up the stairs and quietly shut the bedroom door, leaning on it for support as I exhale. With each breath, my chest is tightening.

With burning eyes, I scramble to find a bag and frantically throw my clothes in. Startled, I look up to see Jax standing in the doorway, his face streaked with tears that he hastily wipes away.

“Please don’t leave me, Sofia.”

I stomp around the bed, creating a loud thud with each step, until I stop right in front of him. I forcefully jab my finger into his chest, trying to make my point clear.

“Fuck you. You really are no different to your piece of shit brother. But, the difference is, you actually shattered my heart.” My throat knots as I watch his lip tremble.

“I’ll do anything. Please don’t do this,” he whispers.

I throw up my hands in exasperation. “No. Is this how you’d want a guy to treat your daughter? What would you say to her?”

“I-I…”

“Exactly.”

He gave me everything. It was a dream. The kind of love I hope my daughter has someday. Not anymore. It was a lie. I turn and continue packing.

“Stop. I’ll leave. This is your home with Maeve now.”

With a shake of my head, I ignore him completely and desperately cram dresses into the bag on the bed. I need to get away from here. From him.

He grabs the strap and tosses it across the room, making me jump.

“I’m leaving, Sofia. You need this place for Maeve. Don’t argue with me on that, please.”

I have nowhere to go. I have nothing.

I can’t even move or speak as I watch him stop by the door and turn back to me.

“Can I still see Maeve? I can make arrangements so you don’t even have to look at me.”

Is that what I want? To never see his face again?