Jake's POVTwo years laterThe meeting dragged on forever. By the end, I felt like my ears would bleed if I had to hear another presentation. I thought I'd be better adjusted by now, but who was I kidding?The truth was, I was getting worse. Recognizing faces had become a distant memory. I now relied on voices and the general throng of people to navigate the world. But that wasn't all. My doctor had delivered another bombshell that left me momentarily paralyzed.It wasn't just the facial recognition - a condition diagnosed way back when I was still with Rose, ultimately contributing to our breakup. Now, I had leiomyosarcoma – a rare and aggressive cancer of the smooth muscle tissue. The smooth muscles, as I learned, lined the hollow organs in my body.The doctor's prognosis was brutal: less than seven years to live. With that heavy weight on my chest, I decided to live life to the fullest. Since treatment wasn't an option, I poured myself into work, eventually becoming Chairman of Gra

Jake's POVI exited the airport in my rented car, heading straight for the hotel where I'd be staying during my New York visit.Finally, I was close to my goal. I was here to settle some things, and when I left, I wouldn't be leaving empty-handed. If the rumors of unknown heirs were true, they'd be coming with me.It would be my payback to Selena for leaving me the way she did, for keeping me away from my children. If they were mine, I'd fight for custody.A bellhop led me to my suite, and after tipping him, I took a quick shower. Refreshed, I ordered a meal to my room.Belly full, I joined a Zoom call with Jeff to inform him of my arrival in New York. A message from my mother sat on my screen, but I ignored it. She'd probably be wondering where I was after our planned meeting this morning.Where to begin? First, I needed to track down "Selena Dacosta of New York." The answer came easily this time – she wasn't just Selena Dacosta anymore. Amazed by her transformation, I wondered how a

Jake's POVI parked my rental car in the lot across from the imposing office building. Pictures couldn't do it justice – it was magnificent.Days in this city had been a slog, but today was the day for action. All I had to do was march in there and demand to see Ms. Dacosta.Leaving the car, I approached the main entrance. The doorman opened it for me, and I stepped into the lobby. The immaculate space, with its well-organized décor, was a testament to whoever was running the show.Could Selena really handle something like this? A female CEO at her age? "Wow," I muttered, a mixture of awe and suspicion. "Her parents must have been multimillionaires," I thought, "but why the secrecy?"Walking up to the receptionist, I found a young woman with a bright morning smile."Hello," I greeted her. "Can I help you?" she inquired, still smiling."I'm here to see Selena Dacosta.""Certainly," she replied. "Do you have an appointment?""No, unfortunately not."Her gaze shifted from her computer sc

Jake's POVIt was Tuesday, and still no answer. My calls went unanswered, my letters ignored. The whole situation was infuriating. Here I was, with a company to run, wasting time waiting on someone to see me.I parked my car and entered the lobby early, hoping to catch her this time. Whether the guards were new faces or it was the same receptionist, I couldn't tell.She frowned in my direction but settled into her desk nonetheless. Just then, the glass door whooshed open and there she was: Selena. Looking like a million bucks in her tailored suit, she was deep in conversation with two bodyguards and a woman who must have been her assistant.As they approached, I stood up. The receptionist darted a look at a security guard, clearly intent on stopping me. But they were too slow."Selena!" I boomed.Everything screeched to a halt. Not a soul moved. The silence in the lobby was so thick you could practically cut it with a knife.All eyes turned towards me, and finally, our gazes locked.

Jake's POVSelena was putting me off. After our first meeting, I had online meetings to attend and instructions to give my employees. I couldn't stay away for too long, so I needed to settle things before securing my leave.The problem was, Selena wasn't answering my calls. I resorted to texts, giving me time to dig into Diego, the supposed fiancé. The idea of them together bothered me. I still had the right to claim my wife, and that's exactly what I intended to do.There had to be a way to win her back. She loved me once, right? That love must still be buried somewhere, waiting to be rekindled. I couldn't lose the one constant face I recognized, not now, not ever. I needed her.And if I had her, the kids would follow. I was convinced they were mine. If not, she wouldn't have been so resistant to a DNA test.Picking up my phone, I dialed her number again. To my surprise, she answered. "Jake," she said, her voice devoid of warmth."We need to talk, face to face.""There's nothing left