Chapter 8%
Nick stood frozen, his expression grim
When Ana was around, everything about Jayden was her responsibility. Nick had always focused on his work, never bothering with the ing with the little things: He didn’t even realize just how temfied Jayden was of thunderstorms–until now. And he had no idea what to do.
He wanted to call Ana, ask her how she used to handle this kind of thing. But then he remembered the way she’d looked at him before she left–cold, indifferent, like she’d finally stopped caring. The thought made his chest burn with anger.
No. There was no way he was going to chase her down. That would mean swallowing his pride and Nick Ambrose didn’t beg anyone- especially not a woman who walked out on him.X
Then a thought hit him
Without wasting another second, he had someone bring Valentina over.
Valentina arved thinking Nick was worried about her being afraid of the storm and wanted her to stay the night for comfort. She couldn’t have been more thrilled. The moment she saw him, she practically skipped over and slipped her arm through his with a flirty smile
“Did you miss me already? Is that why you called me over, Mr. Ambrose?”
A flicker of disgust flashed across Nick’s eyes, though his face remained unreadable. He casually pulled his arm away and said flatly. “Jayden’s afraid of the thunder. Stay with him tonight.”
Valentina’s smile faltered.
Nick had only paid attention to her in the first place because she resembled Gianna–maybe seventy, eighty percent. That familiarity had been enough to make him let her stick around, He’d even brought her into his home, But as far as real feelings went? There were none. He couldn’t stand being physically close to her. Even what happened earlier that day that had been nothing but a performance, staged to provoke Ana
–
Valentina had picked up on it, of course and she wasn’t happy. But she didn’t dare say a word. She knew exactly why she was allowed to stay near Nick–and it had everything to do with her face and nothing to do with who she was.)
Still, she wasn’t giving up. If she could win Jayden over, she’d have a shot at winning Nick’s heart too. She believed that with everything in her
Fueled by that hope, she headed upstairs.
But the moment she stepped into Jayden’s room and saw his face–ghost–pale, eyes wide with fear, curled into a corner–she was caught completely off guard. Those cold, hostile eyes he threw her way made her freeze in place.”
Nick was standing behind her, watching.
She had no choice. Swallowing her fear, Valentina stepped forward, forcing a gentle smile onto her face. “Jayden, sweetheart, it’s me. Your favonte Aunt Vee. Don’t be scared, I’m here to protect you okay? Come on, come to me.
What she got in return was a sneaker to the face–followed by a crumpled hoodie,))
“Go away! I want my mom! I only want my moml ́s
The shoe hit her squarely in the cheek. Tears sprang to Valentina’s eyes from the pain. Her first instinct was to yell, but she held back and forced a sweet voice instead. “Honey, don’t you remember? Your mom’s gone. That awful woman abandoned you. She doesn’t want you anymore. But Aunt Vee does. I’m here for you. Let me give you a hug, okay?”
She reached into the closet, trying to gently pull Jayden out ”
But Jayden slammed the closet door shut with a loud crack–right on her wrist
Valentina screamed, yanking her hand back as fast as she could. A nasty purple brise was already forming
Clutching her wrist, she turned to Nick with tears in her eyes. “Mr. Ambrose, look at my hand… this is too much. Jayden’s not just scared, he’s out of control. I really think we should call a doctor.”
Then, with a self–righteous edge to her voice, she added, “Honestly, I think this is Aria’s fault. She must’ve done something to him before. That’s probably why he acts like this during storms. Otherwise, why would he lash out at me like that?”
Nick’s face darkened. He looked at Jayden–still curled up inside the closet, trembling–and his gaze grew complicated.
Eventually, he relented and made the call.
The doctor amived not long after and with some effort, they were able to calm Jayden down.X
After examining him, the doctor explained the situation.
Jayden had suffered some kind of trauma when he was younger–something serious enough to leave a lasting mark. Every time there was a thunderstorm, it triggered those buried fears. He’d go into panic mode and in that state, he’d attack anyone who came near. It didn’t matter who they were not even the mother he kept crying out for
Nick satin silence, a heavy ache settling in his chest.
For the first time, he realized just how much he didn’t know about his own son. And how much Aria had been shielding both of them from
