The past weekend was not peaceful.
After seeing Justin's friend at the club, I couldn't stop thinking.
So I did something I wasn't proud of.
I spent the entire weekend searching for information about Justin.
I told myself it was just curiosity. Just closure. But deep down, I needed to know what he had been doing all these years.
Stacy doesn't know.
And if she ever finds out, she will be extremely angry.
So for now… I'll keep it to myself.
At least until I understand why I feel so unsettled.
As I sat in my office that Monday morning, I found myself thinking about him again.
Strangely, even after five years, his memory still feels close.
Like he left fingerprints on my life that never faded.
Before I could get lost in my thoughts, the door opened.
Stacy walked in with her usual bright energy.
"Hey, girl. How are you today?" she asked.
I smiled softly. "I'm fine. Thanks."
Then she leaned closer, excitement written all over her face.
"So guess what?"
I raised a brow. "What?"
"So while I was shopping yesterday, I met a really cute guy… and he asked me out."
My eyes widened slightly. "Really?"
She nodded proudly.
"That's great! I'm so happy for you," I said, genuinely smiling.
Stacy hasn't dated anyone seriously in a long time. She broke up with her last boyfriend about two years ago and has focused mostly on work and helping me. I am so happy for her, she deserves it.
"I need your help picking what to wear tonight," she continued. "I'm going on a date."
I sat up straight immediately.
"Well, you're in luck. You came to the right person." I said excitedly
She laughed. "Whoa, chill out. It's my date and you're the excited one."
"I'm just really happy for you!" I replied.
"What time is the date?" I asked.
"He said he'll pick me up at 7:00 p.m."
"Nice," I said.
Then I paused. "Wait… what's his name?"
"Daniel."
"Okay, that's a good name. I approve," I teased.
She laughed.
"We should start getting ready early. It's already 3:00 p.m."
I checked the time and stood up quickly. "I have to pick Ben from school soon."
A smile touched my lips. "I miss that little chap already."
Stacy nodded. "I even got him a gift."
I gasped slightly. "Really? I don't remember the last time you bought me a gift, but you're always buying things for Ben."
She rolled her eyes. "I buy you gifts on your birthday."
I raised a brow.
"What? It still counts!" she defended herself.
I laughed. "Fine. It counts."
"Anyway, let's go. Ben is probably waiting for you."
She grabbed her bag, and we left the office together.
After picking Ben from school, we went straight home.
Normally, I would take him to the office with me during the day. He usually stays with me because he doesn't like having a nanny.
He insists on staying close to me, and honestly, I prefer it that way.
I've raised him by myself since the beginning.
And I wouldn't trade that bond for anything.
When we arrived home, Ben ran inside happily, telling me about his day.
Watching him laugh always reminds me why I fight so hard.
Why I work so hard.
For him.
I was finishing up getting Stacey ready for her date when Ben walked in.
"Wow, aunty stace you look stunning!" he said excitedly.
Stacey blushed slightly. "Thank you, Ben."
She smiled at him. "Hope you like your gift?"
Ben's face lit up. "Yup, I do! This Batman action figure is the best! Look, I can impersonate him. I am Batman! Ready for action!"
He tried to sound like Batman, and we all laughed.
Stacey suddenly looked nervous. "Hmm… I'm so nervous, Julie. What if I mess up?"
I turned to her immediately. "Don't worry. You're going to nail this, okay? I believe in you."
I smiled at her. "Let me see that smile."
She tried to smile, but her hands were still shaking.
"Breathe in… breathe out," I said calmly, helping her relax.
"It's time, Julie. He'll be here very soon," she said, checking her wristwatch.
"Okay then. Just be yourself. Don't be scared. I'll be with you in your heart," I told her softly.
Right then, we heard a car horn… and a knock at the door.
"He's here!" she said quickly. "I have to go!"
"Okay. Bye. Good luck!" I said, hugging her tightly.
She left the house, and I couldn't help but hope everything would go well for her.
I turned to Ben, who was still holding his Batman toy.
"So, what do you want to do now?" I asked, lifting him gently.
"How about watching a movie? It's been long since we watched one," he replied.
I smiled. "Okay then. I'll grab the snacks while you go get my laptop from my room, alright?"
I set him down carefully.
"Okay, Mom!" he said happily.
That evening, Ben and I spent time together watching movies, eating chips, and playing games.
Later, I read him a bedtime story so he could sleep peacefully. I wanted him well-rested for school the next day. Around 10 p.m., my phone rang.
It was Stacey.
"Hey!" she said excitedly. "The date went really well! And guess what? There's going to be another one very soon!"
I smiled. "I'm so happy for you. I hope this relationship works out. You deserve something good in your life."
We talked for a few more minutes before ending the call.
After that, I prepared for bed, hoping the next day would be peaceful.
The next morning came quickly.
I had an important meeting scheduled. Someone wanted to invest in our company, and this could be a big breakthrough for the new fashion line I was preparing to launch.
While I was in my office reviewing documents, my secretary walked in.
"Ma'am, the meeting room is ready. The investor is here. He's waiting for you," she informed me.
"Okay, thank you, Angela. Tell them I'll be there in a second," I replied calmly. After she left, I leaned back in my chair and took a deep breath.
Okay, Juliana. You can do this. Focus. This investment could take your company to the next level.
Moments later, Stacy joined me, and together we walked toward the meeting room.
My heart was steady — until the door opened.
The investor walked in.
He was accompanied by two people — a man and a woman.
I politely lifted my head, ready to greet them.
And then it happened.
The moment my eyes landed on him…
Everything inside me froze.
My breath caught in my throat.
My heart started pounding uncontrollably.
Because standing there, confidently walking into my meeting room…
Was Justin Hayes.
I felt my world tilt.
Of all the investors who could have walked through that door…
It had to be him.
My worst nightmare.
The man who broke my heart.
The father of my child.
I suddenly felt like the room was spinning.
I couldn't accept this.
I couldn't work with him.
Not after everything.
My mind screamed one clear decision:
I have to reject this investment.
And that was the moment I knew — this meeting would change everything.