Love x betrayal

chapter 24 : the secret

The early morning sun filtered through the curtains, bathing the room in a soft, golden light. Sadie stretched, the quiet of the house wrapping around her like a blanket. She hadn’t planned on waking up this early, but her thoughts had been restless. Jake’s exhausted face from the night before came to mind, and without thinking, she found herself slipping out of bed.

As she wandered into the kitchen, her movements were quiet, almost instinctual. She remembered hearing Jake mention his favorite meal once, and before she knew it, she was preparing the ingredients. The kitchen filled with the comforting sizzle of vegetables and the rich aroma of cooking. Despite everything that had happened, this simple task brought her a strange sense of calm.

Once the meal was ready, she carefully arranged it on a tray and made her way up to Jake’s room. The hallway was silent, the only sound her soft footsteps on the wooden floor. When she reached his door, she hesitated for a moment, but then pushed it open gently. Jake lay asleep, his face softened in the early morning light.

She placed the tray on the table beside his bed and leaned over, gently nudging his shoulder. “Jake,” she whispered, “wake up.”

He stirred, blinking up at her in confusion. His eyes drifted to the tray of food before landing back on her face, a smirk slowly tugging at the corner of his lips. “Why would you cook for me, Sadie?” he asked, his tone teasing, though there was a genuine curiosity in his voice.

Sadie felt a rush of embarrassment and quickly covered her face with her hands. “I was just... bored,” she mumbled, her voice muffled behind her hands.

Jake chuckled, clearly amused by her response. “Bored, huh?” He stretched, his smirk still in place. “Sit down,” he said, gesturing to the chair near the bed.

Sadie hesitated but eventually sat down, her hands fidgeting in her lap. Jake leaned back against the headboard, his gaze distant for a moment before he spoke again, his voice quieter, more serious.

“You know, I’ve never told anyone about my family before,” Jake began, his eyes flicking briefly toward Sadie. “I never met my mom. She left when I was two.”

Sadie blinked, surprised by the sudden change in conversation. She stayed quiet, sensing he had more to say.

“My dad... he was a detective. He cared more about his work than me,” Jake continued, his voice tightening with bitterness. “All I ever wanted was for him to notice me, but he never did. Then... he got imprisoned.”

Sadie’s eyes widened. “Imprisoned? For what?”

Jake’s smirk returned, but it was colder this time. “Because of your dad.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “My dad?”

Jake nodded, his gaze hardening. “Your dad framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. Ruined his life, and mine. That’s why I wanted to get revenge on your family. I wanted to make them feel the same pain I felt.”

Sadie’s breath caught in her throat. She felt a wave of remorse wash over her. “Jake... I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice soft. “I didn’t know.”

Jake looked at her, his expression unreadable for a moment before he let out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, well... it doesn’t matter anymore. My dad’s gone. Died a few years ago in prison. I just... wish things had been different. I wish he hadn’t cared so much about his damn job.”

Sadie felt her heart ache for him. “Jake, I... I didn’t know things were like that for you. I’m sorry. Everything’s going to be okay.”

Jake scoffed lightly, his expression softening just a fraction. “I wish I could believe that,” he muttered. “I’ve been lucky to get where I am. Lucky to get the riches, the power... but none of it matters. I’d trade it all to have my dad back.”

Sadie didn’t know what to say. The anger she’d felt toward Jake seemed to dissolve in that moment, replaced by something she hadn’t expected—sympathy. She reached out and gently placed a hand on his arm. “I’m sorry,” she whispered again, her voice barely audible.

Jake didn’t say anything for a long moment. He just looked at her, his expression unreadable, before turning his gaze away. “Yeah,” he said quietly, his voice hollow. “Thanks.”