Italian Obsession

Chapter 52

Valentina

Danny sent me the money via Venmo, and I packed my children's belongings planning on leaving tomorrow morning. I never thought I would leave like this, but Tom gave me no choice. Each day got worse, and I could not put my children through the stress.

I called Jason to tell him the news. "You're coming home?"

"Yeah."

"When?"

"Tomorrow."

"Valentina?"

"Jason, I have to go."

Tom came downstairs and scowled. "Why are there bags in our bedroom?"

"I'm done, Tom. I can't do this anymore."

"What did I do?"

"You've ignored me, my children and you think that you can just make all the decisions."

"That's not true."

"You promised me a job months ago and it hasn't happened, so why should I sit around and wait for that to happen?"

"I told you what I wanted you to do, that was to take care of the kids."

"That's not the life that I want."

"What do you plan on doing?"

"I'm going back home."

Tom scowled. "Why?"

"Because I don't want this anymore."

"Can you please stay so we can talk about things?"

"There's nothing to talk about, Tom."

Without allowing him to respond, I called an Uber and got the hell out of the house, heading for the airport.

*** After several hours, I had finally gotten back home.

"How was the trip?"

"Exhausting."

"Are you coming back to work, I hope?"

"Danny didn't find a replacement?"

Micah shook her head. "He wouldn't do that. Does he know your home?"

"Not yet."

"When are you going to tell him?"

"I'm going to his house later to surprise him."

"Are you sure this is what you want?"

"It isn't a good idea, but my son misses his father and I know Callie misses him as well, considering Ben and I haven't spoken in five months."

Micah shook her head. "I'll hurt him myself if he breaks your heart again."

"I don't doubt that."

"He's broken your heart several times, Val. That's why I'm kind of on edge in terms of you trying to work things out with him."

"Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling the same way as you."

"I just want what's best for you, Val."

"I appreciate it."

"How are you doing with the medication?"

"Not bad."

"Is it helping?"

"I guess. It's still hard to think about, but I am slowly healing from the pain."

"At least you have two kids to keep your mind off of it."

"I am trying to."

"Well, I am here for you regardless of what happens."

"Thank you, Micah. I'm afraid Danny will walk out on us again."

"If he truly loves you, he will do whatever it takes to raise your family."

"I suppose you're right."

"Have you heard from Tom?"

"I blocked his number."

"That's good?"

"It is. I just... I feel stressed."

"It'll be okay, Val. I promise that I will be here for you, as well as your family."

"Thanks."