Tempting the Billionaire and His Heir

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Alexa looked at Jade with concern in her eyes. “What are you planning on doing now that you’re free from Cody?” she asked softly.

Jade looked up at Alexa, tears streaming down her face. “I don’t know,” she replied, her voice trembling. “David was the only person who ever loved me, and now he’s gone. I feel so lost.”

Alexa put her hand on Jade’s shoulder, trying to offer some comfort. “I’m so sorry, Jade. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through right now.”

Jade sniffled and wiped her tears away. “It’s okay,” she said, taking a deep breath. “I’m just grateful to be alive, thanks to you.”

Alexa gave her a small smile. “I’m just glad I could help.”

Jade looked away for a moment, deep in thought. “I think I’m going to move somewhere no one knows me,” she said, finally looking back at Alexa. “Start over, you know?”

Alexa nodded understandingly. “I get it. Sometimes a fresh start is what we need to move on.”

Jade smiled weakly. “Yeah. And I think it’s best if I keep my distance from anything related to Cody.”

Alexa’s expression hardened. “That’s probably for the best. I’m not sure what I would do if I saw him again.”

Jade nodded. “He’s a dangerous man, Alexa. But I have faith that you’ll catch him.”

Alexa’s eyes narrowed. “I will. I won’t rest until he’s behind bars.”

Jade looked at Alexa with admiration in her eyes. “You’re one of the strongest people I know, Alexa. And I’m grateful to have you as my friend.”

Alexa felt a pang of sadness in her chest. She had lost so many people in her life, and she didn’t want to lose Jade too. “I’m grateful for you too, Jade. Please keep in touch with me once you’re out of the hospital.”

Jade nodded. “I will. I promise.”

Alexa stood up, knowing that she had to continue her search for Cody. “I have to go now, but I’ll come back to check on you soon.”

Jade nodded again. “Take care, Alexa. And be safe.”

“I will,” Alexa said before leaving the hospital room. As she walked down the hall, she couldn’t help but think about the strength that Jade had shown. Despite all the trauma she had endured, she was still able to find the courage to start over. Alexa knew that she could learn a lot from her friend.

Jade’s eyes flicked up to meet Alexa’s, a flicker of admiration in her gaze. “You’re brave,” she said, her voice filled with genuine respect.

Alexa laughed at the comment, shaking her head. “I’m not brave. I’m just… determined, I guess.”

Jade smiled wistfully. “Bravery isn’t something you’re born with, hun,” she said. “I’m goddamn afraid for my life, that’s for sure. But I am not brave, I am determined.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Alexa thought about that for a moment, letting the words sink in. “I never thought of it that way,” she admitted. “But I guess determination is a kind of bravery, in its own way.”

Jade nodded in agreement, her expression serious. “It is. And you have it, Alexa. You have more of it than you realize.”

Alexa felt a flush of pride at the words, grateful for the encouragement. “Thank you, Jade,” she said quietly. “That means a lot to me.”

Jade gave her a small smile, her eyes closing as she leaned her head back against the hospital bed. “Just promise me you’ll be careful,” she said. “I don’t want to lose another friend.”

“I promise,” Alexa said firmly. “I’ll be careful. And I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.”

Jade nodded, her eyes already drifting shut. “Good luck, Alexa,” she murmured. “Take care of yourself.”