Broken Wings

Chapter Four : Broken Wings Racheal’s POV The next morning, I went to the café and waited for hours, but the person didn’t show up. I even texted the number, but the message bounced back, showing I had been blocked. Feeling devastated, I went home, decided not to think about him, and focused on preparing for my new job on Monday. ………… Monday morning should have been a new beginning. I dressed in simple black pants that still fit over my barely there pregnancy bump, a chiffon white blouse, and black low heels. I even put on a touch of makeup to hide the dark circles under my eyes. This is supposed to be my fresh start, a place where I could rebuild without Alexander Knights’. . I arrived at the office twenty minutes early, holding my bag and a smile I hoped looked confident.The receptionist glanced up, and her warm smile from the interview gone . “Miss . Steve um, Mr. London wants to see you right away. In his office.”My stomach twisted, but I nodded. “Of course.” Michael London stood when I entered, his kind face full with regret. He ask me to sit down on the chair across from his desk, but didn’t sit himself. “Rachael,” he started, voice gentle, “I’m so sorry. This is incredibly awkward, but… we have decided not to move forward with your hire after all.” The words hit like cold water. “What? But you offered me the job. I was supposed to start today.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know. And I stand by my decision then. You’re qualified more than qualified. But this morning, we received a reference call about you. From Mr Alexander Knights himself.” My blood ran cold. “What ? He…he called you?” Michael nodded. “Yes , He said he felt it was his professional duty to warn us. That you are unreliable. You have a tendency for emotional outbursts. That you have been involved in inappropriate workplace relationships.” He paused, looking uncomfortable. “He implied there were ethical concerns. Serious ones.”I stared at him, numb. Alexander hadn’t just rejected me and insulted me he has also destroy me. “I see,” I whispered,even though I didn’t. Not really. “I’m truly sorry,” Michael continued. “In this industry, an advice like that from someone of his influencs is very important . We can’t risk it. I hope you understand.” I stood on shaky legs. “Yes. I understand.” The walk out of the building felt endless. Tears filled my vision as I stepped onto the busy sidewalk, the city noise filled my ears. He wasn’t just okay with firing me, rejecting our baby, calling me names. Now he was blackballing me, ensuring no one in New York would hire me professionally. By the time I reached my apartment, I was shaking with serious anger . I threw my bag down and sank onto the couch, sobs tearing through me. How was I supposed to survive? Rent was due soon. Doctor bills were piling up. And with Alexander word spreading through the industry, no one would hire me out here. My phone rang. Charlie. “Hey, sweetie,” he said cheerfully. “How was the first day of God, Rachael, what’s wrong?”I poured it all out between hiccupped breaths, the job offer, Alexander reference, the accusations. “That bastard,” Charlie growled. “He’s trying to trap you here and make you desperate enough to run back and beg him .” “I know,” I whispered. “But what do I do, Charlie? I can’t stay in this city. Everywhere I go, he’ll find a way to ruin it.” Silence on the line. Then he said “Come to Seattle.” “What?” “I’m serious. You know I’ve been begging you to visit. My guest room is yours for as long as you need. The cost of living is high, but I can help financially, too. I’ve got savings from that design freelance gig. Enough to get you settled, cover the first month’s rent on a cheap studio if you want your own space later.” “Charlie, I can’t ask you to” “You’re not asking. I’m offering. You’re family, Rach. And that little bean you’re carrying? Family too.” His voice softened. “You need a clean break. A place where the Alexander Knights isn’t God.” I closed my eyes, tears slipping down my cheeks. Seattle. A new coast. New air. A chance to breathe without feeling his grip around my throat.Free from my stalker even though I haven’t heard from the person since the park incident. “Are you sure?” “Positive. I’ll book you a flight for this weekend. One way. We’ll figure out the rest when you get here.” I exhaled shakily. “Okay. Okay, I’ll do it.” The next few days were a blur of packing. I sold what furniture I could online, boxed up clothes and essentials, and gave notice on my apartment. The landlord was surprisingly understanding when I explained I had to leave for family reasons. Friday night, Charlie wired me money more than he should have, but he insisted. “Consider it an early baby shower gift,” he texted.Saturday morning, I stood in my nearly empty apartment one last time, hand on my stomach. “We’re leaving, little one,” I whispered. “Starting over. Just you and me.” At the airport, I checked one suitcase and carried a small bag with my most valuable possessions: the ultrasound photo, my laptop, a necklace my mother had given me before she passed, and a folder of important documents. As the plane taxied down the runway, New York City shrinking below me, something shifted inside. The pain was still sharp and raw. The betrayal burned.But for the first time in weeks, I felt something else too.Hope. Alexander Knights thought he could break me.He was wrong.I was leaving his world behind, carrying his child and my dignity.And in Seattle, I would rebuild stronger, fiercer.One day, he would hear my name again. And when that day came, he will realize exactly what he’d lost. Not knowing that moving to Seattle will be one of the worse decisions of my life which I will soon find out .