Chapter 45

Valerie Will POV

“Mama!” Liam jumped on me as soon as he saw me.

My lips curled into a small smile. “How are you doing baby?” I asked as I lifted him. “I missed you so much,” I added, kissing him on his cheek.

“I missed you too, Mama.” He beamed with excitement. “I’m so happy to see you.”

My heart fluttered. “I’m so happy to see you too, baby.”

After talking to Liam for a while, I dropped him on the couch and went into the kitchen to find Jamal. He was making breakfast for him and Liam when I arrived.

As I walked inside, I leaned my back against the door.

“Hey.” My voice was barely above a whisper.

Jamal hesitated and didn’t even turn around to look at me as he responded. “Hey.”

Wow.

He was still upset.

“How are you doing?” I asked, my voice cautious.

Jamal scoffed. “Why are you acting like you care?”

Ouch. That one hurt.

“Is it that you don’t trust me or what?” I closed the kitchen door and w