Previously – Chapter 5: The Unraveling
The morning sun had barely begun to peek over the horizon when Lila stirred awake, her body instinctively seeking the warmth of Jake beside her. But as her hand reached out, it met only cold, empty sheets. Her eyes flew open, heart racing as she sat up, scanning the dimly lit hotel room.
“Jake?” she called out, her voice small and uncertain in the stillness.
There was no response. The bathroom door stood open, revealing an empty space. Jake’s suitcase was still in the corner, but his wallet and phone were missing from the nightstand. A familiar knot of anxiety began to form in Lila’s stomach as she reached for her own phone, fingers trembling as she dialed Jake’s number.
It went straight to voicemail.
“Jake, it’s me,” she said after the beep, trying to keep the panic out of her voice. “I woke up and you were gone. Please call me back as soon as you get this. I’m worried about you.”
As the hours ticked by with no word from Jake, Lila’s worry morphed into a potent mixture of fear and anger. She paced the suite, alternating between leaving increasingly frantic voicemails and firing off text after text.
“Jake, where are you? Please just let me know you’re okay.”
“I’m really starting to freak out here. Call me. Now.”
“If I don’t hear from you in the next hour, I’m calling the police.”
By early afternoon, Lila was beside herself. She had called every hospital in Las Vegas, checked with hotel security, and even ventured down to the casino floor, hoping against hope to find Jake at one of the poker tables. But there was no sign of him anywhere.
As she sat on the edge of the bed, head in her hands, Lila’s mind raced with possibilities, each more terrifying than the last. Had something happened to Jake? Was he hurt, or in trouble? Or… had he simply left her?
The thought sent a spike of pain through her heart. She didn’t want to believe it, couldn’t reconcile the idea with the man who had looked at her with such love and devotion just days ago. The man who had promised to get help, to change his life for her.
But as the hours ticked by with no word, doubt began to creep in. Lila found herself replaying every moment of their time together, searching for signs she might have missed. The hushed phone calls, the evasive answers about his past, the intensity she’d seen in his eyes at the poker table… had it all been leading to this?
“No,” Lila said aloud, her voice fierce in the empty room. “No, I won’t believe it. Jake loves me. He wouldn’t just leave. Whatever’s going on, we’ll figure it out together. We have to.”
But as the sun began to set, painting the Las Vegas skyline in shades of orange and pink, Lila’s resolve began to crumble. She curled up on the bed, clutching Jake’s pillow to her chest as silent tears slid down her cheeks.
This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. They were supposed to be preparing for Jake’s rehab, taking the first steps towards their future together. Not… this. Whatever ‘this’ was.
Just as Lila was considering calling the police, despite her lingering hope that there was a reasonable explanation for Jake’s disappearance, she heard a commotion in the hallway. Muffled voices, the thud of something heavy against the wall. Then, the electronic beep of the hotel room door unlocking.
Lila’s heart leapt into her throat as she sat up, eyes fixed on the entrance. The door swung open, revealing a sight that made her blood run cold.
Jake stumbled into the room, barely able to stand. He was being half-carried, half-dragged by two burly men in expensive suits, their faces impassive as they unceremoniously deposited Jake on the floor.
“Jake!” Lila cried, rushing to his side. He was a mess – clothes torn and dirty, face bruised, a trickle of dried blood at the corner of his mouth. The sharp smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke clung to him, making Lila’s eyes water.
One of the men who had brought Jake in stepped forward, his cold gaze fixed on Lila. “You his girl?” he asked, his voice gruff and businesslike.
Lila nodded, too shocked to speak.
“Good. Then you can pass along a message. Tell him he’s got 48 hours to come up with the money. If he doesn’t…” The man trailed off, but his meaning was clear. “We’ll be in touch.”
With that, the two men turned and left, closing the door behind them with a final-sounding click.
For a moment, Lila stood frozen, her mind struggling to process what had just happened. Then Jake groaned, trying to push himself up, and she snapped back to reality.
“Oh my God, Jake,” she breathed, kneeling beside him. “What happened? Are you hurt? Do we need to call an ambulance?”
Jake shook his head, wincing at the movement. “No ambulance,” he slurred, his words thick and uneven. “M’fine. Just need to sleep it off.”
Lila’s initial relief at seeing Jake alive quickly gave way to a surge of anger. “Fine?” she repeated incredulously. “You disappear for two days, then show up looking like you’ve been in a war zone, brought home by what I can only assume are very dangerous people, and you think you’re fine?”
She stood up, pacing the room as the fear and worry of the past two days transformed into righteous fury. “Do you have any idea what you’ve put me through, Jake? I thought you were dead in a ditch somewhere! I thought… I thought you’d left me.”
Her voice broke on the last words, and Jake looked up at her, his bloodshot eyes filled with shame and regret. “Lila,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I never meant to…”
“To what?” Lila interrupted, her anger building. “To disappear? To gamble away God knows how much money? To throw away everything we’ve been working towards?”
Jake struggled to his feet, swaying slightly as he reached for her. “Please, Lila. Let me explain. I can fix this. I just need a little more time.”
Lila stepped back, out of his reach. “More time?” she echoed, her voice rising. “More time for what, Jake? To dig yourself deeper? To put us both in even more danger?”
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. When she spoke again, her voice was quieter but no less intense. “I thought we were past this. I thought you were serious about getting help, about changing your life. Was that all a lie?”
Jake’s face crumpled, and for a moment he looked utterly broken. “No,” he whispered. “No, it wasn’t a lie. I want to change. I want to be better. For you. For us. I just… I’m weak, Lila. The addiction… it’s stronger than I am.”
Lila felt her anger deflate, replaced by a bone-deep weariness. She sank down onto the edge of the bed, suddenly feeling every hour of the past two sleepless days. “I don’t know if I can do this, Jake,” she said softly. “I love you, but… I’m scared. For you, for me, for our future. How can I trust you after this?”
Jake stumbled over to her, dropping to his knees in front of her. He took her hands in his, his grip desperate. “Please,” he begged, his voice breaking. “Please don’t give up on me, Lila. I know I don’t deserve it, but I need you. You’re the only good thing in my life. The only thing that makes me want to be better.”
Lila looked into Jake’s eyes, seeing the pain, the fear, the self-loathing swirling in their depths. Despite everything, her heart ached for him. She could see the man she loved in there, buried beneath the addiction and the mistakes.
“I don’t want to give up on you, Jake,” she said softly. “But I can’t keep doing this. I can’t live in fear of you disappearing, of you gambling away our future. I need to know that you’re serious about getting help. Really serious this time.”
Jake nodded fervently, hope flickering in his eyes. “I am,” he swore. “I’ll do anything, Lila. Rehab, therapy, whatever it takes. Just please… please don’t leave me.”
Lila was quiet for a long moment, weighing her options. She knew the smart thing would be to walk away, to protect herself from the chaos and pain of loving an addict. But looking at Jake, so broken and vulnerable, she realized she couldn’t abandon him. Not when he needed her most.
“Okay,” she said finally, her voice firm. “But this is it, Jake. Your last chance. If you’re serious about getting help, about changing your life, then I’m here. I’ll support you every step of the way. But one more slip-up, one more lie, and I’m gone. Do you understand?”
Jake nodded, tears streaming down his face. “I understand,” he choked out. “Thank you, Lila. Thank you for not giving up on me. I swear, I’ll do whatever it takes. I won’t let you down again.”
Lila helped Jake to his feet, guiding him towards the bathroom. “Let’s get you cleaned up,” she said gently. “Then we need to talk about what happened, and what we’re going to do next.”
As she helped Jake out of his torn and dirty clothes, Lila’s heart ached at the sight of the bruises mottling his skin. “Jake,” she said softly, “who were those men? What did they mean about you having 48 hours?”
Jake winced as he stepped into the shower, the hot water stinging his various cuts and bruises. “They work for a guy named Victor Rossi,” he admitted, his voice barely audible over the sound of the water. “He’s… well, let’s just say he’s not the kind of person you want to owe money to.”
Lila felt a chill run down her spine. “How much do you owe him, Jake?”
There was a long pause, filled only by the sound of running water. Finally, Jake’s voice came, small and ashamed. “Three million dollars.”
Lila felt the room spin around her. “Three million?” she repeated, her voice faint. “Jake, how… how is that even possible?”
Jake stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist. His face was a mask of misery and self-loathing. “I got in over my head,” he said. “I thought I could win it back, but… I just kept digging myself deeper. And now…”
“Now they’re giving you 48 hours to come up with the money,” Lila finished for him. “Or what? What happens if you can’t pay, Jake?”
Jake’s eyes met hers, and the fear she saw there made her blood run cold. “Nothing good,” he said quietly. “Victor Rossi isn’t known for his patience or forgiveness.”
Lila sank down onto the closed toilet lid, her head spinning. This was so much worse than she had imagined. Not just Jake’s addiction, not just the lying and the disappearing act, but actual danger. The kind of danger that got people hurt… or worse.
“What are we going to do?” she asked, hating how small and scared her voice sounded.
Jake knelt in front of her, taking her hands in his. “We?” he repeated, a note of hope in his voice. “You still want there to be a ‘we’ after all this?”
Lila looked into his eyes, seeing past the fear and shame to the man she had fallen in love with. The man she knew was still in there, fighting to break free of his addiction. “Yes,” she said softly. “We’re in this together, Jake. For better or worse. But we need a plan. A real one this time.”
Jake nodded, squeezing her hands. “I know,” he said. “And I think… I think I know what we need to do. But you’re not going to like it.”
“Tell me,” Lila urged.
Jake took a deep breath. “I need to go to rehab,” he said. “Not just for a few weeks, but serious, long-term treatment. It’s the only way I’m going to beat this addiction. But first… first I need to liquidate everything I own. My car, my condo in L.A., my investments. It won’t be enough to cover the whole debt, but it might buy us some time with Rossi.”
Lila nodded slowly, her mind racing. “Okay,” she said. “That’s a start. But Jake, even if you sell everything… we’re still going to be millions short. What then?”
Jake was quiet for a long moment, his eyes fixed on their joined hands. When he finally looked up, there was a determination in his gaze that Lila hadn’t seen before. “Then I turn myself in,” he said quietly. “To the police, the FBI, whoever. I tell them everything – about Rossi, about the gambling rings, all of it. It might mean jail time for me, but… it’s better than always looking over my shoulder, always putting you in danger.”
Lila felt tears spring to her eyes, a mix of pride and fear washing over her. “Oh, Jake,” she whispered. “Are you sure? That’s… that’s a big step.”
Jake nodded, his jaw set. “I’m sure,” he said firmly. “It’s time I faced the consequences of my actions. And if it means keeping you safe, keeping us safe… then it’s worth it.”
Lila leaned forward, pressing her forehead against Jake’s. “I’m proud of you,” she said softly. “For being willing to do this. It’s not going to be easy, but… I’ll be with you every step of the way. I promise.”
Jake’s arms came around her, pulling her close. “I don’t deserve you,” he murmured into her hair. “But I’m so grateful for you, Lila. You make me want to be better. To be the man you deserve.”
They held each other for a long moment, the weight of their decisions settling around them. Finally, Lila pulled back, wiping at her eyes. “Okay,” she said, her voice stronger now. “We have a plan. But first things first – you need to eat something, and then get some sleep. We can start making calls in the morning.”
Jake nodded, allowing Lila to help him to his feet. As they made their way back to the bedroom, he paused, turning to face her. “Lila,” he said, his voice serious. “I need you to know… no matter what happens next, no matter how hard things get… I love you. More than I’ve ever loved anyone or anything in my life. You’re my reason for fighting, for wanting to be better.”
Lila felt fresh tears spring to her eyes. She reached up, cupping Jake’s face in her hands. “I love you too,” she said softly. “And we’re going to get through this. Together.”
As they settled into bed, Lila curled protectively around Jake’s battered body, she sent up a silent prayer. For strength, for guidance, for the ability to weather whatever storms lay ahead. She knew the road wouldn’t be easy – there would be struggles and setbacks, moments of doubt and fear. But looking at Jake, seeing the mix of determination and vulnerability in his eyes, she knew it was a journey worth taking.
Whatever came next, they would face it as a team. And maybe, just maybe, they could build the future they had both dreamed of – a future free from the chains of addiction, built on a foundation of love, trust, and second chances.
The next morning dawned bright and clear, a stark contrast to the turmoil roiling inside both Lila and Jake. They had slept fitfully, both plagued by nightmares and anxious thoughts about the challenges that lay ahead.
As Lila stirred awake, she found Jake already up, sitting on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. She reached out, gently touching his back. “Hey,” she said softly. “How are you feeling?”
Jake turned to look at her, his eyes red-rimmed and shadowed with exhaustion. “Like I’ve been hit by a truck,” he admitted with a weak attempt at a smile. “Both physically and emotionally.”
Lila sat up, wrapping her arms around him from behind. She rested her chin on his shoulder, offering what comfort she could. “I know it doesn’t feel like it right now, but we’re going to get through this,” she murmured. “One step at a time.”
Jake leaned back into her embrace, drawing strength from her presence. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you,” he said quietly. “But I’m so grateful you’re here, Lila. I couldn’t do this without you.”
Lila pressed a soft kiss to his temple. “You don’t have to,” she assured him. “We’re in this together, remember?”
They sat in silence for a few moments, both gathering their courage for the day ahead. Finally, Jake straightened up, a look of determination settling over his features. “Okay,” he said, his voice stronger than it had been. “Let’s do this. Time to start making those calls.”
The next few hours were a whirlwind of activity. Jake spent most of the morning on the phone with his lawyer and financial advisor, setting the wheels in motion to liquidate his assets. Lila, meanwhile, reached out to the rehab center they had contacted before, explaining the change in circumstances and the urgency of the situation.
By early afternoon, they had the beginnings of a plan in place. Jake’s condo in L.A. would go on the market immediately, priced to sell quickly. His car and various investments would be liquidated as soon as possible. The rehab center had agreed to expedite Jake’s admission, with a bed available for him in just two days.
As Jake hung up from his final call, he turned to Lila with a mix of relief and trepidation on his face. “It’s done,” he said. “Or at least, set in motion. My lawyer thinks we can have most of the assets sold within the week. It won’t be enough to cover the whole debt, but…”
“But it’s a start,” Lila finished for him, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “You’re doing the right thing, Jake. I’m proud of you.”
Jake’s eyes filled with tears, and he pulled Lila into a tight embrace. “Thank you,” he whispered fiercely. “For believing in me. For not giving up on me. I swear, Lila, I’m going to make this right. I’m going to become the man you deserve.”
Lila held him close, her own eyes damp. “You already are,” she murmured. “You’re facing your demons, taking responsibility for your actions. That takes incredible strength and courage.”
They stood like that for a long moment, drawing comfort and strength from each other. Finally, Jake pulled back, wiping at his eyes. “So,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “What now?”
Lila took a deep breath, steeling herself for the next step. “Now,” she said, “we need to deal with Victor Rossi. We need to buy ourselves some time.”
Jake’s face paled slightly at the mention of Rossi’s name, but he nodded. “You’re right,” he agreed. “But Lila… I don’t want you anywhere near this. Rossi is dangerous. I can’t risk putting you in harm’s way.”
Lila’s jaw set stubbornly. “We’re in this together, Jake,” she reminded him firmly. “I’m not letting you face this alone. Besides, Rossi’s men have already seen me. They know I’m involved. We’re safer presenting a united front.”
Jake looked like he wanted to argue, but after a moment, he nodded reluctantly. “Okay,” he said. “But we do this my way. I know how to handle guys like Rossi. Just… follow my lead, okay?”
Lila nodded, trying to ignore the flutter of fear in her stomach. “Okay,” she agreed. “So how do we contact him?”
Jake pulled out his phone, his fingers hovering over the keypad for a moment before he started dialing. “We don’t,” he said grimly. “He contacts us.”
The phone rang three times before a gruff voice answered. “Dalton. I was wondering when I’d hear from you. You have my money?”
Jake’s voice was steady as he replied, “Not all of it, Victor. But I’m working on it. I need more time.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line, filled with menacing silence. Then, “More time? You’ve had plenty of time, Dalton. My patience is wearing thin.”
“I know,” Jake said quickly. “And I appreciate your patience. Look, I’m liquidating everything I own. My condo, my car, my investments. It’ll cover a significant portion of the debt. I just need a little more time to get it all sorted out.”
Another pause. “And the rest?”
Jake took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Lila’s. “I have a plan for that too,” he said. “But it’s going to take a bit longer. Thirty days. Give me thirty days, and I’ll have it all. Every penny.”
The silence that followed seemed to stretch on forever. Lila held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. Finally, Rossi’s voice came back over the line. “Thirty days,” he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “Not a day more. And Dalton? If you’re not good for it this time… well, let’s just say you won’t like the consequences.”
The line went dead. Jake lowered the phone slowly, his face pale but determined. “We’ve got thirty days,” he said quietly.
Lila let out a shaky breath, relief and fear warring inside her. “Okay,” she said. “Okay. We can work with that. You’ll be in rehab for most of that time, getting the help you need. And I’ll… I’ll figure out a way to come up with the rest of the money.”
Jake’s head snapped up, alarm flashing in his eyes. “Lila, no,” he said firmly. “This is my debt, my mistake. I won’t let you risk yourself for me.”
Lila stepped closer to him, taking his face in her hands. “Jake,” she said softly but intensely. “We’re partners now. Your problems are my problems. We’ll figure this out together. I have some ideas… just trust me, okay?”
Jake searched her face for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Okay,” he said. “I trust you. Just… be careful. Please.”
Lila leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “I will,” she promised. “Now come on. We need to get you packed and ready for rehab. It’s time to start your journey to recovery.”
As they began the process of packing Jake’s belongings, Lila’s mind was already racing with possibilities. She had the beginnings of a plan forming – a risky one, to be sure, but one that could potentially solve all their problems.
She thought about the book proposal she had been working on, the story of their whirlwind romance and Jake’s struggle with addiction. With the right publisher, with the right marketing… it could be huge. Enough to cover Jake’s debts and then some.
It was a long shot, she knew. But looking at Jake, seeing the mix of determination and vulnerability in his eyes as he prepared to face his demons head-on, Lila knew it was worth trying. For him, for them, for the future they both desperately wanted.
Whatever came next, they would face it together. And maybe, just maybe, their love story could have a happy ending after all.
The next two days passed in a blur of activity and emotion. Jake and Lila worked tirelessly to get everything in order for his departure to rehab. They met with Jake’s lawyer to finalize the details of liquidating his assets, spoke with the rehab center to confirm all the arrangements, and spent long hours talking about their fears and hopes for the future.
On the morning of Jake’s departure, the atmosphere in their hotel room was thick with tension and unspoken emotions. Lila watched as Jake methodically packed his bag, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he was trying to delay the inevitable.
“You okay?” she asked softly, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist.
Jake leaned back into her embrace, his hands coming to rest over hers. “Scared,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “What if… what if I can’t do this, Lila? What if I’m not strong enough?”
Lila tightened her hold on him, pressing a kiss to the back of his neck. “You are strong enough,” she said firmly. “You’ve already taken the hardest step by admitting you need help and being willing to get it. I believe in you, Jake. You can do this.”
Jake turned in her arms, his eyes searching her face. “How can you have so much faith in me?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion. “After everything I’ve put you through…”
Lila reached up, cupping his face in her hands. “Because I know you,” she said softly. “The real you, not the addiction. I’ve seen your strength, your determination. And I’ve seen how much you want to change. That’s half the battle right there.”
Jake leaned down, capturing her lips in a deep, desperate kiss. When he pulled back, his eyes were shining with unshed tears. “I love you,” he said fiercely. “So much. I swear, Lila, I’m going to beat this. For you. For us.”
Lila smiled up at him, her own eyes damp. “I know you will,” she said. “And I’ll be here, every step of the way. We’re in this together, remember?”
They finished packing in companionable silence, both lost in their own thoughts. As they prepared to leave for the airport, Jake paused, turning to Lila with a serious expression.
“Lila,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “I need you to promise me something.”
“Anything,” Lila replied without hesitation.
Jake took a deep breath. “Promise me you won’t do anything dangerous while I’m gone,” he said. “I know you said you had ideas about how to handle the rest of the debt, but… I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you because of my mistakes.”
Lila’s heart clenched at the fear and guilt in Jake’s eyes. She wanted to reassure him, to promise that she wouldn’t take any risks.
But she knew that might not be a promise she could keep. Her plan to pitch their story as a book was a long shot, and if it didn’t work out… well, she might have to explore other options.
So instead, she chose her words carefully. “I promise I’ll be careful,” she said. “And that I won’t do anything without thinking it through thoroughly first. But Jake… I can’t promise I won’t take any risks at all. We’re in a difficult situation, and sometimes risks are necessary.”
Jake looked like he wanted to argue, but after a moment, he nodded reluctantly. “Okay,” he said. “Just… please, be safe. And call me, even if it’s just to check in. I don’t know how I’m going to get through the next 90 days without you.”
Lila leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “I will,” she promised. “Every day. And I’ll be there to visit as often as they’ll let me. You’re not alone in this, Jake. Not ever.”
The ride to the airport was quiet, both of them lost in their own thoughts. As they pulled up to the departures area, Lila felt a lump form in her throat. This was it. The moment of truth.
They got out of the car, Jake shouldering his bag as Lila came around to stand in front of him. For a long moment, they just looked at each other, neither wanting to be the first to say goodbye.
Finally, Jake broke the silence. “Thank you,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “For everything. For loving me, for believing in me, for giving me a reason to fight. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Lila, but I swear I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of your love.”
Lila felt tears spring to her eyes. She reached up, framing Jake’s face with her hands. “You are worthy,” she said fiercely. “You’re the strongest, bravest person I know. And I am so, so proud of you for doing this. For fighting for yourself, for us.”
Jake leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was equal parts passion and promise. When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing heavily, eyes shining with unshed tears.
“I love you,” Jake whispered, resting his forehead against hers. “More than anything in this world.”
“I love you too,” Lila replied, her voice thick with emotion. “Now go. Get better. Come back to me.”
Jake nodded, taking a deep, shuddering breath. He pressed one last, lingering kiss to Lila’s forehead, then stepped back, squaring his shoulders. “I will,” he vowed. “I promise.”
Lila watched as Jake walked into the airport, her heart feeling like it was being torn in two. Part of her wanted to run after him, to beg him not to go. But she knew this was necessary. This was the first step towards the future they both wanted so desperately.
As Jake disappeared from view, Lila allowed herself a moment to break down, hot tears streaming down her face. But then she took a deep breath, wiped her eyes, and straightened her shoulders. She had work to do.
Pulling out her phone, she dialed a number she had memorized over the past two days. “Hello,” she said when the call was answered. “My name is Lila Brenner. I’d like to speak to someone about a book proposal…”
As Lila walked back to the waiting taxi, she felt a strange mix of fear and determination settle over her. The road ahead would be difficult, she knew. There would be challenges and setbacks, moments of doubt and fear.
But she also knew that what she and Jake had was worth fighting for. Their love had already survived so much – addiction, lies, danger. If they could weather this storm, come out the other side stronger and healthier… well, that was a story worth telling.
And Lila was determined to make sure it had a happy ending.
