Chapter 44

VALERIA

"Yes, it's me. I'm Valeria, Reese." The words tumbled out of my lips carefully, tasting bitter in my mouth.

I watched the blood drain from his face as his mouth opened and closed erratically, like a fish on a hook, in utter shock.

He blinked repeatedly as if I were a ghost and shook his head.

"Valeria?" He called out breathlessly, still unable to believe his eyes.

I nodded slowly, with my heart pounding aggressively against my chest like the galloping of a thousand horses.

Dave's grip around my leg tightened as he clung onto me while Derek stood beside Reese, his wide, innocent eyes flickering between Dave and me.

Reese shook his head slowly, his brows pinching together as confusion stamped every inch of his face. He ran a frantic hand through his hair, still blinking repeatedly in utter astonishment.

"Are you Valeria? Are you truly Valeria?" His enchanting, deep green eyes glinted with renewed hope as he asked intently.

I shoved a lump down my spine.

Suddenly, all the concoct