Chapter 51

Valerie

With every passing moment the bell rang my anxiety rose. Why wasn't she picking up? Seven rings had passed and still, there was no answer. Did she know that something was up? I could feel my plan going awry. Ten rings later finally the call was picked, and she was there on the other end of the line.

"Valerie, hi," she greeted in a cheerful manner. "I'm really sorry that I had to cancel our meeting." Her voice sounded rushed, tinged with a hint of urgency.

"Oh, it's alright, no problems with that. However, I wanted to talk to you about something important. Basically, I just want you to hear what I’m saying. I mean it is something really very important, for you, and your wedding." I could hear the rapid beating of my heart in my ears.

"Oh why I not, I'm listening. Just tell me what you want to say," Laura replied, her tone eager yet tinged with apprehension.

"Thank you. How do I say this?" I paused. "I wanted to talk to you about something related to your past. Around the t