19

Valeria stirred as the shrill ringing of her phone broke through the quiet stillness of the early morning. She blinked against the soft light filtering through the curtains, her mind still hazy from sleep.

“Who could be calling me in the early morning?” Reaching for her phone on the nightstand, she answered groggily. “Hello…?” A deep, cold voice came through the line, instantly jolting her awake.

“Where are you?” Markus’s tone was sharp, impatient. Valeria sat up in bed, rubbing her temple. Her heart sank. Of course, he wasn’t calling to ask about her well-being. 

He wasn’t concerned about her sudden absence from the manor. He just wanted to finalize their separation. “Why?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I want to send the divorce papers,” Markus replied, as if it were the most casual thing in the world. “It’s time to end this farce. Where are you? Tell me fast.” 

Valeria clenched her fingers around the blanket, steadying herself. The pain in her chest was familiar now—expected, even. He had always been distant, always made it clear that she meant nothing to him. 

But hearing him say it so plainly still sent a sharp ache through her. “I… I’m at Bella’s place,” she said after a brief silence.

“Send me the address,” Markus instructed, without hesitation. “I’ll have my lawyer deliver the papers by noon.” Valeria closed her eyes. There was no room for hesitation, no space for even a shred of hope. This was what he wanted, what he had always wanted.

“Alright,” she murmured, her voice barely steady. There was a pause on the other end of the line, but before she could decipher it, Markus spoke again, his voice colder than before.

“Good,” he said. “The sooner this is over, the better it is for us. I have added the alimony you have demanded. Hope there is nothing more you want.” And then the call ended.

Valeria lowered the phone from her ear, staring at the screen as if expecting it to ring again. “Asshole!” But, of course, it didn’t. He had nothing more to say.

The finality of it all settled in her chest like a heavy weight. With a slow, deep breath, she forced herself to move, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed.

Her hand instinctively went to her belly. “He still doesn’t know. And maybe… he never would. I cannot tell him anything now. He will deem the child as some source of extortion and might even snatch him away.”

Valeria exhaled shakily, setting her phone down on the nightstand before brushing a hand over her tired face. Just as she swung her legs over the bed to stand, the door creaked open, and Bella walked in carrying a tray of food.

“I figured you’d be up by now,” Bella said, her voice warm but observant. She placed the tray on the bedside table and sat beside Valeria, studying her friend’s weary expression. “You look like you just had a conversation you didn’t want to have.”

Valeria let out a humorless chuckle. “Markus called.” She reached for the glass of water Bella had brought, taking a small sip. “He wanted my address to send the divorce papers.”

Bella sighed, shaking her head. “Of course he did. That man wastes no time.” Valeria stayed quiet, poking at the plate of toast and eggs in front of her, but her appetite was nonexistent. 

Bella, however, continued watching her closely, her fingers drumming lightly on the bed sheet. “Val, I have a suggestion,” she finally said. “Only if you want to hear it.”

Valeria looked up, wary but intrigued. “What is it?” Bella leaned in slightly, her tone careful yet firm. “You don’t have to sign those papers right away. You can negotiate, stall, or—if you’re up for it—play a game of your own.”

Valeria frowned, tilting her head. “What do you mean?” Bella’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “Markus wants this divorce badly, right? That means you have leverage. If you’re going to walk away from this marriage, at least do it on your terms. He doesn’t know about the baby yet, and honestly, I think you should keep it that way… for now.”

Valeria hesitated, her hand instinctively brushing over her stomach. “But what would be the point of stalling? He doesn’t love me, Bella. He never has and I have already told him a few things I wanted in exchange for signing. Don’t worry, I can feed my child for a year or two with the money.”

Bella placed a comforting hand over hers. “Maybe he doesn’t love you. But that doesn’t mean he should get to walk away without a second thought. I just hope he rethinks and have some empathy for your or realises that you are carrying his child.”

Valeria swallowed, her mind spinning. “I don’t know, Bella. Maybe we were meant to part ways.” A part of her wanted to simply end it, to sign the papers and free herself from Markus’s indifference. 

Valeria remained silent, her fingers tracing the rim of her water glass as she mulled over Bella’s words. “Will stalling be really worth it? Would it change anything?”

Before she could respond, Bella shifted on the bed, her expression turning serious. “Actually… there’s something else I wanted to tell you.”

Valeria looked up, noticing the hesitation in her friend’s eyes. “What is it?” Bella took a deep breath. “I was offered a job overseas. As Aaron Reed’s personal assistant.”

Valeria’s brows furrowed. “Aaron Reed? As in the Aaron Reed?” The name wasn’t unfamiliar—Aaron Reed was a well-known businessman, one of the most influential figures in the corporate world. 

If Bella had landed a job with him, it was a golden opportunity. “Yes,” Bella confirmed. “But here’s the thing… I don’t think I’m going to take it.”

Valeria blinked. “Why not?” Bella gave her a pointed look. “Because you need it more than I do.” Valeria stared at her in shock. “Bella, what are you talking about?”

“I spoke to the company’s HR before I declined,” Bella admitted. “They’re open to considering another candidate—someone I recommend.” She leaned forward, gripping Valeria’s hand. “You should take my place.” Valeria’s breath hitched. “Me?”

“Yes, you,” Bella said firmly. “You’re smart, capable, and, most importantly, you need a fresh start, away from Markus and all of this mess. And something to support my niece or nephew. This is the least I can do.”

“But…” Valeria hesitated, glancing down. “I have no experience working as an assistant to someone like Aaron Reed. And I’m—” She stopped herself from mentioning the pregnancy.

Bella squeezed her hand. “You don’t have to worry about that. I can help you prep. Plus, they were already willing to hire me based on my skills, so they trust my recommendation. You just have to say yes.”

Valeria swallowed hard. The idea of leaving everything behind—of stepping into a completely new world—was terrifying. But at the same time… wasn’t this exactly what she needed? A fresh start? A place where she wasn’t just Markus Moreno’s discarded wife?

She exhaled slowly, lifting her gaze to meet Bella’s. “When do I have to decide?” Bella smiled. “Soon. But, Val… if you really want out, this is your chance.”

Valeria glanced at her phone, the words of Markus’s earlier call still heavy in her mind. ‘Maybe Bella is right. Maybe it was time to walk away… and never look back.’ She thought. 

Valeria reached out, gently grabbing Bella’s hand as emotions swirled in her chest. “I’ll think about it,” she said, her voice quiet but steady. “But first, I need to deal with the divorce. I can’t focus on anything else until that’s out of the way.”

Bella studied her for a moment, then nodded. “I understand,” she said softly. “But, Val… don’t let this opportunity slip away just because you feel guilty. You deserve a new beginning.”

Valeria lowered her gaze, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the bedsheet. “It’s not just guilt,” she admitted. “This job was your offer, Bella. You worked for it. You deserved it. I can’t just take it from you.”

Bella sighed, squeezing Valeria’s hand reassuringly. “And I’m telling you, I don’t want it. You’re my best friend, Val. I’d rather see you safe and happy than stuck in a situation that’s draining you.” She gave a small smile. “Besides, I never really saw myself as the assistant type. You know I have a problem taking orders.”

Despite the turmoil in her heart, Valeria let out a small chuckle. “That’s true.” Bella grinned. “So don’t overthink it, okay? Just promise me you’ll consider it.”

Valeria exhaled, her mind still tangled in doubts. But deep down, she knew Bella was right. This wasn’t just about a job—it was about breaking free, about building a life where she wasn’t constantly waiting for Markus to love her back.

She met Bella’s gaze and nodded. “I promise.”

Bella beamed. “Good. Now, finish your breakfast. You’ll need all the strength you can get before facing that bastard husband of yours.”

Valeria smiled faintly, but as she reached for the toast, she couldn’t ignore the pang of uncertainty in her heart. Would Markus really let her go that easily? And if he did… why did the thought of it still hurt so much?