CHAPTER 6

EZRA'S POV 

I looked at my friend suspiciously and knew that something was wrong somewhere. Ezra couldn't believe what his friend said,Ezra couldn't believe what he heard!. 

"Are you really sure of what you just said?" I  asked him, staring at him eye-to-eye to make sure he meant his word. 

"I am perfectly sure," he responded. 

I became confused. I looked at where Valerie was sleeping peacefully, I couldn't imagine not spending my lifetime with her. 

"Ezra, you have to take my advice. Remember, if you end up with her you will definitely lose your position" 

He knows that I don't joke with my position. "Is there anything that can be done if this rumor is true?" I asked.

"Nothing, you just have to accept your fate and move on" He responded

I felt so weak and was speechless. I know my friend very well and I trust him with my life.I even get most updates from him. But, this was too much for me to bear as it concerns the one I truly love.

My friend stood up from his seat, adjusted his shirt. "Ezra, I am leaving" 

"I thought you came for a business discussion, why are you leaving?" 

"You're not in the right frame of mind now, so I need to leave you. We will discuss that later" he walked towards the door and left. 

I was left in deep thought, that I didn't know when Jason walked in. He called out the second time before I connected back. 

"I have been standing here and calling you but you seemed so absent minded. What's wrong, you look worried"

Jason ran his hands on my head. "I am fine, just feeling sick"

"Feeling sick? But you have been energetic. Where is Valerie? Jason asked. 

She is sleeping on that sofa over there. Jason turned around and saw her. "Have you eaten the food she brought?" 

"Yes Jason,"

"I said it! I sensed that this behavior she put up recently was suspicious. You have eaten the food and now you're sick"

"Jason, I don't understand what you are driving at. What does my feeling sick have to do with the food I ate" 

"Don't you think she poisoned that meal, just to take you out and have her way to Ian. You know, women can pretend a lot" 

I was pissed off by what Jason said. I know Valerie would not try such. I know the reason for my sudden feelings. 

"Jason, I would appreciate it if you use the door behind you" Jason was surprised that I could send him out knowing fully well that he is my right hand man. 

Jason couldn't say a word, he quietly left. I was happy some minutes ago that Valerie has finally changed, now it's another different story. 

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Valerie opened her eyes and noticed she was lying on a sofa. She remembered how she was sitted a while ago. Oh! I dozed off. She sat up and realized that Ezra was standing close to the window and backing her. She could only see his back view. 

Is he catching some views or he is lost in thoughts? Hope everything is alright? She stood up quietly, adjusted her lovely gown, and used her hand to brush her long hair over. 

She sighted the dishes she used to bring the food to him, and moved towards it to check if he had eaten. She opened them and saw he cleared the meal. She has a lovely smile on her face.

Valerie noticed that Ezra didn't move, nor did he even turn back. She became concerned and moved over to where he stood. Valerie placed her hand on his left shoulder softly. 

I jerked back to reality and immediately I turned to see who it was, there she was. 

Valerie knew that something was bothering me. "What's wrong?" She asked.

I didn't answer, I moved away from her. 

"Ezra, you know I don't like it when you're down. Why are you keeping mute? Please say something,talk to me.

I didn't reply.

Has he suddenly become deaf and dumb? "Was the food tasteless?" Valerie mumbled. If the food was tasteless, he wouldn't have devoured it and left the dishes empty. 

She tried coming close to me but with my facial expression,she realized her presence was irritating.

Valerie knew that her presence was no longer needed, she had to go. She picked up her bag and the basket which she used in bringing his meal and left. 

I felt bad for not saying a word to her, neither did I appreciate her for the meal. I was confused on who to ask to be sure of what I heard. Ezra thought to himself.

Why now? How be it that this rumor was birthed at this point in time?

Valerie met Jason when she was about to exit the quarters. "Jason, I don't know what is wrong with Ezra, I woke up and found him at the window side. I walked up to him but he moved away from me"

"Valerie, you're in the best position to tell me what transpired in there. What did you put in that food?" Jason asked

"What sort of irrational question is that? Jason watch your tongue" Valerie blurted and wanted to leave but Jason stood in her way, preventing her from leaving. 

"Jason, I am not in the mood for this. Please excuse me"

"Excuse you? Imagine the boldness. Look! If anything should happen to him, you will be held responsible. And let me warn you, I don't want to see you around this quarters" Jason retorted.

Valerie looked at him from top to bottom, sighed and left him. "This lady lacks manners," he said. 

Chelsea and Ian saw when Valerie was leaving, they noticed she was not happy. Ian was curious as to what the problem could have been, but Chelsea claimed that Valerie is her friend and she could tell that all wasn't well.