Drake's POV.Charlotte has suggested we go out for a dinner night together at a fancy restaurant, I wasn't in the mood to, but I had to do it for her, I didn't want her to feel lonely or feel that I don't love her, I would rather not arouse any suspicious from her, so I decided to tag along with her. On second thought, I wanted to clear my mind. I have been thinking a lot lately and everything I'm having has to do with Valerie. How would I tell everyone that I had nothing to do with her when I did? I don't mean to hurt her feelings more than I already did, But there was no solution to my situation right now, Charlotte father is already on my neck, and I'm sure he already noticed my behavior towards Valerie, that is why he brought this idea of me telling the public and media that I have nothing to do with Valerie.I sat down opposite Charlotte, and she handed over the food menu which was already placed on the table, “What do you want to eat? I'll make the order immediately” She said. F
Valerie's POV.I sat down next to Jasmine in the restaurant, there wasn't any free table available for two, since the restaurant was fully booked, it was the most fancy and expensive restaurants around round, and it was expected to be booked, Jasmine and had no other option but to sit on the table meet for four, with a couple who were almost done eating. I had a hard time talking to them because I hardly make new friends, but Jasmine was different, she always knows their name and where they came from. Nice! Finally, Jasmine and I were the only one sitting on the table, She was the one who suggested we go out tonight to relieve some stress, but she ended up ditching me and chatting with the couple, “You should have joined in the conversation, they were nice” She said, as she drank a sip out of her juice.“I'm not interested. I can see you already know much about them, did you also collect their phone number?” I inquired. “I was joking, I envy you Jasmine, the way you quickly interact
Valerie's POV.I moved forward to the man after Drake and Charlotte had left, Jasmine tried to hold me back, but I was a bit strong for her to do so. I waited and watched as the man wailed in embarrassment and pain. I could feel his pain, But I just couldn't understand the relationship going on between the both of them. He is Charlotte's secret lover. Shouldn't he maintain his position as a secret lover? Why did he come to this restaurant knowing fully well that Charlotte would be here with Drake? Unless there is something serious going on better for both of them.I punched his fist on the table so hard and walked out, I picked up my bag and followed him out. It is unclear to me why I am really curious, I want to know what happened between the both of them in the past and also present. I ran after him outside, and I noticed Jasmine was also behind me. The man was about to open the door to his car, when I held his hands from doing so.Panting heavily, I bowed my head to catch my breath
Valerie's POV.Ron had come this morning to pick me up, I had no place to go to and Jasmine was busy with work, It was as if God made Ron to me my lifesaver ay every situation, He suggested I followed him to his workplace, I registered first but remembering that I had no place to go, and boredom might get to me, I accepted his offer, and now we are sitting in the office cafeteria. We were being offered different kinds of dishes, and it was to my liking. Ron smiled and he watched me eat. I was shy, but I had to maintain a good posture. Since we had proclaimed to everyone we were dating, none of the workers in the cafeteria minded us, I could hear them whisper, but I'm sure it must be something good, since I'm not seen with Drake but with Ron. “Do you want more?” Ron asked.I shook my head and smiled, “I might explode if I take another spoon of food, I haven't eaten like this in a long time, I hardly cook and Jasmine is the only one who cooks for me, Thank you for this Ron, I sincerely
Drake’s POVI winced as Charlotte's sharp eyes zeroed in on the bruise that was starting to well just above my eyebrow. I had tried covering it up, brushing off any opportunity to stop and take a glimpse of myself in the mirror, but Charlotte was nothing if not observant. Her brow furrowed in concern, and before I could utter anything, she was upon him."Sit down," she ordered.I, for once too defeated to rebel, did as instructed. The pain from the altercation had begun to seep into my muscles, and I was not feeling okay. I dropped into the soft leather office chair, easing back with a sigh as Charlotte reached into the drawer for a first aid kit. Her fingers moved in swift efficiency, yet her gaze never wavered from mine.What's happened?" she asked, dragging a chair near and reaching into the kit for a disinfectant wipe. "Who did this to you?"I cocked my head, a wry smile twisting my mouth. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Charlotte raised an eyebrow, her eyes steady as she
Drake’s POVI sat in my office, staring out of the window, but didn't see much of the city skyline beyond the glass. The office, my haven, felt suffocating today. My desk was a mess of papers I should be studying, I should go over reports, but all I could think about was Valerie and her pregnancy.I had tried investigating, asking around people who may have known something, but every lead came up empty. Valerie was a master at keeping things under wraps when she wanted to. No matter how hard I pushed, I couldn't figure out whether the pregnancy was real or, more importantly, whether it had anything to do with me.My mind spun again to the fight with Charlotte, who accused me of still being obsessed with Valerie, and there might be that he was loathed to admit a grain of truth in the words. I did not want Valerie back, no, that ship had sailed long, long ago. But that uncertainty and chaos she brought into my life had ways of dragging me down into a whirlpool of doubt.A knock on th
Drake’s POVI stood before the high glass windows in the conference room, my reflection staring back. Behind me lay the city skyline, which I barely acknowledged. My hands were deep in my pockets. The press interview that was to take place later felt like an oncoming storm-one that I wasn't quite sure I would be able to handle. My mind kept on returning to the chaos Valerie had stirred up, her accusations, the venom that I released at our last meeting. It was boiling over with all of this now in just a few moments when I was about to be in front of cameras.My train of thought was cut off by the clicking heels on the polished floor. I didn't need to turn around, knowing full well it was Charlotte. Her presence hung in the air, sharp as a knife to slice through the thick atmosphere between them."Drake," she called softly, insistence underlining her voice. "We need to talk."I finally turned to her, and there she was, impeccable as always, her hair pulled back, her expression poised y
Valerie’s POVThe air in the room was electric as I took a steady breath, my eyes surging through reporters. For a moment, the only sound was that soft hum of cameras capturing every second of the confrontation. My eyes settled on Charlotte, who sat composed beside Drake, something darker flickering in her eyes, maybe fear. It was faint, but it was there, hidden just under the veneer of her polished facade.My lips arced into a bitter smile, and I spoke with the precision of one who had rehearsed every word. "Since we're all here talking about truths, let's not ignore the one that's been hidden for far too long. Charlotte, why don't you tell everyone about your little secret?"There was a collective intake of breath in the room. Even reporters, who were more supposed to get used to scandals, couldn't hide their surprise. The murmurs in the room grew much more audible, and tension mounted. Every camera now framed Charlotte's reaction,But Charlotte's eyes widened only for a moment,
Valerie's POV Two weeks later.The doctor attended to me while the nurse administered a pill for me to take. It's been two days since I was rescued. A lot has happened over the past two weeks. Now I am here for the test results which were conducted two days ago.Charlotte had kept me captive for a week and two days before I was rescued. How Drake and the police found me was absurd but I was glad Charlotte was behind bars.I was glad to be free even though I stayed a week and two days in captivity.*Flashback*“Here's your food, pig. Make sure to eat up and be done in five minutes. I'll be back to collect the plate.” Charlotte hissed and spat into the food before placing it on the ground in front of me.She pulled at my hair and confirmed the tightness of the chains around my body, hissed again before scurrying out of the dirty dark room where I had been kept captive for only God knows when.For four days,I hadn't had anything except water. Charlotte had made it a point of duty to spi
Drake's POV My chest region wanted to explode. It was exploding already,my heart racing as I listened to Valerie's voicemail.Ron had forcefully taken the company from her? How? I thought they were working together in pulling me into mud? Is she making a mockery of me or is she damn serious?She sounded serious. Her voice dripped with fear and uncertainty like she didn't know the next step to take. I dialed her number but I didn't go through. Something was off so I decided to go home. I wasn't expecting her to be home but at least I could corner her while she's packing out of the house.I quickly entered my car and the driver sped off at full speed. We pulled up in front of my lawn for ten minutes. I quickly alighted, sprinting into the house.I quickly made it to her room, knocking frantically on her wooden door but there came no reply. I knocked thrice and still no response.What if she's in the shower?I tried to be considerate but then she had identified herself as an enemy. Fr
Valerie’s POV I didn't know if Drake had received my voicemail or not but I hoped he did. This was all my fault. I should have listened to Jasmine. I tried calling Jasmine but the network connectivity of my surroundings was poor and I couldn't reach her.Luckily,I got lifted by a cab driver riding along my path and he brought me down to Drake's house. I got down from the cab, thanked the driver, and offered him a few bills which he kindly turned down before revving out of the lawn. I felt grateful for his kind lift after I had spent close to an hour trying to find my way home.I sluggishly carried myself to the porch, approached the door with a soft knock.My legs began to tremble beneath me. Here I was standing in front of Drake's house,a man I had just taken his company and a few valuable assets from him and handed it to his stepbrother.No response.I knocked again, this time louder and more pronounced.Shortly after,the door creaked slightly, opening to reveal Mia's face.“Welcom
Valerie's POV My legs vibrated beneath me as Drake walked up to me,his gaze devouring. He took the mic from me forcefully, his gaze shifting to the crowd.“I am so sorry for this misunderstanding fellas but think this lady is probably drunk and needs to be taken care of. Guards please lead her away.”Drake commanded his voice dripping with authority and power.Two men leapt forward and snatched my arms, grabbing and holding onto me tightly. They began to lead me away but Ron was quick to intercept. He landed both guard's a kick to their groin letting them retreat away and unrest erupted from the onlookers.This definitely wasn't what they planned to be their soulful entertainment but surprisingly they had no choice but to sit and watch it play out.Drake rage boiled over the surface ,his anger simmering onto his oceanic blue eyes.“ Why the hell did you do that to my guards Ron? What right do you have to waltz in here and disrupt a party that lots of money was spent on to organize? Wh
Drake's POV My car pulled up infront of a the magnificent hotel, an exact replica of a castle in fairy-tale. My driver quickly alighted, turned around opening the door for me. I stepped out of the car,the cool evening breeze caressing my skin. Charlotte stepped out as well,her arm quickly slipped around mine. She flashed me a sheepish smile, holding unto her purse tightly. I straightened out my suits, applying a fresh layer of deodorant, adjusted my glasses before making my way into the Hall which was bustling with loud music and bangers. Alot of guests had started arriving, staffs especially. Junior staffs to be precise.I looked around, my eyes dancing across the hall untill I spotted Sheila whispering into the MC ear.She seemed to be telling him to begin immediate actions since I was already in the room.The MC nodded understanding whatever she had to say. My gaze left thier faces and got focused on Charlotte who kept tugging at my suit.“ I don't want a single wrinkle in sight
Drake's POV It's been two days since i had the most terrifying nightmare of my life. Why would Valerie appear as an old woman seeking revenge? Why did she constantly accuse me of killing our baby when I indirectly and directly didn't have a hand in it.Till date, I had no answer to my question. I literally just couldn't comprehend why she had to disguise herself as an old hag. I didn't take it so literal but I knew Valerie wasn't happy with all that had been happening to her. I was going to find out sooner than later.The foreign investors and I had lost contact. Sara had stopped receiving and returning Sheila's texts, emails and calls. She must have cautioned herself to avoid being snuffed out or caught by her Boss who would probably be livid at her. I had told Sheila to keep on sending texts untill Sara eventually replies.Surprisingly,the ball solstice was to hold tomorrow. It was such a great day anticipated by a lot of people. Me ,my stakeholders and my employees,the junior staf
Drake's POV “ Wait Valerie, listen to me." I yelled repeatedly but Valerie wouldn't listen,age kept on moving, her pace gradually increasing.“ Please wait for Val. I have something important to talk to you about. The road ahead of us is quite dangerous. You need my help in navigating these dark paths. Let me help you." I urged, calling into the night air but Valerie wouldn't listen.“ Leave me alone." She managed to say, her back h at me,her pace a little.“ It's late and dark, lonely and scary. You need to come back to me. The driver is waiting. If we keep on going through this path,we might lose the driver entirely.”Valeria chuckled scornfully “ I don't mind losing the driver. I don't want to go with you. Leave me alone.”Valerie's steps increased as she surged deeper out of the light and into the darkness, navigating through the wood and thick bushes like she was quite familiar with her environment.“ You are threading into the bushes Val. Am sorry I called you out tonight. We
Drake's POV “ Out of my fucking room before I lose it. You are a fucking chameleon. You always change your skin to fit a favorable condition. You don't care about others. You only use them to satisfy and pleasure yourself. You only use them when you have something to gain. When they have something meaningful to offer." Charlotte's expression turned pitiful,tears pricked at the corners of Charlotte's eyes.“Drake, I care about you. I am not exploiting you. I care. I want to care.” she tried to touch me,my devouring gaze stopped her hand halfway.“ I want my personal space but if you're willing to give me the space I need,get out of my way, I am late for an appointment." I sneered and shot her a glare.“ Drake, listen to me." Charlotte pleaded.I frowned,my annoyance flaring.“Get out of my way,I need to use the exit door." I ordered.Charlotte's feet didn't budge,it rooted firmly to the floor.“ pl–.” I shoved Charlotte away, stepping out of the room immediately." Sleep in the room
Drake's POV 3:45 Pm. I kept staring at time,my mind divulged of any means of keeping itself occupied until I was ready to leave.Sheila had dropped the audio tape from her interrogation from twelve junior staffs. There wasn't much attached to their conversation but I was able to pick out something. They didn't have contact with the foreign investors considering there were based in the ground and second floor of the building.Sheila had promised to continue tomorrow even though I saw how exhausted she was. Interrogating a total number of twelve staff members alone was no easy feat. I had stopped her from carrying on with the interrogation considering the company had seventy staff and ten contract workers.She couldn't bear the burden of twelve,how would she bear the burden of sixty eight more staff. There were other ways to snuff out a culprit and I would find it out sooner or later.The door to my office opened and Sheila walked in with a glass of water. I asked if it's almond time