Valerie's POV.Drake stopped in front of his home and I just couldn't believe he lived here alone with Charlotte. I have never been here because when we were still together, he made sure he came to see me in the penthouse. Whenever I asked to come see him he would always decline. I never imagined that I would one day be here, Even though I thought that, Not in this way. I looked at Drake who was trying to turn off the engine of his car. If only we would love happily together, What would have been our relationship now, if all this didn't happen? Maybe we would both be carrying our child happily. I sighed, I don't want to go back thinking about the past. Time isn't going to pause or go back just for me. What is done is already done, I can't change things.Besides, I shouldn't be thinking about this, Rather, I should be making plans on how to make both their lives miserable in here, Love isn't my priority now, I was already failed by love, believing it again would be so stupid of me, Bu
Valerie's POV.I fell down with the back on the soft comfy bed, I spread my arms wide, and I breathed in, It feels so nice to be here but at the same time, This is the home where I was never accepted, and I don't think I would, I came here for something, and so I have to do it before I leave. I stood up from the bed, placed my bag on top of the bed and began unpacking. Furthermore, I realized that I didn't come with many necessary things and that's because of Drake. Why did he have to stand next to me while I was packing? I couldn't even concentrate, I'll have to call Jasmine to tag along with me for a shopping trip. That's right! I haven't spoken to her for a while,I sat down on the bed, brother out my number and dialed Jasmine's number, and in two rings, she picked up,“So you decided to call me right?” Her voice came.“I'm sorry, I was very busy and preoccupied with things, I couldn't even get enough time for myself, I'm less busy now, and so I decided to call you, How is work?” I
Drake's POV.Sitting in the living room, my eyes on my phone, Ron walked past me, he was coming out from Valerie's room. I wasn't bothered that he went in there, I was only Jealous, How Valerie always welcomes him with open arms. I stood up from my seat and walked to Valerie's room. Without knocking, I opened the door only to see her unpacking her clothes. “Yes you have to” I said to her, it is unclear to me why she is surprised and shocked about following my rules. This is my home, and she would live the way I want, “Don't you want to do that?” I asked and she didn't reply.I sat down on the sofa, She stood still in front of me, I really wanted to ask her to sit, but I just couldn't. One is my pride, and the other is because I'm still angry because of her relationship with Ron. Ron is someone I would never want Valerie to have anything to do with, But it seems everything is not going my way, She already has a full trust in Ron and Him, I'm sure he is definitely planning something, T
Drake’s POVI sat at the head of the table, my commanding presence unusually tempered by the tranquil atmosphere of the breakfast. To my right sat Charlotte, her blonde hair pulled back into a neat bun, her sharp eyes scanning headlines off her tablet. Valerie was opposite her, stirring her tea absently, her fingers tracing the edge of the delicate porcelain cup."I'm going to go see my dad today," Charlotte said, setting her tablet down and reaching for her toast. Her tone was casual, but I knew her well enough to catch the undercurrent of meaning beneath.I looked up, some spark of curiosity lighting in my eyes. "At his company?"Charlotte nodded, reaching for her juice and taking a sip. "Yes, I have been meaning to speak with him about a few things." She paused, and after a hint of hesitation, she continued, "It's time I get more involved."I raised an eyebrow, my fork stopping in mid-air. "Involved? With the company?"Yes, Drake." Charlotte's eyes met his, direct and unruffled.
Valerie’s POVI sat in stunned silence, my mind reeling in sheer disbelief. She. I could hear Jasmine's words but wasn't registering them. To think that I had inherited an absolute fortune, a life-altering fortune was unbelievable, a dream from which I hadn't woken. I stared at Jasmine, who continued to beam at me.You… you're serious?" I stuttered, trying to get my voice out. "I mean, this isn't some kind of joke, is it?" "I… I don't know what to say," I finally whispered, my hands shaking a little. "This is… unbelievable.Jasmine leaned forward and took her hand. "I understand, I get it's a lot to swallow. But I wouldn't be here telling you this if it weren't the case. In fact." She paused, looking to the door with that sparkle of mischief dancing in her eyes. "I brought someone with me who can help prove it.The door creaked open before I had time to answer, and a tall man in a sharp suit stepped inside. His dark hair slicked back, he held a briefcase in his hand."Good aftern
Drake’s POVI was deep in conversation with one of my senior staff members, going over the quarterly reports. The numbers were looking solid, but I knew there was always room for improvement. Sharp-focused, my mind was fully immersed in the intricacies of the business, until a gentle knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.I looked up, my brow furrowing slightly. "Come in."The door opened, and with surprise, Valerie stepped into the room, a small hesitant smile on her face. She was clutching a neatly wrapped container in her hands, something in her expression made me stop. I hadn't expected to see her here, like this."Valerie," I said my voice low, filled with a tinge of surprise. "What brings you by?My assistant stood up at once, instinctively feeling this was a private call, and nodded briefly in a friendly manner. "I'm out of here, Mr. Drake."I nodded back, but my eyes did not leave Valerie's face. I waited until the door was closed behind my assistant before speaking ag
Drake’s POVMy drive home was in silence, an uneasy silence. Familiar streets blurred past me, but my mind swirled with images of Valerie, the remnants of her touch, and the look in her eyes as they stared upward at me with that mingling of longing and sorrow. That left me with a sense of unease, torn between duty and desire.It wasn't until I finally pulled into the driveway that I took a deep breath, attempting to shake off remnants of the afternoon. I had a life here, one with Charlotte, and I needed to face it one way or another.I stepped inside, the lights were low, candles flickering along the hall. The air was heavy with roses, and some soft, melodic tune was playing from deeper inside. I frowned, off balance in the atmosphere. Charlotte usually kept things plain. This was different, deliberately romantic.I entered the bedroom, and there she stood in the middle of the room. She was dressed in a silk robe clinging to her form, with hair loose over the shoulders. She looked i
Valerie’s POVDrake continued to stare at me, still not understanding what I was referring to, the tension between us was heavy and unbudging. My face relaxed, and a shadow of regret crossed my face as I moved closer to him."Drake," I whispered, my voice low and laced with repentance. "I… I didn't mean it. I wasn't talking about you.He said nothing. He didn't even blink, but I saw the hurt in his eyes, the way my words seemed to strike a chord. I breathed deep, my fingers intertwining, nervous while searching for words that would lighten up the mood between us.I don't know why I said that," I whispered, "I just. I got caught up in the moment and I shouldn't have taken it out on you. I'm sorry."Drake's shoulders loosened somewhat, but the wariness in his eyes didn't recede. He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze straying away as if wrestling with emotions of his own.I stepped closer, reaching to place a gentle hand on his arm. "Drake, please… I need to know. Do you really ca
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