Valerie’s POVI leaned against the arm of the couch, crossing my arms as I looked across the room at Jasmine."I wasn't expecting you to get involved," I said finally, my tone firm but a crisp tone of irritation bleeding in. "I could have handled Charlotte on my own."Jasmine blew out a heavy breath as her eyes locked on mine, an apologetic smile spreading across her face. "I know you could have, Val. But I didn't exactly plan it. I just… ran into her. It wasn't like I went looking for trouble."I lifted an eyebrow. "So, you just bumped into her? At that restaurant? Sounds a little too convenient.Jasmine shook her head. "I swear, it wasn't planned. I had a client around, and seeing her there, I just couldn't walk away. I had to say something with all that's been going on between you two. I could not just let her keep playing these games without giving at least a warning.My expression softened. "So, what exactly did you say to her? Because from what I heard, she wasn't exactly thril
Drake’s POVI stared out the window of my office, in turmoil over the confusion and anger in my mind. One thing that continued to gnaw at me was Valerie. As much as I hated to admit it, there was one thing that did stand out, she wasn't a liar.I leaned against the window frame and massaged my temples, trying to rub the tension away. Valerie was unpredictable, I knew, a little fiery, vengeful at worst. But a liar? No. That just wasn't Valerie. And now there was this possibility that she might be right about Charlotte's pregnancy, a seed of doubt embedded so deep inside that I couldn't shake it.My friend sat across from me, sipping coffee and observing me. Since college, we had been a part of each other's lives, and he knew more than most how much this situation was eating at me. "You seem conflicted, man," he said after some moments of silence. "What's going on?"I exhaled slowly, turning to face him. "It's about Valerie," I muttered, frustration lacing my voice.My friend raised
Drake’s POVComing around the corner, I found Ron casually leaning against the lockers, his arms across his chest and a smug look on his face. It was an image to evoked an instantaneous response in me in an unpleasantly mingling one of suspicion and anger. I hadn't trusted Ron for a while now, but Valerie's recent words about Charlotte pushed me to confront the issue head-on.Ron looked up to see me approaching, his smirk wide, as if he had expected this all along. "Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Perfect," Ron said with heavy sarcasm lacing his voice. "What brings you to my side of the world, Drake?"My eyes narrowed, ignoring the taunting tone of Ron's words. "I need to talk to you."Ron raised an eyebrow. "That so? Are you sure you're in the right place for a heart-to-heart, Drake? You don't exactly strike me as the type to come to me for advice."I took a deep breath, trying to keep my temper in check. I wasn't here for games. "I want to know if you've heard anything about what Valeri
Drake’s POVI woke up to my head pounding and with a weight in my chest that equaled my guilt. The headache due to last night's boozing persisted, but it was insignificant compared to the ache in my heart as the memories of how I’d treated Charlotte came in flash floods. I was cold, and distant, saying things I could never again take back. It made me want to get sick.I rubbed my eyes in an attempt to shake the fogginess of my head. My apartment was dead silent, and the quietness brought into focus just how much the absence of Charlotte weighed on me. I couldn't even recall if she'd stayed over that night. Groaning, I sat up and grabbed my phone, no missed calls, no texts from her. It was as though she'd vanished.I swore under my breath. I wanted to apologize, to explain that it wasn't her fault, that I’d been overwhelmed by everything, the pressure, the accusations, my insecurities. But now, it seemed as though it might be too late. Stumbling out of bed quickly, I tossed some clot
Valerie’s POV I stared into the mirror, adjusting my blouse quickly as my mind tussled with so many things. I couldn't seem to get over the fact that for the first time in a long while, I had no job to go to, no job that consumed so much of my time and energy. A loss I needed to fill. Without a job, I could not support myself. I’d spent the morning reviewing job boards and applying to every place I could think of. The options were slim, but I couldn't afford to be picky right now. I knew I had to take whatever came my way, even if it wasn't glamorous.After what felt like an eternity of walking around and talking with store managers, I found myself facing a small corner store that had escaped my attention until now. I could see shelves filled with random household goods, groceries, and bits and bobs. It wasn't the kind of place I had ever imagined myself working, but beggars can't be choosers at this point.With a deep breath, I pushed open the door. A small bell above it jingled
Valerie’s POVThe dirty fluorescent lights above the store shimmied slightly as I was behind the counter, tidying the register. It was a quiet day so far, with only a few customers wandering in, most of them not uttering a word. I was thankful for the quiet. The store felt almost like a haven, though I couldn't say I enjoyed working here. But the old woman, sharp-tongued and judgy, always sat watching, never able to truly relax, but it was a lot better than nothing.I was staring at the shelves ahead when the bell above the door rattled once more. My shift was far from over, and I turned back to see three rough-looking men strutting in, loud and jovial. They were dressed in leather jackets, and their faces were smeared with a layer of stubble and arrogance. One of them cast a look in my direction, it remained on me for an uncomfortable moment.I stiffened as they approached the counter, trying to focus on the register. My instincts told me these were customers I would have preferred n
Drake’s POVGuilt clouded my mind as I sat across from Charlotte at the table in the restaurant, where soft candlelight cast a dim glow between us. Warm candlelight at least smoothed out the tension in the air. After all that had transpired, I knew I owed her an apology, and now, as we sipped our drinks, I hoped it wasn't too late to right the wrongs.I'm sorry, Charlotte," I said, starting in a low tone. I leaned over across the table and gently took her hand. "I've been standoffish, and I haven't treated you right. You didn't deserve any of that."Charlotte looked at me with gentleness in her eyes. "I appreciate that you're finally apologizing, Drake," she said softly, stroking her thumb over my hand. "But I need to know… what's been going on with you? It's like you've been somewhere else lately."I fumbled, my gaze roaming toward the tablecloth. I knew I couldn't tell her everything, especially not about Valerie. The less she knew, the better.I've just had a lot on my mind," I
Drake’s POVMy eyes didn't leave the old woman as she worked her way around the shop. Her movements were deliberate, almost practiced. There was something about her, something I couldn't shake off. My mind fluttered with fleeting memories, and faces of people from my past, but none seemed to fit.I couldn't take it anymore, my voice breaking the thick silence between me and Charlotte.Excuse me," I said, taking a step forward and with a cautious yet inquisitive undertone, "You… you look familiar."The woman paused mid-step and glanced toward me. Her eyes seemed as sharp as daggers, flicking over my face before dismissing me utterly."Never seen you before in my life," she replied shortly, her voice reeking of indifference. "And I don't care to know you either. Now, if you're not buying anything, get out of my shop."I opened my mouth to say a word, but before I could utter another word, she had already turned her back on me, resuming her work with finality.Standing beside me, Charlot
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