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 I waited until she stood up from the girl with a smile and took a few more steps before I followed again. The sight of that smile was unsettling. It was…nice. As if she could feel my discomfort and surprise, Charlotte looked behind her and I quickly hid, praying she hadn't seen me.When I didn't hear her shout or footsteps approaching, I peeked again and she was already moving. I followed silently and watched as she looked behind her again before entering the building. It was daytime, but from my position, I couldn't really see much of the inside of the building. I was able to glimpse a young woman standing there, though. I moved closer and watched their interaction. They acted familiar, and although I strained to hear it, their conversation was low and then Charlotte handed the child over and turned back, her face blank and unreadable. I quickly blended my back to the wall. I wanted to confirm if the child had gone willingly, but I was stuck. I debated running back
Valerie's POV As I got to his place, opening up to see me, he looked startled as our eyes locked, his filled with guilt which also reflected through his facial expression instantly.“I never thought you would come here but I am grateful you did because I am deeply sorry," he apologized with a low and shaky voice. I never expected this from him l, I had initially come to fight him. “I just didn't have a choice but to stand you. My intentions were pure but the situation around made it look that way." I tilted my head at the further explanation he gave, I raised my brows. I could sense his distress which was also visible but I also wanted to know the whole truth. What happened?“I don't understand, what situation was that? What choice were you left with?" I asked him, trying to read his expression. He tried avoiding my gaze as he swallowed hard. “It was Charlotte, she came in and threatened me with my child. She knows how much I love my daughter, if she takes her then I might lose my
Drake's POV The meeting I had with the boards had dragged longer than I had wanted or it should have been. My head was still throbbing and I just wanted to end any more words of arguments and numbers and even projections. I was tired beyond words and just as the meeting ended, I found myself bolting out of the conference room immediately, I didn't even wait for anyone. I hadn't gone far when I heard behind me. “Drake, would you like to come with us for some drinks?" I was asked But I just waved them off then turned back and continued out of the room. “I can't, not tonight. Maybe next time,” I added before walking totally out of the room. As much as I needed a drink, it wasn't in the company of more suits and conversation that could drift to work again and I wasn't interested in sitting with anyone to dialogue or converse. I just wanted to clear my head and in doing that, I will need something stronger than my friends and colleagues would have suggested. As I drove, I eagerly look
Drake's POV As I woke up and became conscious of my environment, the first thing I noticed was the smell of fresh linen s d a faint hint of lavender that refused to leave the linen. I opened my eyes slowly, it was blurry at first then after a repeated blinking of chasing the haze of sleep off my eyes, it was better. The shadow of someone moving around caught my attention, someone was in the room with me. I turned slowly to see Valerie, she was busy arranging my clothes quietly and just tidying up the place. I tried sitting up but I was hit with another wave of dizziness which caused me, forcing me to stop. My head felt like it had been hit by a fast truck as my head throbbed heavily. I slowly regained memories of last night from the bar to the truth I learnt and the confrontation with Charlotte which led to something I can't explain. Why did I collapse?“Oh, you are awake," I heard Valerie say to me softly as she turned away from me to fold the last piece of shirt who h she placed
Drake's POV As twisted and complicated as it were I got into my car and revved my way through the blurred yet familiar streets.My knuckles tightened as I grabbed onto the wheels, thoughts swirling through my mind.If Charlotte wasn't at her family's company, then were else could she had drifted to after the confrontation. Was she scared that ur would played out according to her sole expectations? What was rampaging through her mind when I saw that spark of deciet before I blacked out last night. What is she up to and why does she want to ruin herself and my reputation by vanishing off sight.I arrived at my apartment in a jiffy. I turned off the engine,my anger rising to a thousand degrees and rushed into the house,my eyes darted around the house with hopes of catching a slight glimpse of Charlotte. But there was none. I ran my fingers through my hair trying to calm the fiery rage planning to explode out of me.My thoughts wandered to Valerie. Suddenly acting cold and giving off t
Valerie's POV The music was low and heartfelt leaving a throbbing effect of ecstasy on my heart as soon as I walked through the tavern’s door. The bar reeked of alcohol, smoke puffs and different body collagen. Jasmine had earlier called me out to meet her and I wondered why. My eyes darted around until it caught Jasmine who was seated on a barstool at the east wing of the bar. Her black hair which now wore a blonde shade fell over her shoulders. Her shot hung midair as soon as our gazes met. A smile beautified her lips.She quickly waved at me and I walked over and sat across from her. I picked up a shot and downed the entire content at a go. The fluid burned down my throat and I immediately felt lightheaded. As if a burden has been lifted off my shoulders.“What happened to your hair?." I asked with a hint of admiration and surprise.Jasmine chuckled heartily.“I've been dying to have a new look so I decided to have it done today. " She uttered cheerfully.“How do I look?." She ask
Drake's POV I stood by the window, my gaze transfixed on the sun's descent into the western horizon. Warm rays caressed my face, soothing my frazzled nerves as the gentle evening breeze rustled the curtains. My tense muscles began to unwind, releasing the weight of worry that had been bearing down on me.As the sky transformed into a kaleidoscope of oranges and pinks, I felt a fleeting sense of calm wash over me. But beneath the serenity, a nagging unease lingered. Charlotte's disappearance still bothered me, and the passing hours only intensified my anxiety.With a heavy sigh, I turned away from the window, my eyes scanning the room as if searching for answers. The silence seemed oppressive, a constant reminder of her absence. I had gotten the police department informed and they had promised an effective response before the end of the day and I was just yet to receive any news. Still lost in thought,I didn't hear a soft knock on my door untill my door gently creaked open. A maid wa