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 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