Chapter 22
Valerie’s POV
I called Damian to check if he has landed safely. When I came home the previous night, I was exhausted from work so I just dozed off. The time was 6:28 am.
“Hey, What’s up? I woke up about thirty minutes ago. I was even about to call you. How are you doing?” Damian’s husky voice has always excited me when I call him in the mornings.
“I’ve been fine although I was very tired last night. How was your trip?”
“It was fine. We landed safely and arrived at the hotel by 11 pm. I just went straight to bed. Have you heard the news?”
“What news? Concerning what exactly?” I queried.
“You’ve not been updated. Even with all your social media handles. Well, the gist is about Jade” Damian said with a sneer.
“You know that you can always disclose it to me without calling me ‘local’. Well, I’m not a social media person just so you know. So, what happened to our celebrity model?”
“Her nude videos leaked and the guy is unknown. The whole world is talking about it. It has been. everywhere on Instagram since 5 am.”
“Her social media pages were flagged down and her line too has been unreachable since morning. I’ve been trying to reach out to her.” Damian explained.
The news was quite shocking. I don’t know why but I feel bad for her. Such a scandal can destroy her career for good.
“That’s very bad. I mean… who could have done this to her? Because I know she couldn’t have done this to herself.”
“I won’t be surprised if she is trying to get my attention again. Could this be one of her schemes?” Damian said outrightly.
“Babe, you should know that Jade will not do that. She may be scheming but she will not want to end her own career with her own hands. Her self-centered nature will not let her do that to herself.” I found myself saying these things and it sounded as if I was taking sides with Jade.
“Okay, I understand what you are saying. But who could have done something like this? Pardon me, but at first I thought that maybe you might have done this to get back at her for what she did.”
“Damian, your guesses are quite wild. I cannot do something as cruel as this. Firstly, I don’t take revenge. I don’t even have the time for it. Secondly, my conscience won’t let me do something like this.”
“Whoever did this to Jade, must have rocks in place of a heart. It might be a jealous colleague or an ex-boyfriend. I wonder how she is faring now.” Damian said.
“I’ll also try to reach out to her so that she will not do something rash to herself. She may not be my friend but she is still someone I know.” I said.
“I admire your soft heart, Val. You are a very caring person. I would have kissed you if I were close to you.”
“Speaking of kisses, I miss waking up in your arms, Damian. When did you say you were returning?”
“It was extended to next week…”
“To what? I won’t hear that! If you are not back in two days, I’ll have to come to New Orleans and meet you there.” I said cutting in.
“Okay, okay, Sweetheart, calm down. I was just kidding. But I’ll be back soon. Although you are always welcome to join me over here.”
“I have to run off now and get back to work. I’ll call you in the evening when I’m free. Take care of yourself, Okay?”
“Okay, Damian. Have a lovely day ahead.”
******************
Damian’s POV
After getting ready for work, I left the hotel room but as I stepped out into the bar, I saw reporters sitted. As though they were waiting for me to come downstairs.
“Mr. Damian Richardson, can we have a brief moment with you? We would like to ask you a few questions.”
“Alright but make it snappy.”
“What is the relationship between you and Miss Jade Pierce?” the first reporter started.
“There is no relationship between us. Whatever I shared with Jade ended a long time ago.” I replied curtly.
“Can you give us a detailed explanation of what actually went on between you and Miss Jade?”
“I am sorry, but I cannot. I don’t have such time.”
“Sir, do you regret breaking up with Miss Jade or do you think it was the best decision?”
“I think it was the best decision because I have found someone else who makes me feel fulfilled.”
“Could you please tell us about this person that you have found over a short period of time”
“I refuse to disclose the personal details of my intending spouse and I am not obligated to answer to anyone.”
“I suppose you must have heard of the recent scandal with Miss Jade. What do you have to say about it?”
“I have nothing to say.”
“Who do you think might be responsible for this heinous act?”
“I have no one in mind. I think I’ve had enough of your questions.” I answered finally as I walked out with my secretary and two security officers.
***************
Claire’s POV
I sat in my sitting room, watching the interview between Damian and the reporters. I was enraged when I heard him say that he found someone better.
What makes him think Valerie is the right person for him? For how long will Damian be so dumb. Is he blind to see that Valerie will not be able to love him, at least not the way I can.
If I cannot have Damian, then no one else will!
But then, I have to pretend to fix things with Valerie because if she must be my tool for revenge, we nus remain in good terms.
My news feed on Facebook and Instagram was bugging with posts about Jade. Her followers have been throwing shades on her since morning.
“Ha! Poor Jade.” I said as my laughter rang out in my flat.
“Well, she should not be surprised, because she knew this would happen anyway. Everyone get what they deserve.”
All I have to do is to call Valerie and plead with her to forgive me. She has always been a fool. I’m sure that she’ll forgive me yet again.
I dialed her number but it failed for the first three times.
“Valerie didn’t block me, or did she?”
I called again with a different line this time and she picked. My guess was right.
“Hello, who is on the line?” She started with her usual tiny voice.
“It’s me, Val. It’s Claire. I had to call you with a different line”
“Claire, what do you want? I thought…”
“Hey, Val. Please just hear me out. Don’t be upset with me. I called to apologize.” I cut in to prevent her from hailing insults at me.
“I don’t need your fucking apology. You can save it!”
“Please don’t say that. Give me a chance to explain myself. I accept that I was at fault but please listen to me. I’m very sorry.” I said and began to sob.
Valerie hesitated for a while before she heaved a sigh of relief.
“Okay, I’ll allow you to apologise. Don’t cry.”
“Valerie, can I come over and explain things to you in person? Please…”
“Alright, I’m at home. You can come over.”
That does it. I have always known Valerie to be vulnerable. A little tears with drama and she will just change her mind. What a fool.
Well, I have to get dressed and finish up my drama at her place.