Chapter 25
Jade’s POV
My shoulder slumped in disappointment. I knew this would happen but I was not expecting it to happen so soon. So, this is the end.
“Sir, could you please give me a week to clarify this issue? It will soon be sorted out. I beg you Sir!” I cried from my own end.
“Miss Pierce…”
“Sir, you know how long I have worked for your company. I have served with all my heart and strength. Please do not send me out this way.”
At this point, begging seems to be the only option. A part of me knew that I was merely trying to fulfill all righteousness.
“Jade, I appreciate your unwavering devotion to the growth and well-being of the company. I am not overlooking the fact that you have laboured over the years.”
“You came in as a young, naive girl but your resilience and constant zeal to learn and improve is admirable. Now, you have gotten to the top. You are my favorite model, Jade. But there is nothing that I can do for you.”
“Maybe when this whole situation is sorted out, we can give you another chance to work with us. Please put yourself together. I am deeply sorry.” My Manager explained and I could feel the sadness from the tone of his voice.
“Thank you Sir, for reaching out to me and for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate.”
“Alright, Jade. Do take care of yourself.”
When the call ended, I felt so sad. If only I had anyone that would listen without judging me. If only someone who cares for me would just pause for a while and hear my plight.
Well, I have to put myself together and move on with my life.
Relocation is the best option. I have to find solace somewhere else and regain my sanity.
I remembered that I had a friend who stays at Chicago. Jerry.
I have more of male friends than females because I have always seen women as snitches. I don’t have much friends either because of the nature of my job. I have more of acquaintances because most of the people that I haven’t so far, do not match my friendship energy.
But Jerry is different. I met Jerry some years ago when I was returning from a club house. That day, I was drunk and I was staggering home, having no idea of where I was going. He spotted me on the road as he was driving and volunteered to drive me home.
I slept off at the back of his car due to my drunk state so he took me to his house instead. I woke up the next morning; with no memories of the previous night, to see myself in a strange environment. The young dude was sleeping in the couch in the sitting room while I slept on the bed.
I was so touched by his sacrifice for a stranger and that was how our friendship began. We have remained close till now except for a few months that we haven’t spoken to each other.
I called him and luckily he picked up.
“Hey, Sweetie. How have you been?” His deep baritone voice made my voice skip a little bit.
“Jerry, it’s so good to hear from you again. Your voice has grown deeper. What’s the secret?” I teased.
“Just like your skin keeps glowing as the day goes by. What’s the secret?”
“Are you trying to mock me? You have not seen me of recent.”
“I know, Darling. I heard about what happened. I am not blaming you. Stuff like this happen most times. You really need a breath of fresh air.”
“This is exactly why I decided to call you. I just felt like you are the best person I should speak with at the moment. You always what I need at every moment.”
“I’m ready to always be your knight in shining armor. So, where do you plan to go?”
“I have no plans yet. What do you think?” I responded.
“Actually, I don’t really think I should tell you where to travel to because you should go somewhere that you are not well known. Probably Australia. You are in a better position to make that decision.”
“Australia is not such a bad idea after all. I think I buy the idea. But I want to visit you first. Do you still stay at Chicago?”
“Yes, I do. It’ll be my honor to host you. When would you love to come?”
“As soon as possible. I’ll just spend a few days with you before I travel to Australia. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, it’s not a problem. This is not the first time for you to spend the night at my place.”
“It seems that day is unforgettable for you.” I smiled.
“Jerry, thank you so much for always being someone I can turn to. You are a true friend.”
“I’m glad to have met someone as caring as you are. I’m not going to push you away because of some scandal. It does not negate the friendship we have built. Do not allow it to weigh you down. This too shall pass. I assure you.” He affirmed.
“Okay. I think I should run off now. We’ll talk some other time. Call me when you are ready to visit. Bye.”
Speaking with Jerry is such a relief. It felt like a beam of hope somehow. I can feel it. I began to hum merrily as I went into the kitchen to grab lunch.
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Valerie’s POV
I was busy arranging the house in anticipation of Damian’s return. We have spent three days apart from each other but it feels like three years. I just can’t wait. Claire was inside the room with her laptop while I relaxed in the sitting room.
The moment I got a notification on my phone, I rushed to know if it was from him. Indeed, it was but it was not the message I was expecting.
The text read: “I’m sorry, Babe. I won’t be returning today because something urgent came up but I assure you that I’ll be back in few days time.”
In few days time? I cannot wait that long. I was still staring at my phone when a call came in and it was my Mum.
“Mother, How have you been? Hope all is well?”
I just hope she doesn’t notice the disappointment from my voice. I was hoping Damian would call me. Not my mother. Well, he’s probably busy.
“Everything is fine. Are you with Damian at the moment?”
“No. Actually he travelled and he was supposed to return today but something came up. Is there a problem?”
“Of course not, Dear. I was just asking after him.”
“Okay. So how are the wedding preparations going? I’d spare some time later in the week to come and see the wedding gown. What do you think?”
“You are free to come around anytime. The wedding preparations are going smoothly and everything is almost set. All invitations have been sent out and the date has been fixed finally.” My mother sounded more thrilled about the wedding than I expected.
“A date has been fixed? When is it?”
“It’s ten days from now. Aren’t you excited?”
“Ten days? Don’t you think that perhaps it is too close? We have no reason to rush, Mother…” The crashing sound of plates distracted me from what I was saying.
Claire was just coming into the room with a cup of coffee which fell down and broke. Had she been standing at the door all along, eavesdropping?
“What is that sound? Are you alright?” My Mom asked.
“Yes, Mom. That wasn’t me actually. The saucer fell from Claire’s hand.”
“Oh, I’m sorry about that. I just called to inform you about the wedding. Please extend my warm regards to Claire. I’ll call Damian later in the evening. Take care of yourself.”
As soon as the call ended, I walked up to Claire as she was picking up the broken pieces of ceramic.
“You should be more careful so that you won’t injure yourself. What were you thinking?”
“I’m sorry for the cup. I was just coming into the sitting room when my foot stumbled and I slipped.”
“Okay, just be cautious. I’m going inside the room.”
***************
Claire’s POV
When I overheard Valerie’s call with her mother about the wedding date, I felt so upset. After all my plots, the wedding date is now closer than I expected.
I must act faster to prevent this wedding from happening. Damian and Valerie will not get married, not under my watch.
It’s high time I exposed Damian for who he really is, so that Valerie and her parents will know that he is not so innocent after all.