Chapter 41
Valerie’s POV
The guards dragged Claire, ignoring her screams as she cursed at everyone. They dragged her to the gate, I stood at the corridor watching her futile attempts to break free from their grip. She was thrown out from the gate, and her belongings were flinged out.
“That woman is a psychopath. You should not be found mingling with someone like that.” Damian’s mother said from behind, joining me at the corridor.
“I never knew that she was this kind of person. She has been my friend for some years now, I just realized that I never knew her.” I was downcast at the realization that someone I called my friend could be against me in this manner. She showed me the signs but at first I ignored them.
“Don’t let it bother you, my dear. I love your heart and resilient nature. Go and make things up with Damian. These challenges will soon be over. I have seen how the two of you look at each other, it is obvious that he loves you and you love him too.” She advised.
“But Mother, I don’t even know how to approach him again. I was so upset with that I didn’t even believe him. He must feel like I could not even trust him anymore. I said some bad things to him yesterday too. I just feel so bad.” I said, and tears welled up in my eyes.
“Sweetie, you don’t have to feel like this. I understand how you feel but I assure you that Damian is not angry with you. He loves you. My son has a soft heart not minding his domineering nature, if you get close enough, you will realize that he is very soft like a baby. This issue has been resolved already, let it remain in the past. Go and make peace with your husband.”
“Alright Mother.” I said, sniffing.
“I believe you know what to do from now. Don’t forget that your wedding is in less than fifteen days. If your marriage must work, there has to be joint efforts.” She said, giving me a reassuring look as she walked inside. I heaved a sigh of relief and went to look for Damian.
No one was in the sitting room, I began to wonder if Damian had left without saying a word to me. Maybe I should check the rooms, but it’ll take the whole day for me to check out all the rooms in his estate.
I saw one of the maidservants and asked if she had seen Damian, she led me to the left wing of the building, where Damian supposedly was.
The area was quite and peaceful, it was obvious that people rarely went there. We walked through the passage before she pointed to a room at the left hand side. I took in a deep breath, tucked my hair behind my ears before I knocked on the door.
“Come in.” He said from inside.
I turned the knob and peeked inside. “It’s Valerie, you sure I can come in?” I asked.
“I know you are the one knocking. Sure, you can come in.” He said.
I felt awkward as I came in and shut the door behind me. I was prepared for anything Damian would want to say to me.
I looked around the room and figured out at once that I might have been his room. There were football stickers littered on the wall everywhere, a typical boy’s room.
The room is a testament to his family’s wealth and privilege. As I step inside, I’m immediately struck by the sheer scale and opulence of the space. The room is expansive, with high ceilings and large windows that flood the area with natural light.
The walls are painted a rich, creamy white and adorned with vibrant artwork, including original pieces and limited-edition prints. The floor is made of polished hardwood, covered with a plush area rug in a deep, navy blue hue.
The bed is a sturdy, four-poster affair, crafted from solid wood and dressed in crisp, high-thread-count linens. A comfortable, oversized duvet in a subtle pattern adds a touch of warmth and texture.
A sleek, modern desk sits in one corner, equipped with a top-of-the-line computer and a high-end gaming chair. A floor-to-ceiling bookshelf stands nearby, filled with leather-bound volumes, rare collectibles, and the latest bestselling novels.
A large, flat-screen TV dominates one wall, connected to a state-of-the-art sound system and a gaming console. A comfortable, oversized sectional sofa in a neutral color invites relaxation and lounging.
The room is filled with the latest gadgets and technology, including a smartwatch, wireless headphones, and a high-end smartphone. A top-of-the-line musical instrument, such as a grand piano or a professional-grade drum set, sits in one corner, reflecting his interests and talents. I never knew Damian loved musical instruments.
My eyes went next to the closet. The closet was a marvel of organization and excess, with rows of designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. A built-in dresser and shelves provide ample storage for Damian’s extensive wardrobe.
Throughout the room, subtle hints of the boy’s personality and interests emerge, from the framed photos of friends and family to the display cases showcasing his achievements and hobbies. I saw the photos he took with his friends, Claire inclusive. I stood transfixed, looking at the picture on the wall,
“I took that picture with her when we were still in college. It was towards our graduation party. The other two guys are Ethan and Scott, my closest friends.” He said, coming over to where I stood.
Overall, the room is a reflection of his privileged upbringing, showcasing his family’s wealth and status through its sheer scale, opulence, and attention to detail. Yet, amidst the extravagance, glimpses of the boy’s individuality and character peek through, making the space truly his own.
“This used to be my room. When I was growing up as an adolescent, I used to spend all my days here; at the left wing of the mansion. I hardly ever saw my parents because they were busy people.” He started.
“It’s…beautiful. You used to stay here alone?” I asked with surprise.
“Yeah, never had a sibling to share the room with.” He said.
Damian didn’t look upset, so to say. Maybe he was but he didn’t show it. I decided to ask anyway.
“Are you not upset with me?” I asked, not turning to look at him.
“No. I should be the one apologizing. I suppose you came here to render an apology. It’s not necessary.” He said, much to my surprise.
I sat down softly on the sofa, fondling with my jacket as a form of distraction, still unable to look up at him.
“What’s bothering you, Val? I know you are contending with something.” He said softly, joining me in the sofa.
As we sat together on the couch, the weight of our unresolved issue hung in the air like a challenge. The tension between us was palpable, a living, breathing entity that threatened to consume our relationship.
We had been together for some weeks, building a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. But a single miscommunication had brought us to the brink of collapse.
My eyes, once bright and full of warmth, now seemed dull and guarded. I fidgeted with my hands, my gaze darting between Damian’s face and the floor.
I broke the silence, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry, Damian. I was wrong to assume the worst and believe Claire. I should have trusted your word.” Damian’s expression softened, his eyes locking onto mine.
“I’m sorry too, Valerie. I should have been more open and honest,” he replied, his voice laced with regret.
Our words hung in the air, a fragile truce. We both knew that apologies were just the beginning. Trust needed to be rebuilt, and love rekindled. We talked for hours, sharing their feelings, fears, and desires.
As the sun began to set, our words became less guarded. We laughed as Damian began to tell me stories of when be was still growing up, and tears streamed down our faces. The distance between us began to close.
Damian reached out, taking my hand in his. “I love you,” he said, his voice filled with conviction. My eyes met his, and I smiled, my heart overflowing with emotion.
“I love you too,” I replied, my voice barely audible.
In that moment, we both knew that our love was worth fighting for. We embraced, holding each other tightly, the world around us fading into the background.
As we pulled back, Damian whispered, “We’ll get through this, together.” I nodded, my eyes shining with tears.
We left the room, hand in hand, about to go home and celebrate our victory.
We walked downstairs and headed for the car, when we heard one of the guards call out to Damian.
“Excuse me, Sir, Your father has requested your presence in his study.” He said with his head bowed low.
“Alright, we’ll join him in a moment,” he replied.
“No Sir, he wants to see you alone and he asks that you come immediately.” The guard said again.