Chapter 42
Damian’s POV
“Okay, I’m right behind you.” I said, dismissing the guard.
“Valerie, there is something that I have been wanting to tell you. It has been on my mind for quite some time but I have been looking for the perfect time to say it. I’ll tell you when I come back.”
“Babe, I’ll join you later. Wait for me at the garage, or you can wait inside the car. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” I said, hurrying back to the main building.
I had something to disclose to Valerie, a health issue that I would have told her about a long time ago. I was waiting for the right time to tell her at least before we get married but it seemed as if there was never a proper time to say it to her. I’ll definitely tell her about it after meeting with my father.
I walked into my father’s big study and was marveled at the renovations. The place was refurnished, reflecting his refined taste and success.
Walls were lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, crafted from rich, dark wood, and filled with leather-bound volumes, rare first editions, and priceless manuscripts.
A majestic, hand-carved wooden desk sits at the room’s center, adorned with ornate details. A plush, high-backed leather chair accompanies the desk, providing a comfortable seating area for reading, writing, or contemplation.
The room has a fireplace, crafted from Italian marble, with a roaring fire crackling on this chilly, humid morning. On the wall hung selections of fine art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries, showcasing my father’s eclectic taste.
A well-stocked bar area, complete with a wine cooler and humidor, offers a sophisticated space for entertaining guests.
This study room serves as a sanctuary, where my father can retreat to pursue his interests, conduct business, or simply unwind in style and comfort. He often had meetings with his colleagues in this study. It just felt different this morning, probably because I had not stepped my foot in this room after I left home.
He was seated on the leather chair, turning his back to the door and facing the window instead. If he noticed when I came in, he didn’t show it.
“Father, you sent for me.” I said, after I had cleared my throat to announce my presence.
He turned slowly, fixing his gaze on me, with a glass of whiskey in his left hand.
“I know you must have been developing second thoughts, probably trying to decipher if you should tell her or not.” He started, taking a sip from his glass.
“I don’t seem to understand what you are talking about, Dad.” I said.
“Your health condition. That is why I called you. Are you planning to tell her now, before the wedding?” He asked.
“Yes. Infact I was about to tell her before you called me.” My father seemed to always read my thoughts, how could he figure out that this were my exact thoughts?
” Don’t. Just don’t think of mentioning it to her, not until after the wedding.” He said firmly.
“Why? She deserves to know the truth. It would be unfair if I lead her on to this marriage and she finds out later that I cannot father a child. That would be a betrayal on her side!” I explained.
“And you think I have not considered all these before calling you? Damian, you should think like an adult that I suppose you are. Think of the consequences before you tell her. Don’t you know that she could cancel the marriage and her parents will even have her full support? Do you know the amount of damage that will bring to our family name and reputation?” he asked, stooping closer, making emphasis on each word.
His words made me begin to have a rethink. He could be right. But it was still unfair to do this to Valerie. I was stuck between obeying my father and doing what was right. Or perhaps, what I felt was right.
“But she will find out eventually. What will happen when she discovers the truth? What if she finds out by herself, it’d be worse.” I protested.
“At least, that will be after a successful wedding. All that matters to me is this wedding, it has to happen. I cannot risk the success of my company because of someone else’s feelings. You can tell her after the wedding, that is up to you to decide. For now, don’t mention it.”
“Okay Dad. I have to be on my way now. I need to drive her back to the house and get ready for work.” I finalized before I left the room, shutting the door behind me.
I leaned on the door for a few seconds pondering on what my father told me. I made up my mind to obey him and face the consequences later, if Valerie finds out.
I brightened up my pale face when I got outside the house, headed for the car where Valerie was seated inside.
“Hey, what took you so long? I am so exhausted, I just need to go home and get some rest. I did not sleep so well last night.” She said.
“It’s obvious that you didn’t. Don’t worry, we’re heading home now. I’ll drop you off at the house and go home from there. I need to get ready for work.” I said, igniting the car engine.
“You wanted to tell me something earlier.”
“I did? When?” I asked, pretending to have forgotten. I knew what she wanted to ask about but I must not disclose it. So I had to come up with another lie.
“Before your father called you. You said it was something you’ve been wanting to say.” She explained further.
“Oh, about that…I just wanted to tell you that I’ll be travelling, for a short period of time anyway. For a day or two.” I said.
“Is that all? You sounded quite serious earlier. Besides, why are you traveling when the wedding is almost upon us? Where are you traveling to?”
“The same place I travelled to, earlier. I have unfinished business there for now, so I have to go back. But don’t worry, it’s for two or three days. Don’t miss me too much.” I said, with a wink.
“Who says I’m going to miss you? You can go anywhere that you wish to go. I’m not even going to be moved.” She said.
We remained quiet for a while before I began to play music in the car and she sang along. It was beautiful, hearing her sing. I joined in shortly, although I didn’t really know the song but it made her happy. I parked the car on one side of the road and held her face in my hands, giving her a passionate kiss.
“I love you, Valerie. I enjoy every moment that I spend with you.” I said, starting the car again.
“Damian, did you stop the car just to do that?” She asked in between giggles.
“Yes, do you want some more?” I asked.
“Yeah. But that will probably be when we get home.”
“Alright then, let me drive faster.”
The drive back to the house was interesting nonetheless, our chatter made me forget what was bothering me earlier.
I stopped the car right in front of her house and she stepped out while I remained back.
“You don’t wanna come in?” She asked.
“Uhmm…no. I have to get dressed and rush to the office. I have quite a lot of things to tidy up.” I replied.
“But Babe, you can come in and stay for lunch, I can fix something quickly in twenty minutes before you can go.” She said.
“Don’t worry about that, I’m not really hungry. I would not want to stress you. Just get enough rest, I’ll drop by in the evening.”
“Okay, bye. Have a nice day ahead.” She waved at me and walked inside her apartment.
I drove to my house, took a quick shower and hurried to the office.
***********
Valerie’s POV
After the events of yesterday and today, I was very exhausted. I slumped on the bed immediately I got into my room and had a very good sleep.
Waking up later by 4 pm in the evening, I checked my phone to see three missed calls and one text message. They were all from Claire. What does she want this time?
Her text message read:
“This is just the beginning. I’m done with you yet. Call me when you get this text, bitch.”
I was contemplating on the message, wondering if I should call her or not. What does she want to tell me now? She probably wants to mock me?
Making myimd, I dialed her number and waited for her to pick.
“Hello. You have two minutes to say whatever you have to say before I hang up.” I said when I heard her voice from the receiving end.
“Don’t be too excited about your wedding that is yet to come. I will have Damian first before I leave him for you, and I will make sure that you witness it with your own eyes.” She hung up immediately, leaving me with goosebumps over her eerie message.