Chapter 44
Chattered Expectations
Valerie’s POV
(Two days later)
After the incident with Claire at Damian’s family house, everything has been calm as it should be. Our wedding is in eight days time and I just can’t wait. The wedding preparations are ongoing, I went to my parents house yesterday to check out my wedding gown and it was magnificent.
Having few invitation cards left, I sent one to my childhood best friend, Tracy who lived in Texas via email. It’s been a while since I last heard from her, I just hope she will be there.
I was about to leave for work when Damian called me.
“Hey Babe, what’s up?”
“I’m fine and you?”
“I’m doing just fine. I’ve missed you, Valerie. But anyways, I have good news.”
“Alright my love, spill it.” I said.
“I’ll be returning today. Who’s excited?” He announced.
“Wow! Finally, I’ve been looking forward to seeing you. Although it has just been two days, it feels like forever. What time exactly?” I asked.
“In the evening. Just expect me from six p. m. I’ll drive straight to your house.”
“Alright Babe, How is everything going over there? I mean work? Hope it is progressing?”
“Everything is going smoothly. Our flight will take off by 2pm and land around six in the evening.” He announced and I was so excited.
“Okay Honey. Let me get some things ready.” I giggled like a toddler who just received candy.
“Bye bye. I love you.” He said and ended the call.
As he hung up, I whistled merrily around the house, cleaning up the whole place. I changed my bedsheets into a red flowered one, giving my room a dark, warm look. Now, I’m going to need candles and some real flowers. I already had some bottles of wine in my bar. We are going to have some celebrations tonight.
I gaze out the window, my eyes following the gentle sway of the trees, their leaves rustling softly in the afternoon breeze. My mind is elsewhere with him. Damian has been away for what feels like an eternity, and his return is mere hours away. The excitement coursing through my veins is almost palpable.
I take a deep breath, feeling the sun’s warmth on my skin, and turn back to the task at hand. The house has to be perfect. Every surface gleams, every crease ironed out. My hands move with purpose, fluffing cushions and adjusting the vase on the coffee table.
Next, I head to the kitchen, where the aroma of roasting chicken wafts through the air, mingling with the scent of freshly baked cookies. My stomach flutters at the thought of Damian’s reaction to the spread before him. I’ve made his favourite dishes, carefully crafting each bite to delight his taste buds.
With the cooking underway, I retreat to my bedroom to prepare myself. The dress I’ve chosen hangs on the door, its silky fabric shimmering in the soft light. A gentle blush spreads across my cheeks as I envision Damian’s eyes roaming over me, drinking in the sight of me in this very dress.
Slipping into the garment, I feel the cool fabric hug my curves. The neckline dips low, accentuating my collarbone, and the hem falls just above my knees, showcasing my legs. I twirl, watching the dress swirl around me, and smile. This will do.
As I style my hair and apply a subtle layer of makeup, my anticipation grows. What will Damian say when he sees me? Will he notice the effort I’ve put into every detail?
The doorbell rang, and my heart skipped a beat. I was not expecting Damian for another hour, but perhaps he’s surprised me. My heels clicked on the hardwood floor as I hurried to the door.
However, when I opened it, a delivery person stood on my porch, holding a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses. My face lightened up as I accepted the flowers and read the attached card:
“Can’t wait to see you. Dammy”
Tenderness washed over me. Dammy knew exactly how to make me feel cherished.
With the roses arranged on the coffee table, I took a final survey of the room. Everything was ready. The lights were dimmed, the music soft and inviting. The stage was set for a night to remember.
Now, all I needed was Damian.
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Damian’s POV
We arrived at the airport by 7 pm and my driver, Patrick, was already waiting.
“You can take a leave for the day. I’ll take care of the rest.” I said.
“But Sir, you just arrived. At least, let me drive you home.” He said hesitantly.
“Don’t worry, I’m not going home yet. I have somewhere to go. I’ll see you tomorrow. I have to run along now so I won’t be late.” I said and drove off, after tipping him for his efforts.
The drive from the airport to her house would take about two hours. The only thing on my mind is to go and see Valerie, kiss and hug her. I had earlier instructed a delivery guy to send her a bouquet of flowers and I knew she was going to love it. I called Valerie twice but she didn’t pick up, which made me drive faster to her house.
My phone beeped and it was a text message from a unknown number which read:
“Your fiancee was seen going inside Paradise Hotels with Lord James Ontario De Luca an hour ago. The hotel room number is Room 512. You can go and see for yourself.”
I have never been more confused than I am now. I called Valerie once more, but she didn’t pick. I called the number that sent the text but there was no response either.
“I don’t believe your pranks. My fiancee cannot do that. I’ll come to the hotel room only if you have proof.” I responded in a text too.
Next, I received an audio recording which I played. To my utter disbelief, it sounded like Valerie’s voice. She was moaning in pleasure and I could hear a male voice too. I was enraged as I turned the steering wheel and began to head to Paradise Hotels. Valerie must explain this!
Turning the steering wheel, I headed for Paradise Hotels at the northwest side of the city. It was a seven star hotel known for its opulence and magnificent buildings.
Getting to the hotel, I parked my car at the garage, turned off the gear and went in with my car keys. Ignoring the receptionist, I walked upstairs to the room number. It was at the top floor and I just hoped that this was a mistake. Valerie can’t be doing this, not now.
I found room 512 and the door was not even locked. I swinged the door open but the room was dark. I walked inside the room and reached out for the switch on the wall. As I turned the lights on, I heard a loud bang at the back of my head. The next thing I felt was an excruciating pain and as I turned to see who had hit me, my eyes were blurry already but I could see two muscular men with masks. They were the last thing I saw before I blacked out.
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Claire’s POV
When I got the information that Damian was returning tonight, of course I knew that Valerie would be expecting him. Too bad, I have other plans for Damian. With the help of my guy friend, I arranged with two macho men to attack Damian and make him black out. After which, I sent the text messages to him with the fake audio recording.
“Damian is such a gullible fool” I thought to myself.
He can’t even distinguish Valerie’s voice from a fake one. Well, I knew he’d fall right into my trap. Damian will never change. The moment he was hit with the metallic poles, he fainted. One of the men helped me to drag him up to the bed before they left the room. Taking his phone, I could see Valerie’s several missed calls. Perfect.
I began to undress him; taking off his shoes first before pulling down his trousers. His shirt was the last for me to unbutton and his exposed broad chest was tempting for me to touch. Well, romance is not a part of my plan. As a matter of fact, I have no interest in Damian, I just need his money. The time when I was infatuated by his looks was back in college. Not now.
As his chest lay bare, the only clothing left on his body was his underwear, so I began to undress also. Having dismissed the men that assisted me, I made sure to lock the door before stripping. After removing my clothes, I let my hair hang loose on my shoulders, then I lay on Damian’s chest, wrapping his arms around me waiting for my next victim to show up. I am sure that when Valerie sees this, she will surely call off the marriage.