Chapter 49
Valerie’s POV
I was entranced. Time seemed to stand still for a while. In a matter of seconds, I rushed and hugged him and only then did I realize how much I missed him.
Speechless, I just kept looking at him in disbelief.
“Damian…how did you? You found me? When? How? Who told you I was here?” I had a truckload of questions to ask but Damian just kept looking at me, beaming with the most beautiful smile.
“Calm down. It’s me. You are still in doubt. I’ll answer all your questions, just come with me.” He said, holding my hand and leading the way.
I came along eagerly, beaming with smiles. For a moment, I forgot about what had transpired between us earlier.
We got to the beautiful garden, adorned with so many colorful flowers which filled the whole place with their lovely fragrance. I felt at peace as I sat on the seats, taking in the fresh air.
“Would you like to eat something?” He asked, pouring a glass of wine for me.
“No, I’m not hungry. This place is wonderful. Now tell me everything I need to know.” I said, looking into his intense blue eyes.
“Where should I start from? How I came here or why?” he asked.
“Start from that night. What really happened?”
“I’m deeply sorry, Valerie. I was set up by your friend, Claire.” he started.
“Claire? I came to that hotel room, Damian and I met you with her in bed, naked. How is that a set-up?” I asked.
“Allow me to explain. I was on my way to your house from the airport when I received a text saying that you were seen in a hotel room with another man. I called you to know if it was true but you weren’t picking up. So I decided to go there and confirm.” Damian said.
“Hold on, that is also the same text I got. Someone texted me , saying that you were seen in a hotel room with another woman. I had to go and confirm.” I exclaimed.
“So can you see that it was all planned out? When I got to the hotel room and came inside, someone hit me from behind and I blacked out. That was the last thing I remembered until when I woke up in the morning. I saw a note on the bedside drawer, which was written by Claire. She was asking me to forget about you.” He continued.
“When I checked my phone and saw the missed calls and texts, I slowly began to remember that we were supposed to meet that night. I hurried to your house that morning but of course, you were not there. I tried to reach out to you, many times. But I never gave up.” Damian explained which melted my heart. He never gave up to find me.
Thanks goodness that it turned out to be a set-up and not cheating.
“So, Claire had to go to this extent just to hurt me. She sent me a text by 5 am telling that you were in a hotel room with another woman. I raced to the hotel room only to see her in your arms. I was heartbroken so I packed my bags and ran to the train station immediately. That was how I got here. I’m currently staying with my friend, Tracy.”
“Speaking of which, where is she? I want to introduce her to you.” I said.
“Don’t bother, she knows me. She helped me to get here. I called your Mom yesterday and she told me that you were in Texas with your friend. I explained everything that happened to Tracy and begged her to lure you out.” He said.
“Little wonder, she was so excited today. I was actually wondering what the big occasion was. I am so happy that you’re here. You came after me, all the way from Los Angeles. Oh, Damian.”
I said and hugged him dearly, teardrops falling from my eyes.
“I’ll swim every oceans and climb every mountain just to be with you, My Love. You are worth the stress.” He said, giving me a brief kiss.
“Well, reconciliation is not the only reason why I’m here. I’ve come to take you back home, if you give your consent.” Damian said, as he stood up and pulled me up too.
Before I could say another word, Damian knelt down on one knee, brought out a small red box which contained a bright diamond ring.
“Will you marry me, Valerie? I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Let’s wax through life together and love each other till we grow old and toothless.” He said, looking up to my face.
“Damian…what…I…” I stuttered, unable to find the right words to say.
“Damian, I will marry you. Yes, I will!” I squealed with delight as he slid the ring into my finger and I admired the precious stone which adorned the gold piece of metal. Damian rose to his feet and hugged me tightly.
I was so elated, I couldn’t even believe my eyes. Damian just proposed to me. I’m getting married! Not just because of a contract but because he wanted to MARRY me.
We were still hugging each other when I heard the sound of various camera snaps and loud clapping. I looked around to see many people taking pictures and videos of us, Tracy inclusive. It was such a happy moment. I felt so good that Damian really went out of his way to arrange this. Indeed, love is a beautiful thing.
“You know that our wedding is in two days time. We’ll travel back to Los Angeles tomorrow so that we can get ready in time.” Damian said as we walked hand-in-hand to his black limousine.
“Tracy, I want to say a very big thank you for making this work. I owe you one. Valerie and I, will be going to celebrate our engagement. So don’t expect her home tonight. Will you be coming back with us tomorrow to Los Angeles?” Damian asked.
“Yes, of course. I can’t miss Valerie’s wedding for anything. I took the whole week off earlier. I am so happy for the two of you. You don’t have to thank me, I only did what was best for Valerie. In as much as she tried to avoid speaking about you, I knew that she loved you deep down.” Tracy said, and Damian looked at me in admiration which made me turn pink with blush.
“We must leave now. It’s getting late. We’ll see you at the airport tomorrow. I’ll send my personal assistant to your house this evening to get Valerie’s belongings, if that is okay by you.”
We got into the car, Damian and I sat in the back seat with his driver in front. This was my first time of seeing him with this car which made me to wonder how many cars he had in his arsenal.
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Getting to the hotel which Damian arranged, he paid for a room and we went in. Damian said that he never wanted an elaborate engagement party, just a quiet and lovely time with me. Our pictures were everywhere on social media. Various people called me to congratulate us, including my parents and few of my friends. Well, except Claire.
“Honey, I have something to tell you and it’s about Jade. We were both wrong about her. Everything she did back then, was because she was being blackmailed by Claire.” I said to Damian, after our dinner.
“Did Claire confess this to you? How did you know about it?”
“No, I have not spoken with Clare since the last incident at your parent’s mansion. Jade called me yesterday, narrating everything that happened between she and Claire.” I explained everything in details to Damian and he just stared in disbelief.
“I can’t believe that Claire went to that length just to try to separate us. I feel bad for Jade right now. Having to lose everything she has worked for, all because of someone’s desperation.”
“You don’t have to feel bad. The most important thing now is that we were able to pull through and fight off all obstacles. I love you, Baby.”
“I love you too, Sweetheart.” He drew me in for a passionate kiss which led to a world of nothing else but passions and desires.
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Damian’s POV
As we were about to retire for the night, I was more than grateful because everything turned out well at the end of the day. Finally, I can get married to Valerie in peace.
Next, my phone rang and I was surprised at the caller. It was Jade. I knew I owed her an apology. I should have at least given her some time to explain herself. So, I picked up the call.
“Hi, Jade.”