Chapter 56
Damian’s POV
A knot formed in my stomach and my world shattered.
The papers I hid meticulously for years were scattered everywhere on the bed.
Documents.
Medical records.
My secret…Exposed.
The room spun.
I stumbled backward, my eyes fixed on the bed.
Amelia gasped behind me.
“Damian, what’s-”
I raised a hand, silencing her. My heart raced as I realized the implication of what just happened. Valerie knew. She had know my secret. She’d found the safe. She’d uncovered my shame. Damn it!
Panic set in. How much did she know?
What would she do?
I scanned the room, my mind reeling.
The safe, once hidden, now lay open.
“Damian, talk to me,” Amelia pressed.
I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. Not even to her.
My eyes locked onto a specific document. The one detailing my condition.
IMPOTENCE.
The word screamed at me. I felt naked. Exposed and Vulnerable.
I scanned the room, my mind racing. Valerie had left without a word.
“Damian, talk to me,” Amelia pressed.
“Get out,” I growled, turning to Amelia.
“Damian, what’s…” Amelia’s eyes widened.
“Leave!!!” I barked, turning to her, my eyes cold and she trembled.
She didn’t hesitate before leaving.
I slammed the door shut. Alone, I faced the wreckage. Valerie knew my secret. My world was crumbling.
I collapsed onto the bed, surrounded by the evidence of my shame.
I dialed her number. It went straight to voicemail.
“Valerie, call me. We need to talk.”
I texted her, my thumbs flying across the screen.
“Where are you? Come home.”
No response.
Fear gripped me. What if she left for good? What if she exposed my secret?
I had to find her.
I rushed out of the manor, jumping into my car.
First, I checked her favorite spots: the park, the library, the art gallery. Yet, no sign of her.
Where was she?
Why wasn’t she answering? I pulled over, taking a deep breath. Think, Damian. Think.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed, breaking the silence. It was my Dad.
Why was he calling and why now?
“This is not really the right time for you to call, Dad. Valerie has found out.” I blurted out, the moment I picked up.
“That’s exactly why I called. How did she find out?” His voice sounded lower than usual, almost like a whisper.
“I have no idea. I just came home today and found out she wasn’t in the house. I came inside our room and saw the documents scattered on the bed. She is nowhere to be found.” I explained.
“You showed her the divorce papers?” He asked.
“Yes. I came home with it last night. I didn’t even know that she’ll pack up her stuff to leave today.” I said.
“You don’t have to search for her. She is here in the Villa. She has already informed her parents, everyone is waiting for you. Don’t keep us waiting.” Dad said.
“Alright, give me thirty minutes.” I dropped the phone and sped to my car.
Things have already gotten out of hand. Since she has involved her parents, it means that the situation has gone overboard already.
***********
Damian’s POV
I pulled up to my parents’ estate, my heart racing. I leapt out of the car, sprinting towards the front door.
It swung open before I reached it.
The housekeeper stood, concern etched on her face.
“Where’s Valerie?” I demanded.
“In the study, dear. She arrived a few hours ago.”
I pushed past her walking towards the study.
Valerie sat, her back to me, staring out the window.
“Valerie,” I called, my voice shaking.
She turned, her eyes cold.
“Damian.”
I closed the door, approaching her.
“Please, Valerie. Listen to me.”
“Why should I?” she spat. “You lied to me. You hid the truth.”
“I was afraid. Afraid of losing you. Afraid of being vulnerable. I couldn’t tell you because I knew you’d be devastated.”
Valerie’s gaze didn’t waver.
“You should have trusted me.”
“I know. I was wrong. But I couldn’t bear the thought of you pitying me.” I said.
“Pitying you?” Valerie’s voice rose. “I loved you, Damian. I wanted to help you.”
I shook my head.
“You don’t understand. My condition… it’s not just physical. It’s emotional. It’s shame. It’s failure. You don’t know what it’s like. To be unable to perform. To feel less of a man.” I said while Valerie just kept mute.
“Have you told anyone else? Apart from our parents?” I asked, my voice laced with fear.
Valerie’s eyes filled with tears.
“That is all you care about! Your reputation. Your fucking famous name! You don’t care about how I’m taking the news. I hate you, Damian!” She screamed, drawing the attention of her parents and my parents too.
When everyone had gathered, I knew it was time to spill the truth. Tension hung in the air and the room was suffocating.
“Damian, how long have you known about this?” Valerie’s mother was the first to ask.
“For years now. It happened a long time ago.” I answered as I proceed to narrate how it all happened.
“It all happened when I started playing basketball newly. We were practicing in the court when one of my colleagues tried to dribble the ball with me. In my attempt to seize back the ball, he gave me a powerful kick in my groin area.” I paused, to look at their faces which bore no expression.
“The pain that followed was an excruciating one which made me yelp out in pain. I was rushed to the hospital and after series of tests, it turned out that I had an injury which had affected my reproductive organs.” I said, bowing my head in shame.
“It’s not your fault. But why did no one tell us? Mr. Frederick Richardson, you knew about this. Why did you not mention it when the contract was about to be signed?” Valerie’s father thundered.
“I needed to protect my son. I had to protect his image! You would have done same if it were you.” My father snapped.
“You needed a pawn, that is why you suggested the marriage. I agreed to it foolishly. I’m sorry but I will not be a part of this.” Mr. Smith said.
“What are you trying to do?” My father asked.
“This marriage has to be cancelled. That is the only solution.” Mr. Smith said.
“I am not against the dissolution of this marriage but I think you should ask your daughter, how she got pregnant. Valerie, shouldn’t you tell us whose seed is growing inside of you? It is definitely not mine.” I had to add in.
My statement aroused reactions from everyone present.
“You are pregnant?” Valerie’s mother asked, mouth agape.
“Yes Mum. But, I swear, I have not been with anyone else. Mother, you know that I’m not promiscuous. I have only had affairs with Damian, no one else.” Valerie cried out, wile I looked at her in disbelief.
“Nice attempt. I should give you the accolades. If you have not been sleeping around, then how did an impotent man get you pregnant?” I asked with a snicker.
“Don’t insult my child in that manner. She may be right, afterall. How sure are you that the child is not yours? Have you carried out tests to confirm? Why do you love to act like a boy?” Mr. Smith asked, much to my annoyance.
“With all due respect Sir, I will not stand by and listen to whatever you have to…” I was cut short by Valerie.
“Damian, you will not speak to my father in that manner! You know what? Let’s carry out tests to know if the baby is yours or not. Ater the tests, I’m done with this marriage. You can bring those divorce papers now so that I can sign them.” Valerie shouted and was about to storm out when I grabbed her arm.
“Where do you think you are going?” I growled.
“Let go of my hand, Damian or I’m going to hit you.” She threatened.
Looking around, I let go of her hand and she stormed out without saying another word.
“Valerie, come back here!” I ordered, running after her. I caught up with her pace and grabbed her hand.
She turned around with full force and landed a slap across my face. The sharp stinging sensation lingered for seconds as I stared at her in disbelief.