Chapter 60
Valerie’s POV
Five months into my pregnancy, my belly was starting to show. Damian’s absence still stung, but I’d grown accustomed to it. My focus shifted to preparing for motherhood and rebuilding my life.
Jacob’s calls remained a constant source of comfort. We’d talk about everything and nothing, his warm voice a balm to my soul.
One evening, Jacob asked, “Valerie, I’ve been thinking… would you like to join me for dinner this weekend?”
I hesitated, remembering our last encounter. But Jacob’s persistence wore me down.
“Okay, fine,” I said with a laugh. “But just dinner, Jacob.”
Jacob whooped in excitement. “I promise, just dinner. I’ll pick you up at 7 pm on Saturday.”
*********
Damian’s POV
I sat behind my desk, staring blankly at the reports in front of me. My mind was elsewhere, consumed by the constant search for Valerie. Weeks had turned into months, and still, no sign of her.
My phone buzzed, breaking the silence.
“Yes?” I answered.
“Sir, we have a lead,” my assistant said.
My heart quickened.
“What is it?”
“One of our men spotted Valerie at a new location. They’ve been monitoring her movements.”
I gripped the phone tighter.
“Tell me more.”
“They’ve seen her with a man, sir. Several times. They think it’s serious.”
My vision blurred, rage simmering beneath the surface.
“Who is he?” I demanded.
“We’re still gathering information, but it seems he’s a friend from her past.”
I clenched my jaw.
“Get me everything you can on him.”
“Yes, sir.”
I hung up, my mind racing.
How could she? After everything we’d been through, how could she move on so quickly?
I couldn’t shake the image of Valerie with another man. It fueled my anger, my determination to find her.
Saturday evening, I decided. I’d go to her new location, confirm this infidelity with my own eyes.
The days passed slowly, my anticipation building.
*********
Valerie’s POV
Saturday arrived, and I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Jacob had sent a beautiful dress and shoes to my doorstep, with a note that read: “For a lovely lady.”
As I put on the dress, I felt like a new person. The soft fabric hugged my curves, and the shoes added a touch of elegance.
I looked in the mirror, surprised by the radiant woman staring back. Pregnancy agreed with me, it seemed.
At 7 pm sharp, Jacob knocked on my door. His eyes widened as he took in my appearance.
“Valerie, you look stunning,” he said, offering his arm.
I blushed, feeling like a princess.
We arrived at the restaurant, a cozy Italian place with dim lighting and soft music. Jacob pulled out my chair, his hand brushing against mine.
As we ordered and waited for our food, conversation flowed easily. Jacob asked about my pregnancy, and I shared stories about my growing belly.
Over dinner, I felt carefree, laughing and joking with Jacob. For a few hours, I forgot about Damian, my worries, and my uncertain future.
As we finished our main course, Jacob’s expression turned serious.
“Valerie, I want to talk to you about something,” he said, his voice low.
I nodded, curious.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about us,” Jacob began. “I know you’re still married, but I want you to know that I’m willing to wait for you.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“Jacob, I-”
“Let me finish,” he interrupted. “I want to marry you, Valerie. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
I was taken aback.
“Jacob, I… I don’t know what to say.”
Jacob took my hand.
“I know it’s sudden, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone. And I know we can make this work. We can fly out of the country, get married somewhere beautiful, and start fresh.”
My mind reeled.
“Jacob, I need time to think,” I said, trying to process.
Jacob’s eyes locked onto mine.
“Of course, I understand. But know that I’m willing to become a father to your baby. I’ll love and care for them as my own.”
My heart swelled.
“Jacob, that means a lot to me,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“But?” Jacob prompted.
“I just need time,” I repeated. “This is all so sudden, and I have to think about my baby’s future.”
Jacob nodded.
“I understand. Take all the time you need. But know that I’m here for you, Valerie. Always.”
We finished dinner in comfortable silence.
As Jacob drove me home, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that my life was about to change forever.
We pulled up to my gate, and Jacob walked me to the door.
“Goodnight, beautiful,” he whispered, his lips brushing against my cheek.
I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest.
“Goodnight, Jacob.”
As I stepped inside, I was met with an unexpected sight.
Damian stood in the foyer, his eyes blazing with anger.
I froze, shock coursing through my veins. What was he doing here?
“Where have you been?” Damian demanded, his voice low and menacing.
My heart sank. How did he know I’d been out?
I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat.
“Answer me!” Damian’s voice rose.
I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice.
But before I could respond, Damian’s gaze fell upon my dress, his eyes narrowing.
“Who were you with?” he spat.
My heart raced as I struggled to find the right words.
But Damian’s expression told me I was in trouble.
*********
Damian’s POV
Finally, Saturday arrived. I arrived at Valerie’s new address, my heart pounding in my chest.
I stood outside, observing the quiet neighborhood. What was she doing here? Who was this man? I waited for quite a while for her to return.
I took a deep breath, calming myself.
I’d confront her, find out the truth. Luckily, she showed up by past eleven.
As she stepped inside, I noticed the elegant dress she wore and her beauty still shone through.
“Where have you been?” I demanded, my voice low.
Valerie’s eyes widened, shock written across her face.
“Damian, what are you doing here?” she stammered.
I took a step closer.
“Don’t play dumb. I know about him.”
Valerie’s gaze faltered.
“Who?” she whispered.
“Don’t lie to me!” I spat.
Valerie’s eyes flashed with defiance.
“What do you want, Damian?”
My anger boiled over.
“I want to know why you’re with him. Why you’re throwing away our marriage.”
Valerie’s face paled.
“Our marriage is over, Damian. You made that clear.”
I sneered.
“You think you can just move on? Replace me?”
Valerie’s voice trembled.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you, Damian. But I deserve happiness.”
My laughter was cold and it came with a glare.
“Happiness? With him? You don’t even know him.”
Valerie’s eyes filled with tears.
“That’s not true. Jacob is-”
“Jacob?” I repeated, the name burning in my mind.
Valerie’s lips sealed, but I knew.
I knew I’d lost her.
But I wouldn’t let her go without a fight.
“You’re coming home with me, Valerie.” I demanded.
“I will do no such thing. Leave this place, this instant or I’m going to call the police.”
“Why not? Because of him? He is obviously the father of this thing you are carrying. I’m taking you home because you are still my wife. You remian my wife until I divorce you properly.” I said.
“Wife? You abandoned me and your baby. You accused me of infidelity, you cheated on me, right before my very eyes and now you still have the boldness to call me your wife!” Valerie rapped.
I scoffed. “I don’t care about whatever you have to say. The car is outside, get inside quietly or you’ll leave me with no choice.” I said.
“I’m not changing my mind, Damian. I will remain here and have my baby quietly. You can bring the divorce papers and I’ll sign it here. Now, get out!” Valerie screamed, her eyes full of deep anger. I have never seen her like this before.
I grabbed her wrist, not minding if it hurt as I planned to drag her to the car.
“Let go of me, Damian. You are hurting me. What have I done to deserve this?” She pleaded but to my deaf ears as I pulled her along while she struggled to be free.
“Damian, you are hurting me. I don’t want to loose this baby.” She cried out. But I still pulled her along.
Suddenly, the gate flew open and a young, well-built man stormed in. I paused for a moment, wondering who he was and what he was doing here.
“Let go of her!” He ran towards me and gave me a thundering punch in my chin.