MY VALENTINE’S WISH

CHAPTER 16: YOU ARE WOMAN

Walter had never been a man of emotions. Cold, calculating, and always in control—this was the version of himself he had known for years. But ever since Debbi entered his life, something had shifted. Something he couldn't quite place.

It started with small things. A lingering thought of her smile when he was buried in paperwork. A sudden craving to hear her voice in the middle of the day. A growing frustration whenever she wasn't near.

And now, here they were—entangled in something neither of them could define.

Debbi had tried to fight it. She had told herself that Walter belonged to another woman. That she was just someone he used to pass the time. But every time he looked at her with those piercing eyes, every time he touched her, she felt herself crumbling.

Yet, she wasn't naïve. She knew she was playing with fire.

Walter wasn't making things any easier. Every morning, a bouquet of fresh flowers arrived at her desk. Each time, there was a handwritten note—brief but thoughtful.

"Don't skip breakfast."

"You looked beautiful in that dress yesterday."

"Smile more. I like it."

She knew it was wrong to let herself fall deeper, but she couldn't stop.

In the office, their stolen moments became more frequent. A brush of fingers when he handed her a document. A lingering gaze across the boardroom. And when the doors were closed, passion erupted like wildfire.

But despite their undeniable chemistry, Debbi refused to acknowledge what was truly happening between them. She kept reminding herself—he has a fiancée.

And yet… Walter didn't act like a man in love with someone else.

He never spoke about Annie. In fact, he barely acknowledged her existence

But that didn't mean she wasn't there.

Meanwhile…

Far away from Walter's towering skyscraper, another man was restless.

Mark had been trying to reach Debbi for weeks. His calls went unanswered. His messages were left on read.

He knew he had messed up, but he never expected Debbi to actually walk away from him.

She wasn't supposed to.

Debbi had always been soft-hearted. Easily swayed by love. Easily manipulated by his empty promises.

When they were together, he had made her believe she was his world. That he adored her. That they were meant to be. And she had eaten it up, believing in his words like a fool.

But now, she was gone.

And Mark didn't like it.

He had assumed she would eventually come crawling back, just like before. He had even prepared an excuse—a fabricated lie to make her forgive him.

But she never came.

And that was a problem.

Because if Debbi was no longer heartbroken over him… then who was she giving her heart to?

That thought alone made his blood boil.

He needed to see her.

Now.

Back at Walter's Office…

Walter leaned against his desk, watching Debbi with hooded eyes.

She was flustered. Lips slightly swollen from their last stolen kiss, cheeks flushed with heat. He had pulled her into his office under the pretense of discussing work, but now she was pressed against his desk, caged between his arms.

She was irresistible.

And she was his.

"Debbi," he murmured, his voice deep and laced with desire. "Tell me you want me."

She swallowed hard, refusing to meet his gaze. "This… this isn't right."

Walter's jaw tightened. He cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. "And yet, you don't stop me."

She shivered. He was right. She never stopped him.

Because the truth was—she didn't want to.

Walter studied her, sensing her inner turmoil. He knew she was trying to resist him, but he wasn't about to let her go.

"Listen to me," he said, his tone softer now. "I don't care about anyone else, Debbi. You are my woman."

Her heart clenched.

"But Annie—"

"I don't love her," Walter cut her off without hesitation. "I never have."

Debbi's breath caught in her throat.

Then why was he still with her? Why was he still engaged?

Before she could ask, Walter leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear.

"I only want you."

Her resolve crumbled.

And when he kissed her again, she didn't fight it.

Because for the first time in a long time… she wanted to believe him.

Even if it meant breaking her own heart.

The night was colder than usual, but Debbi barely felt it. She stood outside her apartment building, staring at the bouquet of flowers in her hands.

Walter had sent another one.

This time, the note was different.

"You're running from something that's already yours. Stop fighting it."

Her fingers tightened around the paper as she exhaled shakily. She hated how much he affected her.

Everything about him—his touch, his words, the way he made her feel—was consuming her.

She had to end this.

Before it was too late.

Pushing open the door to her small apartment, she kicked off her heels and tossed the flowers onto the kitchen counter. She needed a distraction. Anything to stop thinking about Walter.

But just as she was about to take a shower, a sharp knock at the door startled her.

Her heart pounded. It was almost midnight. Who could it be?

Slowly, she walked to the door and peeked through the peephole.

The breath in her throat caught.

Mark.

Her body went rigid.

What the hell was he doing here?