Chasing After Her

Chapter 8

Ethan’s POV

I felt my temperature rise as anger boiled within me. I always knew that Valerie could be crazy most times but I was not expecting her to be that crazy.

First, she told me not to call my daughter my daughter. What is she even up to? Claiming the kids.

I stared at her in rage and she stared back at me pretending as though she wasn't aware of the atrocity she had just committed.

Taking me to court? That was the only thing she could think of. I thought she had changed. I could not keep my thoughts to myself anymore; they were becoming overwhelming.

“I thought you wanted a united family? Oh, you don't. That is why you want to take my son away too?” I spat.

“Ethan please, you are shouting and I don't want you to wake Maya up. I have no idea what you are talking about.” She feigned innocence.

“Valerie, you have just an hour to take everything down else I'll forget you are the mother of my kids and I feel something for you.”

I turned to leave but was halted by her words.

“Feel something,” She chuckled,

She must have thought it was a game and I could be fooled so easily to have not known that she was behind the whole custody thing.

“Valerie, I have taken good care of Roco for years now. Does he look unhealthy to you? Tell me huh?” I said, rolling my fingers Into fists.

I loved Valerie so much but maybe she just wants to play and now she is involving the children and using them as a weapon against me. But not on my watch.

“Ethan, what is wrong with my son? What custody are you even talking about?” She feigned once more.

“I got a call from my secretary. She sounded panicked. Said the media getting on to something. A custody case, For Roco. Turns out someone filed it…anonymously.” I said in her direction.

I felt my blood boil. Why the hell would someone go as far as that? Is this a plan to destroy me or take him away from me?

“So what does that have to do with me?” her voice was sharp and rude.

I stepped closer to her, “Is this how much you pretend and tell lies? Huh Valerie? I never knew you could be this deceitful.”

“Oh please! Spare me those talks. I have told you, I have absolutely nothing to do with any custody. Whoever gave you Information about it should have also told you that I have no involvement.” Valerie cleared, her face etched with gravity.

Then who did this? If it wasn’t Valerie then who was it? Who has access to our records? Who knows how much Roco meant to me? I act tough on the media so people won’t use my son to get to me. Could someone inside my company be pulling strings?

Amanda? No way she’s capable of doing such.

I'd been accusing the wrong person, Valerie. A lot of suspects were running through my head. I exited the ward to go outside to clear my head.

The custody doesn't just mean that I might lose Roco but it also means trouble for my company.

My head banged in response to the overthinking. I could not just place my hand on it no matter how hard I tried.

I had told my secretary to carry out some investigations already but that was not enough. So much for a night.

With a lot going through my head like a whirlwind, I could only grasp hold of one idea. It appeared to be the only reasonable and logical idea at the moment.

I picked out my phone from my pocket and swiped it open. I began punching some digits in as I was too worried to start searching for the contact name.

“Mom, I need your help.”

“Ethan,”

“What is wrong?” She asked, her voice was soothing causing me to remain calm a little. What would I do without my mother?

“It is a long story, Mother, but I promise to tell you all about it later on. I called you because something bad happened.”

“What happened?”

“Mother, someone's filing custody. I don’t know who, but they want to take Roco away.”

“Ethan, calm down. I'll be home shortly and we will talk about it. Don't do anything stupid. I hope you have Roco by your side all the time. Bring him to me and trust no one. Not even the ones you love the most.”

Roco!, I had no idea where he was. I had left him at the event with someone just so I could run down to the hospital and sympathize with Valerie.

I ran down to the hospital to check on Maya too but also to spend some time with Valerie. I'd missed her company. We just met this night after many years but I would wish that we could go back to the way we were but, it was just a wish.

I felt this form of attraction whenever I got close to her. My heart jumps each time I think about her.

“Hey,” I turned around, my eyes meeting with hers.

“What are you doing here all alone?” Valerie appeared curious.

“He is as much my son as he is yours. So please, I want to know what is going on.” Valerie pressed further.

I knew how much she could be pushy to get out whatever she wanted so I had to act smart and ignore her. I don't fully trust her either. My first suspect.

“I’m sorry someone pressed such against you.”

“I am sure you can do some few things to get your hands on him once again,” Valerie said.

Shaking my head, I realized what was going on. But I had to play cool and work patiently with the plan I had.

“Valerie, I'm sorry about what happened earlier,” I said, clearing my throat.

“No Ethan, you don't have to be sorry. I mean, you were right. I was a crazy mother. No mother would leave her daughter alone at such an event but I made that mistake so it's all on me.” She said, her eyes screamed peace and love.

Valerie was the most beautiful woman I had ever set my eyes on and maybe the most dangerous. My heart wanted her close but my mind screamed at me to stay alert.

I need her now than ever, mostly now that i know about Maya.

“Valerie,“ I whispered softly, unsure if this was the right thing to do and the right moment.

“I want you in my life,” I said softly.

“I want us to build these kids together. We can't do it alone. We need each other.”

I took a break to observe how much she had digested everything I'd said before hitting the nail on the wall.

We were at the perfect spot, alone. I guess it was time.

I wondered if I'd reached for her hand— would she let me press her palm against mine?

I took it anyway. She only looked at me, her eyes blank.

I picked out her middle finger, giving it a soft massage for what was coming.

“Valerie, from the depth of my heart. I have something to say to you. I hope you won't turn me down on this?” I questioned first before proceeding.

“Will you —-,” My phone rang again.

“Sorry, my mother.” I excused,

“Are you with Roco?” She asked, her voice trembling.

“What? No? I ordered the men to bring him to you. And you confirmed he was with you on the text message you sent.”

“Text? What text?” She questioned.

“I never sent any text, Ethan.” She added.

My heart exploded,

“What? Mother, where is the child?” I groaned.

She went silent for a few minutes.

“Roco is gone, i can’t find him anywhere. I fear it might be a kidnap.”My body shuddered.

Air left my lungs, it was hard to breathe. My vision darkened, My fingers went numb.

All I heard was— CRASH!

My phone slipped from my hands, The screen shattered on the tiles, just like my world.