Chapter 8 – Alexander's Girlfriend
642 Words
“Miss Evelyn,” Mr. Alexander glanced at the secretary beside him, his tone firm but polite. “Please excuse us.”
“Yes, sir,” she replied, casting one last glance at Valerie before quietly exiting the room.
Valerie remained frozen near the doorway, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. Alexander gestured toward the seat opposite him.
“Valerie Jordan… please, take a seat.”
She nodded and made her way forward, eyes scanning the office. It was grand, but not gaudy...sleek shelves lined with neatly arranged files, the faint hum of a coffee maker in the corner, and a massive mahogany desk that seemed to anchor the entire room.
At its center sat a polished nameplate, gleaming under the soft overhead lights: Alexander Drayven – CEO. The sharp silver letters shimmered, as intimidating and composed as the man behind the desk.
She pulled out the chair and slowly sat down, her fingers fidgeting in her lap.
“Mr. Alexander…”came Valerie's soft voice
“Mhm?” he murmured, not taking his eyes off the document he was reading.
“Why are you helping me?” she asked, her tone laced with curiosity.
Alexander finally looked up, his gaze steady as he studied her. “What do you want?” he asked instead, flipping the question back at her.
Valerie blinked, caught off guard. What do I want?
The room fell quiet. She looked down at her hands for a moment, then inhaled deeply and met his gaze.
“I want to go back to school,” she said with surprising steadiness. “Finish high school. Go to university. I… I want to be an actress.”
“Valerie… everything you just mentioned school, university, your dream of becoming an actress all of which will be yours… but only on one condition.”
Her brows furrowed. “Condition?” she repeated inwardly, confused. What could he possibly want from her?
“What might that be, Mr. Alexander?” she asked, cautiously, eyes fixed on his unreadable expression..
He leaned back in his chair for a moment, then slowly stood and walked around his desk, stopping right in front of her. Valerie stiffened.
“You’ll be my girlfriend.”
“What?!” she gasped, nearly jumping out of her seat. “Girlfriend?! But… why? You barely know me.”
Alexander’s lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile. “That’s what you think, Miss Valerie.”
He stepped closer, gently raising a hand, and traced the curve of her jaw with his finger. Valerie flinched slightly but didn’t move away..frozen in place by the tension in the air.
“I’ve known about you far longer than you realize,” he said softly, his voice low..
****
“But…” Valerie stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, “I want to be able to do it on my own.”
Alexander tilted his head slightly. “Do what?” he asked, his voice calm but curious.
“become someone” she said, eyes shimmering with determination. “I want to go to school, work hard, and come out strong..not because someone paved the way for me, but because I earned it.”
Alexander studied her intently, the edges of his expression softening in quiet surprise. Most people would have jumped at the opportunity..without question.
“Mr. Alexander…” Valerie continued, raising her gaze to meet his, “I only want a job.”
For a brief moment, silence hung between them. Then he let out a low breath, almost amused, but there was something deeper in his eyes..
“Very well,” he said after a pause. “I’ll give you a job… but still under my condition.”
Valerie’s lips parted slightly, uncertain, but the gratitude in her eyes was undeniable. “Thank you,” she said softly.
- Writer
