The Wife's Resolve

Chapter 8: Making Amends

Valerie woke up alone the next morning, and although that was what she wanted, part of her did not feel good about it. She had always defended Damon against allegations of a mistress; had she really been wrong all this time? She silenced her alarm and hated the fact that it was only Tuesday. She would have to go to work today. Her father would take one look at her and know she did not sleep; she would have to work extra hard to conceal everything that was going on. Valerie thought about calling in sick; she did not need to be in court today, so she really would not be missed.

He thought they were cut short when her cell phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and rolled her eyes. She let it right out only to have it go again. She reached for the phone and hit accept. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Nicoli?"

"There is the company's annual charity event next week. DO you know the color of your dress?" Nicoli responded,

"Nicoli, I would have thought these types of calls were beneath you," he teased.

"They are," he sneered, "but since you view all females as a threat to you, I have been placed to do these tedious tasks."

"Calm down, Nicoli, I will let you know by week's end if I will even attend such an event for the company," Valerie responded without giving any reasons.

"Valerie," he started, but she cut him off.

"Save it, Nicoli, it's not your problem," was the last thing she said, then hung up the phone. A disturbance in the waiting room caught her attention. She took a deep breath as she opened her office door, "Penelope, what is going on out here!" she called in an irritated voice, but did not stick her head out completely to see.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Dare. There are a few people out here demanding to see you. They don't have an appointment, but they will not leave or see another lawyer," her assistant spoke tentatively.

"See if Paxton or Mr. Dare is available to join me," she replied, anger radiating off her. If her husband thought he was going to come here and demand to be held, he had another thing coming."

"Right away, Mrs. Dare," Penelope replied.

"Make them comfortable and offer them some water," Valerie said, then shut her office door. She walked back to her desk. She pulled out a bottle from her bottom drawer and pulled herself a shot. The phone on her desk lit up, signifying Penelope was calling. She massaged her forehead as she hit the intercom button. "What is it, Penelope?"

"Mr. Dare is out of the office for the day, but he did say if you needed him, he could be here in twenty. Paxton is outside your office now, though. Would you like him to come in?" she replied.

"Send him in, please, and call Mr. Dare back and tell him everything is fine, and I said to enjoy his day off." She laughed.

"Yes, Mrs. Dare," Penelope answered before the line ended.

"Valerie," Paxton laughed, walking in. He was holding his suit jacket in his hand, his tie was loose, and a few buttons were not done.

Valerie shook her head, "You are not dressed. Did you just wake up?"

Paxton started laughing, "It's casual day."

"Really," Valerie smiled at his antics.

"When the boss is aware, the lawyers will play," he joked.

"Well, right now I need you to pull yourself together and look a little more put together." Valerie spoke seriously and pointed to the waiting room. "I assume you saw the drama unfolding out there."

"Between Davius and Elena," he laughed, "pretty sure the whole building saw it."

Valeria tapped her nails on the desk, and took a deep breathe of relief. Damon was not here after all. "You can go now." she waved her hand dismissively.

"And miss this," he laughed harder, "My father is livid about these too, and from what I can gather so are all the other fathers. What could Damon possibly be thinking to allow this marriage." and then he relaxed and sat down. a thought played across his face and he broke out laughing even harder, "Oh this is even better," he laughed harder/

Valerie could not help but laugh at him. "This is not a funny matter."

"Maybe not to you," he stopped laughing and became extremely serious, "You do realize this will intensive the rumors."

Valerie was not willing to admit anything expecially in front of Paxton but the thought had indeed crossed her mind since last night, how could she no think others would feel the same. "I'm not sure why it would," she deflected, "its just a marriage and Davius claims to love her."

"More like cover for his brother," he snarled.

"Excuse me," she acted like she didn't understand.

"Good grief, Valerie," Paxton confronted, "You can deflect others. I know you and I know the family. There is only one reason Damon allows his second in command to marry a no body. She pregnant. She is a threat to you and you need to wake up." with that Paxton stood up and walked out of her office slamming the door shut behind him.

Valerie could not deny his words. Though she could plan to protect herself, but right now she needed to finish dealing with this mess first. She hit the intercom button, "Send them in, Penelope."

The door opened, and Davius ushered Elena in with a hand on her back. Looking at the two, Valerie could tell Davius had not slept. His eyes had dark circles under them. Elena had obviously been crying. She looked terrible, and that seemed to affect Valerie's mood. She felt a strange sense of compassion for the girl. She had a dark bruise on her arm, which she tried to cover with her hand, but it showed through. Valerie knew it must have been Damon. She remembered that he had told her that he had thrown her out of the office last night. She could not believe that he had hurt a woman. Many things were excused by the family, but to hurt women and children was not one of them. What had gotten into him, she wondered.

Elena was the first to speak, "I'm so sorry, Valerie," she declared. "I have caused so much trouble. I didn't mean, I didn't know."

Valerie held up her hand, "What are you apologizing for exactly?"

Elena burst out crying, "I was so angry that I had to sign these papers. I went to the company to complain to Damon, but everyone was gone. It was dark. I curled up on the couch and fell asleep till I heard Damon and Davius fighting in the hallway with someone. When he discovered me in his office, he was furious. He grabbed me and demanded that I leave his office, and he fired me this morning. I know I have to sign the papers. I'm not here to be difficult. I just want to marry Davius and have my baby."

Valerie leaned back in her chair, "I must say this is a large change since last night. You are not being threatened to sign these, are you?"

"Valerie," Davius began, but Valerie shook her head.

"I need her to answer, Davius, I can't have him claiming in court some day she signed these papers under duress." She watched Elena carefully. She glanced at Darius but did not speak. His eyes focused on the floor.

"The bruise on your arm was it from Damon or Davius?" Valerie asked cautiously.

"The bruise was an accident. He did not intend to hurt me," Elena defended.

"That did not answer the question," Valerie reiterated.

"I will not dignify that question with a response," Elena accused, "You just want a reason to stall. Give me the papers. I will sign them, and then we need to see each other regularly."