CLAIMED BY THE CEO

8

Valerie's pov

"Valerie, your phone's been ringing for a while. What's up? You good?" It was Ron who stood at my desk, peering down at me. He was a nice, tall guy, and had a girlfriend. He was a loyal man and I wanted someone like him. He always respected boundaries unlike someone like Marko. Well they have no comparison.

"Uh, yes, I will just take it. Thanks." I smiled as I received the call with a sour mood.

"Yes?" It was Marina. What did she even want now? We just had a quarrel on the breakfast in the morning. She was seriously getting on my nerves now. It must be that stupid dinner with that ass. Why can't he just die and leave me alone?

"I need you home in less than an hour. You hear me, Valerie? If you don't come in an hour you wouldn't like to know what I will do to you? Okay. Be quick." Her high pitched voice then went dead.

Sighing, I shook my head. Not again. The headache was forming and it was just afternoon. How was I supposed to cope up with it for the whole damn night?

Marina was just hell-bent on getting me out of my Dad's life. She thinks that I will even want to live with them. She can have everything for herself but I just wanted dad to be alright. He wasn't doing okay these past days. I don't know what was eating him from inside or it was Marina breathing down his neck all the damn time?

I was busy and rarely had time to spend with my dad and he was always followed by Marina. Not giving us a father-daughter time. She was just after me. Setting me up with that p*****t was her plan all along. I just don't get her at all. Her druggie of a son was not at all my type. I'd rather die single than breathe in his direction even.

Rubbing my temple, I soothed the pain and closed my eyes. It was a long week. With Dr. Frank going on a sudden leave and me taking his shifts as well. I had so much on my plate already.

I didn't even know if I could have an early day. I thought with all that happening since last week I at least deserved it. But not at the expense of meeting that giant p*****t.

I again took a deep breath. Trying to shake away the image of him. It was better if I concentrate on work and clock out early.

Chugging a cup of coffee I got to work. I had to make a round around the patients and check them before finishing for the day maybe.

Luckily there wasn't much crowd in the hospital and I could even get home early if I wanted.

If only Marina wouldn't have threatened me with my father's life, I would have had laughed at her face and never agreed to be on this so-called shitty date with Gavin.

As I collected my things from the desk to clock out, I stilled at my place to see Marko entering the hospital. s**t. s**t. s**t.

What the hell is he doing here? God. This fucker better not mingle in my matters. He already made it worse by kissing me in the hallway that day.

I remember I was working on something when he cornered me and didn't even give me time to say anything and just started kissing me. There were people for god's sake. But I couldn't report him. He and his brother who always dropped by to get their wounds treated. I knew they were danger.

But as I saw him walk straight for the lift, I breathed a sigh of relief. So he wasn't here for me or dr. Frank probably. He must have gotten the news of him not being here.

Putting away my things, I as quickly as possible, made my way out of the hospital. Not trusting Marko at all. He might just appear out of nowhere.

I was scared shitless afterward.

—

When I reached home, I didn't see dad. He must be at one of his friend's houses. I was walking up to my room when Marina appeared out of nowhere.

"Where were you, Valerie?" She had her hands folded in front of her chest as she scrutinized me with those evil eyes of hers. "You are two hours late. What did I tell you?" She stated stepping closer to me and I just shook my head.

"I was at work Marina. I couldn't just leave behind everything for a stupid date." I snarled before making my way inside.

"Fix your attitude you slut. You think you can embarrass me in front of Mr. Gavin. I won't let that happen." She glared daggers at me as she spoke.

I tried to just avoid her as I started putting away my things.

Her calling me names was very common. She thought I didn't go to work but earn through p**********n. Huh. She is sick. She has no right to judge anyone. She was the only woman after my father's money.

"I have picked out a dress for you to wear. It's in the closet. He will be here by 7 and I need you ready and downstairs before that." With that said, she slammed the door shut behind her. Pfft. That was intense.

I was not scared of her. Okay I was. But a little. But I surely worried about my dad. He never thought Marina was a bad woman. He always favored her over me. Her own blood daughter.

That madwoman had my father wrapped around her finger. He never saw the bad in her but me. I was always the bad one for him. And that is what I want to prove.

Getting out of my thoughts, I got up to get ready. A date, my ass.