Chapter5
1299 Words
Jule’s POV He didn’t have to interrupt again. It was the second time I had been interrupted by Mr. Raton who claimed to be Valerie’s fiancé. I just needed to speak to her privately, it couldn’t be over for us, not now that I had finally seen her in person. I struggled to let out a calm smile, hiding the bitterness that lingered inside my mind. I felt this was quite lively more than the first day, it seemed like she was going to come around until Raton had to show up again. His presence had already explained everything to me. I saw the smile she wore on her face immediately after he arrived. Although I didn’t see a half sparkle of what I had shared with her before we parted ways. “Hey,” Raton quickly snapped me out of my thoughts. “You still didn’t respond to me? Or… is there something I should know about?” He gestured towards Valerie. “Everything is fine,” I took a deep breath of relaxation and straightened my shoulders before I stretched out my hand for a handshake. How could I have been so lost in my thoughts? I shook my head consecutively, shaking every thought away and focusing on V who stood in front of me. “I am sorry about all of this, I had some private issues earlier,” I muttered, my gaze locked on Valerie. “I didn’t expect to see her here.” Raton remained silent for a few seconds but then he chuckled, although his eyes gave a different view. He didn’t look happy, he wished he could just drag Valerie away. “It’s a big party and we are expected to meet with anyone here.” He said, his voice calm but filled with seriousness. “Just be careful next time, Valerie is very important to me, I can’t lose her for anything.” He slid an arm around Valerie’s waist, which sent a shiver down my spine. I nodded, turning to Valerie but her gaze was somewhere else, she wasn’t looking at either of us. The smile on her face had faded away. I couldn’t tell if it was annoying or maybe she wasn’t comfortable with me. “I see she did put in a lot of effort,” I replied. “I am a big fan of your work, Valerie. And to be honest, I came here because of you.” “I would want my little girl to grow up being like you,” I added. Valerie finally managed to let out a smile, but then, her fiancé interrupted her from speaking. “You have a child already?” He asked. “I am divorced now,” I replied. “It’s complicated, but I am good now.” Raton’s smile was tight, almost forced. “That’s good to hear. Valerie is an incredible woman, and maybe it’s time I marry her.” I chuckled, narrowing my gaze towards Valerie. “Congratulations to you,” I said. She still wouldn’t speak, instead, she let out a smile. Raton noticed the way I looked at her, and there it was, a clear warning came after. “Maybe you should focus more on your daughter.” He whispered to me, his voice barely audible. “Of course,” I said, playing along. “I completely understand.” But I wasn’t sure I did. Raton was acting as if Valerie was something he owned, something he had to guard. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. They were only engaged, not married, I hope to see him when V comes back to me. I only had to make her understand why everything happened that way. Raton turned to Valerie with a bright smile, as if the conversation hadn’t just taken a sharp edge. “You know what? I like this guy,” he said. “I appreciate his admiration for you, Valerie. We should have a drink with him.” Valerie stiffened at once. “No!” She declined at once, not giving room for me to say a word. “I don’t know him, and please Raton, we don’t have so much time to spare.” “That’s huge!” I muttered. “I will be honored if I get to have a drink with the best rising star actress.” “That’s not happening, I am sorry.” She snapped, her voice was firm and hard. She didn’t sound like she could be easily convinced at this hour. The layers in her eyes stared at me like she didn’t want to see me again, she wanted everything down. Maybe she was scared it could grow further from here. Or maybe I should have just allowed her to go, try to get a new life for myself. But there was no new life without her, that was just the beginning. “Come on,” I said, flashing a small smile. “Just one drink. I’d love to get to know you both a little better.” Valerie shot me a sharp look. “I said no.” I held up my hands in surrender, stepping back. “It’s fine. No pressure.” Raton sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Valerie, don’t be like that. The guy is just being friendly.” She turned to him, her eyes flashing. “And I said I don’t have time. I’m not interested in entertaining strangers.” Ouch. “It’s fine, we don’t have to make a deal out of this.” He said, and then forced a smile, trying to cheer her up. But her mind was made up. She looked annoyed. I noticed it wasn’t a good time to speak with her, so I decided not to pressure her. I watched them as they located a quiet spot, they ordered a few drinks, and soon, V started to laugh again. I wasn’t going to give up on her. I moved to a hidden spot where I wouldn’t be seen easily and spied on them as they had their wonderful time together. I needed to speak to V, I knew it would be difficult but I had to clear my name. I didn’t cheat on her with Diana like she had thought, she needed to know everything that happened. I watched her as she smiled, the way she chatted with Mr. Raton, the Hollywood star. But then, somehow, I lost focus. And then, she was gone. I quickly scanned the crowded room, my eyes searching every corner. She had been right there just minutes ago, sitting at the same table with him. But now? Now, the chair was empty. Maybe she had just gone to the restroom. Maybe she was outside for some fresh air. How did I lose track of her so easily? I moved toward the table she had been, my footsteps slow, careful. Her fiancé, Raton, was still there, chatting with a couple of other guests, laughing as if nothing was out of place. I hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. “Hey, Mr. Raton,” I said, keeping my voice casual. “Where’s Valerie?” “You again?” He chuckled, turning to me, his expression shifting just slightly, slightly that most people wouldn’t have noticed. But I did. “She went to the restroom,” he said, taking a sip of his drink. “Why do you ask?” I had to think of something to say to him. “I think she dropped this,” I deepened my hand into my pocket and brought out a bracelet. “I have never seen her wear this,” Raton muttered, taking a closer look at the bracelet. This looks old, but I will give it to her.
- Writer
