Chapter 5 Valerie's Misery

Chapter 5

Valerie's POV

When I got home, I landed on my bed with reckless abandon. I could see my own world crumbling before my very eyes.

How will I just get married in four weeks time? What about my plans? What about my work? I can't manage a home now.

The news was still shocking to me. All through the night, I tossed and turned on my bed.

I had cried my eyes out before morning as sleep eluded me.

I checked the time and it was 6:45 am.

Another crazy day.

I walked to my refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of Alcohol. This is not something I usually do but I have to get a lot of things off my mind.

I took solace in drinking. I loved how it made me feel light. Before I knew it, I have drunk two bottles already and I was on the third when I heard a knock on the door.

I managed to get up and staggered to the door.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Open up" the voice behind my door answered.

Without thinking twice, I turned the knob and my friend Claire was at the door.

"Hey, Girl!" she exclaimed loudly as she pulled me in for a hug.

"You reek of alcohol. Don't tell me you are drunk. What the hell have you been up to? And you look messed up."

"Valerie, what's wrong?" She was very worried.

I simply stared at her as I couldn't think of anything to say. My mind was blank and I felt as though I was in a different world.

"I...Damian...marriage...contract.." I stammered as I tried to gesticulate by locking two of my fingers together.

"I don't understand what you are trying to say Val. Who is Damian? What marriage are you talking about?" Claire questioned again as she stared deep into my eyes.

My emotions took over me as I embraced her tightly and wept. I cried for close to fifteen minutes before I dozed off in her embrace.

****************

The aroma of Chicken stew filled my nostrils. Claire was fixing lunch when I woke up. My head ached badly as if a million drummers were banging my head.

The effects of alcohol.

I knew I was having a hangover. I walked into the kitchen to get some water from the refrigerator.

"Hey, you're finally awake. How do you feel?" she asked as she touched my forehead in a bid to check my body temperature.

"I'm fine now, Claire. Thank you." I said as I walked away solemnly.

I was prompted to check my phone as I got back to the room and I had several missed calls. From my parents, obviously. Well, they can call for all I care.

When lunch was ready, I went to the living room with Claire and she demanded to know why I was drinking last night.

"Claire, my parents signed a marriage contract for me. I'm getting married to Damian Richardson in four weeks. How could they do that to me? I feel like the sacrificial lamb that was brought to the slaughter house." I explained.

"Hold on, Damian...The multimillionaire CEO of Light Airways?" She asked as her eyes shone.

"Yes". I replied.

"Oh my God. That's sheer wickedness. They can't do that to you."

"I think I know what you need to do" Claire said with a smile.

"What's that?" I became curious at once.

"I suggest you leave town for a while. You should travel far and stay there till everything settles. That is the best option to prevent that marriage from happening." Claire stated.

She has a point. But where do I go?

"Okay, listen, I'll book a flight for you to travel anywhere you want to go. What do you say?" She asked.

"Oh, Claire! You are the best! I don't know what I would do without you. I think I'll travel to Texas. I have a friend who I can stay with." I was so happy.

"Good. You must leave as soon as possible. I'll make your travel arrangements." She said.

"I love you Claire" I was so excited as I hugged her tightly.

After lunch, Claire left while I settled down to clean up my house. I called my Chief Sales person at the store to know how work was going.

The time was 4 pm and I received a mail from Claire. She sent me my travel documents. My flight had been booked and I will be traveling in two days. Wonderful.

My phone rang again. It was a different number this time.

"Hello" it was a male voice from the other end.

"This is Damian Richardson, I believe I am speaking with Valerie Smith." The voice said again.

Damian. My heart skipped. Why was he calling? How did he get my contact in the first place?

"Yes, how did you get my contact? I questioned.

"I'll explain later. Valerie, hope you are fine?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm good now and you?" My heart felt light at the thought that he called to check up on me.

"I'm fine, Thank you. Valerie, I was thinking we should meet and talk. I have things to discuss with you. What do you think?" He asked.

"Uhmmm. Alright. But I don't think it will happen today. I'm not really in the mood to step outside." I stated.

"I understand. Do you mind if I come to your place?" He continued.

Damian?..... coming to my place? Wow...I wonder what his true intentions are.

"Alright. I'll text you my address" I concluded.

"Good. Expect me by 8pm" with that he ended the call.

****************

By 7 pm, I made sandwiches and I baked some bread too. I had a bottle of brandy in my refrigerator for my guest.

I took a bath, applied light make-up and sweet-smelling perfume. I combed my hair and allowed it to hang freely on my shoulders.

I chose to wear a red gown that was body fitted. I looked at the mirror again for the last time. With the assurance that I'm good to go, I left the room.

I checked the other areas in my house to be sure everything is in place.

I heaved a sigh of relief. Then I heard a knock on the door. My heart began to race.

He is actually here. He kept to his word. Damian Richardson. I never believed he would show up. But why did he suggest coming over? What does he want?

The knock came again. A bit louder this time.

I walked to the door and breathed in before opening it.

Damian Richardson was at my doorstep. He wore a Black trouser and white long sleeve shirt that stuck to his skin, revealing his biceps.

His hair was well combed and glistened even in the dark. I was lost in admiration. He looked like an angel sent from above.

"Damian," I said.

"May I come in?"...