Mrs Skavinski in name only

Valerie's POV

Kate was bent over the couch with Tate behind her, his hands on her waist gripping her tightly as he pumped into her with passion. They were both sweaty like they'd been going on for hours and the look on Tate's face wasn't for lust, it was for something else.

Yes! Yes yes!!! Ahhh!!!"

"You want more, yeah?"

"Ohhhh!! I love that!!! Yes baby, yes!!"

"I'm on my edge, Tate," Kate said to him.

"I'm almost there too, let's cum together" he smiled while he trailed kisses on her back.

I shake my head for the memories to go away as I get dressed. It's been two days since I got back from my trip and caught my ex-fiance Tate McGregor cheating on me with his secretary. He didn't call to explain or apologize, which was why I was shocked to see his call asking us to meet at our favorite restaurants.

I picked out my best outfit. I wore skinny jeans with a white crop top and a denim jacket, I put on light makeup with matching earrings and a necklace coupled with a white bag that complimented my heels. I got out of the house nervous, I was breaking off my engagement with a man I've known and loved for four years.

Monica, my best friend, offered to drop me off at the restaurant, which I'm grateful for. I sat in the car lost in my thoughts, remembering how Monica was earlier when Tate called after seeing the news.

*Celebrity News: A famous writer known as Valerie Lysander was spotted crying outside of her fiancé's company. What could have happened?*

Monica grabbed the phone from me before I could even say 'hello'.

"Hello, what do you want? And why are you calling her?" she snapped at him the minute she answered the phone.

"Hey, calm down. Val, I know you can hear me. I'm sorry, okay, I'm sorry, you know I would never do that to you. I don't know what came over me. I didn't mean to hurt you. I love you and I just want to use her as our child factory since you can't have one. You know I'm the only one who can tolerate you enough to be with you and having me in your life is an additional gain, as I've always told you. You need me more than I need you. I know you're having crazy thoughts right now, so a reminder to remind you breaking up with me will only affect your career and my image. We don't want that to happen, right? And........." Monica cut him off abruptly.

"Listen, you lying cheating bastard, you narcissistic idiot, you know I never liked you, and I'm glad she got to see the real you before jumping the broom And to even think that you cheated on her with that half-baked secretary of your show how classless you're, pray we don't come across each other on the road one of these days, I'll show you......" I grabbed the phone from her giving her the 'I got it' look because I knew she was boiling.

She's still angry at the idea of meeting up with him.

"You know I'll be fine, why are you still moody?" I asked, giving her the cute baby face she couldn't resist.

"I know you'll be fine, it's just annoying you're bottling everything up and acting strong" She half yelled, letting out a frustrating sigh as she pulled into the restaurant parking lot.

She turned to me and took my hands in hers. "I know you don't like putting your burden on people, but we're practically sisters and I would gladly share your problems with you" I've always known Monica to be the emotional type. She has been my pillar since forever.

I know how annoying she can be whenever I don't let my emotions out. I nodded at her, giving her hand a light squeeze before leaving the car.

I walked into the restaurant to see him sitting in the middle where all eyes could see and hear what we were saying. He's wearing a casual off-white shirt with matching pants, standing out with his green eyes and dark hair, looking handsome as usual. And sitting like he owns the place

"Hey, I knew you wouldn't ruin your career that way, I ordered your favorite." He was smiling like he had just won a lottery, I just wanted to wipe that smile off his face with a resounding slap.

The food was served, and he went on about how forgiving I am and why he loves me. He kept running his mouth while I was wondering how I ended up with him, I mean how could I have been blinded to that?

"So, have you dismissed her? Or is she still working with you?" I asked, raising a brow.

Tate shifted in his seat. " I can't just let her go like that, she's a good employee, she's smart, great at her job, and competent enough, I mean she's the best one I've had in a while. It'll be a loss on my side to let her go over such a trivial matter", he concluded with a shrug.

Whoa, the more I look, the more I see what a douchebag he is. Let's have it.

I picked up the glass of wine, stirring it a little before dumping it on him.

You cheated on me with your slutty secretary, and you still dare to tell me you can't sack her, that she's better at what she does?. I'm done with you egocentric bastard, I hope you go to hell and give birth to bald kids with their left hands 5 inches shorter than their right hands."

I heard people laughing and murmuring. I left the table and then turned midway.

"I agree with you, she's actually better at riding your 3-inch little anaconda," I said, throwing the ring he gave me at him.

With that, I left the restaurant only to find Monica in the parking lot, laughing her head off. She drove into the streets immediately after I settled in,

"So tell me why you want his kids to have a hand 5 inches longer than the other hand?" she asked in between laughter.

"Because that's the 5 inches his little anaconda is missing," I replied with a shrug.

I turned to see her trying to hold her laughter in but failed miserably. We both started laughing for no reason and, for the first time in days, I felt at peace.

We had a movie night. I have talked to my parents and Gavin, my best friend, since my college days. Somehow, they were glad the engagement was off. I felt alive and had the best night ever. At the end of the night, I went to bed tipsy.

It's been a week since I broke off the engagement. Tate has been sending me threatening messages which push me to block him everywhere. I've been relaxing, canceled all interviews, and I've been indoors to avoid walking to the journalists because I'm pretty sure they're lingering somewhere around my house right now.

I checked the time, and it was past noon already. I've been on Netflix since I woke up. I was about to order food when a message notification popped up on my phone. I checked it to see it was a message from an unknown number with a link. I clicked on it to see what it was for.

My eyes blurred, I felt lightheaded and couldn't breathe. The last thing I heard was the sound of my ringtone before blacking out.

The drive to my parent's house from the airport to my parent's house wasn't as far as I remembered it to be. I had to keep a low profile after the stunt Tate pulled on me.

I was diagnosed with infertility two years ago with no explanation of the cause. I kept this a secret from my family and friends except Tate because he was my fiancé.

"Who wants kids anyway? We can adopt when we want one. That means I can have you to myself."

That was his response when I told him, and now he has published it for the world to see.

I swear I would have been admitted into a mental health facility if I stayed for seconds in Virginia, seeing my story on billboards, newspapers, and tabloids with the captions.

"Tate McGregor, the ex-fiance of a popular writer, Valerie Lysander, talked about this side of the story: she can't have children due to her infertility and I want a lot of them, she lied to me not to know the cause of her infertility, but I found out recently that not only did she lived a reckless life growing up she had a lot of abortions. This is where we break out."

I got to my parent's house in Los Angeles, and I couldn't have been more grateful I came here. The busy streets and all took me down my childhood memory lane. I spent most of my time with my parents catching up on stuff or gossiping about the neighbors with my mom.

But today, I decided to step out and explore the city. A lot has changed and nothing has changed, it looks different and, at the same time, it looks the same.

I went to the park where we always go as kids with my parents. I saw children running around, parents playing with their kids, and couples on dates too. It feels nice to be back home really.

My eyes caught the sight of a little girl playing all by herself.

"Hey princess' ' I called, walking up to her. She had beautiful ocean-blue eyes with blonde hair that was long for a girl of her age.

"Where's your mama and papa? Are you here alone?" she nodded at my question. Looking around like she's looking for someone

"What's your name? My name is Valerie and I can play with you till your mom and dad get here" I said, stretching my hand to her. She didn't respond, she just kept staring at me like she didn't understand what I was saying.

Okay, maybe I'm weird. I turn on my heels to return to the nearest bench, the weather is nice, the flowers are colorful, and it's a nice time to be outside.

"My name is Layla", I heard a tiny little voice beside me. The little girl I was talking to earlier is sitting next to me now.

"Hi Layla, you have beautiful eyes and I love your hair. '' I complimented her, that's what drew me to her.

"Thank you" she responded shyly.

We chatted for a while and I discovered she's four years old. She has an elder brother, Landon, who is seven years old, and the sweetest part is that she wants to be my friend. I have a friend now.

I've been hanging out with Layla every weekend since that's the only time she comes to the park and I wouldn't lie, that little girl is so energetic. She loves my baking, so I've been making cakes and cookies specially for her and her brother.

They're kids of very influential people because I see guards and maids around all the time.

Today, I made her favorite princess-shaped cookies. I was telling them a story when Dominic, one of the guards, said their father was there. I looked up just in time to see a Greek god, a well-built man with broad shoulders. I can proudly say God took his time to work on him because he is so handsome and his voice...

I was dragged out of my thoughts by Layla, obviously taping me. I was drooling, and her daddy is now standing in front of me.

"Hello sir, you have beautiful children". That's the easiest thing I could think of.

He replied with a nod before picking up Layla in his arms while holding Landon with the other hand. Oh my God, those muscles.

"Dad, can Valerie be our mom?" Layla shouted to her dad.

I looked up to see him looking at me immensely before replying with a resounding 'No'.

I was somehow disappointed, but what was I expecting? Layla said her mom traveled, which meant they missed their mother.

*****

During the week I explored the place, and today I tried an Italian restaurant. I ordered takeout and took pictures to show Monica. The drive back home was a smooth one as I couldn't wait to try the food.

I walked into the house with a huge smile, but I paused when I saw my father pacing the room and my mom sitting on the sofa moody.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, placing the food on the floor. My mom rushed to me and pulled me to sit before sitting next to me. She took my hands in hers as she apologized to me continuously. I was lost and worried.

"Dad, is something going on? Something happened right?" I was getting worried

"Do you know Mr Skavinski? Have you met him before?" Dad asked, kneeling in front of me.

"You mean the famous Skavinski family? I know them, but I've never met any of them. Why?" I answered.

"Ehmm..." Mom coughed while looking at my dad for help. I'm sure it is something serious.

"Just spill it already," I said, tired of the suspense.

"Mr Skavinski came here today, and he wants you to be his wife as soon as possible. You know how big they are in the country. We can't tell him no when he can wipe our whole generation out at the snap of his finger." Mom finished explaining with tears streaming down her face.

I look at them waiting for them to say 'It's a prank' but nothing. "You're kidding me, right? How will I get married to a killer, a murderer, a trafficker, and a Mafia Don himself? You must be joking. Do you think I'm stupid to put myself in danger? No way" I yelled.

"I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning, I've overstayed my welcome here". I stood up to go to my room when I heard a voice that held me in place.

"You won't dare, Valerie, take a step out of LA and I won't stop until I ruin you and your little career. I'll ruin everything and everyone you love will suffer for it". I shivered at the authority, power, and how cold the words were. I couldn't see his face as he was standing in the dark.

"You can't just come here and demand that I marry you when I don't even know you" I protested. I know very much what I'm risking talking back.

"I don't like females that aren't submissive, but we can walk on that. You don't need to know me, Val, I know you and that is enough. You sure don't expect me to propose because I know for certain the last one didn't end well". I winced at the painful memories, and I could see my mom crying silently.

"I hope you make the right choice because anything I want I get," he said, stepping into the light, and I gasped at the familiar man dressed in all black.

Layla's father!

We've been trying to get my daughter, Layla, to eat. Since she met with that lady at the park, she's been ranting and raving on wanting the so-called Valerie to be her mother because she called Layla a princess. I didn't take it seriously until she started acting rebellious, refusing to eat or go to school.

I don't want anything to do with females, the probability of killing the next female I get entangled with is higher than me getting a boner from a romance movie. But after I met the so-called Valerie, I might have a change of mind seeing her smooth skin, curvy shape and long legs and dark brown eyes.

I mean she looks sexy and hot in the simple dress she was putting on that day, and she makes the best cookies. My best friend, Mateo, didn't help with the matter as he kept stating why I needed a wife, saying it'd boost my image in our world. I don't need a woman to boost my image.

"Why don't you take her request into consideration". She said "They're growing and they need a mother figure. Landon asked me the other day to call Celine, so she could act as their mother in school", she continued.

"They see other kids getting picked up by their mother, and they want that too. That's the least you can do for them, Leo" she left, closing the door behind her and leaving me in deep thoughts.

I picked up my phone to dial a number. "Hey Paul, I need everything you can find on Valerie Lysander, everything. I need it as soon as possible" I said to my private hacker.

"Yes boss, I'll send it sir". I put my phone down on my desk, rubbing my forehead tiredly.

I checked the file Paul sent to me, going through everything the details one after the other. I must say, she's the best candidate. I need to have a meeting with her.

The drive to her address was short. I wish Mateo had been here with me, but the idiot decided to go on boat cruise in Miami. Leaving all the work to me alone. I checked myself out again, my long black sleeved shirt covering my tattooed arm with two buttons open and well tucked into my trousers.

I knock at the door, checking my gun at the back of my pants intact. An older woman answered the door. "Hello, who are you?" She asked politely with a smile. She's the older version of Valerie but with dark hair and light brown eyes. She smiled sweetly, waiting for me to answer.

"I am here to see Valerie Lysander, is she in?" I asked, trying to be polite, seeing that they didn't recognize me.

Her face dropped in disappointment. "She left not long ago". She replied, Me pitifully.

"Who's there?" I heard a man's voice inside. He opened the door wider, so he could see who was at the door.

The expression on his face shows that he recognized me. Good.

"You know who I am right? I'm not good at acting polite and all that", I made my way into their house without waiting for them to usher me in. The house is warm and feels like home, bringing back childhood memories.

"Yes, yes. Come inside." The man I assume to be her father said carefully. He whispered something to his wife. She gasped loudly. She covered her mouth when our eyes met.

Chris, Valerie's dad, was about to say something when I cut him off.

"Let's get to business" I muttered, then proceeded to explain what I want from them and why I'm here.

They look confounded at my speech, I mean they should be. The most ruthless Mafia want to marry their daughter. It's a great honor. Seeing they're about to protest, I added

"I'm not asking you, I'm demanding. I'm sure you won't want to see me angry and a peaceful agreement will be better for both you and your daughter" I sneered, crossing my legs over the other.

"It's not up to us, it is up to our daughter. We can't force her if she doesn't want it." Chris uttered, holding his crying wife closely.

"Why are you doing this to us", Marie said in tears.

"Let's wait till she gets here" I stated, resting my back and waiting for my soon-to-be bride.

The sound of her car was heard. She didn't notice me when she entered, but she noticed the stuffy air in the room. I stood in the corner of the room watching her rant, angry about how it was a bad decision to marry me. I was enjoying the heave on her chest and her expression as she defended her reasons.

"I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning, I've overstayed my welcome here" she half yelled, turning to go to her room.

"You won't dare, Valerie, take a step out of LA and I won't stop until I ruin you and your little career. I'll ruin everything and everyone you love will suffer for it". I saw her shiver at my words. Trying to see me through the darkness.

"You can't just come here and demand that I marry you when I don't even know you" she protested. She's bold, I like that.

"I don't like females that aren't submissive, but we can work on that. You don't need to know me, Val, I know you and that is enough. You sure don't expect me to propose because I know for certain the last one didn't end well for you" she winced.

"I hope you make the right choice because anything I want I get" i said, stepping into the light and she gasped, recognizing me.

I opened the door before turning to her. "My driver will pick you up tomorrow evening, be sure to get ready. I hate tardiness, and you don't want to keep me waiting." I winked at her before closing the door behind me.

The drive home was fun as I recall the shock on her face when she recognized me. I pulled into my garage and went straight to my daughter's room. I told her Valerie agreed to be her mother and I swore I would kill for the smile she gave me. If that's what she wants, then she can have it.

I read her bedtime story after feeding her. It's been the three of us since their mother left three years ago. I can't be their mother and father at the same time giving my kind of work.

The vibration of my phone took me out of my thoughts. I gently closed the door after me.

"Yes?" I said into the phone.

"Sir, there's something you need to know about Miss Valerie", Paul said.