He gulped the remaining content of the glass, and dropped the glass on the table angrily.
“What is wrong with you, Ethan? Why are you fuming like that? Isn't she just your mother's daughter? Why are you acting like she's your wife?” Eddy, his best friend, teased him.
Ethan glared at him as he refilled his glass. “Shut up, Eddy. If you have nothing important to say, just hold your peace, okay?”
“When are you ever going to accept that you have a thing for Valerie? Why can't you accept it?” Eddy laughed.
Blinking hard, Ethan cleared his throat noisily. “You… I don't know what you're talking about, Eddy. When did I ever tell you that I have feelings for Valerie?”
“Oh, come on. You don't need to inform me about something that is written all over you. I don't understand why you don't want to admit it, huh? Fine, if you don't like her like you clean, then why are you still angry that someone is making passes at her?” Eddy raised his brows.
He gulped down the gin and scratched his head. “Because… Because she's my daughter's mother. I… I don't just want anything to bring bad names to my daughter and me. It's just going to tarnish my image, alright?”
“Why? Why can't she be allowed to live her life? I mean, you have a fiancé. Why can't she be allowed to have someone in her life?” Eddy tutted loudly.
Ethan clenched his fist. “I'm beginning to wonder whose friend you are, Eddy. Why do you keep siding with Valerie and her newfound lover? I'm your f****** friend, you jerk!”
“No one is disputing the fact that you are my friend, Ethan. But I think you're being unfair to Valerie, if you don't have feelings for her like you just said, then let her be. She can still be your daughter's mother, regardless of what.” Eddy rolled his eyes.
Turning his gaze away, Ethan mumbled under his breath. “I can't believe you. Aren't you supposed to be consoling me?”
“What? Why can't you say it out loud? Are you afraid that I'm going to punch you hard in the face?” Eddy snapped.
Ethan scoffed. “You wish! I don't care whether you will support me or not, all I know is that I am definitely going to protect Valerie from that scum.”
“Protect? I think you still need to check the meaning of 'protect'? I'm not certain that Valerie needs your protection, buddy.” Eddy roared with laughter.
Likewise, Ethan, who couldn't take it anymore, picked up his car keys on the table, glaring at Eddy. “You, scumbag! I can't believe I wasted all the time in the world just talking to you about Valerie, and this is all you could say to me.”
“Sorry, man. I don't want you to keep deceiving yourself, Ethan. The earlier you confess your feelings to her, the better for you. If you keep on delaying, you'll be shocked to realize that someone would take her away from you, right under your nose.” Eddy smirked.
“Whatever!”
Without hesitation, Ethan stormed out of the bar. He walked towards the parking lot as Eddy's last words kept resounding in his ears. Is he really in love with Valerie?
Meanwhile, at the Davison's villa, in Valerie's room, her little daughter was seated on her bed, admiring the beautiful dresses laying on the bed. “What do you think, Audrey? Isn't your uncle James so amazing? He could tell my size.”
“Yes! He's outstanding, mama.” Audrey said, rather gloomily.
Noticing her daughter's sad look, Valerie sat beside her and held her hand. “Baby, are you okay? You look sad. Don't you like the dresses that Uncle James bought for me? Don't you want me to go on a date with Uncle James tomorrow?”
“Mommy, whatever that makes you happy makes me happy too. You like the dresses, so I like them as well.” Audrey smiled faintly with tears circulated in her eyes.
Valerie patted her hair. “If you're happy for me, then why are there tears in your eyes? Tell me, Audrey, don't you like uncle James? If you don't like him, then I won't associate with him anymore.”
“Oh, no mommy. Uncle James has been so nice to you, even nicer than my daddy.” Audrey sniffed.
Valerie continued. “No, baby. In the whole world, I only have you and your grandpa as my family. And I'm willing to do anything to make you happy, you can tell me if you don't like uncle James, okay?”
“Mommy, can you please do me a favor?” Audrey asked.
“Tell me, what is it, baby?”
Audrey chuckled. “Get me something delicious when coming back from your date with Uncle James.”
“Oh, Audrey! Of course, I'll do that. I can never forget you, my child.” Valerie hugged her tightly.
Audrey thought within herself. “If my daddy doesn't like mommy, I hope she can be happy with Uncle James.”
…
“The princess fell into a deep sleep for many years and…” Valerie paused and dropped the storybook.
Audrey had already fallen asleep in her arms. Kissing her forehead, she gently placed Audrey's head on the pillow and covered her properly with the duvet. “Good night, my child.”
With that, Valerie turned off the light before walking out of the room.
A few minutes later, the door creaked open as President Ethan walked into Audrey's room. He was going to kiss her goodnight.
“Oh, sleeping beauty. Good night, Audrey.” He smiled calmly.
President Ethan was about to turn the table lamp off when he heard Audrey sleep talking.
“Audrey, what is it?”
Still fast asleep, Audrey mumbled. “I wish daddy could love my mommy.”