At the Watson's Residence, in the sitting room. Valerie was sitting opposite her stepmother and her father, who couldn't stop smiling.
“Dad, what was so urgent that you couldn't wait for me to come over?” Valerie narrowed her eyes as her father stood up, and walked to her. He patted her shoulder passionately.
That confused her even more because she was unable to guess why he would call her over urgently. “I know you are always busy with work, and if I didn't sound so urgent, you wouldn't show up quickly”.
Valerie smiled a little. “What is it, then?”
Claudia couldn't help but glare at Valerie in annoyance. She wished she could slap her hard on the face, and drag her out of their residence.
“A minute please” Her Father smiled, and headed upstairs.
Valerie was left with her raged stepmother. Even though she could see bitterness in her face, she knew Claudia wouldn't dare to hurt her again.
There was silence between them until Edmond's footsteps were heard from the stairs. Valerie turned to him with smiles.
He walked to Valerie, and handed the file he was holding to her.
Valerie arched eyebrows, looking at the file, confused. “What is this, Dad?”
“Why don't you open it and see for yourself?”
With a slight nod and anxiousness, she opened the file, and a gasp escaped her lips. “Dad? Is this… is this what I think it is?”
Edmond chuckled. He was happy that at least he could give his little daughter what she deserved after saving his life and the family's business a few years ago. “Yes, child. You now own a furnished duplex in Northridge”.
“Oh, daddy. I'm so happy and grateful. I never expected this” Valerie rushed to him, and hugged him tight. While Claudia kept smiling dryly at them.
“What a disgusting sight! This girl is becoming much of a bother. I just can't wait to get rid of her. This furnished duplex is supposed to be my daughter's, but she has succeeded in taking that away” Claudia thought.
Valerie disengaged the hug, and took another glance at the papers. She was going to be a house owner. Something she has never dreamt.
“Listen, that I bought you this house doesn't mean that this place is no longer your home. You are free to visit us anytime you wish to, okay?”
She giggled. “Of course, Dad. This is my home”.
“That's my little girl!” Edmond patted her hair. He still couldn't believe his daughter was all grown up already.
“I'll go to the restroom” Claudia, who felt like she was going to puke watching how the father and daughter were all over themselves, snapped.
Without hesitation, she got up from the couch and headed towards the restroom.
A few minutes later, Edmond was already walking Valerie to the gate. “I'll miss you, my princess. I wish you would consider living with us again”.
She shook her head. “Dad, I'm really comfortable with my new job. It pays really well, and I wouldn't want to lose that job”.
“If you say so.” Edmond shrugged.
Just then, a car drove into the house. The car door flung open, and Patricia stepped down with Justin. On seeing Justin, Valerie turned her gaze away. “I'll order an Uber, Dad. Take good care of yourself”.
“Okay, child. I'll speak to you later” Edmond replied, and headed back into the house.
Trying hard to avoid any communication with Patricia and her ex-boyfriend Justin, she increased her pace to the gate.
“Hello, Sis. Why are you in such a hurry?”
She needed not to be told that it was Patricia who called her. Reluctantly, she turned around with a dry smile on her face. “Hi, Pat. Hello, Justin”
Justin, on the other hand, couldn't even look at her in the face. He was obviously still feeling guilty after what transpired between them.
He managed to reply. “Hi, Val”
“I didn't know you'd be coming over, Valerie. Just such a pity! I would have preferred a delicious sandwich for my elder sister” Patricia was obviously mocking her.
Valerie simpered. “That's such a shame. It's all good, though. I guess that will be another time. If you'd excuse me, I'll get going. I have something crucial to take care of”. Saying that, Valerie turned to leave.
“Not too quick, Valerie Watson. I have something for you”.
Emitting heavily, Valerie turned to her with a questioning look. “Yes?”
Smiling rather ticklishly, Patricia opened her purse and brought out an invitation card. Justin gasped, and grabbed her arm. “What are you doing, Patricia? It's not yet official”.
“Oh, darling. I know you wanted us to invite her in a grander manner, but I think we should invite her as soon as possible, right?” Patricia winked at Justin as she walked to Valerie. “Here is our wedding card. You are specially invited, sister”.
Valerie's heart skipped a beat. “You're getting married, Justin? I mean… brother-in-law?”
“Oh yes, we are. It will be the talk of the town, baby. And this too…” Patricia rubbed her tummy.
Trying to get a hold of herself, Valerie smiled calmly. “You're… you're pregnant?”
“Yes sister. A few months gone”.
Tears circulated in her eyes. “Hell no! I can't let them see me so weak”.
Valerie blinked the tears back, and wore a smile as usual. “Congratulations to you both. Don't worry, I'll attend the wedding”.
“Oh, you can come with your friends, and of course, with your man.” Patricia mocked.
Valerie defensively laughed a little. “Sure. I'll be present with my man”.
“Okay! See you”.
“Yeah!” Valerie snapped, and walked away.
She walked down the roadside tiredly. Even though she had moved on, why does it still hurt as f***? Patricia was obviously doing that to make her feel bad, and unfortunately, she had succeeded in ruining her day. Then she thought of her statement. “I'm going to the wedding with my man? Gosh! How? I don't even have a man. The wedding is in a week's time. I have to search for a man”.