Valerie couldn't get what Audrey had told her off her mind. Was she really in love with the almighty President Ethan Davison? That's not possible, right?
She packed some snacks into her bag, absentmindedly, that she didn't realize when Susan walked into the room. “Wow! So many snacks! Is there a party ?”
Still not paying attention, Valerie kept mute. Susan stared at her, and found out she was even listening to her.
“Val! Val!! Are you listening?” Susan half yelled, smacking her out of her thoughts.
Valerie flinched as she turned swiftly. “Uhm… Have you been there long?”
“Of course, it's quite unfortunate that you weren't listening to me. I have been talking, young lady, and I was expecting your response.” Susan snorted, sitting on the bed beside her.
Valerie breathed heavily. “I'm sorry. You were saying?”
“Where's your mind at? You look absentminded.” Susan asked anxiously.
Valerie gulped hard. “I don't know if you are the right person for me to ask this question. I think I should ask someone who's more experienced.”
“What the… What makes you think I'm not experienced? You're so annoying.” Susan sighed.
“I… it's a friend of mine. I think she fell in love with the wrong person. They are worlds apart, and there's no way they can be together.” Valerie asked.
After a few minutes of silence, Susan cleared her throat. “Worlds apart? Love knows no bounds. I don't think there's anything impossible when it comes to love. Just like Miguel and me.”
Valerie turned sharply at Susan and saw how dreamily she spoke. She burst into laughter, and Susan stopped talking.
“What's… What's funny?” She asked.
“Really? You don't really know what's funny? I just asked you a question, but here you are daydreaming about your new boyfriend.” Valerie smiled.
She couldn't hide the smile anymore. She smiled shyly. “He's… He's not my boyfriend yet. Uhm… He's just a friend.”
“A friend? I wonder what kind of friend you'll compare to what I just told you. It's obvious I'm talking about people in love.” Valerie teased her.
“Tell me, who is this friend of yours?” Susan raised a brow.
Confused on what to say, Valerie snapped. “She's a colleague of mine.”
Susan laughed. “A colleague, huh? Is it really a colleague of yours, or are you talking about yourself?”
“Yes… I mean, no.” She gulped.
“Oh, I see.” Susan continued chuckling.
Not wanting to keep up with the lie, Valerie decided to let the cat out of the bag. “It's… it's President Ethan. I know this is just not right, but I think I'm falling for him. I'm developing feelings for him, I don't think I should continue working for him.”
“But, you haven't gotten enough money to further your education. Are you sure you want to leave such a well – paying job?” Susan asked anxiously.
Valerie scratched her head, tiredly. “I just don't know, but I think it's time I stop myself before this gets out of hand. There's no way this fantasy of mine would come.”
“You can never tell. How do you intend to tell the little girl who has become so fond of you that you'll be leaving her?” Susan asked.
“That's the problem. This might sound stupid, but I really feel so attached to that little girl. It's so difficult for me to separate myself from her.” Valerie explained.
Susan continued. “Would you rather continue nursing the feelings and dying in silence?”
“I'll talk about resigning after Audrey's birthday party tomorrow.” Valerie replied.
They were still discussing when the doorbell rang.
“I'll get the door.” Susan got up and walked out of the room.
Valerie was still putting her dress in the hanger when she heard Susan shrieking in excitement. Smiles escaped her lips as she thought.
“Could it be that her new boyfriend sent her a parcel?”
The door was immediately opened and Susan rushed in. “Oh my God, Val. Your dress is so beautiful.”
“Dress? What dress?”
Susan tried to calm herself down and started. “Okay! So the delivery man said this box is specially for Valerie Watson. Who else is Valerie Watson if not you?”
“For me? Why would anyone give me such an expensive dress? For what occasion?” Valerie scratched her head as she brought the white, sparkling dress out of the box.
“Didn't you say it's Audrey's birthday tomorrow? Maybe, her father…” Susan was still talking when Valerie's phone rang aloud.
Valerie glanced at the phone's screen and gasped. “Talk of the devil! It's President Ethan calling.”
Clearing her throat noisily, Valerie picked the phone up. “Hello, Sir.”
“Does the dress suit you perfectly?” His cold voice echoed.
Valerie gulped hard. “Sir, so you were the one who sent the dress?”
“Who else would have done that? Remember, that's the dress you should put on for Audrey's birthday.”
“Yes Sir. I…” the phone hung up just when she was about to say another word.
***
“Oh my God! You look absolutely gorgeous. Who would have thought my friend would look this beautiful?” Susan admired her.
Valerie adjusted her dress, feeling uncomfortable. “Are you certain? I just feel a bit uncomfortable. The heels are just too long. How am I supposed to put this ongoing from one cab to another?”
“I'm going to the party with you. You can lean on me.” Susan laughed.
“Where's Andy?”
Susan snorted. “Where else? He has gone to see Katy. I think they're on a date.”
Just then, they heard a car honking loudly outside the house. Valerie turned to Susan. “Did you book an Uber?”
“Of course not. Let's see who it is.” Through said as they walked out of the house.
A gasp escaped Valerie's mouth on seeing who got down from the car. “Justin? What are you doing here?”