Italian Obsession

Chapter 73

Jackson

After Courtney briefly spoke about Valentina's interest in leaving, it made me feel sad. "She wants to leave?"

Courtney scowled. "I didn't know you had the right to eavesdrop."

"I pay your bills, Courtney. So, I do have the right to know your personal business."

"Maybe she doesn't want someone paying for her bills. She really seems like a girl who doesn't want a man paying for everything."

"You like it here, don't you?"

"Valentina really made a point, Jackson. It has been nice living a lavish lifestyle, but I think she is an independent and hard-working woman who doesn't need a man to help her."

I shook my head. "You can't convince her to stay?"

Courtney shrugged. "I don't know, Jackson. You would have to talk to her."

Nodding, I left Courtney and headed to Valentina's room. I needed to know if she was leaving for real.

Just as I went to knock on the door, Alecia opened the door holding onto Valentina's daughter's hand. "Where are you going?"

"I'm getting her some lunch."

"Is Valentina in there?"

She nodded. "I'll be back in a little bit."

After Alecia left, I went towards her bedroom and shut the door. "Valentina, may I have a moment?"

She looked at me and raised her eyebrows. "Sure."

"You're thinking about leaving?"

She sighed. "It's been great here for the past few months and I know how much my kids love staying here, but I really don't think it's a good idea to do this as a job."

"You worked as a stripper before, what makes this any different?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Valentina, I... didn't mean it that way. I just... I don't want you to leave."

"If I can get a job at another company that is even more profitable than my ex-husband's company, it would be great."

"Why do you want to leave?"

"It's been nice staying here, but I have my own house and family."

"You could still see them if you were still here."

Valentina shook her head. "I'm sorry Jackson, but I'm accepting Courtney's offer."

"I can't force you to stay, but... I'll miss you."

She rolled her eyes. "You say that now, but I am sure you tell other women that as well. I am no different than anyone else and you know that I am right. You'll forget about me before you know it."