❥𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

Chapter 93

Narrator

Valerie wandered through the mall, the familiar noises of activity all around spending her some distraction. Charles had to attend some meetings today, do interviews and talk to his engineers. She used the time while he was gone to pick up some things and just stroll through the city center, letting the attractions outside relief her mind.

What had happened was yet to digest, and she desperately needed to think about something else.
Contentment spread through her body at the thought of Arthur recovering well, and she felt even better when she reminded herself that Charles was waiting for her when she came home.
It was still all so hard to believe.
It sounded like straight out of a greasy telenovela.

As she walked past the shop windows, the glass reflecting her appearance, she just let her thoughts drift.
She meandered through the mall, occasionally stopping to look at clothes or jewelry, every now and then at things they definitely didn't need like decoration or useless gadgets. Valerie could see Charles shaking his head in front of her eyes, and she chuckled to herself.

A small smile played on her lips as she thought about the night before. Falling asleep in his arms, waking up the same way. Feeling safe and loved.
It was the best thing that could've happened to them - finding back to each other.

Just as she was about to enter a small boutique, a sense of unease crept over her. She glanced around, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up. And then she saw him.
Raphael. He was standing a few feet away, his eyes locked onto her with an unsettling intensity.
Valerie could feel a cold shiver running down her spine. He appeared to have watched her for longer than she wanted to assume.

"Valerie," he called out smoothly, stepping closer with easy feet. "I didn't expect to meet you here."

Liar.

There was an unfamiliar glint in his eyes. Valerie's pulse quickened, but she forced herself to stay calm.
"Raphael," she replied, her voice steady despite her racing heart.

The dark haired man studied her for a moment, as if she carried a catching sickness. Valerie only realized in that moment, that she was completely and utterly alone, with him. What would she do if he went mad?
Her thoughts were interrupted as he spoke again.

"I've been wondering why you haven't called," he said, shifting his weight on his other foot.

Valerie swallowed, exhaling quietly before her lungs could explode. "I've been busy."

Raphael's eyes narrowed slightly, his brows knitted together in a skeptical expression. There it was again. That look. It wandered down on her, and it made Valerie extremely uncomfortable.
"You've been with him, haven't you?"

The air got stuck in her throat. He spat those words out, like they were poison on his tongue.
Valerie looked down on herself, following his burning gaze.

Shit.
She was still wearing Charles' sweater that she subconsciously slipped on this morning.
It was way too large for her, but insanely comfortable and cozy.
But that mattered rather less now, as Raphael quickly put the things together.

Valerie felt a chill crawling up her arms. She had to think fast. "Yes," she said, lifting her chin. "We've cleared some things up."

Raphael's eyes flashed with anger, but he quickly masked it with an innocent smile. "Uh-huh. And what have you cleared up, exactly?"

Valerie took a deep breath. This was getting too dangerous for her liking. She decided to tread things carefully. "I know what you did, Raphael."

For a split of a second, his mask slipped, revealing a flicker of panic. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he said, his voice tight.

She held his gaze, her stomach turning with agonizing tension, and she tried to keep calm.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," she contradicted, lowering her voice before continuing. "You threatened him."

The words hurt in her throat, the emotions almost running her over again. But now wasn't the time to think about the pain Raphael had caused them.

Raphael's eyes widened slightly, before he regained his composure.
"I don't what kind of stories Charles has been telling you, but you should be careful who you trust."

Valerie's heart pounded in her chest, and she could feel that this was everything but healthy for her. "You're sick. We know you caused the accident."

He scoffed roughly, holding back a chuckle. There was almost amusement evident in his eyes.
"What would I have to do with Leclerc Junior?"

Her heart skipped a beat. "I never said it was Arthur who was in the accident."

For a moment, his confident facade crumbled, and a nervous fold appeared on his forehead. He swallowed. "I- well... It surely is... in the media," he stuttered, clearing his throat.

Valerie squinted her eyes skeptically, the gears in her head turning rapidly.
Raphael just exposed himself. It had really been him. All along.
She just wanted to open her mouth, when the words got stuck on her tongue. She gazed at Raphael.
The nervousness and panic, uncertainty, were long washed away from his face. His brows were smoothly set above his eyes, his expression relaxed. His eyes were radiating with a firm coldness. He came closer.

Her breath hitched, her hand immediately clutching to her phone in her pocket. Valerie sensed the danger she was in.

He leaned in closer, his expression menacing. "You think you can just walk away from this? You're playing a dangerous game, Valerie."

She met his gaze steadily, not backing down. "Stay away from us."

Without another word or a glance behind her, she turned on her heel and searched her way out of the mall. Only when she was sure that he didn't follow her, she could breathe again.
She knew she had to be careful, but she also knew that Raphael had just incriminated himself.

***

Valerie returned to Charles' apartment, her mind still spinning.
He was already back, sitting at the table, relaxed.
When she opened the door, he immediately got up to greet her. "You're back soon," he greeted her with a smile, pressing a kiss on her cheek. "I have news I-"
He noticed the tension in her posture, her unfocused gaze.

"Val, what's wrong?" he immediately asked, concern tinged to his words.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I ran into Raphael at the mall."

Charles' eyes widened with alarm. "What? What happened? Are you okay?"

He gently grabbed her shoulders, scanning her for any kinds of physical pain.

Valerie nodded, but she couldn't hide the tremor in her voice. "He saw me wearing your sweater, and he put the things together."

Charles pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. He was so glad she was unharmed. "Did he threaten you?"

Valerie shook her head, sighing deeply as she felt his safe embrace. "No. But I'm sure now it was him. He exposed himself, Charles."

She repeated the conversation with Raphael, making Charles understand.

He nodded, gently caressing her back. "I'll talk to my manager, and my lawyer. They'll find evidence."

Valerie exhaled with relief, her head pressed against his chest. "I just hope this is over soon."

"It will be, amour."

Her heart warmed at the nickname, feeling like no time had passed since they last were together.
After a moment of comfortable silence, she pulled back slightly to look at him. "You said you had news?"

Charles expression quickly changed from seriousness to a happy smile. "I checked in with Pierre after the meeting," he mentioned with glowing eyes. "He's very happy for us."

Valerie smiled with the same amount of happiness, giving him a tender kiss.

"I can't wait to tell Carlos."

Charles grinned. "Me neither."