VALERIE
I woke up in the dead of night, my heart racing. Beside me, the bed was empty. Where was Reed? I lay there, still clad in the dress I'd worn on the flight home, my thoughts hazy.
I hadn't showered nor changed; the events of the previous days still lingered, etched in my memory like an open wound.
As I walked into the bathroom, the fluorescent light above the sink flickered to life, illuminating my reflection. My hair was a tangled mess, my eyes puffy and red from crying. I looked tired, sad, and defeated. My grip on the sink tightened, my knuckles white with tension as I stared into the mirror.
I was my own worst enemy and I was aware of it.
I'd pushed Reed away. I'd done that. Tears blurred my vision as the memories from two days ago, the morning after the restaurant incident flashed before my eyes.
I awoke to Reed's intent stare boring holes into mine. I was startled. Had he been staring at me the whole night?
I smiled and he looked relieved, his hand caressing my face softly as he searched for answers I couldn't provide. His uncertainty confused me. This was so unlike him.
Why was he behaving this way? I was about to question him but then the events of the previous night resurfaced – the waitress's failed seduction, the champagne spill, and the washroom incident that had left me shattered.
My heart pounded, my eyes locking onto Reed's.
His eyes pleaded for me to open up, to let him in. I almost caved but then I retreated into myself, my mind replaying the memories like a broken record.
I turned away, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. My throat constricted, my breath catching.
“Valerie...”
Reed's voice was laced with pain, slicing through my heart like a knife. I dug my nails into my palm, the physical pain a distraction from the emotional turmoil. But I didn't turn to face him, even when I knew he'd changed – softened – for me.
I'd ruined this. I'd pushed him away. I did this.
I blinked away the memories, my mind racing as I managed to somehow shower and put on a nightdress.
I was in the closet when I heard the bedroom door open.
Reed must be back.
My heart leaped. Suddenly my palms felt clammy as I wondered how I'd face him. I breathed in and turned the knob.
I stopped in my tracks at the sight that awaited me. It wasn't Reed on the bed. Sinobelle, the Lanchesters' guest lay on the bed wearing a revealing nightdress.
I frowned wondering what she was doing in our room and in our bed at this hour. What was she playing at?
Her eyes met mine and she flashed a lovely smile. I would've smiled back if not for the look in her eyes that sent shivers down my spine.
'What did she want? '
“Valerie Esmeralda Marie Kingsley...eight years old when she lost her mother to an unfortunate incident, became a mute as a result and an heiress at a young age with a family that despises her .”
I gaped at her. Did she investigate my life?
I was suddenly peeved as I glared at her disdainfully. She had no right!
Suddenly she laughed hysterically, startling me, and climbed off the bed. I backed away as she advanced, her smile predatory. Her eyes were lit up in amusement as I backed away from her, my back flattening against the closet door.
She stopped mere inches away from me. My heart drummed in my chest as her expression morphed into a hateful glare. I was perplexed and unsettled as to how she switched on varying emotions like a chameleon.
“I hate you.” she declared, her Australian accent thick.
My eyes widened in shock.
How? I'd never done anything to her. We just met today for Christ's sake! I stared at her at a loss as to what to say.
“I was supposed to be Mrs. Lanchester. You stole my title. You stole my man... that's unforgivable. Sinobelle doesn't forgive.”
I paled.
Her man - Reed? Was she Reed's ex? Reed must have left her after learning about our betrothal.
I stared at her, my heart shattering into pieces. I couldn't stand the thought of them having been together. I'd wanted to know her place in the Lanchesters' life but now I wished I didn't know.
Tears pricked my eyes as she smiled. She took my sweaty palms in her hands. I tried to get my hands out of her grasps but she tightened her hold, gripping so hard I gasped in pain.
“I will ruin you. I will ruin this marriage Valerie. You seemed to have wrapped my darling around your fingers but... I'm sure I can undo that. After all, I'm Sinobelle Campbell.”
The door opened and Reed stepped in. His eyes zeroed in on Sinobelle and I, his eyes blazing dangerously. I felt Sinobelle stiffen next to me. I stared at her in surprise. She was smiling and for a moment I'd thought I'd imagined the whole thing if not for the grip on my hands.
“Are you okay?”, Reed asked.
I turned to look at him but he was staring at Sinobelle. He was asking her. My heart clenched painfully as glanced away, unable to look at the two lovers.
“I’ m fine. I'm -”
“I was talking to my wife.” He snapped at her as my head whipped in his direction. He was staring intently as he strode to where we stood.
He glared at Sinobelle’s hands holding mine. She let go immediately, shooting me a venomous glare. Reed took my hands and tugged me to him, my face into his chest. I inhaled sharply, his scent calming me.
“Why are you here?” He asked Sinobelle. I didn't look at her as I reveled in being in his arms again.
“Oh I couldn't sleep being far away from home and I wanted someone to chat with. Fortunately Valerie was awake and we had a very fulfilling conversation. We were getting along just fine until you showed up. Right, Valerie?”
I stiffened in Reed's arms. She was such a liar. I didn't bother to look at her. I didn't know what she was trying to do but I wouldn't give in to her lies, her manipulation.
“Leave.” Reed demanded.
“B-but I -”
“I won't repeat myself.” He threatened. I heard her furious footsteps as she walked out, slamming the door after her, leaving us in silence.
Reed led me to the bed. I wondered where he'd been? Probably at work since he was still wearing his suit he'd worn on the flight back home.
My head was spinning as I laid on the bed as Reed went to take a shower.
Had Sinobelle lied about everything just to drive us apart? It could be true since she appeared to hate me so much. Reed had been hers once and she wanted him back. But I was married to him. Didn't that mean anything?
Was she right about me having Reed wrapped around my fingers? Couldn't be, right? Reed only took care of me because I was his wife.
My chest felt heavy. I had a feeling that Sinobelle’s stay here wasn't going to be a good experience. I couldn't help but shake off the feeling that things would take a very bad turn.
I desperately hoped I was wrong.
