The Love Assignment

Chapter 31

Daniel's POV

I stood at the side entrance of the hall, simply staring, wondering if I should enter in. This hall was going to stand as a testimony to my failed love story. Even being here, standing there, thinking of the fact that Vallerie was going to marry Alex killed me inside. I had done a mistake. But was it the right time for me to correct it.

As I stood there wondering, calculating what my next move would be, someone stops next to me. If I wasn't so engrossed in my confrontation I would have noticed the silent presence of the person next to me.

"Wondering if you still have a chance?", Vanessa spoke.

Shocked by her question and more by her presence next to me, my mouth seemed to not have any reply to her. The eyes that were once locked on the hall now looked at Vanessa. I wanted to tell her, tell Vallerie, the world, let all hell break loose, infact I wanted to yell, Yell out loud that I made a mistake and I wanted Vallerie back in my life, that I loved her and my breath had no meaning if she wasn't there with me. But all I did was stare at Vanessa who smiled back.

Then she pulled out a book from the handbag she was carrying and handed out to me. My hands automatically reached for the book. It was the December's edition, having the article, 'Why do people fall in love?'. I looked from the book to Vanessa who said proudly, "My daughter wrote the article to give courage and hope to millions of women out there. May be the steps she took or the choices she made were not right. But what she wrote there is absolutely true and I hope it helps you to find that courage."

With that Vanessa walked in leaving me with the book, I turned the pages to the article now knowing what my next move should be but I was already too late. The music had started and I could see Vallerie walking in. I walked in from the side entrance, my every step matching to that of Vall's. She looked beautiful, her white gown glowed across her radiant skin. Her beautiful soul danced brightly across her eyes. A smile played across her lips but her steps seemed strained and all I can think of is, 'Of all the women in the world why did I fall for Vallerie Walter's'.

Once she reached the podium, the priest called out to be seated and I sat holding my breath, hoping against hope for some miracle to happen and this ceremony to be cancelled. And again that hope turned out to be the one person I loved, Vallerie. When it was time, when the world expected her to say 'I do', Vallerie did the unthinkable. She said 'I am sorry' and ran out of the hall.

While a herd of people ran behind her, I simply collapsed on my knees, Sinking in the words that graced Vallerie's lips. My hands held on to the magazine tightly, the long held breath seemed to escape as sobs out of me. My body trembled with ecstasy. This is it. Vallerie Walter's, the women I loved had given me one more chance but for that to happen I had to find her first.

While I am still gathering my head over the episode that had just happened, someone pulled me up by the collar of my shirt. Looking up I noticed it was Alex who for some reason no longer looked like a guy who was ditched by his fiance. He seemed relieved yet angry and before I could comprehend the situation, Alex punched across my face.

I stumbled few steps back, still holding on to the magazine. I smiled at him and he replied back with a smile.

"Dude, I guess enough of the melodrama. Go.... run go catch her"

With that I threw the book in the air and ran after the Vallerie.

I followed the crowd to catch hold of Vallerie but before I could reach her, she had sped away. I cursed my bad luck and ran towards my car. Every time I tried the ignition, my hands kept slipping the key, panic taking its toll over me. After four failed attempts, my car started. I looked up to catch a trail of Vallerie's car but it was long gone. Even if it meant searching every nook and corner of New York streets I will not give up until I find her.