There is much trouble in Paradise

Chapter 8

"What about him?" Valerie asked in shock. Why Sean cared about Doug?

"He usually invites you. And you refuse so people don't get the wrong idea. Isn't he also nice and gentle?"

"Sean...Doug is amazing, but he's just too good for me. It's up to me to decide, not you!"

"It's unfair!" Sean didn't finish his sentence, but Valerie understood what he meant.

"Life is unfair. Better now?" She said standing up.

"Yes. Thanks mom!"

Valerie smiled and left. It's true, Doug struggled for her long time. And Shane just appeared and took her. But no! She couldn't be with Doug! Shane was better.

*ding-dong*

Shane heard the bell ringing.

"Sean! You're walking!" Shane said as the door revealed Valerie's older son.

"I came to bring you the jacket. Thanks, again!"

"Come in! How's your ankle?"

"Almost like before."

"Is something troubling you?" Shane asked as Sean sat on the sofa.

"Heard you're going around with mom."

"Did your mom tell you?" Shane eyed him.

"No. Bryce did."

"Did your mom tell him?"

"No. He found out by himself."

"It's not your business. But even so, yes, I like your mother and I wish the best for her and you two."

Time passed as the party date arrived.

"I can't belive you're doing this to Doug!" Sean told his mother as she got dressed.

"For your info, he has yet to invite me." Valerie responded calmly.

Sean rolled his eyes and went into his room.

"He's here." Bryce yelled from downstairs.

"I'm coming!" Valerie said.

"Wow!" Shane exclaimed as he opened the door to reveal Valerie dressed in a red dress with her hair on the side. She was beautiful.

"You don't look too bad yourself!" Valerie said.

"Shall we get going?" Shane took Valerie's hand.

"Let's!" She said. "Don't wait for me, boys!"

The pair soon made it to the venue.

"We're a little late." Valerie said.

"It's exquisite to arrive a little late. The last one. But not to keep everyone waiting, though."

"Shane and Val!" Robert greeted them.

"Hey!" They both answered.

"Shane, this is my brother Garret and his wife Cara!"

"Nice to meet you!" Shane shook hands with Garret and kissed Cara's hand.

"It's only Doug now." Garret told Robert. They were co-hosting the event acually.

"Doug didn't arrive?" Valerie said in surprise.

Robert and Shane exchanged glances.

"No. He's doing the late thing!" Robert said.

"I think he arrived!" A man said.

"That is Albert White. Also a powerful influencer." Robert explained to Shane.

"And his wife?"

"Girlfriend. Rumors says soon-to-be-fiancee. That's Holly West."

Doug entered accompanied by a beautiful woman.

"Oh no he didn't!" Garret whispered to the other two men as the woman stepped in the room.

"What?" Shane asked.

"That's Fiona Herron. She had a feud with Albert Withe and Theodore Michaels over there." Robert whispered to Shane.

"What kind of feud?"

"A kid. With each." Said Garret.

Shane starred in shock.

"She's not the best seen among the town. Not to say not in the best terms with miss West. I'll fill you on details later. Now it's not the moment." Robert concluded.

"So sorry I'm late!" Doug said.