Chasing the Unexpected

“So, for all these five years, it’s been Oliver helping you hide your identity?” Valarie asked. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

“Yeah, I really owe you big time. If you hadn’t introduced him to me back then, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Nyla replied.

Valarie felt a mix of nostalgia and lingering fear.

“I’m just glad I introduced you to him. Otherwise, you would have suffered even more. But still, I won’t forgive him for keeping the fact that you’re alive a secret for five years! He owes me a big meal to make up for this anger!” Valarie declared. 1

Nyla chuckled. “Sounds good.”

“But if you’re with Oliver, why are you still living with Buddy at Damon’s villa? Won’t Oliver get jealous?” Valarie asked.

Nyla’s expression dimmed. She looked down and said, “I owe him… I’ll explain this to you another day. But let’s talk about you. What’s going on with you and Brandon? He seems to care about you. When did you start liking someone so much younger?”

Valarie was rendered speechless.

She pouted and replied, “Don’t bring it up! I’m so annoyed. I’ve told him many times that I’m not interested, but he just won’t give up. Ugh…”

Nyla looked puzzled. “Although I’ve only met Brandon a few times, I think he’s a decent guy with a nice personality.”

“What’s the use of a good personality? What I need is a husband, not just a boyfriend,” Valarie grumbled.

She was six years older than Brandon. What did that mean? When she graduated high school, he was just finishing elementary school–a total kid.

“How do you know he can’t be a candidate for marriage?” Nyla asked.

“He’s always posting gym selfies or photos of him eating and partying. How could he suddenly settle down for marriage? What I want is clearly different from what he wants,” Valarie explained.

If Brandon knew the photos he carefully posted to attract Valarie’s attention were being interpreted as proof that he wasn’t ready for marriage, he would surely want to smash his head against a wall.

If he knew her true feelings, he would rush out to buy a ring and propose to her immediately. Considering the current situation, they might just grab their IDs to register their marriage directly. “Alright,” Nyla replied.

When it came to matters of the heart, Nyla felt she had no place to advise anyone, especially since her relationships were such a mess.

“Enough about men. We haven’t seen each other in five years. Let’s have dinner together tonight and celebrate. By the way, is Buddy okay at home?” Valarie asked.

The place she planned to go might not be suitable for kids.

+25 BONUS

“He’s fine, but tonight might not work,” Nyla replied.

“Why not?” Valarie asked.

Nyla bit her lip, about to speak when she suddenly caught sight of someone tall entering the living room. She froze in place.

After Lydia had interrupted their argument earlier, Damon returned to his study with a cold expression.

Nyla had been on edge all afternoon, uncertain whether Damon planned to send Mason away.

“I have something to deal with tonight, and I’ve also got some work issues to sort out. Once I’m done, we can properly celebrate,” she told Valarie.

Disappointment crossed Valarie’s eyes as she nodded. “Alright then.”

While they were talking, Damon had already approached the sofa.

Valarie noticed him too. She turned and saw the slight redness on Damon’s cheek, a wave of guilt washing over her.

It seemed that slap from last night had been a bit too hard if he was still feeling it now…

Suddenly, she felt anxious and awkward.

After waving to Damon, she picked up her bag, forcing a smile. “Um… Nyla, I just remembered I have something to do. Contact me when you’re free. I’m always available. I’ll take off now. Bye…”