Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Seven

Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Seven
Valerie's POV

"Hello, Val," Alex's voice came out nervous as he took a step closer.

"Alexander Hamilton," I called out his full name. "What a surprise to see you! Thanks for the flowers, by the way, although I can't help but wonder how you traced me."

A small laugh slipped from his lips, and he threw his hands in the air. "You got me there, Val."

He gestured towards the reception seat nearby, and I hesitated before settling down with him.

"I saw you at the airport the other day and trailed behind your driver until you stopped here," his tone softening. "I'm sorry about your dad."

I would've punched him in the face for stalking me, but Alex was good people.

I let out a sigh. "Thank you. So...how have you been? Work? Life?"

"Married," he lifted a hand with a wedding band. "Since you turned me down and disappeared, the universe decided to send me a wife."

My chest rumbled with laughter. "Oh, please. Who's the lucky woman—Victoria?"

He shook his head. "A fellow lawyer. We met at a conference."

"Congratulations," I gave him a genuine smile. Now that was out of the way, I decided to ask him a question that had been on my chest since he arrived. "Have you been in touch with...Sarah?"

His eyes dropped like he didn't like the shift in topic. "Sarah is fine."

Just fine?

I'd take that. I didn't push the conversation any further. Since I was still around, another mission I wanted to accomplish was meeting up with my former best friend. Scratch that. Sarah never stopped being my best friend. I was the one who moved countries without letting her know.

Right now, the thought of facing her brought a sudden shiver down my spine. Would she welcome me back? Or maybe she had also moved on with her life and buried any memories about us.

Alex and I soon wrapped up our conversation, and I thanked him for coming before he quietly left.

I returned to my family in Dad's hospital room. Between our conversations, I was chatting with Chad, who let me know he was touching down in the city any moment from now.

Gina noticed the way I was grinning and called my attention. "Is there something you're not telling us, Val? You've been smiling at your phone for a while now."

I rolled my eyes at her. "Can't a lady smile in peace?"

Laughter bubbled from my mom and Gina.

My eyes darted to my father's sleeping form. "Careful, guys," I whispered. "We don't want to wake him up."

I shifted the conversation to a different topic, and they didn't push. I wanted Chad to be a surprise.

My phone started ringing, and I excused myself to answer it. Chad wanted to know the direction to the hospital so he could visit.

I went to the bathroom to check my reflection. I ran a hand through my hair and applied a little lip gloss before going to wait for him at the entrance of the building.

It wasn't hard to spot him stepping out of a black car with tinted windows. Chad looked handsome in a grey polo and suede jeans with sneakers.

My lips curved into a smile as I walked up to him and leaned in for a brief hug.

"Welcome to New York City," I greeted. "How was your trip?"

"Not bad. But you know what just brightened my day?" he asked with a tease in his tone.

I shook my head.

"Looking at your beautiful face."

I threw my head back in a hearty laugh. "You're so cheesy."

He brought out a basket of fruit, and I led the way to my father as we made light conversation about work and my father's progressive health.

I pushed the door open, and surprised eyes stared back at me. My dad was up by now.

"Good evening, all," Chad greeted politely.

I cleared my throat to continue the conversation. "Guys, this is Chad," I turned to my family. "Chad, meet my lovely family—Dad, Mom, and Gina."

Chad offered the fruit basket. Mom thanked him, and Gina collected it and placed it on the small table beside Dad's bed. Then she turned to face us quickly. "So...are you two together?" My sister lifted a brow.

"Gina!" Mom's loud whisper scolded in the background.

Chad smiled at me, and I smiled back, silence hovering between us.

I let the question hang in the air.

Chad and I weren't official, but what we shared was more than a friendship. I already knew what he wanted, and technically, I was the one still hesitant to give him a solid yes.

Suddenly, Dad started coughing, and I rushed to grab a bottle of water and poured it into a glass cup before handing it to him. "Sorry, Dad. Here, have some water."

He accepted it with a small nod and drank it.

After introducing Chad to my family, they had small talk, and then it was time for him to leave.

I escorted him to his car, but now his usual warmth had reduced.

"Valerie?" His voice called, making me focus my attention on his face, those sea-green eyes piercing into mine.

"When do you plan on giving me an answer?"

"Concerning what exactly?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

His expression softened. "About us. Or aren't you interested in being in a relationship with me?"

"Oh," I stepped forward so I was standing before him. "Look, Chad. A lot is going on in my life right now, and the last thing on my mind is a relationship."

His jaw clenched. "This is you pushing me off like you always do."

Something snapped within me. "That's not what it looks like to me. I'm just asking for you to wait a little longer."

He drew in a breath, and air escaped his lips. "How much longer do I have to wait? Forever?" He shook his head. "Good night, Val."

With that, he entered his car and drove off.

I stood frozen, unable to piece together what just happened.

I needed to act fast or risk losing what could be my last chance at true love..