Chapter 28

Oliver’s pov.

Saturday morning, I found myself in my penthouse, enjoying a simple breakfast of toast and coffee while listening to music. These past few months had brought an unfamiliar but wonderful feeling of happiness. And it was all thanks to Valerie. Our secret relationship was flourishing, and she brought so much joy and amusement to my life, even unknowingly.

Besides having someone as incredible as Valerie, I had also officially taken over my father's title and responsibilities. I had been successful in running things smoothly, earning more of his trust in the process– I think. He used to visit me around four times a week but lately, it’s been a maximum of two visits and he had stopped micro-managing. I was capable of handling the business and he finally believed that.

Even Abuelo was proud of me and there was nothing better than seeing a smile on that old man’s face.

I had a fulfilling job, an amazing fiance, and a beautiful home waiting for us. I couldn't help but feel proud, knowing how lucky I was and knowing that many would kill to be in my position. I wasn’t sure how or when but somewhere along the lines, I’ve managed to get my life in order, the life I’ve always wanted. One that involved more than just becoming the best businessman.

With my toast finished, I paced around the room, my mind already wandering to our honeymoon plans. Valerie had challenged me to surprise her, and I eagerly accepted, though I quickly learned that planning a honeymoon could be stressful when you want the other person’s jaw to drop.

Valerie loved adventures but not overly risky ones. Exploring beautiful places and trying colorful drinks excited her, but she wasn't too keen on islands. After much consideration, I settled on Italy as a safe and perfect destination– there was no way she could tell me she didn’t like the idea. I was in the process of finalizing the itinerary before booking our dream honeymoon.

I knew our families wouldn't approve of the honeymoon since they still believed we should stay far from each other but just this once I was glad outsiders were so interested in our lives, if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have a ‘fake’ honeymoon to go onto and right now that whole week of only Valerie and I was the one thing I looked forward to the most because we wouldn’t have to worry about either of our parents finding out about us.

A smile played on my lips as I reached for my phone to call her up.

"Hey, sweetheart, what are you up to?" I asked, taking a seat on the couch.

"I'm planning to go shopping," she replied, changing the call to a video call, and I saw her in the bathroom, brushing her hair delicately.

"Tell your mother I said hey then," I mumbled, watching her.

"I'm going alone," Valerie frowned, looking into the camera.

"Why?" I wondered, knowing she usually went shopping with her mother.

"Well, I won't go panty shopping with my mother," she teased, and a smirk crept up on my face.

"Shit, can I come?" I half-joked.

"I'm kidding. I just need some casual wear, and while my mother picks out great items, I don't exactly see myself lounging in satin short dresses or skirts with blouses on my days off," she explained, stepping back from the camera. I then noticed she was wearing nothing but a pair of jean shorts and a bright red bra.

"This satin short dress you speak of, any chance I can see them?" I hummed.

She pulled a white shirt over her head and returned to the camera, "What do you want, Martinez?"

"Can I come shopping with you? I'm bored," I said, already heading to my closet to get ready.

"As long as you promise to leave your credit card at home," she replied.

"Why?"

"I know you." Valerie rolled her eyes. It was a promise I knew I'd be breaking. How could I go shopping with her and not buy her anything?

"Fine, will you pick me up at the penthouse then?" I asked.

"Sure, I can be there in 30," she answered, focusing on putting on her eyeliner or mascara.

"Sounds perfect, see you soon love," I ended the call and got ready swiftly.

—

After Valerie picked me up, we headed to the first store, where she was on a mission to find the perfect pair of jeans. I sat down on a couch outside the dressing room, thoroughly entertained as she tried on different pairs, each one looking incredible on her. Who knew jean shopping could be this enjoyable? I found myself smiling at my beautiful fiance, completely captivated by her.

Eventually, Valerie emerged from the dressing room with a few jeans she liked, but she only kept four out of the many she had tried on. I was curious about the ones she left behind. "What's wrong with the rest? Don't you like them?" I asked as we headed to the register.

"I do like them, but I don't want to spend too much money," she explained, handing her card to the cashier. A few moments later, I was handed a fancy paper bag with the new jeans inside.

"Okay, what's next on your list?" I inquired, following her out of the store.

"I want to get some cute tops and maybe a few rompers," she said, sliding her sunglasses on.

"Rompers? What's that?" I asked, not familiar with the term.

"They're like a one-piece outfit with a shirt and shorts sewn together," she explained with an amused smile.

"Ah, got it. They seem a bit weird to me," I admitted, earning a playful glare from Valerie.

"They're not weird, they're super cute." Valerie pinched my arm, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

We spent the next couple of hours going from shop to shop. Valerie tried on various outfits, and she looked stunning in all of them. However, she was quite selective and only ended up buying a few pieces. It was clear she wasn't used to splurging on herself, but I was more than happy to spoil her.

At a fancy boutique, she gazed at a stunning red satin dress on a mannequin. "You'd look great in that." I nudged her playfully.

"Yeah, but it's not necessary. I already have an outfit for tomorrow," Valerie dismissed the idea, but I could tell she was tempted. We moved on from the store, and I continued carrying her shopping bags.

"Let's go get that ice cream I promised you," she suggested, patting my back as we made our way to the ice cream parlor.

"I better be getting some sort of compensation for being used like this," I teased.

"You love being used by me," Valerie smirked, giving me a playful wink.

After buying our ice cream, we settled into the car, and I could finally enjoy the cool air and hopefully stop sweating. Valerie turned out to be quite adventurous when it came to trying new ice cream flavors, while I stuck to my usual choices of chocolate chip or raspberry.

"Try this," Valerie insisted, holding out a wooden spoon filled with banana ice cream.

I obliged and tasted it, only to find it quite disgusting. "Absolutely disgusting! I'm glad you're not picking the wedding cake," I said, trying to wash away the taste with my raspberry ice cream. Valerie just laughed at my reaction.

"You're being dramatic," she teased, taking another bite of her banana ice cream.

"I might not kiss you until you brush your teeth," I continued to exaggerate, and she rolled her eyes playfully.

"Whatever you say, Martinez," Valerie laughed, and I couldn't help but fall in love with her all over again.

—

After being dropped off at home, I went about my day until it was time for dinner with my brothers. During the meal, my phone kept buzzing with notifications, and my brothers couldn't help but notice my amused expression.

"Did you upset Valerie or did a fan get hold of your number again?" Rafe teased, and I secretly hoped it was the former.

Checking my phone, I saw it was indeed Valerie. She must’ve found my surprise– I went back and purchased all the clothes she loved but didn't want to get because she thought it was "too much."

"Seriously, Oliver?" She messaged. "You bought all the clothes? Ugh, you're unbelievable." Her next message made me grin. "I mean, I love the pieces, though I'm seeing some lingerie I don't remember." I blushed at that. "I truly appreciate this, but now I have to explain to my parents why you bought me so many clothes. Next time, husband, send it to our house, please."

"I'm glad you love them, and I'm sorry I didn't think this through. Please don't tell me they saw the lingerie," I quickly replied, feeling a bit nervous.

"No, I very quickly covered it up," she assured me. I breathed a sigh of relief. "Care to explain them, though?"

"Tomorrow, for the charity event, I kindly request you wear the red one under the red dress I picked out for you," I suggested.

"What do I get if I kindly follow your request?"

"Whatever you want, baby," I replied with a playful tone.

"Good night, Oliver," she texted back, and I put away my phone.

"So, have you already screwed things up?" Ray asked, his mouth full of salad.

"No, Ray, I leave that to you," I winked, taking a sip of water. Rafe burst into laughter while Ray playfully flipped me off.

"Are you prepared for tomorrow's charity event? They're seating us and the Sinclairs at one table," Rafe informed me, and I nodded.

"I am. I am," I sighed, knowing it would be an eventful evening with our families together.

—

I arrived at the time Valerie asked me to and just as I got out of the car, I spotted her by her parents. My jaw dropped as I saw the red satin dress clinging to her body. She let her hair down but when she moved a little I could spot the lace fabric underneath. She kindly accepted my request and looked stunning just as always. The moment she spotted me, her parents' faces soured.

Oh well, there was nothing I could do about that. I walked over and linked arms with her. “Hello, fiancee,” I leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You look absolutely gorgeous. I can’t wait to see what’s underneath,” I whispered into her ear before letting her go and turning to my future in-laws.

“Mr and Mrs. Sinclair,” I smiled at them and they just put on their fake smiles because the cameras were close by. I let her parents go first on the carpet, having their photos taken, then I watched as her grandfather and brothers and sister-in-law followed.

Finally, we walked and I rested my hand on her lower back, feeling the warmth of her skin spread over my hand as we stood in front of the lights and cameras putting up smiles for the photos. They asked for a kiss and without a second thought Valerie and I turned to look at each other and our lips briefly touched. She smiled at me and took my hand in hers and led the way inside.

“We screwed up, we shouldn’t have kissed, our parents were staring,” she whispered to me and that was enough to wipe my smile.

“I thought I heard hissing, Mijo, be careful with that one,” Abuelo spoke in Spanish.

“Are there no pills for you to take for your delusions, Pedro?” Sinclair spoke back in Spanish, taking me by surprise. I never knew he spoke Spanish.

“What are they saying?” Valerie whispered to me as I pulled the chair for her.

“Just being petty,” I whispered back as I took a seat between her and her father.

“I know we have act to hold up, but if I catch you touching my daughter I again, I will end you,” Mr. Sinclair whispered to me and I just nodded and then looked over at Valerie who was more focused on whatever her brother was showing her on his phone.

During the dinner, tensions among our families were evident. Our mothers managed to remain neutral, probably thanks to the wedding planning they were doing together. However, the rest of our families glared at each other, creating an unspoken cold war. The only relief was when the cameras were around, and fake smiles were put on display.