Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Two

Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Two
Valerie's POV

They say time heals all wounds. True. But scars remain afterwards.

It has been five years since I left everything behind in New York to start a new life in Canada. I may not have been fortunate in love, but I was phenomenal in business. The first client Sophia recommended to me multiplied into numerous referrals from Mrs. Joana.

Business was doing just fine, but I wanted more than "fine." I am an ambitious woman with big dreams. In order to grow and expand my business, I needed to move to a bigger city.

I moved to Toronto, where I invested in a company building and hired experienced workers. In return, I got huge deals with ultra-wealthy clients, and my profits multiplied.

It was a Monday morning. I sat behind my office desk, sipping coffee while going through some paperwork.

A knock came on the door.

"Chloe here," the melodious voice of my personal assistant echoed from outside.

"You can come in," I answered, putting down the documents.

The door pushed open, and Chloe stepped inside—dressed in white office pants topped with a green blazer, her black hair pulled into a sleek low bun.

If there is one thing I admired about her, it was her fashion sense. Not to dispute her other qualities, she had a business administration degree and ensured my daily schedule ran smoothly.

"Good morning, Miss Val," she greeted with a warm smile. "Your schedule for today is kind of packed. There's the meeting with Mr. Chad Blake at ten. After which, your supervision will be needed at Tulip Hotel. You have a meeting with Jayden's birthday event planner, and lastly, an appointment with the dentist."

I let out a sigh. "And there's only one of me."

A soft chuckle escaped Chloe. "With your permission, I can reschedule—"

"It's fine," I cut through her sentence before she finished. "I can handle it."

She nodded politely. "I already forwarded a copy of the schedule with other important information to you."

"Thank you, Chloe," I smiled softly.

"That would be all for now." With that, she quietly excused herself.

My eyes darted to the square-shaped golden wall clock. Nine thirty. I had less than thirty minutes before my first meeting, and I had no background knowledge about the client. I grabbed my tablet to go through the information Chloe had shared with me.

I scanned through a detailed summary of Chad Blake. A successful billionaire and businessman with five-star hotels spread across the country. Philanthropist. Forty years old and single.

Come on, Chloe! The relationship status wasn't necessary.

What I found surprising was that my assistant did not attach any of his pictures. A mistake, I suppose.

I dialed her line through the office telephone.

Almost immediately, I heard a knock on my door.

"Come in!"

The door pushed open, and Chloe stepped in.

Relief flickered in my eyes. "It's a good thing you're here. I was just about to send for you. The Blake guy—"

"Mr. Chad Blake is here to see you," a mischievous grin plastered on her face.

"What?" My brows furrowed. "Already?" I looked at the time—it was already ten o'clock.

Shoot!

A confused Chloe was still waiting for my instruction.

"Let him in."

The moment the door closed behind her, I grabbed a compact mirror from my purse and gave my reflection a once-over before adjusting in my seat.

My door swung open without warning, and he stepped in—tall, commanding. Striking sea-green eyes sat beneath thick, full brows. His jaw was lined with a neatly trimmed beard. His tailored suit hugged his broad chest, the top button of his shirt left open as though deliberately so.

I would believe it hook, line, and sinker if he told me he was a part-time model.

"Chad Blake," his voice broke me from my stare.

My eyes flickered to his outstretched hand. "Valerie. Valerie Edwards," I said, clasping my small hand in his large one.

Our handshake lingered, and I had to clear my throat.

A smile stretched across his lips. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He slowly released his grip and freed my hand.

I gestured for him to sit.

"Thank you," he opened the buttons of his jacket and sat. "So...Valerie. That's a very beautiful name. What does it mean?"

I drew in a deep breath to center myself. "I would appreciate it if we went straight to business, Mr. Chad Blake," I pointed out in a serious tone.

He threw his hands in mock surrender. "I'm sorry for overstepping."

"Apology accepted," I forced a smile to lessen the tension.

With that, we went ahead and delved into the main reason he was here. Apparently, Chad is building a new hotel and wants my company to be in charge of the interior decoration.

"You know, I would have had someone else represent me in this meeting if I wanted to," he revealed, leaning forward slightly. "But I am a man who, when he knows what he wants, goes for it."

I blinked.

Was this man outrightly flirting with me?

"Valerie, I would really love to take you out on a proper date sometime so we can get to know each other," his eyes held mine. "Maybe from there, who knows—we might end up together."

I felt heat creep to my face.

It's actually been a while since I had anything serious with a man. There was work...and Jayden. The last relationship I had died prematurely because I wasn't giving him "enough attention." I don't think I'm ready to enter the dating market.

"I'll think about it," the words rolled out of my lips, perfectly rehearsed.

I caught a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. Chad pulled out a card from his chest pocket and slid it across the table. "Call me when you're ready."

With that, he stood up and walked out of the office.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

The rest of the day passed in a blur, and so did the week.

Jayden was turning the big five, and I decided to throw him a birthday party. The event planner outdid herself. The backyard garden had been decorated in a Spider-Man theme. Music from a DJ filled the air as kids danced at the center surrounding Jayden.

Adults were seated at tables nearby, enjoying conversations and finger foods being passed around by waiters.

I sat at a table with Sophia, who had come all the way from Ottawa with her son to celebrate this special moment.

"They grow so fast," Sophia said, her eyes fixated on the kids.

"Mmm-hmm," I nodded, taking a bite from a cupcake.

Just immediately, a couple walked to our table to congratulate me and left a minute later.

I saw Jayden running from the circle to my table. "Mummy," his brown eyes glistening.

I smiled and rushed him into a hug. "Happy birthday, my boy. Are you ready to see your birthday gift?"

He pouted. "Is it Daddy?"

A lump hung in my throat that I could not spit or swallow.