Chapter 29

Chapter 29
|| VALERIA's POV ||

" Modeling? Are you sure?"
I stared down at Lex's business card in disbelief. He owns a modeling agency now. I couldn't believe that Lex had made his dream true. In his college days, he always talked about fashion. I remembered him admiring my long legs and hands. But it was such a small appreciation. Modeling was another milestone for me.

Lex clapped his hands together dramatically, his brunette assistant offering me a cup of herbal tea,
" Oh, Val! You don't have to do anything. You are born as a model. You just need a pushup. I am here for it, baby."
Lex was always teased by the boys for his feminine side. He was always interested in fashion, modeling, and others. It was another reason that he was the girl's favorite.

I bit my lips together in deep thought. Under Gideon's observation, it was impossible to work for any other companies. Modeling could be a better option in this situation. But I was scared to discover my modeling career. I was inexperienced.

I replied hesitantly, skimming my eyes through the pictures of other models that Lex showed to me,
" Lex, all this is too fast for me. Let me think about it."
I still needed time to figure out everything. Knox wasn't going to approve of my modeling career most probably. It was better to keep it secret from him for now. Besides that, I didn't need to be available 24 hours to keep my job.

I made a mental note of everything. My expenses could help my mother as well. I didn't need to nag my father to get the paycheck always. I saw the potential side of this career. But Knox could ruin it in a single moment. I didn't dare to tell him everything now.

Lex appreciated my thoughts, and replied by patting my shoulders,
" Go ahead! Take your time but don't make mistakes, Val. You have a bright future ahead."

I thanked Lex for the offer. I kept the contract in my bag before heading out of his office. Once I was out, I felt like a new person. The brighter side of this career was tempting. If I could shine, I didn't have to depend on my father's money anymore. After giving a child to Knox, I was free to live my life.

Would I be free?

I kept the question to myself the other day. I had come out of the club without telling Gideon. He must have gone mad. So I took a cab fast to return to our house as soon as possible.
_______
|| Gideon's POV ||

" You are playing with fire, Gideon Silvestri!"
I heard the gnashing of teeth from my rival, Blake Mitchell, the underground Mafia. He took part in the investment of Mayor Moreil's campaign. But I beat him in his own game. I offered more to Mr.Moreil which he agreed to. I needed power and dominance in this city if I wanted to stay on top. Without power in my hands, I couldn't win against them.

Blake was fuming because he lost the support of Mayor Mitchell. Without connection, it was impossible to run a dirty business in this city. I replied innocently, enjoying the defeated look on his face,
" Oh my! How can I stand a chance against a mafia-like you?"

I remembered Blake's words. A few years ago, he called me a little boy when I was a thriving millionaire. He told me that I would never have control over this city. Thanks to my old connection, I had bought most of the gangs in New York. They didn't dare to mess with my business but still, I had rivals. No one liked to bow in front of a young man who reached a higher goal than them.
Blake sneered, hitting the glass down in front of me,
" Each dog has its day. One day, you will regret crossing your path with me, Gideon. You will remember where you came from."

I clenched my fists tight. It was the sign of a weak person. When they fail to win over you, they will hit your weak spots. Blake was doing the same shit. I kept my anger in control since I was out of the city. Italy was my second business home after New York. I replied with a smirk, igniting his anger,
" Then you should remember how you lost to nobody, Blake. That shows how loser you are."

He shot me one last deadly glare before walking out of the room. I breathed a long sigh of relief. I was still worried about Valeria. I didn't want her to fall into my enemy's hands. That woman didn't even realize how critical the situation could be.

Max appeared within a while, his iPad hanging down from his grip. He reported in a professional voice,
" Boss, Madam has returned to the hotel. We saw her coming."

I was infuriated as soon as he passed me the news. Valeria was best at getting on my nerves. I gritted my teeth together before standing up to leave. I had to cut her wings before she flew off.
______

" You never listen to me, don't you?"

I kicked the door open, her back facing me. She had just come out of the shower. Her porcelain skin was wrapped with a towel. I almost forgot to breathe and forgot the wrath that I was hiding inside.

Valeria turned around to face me, her face remaining expressionless. A sting of pain felt in my heart. I glanced around to avoid her eyes, my voice rising more than before,
" WHERE DID YOU GO? I fucking told you that this city is dangerous for you."

Valeria replied biting her lips together,
" I am just a whore. Wherever I go, it's not your business."

I yelled at her face, slamming the door behind me,
" YOU ARE MY WIFE! Whether you agree or not, you are my fucking wife. Next time you disobey me...you will..."

She snapped back, challenging my patience,
" YOU WHAT, GIDEON? You want to kill me? Or do you want to shoot me like you do behind my back?"

Her words made me silent. She witnessed a part of my dark side but she didn't know them yet. I didn't care if she saw all of them. I smiled maliciously, igniting her anger more,
" What? You aren't used to it? I think you have seen guns ever since you grew up."

Hurt reflected on her expression. For the first time, I regretted my words. She was doing everything to forget her past. But I was doing everything to remind her again and again. I tried to stay normal even though it was hurting me.

Valeria pulled her lips into a sad smile. She muttered with a chuckle,
" I should have guessed it. You aren't the same Gideon that I loved. You have become the person that I have hated all my life."

I gritted my teeth together. I shouldn't have felt hurt by her comment. But it went deep through somewhere that I couldn't find. I muttered my reply, sneering at the disgust on her face,
" Good for you! At least it will be easier to hate me."

Valeria shook her head with a smile, her eyes pricking with tears,
" You don't have to try. I already hate you, Gideon Silvestri."

I stood there frozen, her words echoing in my mind again and again. This hatred between us was mutual but why did it keep hurting my mind?