Chapter 0334
Chapter 0334
For the first time in years, Marcus felt an anxiety attack creeping in. With no other option, he called Frederick. It was late at night, but like Matthew, Frederick knew his bosses well and had been expecting the call, though it was clear from the delay that something was wrong.
“What’s going on, my friend?” Frederick asked.
“Matthew, I need someone to talk to…” Marcus’s voice trembled on the other end of the line.
“Of course! Where should I meet you?”
“I’m coming to your house…”
“Alright. Are you okay? Where’s Valerie?”
“We had a huge fight… She’s thinking about leaving me,” Marcus admitted, his voice breaking
“Marcus, you and Valerie are going through a rough patch. Stay calm. Come over, and we’ll talk. Meanwhile, I’ll see if I can find out where she is,” Frederick replied, trying to console him.
Minutes later, the doorbell rang. Marcus was a mess–his shirt untucked, his hair wild, evidence of his anxiety’s toll. When Frederick saw him, he didn’t say a word, just pulled him into a hug. Scenes like this had been common. back when they lived in Coravela, before they found Valerie. After finding her, Marcus had started to heal; his anxiety attacks had lessened, and raising their baby girl had brought him peace. Seeing Marcus in this state again wasn’t new to Frederick, but it was deeply concerning.
“Frederick, I destroyed everything I worked so hard to build today. I saw fear and hate in Valerie’s eyes. I know she’s not going to forgive me. I don’t know what to do… It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I love her, and she loves me, but being here hasn’t brought us anything good. That damn family only brings disaster.”
“Marcus, calm down. I don’t know what happened between you two, but I know you love her. She’s the only woman who made you want to start over–that much is clear. And she chose you. She could’ve stayed single, but she didn’t. Remember, she’s been through a marriage before–a terrible one, but a marriage nonetheless. It’s only natural she wouldn’t want to relive that.”
“Frederick, I want to talk to her. Do you know where she is? I searched the streets near the hotel like a madman, but I couldn’t find her.‘
IF
“I messaged the team. They should find her soon. But honestly, it’s probably better if you give her some space. You’re both upset. Tell me what happened. Why all the drama? You two were fine. What could’ve been so bad that you think she’ll leave you?”
“Serenity isn’t Peter’s daughter. My daughter my Serenity–is Maximus Palmer’s child.”
“Marcus, I didn’t see that coming! But did you ask Valerie why she never told you?”
“To be honest, everything happened so fast. I don’t even remember questioning her. I just… I let jealousy take
over
“Jealousy? Of what? Of who?”
Marcus began explaining the events that had triggered his jealousy. Frederick listened intently, trying to understand how a couple as solid as Marcus and Valerie could be on the brink of separation. Frederick saw the bigger picture: while Valerie had made a mistake by hiding the truth, there had to be more to it. She wouldn’t just decide to leave so abruptly. For Marcus, this was the first time Frederick had seen him so consumed by jealousy. It was an emotion Marcus had never displayed, not even with Valentina. But Valentina was gone, and Maximus was still alive–that was the difference.
Chapter 0334
+25 BONUS
As they talked, Marcus gradually began to calm down, realizing how foolish he’d been. He wanted to go find Valerie immediately but didn’t know where to start. And deep down, he knew he needed to rest. Their conversation was interrupted when word came in that Valerie was in Galea. Marcus instantly knew where she had gone and asked Frederick to grant him access so he could go after her.
“Not tonight, not tomorrow,” Frederick said firmly. “You need to let her calm down. Your actions were wrong, and if you go to her now, you’ll only make things worse. Who knows how much more damage you could do? Give her time. Let her process things. If she went to Galea, it’s because she needs to confront old wounds. Remember, she left what used to be her home without saying goodbye, without taking anything with her. It’s good for her to be there. And besides, Aurora is with her–her friend. Do you remember her? The one who insisted so much that you search for Valerie? The one who kept calling you constantly until Lawson had to step in and pull her away from you.”
“You need to calm yourself, too, Marcus. Reevaluate whether what you came here to do is worth it or not. If it is, get to work and finish it. You still have loose ends, and you know exactly what I mean. And don’t forget about the information I gave you in the briefcase. You’ve had it for a while now and haven’t asked me a single question about it. It’s time to look into that. You can’t keep putting it off.”
Marcus slowly began to relax, eventually falling asleep on Frederick’s living room couch. There was so much to think about and even more to resolve, but for tonight, he needed rest.
Chapter 0335
