the party was in full swing people dancing and laughing, conversing amongst themselves, while the three of us sat in the far back in our own little world enjoying one another's company, Rosie was still somewhere in this hotel looking for Tanner, Lucas was invading the kitchen, or mingling, I lost track after the girls dragged me away for some much needed catch-up, and Mr Petrova had disappeared, which I wasn't complaining, that just gave us more time to talk
"the hotel is beautiful Valery, Tanner should give you a raise" Lily smiled warmly as her eyes wandered around the hotel as if taking in every detail, I couldnt help but feel pride, allowing a smile to appear on my face, Im glad my hardwork paid off
"If he doesnt I'm sure Lucas would be happy to give you a different type of raise" Jade adds with mischief clear in her eyes, the corner of her lips lifting upwards
"Excuse me" I practically stuttered out, my eyes darting down to my wine glass
"Oh don't play innocent, we all saw that little scene between the two of you" Jade replied playfully
"what scene" I croaked out trying to cover up my embarrassment
"oh I don't know maybe the scene where you both show up late laughing your asses off as your enter the hall dripping wet" Jade mused
"Is there something you would like to tell us dear?" Lily pried, her eyes darting to me curiously, with a grin almost identical to Jade, I felt like was I was being interrogated, which shouldnt have come to a surprise to me, I did keep them in the dark during my time here, mainly because I was in my blissful bubble, but part of me was excited to tell them, I finally get to gush about my relationship, then again I shouldn't I might jinx it
"You look like your having a battle with your self consciousness red" Rosie's soft spoken voice broke me out of my trance
"sorry I was overthinking, I dont why I keep doing that"
"maybe it's because of a certain someone" Lily replied with a sing song voice "please tell us, the anticipation is killing us"
"we're dating"
"I knew it"
"No duh"
"Yay"
the three of them simultaneously cheered, before giving me their congratulations, which I was happy for, we then started conversing about other things, laughing and drinking, my eyes drifted to see a pouting Rosie, who was fiddling with her glass, she wasn't usually this quite, she would always be attentive during conversations, but now she seemed lost
"Rosie is everything okay?" I asked
"everything is fine, Tanner is just going over his toast" she replied almost instantly, her eyes widened, as she put on a reassuring smile
but I wasn't convinced, and I could tell by the look me Jade and Lily were sharing, neither did they
"what about you are you okay?" Jade added, she asked more cautiously
"I'm fine thank you, no need to worry" another hesitate smile appeared on her face
"you know you can talk to us, we are your friends" Lily replied, concern evident in her eyes, I think I speak for all of us when I say Rosie is like our little sister
"Thank you, but everything is fine"
"okay, but if you ever want to talk I am here" I added reassuringly, as my hand glided up and down comfortingly
"Am I interrupting" a familiar voice said beside us, we turn our heads towards the voice, my eys instantly widen with happiness and surprise
"Auntie" I squeak excitedly as I pulled her into a hug "I thought you and Uncle Timothy were going to Hawaii"
"We're leaving next week, we wanted to surpise you" she says with a smile as we pulled away, I nodded in return the smile on my smile still wide as ever "are you going to introduce me" she says nodding towards my friend who were watching the scene before them
I let out a chuckle before introducing them "guys I want you to meet my Aunt Jane, she and her husband raised me after my parents died" I start, there eyes instantly widen with realization, a smile formed on there faces as they rushed up to her pulling her into a hug, which probably shocked her by the look on her face
"Is so great to finally meet you, Red has told us all about you" Lily began smiling
"what was Red like as a kid" Rosie asked
"Do you have any baby photos of Rey as a baby on you by chance" Jade asked with a hint of mischief in her voice causing me to laugh
"Guys slow down your scaring her" I say laughing "Aunt Jane these are my friends, Rosie, Jade and Lily" I say pointing towards them as I introduced them
"Its great to meet my Valery's good friends" Jane said kindly "I hope we can be more acquainted with later"
"That would be lovely" Rosie starts off "were very sorry for attacking you with a bunch of questions" Rosie said apologetically, Lily and Jade agreed giving there own apology
"Its perfectly alright, I would love to answer your questions and show your Valery's adorable baby photo's" Aunt Jane said winking at Jade, causing me to groan annoyed "but I must go find my husband, maybe during dinner"
"Sure" we all said, Aunt Jane nodded and gave me one last hug before fading into the crowd in search of Timothy
"Baby photos" I state, glaring playfully at Jade "really"
"What I cant be the only one who is curious how baby Rey looked before the flaming red hair" Jade said defensively taking a sip of her cocktail
"And I cant be the only one who is curious how baby Jadie looked before the suit and tie" Lily teased at Jade
Me and Rosie let out a chuckle, while Jade only glared playfully at Lily
"Keep on talking Lil watch whats gonna happen" Jade says with evil smirk "No one messes with a Maxwell" Jade said proudly, but we all knew she was just joking and just refering to what the media says about her family
"only another Maxwell correct" A familiar voice joined from behind, as a hand snaked around my waist, sparks instantly going off, I knew who the culprit was
"hey there mister I was wondering where you disappeared off to"
"Hey beautiful" A voice whispers in my ear, there arm wrapping around my waist "Ive been missing you" Lucas says, placing a kiss on my cheek
"you know my Aunt and Uncle are here, maybe you wanna meet them" I suggested to him as I lean into him
"I would love to" He whispers into my ear, before briefly placing a kiss on my neck
"ugh save the mushy romance for the bedroom" Jade comments with her face scrunched up while Lily and Rosie looked amused, I on the other hand had to bite back a smile
"Ill catch up with you three later" I spoke as I lead Lucas away
"I should also go check on Tanner" Rosie also adds standing from the table, I made a mental note to check in on her and Tanner
"go on love birds" Jade cooes her hands gesturing us away
I lead Lucas towards Timothy and Jane, who where by the dessert table, as we neared they turned there attention towards us
"Timothy doesnt Valery look beautiful" Jane gushed to her husband
"As always Timothy" says in a monotone, I smile at them and hugged him
"Timothy this is Lucas" I introduced, Timothy smiled... yes smiled at Lucas which shocked me "Lucas this is my Uncle Timothy" I say to Lucas as I watch the two shake hands as if they were buddies
They probably knew each other but I dont think they had formally met
"Lucas greet to finally meet you, I have heard good things about you, my niece is very lucky to have you" Timothy said
"Likewise sir" Lucas states kindly to Timothy "but it is I who he lucky to have her"
He looks down on me so sweetly making my heart flyy up with joy, ughhhh this man, how did I get so lucky, if only I had chosen him to begin with
"You two are adorable"
"Lucas I hear you own an engineering company, I have a business proposal for you, if you dont mind stepping aside"
Lucas looked to me as if asking for my permission, I gave him a warm smile "go ahead I have to check up on a few things myself"
When I mean check up on a few things, I meant interrogate Tanner into telling me what is going on between him and Rosie, I couldnt help but wonder if they broke up, then I shook it off, it couldn't be that, he has been practically hinting he is going to propose, made tonight is the night and he is just having pre-proposal nerves, but I am getting ahead of myself, I should find out for myself
with that I gave a kiss on the cheek to Lucas before getting lost in the crowd to find Tanner, if he was preparing for his speech I knew exactly where he would be, in one of the offices
I begin making my way through the crowd when I felt a hand on my shoulder stopping me from proceeding, when I turn, my eyes widened in surprise "Catelyn" I acknowledged as I came to my senses
"Valery, its so good to see you how have you been" she says surprising me with a hug, I couldn't say the same to her, after their betrayal to me, and then me leaving new york, they didn't cross my mind, and when I saw them they only crossed my mind briefly, the fact that she was hugging me was quite strange and unwelcoming, I awkwardly patted her back
"been doing great" I say monotonously as she pulled back "I'm surprised to see you all alone"
"Ah well, you know with all the drama that is going on with the others, they don't really have much time to attend these things"
"No I don't, cause unlike you my world does not spin solely for gossip"
she gapped at me, dumbfounded by my bluntness, I couldnt blame her, but I wasnt in to mood to entertain rift raft tonight
"Oh my goodness Valery is that you" a high pitched voice called to me, I shut my eyes briefly taking in a deep breath
"Briella" I say as I turn to face her, I didnt hide the scowl that was surely on my face
"it is so good to see you" she glimmered, giving me her best fake smile
"wish I could say the same" I comment not hiding my dismay towards her, I wasnt gonna be plastic in front of her, I wasn't gonna hide the fact that I couldn't stand her
"darling your still as funny as ever" she gushed as a fake laugh left her lips, I couldnt help but roll my eyes "I just wanted to congratulate you-" she adds, smirking at me
"thank you, now if you excuse me" I finished for her, I had no intention of entertaining her
"for getting my leftovers that is" she bluntly said before I could walk past her
I paused, balling my fists together, holding back the urge to punch her "a bit hypocritical coming from you don't you think" I snarled at her
"someone is a bit bitter" she mocked
"someone is delusional" I countered
"the only one who is delusional here is you" she snaps at me getting closer to me, her arms crossed together as she scowled at me"if you think of one second you can one up me you got another thing coming"
I glare at her, I had no idea what she was talking about, and what she was referring to
"as if I would waste my time with the likes of you, don't flatter yourself darling" I reply with a bitter laugh, before leaving her, as I walked away from I couldn't help but notice the stares, but I didn't care, let the gossipmongers talk
"glad I could put on a good show for them" I thought sarcastically, my energy and mood for this night is slim, part of me just wanted to return to Lucas, knowing he would be able to cheer me up
ugh is it cheesy that I already miss him?
As I entered to the first office I sighed out in disappointment that it was empty, but took this chance to take a glance of my appearance and fix any imperfections, but before I could the door behind me opened, startling me for a moment, but that was nothing compared to shock that was surely on my face as my eyes connected with his, I was paralysed for a brief moment, unable to move and comprehend what was going on, why was he here in front of me
"Noah" I breathed out
"Hi Valery" he replied ever so softly
I wanted to groan, can this night get any more displeasing, first catelyn, then briella, now Noah, I suppose this is as bad as it is gonna get
I shouldn't have been surprised he was here, Briella was here after all, but why was he here, with me, I could feel my palms sweat, but I kept my head high, ready for confrontation
"there is no reason for us to talk" I practically spat out, as I tried to walk past him
"please" he replies blocking me
I let out a sigh, before glaring at him"I have nothing to say to you Noah"
"When I said talk, I meant apologize, truly"
I snort and not in an attractive way "why do I find that hard to believe, if this is some sick joke you better think twice-" I almost yelled out
he raised his hand up in defence "its not a joke, and I know I am the last person you want to see or talk to" his eyes softening as he spoke, I didnt trust him one bit, and I had nothing to say to him
"yes you are correct, our time to talk to one another ended when the papers where signed" I replied bitterly "now excuse me"
"please Valery" he stopped me again, I groaned out as I crossed my arms "it would mean alot if you just listened and then you can decide what you wanna do with my apology" I would be lying if I said he didnt spark my curiosity, and to be honest I felt more pity to him in this moment than anger, he looked like a mess, very skinny, and dark eye bags, my inner demon couldn't help but laugh
"serves him right"
but the softer side of me couldnt help but feel pity, maybe it just the love talking love?? did I really say love
shaking my thoughts for later I glance at him, he was still staring at me, pleadingly, with another sigh I say "you have five minutes, if you erk me, or make any side comments I am leaving"
he took in a long breath "you don't have to believe me, but I hope you will so that you know I am truly sorry for the pain I put you through, I was young, foolish, letting the money and fame get into my head and fill my pride, drowning myself in work, stressing myself out just so I could gain more I lost sight of what was truly important, I took you for granted, I treated you like a object, a toy, and I know now you didn't deserve me, you were too good for me, I am sorry I wasn't better for you during our marriage, you don't have to forgive me" he finishes with a harsh breath, I had to hold in a snicker, I tilted my head to the side quite surprised by this confession
"what made you realize" I asked with a raised brow, genuinely curious to his sudden change of heart, it seemed to good to be true
he looked defeated, his eyes no longer meeting mine "Seeing Leah and my son a few weeks ago, watching from a distance, they look happy, I saw them and saw the life I couldve had with them, had I not been so greedy, after seeing them I couldnt help but ponder my previous choices, terrible choices I add, but I just wanted to tell you this cause our marriage taught me alot, and seeing you walk in with Lucas tonight all happy really made me ponder hard, if that makes any sense"
"strangely it does, but that doesnt explain why your still with Briella, don't you think thats a little contradictory"
with a bitter laugh he replied "it seemed like the only logical thing to do"
"sometimes the most logical is not the one that brings you happiness" I told him honestly, I could hear the sincerity behind his voice, and the pain in his eyes
"Leah doesn't deserve me, you didn't deserve me, when I was in your lives all I did was cause pain, I just want her to be happy, the way you are happy, I don't deserve happiness after everything I put you and Leah through, Briella and I practically deserve each other"
"did you love her?" I suddenly asked
"Leah? I still do, I'm not I shouldnt be telling this to you, it's inappropriate"
"surprisingly not for me, it actually gives me closure of some sort, in a twisted way" "our marriage has also taught me alot, how a true relationship is supposed to be like, and for that I am grateful to you" I told him honestly, people might think I am crazy for comforting, even helping my ex, but he is acknowledging his mistakes, which is a start
"do you forgive me" his voice breaking at the end
with a small smile I reply "Noah I forgave you a long time ago, maybe you should forgive yourself, learn from your mistakes, and work on your redemption" I tell him honestly "we are all human, we all make mistakes, it about what you do with those mistakes and what you do to make up for them is what defines you, if you really love her go try, but if she doesnt want you then all you can do is be there for your kid"
"do you really think I am capable of redemption"
"if Mr. Petrova can do it, there is hope for you, as along as your serious, dedicated and patient"
"I am really sorry for everything I put you through" he commented as I stood up "You really do look happy"
"Cause I am" I reply, before walking out the office, no longer on a mission to find Tanner but on a mission to find the root of my happiness and have a much needed dance
Only the root of my happiness, was dancing with someone else.
His ex.
______
HAPPY HOLIDAYS YOU GUYS HOPE YOU ARE ALL HAVING A GREAT CHRISTMAS!!
SO BEFORE YALL COMMENT THAT LEAH IS A MINOR I CHANGED IT SHE IS NOT A MINOR, THE REASON I MADE HER A MINOR TO BEGIN WITH BECAUSE SHE WAS INSPIRED BY MY BEST FRIEND WHO GOT PREGNANT AT 17 with a 23 year old, and her story really inspired the character of Leah, you guys haven't completely met Leah yet but if u guys want to I have a story ready for her and before you doubt NOAH let me end your suspicions now, he will NOT interfere with valery or lucas, but his story does not end here unless you guys want it
THE END IS NEAR HUHU
ON THAT NOTE...
whose story do u wanna read
ROSIES STORY
OR LEAH
or JADE
hope you love this story as much as I do