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Valeria's POV 🎉
"Are you okay?", I asked but regretted asking him that the moment I said that.
From where he stood at the door, he turned back towards where I was seated on the bed and looked at me strangely as if he was surprised of my sudden outburst.
" Um... just forget I asked you that ...", I said , averted my gaze and attended to polishing my nails .
"I'm fine..", he finally said after a minute or two, nodding slightly and a little hesitant making me to look up at him. He looked somewhat troubled and perturbed looking from his perspective. He ran his hand through his hair messing the style as few strands fall on his forehead.
I gave him a confused look because of his sudden change of mood. Then I sighed and folded my arms on my chest.
"Well...I'm I going to be here all day?", I asked him as he looked at me intensely.
" You have to stay". "You can't walk", he said then turned on his back to leave.
" I won't!! I'm not your freaking pet to be kept in a pen!. My statement made him stop on his tracks to turn and face me ,then he shrugged and folded his strong arms on his chest as he raised his brow looking at me.
I also raised my brow in challenge.
"Tsk,tsk sweetheart, remember here that, you are the one with the problem,you have to deal with it and you've got no choice", Jevan said.
He took this as a cue to leave while I sat on my bed, ruining curses on him.
Idiot! I'm gonna get you someday.
God! What am I gonna do?
Life sucks!
I gently lay on the bed ,then sat upright again with my back leaning on the headboard and took the remote to watch "Derange" one of the most trending movies on Netflix.
After sometime, I began to feel so bored and....lonely, so I decided to call Bennie. After a ring or two, she didn't pick up so did Sylvia. I left them a voicemail each then put back, my phone down on the table and sighed. By the time I realized, I'm already dozing off to sleep. I checked the time on the wall clock ,which read eleven thirty and almost freaked out when I realized that I succumb to "Mr Annoying's orders and missed work today.
I can't believe he made me skip work today. My company is one of my highest priorities and I never ditch it , unless I want to or something came up. Other than that, I'm always at work.
God! What will others think of me if I skipped work of all important things?. As a lazy CEO?. They look up to me and by ditching my work for something else other than sickness means, I'm trying to give them information that they should follow my examples.
The thought of that gives me headaches. I stood up from my sleeping position and stretched,then got out of bed to gently stand on my feet. I lightly winced when I felt a slight pain on only the left side of my ankle but was relieved when the pain subsided quickly. I gently took a step at a time, holding on to walls and stuffs on my way till I reached the door and smiled in triumph when I successfully made it to the door with my hand on its knob.
Can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees me walking gracefully. Ha! Haa..
Fortunately, I was able to make it down to the stairs without twisting my feet. Even though I still limped and leaped like a frog,I'm very happy that I wouldn't stay crippled forever.
Shit I looked like a toddler trying to walk for it's first time right now.
"Oh Miss Valeria, I was about to come give you these in your room", Marie the maid from earlier approached me holding a tray of food in her hands.
I checked the time on my wrist watch which read twelve -twenty pm.
Woah! The time seems to be moving very fast today.
"Take it back to the kitchen Miss Rugs", I said hearing a gasp from her but didn't mind.
Then I heard her mumbling coherent words to herself.
" Excuse me, what's the mumbling for?
"Er.. I think you got my name wrong. I'm Miss Marietta , Marie for short", she said looking up at me because she was a few inches shorter than I am. She might be around her late thirties or early forties or so, I guess.
"O really? Must have escaped my mind, whatever". Miss Rugs fits you though looking from your top to bottom", I said walking round where she stood still ,then twirling a strand of my jet black hair whiles glancing at her whole physique. She kinda wear clothes which looks like rugs ,so it's good I let her know that.
I could see she was fuming in rage looking from the way her grip on the tray she held was tight but I didn't care less.
"What are you waiting for?. "Take it to the kitchen already and oh wait! Where's Nathan?
"He's in school, thirty minutes left for closing time and sir is on his way to pick him up", she said with an expression which I assume that she might be pissed.
"Oh", was all I said as I head towards the kitchen for a bottle of water to quench my thirst, then sat at the diner.
"Ma'am can I bring over the food now?",she asked.
"Bring it over", I said as I put my hair up in a bun.
She immediately set my meal of curry rice and chicken veggies. Then she went back to her working table located at the other left side of the kitchen.
"Damn! Did you cook this? , It's horrible, yuck!!," I spat out all the food from my mouth back to the plate and coughed audibly. She hurriedly brought me a glass of water which I immediately drunk . I immediately gulped it down feeling ok with tears in my eyes due to the consistent cough. I quickly wiped out the tears in my eyes , dropped the spoon on the table and glared up at her .
"What the hell?! . "What the hell !!. "Do you want to kill me?. "Why so much salt and pepper in it?, I angrily burst out at her making her to fidget.
"Calm down child, will you?", she said.
"What? Are you out of your senses? Is this how you cook for your master? You tried to poison me and you want me to calm down!! . Mind you!, Don't you ever call me your freaking child!
"It-it wasn't intentional,the container just slipped my hand, child nothing serious", she stammered.
I got pissed off at her remark and stood from my seat still glaring at her.
"You're talking nonsense!. "Look don't you ever .....
"Apple!", I turned to the direction where the tiny voice came from to see little Nathan in his school uniform running towards me from the entrance with his arms stretched out wide. My expression suddenly changed to a warm one as I turned to his direction to welcome him into my embrace,crotching down to his three feet level.
"I've missed you Apple, didn't see you this morning",he said pouting adorably.
I stood up straight looking at him .
"Well...this is because I was busily sleeping,I'm not a early bird you know". I said without feeling embarrassed in front of the kid.
" Nate, c'mon let's go change", I heard Miss Rugs saying to Nate as he was still in my arms while I knelt in front of him.
"I'm not going!". , Nate said
"Nate!", Jevan said as he suddenly appeared at the entrance.
Nate whipped his head to the direction where his uncle stood while I do but soon averted my gaze and stood up.
"Yes uncle", Nate said looking at him in somewhat guilty way.
"Remember what we learnt from yesternight? ", Jevan asked calmly yet using a warning tone.
"Ah, yes!. "We should have respect for the elderly". "Oh how could I forget,I'm so sorry Uncle", Nate said in an apologetic way .
"C'mon Nate don't apologise to me, apologize to Marie", Jevan said as he came closer to where we stood with Marie behind the kitchen table whiles Nate and I were behind the counter.
Nate looked up at me raising one of his perfectly shaped eyebrow as if asking for my help but I only gave him a small smile urging him to do as he was told to do.
I was perplexed when he understood my signs and then finally looked at Marie who seemed to be waiting for some kind of apology from a kid.
"I'm sorry Miss Marie but I want Apple to help me change for today please",Nate said feeling sorry. I was in utter shock but composed myself immediately . Meanwhile, I was glad Nate was able to speak out his thoughts that I even gave him a thumbs up in my head.
Good job Nate, I'll remember to buy you a candy.
Miss Marietta's facial expression was priceless just the way I expected it to be. She looked taken aback and furious at the same time, furrowing her brows was an indication that she was angry but I cared less. I patted Nate on the back and looked up at her grinning devilishly .
"Nathan dear , don't make this any harder. " You have to come let's get this done already. "Dinner is ready, otherwise your dinner would get cold",Miss Marie said as she came forward to where Nate stoodbin attempt to hold his hands and drag him away.
"Oh let go of the kid will you? . "Isn't it quite clear that he doesn't want you?", I told her annoyed by her actions and quickly pried her hands of him,then took Nate's hand in mine holding it firmly. Miss Marie furiously glared at me .
"Who are you anyway? "You aren't his nanny, I. AM ! ", She whispered yelled enough to scare little Nathan who clinched on my leg tightly hiding his face.
Looks like he hasn't seen the wild side of his nanny before.
I carried Nate ,sat him on a stool nearby and squarely faced his so-called nanny.
"Hey old woman, do you know who you are messing with? Eh? "Do you want to know who you are digging heights with?
"Tsk,tsk.. I know you have no idea who I am but lemme fucking tell you that I don't tolerate nonsense!. "Hope you heard me right. "You are an adult or lemme simply put,an old woman quite enough to be his grandmother. "You should have some amount of respect! . " At your age still, you aren't qualified
enough to handle a kid let alone kids". "I wonder how you treat yours that's if you have any!
"Hey young woman! Watch....",she began to say but was interrupted by a manly voice. Then, I realized Jevan stood there watching us all this.
"Damn him! Lemme talk some sense into this dumbass of a nanny.
"Enough! everyone. " Miss Marie allow Nate do what he wishes to then prepare to end your shift for today", Jevan said.
"But sir.. I have to handle Nate...", she trailed off but looks like she didn't know what else to say.
"It's ok but I'll take it from here". "Just prepare to end your shift,I'll make sure to send your credits directly into your account tomorrow . " I'll be giving you a month off to take care of yourself and your daughter till next month probably". "Till then, I'll get in touch with you ",Jevan said as his settled some groceries he got from the grocery store on the counter.
"But....si-, er.., alright young sir", she said disappointedly not forgetting to spare me a glance while I stood there with my devilish smirk on.
Then, she spun around and walked away in a slow motion not looking back.
Serves her right. I wish she's been
Fired already. Can't tolerate such nuisance under one roof!
Suddenly, I heard Nate's little sobs behind me. Before I could turn to find out if indeed it's really him sobbing or that my ears were playing tricks on me, Jevan was already by his side, lowering his tall frame to meet his nephew's level and comforting him.
Really? I hate it when kids cry. Dunno but It sort of disgusts me.
Looking at the scene in front of me, I can really tell that Jevan is good at that ,no wonder is elder sister, Lilian talks so much about him.
Mm! So Mr Annoying has such heart for kids. I wonder if kids are his weakness.
"Uncle, I'm sowwryy....*sobs*
"Oh c'mon don't cry little one ", Jevan said wiping tears away from Nate's cheeks with the pad of his thumb soothing him.
I stood there watching them for a while then Nate looked up at me motioning for me to come closer to where they are, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
As much as I hated the idea, I was propelled to go, just to make the kid happy.
Nate wrapped his little finger firmly around mine the moment I step closer to them as if on reflex ,then gave me an adorable smile warming my heart.
I just stared warmly back at him from above because I seem to stand tall above them.
"Apple?", Nate called
"Why don't you squat in front of me like the way uncle is, right now?", his words sounded innocent as he said in his small voice but to me, It felt sort weird and awkward . I invisibly cringe on the thought of squating, which meant I would be close to Jevan, that annoying jerk.
"Apple? Hello.. are you here?", I heard Nate's tiny voice ask.
" Um..yeah! Nate what about we go up to your room and start the changing now?", I said scolding myself that I mistakenly said that because I was nervous . I had no idea about taking care of kids even when it comes to changing them, I simply can't do it. I have never fixed anything about myself and doing some chores of my own than to even think of helping out with other's.
"You are zoning out on us again Apple,c'mon please?", Nate said again bringing me out of my reverie. I looked at Jevan to see him chuckling but immediately masked it when he saw how fierce my eyes was.
Ugh! This boy have no idea of how I'm conflicting with myself to do this.
Just like his uncle, always giving orders around, but I don't hate him nevertheless.
I hate the one who trained him to be this way.
After moments of battling with myself, I succumbed to his pleas and squatted in front of him then looked up at him smiling at him lovingly. I felt a pair of intense eyes staring at me from the side of my head then turned to find Jevan looking at me with a grin on his face showcasing his pair of prominent dimples. It was then that I noticed our close proximity, too close to him we were almost meeting shoulders.
"Would you wipe that smirk off idiot?", I said to him but he still held it on unfathomed.
I eyed coldly at him and looked back up at Nate who had a frowning on his face.
"What's the matter, blue?. Blue was the nickie I gave him.
"Er.. Apple you should really apologize to Uncle",he said looking at me his eyes wide as saucers as if he was surprised I said that.
"What? But I never say sorry?"
Then I heard him gasp loudly.
"You should now! Else we won't be friends again", he said quite alarmed that had me shudder in guilt.
I looked beside me to find Jevan looking up at Nate then flicked his eyes back to me . He looked like though he was surprised to hear those words coming up from his nephew.
"Don't look at me , don't tell me that you are surprised". "You taught him this to get back at me, didn't you?. I whispered the last part, to only his hearing.
He only raised up a brow and shook his head putting both hands up in surrender.
"I'm surprised myself, I wouldn't do such a thing. "Mind you , my boy acts true to his words so you better obey what he says ", He said innocently but I could sense a mocking tone behind.
Ugh!! I'm beginning to hate this boy already.
I looked back at Nate in hopes that he changes his mind but he turns away from me then motions with his finger to proceed with it before it's too late.
"Hmm.. I think I'll get up and head upstairs". "I'm kinda tired",Jevan shockingly said stretching in the process as he got up and stood on his feet.
"Apple please say sorry to Uncle before he leaves",Nate said quickly.
As if on cue, I stood up from my position then looked up at Jevan who raised a brow at me in question, then motions with his hands to say "go on,I'm waiting".
My heart was beating like crazy and I was damn angry that all I could see was red because I had never been in such humiliating state before. I knew he's going to make fun of me after this, I have a feeling about it.
The next thing I knew, he spun around heading towards the door while Nate got down from his seat still looking at us.
I hurriedly followed him ,put my hand on top of his, stopping him in his tracks. Then he turned back facing my direction , his eyes fixated on my hand on his .
"Um ,wait,look I'm sorry ". I finally spoke out in a rush then I retrieved my hands back.
He flicked his eyes back on mine then looked elsewhere which resulted a giggle from Nate.
That boyy.
"I'm not convinced",he said in pretence.
"Huh? What do you mean you are not convinced? You id...", I trailed off but stopped myself from humiliation more further.
"Apple I think you should say it nicely",Nate said.
" You're a clever boy Nate", Jevan said as he praised his nephew then looked back at me.
"Apple you heard him right, say it nicely. "That way, I'll consider you", Jevan said nodding his head casually and dipping both hands in either side of his pockets, standing in a poise.
This isn't over Jevan,I swear I'm gonna ruin you .
"I'm sorry". I said not looking at him in the eye as Nate squealed "yes" happily.
I dared not look at Jevan to see his reaction,I just smiled at Nate and proceeded to bypass him to my room to save the existing humiliation. I didn't want both of them to sense how embarrassed I was especially Jevan. That will make him see my weakness which I'm not.
"Wait!, You know what? Nevermind", Jevan said sort of nervously. I stopped in my tracks to hear what he would say next but he said nothing anymore.
"Apple thank you for saying sorry to Uncle, Uncle hope you are convinced now?, Nate said as he stood close to Jevan
Jevan only nodded as he ruffled Nate's curly Chestnut brown hair.
"Apple please help me get changed,will you please?",Nate begged.
"Nathan it's ok I will take care of that for you, you're disturbing Apple",Jevan said.
"But .. I want her to ....",Nate trailed off but was cut off by Jevan giving him a disapproving and warning signal that shut him up. Jevan carried him on his chest holding him with one arm.
"It's ok , I will help you change", I finally spoke up.
" Really?!", Nate asked with his eyes full of hope and happiness.
Yello lovelies, Hope u are feeling "Iray?
If you are feeling "iray" then please appreciate this chapter by voting and bringing out your comments by hitting down below.
Before you flip on, lemme ask you all a question.
Do you think Valeria will ever gonna fall in love with our handsome Jevan? Or she will still stick to being cold at him and him teasing and ruining her life always?
Hmmm...🤔Cliche right?!
Please bring out your answers,I'll be waiting ..
Till then.. enjoy ❤️❤️❤️