Valentino's POV
"Baby, may I enter?" I called Caylee's name as I rapped on the door of our hotel's en suite bathroom.
I heard something fall, possibly as a result of her panicked cries of "No!"
"Caylee, are you all right?" I inquired in fear.
"I'm good. She said hesitantly, "What I truly meant is you can't come in right now. I could see she was now leaning against the door.
"Caylee, it's been over two hours since you entered. What is happening inside? I'm entering.
"Val, no. She said, "I'm, uh, naked," which made me chuckle.
I murmured seductively to get her to open the door: "Baby, I know what your naked form looks like, plus we could use that to our advantage."
No Val! I swear you wouldn't want to know what I'm doing, as it's very feminine. She pleaded with me, give me fifteen minutes, baby, and I swear I'll make it up to you.
"Ugh, fine. I'm not entering." I sighed and went back to our well-made, king-sized bed.
I dozed off while lying on my back. I was worn out. I underestimated how difficult and demanding the job of CEO would be.
Obviously, with my father's assistance, I also had to maintain our other enterprises. He was a really encouraging man, and I was confident in his unwavering love for me.
With Alton and our legal teams finalizing our merger, I had been unable to sleep. After much effort, it was finally happening, and the management, staff, and board of directors were all in place. It appeared that our merger was going to be a huge success and be very advantageous to both parties.
Additionally, I attended numerous meetings for my business to discuss forthcoming projects, product launches, financial agreements, investor meetings, and billion-dollar business partnerships with reputable clientele.
For our jewelry ads, Alisa and I were both working together, and she was doing a fantastic job. Like her mother, she had the prowess of a Dante and was extremely dedicated to her vocation.
Working with the Dante family has proven to be worthwhile and enjoyable. At the same time, it was chaotic and enjoyable. Our intimacy from high school was somehow regaining ground.
One of the best hotels I've ever stayed in was the Dante's Hotel, which we were currently in.
Caylee and I were free to share a bedroom and do anything we wanted to do because we were on a private floor with Kyle, Alton, and Alisa.
We had taken the day off work the day before to celebrate Caylee's birthday, and we did everything in her fashion. She had achieved her ambition, and I was pleased to have contributed to her happiness.
We went shopping after our date, which was later in the day. She demanded more, even after I spent close to a million dollars on her.
I realized she had bought a ton of underwear. Because I didn't want to delve too deeply into her affairs, I refrained from asking her why. Perhaps it had to do with her job, or perhaps she wanted to wear then for her partner.
I grinned just at the idea. I adored Caylee and the effort she made to win my favor. She was exactly the person I wanted to be with for the rest of my life.
A knock on the door caused me to be distracted from my thoughts. I got to my feet and strode up to the door, opening it.
When Kyle saw me approaching, he quickly buried something behind him and grinned nervously.
"Val. Why are you in this place? Kyle responded hesitantly, "I thought you went out to show your clients some pieces," rubbing his head with his free hand.
The question "What's up?" I questioned him, studying his face. He was dodging my gaze, which indicated that he was keeping something from me.
Kyle never tried to keep something from me. He always told me the truth, no matter what, and he was frank and honest. It has to be a serious one.
"Nothing" Then I'll see you later. He requested more than he said.
"What do you want, Kyle?"
I was seeking Caylee, but it is irrelevant at this point. I probably need to move on.
The name "Kyle Reynolds"
"Valentino Alexander," he retorted while tensely grinning.
"Give it," I commanded, gesturing toward the object he was concealing behind him.
He retorted, "It's not important, plus it's meant for Caylee," and I gave him the look that signaled that I was dead serious.
Val, this might make you unhappy. This was not intended for you to see. He offered an apology, and I could see that he was sorry.
I firmly replied, "I still want to see it," despite the worry that was racing through my head.
Kyle handed me what I now realized was a magazine, but it was folded, and he said, "I'm sorry, Valentino.
I took it from him and positioned it correctly. I glanced at the cover page, and what I saw sent a rush of adrenaline rushing through my pounding veins.
My once-happy, smiling face twisted into a mask of suffering and perplexity. My hands began to tremble uncontrollably, and my heart began to beat like a caged bird flinging itself against my ribs.
Caylee appeared on the front page. Yes, there are a ton of magazines at my library with Caylee on the cover, but this one was strikingly different from the rest.
It was an erotic publication that mostly included sensual product advertisements for things like lotions, soaps, and perfumes.
The issue wasn't with that. Although Caylee made her living as a model, she and I had spoken against the kind of photo I was currently viewing.
Caylee's upper body was visible in the image, starting at the waist and rising. She was completely naked, and behind her was another naked man who had his lips directly on her lips and his hand covering her breasts.
Although her hair partially obscured her face, I was very familiar with Caylee and knew every inch of her body.
About five more of them were discovered as I paged through the magazines; they were in a hot tub, a shower, a bed, making out on the kitchen counter, and a pool.
Their entire presence screamed erotica. I didn't want to see any photos of them having sex at all. When I couldn't find anything resembling a picture of that nature, I sighed inwardly.
Val, remain calm. Kyle lightly squeezed my shoulder and murmured, "Maybe that's not what it seems like."
Betrayal pricked painfully. As I stood on the precipice of a conundrum, my heart began to twitch.
"Where'd you find this?" I asked. I asked through clenched teeth as a burning rage welled up in the pit of my stomach.
One of your customers. He recounted seeing the girl in a magazine with us when we were resolving our financial matters. He provided it to me when I asked for it. Although Caylee is your girlfriend and I have no business interrogating her, I genuinely believe that this was in your best interests. If your father learns of this, he will never consent to have her as his daughter-in-law.
Kyle was accurate. My father would never tolerate a person with such a damaging reputation. On that one, he was really strict. He vehemently opposed publishing nudity, especially with another male.
Kyle, thank you. I'll take care of it.
"Valentino, please take it easy. Don't overthink anything, and give her an opportunity to explain," Kyle comforted me.
"I can't make any guarantees." I told him, "I'll see you," and then I stormed into our room and pounded on the door.
I struggled to gather my composure. I was furious because the thought of another man touching my woman's body made my blood boil. I couldn't help but feel disgusted that I was sharing her body and lips with another person.
Caylee walked over to me while wearing only a robe after opening the restroom door. She was grinning, but as soon as she saw my face, her smile vanished completely.
"Babe, what's wrong?" Caylee questioned me as she drew nearer to me, but I winced and gave her the magazine.
I wanted to get things done right away. Before my heart broke, she had to admit that all I had been told was a lie. She nee
ded to reassure me that she cared for me just as much as I did and would never betray me in this way.