Chapter 253: Don't Want Him Anymore
In an exclusive club at Jacquar, the atmosphere was lively as glasses clinked and laughter filled the air.
Christopher Valence, sitting at the head of the table in a custom-made suit, exuded a commanding presence. His flawless face, devoid of emotion, still managed to convey authority with effortless grace.
Micah Blake, seated to his right, rose with a glass of wine in hand. "Mr. Valence, we are absolutely sincere about this project. Whatever conditions the RF Group has, we can meet them."
To Micah, establishing a connection with the RF Group was crucial. Profit was secondary; the primary goal was to get their foot in the door with the most influential group in Jacquar. A strong start could lead to greater opportunities.
Yet, despite Micah's earnest words, Christopher barely reacted. Such gestures were routine for the RF Group.
Christopher glanced at his watch, his expression indifferent. "Since there's nothing new, let’s wait for the marketing department's response."
He hadn't planned to attend this soirée. He had been meeting friends next door when Daniel had dragged him along.
Micah cast a desperate look at Daniel. "Daniel."
Micah was dating Daniel's cousin. Otherwise, neither Christopher nor Daniel would have graced the event with their presence.
Daniel had agreed to come as a favor to his cousin, who sang Micah’s praises. However, upon reviewing the project proposal, Daniel found it mediocre at best. Any intern at the RF Group could produce something comparable.
Micah was leveraging his connections, not his merit. Daniel, though losing patience, kept his words diplomatic. "Mr. Valence has the final say. Wait for the news."
Christopher, uninterested in their machinations, had had enough. He stood and left, heading first to the restroom.
When he emerged, he was met by Donald, his trusted aide. "Mr. Valence..." Donald's hesitant tone was telling.
Christopher had stationed his people in Maple Valley to watch over Hope. Any updates about her reached him promptly. Today's news made Donald uneasy.
Christopher's eyes darkened. "Did something happen to her?"
Donald hesitated. "No... but in a way, yes."
Christopher’s expression tightened. "What happened?" His voice trembled slightly.
Two years ago, when Hope drove into the lake, Christopher hadn't slept for days, even diving into the lake himself in search. With Bentley gone and Hope missing, he had been uncontrollable. Now, the mere hint of bad news about her was unbearable.
Donald, feeling the weight of his words, finally spoke. "Mrs. Valence..." He quickly corrected himself, "Ms. Royston is with Mr. Hanmer."
They had been seen together, holding hands. Hope had leaned into Jerry’s arms with clear affection.
Donald couldn't recall ever witnessing such tenderness between Hope and Christopher. In the early years, Christopher's attitude had been cold and distant, and over time, Hope’s heart had understandably grown cold in response.
Seeing the photos his subordinates had sent, Donald felt a mix of sorrow and resigned acceptance. While part of him was happy for Hope, he also pitied Christopher. It was Christopher’s own fault for not cherishing what he had, leaving fate to play its cruel hand.
Christopher's tall, straight figure suddenly stiffened, a moment of tension passing through him before he continued toward the parking lot. His steps slowed, but outwardly, he appeared unchanged, the stoic leader of the RF Group.
"That's good," he murmured.
Donald stood by, unsure how to console him.
Moments before Christopher got into the car, a sudden summer storm began to pour down, the sky opening in a torrent. Raindrops dotted Christopher's eyelashes and hair, his shirt quickly becoming soaked and spreading in dark patches. He seemed oblivious to it all as he slid into the car, his face still and emotionless."Take me home," he commanded hoarsely.
The driver obediently headed toward the Valence family manor but was startled at the next words from behind. "Take me to Moon Lake Bay."
He glanced in the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of Christopher's grave expression, and made a swift U-turn at the next intersection.
Rain pelted the car, a constant, relentless drumming that matched the heaviness in Christopher's heart. With each drop, it felt as though the rain was slowly extinguishing the pride and dignity that had always defined him.
The car stopped in the courtyard of the villa at Moon Lake Bay. Ignoring the driver’s effort to grab an umbrella, Christopher stepped out into the downpour. He walked to the villa, the marital home he had shared with Hope.
In the entryway, he felt a profound sense of disorientation. It seemed only yesterday that he’d return home from a business event to find Hope waiting for him, ready with a smile and a glass of carefully prepared lemonade.
“Mr. Valence, aren’t you going back to the family manor tonight?” Donna, an old servant of the Valence family, emerged from the bedroom and turned on the lights. The brightness caused Christopher to squint.
“No,” he replied softly.
Donna, equal parts servant and concerned elder, admonished him gently. “You’re soaked through! Go upstairs and take a hot shower. Summer colds are the hardest to get rid of.”
Nodding slightly, Christopher ascended the stairs alone. He sat on the sofa by the window and lit a cigarette.
Nothing had changed in the villa's familiar ambiance. Yet everything had changed—Hope was gone, and with her departure, the vibrant energy she brought to their three-year marriage. Only Donna remained, guarding the remnants of their shared life.
After a long time, there was a knock on the bedroom door. It was Donna.
With permission, Donna entered and placed a bowl of lemonade on the table. "You had another social event tonight, didn't you? I learned this from Mrs. Valence. She adjusted the recipe several times, and this one suits you best. Remember to drink it before bed, so you won't have a headache tomorrow."
Christopher barely managed a sound. "Okay."
Donna saw his desolation and couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Valence, what’s wrong?"
With Bentley and Hope gone, there was no one left who truly cared for him. Christopher offered a slight, melancholic smile. "Donna, was I terrible to her before?"
Donna was taken aback, then gently replied, "How could that be? You always treated Mrs. Valence with respect and provided for her."
But there was an undercurrent of helpless regret in her voice. "But something was missing."
Christopher lifted his gaze. "What was missing?"
Donna whispered, "Love."
Her sigh was heavy with the weight of countless observed moments. "Christopher, the marriage you gave Hope might have been perfect for another woman, and maybe you could have been happy. But for Hope, it wasn’t enough. All she ever wanted was your heart, your love. It’s why she left."
Left alone, Christopher sat stiffly on the sofa, dazed and unmoving. The cigarette burned down to his fingertips, the ash and ember falling onto his skin unnoticed.
Over the noise of the rain, his pale face, with bloodshot eyes, reflected his internal turmoil.
Did Hope really not want him anymore?
Despite her moving out and filing for divorce, Christopher had never truly felt abandoned. He had always believed she would come back, that their love was not completely extinguished.
But now, Hope was with someone else.
In desperation, Christopher picked up his phone and dialed a familiar number. The phone rang briefly before Hope answered, her voice light and unburdened. "Hello, Mr. Valence?"
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