Chapter 22

Valentino's POV

When Caylee took a look at the magazine's cover by itself, she was overcome with terror, worry, and perplexity.

Caylee flung the magazine on the bed and turned to face me while crying.

"Where'd you find that magazine, Valentino?"

"Really, Caylee?" All you have to say is that…

She assured me as she drew nearer to me, "Valentino, it's not what it seems like."

You have a chance to explain Caylee now. I raged, balling my fists, vowing to say and do nothing but the truth in order to prevent making mistakes.

"Would you please calm down?" She pleaded to touch my hand, but I jerked it away, giving her ample notice that I meant business.

"First off, Valentino, this is my career."

Caylee, don't put the blame on your career. We discussed this.

Caylee cried out, "I needed the money, Val," which caused me to forcefully grab her by the shoulders. I was completely out of it.

Cash, Caylee? Money, of all things? What do you think I'm worth? How much do I spend each day on you? Caylee, have I ever declined to give you money? As tears streamed down her cheeks, I seethed and scrutinized her features.

"Val, stop. She cried out, "You are harming me."

"Answer me, and I'll let you go!" I yelled. Caylee averted her tearful gaze.

I don't want to be totally dependent on you. I let go of her after hearing her say, "I need to make my own money," and I slumped onto the bed in a fit of rage.

"I made you a business proposition to serve as the face of my company's gems, but you declined because you were already working on another project." To do this, Caylee, you rejected respected companies like Nivea, Avon, Nike, Gucci, and Chanel, to name a few. She knelt down and put her hand on my knee as I asked.

I acknowledge my error, Val, but I assure you that everything was done professionally. I did not deceive you. We didn't have sex; we just shared a kiss and a few professional touches on my body. I would never treat you that way.

You are aware that I dislike sharing you to other people. When I told her that I was really devoted to her, Caylee, she took my hand in hers and began kissing it.

"Baby, I'm sorry." I'll stop. You must stay with me, Valentino.

"What will my father say if he sees it?"

"He won't see it. They might be destroyed because there were only a few copies.

I commanded, "Give me your phone." I have never done anything like this before. I had totally trusted her, but that faith was now gradually eroding.

You can't look through my phone, Val. It's personal to me. She asserted herself while fighting back tears from her cheeks. She seemed defenseless.

Fine! I'll respect your privacy and leave you alone. I should have realized it was all being used to capture pictures for another man when I bought all that lingerie for you.

"Valentino," it's not like that. She handed me her smartphone and said, fine, you may look through my phone.

I excused myself, "Excuse me, please," and got up to go.

Caylee stumbled to her knees and grabbed my leg. My heart broke when she began to sob piteously. Although I really love her, she has gone too far. Despite all of her cries for help and excuses, I decided she needed to suffer for what she had done.

A short while later, I was slouched in a corner of our floor's carpeted lounge. It was serene and calm, exactly what I wanted.

I wanted to cry. It ached so much. It was too painful to bear. Women, they were capable of entirely destroying a man's heart. I was losing my mind over Caylee. I never expected that kind of behavior from her.

I gave her everything, including cash, automobiles, my love, and trips. She had no right to turn on me in this manner. My heart broke for her at the same moment. Each time she wept, I detested it.

I was alone for approximately an hour, drowning in my grief. I took out my phone when it vibrated in my pocket. Nick was the caller. I responded to the call.

"Nick."

"Hi, Val. How's Paris doing?

"Great. How is home?

"Home is nice." Everything is amazing because of your wife.

Even if I did have a wife, the drama and tension in Paris had distracted me from my main problem.

Is she currently doing okay? However, I couldn't help but worry about her. Her health was crucial. The value of her life.

"Yup" We had a ton of fun. We spent three days together in the jungle alone after I brought her to our tree house. She was healed, and let me just say that your wife is wonderful.

Nick and I left in the wilderness by ourselves for three days? Why was I frightened?

"Nick, what's your point?" My brows furrowed as I asked.

He added to my fear and perplexity, "Well, I could say I stepped in as Princess' husband while you were away." In the background, I overheard Myrah calling Nick's name while laughing.

"Nicholas Calleiro, only I can refer to her as that, and what are you doing with my wife?"

"Enjoying myself and caring for her." I'm carrying out your authorization, which I received from you. He laughed, saying, "She's driving me crazy."

Was he attempting to make me jealous? If so, it seemed to be working. Who knows where all the possessiveness and jealousy come from? I didn't want any male to approach her to the point where she felt at ease. In three days, a lot may occur.

Are you planning to take my wife away from me?

"Val, that's a great concept. You risk losing her if you don't strengthen your hold on her.

"Nick, wait until I have you in my possession. I clenched my teeth and shouted, "You'll repent of everything you said and ever touching my wife.

I was even surprised by what I said. What in the world was happening to me?

Relax, dude. I'm kidding; however, I have some pictures you might find interesting. He said, "I've been looking after your wife, and I want you to certify that I'm doing a terrific job." A few seconds later, he delivered the images, which I looked at.

It's safe to say that this was the worst day of my life. My chances were slim. Myrah and Nick were incredibly close, and every picture showed her face glowing with happiness. Even though they only numbered three, their influence was sufficient to upend my entire universe.

"Confirm that I did a great job." Nicholas rambled.

I screamed, "Nicholas Calleiro, you are dead meat," and this time Myrah's laughter was louder.

Her laughter made me feel things. It calmed my anxiety because it seemed like a promise for a brighter future. In those little moments, I was able to forget about all of my misery and pain.

Do you feel envious? Myrah asked, her voice carrying a hint of humor.

I gently giggled. She served as my in-built therapist. In my mind, I could already see her lovely face with her lips pursed into a juvenile pout as she looked at me.

Myrah asked, "So you intended to make a point, huh? Relief washed through me, I thought. She made it far too plain, and Nick would never tell me outright like that.

"Maybe," I responded, "you are so funny." She continued to talk to me and act as though nothing had happened, despite everything I had forced her to endure.

She said, "When are you coming back?"

"Two more weeks. Already missing me?

"Someone is incredibly self-absorbed. I don't even remotely miss you. While you are gone, I just want the freedom to be cheeky and wicked.

I missed arguing with her and occasionally putting up with her immature behavior. Despite my denial, I still missed her. I felt bad about leaving without saying anything. Although I had my own reasons—reasons I didn't want her to know—she must have felt horrible.

"Are you still standing there?" She asked, and I overheard her.

"Yes," I answered.

Jokes apart. You come across as being really anxious and tense. Take care of yourself and give yourself some time to rest. I realize that this may sound strange coming from me. I'll be available to listen if you want to talk. Happy travels, Valentino.

That affected me in a lot of unexpected ways. She truly provided me with advice and a shoulder to cry on since she could sense I was upset and frightened. Perhaps it was time to return home. I had

to check on Myrah to make sure she was indeed getting better.

I'll be returning home tonight, princess.