Challenge (2)

As they drove out of the building, Valerya wanted to ask Davys a lot of questions. So many thoughts were swimming through her head, but she maintained an air of nonchalance. He had told his driver to go with the entourage because he wanted to be alone.

"I know you have many questions," he stated but she only shook her head.

"Come on, go ahead," he insisted.

She hesitated for only a moment, before blurting, "Why did you pretend you didn't know anything? Why play dumb?"

"He already thinks I'm dumb. It makes no difference."

"But still. You're actively making him think so."

He drove for a while before replying, "It was about ten years ago. I kept trying to do things to impress my father up to that point. I tried so hard, but I was never good enough. I stopped giving a shit after. There was a woman, Herre. She was raped by a top military official, Xayou. I reviewed the case. It was open and shut.

When I was called upon in our weekly meeting to present it, I was the only one who seemed to think he should be executed. The only reason why I handled it and it didn't go straight to the Volyrts was because he was so high up, and we didn't want anything public. It's the law. Everyone else, including the prime minister, seemed to think he should be let go. After all, it was just one woman. It was out of my hands.

From then on, I don't talk about sentimental cases with them until my orders have been fully carried out. Then they can do nothing, and my father can't call me out on it because it would make him appear weak."

"What happened after?"

"She was forced into a marriage with him and died of unknown causes a month later."

"I ordered his assassination a week after her death. It's one of the reasons my dad hates me."

Valerya looked out of the window deep in thought. Davys had committed so many offences, from not supporting the empire to going against the president, to assassinating a top military official. He went against everything. But at the same time, she agreed with him completely. It was the first time she had ever doubted the empire's decision, even in her mind.

"So I'll handle all cases as I deem fit. As I would when I'm president," he continued.

He drove them to Le Rosette's palace, the biggest and trendiest boutique in the country. Valerya noted that she had been to more exclusive places in fourty-eight hours than she had been her entire life.

"I brought you here because contrary to what you may think, I have an image to maintain. As my new girlfriend, you would have to dress the part. Nothing but the best for you."

She didn't respond as she got out of the car. They made their way in, and an important-looking woman immediately walked towards them. She was dressed in a pencil skirt with a white blouse and four-inch heels. It was impossible to tell her age. Valerya figured she was between the ages of twenty-four to fourty-four.

"First son. Salem," she greeted as she held her left hand over her breast. She glanced at Valerya for a split second before snapping her fingers at an attendant.

"Tailor-made as usual, I presume?" she asked.

"As usual, Rosette," Davys replied casually. For the next thirty minutes, Valerya was plucked and prodded. Her measurements were taken, and colours were tested against her skin. When they were almost done, there was a noticeable hush in the boutique. Valerya spotted Vivien, the famous model, entering the boutique with two attractive ladies on either side.

She felt like the wind was knocked out of her. She could say Vivien was attractive, but that really wouldn't be doing justice. She was beautiful. Her clothes were stylish and suited her perfectly. Her hair was healthy and glowed even from a distance. She strutted instead of walking. As she got closer, Valerya could feel a whiff of a flowery perfume. It was pleasing to the nose.

As Vivien passed her, she pushed Valerya with her shoulders, like she couldn't see her.

"Davys. Fancy seeing you here. You're here with yet another conquest?" she asked sweetly.

"Well you're here, so…," he trailed off.

Valerya not wanting to be one-upped, pushed Vivien as well as she made her way to Davys. "Let's go, babe. This place is getting filled up with old, washed-up hags."

As they were about to leave, Rosette stood in front of them. She seemed to be a woman who followed power wherever it went. "Hold on, darlings. Would you like a fashion show before your clothes are ready? I have an exclusive, never-before-seen collection."

"Let's go," Davys replied as he held her hand and they were led to a private chamber.

Holograms upon holograms of exactly Valerya's shape and height modelled different outfits. Davys specially selected the ones he preferred, while Valerya didn't want to be a bother. She was sure each cost more than her apartment, but he told her he could get her the entire store if it made her feel better. She kept shut after that.

The fashion show was almost over when Valerya felt her phone ring.

"Sweet sister!" came the cheerful voice on the other end of the line.

"What did you do Lilliban?" Valerya asked with resignation.

"You remember the car you borrowed me right?"

"I only have one car. How can I not remember it?"

"Yeah, about that. Well, Marcus crashed it. I broke up with him, and he wanted to use that as a form of revenge! I'm so sorry Vale," Lilli sobbed. Valerya tried to ignore Davys snorting sarcastically beside her.

"Where is it?" Valerya asked.

"I took it to a mechanic, but the bill is outrageous!"

"Don't worry, Lilli. I'll take care of it." As usual.

"Oh, and I saw your note. You're with the president's son? Like Davys Marjan?"

"Yes, Lilli."

"I would be coming to visit ASAP. You know I can't stay away from you for long," Lilliban said as she hung up before Valerya got a chance to reply. She noted her sister didn't even say a thank you for the car.

"Let me guess. A spoiled sibling," Davys said.

"Just a little bit. She only seems that way, but she's really sweet."

Valerya dialled the precinct and as soon as she got a response, she said, "I would like to report a crime by someone named Marcus. For driving a vehicle without registration, and deliberately sabotaging the car of an officer of the law. I want him arrested immediately."

At Davys's stunned expression, she sighed and told him, "I would do anything for my sister."

He shook his head and continued to watch the show.