Marrying
Chapter 230

Chapter 230

“Julian, please, you’re my only hope right now. Check the private hospitals, even n the small clinics in the villages. They must have hidden her!” Valerie insisted, convinced they wouldn’t make it easy for her to replace Melinda.

Actually, with the iron box in her possession, Valerie could already prove her innocence. But having Melinda as a witness would make her case even

stronger.

Julian readily agreed. “Alright, I’ll check again. Give me a day, Valerie. You need to be careful. Those people are easily swayed and could hurt you!*

Grateful that Julian was still on her side, Valerie felt a lump in her throat. She simply murmured a thank you before hanging up.

She knew she needed a multi–pronged approach. Her solo livestream wouldn’t be enough.

Watching Cutie Pie’s rise in popularity, Valerie decided to take the initiative.

She opened the box and stared at its contents, tears welling up in her eyes

Despite all the online abuse and misunderstandings, Valerie hadn’t cried until now

Sniffling. Valerie chuckled softly to herself. “Valerie, once this secret box is opened, no amount of warmth can be hidden”

She had no idea what would happen next, but she was certain that when the truth came out, there would be regrets

Valerie hoped those people would feel as triumphant then as they did now.

She hadn’t wanted to burn bridges, but once the contents of the box were revealed, there would be no going back.

“Maybe it’s for the best. Childhood memories aren’t all that great

at anyway, she wondered.

Years of experience were packed into this small box Closing it. Valerie received a call from Clark.

Valerie hesitated briefly before answering and starting to record the conversation. “Valerie, this is your last chance. Are you going to sell the house or not! Look at what you’ve done to your mother! Reporters are interviewing her right now. If you don’t act quickly, you’ll never be able to live peacefully in Kranson City, or anywhere else for that matter!”

Tm only doing this for your own good. Have you thought about your future? Who will support you after you get married if you don’t have your family?” Clark’s voice exploded through the phone as soon as Valerie answered.

He tried to use her future marriage as leverage to pressure her. Valerie found it absurd that her uncle was still trying to manipulate her with so- called family ties at this time.

Valerie responded coldly, “I will not agree to such unreasonable demands”

“Valerie, you…”

Valerie hung up before he could continue, cuning off his angry words. Taking a deep breath, she made up her mind to fight back.

Matthew knocked on her door, catching her by surprise since he was usually at the office at this time.

“Aren’t you going to let me in?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. Snapping out of her daze, Valerie stepped aside to let him pass. As they brushed shoulders, Matthew caught a whiff of her scent, making him momentarily dazed.

She was wearing a light blue nightgown that reached her calves, with silk slippers on her feet. The simple, conservative dress exuded an inexplicable allure, making Matthew think of her inherent charm.

Seeing Matthew’s gaze, Valerie instinctively looked down at herself

There is nothing revealing about my outfit. Why is he staring? she wondered.

“Mr. Grant, is there something wrong?” she asked.

Matthew didn’t respond. Instead, he walked into the bathroom and came out with a dry towel.

“You’ve just recovered from your illness. You should take better care of yourself,” he said, moving behind her to towel–dry her hair.

“Your hair is still wet, he noted.

Valerie was stunned for a moment and felt a little shy. “I can do it myself.”

“Dont move,” he commanded, leaving no room for argument or asustance from anyone else. Standing behind her, drying her hair, Valerie suddenly felt a serene sense of time standing still.

She imagined them years later, still this affectionate,

Affectionater The word startled her.

She didn’t know what a typical couple’s life should be like, and she wasn’t sure if her and Matthew’s dynamic was normal.

But Valerie couldn’t help thinking that marriage wouldn’t be so bad. At least, after all these troubles, she would have a place to call home.

Suddenly, Matthew’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Did they hurt you today? Why didn’t you call the police!”

Valerie’s heart tightened as she thought to herself, So, he has seen it. His wife being chased and pelted with eggs must have been a humiliating

sight:

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