8 8. Valeria et Jose

For about thirty minutes, Jose and Valeria argued about Jose's idea.

"Look at me. I'm a married woman for crying out loud! How can I be a reputable woman in your life!?"

"Calm down, short queen. What I'm trying to say is--"

"My name is Valeria!"

"What I'm trying to say is this," he ignored her, "just for tonight. You'll come out as a staff of mine, and not just any staff. As my P.A! There's no other person who can be this important person in my life for tonight. My sister is no where to be found right now." Jose tried to explain, but Valeria was not listening.

"I am a married woman. Why would I come out as a reputable woman in my husband's life, and your life as well? I'm not a whore!"

"Of course you're not. You're a super woman? Take it like that!"

One would think Freddie was not present, but he was. He cleared his throat and announced after receiving a phone call. "She's here sir,"

"Who's here!" Jose said without paying Freddie too much attention as his gaze was still fixated on Valeria.

"The makeup artist. She says her name is--"

"--Sabrina Devile." Valeria replied, "let's welcome her. Bring her in."

"Okay." Freddie said, then turned to bring in the makeup artist.

"I'm still the boss, you know?" Jose said, folding his arms.

"My apologies." Valeria have a faint smile.

"You know, I would really love for you to work with me. Think about it. I'll give you a little time."

"Im not interested." Valeria said without giving it much thought.

Jose said nothing, but in his mind, he actually hoped she would consider his request.

A slender lady with fair skin and full lips walked in with a box. "Hello everyone. My name is--"

"Please get to work already. Valeria, come with me." Jose said, then took Valeria hand and they both walked out.

Freddie was grinning brightly now that it was just he and the sexy Sabrina. "I'll show you what to do."

Sabrina frowned slightly. She had a mad crush on the hot CEO Jose Terres. How could he just walk out on her like that! And why did Valeria just treat her like she was a nobody! But she needed to keep her cool.

"You are?" Sabrina asked.

"Sabrina--I... I mean Freddie! My name is Freddie!"

"Okay Freddie. I'm going to ask you a few questions, particularly about that young lady that just left."

"You mean your friend, Valeria?" Freddie asked.

Friend!? Sabrina wouldn't really call Valeria her friend..."Yes. My friend. Tell me everything you know about her."

***

"Andrea, you need to listen to me," James said again, but Andrea was too busy giving her attention to something else.

Nothing in particular, as long as she wasn't looking at James.

James had tried and tried to plead with her. He didn't know his wife would magically show up anyway!

"What to you want me to do now, huh? I can assure you that I have no idea that she would be coming! You have to believe me."

"It's not that I don't believe you. But you will always choose her over me, James. Why haven't you made your choice yet. It's either your wife, or me!"

"Why don't we talk about that later, huh? And--"

"James?" Desiree stood in front, demanding for her brother's attention. "Mother and I want to leave now."

"So?" Andrea replied without any hesitation. "Why are you bothering to create unnecessary form of attention. You can get the fuck out of here already--"

"Andrea, please that's my big sister! Speak to her with respect." James barked out.

"Respect? Hmmp!" Scoffed Desiree. "This brat is more spoilt than any rotten kitchen item I've ever seen before!"

"How dare you!" Yelled Andrea.

"You know what, sister? Go home. Take mother and go home. You need your rest." James said, but in a tone that conveyed he wasn't asking.

Desiree was shocked because her mouth hung wide open. "I cannot believe you, James. You better leave this filthy brat at once and go back to your respectful wife! Goodnight!"

James felt he was running insane. He had to choose between Andrea and his sister! Although he didn't appreciate the way she treated his sister, he still couldn't blame her because he imagined Andrea must have been hurt seeing Valeria around.

Before he could utter his reply to his sister, an announcement was made.

James couldn't believe his eyes. There she was, beside Jose Terres, accompanying him up on stage. She was even more beautiful than he could remember, and how dare she even smile! Without having much control over himself, James jumped up to his feet. He heard Andrea called him from behind, but he didn't care.

That was his wife up there with another man! After Jose received his award, Valeria walked down and was about following Jose when James ran like a mad man, and pulled her away from Jose.

"We'll be leaving now, sir!"

***

They were still in the taxi when all hell broke loose.

"How would a married woman be the reputable woman of another man! A man who's not her husband!"

"What the fuck are you saying, James? Honestly, I--"

"No. No! Listen to me while I speak, Valeria." He was screaming at the top of his voice now. "Do you understand me, huh! Why did you even leave my kids at home and come for this award, even when you weren't invited?"

"Why would you lie about the award, James!"

"No. I'm still talking." James insisted. "Why would you try to get close and all flirty with my boss? Why did you even show up tonight? You shouldn't have!"

Valeria felt like picking up a bucket of cold water, and splashing it on her husband's face. How dare he talk to her like that? How dare he!

She couldn't take it any longer. He was still yelling and nagging, and Valeria has had enough. So when she yelled out in a thunderous voice, she hadn't even heard herself until she had finished her statement.

"I want a divorce!"