What's Next

(Valerie Hart's POV)

(Valerie's Apartment, Night after Bryce left)

[Crawled up in a fetus position Valerie is pondering about how her life came to this point]

Why on earth I agreed that day? All I had to do is say "NO". That one 'NO' could have saved lives and yet I was just filled with thoughts of a happy future with Bryce. I just forgot everything comes with a price, and a luxurious item like Bryce Carter would be a lot more pricey than I can actually afford. At this point, I can think of him as nothing more than a luxurious item that bears a curse with it, and whoever wishes to have it gets ruined by the curse it bears. I'm paying for my choices right now. I have to overcome this curse.

One thing I can see clearly ahead of me and that is nothing other than doom. I feel like no matter what choice I make lives are going to end, and mine will be probably one among them.

I have to think through all my options clearly before taking any step. I can't just keep this mind of mine run wild. I know a secret that involves Bryce Carter and I'm alive right now because he loves me in his own crazy twisted way. I have to always remember how my mom had to pay for a choice I made. Now that all has come to this I'll just stop being a coward.

But now Bryce is not my only opponent. Who is this person?

[Valerie looks down at her phone. It reads....]

"I know everything happened to you and I wanted to tell you that dying is not always an option. Think carefully and you will see other options you have."

Who could it be?! Is it a new opponent or it is someone who actually can help me get out of this mess. I have to first find this person and to do that I have to divert Bryce's attention for a bit. I can sense his eyes watching me. As usual, he must have set cameras to keep me under his watch. I may not have the option of running away from him but I have at least learned how I can show him what he wants to see. I will not make a single attempt of escape. Bryce has to feel bored and confused otherwise I'll be the one getting played and not the other way around.

Bree, I really need you right now. Where are you? Why can't you be here on a day like this? Maybe wishing for you to be here for me is something really selfish. I know how ruthless Bryce can be yet I'm wishing for someone else to be in this danger with me.

[Valerie suddenly sits straight up as if she has made up her mind on what she has to do next.]

Get yourself together Valerie!! You don't have time for breaking down like this!

I have to make Bryce feel like I have given up on the idea of hiding. I have to make this game boring for him and he will let me go once more. All I have to do is seize that opportunity to find this person. I need to find this person and I have to know what is that another way they mentioned in the message. I don't why but I have a feeling, this other option can be actually useful.

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(Back to normal pictorial)

It's already been two years since Valerie is on the run. Now she understands her situation better, she knows how to confuse her opponent and how to not be played by others. The first thing she decides to do is to take a shower to cool down and then apply for a non-paid leave. She mailed Dereck,

' Sir,

Due to some sudden changes with my medication, I got sick and I have to get admitted for further checkups. I am sorry for the inconvenience caused. I shall be leaving my pending design drafts with Anthony and as I shall be out of reach Anthony will be the person concerned regarding any issues with my designs. Feel free to contact him whenever needed.

Your Employee,

Valerie Hart.'

Dereck acts like a jerk only because he is new in this office and he has to keep them under control but deep down he is actually a good person. Valerie knows him a little better than her other colleagues. She knows that this single mail would do, she won't have to give any further explanation to him.

All she has to do now is give Anthony a heads up otherwise he will be all confused. She again opens her phone and from contacts she opens the chat with Anthony.

'Hey Ann!'

'Umm wasup?'

'Need some help!'

'Really? Why something serious?'

'Nah'

'?'

'Actually my new medication... it turned out to be a bad choice for me. Right now I'm having really bad side effects. The first thing in the morning I'll be doing tomorrow is to visit the hospital.'

'STOP! So are you dumping all your works on me?!'

'I'm really sorry but I've already mailed Boss.'

'Ugh....ok understood. Let me know if you need something.'

'Thanks! You are an angel!'

'Yeah...yeah.... I know. Take care!'

'Hmm'

'Byeeee'

'Hmm bye.'

After finishing her conversation with Anthony Valerie drops a reply to Bryce,

'I think now is the time for me to get back to where I actually belong. I'm tired of all this running and hiding. Please come and take me with you tomorrow.'

Valerie switches off her phone as soon as she sends the message. She turns off all the lights in the bedroom and plops down on her bed.

(Valerie Hart's POV)

I'm too terrified but I can't let Bryce sense my fear. I don't know what is waiting for me in the future but I'll make sure it is nothing worse than my past. I can feel an uncertainty trying to engulf my everything and I can't see any light. All I have to do right now is push through it.

You can do it Valerie!

If not for myself I have to push through it for my mom. I have to stay strong. I need to find the sender of that message.

(End of Valerie Hart's POV)

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[Somewhere in a darkroom someone is sitting facing towards a lit monitor. Their identity is unknown and their face can't be seen only their low voice can be heard....]

"Valerie, I know you want to find me desperately. But I've to consider all the dangers you can be in just because of me. Our opponent is THE Bryce Carter. When the right time comes I'll go see you. You have to be alive until then."