CHAPTER 2 Proposal

The drive to my parent's house from the airport to my parent's house wasn't as far as I remembered it to be. I had to keep a low profile after the stunt Tate pulled on me.

I was diagnosed with infertility two years ago with no explanation of the cause. I kept this a secret from my family and friends except Tate because he was my fiancé.

"Who wants kids anyway? We can adopt when we want one. That means I can have you to myself."

That was his response when I told him, and now he has published it for the world to see.

I swear I would have been admitted into a mental health facility if I stayed for seconds in Virginia, seeing my story on billboards, newspapers, and tabloids with the captions.

"Tate McGregor, the ex-fiance of a popular writer, Valerie Lysander, talked about this side of the story: she can't have children due to her infertility and I want a lot of them, she lied to me not to know the cause of her infertility, but I found out recently that not only did she lived a reckless life growing up she had a lot of abortions. This is where we break out."

I got to my parent's house in Los Angeles, and I couldn't have been more grateful I came here. The busy streets and all took me down my childhood memory lane. I spent most of my time with my parents catching up on stuff or gossiping about the neighbors with my mom.

But today, I decided to step out and explore the city. A lot has changed and nothing has changed, it looks different and, at the same time, it looks the same.

I went to the park where we always go as kids with my parents. I saw children running around, parents playing with their kids, and couples on dates too. It feels nice to be back home really.

My eyes caught the sight of a little girl playing all by herself.

"Hey princess' ' I called, walking up to her. She had beautiful ocean-blue eyes with blonde hair that was long for a girl of her age.

"Where's your mama and papa? Are you here alone?" she nodded at my question. Looking around like she's looking for someone

"What's your name? My name is Valerie and I can play with you till your mom and dad get here," I said, stretching my hand to her. She didn't respond, she just kept staring at me like she didn't understand what I was saying.

Okay, maybe I'm weird. I turn on my heels to return to the nearest bench, the weather is nice, the flowers are colorful, and it's a nice time to be outside.

"My name is Layla," I heard a tiny little voice beside me. The little girl I was talking to earlier is sitting next to me now.

"Hi Layla, you have beautiful eyes and I love your hair. '' I complimented her, that's what drew me to her.

"Thank you," she responded shyly.

We chatted for a while and I discovered she's four years old. She has an elder brother, Landon, who is seven years old, and the sweetest part is that she wants to be my friend. I have a friend now.

I've been hanging out with Layla every weekend since that's the only time she comes to the park and I wouldn't lie, that little girl is so energetic. She loves my baking, so I've been making cakes and cookies specially for her and her brother.

They're kids of very influential people because I see guards and maids around all the time.

Today, I made her favorite princess-shaped cookies. I was telling them a story when Dominic, one of the guards, said their father was there. I looked up just in time to see a Greek god, a well-built man with broad shoulders. I can proudly say God took his time to work on him because he is so handsome and his voice…

I was dragged out of my thoughts by Layla, obviously taping me. I was drooling, and her daddy is now standing in front of me.

"Hello sir, you have beautiful children," That's the easiest thing I could think of.

He replied with a nod before picking up Layla in his arms while holding Landon with the other hand. Oh my God, those muscles.

"Dad, can Valerie be our mom?" Layla shouted to her dad.

I looked up to see him looking at me immensely before replying with a resounding 'No'.

I was somehow disappointed, but what was I expecting? Layla said her mom traveled, which meant they missed their mother.

During the week I explored the place, and today I tried an Italian restaurant. I ordered takeout and took pictures to show Monica. The drive back home was a smooth one as I couldn't wait to try the food.

I walked into the house with a huge smile, but I paused when I saw my father pacing the room and my mom sitting on the sofa moody.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, placing the food on the floor. My mom rushed to me and pulled me to sit before sitting next to me. She took my hands in hers as she apologized to me continuously. I was lost and worried.

"Dad, is something going on? Something happened right?" I was getting worried

"Do you know Mr Skavinski? Have you met him before?" Dad asked, kneeling in front of me.

"You mean the famous Skavinski family? I know them, but I've never met any of them. Why?" I answered.

"Ehmm…" Mom coughed while looking at my dad for help. I'm sure it is something serious.

"Just spill it already," I said, tired of the suspense.

"Mr Skavinski came here today, and he wants you to be his wife as soon as possible. You know how big they are in the country. We can't tell him no when he can wipe our whole generation out at the snap of his finger." Mom finished explaining with tears streaming down her face.

I look at them waiting for them to say 'It's a prank' but nothing. "You're kidding me, right? How will I get married to a killer, a murderer, a trafficker, and a Mafia Don himself? You must be joking. Do you think I'm stupid to put myself in danger? No way," I yelled.

"I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning, I've overstayed my welcome here," I stood up to go to my room when I heard a voice that held me in place.

"You won't dare, Valerie, take a step out of LA and I won't stop until I ruin you and your little career. I'll ruin everything and everyone you love will suffer for it," I shivered at the authority, power, and how cold the words were. I couldn't see his face as he was standing in the dark.

"You can't just come here and demand that I marry you when I don't even know you," I protested. I know very much what I'm risking talking back.

"I don't like females that aren't submissive, but we can walk on that. You don't need to know me, Val, I know you and that is enough. You sure don't expect me to propose because I know for certain the last one didn't end well," I winced at the painful memories, and I could see my mom crying silently.

"I hope you make the right choice because anything I want I get," he said, stepping into the light, and I gasped at the familiar man dressed in all black.

Layla's father!