All Chapters of Valerio's Secretary: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Zara's POVThe morning after the statement is everywhere—all the screens in the lobby, the photographer’s face pale and shaking as he admits he was paid, his face plastered on magazine covers. The board is satisfied, the story is dead, but something else is different. Valerio is already in his office when I arrive, standing by the windows, his back to me, hands in his pockets, and doesn’t acknowledge my presence through the glass wall like he always does. Not even a nod. “It’s fine,” I murmur to myself while I settle into my chair, “This is what you wanted, remember? Professional distance and safety.” But I can’t shake the weird feeling pooling inside my stomach. The morning passes in a blur; I handle emails, reports, and scheduling meetings while Valerio stays in his office without a word, and on the few times he comes out, he moves through the office like I am invisible. I try to focus on my work, drowning myself in all the tasks. I update the calendar, file documents, but my m

Zara’s POV The apartment door clicks shut behind me, and I lean against it for a second, eyes closed, trying to steady the storm inside my chest. Valerio’s silent treatment is having an effect on me, and I shouldn't care, but that's not it, because I saw how he looked at me across his desk, like he's fighting the same pull. Then he asked about Liam and that tiny part of me that still clings to the past gets hope. I had texted that Liam wasn't well, and that I might be late to work though I made it just in time. I drop my bag and walk straight to Liam’s room. He’s awake, propped up against pillows with flushed cheeks and glassy eyes. Mrs. Rivera sits beside him, reading in a soft voice. The moment he sees me, his little face lights up, even through the discomfort. “Mommy,” he croaks, reaching for me. I cross the room in three strides and pull him into my arms, holding him tight against my chest, his small body warm, too warm. The guilt hits me like a physical blow. I've been aw

Zara’s POVI jolt awake to Liam’s small body burning against mine.The clock on his nightstand glows 3:17 a.m., and his skin feels like fire. I press my palm to his forehead, and my stomach drops. The fever has spiked hard, his cheeks flushed scarlet, his breathing shallow and fast. He whimpers in his sleep, tiny fists clutching my shirt tightly, and my heart breaks at the sight. "Mommy..." he whimpers, eyes still closed."I'm here, baby. I'm right here.” I whisper, voice cracking as I sit up and gather him closer, his little body trembling. I strip him down to his diaper, press a cool cloth to his forehead, and reach for the thermometer on the bedside table. I watch the numbers climb…103.8. Panic claws up my throat.I rock him gently, humming the lullaby he loves even though my voice shakes, while he makes soft, pained sounds that break my heart. I grab the children’s fever reducer and manage to get some into him with a sippy cup of water. He drinks a little, then curls back agains

Zara's POVI wake up with Liam curled against my side, his small hand fisted in my pyjamas. His forehead is cooler now; the fever has broken. I press my palm against his skin and feel relief wash over me like a wave. His breathing is steady, his cheeks no longer flushed with that terrible heat. He is going to be okay.I slip out of bed carefully, not wanting to wake him, and head for the kitchen to make tea. I stare out the window, watching the sun rise over the city as I sip. I should feel relieved and grateful, but all I feel is exhaustion and emptiness.My phone buzzes on the counter.Valerio: How is he this morning?I stare at the message, the memory of the number of times I tried to tell him about Liam back then, fresh in my memory like it happened yesterday. Three years ago, I had the test in my hand, heart pounding as I waited for Valerio to come home. I had imagined the moment so many times; his eyes widening, that rare genuine smile breaking across his face, his hands on m

Zara's POVThe flowers sit in the passenger seat as I drive home, their petals glowing under passing streetlights; Valerio’s cruel words loop in my head with every turn. You collect admirers like other people collect stamps. I grip the steering wheel until my knuckles ache, fighting back the tears that burn my eyes. Fuck you, Valerio.By the time I step into the apartment, the weight of the day presses heavily on my chest. I check on Liam, relief flooding me at his steady breathing and cool forehead. He’s safe; that’s what matters. I set the flowers on the kitchen counter, their soft fragrance a gentle contrast to the storm inside me, then collapse into bed, exhausted.My phone buzzes on the counter, and I pick it up.Unknown: I hope the flowers arrived safely. I apologize for taking your number from the business files. I wanted to send them properly. —KenjiI stare at the message for a long moment, a small, unexpected comfort settling in my chest. I type back.Me: They arrived, an