Novel & Cerita Courtiers Valentine Low

On our fourth Valentine's Day together, my boyfriend, Ivan West, gave me a rock he had found on the side of the road while his true love, Kelly Gibson, got a ten-carat diamond. I stared at the rock icily and left it right where it was. Ivan called me materialistic. "Millia, I only gave Kelly a diamond because she needed it to make jewelry. It's not because we have some other kind of relationship. And besides, I've spent plenty on you before. Just because I didn't get you some fancy branded things this time, you refused it. You're way too materialistic."

It didn’t take me long to put on the red sleeveless gown Jacob had bought for me a month before, in preparation for Valentine’s Day/Night. Valentine. I giggled to myself and almost kicked my feet at the air save for the fact that I was standing. Jacob had been the most loving and considerate boyfriend I’d ever had, and I was looking forward to seeing him again. Just as planned, I was going to head over to his house and spend the valentine’s with him. And yes, we wanted to savor every minute, hence the reason why I wanted to be at his place before midnight.

“Don’t waste my time, Griffin.” His smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by something colder. “I want what your father owes me. His blood built his empire, and now, you’re going to help me tear it down.” I scoffed, ignoring the ache in my body. “And you think kidnapping me will do that? Ray doesn’t care about anyone but himself.” “Maybe,” Dylan said, his tone measured. “But you’re not just anyone, are you? You’re the Valisteen Princess. The perfect pawn.”

This man was an exception to that rule. After being rejected to become his maid, I didn't really have a chance to make any money out of him. Still in thought, the door plunged open. Valentine came in holding a red briefcase; it was a rare model, mainly used to secure money and all other very valuable things. It was worth far more than an average brief case. "Thanks for saving me," I say, bowing my head down to show my respect. A smirk appeared on his face. He glared at me a little before turning his back and heading for his chamber.

Symbol of Jose's promise of love to Valerie. ***

What else don’t I know? Then the air shifted. A hush fell over the courtyard as Valentina made her entrance. She wore black, midnight silk that pooled like liquid shadow, cut dangerously low at the neckline and slit high enough to reveal long, toned legs with every step. Diamonds glittered at her throat, but it was her smile that cut deepest: knowing, intimate, dangerous. Two guards flanked her, though she moved as if she owned the entire villa. Valentina’s eyes locked on Sandro first, then slid to Elena with predatory sweetness.

"You can come in, young lady." Griffin stepped out briefly, catching Valentine by the elbow and pulling him into the hallway. "I am literally sticking my neck out for you, Val," Griffin whispered, his voice frantic. "She better be as good as you claim, or we’re both going to face the repercussions." Valentine flashed a confident grin. "She’s good. Just watch." Griffin smiled, his tension easing slightly. "And when exactly do I get my reward for this risk?" Valentine leaned in, a playful glint in his eye. "Come by my place at seven. Bring a bottle of something vintage and expensive." He punctuated the sentence with a wink.

I watched as he used those flames to reclaim the docks, lighting up the night, smiling as he said, "Once I've secured my position, I'll marry you in grand style." I thought we would last a lifetime. I never imagined our love would crumble under a few careless lies from Lina. Lina had said, "She's a merchant's daughter. What could she want besides money?" Yet, she never knew that last year, when the Valentino Family faced a financial collapse, it was I who transferred 30 million through anonymous accounts to help them survive. And just last month, when a rival family sent assassins, it was I who had my bodyguard take a bullet for him…

“You noticed the wine before anyone else.” Her lips curved into a faint smile, her eyes fixed on her reflection in the window. “I notice many things. Occupational hazard.” His gaze slid to her, sharp as a blade. “How?” Valentina let out a soft laugh, brittle as glass. “What do you want, Dante? A detailed history of my palate? Maybe I should publish a guide: Poisons and Perfumes, by Valentina Moretti.” For a heartbeat, silence again. Then his hand flexed against his thigh, the faintest crack in composure. “This isn’t a joke.”

She threw her wine glass onto the floor in anger. “Koko, didn’t I tell you to wait for me at the private suite? Why are you wandering around?” A large, paunchy middle-aged man in a suit and leather shoes soon appeared next to Kourtney. Kourtney threw herself into the man’s arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed the man passionately in front of everyone else. “Hey, look, isn’t that Kourtney Kleinman?” “Huh? No way. This is Madam Valentine’s birthday party. Why would they let a prostitute like her in to attract clientele? Oh my god, it really is her!”