Chapter 108: It’s a metaphor
"Valerie. I’d appreciate it if you stopped coming by my office. It’s not a public place for anyone to come in."
"What did you say?" Valerie looked back at Marcus in disbelief. "Brother Marcus, I get it that you didn’t take my side this time. But —"
"I’m saying, save the little dignity you have left," he clarified, bearing coldness in his voice and gaze. "The next time you come in here, my security will not let you in the building. Don’t embarrass yourself."
"Brother Marcus." She scoffed. "Why are you — why are you doing this to me?!"
"Because your brother is right, Val. We’ve always seen you as a young kid, but you’re no longer young. In a few months, you’re old enough to drive a car and party in the club without using a fake ID. You know what’s right and wrong, so I assume you are also old enough to understand boundaries," he explained in a more rational argument. "I can’t tolerate this behavior anymore. Go home."
[People don’t like you, they just tolerate you.]
Suddenly, Fil’s remarks earlier today rang in Valerie’s mind. She stared at Marcus listlessly, heart sinking.
"Brother Marcus," she called, her lips quivering. "Have you... ever liked me?"
Marcus arched a brow.
"Or did you just tolerate me all this time?" she continued, waiting for his response.
Marcus leaned back and sighed. "You used to be cute and innocent," he remarked quietly, staring at her up and down. "It didn’t cross me until now that you’ve already grown into a young lady."