The Son never intended to neglect her.
At least, that's what he told himself.
Running the organization consumed nearly every hour of every day. Deals, meetings, problems. There was always something demanding his attention.
Unfortunately, Valeriya often came second.
The fiery redhead had been his girlfriend for years, yet lately it felt like she barely saw him. Dates became canceled plans. Promises became "later." Every explanation sounded exactly the same.
"I'm busy."
The Son would say.
Eventually, Valeriya got tired of hearing it.
Then she discovered where some of that missing time was going.
The Strippers.
Four women constantly around him.
Jealousy burned at first.
Then curiosity took over.
So she decided to meet them herself.
To her surprise, they welcomed her immediately.
"Oh wow."
The brunette stared at her.
"He's been hiding you from us?"
"That's criminal."
The blonde added.
Valeriya laughed despite herself.
Within minutes, she was sitting with them, drinks in hand, talking as if they'd known each other for years.
The girls were funny, affectionate, and far less intimidating than she'd expected.
"You're way too pretty for him."
The tan blonde announced.
"Seriously."
The brunette nodded.
"Look at you."
Valeriya nearly choked on her drink.
"You're all exaggerating."
"No."
The green-haired girl replied immediately.
The girls laughed.
The brunette reached over and tucked a loose red strand behind Valeriya's ear.
"See? Pretty."
Valeriya rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide her smile.
An hour later, all five women occupied the master bedroom.
Music played quietly.
Someone played Valeriya's hair.
The blonde painted her nails while the brunette rested comfortably against her shoulder.
"I get why he's obsessed."
The brunette teased.
"Obsessed?"
Valeriya laughed.
"Please."
"Oh, he absolutely is."
The blonde replied.
The tan blonde nodded.
"If I looked like you, I'd be obsessed too."
Valeriya covered her face while everyone laughed.
For the first time in months, she felt completely relaxed.
Then the bedroom door opened.
"..."
The room fell silent.
The Son stood in the doorway.
His gaze swept across the room.
The blankets.
The drinks.
The women surrounding his girlfriend.
His jaw clenched immediately.
"What is this?"
"We stole your girlfriend."
The green-haired girl replied proudly.
"You what?"
"She's ours now."
The brunette added.
Valeriya bit back a laugh.
"Relax."
"Relax?"
She stood and approached him.
"You've barely had time for me lately."
"So you replaced me?"
"No."
Valeriya smirked.
"I found people willing to spend time with me."
The girls immediately nodded.
"We adore her."
The blonde said.
"She's adorable."
"And she's way nicer than you."
The brunette added.
The Son looked genuinely offended.
The realization hit everyone at once.
He wasn't angry.
He was jealous.
"Aww."
The green-haired girl grinned.
"He's jealous."
"Shut up."
The Son muttered.
Valeriya stepped closer and straightened his jacket.
"You know..."
"If you'd spent more time with me, this wouldn't have happened."
His eyes narrowed.
"You're enjoying this."
"A little."
The room erupted into laughter.
Valeriya reached up and kissed his cheek.
The Son froze for half a second.
"Oh my God."
The brunette laughed.
"Look at him."
"He's pouting."
"I'm not."
The Son replied.
He absolutely was.
Valeriya slipped comfortably under his arm while the girls continued laughing.
Judging by the possessive way his hand settled around her waist, however, The Son had already decided he wasn't sharing his girlfriend for much longer.