Camilla's POVI was surprised when I walked into yet another mansion in my few days of being Ariana. This one dazzled even more than Blaine's. I was quick to catch his warning gaze. I lowered my head instinctively. He grasped me strongly by my upper arm and pulled me thisclose but not close enough for our bodies to touch.“This is my whole extended family we'll be meeting tonight. I don't want you blowing our cover. You're a high profile business owner. Eat, drink, speak and laugh like one. Understood?"I looked up at him out of the corner of my eyes. He had made his point. When I am in the confines of my room, I still have my hearty laughter. It's just that I feel somewhat insulted by this singular act.“Have they met Ariana before?"He let go of my arm and stuffed his hands into his pockets. If only he could touch me with the amount of kindness and respect that I desired.“Yes, a couple of times, and attitude-wise, you're nothing like her. You don't know how to put up a cold front,
Blaine's POVI got out of the car before her and stomped into the mansion. I told Charles to help her out with the bags. The maid also followed him. While I was at the dinner, my phone had buzzed a bit too frequently. I rushed up to my study and checked my call logs. It was the family lawyer. Whatever had gone wrong? I dialed his number.“Hello? I'm sorry about that. I thought you were at dinner too."“I think someone wants to dig up our case again. I don't know what this person is driving at but I know you understand the consequences should this case be reopened."I rubbed my forehead frantically. Why now? Why here, at this point? Everything my family had fought for."But there weren't any documents for evidence of all charges. You know that.”"Yes, but who knows what they have up their sleeves this time. I hope it's rather an individual than the state.”"I hope so too. We can't stand another scandal at this point.”Just then, Camilla opened the door and walked in like a ghost."I've
Blaine's POV“Oh shit!"I reached for the digital clock and put it off. I had made a mental note to wake up early today. I had to go see the lawyer and make arrangements for the case to be closed. Whoever this person was that was requesting a reopening of my family's case, had to be be in need of a little money. And I will gladly offer more than a little.Mr Charles was up already but I couldn't find Rosalena in the kitchen.“No breakfast?"He turned to look at me.“Blaine. You're up already? I thought to heat up something for you from what Ms George came back with last night. Rosalena is quite disoriented this morning."“What happened?" I asked as I walked over to the kitchen counter.“She had broken two mugs this morning while trying to make coffee and she burnt the last steak."All in the space of a few minutes before I woke up.“Please, find out from her what the issue is and give me the feedback. She can take the day off. I have an appointment to catch up with."I noticed the way
Camilla's POV“Alright, Mr Charles. I'll join her in the kitchen. Thanks for the information aforehand."“Alright. I'll be off now."He closed the door and I exhaled heavily. That was a close call. I couldn't have risked being caught at that moment. I shut down the computer and looked up at the shelf again. My eyes were fixed on the file, and I suddenly understood that my view of the Sanders had changed forever. Did they use all that money for their family business? But how come they aren't as rich as the Bernados? From what I have observed, I think this marriage between Ariana and Blaine is more of a strengthening of contracts and alliances. Does Ariana's family know about this?I took my cup of ice cream and went down to the kitchen to join Ms Rosalena. I saw her by the counter.“Good morning, Ms Rosalena."She jerked back to the present. I guessed she had long dissociated from her immediate surroundings.“Ah…Ms Bernado. I'm sorry. Good morning. I was…I was carried away in my though
Camilla's POVHe almost choked on the very air he breathed. My satisfaction knew no bounds. I guess he could finally have a taste of his own medicine and be in my shoes. His face turned white with mixed emotions.“What did you say?" He asked in a hoarse near-whisper when he finally found his voice.I had a smug smile on my face. Who sis he thinks he was anyway? King of the universe?“You heard me right; you better start speaking."He edged closer to me, almost entering my room. I barred the way with one arm, and kept him at a reasonable distance away from me with the other.“Who are you?" He asked with anxiety eating deep into his voice.“Just Camilla George", I replied, feeling all the more powerful. “Not Ariana Bernado."His apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. His eyes became vicious.“I know you are Camilla, but who do you work for?"I laughed a short laugh that was more of insulting.“I work for you. I'm sure the Bernados have no idea of your family's dirty history and dubiously ac
Camilla's POVSomeone was chasing me, and catching up pretty fast. The whole area was so dark and wide that I didn't have the slightest idea where I was going. And this person seemed powerful too. When I felt that the heat had gone off a bit, I turned to look back, in attempt to get a glimpse of his face but I slipped and fell hard to the floor but when I opened my eyes, Blaine was beneath me, cushioning me from the fall.I jolted awake, panting from the dream and turned on the lights. I was breathing and perspiring like I had actually been in a race. I took my phone. It was just one am.“Oh, God!"I got out of bed and headed quietly downstairs to the kitchen to get some water. My throat felt parched. As I poured some water into the glass, I decided that a cup of ice cream would be helpful. I wonder what would happen when I had exhausted the whole supply of it. I took a cup of strawberry flavor ice cream and picked a spoon from the drawer. That's how I sat down to an early dessert.I
Camilla's POVI noticed the way his eyes carefully avoided my mid section. He had his glasses off so I couldn't get a hint of what he was watching on his computer. He had finally given me word that no harm would come to me or my mother, and that he would carry out investigations where necessary if wind of the scandal got out, before taking any action. Another go for me. I thanked him and returned to my room.Back in the comfort and privacy of my room, a new hatred sprang up in my heart towards him. From the look of things, his family had a way of getting out of disastrous situations. Why should I even consider being lenient or faint of heart in dealing with him. Somebody somewhere and somehow had to buy whatever it was I was going to sell about the Sanders.Yes! Ariana's mother would. She would buy it - hook, line and sinker. This way, I'd be able to take home some more money even after the contract was over. I could go to see her later today and discuss a little about the family her
Camilla's POVI traipsed to the glass door panel and rang the doorbell. I was eager to spill all the tea I had ready. Since she already knew I wasn't her precious Ariana, she could at least bear to listen to the vital information I had for her. She hurried to the door with so much excitement that I had to turn and look around to be sure that she was really happy to see me, or if there was someone else behind me - possibly Ariana.She opened the door and embraced me ever so warmly.“Good afternoon…”"Mother. Just call me mother. Your fiancé’s half brother is here. I just left him in the kitchen. So let's act like we're just mother and daughter who are catching up with each other.”Half brother? Did she mean Karl? What was he doing here by the way? I didn't realize when my face twisted into a scowl."Alright, mother. Thanks for the prompt.”We disengaged from the hug and she led me by the hand into the kitchen, still maintaining her excited front."Karl, my baby just stopped by to see m
Ariana POVAs I entered the room, all eyes swiveled towards me with a palpable sense of incredulity. "Ariana?" Blaine breathed out in a daze of astonishment and bewilderment.After hearing about the attack, my heart was racing as I replied, "Yes it's me. I came right away."Blaine inquired with an aura of tension, "What brings you here?""I needed to witness it firsthand. There's a lot that has gone awry, and I believe it is high time we have a conversation," I stated while glancing back and forth at Marcus, Elena, and Cherry who remained quiet in the distance."You want to talk about what?" Marcus challenged, defensively crossing his arms. "After being in a coma and suddenly showing up now? We thought you were...""I understand," I reassured him, my voice now calm and composed. "Although he may be gone, I am alive. After all, I was hospitalized for the purpose of recuperating.""What do you mean recover? Is it from your accident?" Elena asked, her eyes narrowing."I unearthed somethi
Marcus POVAs the gunshot reverberated through the air, it seemed to herald an ominous fate. Suddenly alert and tense with a rush of adrenaline, I whipped around to face the masked figures whose demeanor had now changed from self-assuredness to bewilderment. My heart was thudding as I demanded in a loud voice: "What on earth just occurred?"The leader shouted, "Keep your distance!" as he pointed his gun at Blaine. His eyes betrayed hints of terror - clearly the sudden outburst had caught him off-guard.With my heart racing, I yelled Blaine's name and swiftly positioned myself between him and the assailant. "We must flee this place at once!" I exclaimed with a surge of adrenaline.Blaine commanded the crowd to calm down, his voice unwavering despite the heightened atmosphere. "It's in everyone's best interest for this situation not to intensify."A second collision echoed from the rear of the estate, accompanied by footfall sounds before we could respond. "We have company," I whispered
Elena POVAs the silhouette in the darkness pulled a sly grin, I felt my heart surge. It turned out to be Cherry Hill, Blaine's initial flame. "Oh look what we have here," she jeered as she made her way into view under the spotlight.Asking Cherry what she was doing there, I attempted to maintain a steady tone."Simply relishing the performance. You both seem remarkably intimate," she retorted, her gaze sparkling mischievously."Go away, Cherry. We're not interested in playing games," snapped Marcus as he guarded me defensively."My dear, this is anything but a game," she declared with heavy sarcasm. "I've been privy to some rather interesting details regarding your beloved initiative.""Cherry, tell me your desire," Marcus stated with tense fists.Her expression calculating, she responded: "I possess information that has the potential to either benefit or harm you."I questioned her motives and asked, "What is your reason for helping us?"Cherry twirled a strand of hair around her fi
Marcus POVThe intensity of our shared purpose had strengthened the bond between Elena and me. However, as time went on, we both felt increasingly burdened by the enormity of our duties. I completed my morning routine and found Elena sitting at the dining table deep in concentration, her brow furrowed while she stared intently at her laptop screen.As I poured myself a cup of coffee, I inquired, "Are you okay?"Abruptly, she gazed upwards with a blend of worry and resolve etched onto her face. "I've been analyzing our social media engagement numbers," she stated firmly. "Unfortunately, we're not gaining ground."Leaning in, I was fascinated. "What are you trying to say? Didn't our previous rally go smoothly?"Her response came as such, "Although it had an initial boost in engagement, we have observed a decline. Hence, we must seek ways to rekindle interest," she stated while tapping her fingers on the keyboard".I proposed, "Let's arrange a subsequent event - one that showcases the pe
ELENA POVAs we embraced each other, basking in our shared heat, the environment around us dissolved into nothingness. Though unremarkable at first glance, this instance of togetherness conveyed immeasurable depths about our relationship and the path we traveled together.As the night descended, we retreated to the interior of our abode where a tranquil ambiance enveloped us. Our companions had dispersed for the evening, leaving us with an unusual moment of seclusion."Maybe we could watch a movie or something?" Marcus proposed with a playful tone.I chuckled at the sheer simplicity of the idea. "That seems to be just what we need! Perhaps something light?"Seated on the couch, bathed in the soothing radiance of TV illumination, a much-needed sense of routine permeated through me as we watched those opening scenes - an undeniable comfort amidst our otherwise frenzied existence.As we watched the movie, our interaction was filled with fun teasing and fleeting chuckles; it was a clear s
MARCUS POVI was deeply moved by her genuineness, so I grasped her hand and weaved our fingers together. "Elena, my sentiments are mutual. We shall stand united through thick and thin."Her words touched me deeply with their sincerity, prompting an irresistible urge to draw closer. I leaned in and gently captured her lips with a kiss.As we kissed, the world stood still and time seemed to stretch on endlessly. The soft warmth of her lips conveyed a hopeful future for us as one unit.As we eventually separated, I nestled my forehead against hers and felt a definite bond between us. "I've been desiring to do that for some time," I disclosed in a hushed tone.Her laughter was a melody that elevated my mood and she said, "I'm happy you did."As we stayed there, holding one another tight, the struggles of life faded away. Though a modest moment in appearance, it was profound in illustrating our shared progress and unshakable connection.As the glowing sun descended below the horizon, color
ELENA POVHe softened his gaze and moved closer, providing a constant reassurance. "Elena, I share your feelings. We are united in this venture through thick and thin."His words were brimming with sincerity and they stirred something deep within me. I couldn't ignore the urge to move closer to him, so I leaned in and planted a tender kiss on his lips.As the moment stretched into eternity, it felt as though the entire world was holding its breath. His warm and tender lips against mine seemed to hold a promise of endless possibilities for what we could become together.As we finally bid goodbye, I leaned my forehead onto his and felt the palpable bond that existed between us. "I've been yearning to do this for a long time," I whispered tenderly.With a chuckle, he lifted my spirits with the melodic sound of his voice. "It brings me joy to hear that you did."In each other's embrace, we remained still for a while - oblivious to the woes of the world. An uncomplicated moment that convey
ELENA POVAs the sun descended beneath the horizon, casting a shimmering gold light over our sanctuary in the garden, we knew it was time to go. But even as we departed, we carried within us a poignant reminder of how much strength and support had blossomed between us.After the event, we were caught up in a whirlwind of activity as we planned our next steps. The excitement around us grew stronger, resulting in an inundation of inquiries for interviews and collaborations that became overwhelming. Despite daily challenges that cropped up along the way, every day brought opportunities to amplify our message beyond measure.Despite facing numerous challenges, the team persevered together. Blaine offered guidance to steer them in the right direction and Sarah's unwavering dedication towards helping others served as an inspiration for all. Jack's expertise kept them one step ahead of potential threats while Elena's steadfast determination shone brightly as a beacon of hope during difficult
MARCUS POVThe day following the rally appeared like a tranquil aftermath of charged emotions. The atmosphere was chilly and still, as if the planet waited in anticipation after our achievement. I stood next to the window overlooking the garden; my mind still teemed with vigor from yesterday's event. Our demonstration proved an immense victory that underscored both our resolution and solidarity.Elena accompanied me, her calm aura unchanged. Her hair was disheveled from resting and she held a teacup emitting steam in the chilly atmosphere.Her voice soft and warm, she greeted him with a "good morning."I responded, facing her. "Good morning. How do you feel today after yesterday?"With a smile and excited eyes that reflected my own enthusiasm, she expressed her feeling of being both exhilarated and slightly overwhelmed. The incredible turnout had taken her by surprise.Recalling the sea of faces and applause, I nodded in satisfaction. "Our impact was truly amazing."Together we stood