SEEKING REDEMPTION

Chapter Seven 

Alex

My heart sank as I watched Camilla walk out of my office. She wore a quick, unreadable look on her face as she left. She was calm, elegant, and distant. I barely recognized her. This wasn’t the same woman I’d divorced so easily. Camilla used to be soft-spoken, gentle, the woman who waited and had hoped that I will one day her, and at least make time for her. But, she was a different person now, confident, strong, commanding—she was new person, a CEO. And I’d been too blind to see it.

But now, seeing her walk away from me, every step felt like a punishment I deserved. I’d hurt her badly, without a second thought, all for the love that I thought I had for Alessia. And what had that gotten me now? A life that felt more like a hollow display in a horror movie.

It has been three days since Camilla left my office, saying she’d “think about the partnership.” I’d been hoping she’d call, but each day passed without words from her. 

With a heavy heart, I picked up my phone, ready to dial her number, but my finger hovered over the call button. What was I doing? Did I really think she’d pick up? I’d thrown her away years ago, treating her like a phase, something disposable until the real one came along.

I put the phone down, sinking into my thoughts. Regret flowed through me, pictures playing in my mind like scenes I couldn’t escape. I remembered the way Camilla used to look at me, her eyes soft, gentle. She’d been encouraging, understanding—qualities I’d never valued.

I’d barely looked at her, brushing off her words as if they were just a bother. “Camilla, I… I don’t feel anything for you. Alessia’s back, and I need to give us a chance.” I felt my words piercing her, but she wouldn't react, just silent with thr hope that I will soon look at her.

I could still see her innocently asleep the night I left the envelope on her bed with a note that our marriage was over.

I was not there to see her reaction, I knew she was hurt. 

I imagined Her face went pale, and she’d nodded slowly. She hadn’t fought, hadn’t broken down. She just accepted it, her silence louder than anything she could’ve said. It was like she’d decided not to burden me with her pain.

I shook off the memories that lined in my heart, the regrets eating at me. I’d loved Alessia, maybe I thought I had. She’d swept back into my life from Paris, beautiful and full of excitement, and I’d fallen for her all over again. But I didn't understand who she’d become. Alessia was someone who craved for luxury, who loved power and attention, who always wanted more. And I’d let her pull me in, thinking it was love.

In fact, it was a show. A shallow act where I was simply a prop in her world.

The knock on my office door snapped me back. My secretary stepped in, looking defeated. “Mr. Alex?” she called, her voice soft.

I looked up, trying to pull myself together.

“We received a message from Ava Ltd.”

My heart jumped. “Okay?”

She looked at me, a hint of pity in her eyes. “They declined the partnership.”

Her words hit me like a punch. “What?” I managed, barely able to breathe.

“They declined,” she repeated.

I sat back, the weight of it tearing in. Camilla had really turned us down. I’d thought this partnership would be my chance to work close to her, to finally apologise, maybe even make things right. Without her, everything felt useless now.

“ According to the last meeting, the product release is in a week,” my secretary added. “Should we start proposing to other companies?”

I shook my head, desperation taking over. “No. Send a message to the production team—halt everything. We’re postponing the product launch.”

She looked at me, shocked. “Sir?”

“Do it,” I said firmly. “And hold on all meetings until further notice.”

As she left, the quietness pushed down on me. I knew delaying the Launch was risky, but none of it mattered to me without Camilla. This wasn’t just about business. I’d been carrying around this guilt, this need to make amends. And working with, even just in a partnership, was the only thing that felt like it could ease that weight.

She has been on my mind since that day I saw her picture in the papers. Everything was useless to me until that day and I felt the urge to propose a partnership deal to her- the only way I thought could make her see me.

Her presence in my office gave me hope that I never thought existed. 

But I was disappointed when she left my office without signing the contract, Just words that she would get back to me. Yes she did, but this rejection is hit me.

I couldn't shake the thought of her from my mind since she left my office. I've never felt like this about anyone for the past five years.

I’d been trying to live in this empty marriage with Alessia, telling myself this was the life I’d chosen. But Camilla… she’d been my rock, the quiet, steady force I never valued until now.

After yet another night at the office, I chose to go home. I hadn’t been back in nearly a week, and I told myself I should check in on Alessia. But as I parked outside,

I was welcomed with loud music as usual. I sighed. Alessia was celebrating something again, though what, I couldn’t imagine.

Inside, the house was dim, the air thick with the smell of booze. Alessia was on the couch, surrounded by empty bottles, her hair messy, her eyes glassy.

“Hey, baby!” she mumbled, staggering toward me. I tried to support her, but she was a mess, her hands holding me.

“Alessia, you’re drunk,” I said, gently trying to pull her away.

She laughed, ignoring me. “Just a little celebration. Come on, Alex, don’t be so serious.”

She tried to kiss me, but the smell of booze made my stomach turn. I gently turned my head away.

“Alessia, please, stop,” I said, furious.

But she wouldn’t. As she leaned forward, she suddenly lurched, and I felt warmth splash across my shirt. She’d thrown up on me. I pulled back, terrified, quickly taking off my tie and jacket.

“Alessia, come on. Let’s get you cleaned up,” I said, guiding her to the bathroom.

As I helped her, a deep sense of frustration and emptiness set in. This wasn’t the life I wanted. I wasn’t her husband—I was a caregiver, picking up the pieces every time she spiraled. This is why I have chosen to abandon my house. My office is more of a home to me now.

I thought back to the early days with Alessia, the thrill she’d brought, the energy. She was a storm, everything I thought I wanted. But I hadn’t seen the fears that lay beneath. Her time in Paris had changed her, made her desperate for praise, for fame. She’d wanted me, not out of love, but because I was another piece of the life she wanted to build.

As I cleaned myself up, I realized how wrong I’d been. Alessia wasn’t who I’d told myself she was. And now I was living in the shadow of that mistake, haunted by what I’d given up.

Memories of Camilla filled my mind—her kindness, the way she’d cared for me quietly, selflessly. She’d put my needs first, never expecting anything in return. And I’d left her, tossed her aside for a dream. 

I laid on the bed with different possibilities running in my head.

I knew what I had to do. My mind was made up. Camilla was in San Francisco, and so was Ava Ltd. It wasn’t just about business; being close to her made me feel alive, like there was something real to hold onto again.

As I booked my flight, a part of me paused. Was it fair to go after her like this? Would she see right through me, see this as just another selfish move?

I took a breath, trying to calm myself. Yes, part of this was for me. I wanted to go near her again, to find a way to ease the guilt that had been eating me since I left her. But I also needed her to know I was sorry, to understand that I’d changed.

If she saw through me, if she turned me away, I’d have to accept that. But I couldn’t let her go without trying.

The next morning, I was on a plane to San Francisco, my heart beating with a mixture of hope and fear. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this might be my last shot. If I could earn her forgiveness, maybe I could finally find peace. And if not, I’d know I’d done everything I could.

I knew I didn’t deserve her kindnes

s, but I was willing to fight for it.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was doing something that mattered.