Camilla
As I got Ava ready for school, the morning felt less light than normal. I dropped her off, but my mind couldn't stop thinking about New York and that terrible meeting with him. Alex. He took me by surprise. I would have turned down the proposal right away if I had known he was behind it. But the name of the company was different, so I thought I was talking with one of New York's bright new business owners. A relationship with one of the fastest-growing companies in the country seemed like it would be a great idea. I wouldn't have gone into that office at all if I knew it was Alex's. I have made up my mind. I won't partner with his company. I sent my decline mail three days ago. I’d even let other offers slip by, thinking this one was worth the work. Now, I buried myself in new ideas, determined to find fresh, satisfying chances that had nothing to do with him. Still, my thoughts kept wandering back, memories pricking at the edges of my focus. --- I remembered that day so clearly, my world breaking as I watched him with Alessia, and not even quietly. They’d been wrapped around each other, careless, making love freely for everyone to see. As if I’d meant nothing. I’d felt broken, embarrassed, and I’d left that place with the hope that he will come to understand his mistakes. With the hope that the baby forming inside me will make him love me. But, he brought me a divorce paper like it was a normal paper. I left, never to let him hurt me again. I shook off the thought, focusing on the screen in front of me. I was better now. Stronger. I’d built a business on my own, and I didn’t need his approval, his apologies, or his deals. I’d survived his deception, and I was thriving. That part of my life was over. A knock on my office door brought me back to the present. Elizabeth stepped in, her face a mix of joy and worry. “Miss Camilla,” she said, coming closer. “There’s a visitor from a major company here to see you.” I frowned, scanning my mental calendar. “Here to see me? Did he give his name?” Elizabeth paused, a flicker of worry crossing her face. “No, he didn’t. But he’s a well-known billionaire.” A strange feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. "A well-known billionaire..." My mind raced. Who Could it be? I shook the thought away, trying to stay calm. “Alright, let him in,” I said, keeping my tone steady. As Elizabeth left, I noticed the odd buzz outside my office. People moving around, whispers. Something was off. I took a deep breath, telling myself that whoever walked through that door was just another friend, someone I could handle, no matter who he was. The door opened, and my heart dropped. Alex. He looked different—sharper, more confident—but still every bit the man who’d torn my world apart. There was a pause in his look, though, something I hadn’t seen before. He looked… nervous. But he was still perfectly dressed, every inch the successful, powerful CEO. “Hi, Camilla,” he said softly, moving closer. I took a moment, pushing myself to settle my breathing. I’d imagined this meeting so many times, practiced the words I’d say if I ever saw him again. But now, standing in front of him, words felt inadequate. “What are you doing here, Alex?” I finally said, keeping my voice cool. He paused, his eyes moving to the floor, then back up to me. “I didn’t want you to misunderstand. This partnership… it’s strictly professional. I know we have a past, but this could help us both.” I crossed my arms, feeling the anger rush up. “How did you even find my office?” “The address was in the information you provided for the proposal,” he responded, his voice quiet. Of course. I should have known he’d find a way. I kept my expression bland, but inside, the memories flashed through me like a storm, every wound he’d left still raw beneath the surface. “Alex, I need you to leave,” I said, my voice firm. “I don’t want to see you. I don’t want to work with you.” He looked at me, his face stiffening, and took a step closer, despair flashing in his eyes. “Camilla, please…” His voice was quiet, almost begging. A part of me twisted terribly, but I forced myself to stay strong. “If you even think of touching me, I’ll have you thrown in jail, Alex.” He flinched, hurt flashing across his face. “Please, just listen. I’m sorry. I know I hurt you, and I don’t deserve anything from you. But this partnership… it’s only business. It doesn’t have to be personal.” The anger boiled hotter, but beneath it, I felt the deep pang of betrayal, the reminder that I was just a choice to him. He was here because he needed me—not because he regretted his deeds, not because he cared, but because he wanted something. Just like always. “Maybe you should read the message I sent to your company again,” I said, my voice ice. “I’m not interested in anything that involves you, Alex.” He looked at me, horrified, but I didn’t flinch. This was my life now, and I’d come too far to let him drag me back. “This is the last time you’ll set foot in my office,” I added, each word slow and deliberate. “If I see you here again, you’ll be in jail.” He opened his mouth as if to say something but stopped, his face a mix of sorrow and sadness. For a moment, I almost thought he might actually apologize, say something real. But instead, he simply nodded, turned, and walked toward the door. I watched as he left, each step ringing like the end of something I’d been holding onto without realizing it. As soon as the door closed, a sharp pain pulsed in my head. I pressed my fingers to my temples, breathing deeply. How had I ever allowed this guy to hurt me? I walked over to the window, looking out at the city. The skyline stretched far, a reflection of the future I was making for myself. But something caught my eye below—a crowd forming outside the building. People were coming in, cameras flashing, media pushing forward. I felt a pang of dread. What was going on? Elizabeth popped her head in just then, looking stressed. “Miss Camilla, the building is… busier than usual.” “What do you mean?” I asked, frowning. “It’s his presence, the man,” she said, almost sheepishly. “He’s so well-known, the media must have spotted him. There are press and fans outside. The word’s spreading fast.” Of course. His fame. Even after everything, his appearance still drew attention, still controlled the stage. But not my life—not anymore. I straightened, feeling a rush of pride. I was free of him, stronger now. This was my company, my success, and he was just another visitor. His world was no longer mine. Without another thought, I went downstairs, determined to handle whatever chaos awaited.AlexAs the Plane touched down in San Francisco, my mind was confused. I had no clue what I would say to her. Part of me wanted to keep things professional, but another part of me understood why I was here. I wanted to make things right. But would she really listen? Does it matter to her? As I stepped off the aeroplane, I was surrounded by a swarm of reporters, mics, and cameras, all pointed at me. They'd been waiting, recognising me and probably wondering why I was there. It was one of the many reasons I hate flying in public. Fortunately, security interfered, clearing the way for me.When I got to my hotel room, I took a deep breath and focused on why I was here. I'd planned everything and practiced my comments a hundred times, but suddenly I was second-guessing everything. This is business, I told myself, just business. But I knew I was lying. I wanted the deal, but I also wanted her kindness and respect. Maybe a second chance.---The following day, I walked into Camilla's office
As we left the house, I realized that this was the first time all week that I wasn't working. My work has recently kept me busy, stopping me from spending quality time with my daughter Ava. She was the source of my drive and heart. Too many of the responsibilities of being a mother and father swamped me. I got a dull pain in my mind when I thought of Alex, the guy who had made our lives so tough. Last week, his surprise visit to my workplace brought back feelings I thought I had buried for a long time. These feelings were full of anger and hatred. As soon as I saw Ava's lovely face as we got into the car, I felt better. Her excitement extended to everyone else. These moments reminded me why I worked so hard: to make her happy. She was my prize, and everything to me. The trip to the park was busy. Ava was a chatterbox, asking questions of Elizabeth, my secretary, and Marta, our maid. Ava had named her as her "personal assistant," which she took seriously. While they laughed and answ
AlexFour days had passed since I made the public announcement regarding the partnership with Ava Ltd. Four days of silence, and each passing instant seemed like a period that would never end.No reaction from Camila, no letter or phone call. Not even a simple note rejecting the offer. The previous time I attempted to contact her, at least I received a mail of her rejection. This time, her silence was like a noose tightening around my chest. I couldn’t help but think of the moment I made the statement to the press. I felt I was doing the right thing then,— I thought it was a confident move to show the world I was making great moves for the future of my company. Deep inside me, however, I knew I’d done it to push her into action, to urge her to be near to me. I believed it might push her into consenting, or at least, into some type of contact. Instead, I’d been met with nothing but quietness, and now I understood exactly how much I’d look down on her. Camilla was no longer the wo
Camilla I was barely keeping myself together. Alex’s presence in the room felt like a thorn driven deeper with every breath I took. Ava was so calm, her small chest rising and falling in modest motions, but all I could think about was the what-ifs. What if she hadn’t been rescued in time? God forbid.I looked at Alex out of the corner of my eye, the guy who had once been my whole world and who had crushed me so thoroughly. He had rescued Ava, and for that, I was thankful. But appreciation didn’t remove the years of bitterness seething in my breast. “Thank you for saving her,” I murmured, my voice chilly, disconnected. I couldn’t force myself to meet his look. My hands twitched in my lap, a nervous habit I couldn’t quite stop. He didn’t answer right immediately, and I could feel his eyes on me, examining me like a problem he was attempting to solve. When he finally spoke, his voice was subdued, almost timid. “Is she your daughter?” The question felt like a blow to the bell
AlexAs the plane lifted off, San Francisco became a blur of lights and distant shadows in the sky. My chest felt heavy, as if the weight of failure was pressing down on me. I had come here resolved to accomplish two goals: establish the Ava Ltd. partnership and, maybe, get my life back on track. The reverse was true; as I prepared to go, I felt only grief and regret.The image of Camilla standing at David's side stayed with me. Her expressionless face had been warm and welcoming, like standing in the sun. When David came, her whole attitude changed—her shoulders relaxed, and a lovely serenity descended over her. It was more than just being comfortable; it was the easiness of being with someone who really cared. "They're married," I said, clutching the cushion of my seat. It was as if saying the words would confirm their validity, yet I knew in my heart that it was true. David had what I had thrown away: her trust, love, and heart. Seeing them together was a gut punch, a reminder of
Camilla Ava was strong now, giggling earlier in the day as she showed off her new doll to Marta. It was as if nothing had occurred, as if she hadn’t been hauled, limp and gasping, from the ocean only days previously. But the thought of her little body laying in the hospital bed tormented me.I could still hear the monitor’s constant beeping and saw the oxygen mask covering her little face. The doctor had told me that she would recover entirely, but no amount of assurances could remove the guilt eating at me.I had failed her.Who should I blame? Myself, for not looking at her properly? Marta, who had been too engrossed by her phone to see Ava going near the pool? Or the personnel at the park, who hadn’t thought to construct a barrier around the water?I wanted to yell at all of us. Ava may have died because none of us had done our responsibilities as her guards.I stood at the window, peering out at the garden below. Ava was seated cross-legged on the lawn with Marta, chatting animat
CAMILLA I glanced at my watch. Twenty-eight minutes to go. The waiting room was silent, the faint hum of the air conditioner doing nothing to alleviate my anxiety. Ava’s face sprang in my mind—her smiles, the way her small hand slipped perfectly within mine. It had been nearly twenty four hours since I left, and the guilt of being gone stood at me. I pulled out my phone and called Marta’s number, but the call connected just as I remembered Ava would be in school. Letting out a sigh, I spoke to her, and she said Ava's fine. I’ll call David after the meeting,I mumbled to myself, already picturing him taking Ava for ice cream. It was a slight consolation, knowing she’d have someone who could make her happy. To distract myself, I opened the folder with notes for the press meeting. Each inquiry I expected felt heavier than the previous. My replies needed to be perfect—not just for me, but for Ava Ltd. This wasn’t just about reputation; it was about demonstrating that I'm capable of t
ALEX I tried to be collected throughout the interview, but the moment she stepped into the room, my confidence wavered. She appeared composed and self-assured, carrying an elegance that made the air in the room seem heavier. Her fitted blue suit held her wonderfully, the immaculate white shirt underneath it accentuating her inherent elegance. The rhythmic click of her heels hitting the floor mirrored her confidence as she took the seat next me, dominating the area easily. It wasn’t just her beauty that threw me off—it was her whole personality. She was no longer the lady who previously depended on me. Camilla had evolved into someone tough, someone who didn’t need anyone—especially me. I snuck glances as she answered the interviewer’s questions with ease. Her sentences were measured, her tone calm. It was hard to compare this version of Camilla with the woman I previously knew, the one who'd always waited for my direction and hoped that one day I'd see her efforts. A recolle
CAMILLA Her voice swelled and echoed down the silent hall. My heart raced in my ears, and my hands trembled. I jerked my arm free and stepped back, angry at her."Let me make this clear, Alessia," I murmured, my voice wavering slightly. "Alex makes his own choices. "If he left you, it was because of you, not me."Her face twisted with rage, and her lips curled into a scowl. Her contemptuous gaze swept across me. Then, suddenly, she shoved me hard.The push caused me to stumble. My heel got snagged on the smooth floor, and I couldn't restore my balance. My leg smashed with the sharp edge of the wall, causing pain. I gasped and collapsed to the ground, gripping my hurting leg.Tears distorted my vision, and I strained to breathe. The pain was intense, acute, and relentless, affecting my entire body.Alessia stood above me, her expression frigid and immovable. "This is just the beginning," she said, her voice cold.Her heels clicked against the floor as she stomped away, the noise becom
CAMILLAThe applause filled the room like a warm wave, wrapping around me and reminding me why I had given so much of myself to Ava LTD. Every cheer and smile from the investors felt like a pat on the back, encouraging me that my struggles had been worthwhile. Ava LTD was more than just a business; it was my lifeblood, the one thing I could rely on after Alex crushed me.I looked out into the hallway and saw faces filled with enthusiasm and acceptance. Their admiring comments and the way they leaned in while I talked warmed my heart. They believed in me and what I had built, and that belief inspired me to dream larger. This was my chance to prove that I was no longer the broken woman Alex had left behind.Julie leaned over, her eyes blazing. "They love it," she said quietly. "They really do."I grinned and nodded. "They should," I responded. "We've poured everything into this."As the meeting came to a close, I started taking notes. But then I noticed a towering, elegant figure that s
ALEX Camilla stepped in with her head held high and her presence imposing. She donned a navy-blue dress that matched her beautiful assurance. Julie walked behind her, carrying some documents, but Camilla remained focused on the task at hand. Her professionalism served as a screen against the mayhem that lingered around her. I couldn't take my gaze away. She noticed me gazing and softened her eyes briefly before turning away. My heart wrenched cruelly. ______We took our seats on the elevated platform. The hall was packed with expectant faces, including investors and staff. Camilla and I sat side by side. The Q&A session began, and the room fell silent. Investors, journalists, and company executives sat forward in their seats, eager to examine every word. The first query came from a man dressed in a gray suit, his voice steady and professional. "How do you plan to ensure this product stands out in such a competitive market?" Camilla leaned closer, her expression confident yet
ALEXThe silence in the car felt oppressive as I drove back from Camilla's apartment. Her words echoed in my thoughts, each phrase like a fresh wound. "Alex, I don't want you close anymore. Not outside our partnership." Her voice, steady but tinged with finality, played repeatedly. I held the steering wheel tighter, the ache in my chest acute and constant. She had shut the door to her heart, locking me out. And this time, there was no uncertainty or crack in her determination. I was left standing outside, hoping for a miracle that may never arrive. My thoughts moved to Ava. Her brilliant smile appeared in my imagination, a spark of brightness in the dark. I remembered how happy she was when she saw me at her school today. Her smile made me pleased, and I felt I was coming near to fulfilling my dream, but it came crashing down at my feet.Yesterday at the supermarket, she spotted me from the corner of the aisle and when I approached her, her eyes beamed with excitement as she scr
Camilla. As soon as I opened the door, Ava jumped off the couch, her bag still hanging on one shoulder and her drawing book held securely in one hand. Her big, expectant eyes looked beyond me, filled with hope. "Where is Big Uncle?" she said, her voice brimming with innocence and delight. I froze for a moment, my stomach wrenching. I expected this question, but that didn't make it any simpler to answer. "Honey," I murmured, attempting a grin that did not reach my eyes; "he had an important meeting to attend. He promised to return another day. The words tasted harsh and heavy as they left my tongue. I could feel the tightness rising in my chest, my fingers clenching into fists at my sides. Alex had no plans to return—not if I had anything to say about it. I couldn't dispute that Ava adored him. It terrified me how quickly she'd become attached. Her sparkling eyes faded, and her little shoulders sagged under the weight of disappointment. She fiddled with a corner of her sketc
CAMILLA The stillness between us was oppressive and crushing. I could feel his eyes penetrating through me, as if he was trying to read my thoughts and figure out how I felt. My heart thudded terribly in my chest, and I struggled to keep my expression neutral. But then he spoke, his tone gentle and almost hesitant."I'm sorry."Those two words struck me harder than intended. I blinked in amazement at the unexpected apologies. Alex never apologised. Not back then. Not after he left me devastated and damaged. Especially not when I asked him to stay. His coldness had always been impenetrable, and hearing him apologize made my chest constrict with mixed emotions.For a brief moment, I sensed a spark of something—hope? But I pushed it down immediately. I couldn't let myself believe it. Not again. His words had previously caused me to believe in a love that never existed. Was this just another one of his schemes?I examined him closely, noting how his jaw clinched slightly and his hands fi
CamillaAva's enthusiasm twisted my heart. She took Alex's hand as they walked to his car, her little feet leaping with each step and her face beaming with joy. I could not bring myself to stop her. I wanted to, I truly did. I wanted to call her back and remind her of the boundaries I had set. But, how could I? How could I ruin that joy, that innocence, simply because I was afraid?She was so carefree and full of faith. And there it was: the terrible sting of jealousy. She was more than just thrilled to see him. She was thrilled to be with him. How readily she welcomed him into her world, without hesitation, and without the barriers I had built up over the years. It was as if he had never hurt me, as if his absence for all these years had no significance.My hands tightened over the steering wheel, my fingers throbbing as I struggled to keep my emotions under control. This wasn't only about Ava's happiness. No, it was about him. It always returned to him. Alex. The man who crushed my
ALEX The bell rang, and within minutes, children flooded out of the school, filling the air with laughter and conversation. My heart beat as I scanned the crowd. Then I saw Ava. Her bag thumped against her little back, and she held her food flask in one hand. Her neat locks flowed with each stride, but something about her appeared different. She appeared more collected and less fun than normal, almost as if she were carrying more than a child her age should."My princess," I said, straining my voice to seem light.Ava's eyes brightened as she spotted me. "Big uncle!" she said, racing towards me. Her laughter filled the air as I bent down to catch her and take her into my arms."You fulfilled your promise!" She giggled and wrapped her arms around my neck."Of course," I replied, smiling as I held her close. "You know you are my princess. I always keep my promises."She nodded fervently, her enthusiasm contagious. "School was fine today. "I received a star for my drawing!" she said, sh
ALEXThe drive to work felt longer than usual, though traffic was not an issue, but silence. It was the kind of silence that grabs you by the throat and won't let go. My mind was racing with ideas, all of which circled back to the same instant. Camilla's voice rang in my head, trembling like it had when I told her the truth."Ava is my daughter too." * The line I had crossed. I couldn't keep the truth buried any longer. But rather than bringing down her walls, it appeared to strengthen them. There was a long pause after I said that, a hush so thin it felt like it would snap. I could still picture it. Her fingers was presumably clasped tightly around the phone, her thoughts racing. Then her voice broke through, piercing and icy. * "I'm done with this." * I called her after she hung up, desperate to repair the damage. But each time, it went directly to voicemail. I called again. And again. Nothing. The silence at the other end was deafening. Her phone was off, which was unusual f