Kamille’s POV
Settling down in a new place had to be the worst job I had tried in my entire life. It wasn't as fun as it sounded afterall. Looking at the beautifully arranged and decorated house, I smiled in satisfaction. Now I just had one more thing to do to make settling in complete. I moved to the living room, sat on a sofa close to the window where I can admire the beautiful orchids growing wild up the terrace. After a few rings, a voice came on the other end of the line, “Hello, Miss Smith on the line. How may I help you?” The voice was warm and welcoming. I smiled. “I would like to hire a nanny for my kids.” She asked a couple of other questions before our call came to an end. My children deserved the best nanny since I was going to be busy here in London. I had no plans of exposing them to dirt I had to clean up. Darkness clouded the skies in no time. I went up to the children's room. The boys stayed together in separate beds, while Tyris had a room of her own pretty close to mine. “Time to go to bed kids.” I said interrupting their play. I was expecting the grumbling that came after the announcement every other night but none came. I tucked the boys in and picked up Tyris. I sat in the rocking chair close to the beds and began singing them a lullaby. White glows the Lillie's, Red glows the rose, Here lies my babies, I'm watching how they glow.. Early on in my marriage to Zeke, I always sang it to him. The thought brought back memories that I didn’t want to entertain. I smiled in pains as my children fell asleep. I sang for them every night. My eyes hurt. I rose up and took Tyris to her room. As soon as I closed the door, my eyes gave way to tears. I hurried back into my room and cried a little more. Shit! I had to do something. Fuck Zeke! I wiped my tears and left the room. I went down to the basement where I was yet to unpack a few boxes. I searched till I found my phone book tucked away in one of my bags. I smiled. I started running my eyes through the pages, followed by my index finger through every line till I found the numbers I was looking for right on the same page; one next to the other. Amanda and Belle, the only persons I can rely on in London unlike people I called Family. I quickly typed out the first number and just as I was about to hit the call button, I paused. This was it. This call would set the pace for what's about to hit my family and Zeke. I realeased a heavy breath I didn't realize I was holding, then I hit the call button. “Hello, this is Amanda, how may I help you?” she responded loud enough for me to hear. Loud music, DJ's mixtape, party cheers and loud chatters, she was at the club! Amanda was still the same free spirited young lady I knew. An excellent content creator with beautiful ideas. “Hello, who am I speaking with?” She asked jerking me back from my thoughts. “It's me, Kamille.” I replied with calm. No response and gradually the background noises became distant. “Now you fucking listen to me. I don't know what stupid games you're playing but if you decide to impersonate my friend, you'll wish it was actually you in the grave!” She yelled. My heart melted at her words of defense. I smiled and blinked away the tears that was forming at the corners of my eyes. “Oh Amanda, It is really me. I am alive and well. I am currently in London.” I replied in a calm tone. “I’m giving you one more chance to stop spitting lies from your mouth.” She replied still not convinced. I took a deep breath, “I know everyone thinks I died that day in the car accident but I didn’t. Well, I mean I almost did, but a good samaritan saved me. After the news went out that I was dead, I decided to leave the country and build a new life away from the challenges I was going through.” I explained. “Wait, Kamille, is this really you?” She asked calmly. “Yes, it is,” I responded. No response, then a little sniff from her end. “I'm sorry it's just so hard to believe that it is really you Kamille. It's been four fucking years!” She screamed. “I know and I'm sorry I'm only reaching out now.” I replied as I fiddled with the hem of my blouse. “Oh dear Kamille. How I missed you. I cried for so long. I want to see you. No, I need to feel you. Where are you?” She asked, her voice laced with too many emotions than words could fathom. I missed them too much more than I thought I did. I quickly texted her an address. With a strengthened resolve, I rang Belle’s home line. After a few rings she picked and greeted. “Hi, Belle, it’s Kamille, your friend,” I replied and awaited her response. She gasped, “Kamille, the dead Kamille?”. She was quite the opposite of Amanda; She is calm and composed. She was a dermatologist and had her life organized just like her response. “Yes,” I replied. “I mean, no. I didn’t die. I was saved and I had to travel out to the US after the news of my death spread.” I explained. She was too calm and collected. I didn't know if she believed it was me. Sighs. “Kamille, I don't know what to say. I mean I don't even know how to react to this.” She replied. “How about we meet? You, Amanda and myself at the spot I will text you now. Can you meet me there?” I asked. “Now? Why not? I will be on my way as soon as I get the text.” “Okay.” I replied, then the line went dead. I dropped the phone book and headed back to my room. I took a cold shower, thereafter I put on a pair of black leather jacket and pants with a black camisole, and put on a pair of boot heels. satisfied with how I looked, I left the room. Ding Dang! I got to the door to check who it was and I met an elderly lady with a warm smile. “Hello Miss Manor. I'm Nanny Dona. I was sent by the agency you called requesting for the nanny.” She said, “Oh, come in.” I invited her in and offered her a seat. I was surprised the agency allowed elderly people to work. I needed someone older but I believe I wasn't expecting her to be this elderly. I engaged her in a question-and-answer session so I could get to know her better. I checked her portfolio over again. Contrary to my expectation, she passed the credibility check but I wasn't sure about it. Sensing my doubts, she said, “You need not worry Miss Manor. Your children will be safe with me. I mothered seven children and took care of them alone.” I saw the pride in her eyes as she spoke which made me relaxed. I gave her the job and showed her around the house. “I’m stepping out now Nanny Dona. I won’t be long so I will return to relieve you in a short while.” I told her and she nodded in response. Let's do this Kamille! I Left the house.Kamille’s POVI got to the club at a little over 8:00 pm. Darkness had covered the surroundings save for the dim lights coming from the club. I walked briskly into the club. I scanned the crowd till my eyes landed on Amanda with Belle sitted to her right. I approached the bar where they were seated. “Hello Ladies.” I greeted them, catching their attention. They both stiffened, hearing my voice.They both turned slowly till they faced me.“Oh Kamille, it is really you!” Amanda sobbed and threw herself in for a hug. “We missed you so much Kamille.” Belle added as her doe eyes glistened with unshed tears.“I missed you both too.” I replied as I released myself from Belle's embrace.“Alright ladies. Let's grab some drinks and celebrate Kamille's return to the land of the living!” Amanda squealed.“I second that motion.” Belle said with a hearty laugh. “Belle?” I called out, surprised she concurred to drinking.“What? This is a worthy feat and I need a drink to better assimilate all t
Zeke's POV As I descended the stairs, my eyes fell on the venomous snake sitted in my living room, eating snacks from my pantry.“What the hell do you think you are doing?” I asked coldly. I hated being disrespected and being lied to. This woman had done worse.“Oh Zeke, I was a bit hungry so I had to eat something.” Ellen replied. Staring at her all I could think of was a thousand ways to make her life miserable. “You know how it works right? Mother and..” “Shut the fuck up and take your crappy story elsewhere.” I interrupted her from speaking more gibberish.She laughed. “You do not believe me, don't you?”I squeezed my eyes shut in frustration. Why was this damn woman pushing her luck? “Ellen I have a lot on my mind right now and would thank the universe if they can just make you go away.” I replied. Ellen's presence was disturbing. I couldn't think about Kamille the way I wanted to. Ellen just keeps reminding me of why I may never get Kamille's forgiveness and now she comes
Zeke's POV I had felt pain before but that which gripped my heart at the moment was excruciating. I could not bear the sight before me. Why was she drinking all alone at the bar? I moved a little closer. Her eyes were red and puffy. Was she crying? What have I done? Looking at her beautiful face stained with tears, I reminisce on how we used to be when were married. She was always there, always loving, very kind, very thoughtful and very patient. She was almost flawless. I caused her all the pain she is in right now. If only I had not allow Ellen poison my mind. If only I learned to love her better. If only I had known a bit earlier what she went through in the hands of her family. If only I had been there. I have failed you Kamille. Lost in thoughts, my mind wandered back to how I unraveled the malicious lies and scheming of the Manors against Kamille. I had visited their ancestral home few weeks after I got married to Ellen. She said she had missed the view of where she g
Zeke's POV I was about to lift myself from the bed when she pulled me back into an embrace. Her embrace, though filled with warmth, also hinted at something deeper, something I knew I needed to handle with care.What's wrong with the fucking AC? “Are you okay?” I asked her trying to suppress the fast growing desire churning at the pit of my stomach.“Hmmm.” She nodded in the affirmative. “Now let's get you freshened up.” I murmured gently and guided her towards the bathroom. I ran warm water over her face as she leaned over the sink, just as I was about to grab her a towel her body began reeling from the effects of the alcohol. "I'm sorry," Kamille whispered between heaves, her voice laced with embarrassment."It's alright. I'm here," I reassured, holding her hair back and rubbing her back soothingly. At that moment, I realized the depth of how much gap her absence left in my heart. I missed listening to her talk about her day and the weather even when I act disinterested. I miss
Kamille's POV As the early morning light filtered through the curtains, I groaned. My head pounded like a third world war was going on there. I shifted slightly as I felt a warm body beside me and then turned to see who it was.What the heck! His long and perfect body lay beside mine naked just like I was. I quietly lifted the covers to check myself and the memories from yesterday began flooding my thoughts.I had met up with Amanda and Belle, we had a lot to drink, they left earlier. I remember the way the alcohol had dulled my senses and clouded my judgment. And then Zeke had appeared, he took me home but his presence had stirred something within me that I had long tried to suppress.Now in the harsh light of day, regret gnawed at my insides. The last thing I wanted was to have a one night stand with him. I should have known better than to get involved with a married man, especially one with whom I shared a complicated history. My eyes glanced over his fingers. The rings were go
Zeke's POV I rubbed my eyes as I woke up, my mind still foggy from the night before. I stirred and tossed in bed and noticed the faintly scent of orchids on the other part of the bed. I sat up as I realized Kamille had left. Damn it Zeke! Guilt gnawed at me for taking advantage of her intoxicated state. I mumbled a few words and cursed as I ran a hand through my jet black hair. I lingered in bed for a bit as I couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling of uncertainty about how Kamille felt. She was in it as much as I was. Or was she not? Recalling her soft moans, how her fingers dug into my back, her beautiful legs snaked round my waist guiding me to rock us both to pleasure, I tried to reassure myself that she was just as willing. I lifted myself off the bed and my eyes fell on the little clock on the bedstand. It was almost thirty minutes past six am. I wondered why she left so early. It would be either because we had sex or because she did not want to be seen or both. I natural
Kamille's POV London's weather seemed favourable as the Monday morning sun pierced through into my room. I yawned and got off the bed. I quickly went in to freshen up. I paused for a bit and stared at myself in the mirror. I loved how my body had evolved over the years. I had added more weight , my face had become rounder and I felt more beautiful. I got dressed and moved down to prepare a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs with bread and a cup of latte for my kids and I. I got to the boys room, hoping to have a hard time getting them ready for school but they surprised me with the excitement they had. Tyris was no different when I got to her room.Today must really be a good day. I smiled as they ran down to the breakfast table.The breakfast table was noisy with their excited chattering. “Promise mummy you will tell her all about today when you get back.” I said looking at them with a pleading smile.“Of course mummy. I will tell you all about it.” Tyris said giggling. I nodded
Ellen’s POV“What the fuck!” I screamed in horror as I stared at the document in my hands. I lifted my eyes to meet Becky’s astonished gaze.“What the hell Ellen? You need to calm down. We tried our very best to ensure the implantation worked out.” Becky replied in hushed tones. Becky had always been keen about excellence and perfection for as long as I can remember. When she ventured into the medical field, I knew she would do excellently well. We had been friends since preschool. She was the perfect reproductive endocrinologist to help me get pregnant with Zeke’s baby, but staring at the result she gave me, seemed to drain all my hopes away.“Since you tried your best, can you tell me what the fuck happened?” I asked.“Well, from the results of the tests run, it was found out that the In vitro fertilization failed due to a poor sperm motility rate and this could have happened due to the condition of the sperm as at when we used it.” Becky replied like the professional that she was,
Belle's POV The sun was warm on my skin, the breeze gentle and soothing as it drifted through the open patio where we all sat, the laughter of our loved ones filling the air. It was a picture-perfect moment—the kind of moment I used to dream about but never truly believed would come. We were all gathered around the long, sun-dappled table, the warmth of the day reflecting the joy that radiated from everyone’s faces. Zane was sitting beside me, his hand resting comfortably on my leg, our twins, Sean and Clara, gurgling happily in their bassinet close by. The twins were the center of attention today, as they were most days. Kamille’s kids, Reon, Torin, Tyris, Royer, and little Phoebe, were running around the patio, shrieking in delight as they chased each other. I glanced at Kamille and Zeke, who were sitting across from us, laughing and chatting while keeping a watchful eye on their children. Amanda, was helping prepare the meal, occasionally smiling in our direction as the kids d
Zane's POVI stood there, fists clenched, staring Dave Scott down. Every fiber of my being wanted to lunge at him, to make him pay for everything he’d done. But I couldn’t—at least, not yet. The recorder in my pocket was still running, capturing every damning word that fell from his mouth. I could feel it, a tiny weight pressing against my ribs, reminding me that I had to play this smart. For Belle. For Kelly. For justice.Dave, on the other hand, was as smug as ever, leaning back with that infuriating smirk plastered across his face. He had no idea that his time was running out.“You think you can just waltz in here and act like you own the place?” Dave sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. “You’re nothing, Zane. A nobody playing hero in a game that’s way beyond your league.”I bit back my anger, forcing myself to remain calm. His words didn’t matter. Not when I had the truth on my side. I took a deep breath, my fingers brushing against the stop button on the recorder hidden
Belle's POVWalking into the living room wasn’t easy. My legs felt heavy, like I was dragging weights with each step. The air in the mansion was suffocating, thick with tension and unspoken fears. My heart raced, a wild, chaotic rhythm that matched the pounding of my thoughts. I could still hear my mother’s frantic voice behind me, begging, pleading for me to stay with them, to hide, to escape into the secret bunker.“Belle, you don’t have to do this!” she cried, reaching out as if she could physically hold me back. Her eyes were wide with fear, her voice trembling. “Come with us. We can hide. We can survive this.”I stopped, my hand resting on the doorframe, my back to her. I couldn’t turn around. I couldn’t let her see the turmoil etched on my face, the way my hands trembled from the weight of what I was about to do. My family was scared—terrified, really—but the idea of running, of leaving Zane behind to face this monster alone, felt like a betrayal I wasn’t willing to commit.“W
Dave's POVI had been waiting for over an hour, sitting there, staring at the doors leading to the rooms, expecting Belle and Zane to finally step out. It wasn’t like them to hide this long, especially Zane. But instead of the two people I was dying to confront, what I got was the Perri family, practically groveling before me. Pathetic.The Perri patriarch, Mr. Perri, stood in front of me with a forced smile, his hands clasped in front of him as though in prayer. His wife hovered behind him, wringing her hands nervously. “Please, David,” her father began, his voice trembling. “We don’t want any trouble. Just… drop the lawsuit. We’ll leave quietly, I swear. We won’t cause any problems.”I couldn’t help the smirk that stretched across my face. They were so desperate, so weak. This was the kind of power I craved, watching them squirm, knowing I held all the cards. “You won’t cause any trouble?” I repeated, mocking his words as if they were a joke. “Oh, trust me, you wouldn’t be able
Zane's POVBelle’s tears were too much for me to handle. The way her shoulders shook, the soft sniffles she tried to hide—it broke something inside me. I couldn’t stand seeing her like this. Without thinking, I reached out, pulling her into my arms once more, holding her as tightly as I dared.“It’s going to be okay,” I whispered, my lips brushing against her hair. “I swear to you, Belle, this will all end today. I’ll make sure of it.”She pulled back slightly, her wide, tear-filled eyes meeting mine. There was a small, hopeful smile on her lips, but I could see the doubt lingering beneath it. It killed me to know that she still didn’t fully believe everything would be fine, that she didn’t fully believe in me. But I didn’t blame her. After everything that had happened, after all the lies, how could she?God! I needed her to trust me.I leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her lips again, my hand cupping her cheek gently. When I pulled away, her eyes fluttered open, and I saw a leve
Belle's POV“I’m scared, Zane,” I confessed. My voice trembled, and my arms tightened instinctively around my belly. I felt so vulnerable, standing there in front of him, exposed and raw. How was I supposed to face Dave? What would he say? What would he do?Zane hugged me tighter. His warmth, his strength—it was like a lifeline, grounding me in the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. He pressed a soft kiss to my hair, his lips lingering there for a moment before he spoke.“You don’t have to be scared,” he murmured into my hair, his voice gentle yet filled with quiet resolve. “I’m here. No one is going to hurt you. Not Dave. Not anyone.”I closed my eyes, leaning into his chest, letting his heartbeat steady mine. His words were soothing, like a balm to my frayed nerves. Dave had always had a way of getting under my skin, and now… with everything that had happened…“Go get refreshed,” Zane said, pulling back slightly to look into my eyes. His fingers brushed a loose strand o
Zane's POVI cursed under my breath as we broke the kiss. I let her take a while to arrange her silk gown. I moved a bit from her as my mind played over what happened the night before.Belle couldn’t sleep all night; I could tell from the way she kept shifting in bed, her body tense beneath the silk sheets. I lay beside her, watching her.I thought back to earlier that night when I walked into the Perri mansion, my mind filled with chaos, only to be confronted by an entirely different reality. I remember the way Belle’s mother was yelling, her voice shrill with rage, but none of that mattered the second I saw Belle. She stood there, so fragile and strong all at once, and without thinking, I crossed the room and pulled her into my arms. Her soft, warm body pressed against mine, grounding me in the middle of the madness. She was everything. The only thing that made sense. The world could be burning down around us, and I wouldn’t care, as long as I had her.Belle’s mother, however, didn
Belle's POVI hadn’t moved from my spot on the bed. Not an inch. I sat there, staring blankly at the wall across from me, my mind heavy with thoughts, swirling memories of last night that I couldn’t quite shake. Everything felt so distant yet so vivid, playing over and over again in my mind. The weight of it all bore down on me, rendering me numb.Opposite me, Zane sat with his back against the headboard, his eyes wide open, just watching. He had been watching me all night. He hadn’t said much, but I could feel his presence, steady and unwavering, like a tether keeping me from completely unraveling. His gaze hadn’t left me, and for some reason, I found comfort in that. My thoughts drifted back to the moment it all came crashing down. The nausea that hit me like a brick after the shouting match with my mother, the way she had followed me into the bathroom after I threw up, concern etched across her face despite the earlier anger.“Belle, are you alright?” she’d asked, her voice surp
Dave's POVThe sun was barely up, casting a dull, gray light over the city, but the weight on my chest was already heavier than the day before. The shipment I had been waiting for was just a few hours away. The timing couldn’t have been worse, not with Belle out there and Zane still breathing. I needed to tie up loose ends, and fast.I sat on the brown leather swivel chair in my study, my hands running over my face as I tried to think. I needed to find a way to get the attention of the drug enforcement agency off my back before the shipment arrived. Every second counted, and I knew that one wrong move could bring it all crashing down.I reached for my phone, my fingers tapping rapidly as I sent out a message to my men. It was time to surround the Perri mansion. We need to bring Belle's family to their limit. Once that was done, they would bring out Belle. Or rather, she would bring forth herself. Then that nosy Zane Caruso will come for her and I get to silence him forever."Surrou