Chapter five

Henry POV

I was shocked by Camelia’s action. Her words totally threw me off.

“What is she talking about, Henry?” Lydia asked, standing up from the sofa. “I am his wife," Camelia repeated, gripping my hand tightly. I stood there speechless with my eyes locked on Camelia. 

Immediately, Lydia grabbed her bag angrily and rushed towards the door. I could tell she was just as shaken as I was.

“You're going to regret this decision, Henry!" She barked. "I am never letting you go!" She turned to Camelia,with her tear-streaked face. "And as for you," she sneered, "I don't think you're ready for what's coming." With that, she smirked and slammed the door behind her.

Silence filled the room after she stomped out of the house. “Hope I didn't do too much?” Camelia asked quietly, breaking the silence as she gently pulled her hands away from mine. “No, you didn't," I replied, avoiding her gaze. I couldn’t explain the tingling sensation I’d felt in my chest when she grabbed my hands earlier. Now, I couldn’t even look her in the eye.

“Won't you ask me anything?” I asked, stealing a quick glance at her face before turning away.

When the time’s right, you’ll tell me what I need to know," she muttered, smiling faintly.

"Such a naive soul," I thought.

“Don't think about what Lydia said,” I added. She’s just bluffing. I also wondered if it was just her bluffing. She once pushed a girl that had a crush on me in high school into the pool.

 “Can I get some rest now? I don't want to go falling again,”Camelia joked lightly.

"Of course," I said. "Forgive my manners. I’ve kept you standing too long." I gestured to a passing maid.

“Take her to one of the master’s rooms,” I instructed. The maid hesitated, Which of the rooms, sir? She asked with confusion crossing her face. I didn’t blame her — there were too many rooms in the house, each with different sizes and designs.

I pressed the alarm in the living room — a signal to gather the household staff. Within moments, they stood before me.

“I need a moment of your time,” I began. "This is Camelia Raymond — my wife." Faces shifted in surprise, but I ignored the stares. It's going to be a topic of discussion amongst them anyway. “You will treat her with the same respect you show me.” I added.

“That will be all.” The staff gave a small bow and returned to their duties.

“That wasn’t necessary,” Camelia whispered.

“You're my wife now, remember?” I grinned slightly, though I couldn’t forget this was all part of the contract.

Turning back to the maid, “I hope that cleared your confusion?. Show her to one of the master’s rooms.”

“Yes, sir,” she replied. Camelia you can get some rest now, with that she followed the maid upstairs.

*****

“Gabriel, I need you here now,” I said after dialing his number. Within moments, he arrived.

“I’ve got the information you requested,” Gabriel said.

“Just the important parts,” I urged, too drained to listen to stories or epistles. “Uhmm…. before you start, call the office and tell them I won't be coming in today.”

“What about your father? What should I tell him if he calls?” He asked. “It's something you can sort out Gabriel!” I snapped, placing my hands across my face. Or do I need to teach that? “No sir,” He murmured.

“You can go ahead and brief me” I requested. 

"Her mother died during a surgery two years ago," Gabriel began. "She had just finished school at the time. She's a journalist but hasn’t worked anywhere yet.”

“Skip that,” I said. “Tell me about her father.”

“He’s alive and doing well,” Gabriel replied. “She also has a younger sister.”

“At least she’s not alone,” I muttered.

“Actually, sir... she might be,” Gabriel added. “Her husband, Brady, tricked her into taking out that loan you offered to clear. When her father found out, he disowned her.”

“Wait... what?” I asked, my brow furrowing.

“Brady also cheated on her and got the other woman pregnant,” Gabriel continued.

It all clicked — the woman we’d seen at the hospital earlier. I felt my chest tightening. "Do you know where Brady is now?"

Probably somewhere, Gabriel replied 

"Do you want to visit him, sir?" He added.

I clenched my fists. Part of me wanted to grab him and make him pay for what he'd done. I didn’t know why I felt so angry, but I did — and it showed.

"I’ve heard enough, you can stop here" I muttered.

“Okay sir, Henry..." Gabriel’s voice softened. When he called me by name, it usually meant something serious.

"What is it?" I asked.

“Don’t you think what you’ve done is risky? What if she doesn’t keep her end of the bargain? What if she goes back to her cheating husband? Or worse... what if she scams you for your money?”

“Gabriel, you worry too much,” I said, shaking my head. “I considered all that before letting her sign the contract. Do you know what is more scary out of all this? It's the thought of getting married to Lydia.”

“So when are you going to tell her about Lydia?” He asked.

“Soon,” I replied. “Camelia isn’t in a hurry either... and to be honest, she’s... sweet.” The word slipped out before I realized it.

“Did I just compliment her?” I thought, almost laughing at myself.

“Alright, sir,” Gabriel said. “And yes, the accountant confirmed the transfer’s been completed.” He added.

“Good,” I muttered, sinking back into my thoughts.

“Lunch is served, sir,” one of the maid muttered as she set the dining table.

“Get Camelia from her room,” I instructed. She turned to leave, but I stopped her. “Don't worry, I'll get her myself.”

Turning to Gabriel, I added, “You should join us for lunch.”

“I won’t be able to stay,” he replied.

“Suit yourself,” I said, my voice fading as I climbed the stairs.

Reaching Camelia’s door, I knocked once but there was no answer. I pushed the door open, just enough to see inside. But my breath caught in my throat — she stood there, half-dressed, with her back turned to me.