Chapter six

Camelia POV

“You can use this room ma,” The maid gestured graciously, leading me to a lavish room on the right wing of the house. I noticed several doors beyond mine, hinting at the mansion's vastness. “Ring this alarm if you need anything, ma'am,” she said, before leaving.

"As I stepped into the room, I was struck by its sheer luxury. The spacious king-size bed, surrounded by elegant furnishings and a stunning bathroom that seemed to sparkle in the soft light. I didn't know when I jumped on the bed letting out a loud sigh.

For a moment, I thought of what Lydia said even though Henry said not to mind her. “Twelve months of pretending, and I'd be done.” I smiled to myself, a faint blush spreading across my cheeks as I remembered the act I'd put on earlier. Henry's stare still lingered on my mind.

I stood up, reading through the contract and its terms once more. “This was my reality now” I said as I hid the contract in the wardrobe's last drawer, a constant reminder of the deal I'd struck.”

Now that my debt has been settled, I could finally reach out to my father. I recalled his actions, thinking they were driven by momentary fury. I picked up my phone and dialed his number, my heart racing with anticipation as the phone rang, finally a female voice answered. It was Lily, my sister. “How can I help you?” She asked, her icy tone, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Where's Father?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“He's not available,” Lily replied curtly. “And you know better than to call him.” Her tone was dismissive, leaving no room for discussion.

“I just want to talk to him,” I pressed, my voice firm.

“You think he wants to talk to you? You're the last person he wants to hear from.” She snapped.

I was taken aback by her response, which was not what I had expected, especially considering she had watched me being pulled away. “Always playing the favorite daughter,” she muttered, her voice full of bitterness. I gripped my phone tightly. “Don't talk to me like that, Lily!” I snapped. “I deserve some respect.”

“You? Respect? Please. You're too dumb to deserve that.” Her tone oozed with sarcasm. ‘I honestly hope your life is as miserable as your choices, sister.”

Her parting words were like a slap in the face. “As Father had said, stay out of our lives!. ” With that, she dropped the call, leaving me reeling.

I swore never to make another attempt to reach out to them again. This was it– the end. I had also picked up the pieces of my life. I decided to treat myself to a relaxing bath. The warm water and soothing scents were just what I needed. Afterward, I wrapped myself in a plush bathrobe, I stared at my phone for a moment and dropped it in a bathtub filled with water,watching it sink beneath the surface. A step toward a fresh start.

As I reached for a towel to dry myself, I sensed someone behind me. I quickly adjusted the bathrobe and turned only to find Henry looking startled. ‘Uh… sorry,” he stuttered.

“Brunch is ready,” he explained hastily. “We can go shopping tomorrow for clothes.” He added. With that, he quickly exited, leaving me surprised.

I got dressed, wrapped my hair and hurried downstairs, not wanting to keep him waiting.

*******

“Is this a cuisine?” I asked, eyeing the elaborate spread on the dining table.

Henry gestured for me to sit, his voice clearer than before. “Please, have a seat.”

I sat across him, overwhelmed by the numerous dishes. But as I scanned the platter in front of me, I opted for a simple meal: an omelette, baked beans, and toast.

The brunch was quiet, with neither of us speaking until Henry broke the silence. “I'm sorry about earlier,” he muttered. “I knocked, but there was no response. I shouldn't have opened the door.”

I waved it off. “It's fine. I was probably lost in thought.”

Two maids came over to clear the table. I whispered “a thank you” and headed back to my room.

Just as I reached the stairs, Henry called out, "Wait a minute, Camelia!” He hurried upstairs and returned with a blue shirt and trousers. “These are from my wardrobe. I hope they'll fit.”

I blushed, touched by the thoughtful gesture. “Thank you,” I muttered, taking the clothes from him. With a smile, I headed back to my room. “Don't forget about the shopping” he whispered as I walked away.

*******

The sun's ray pierced through the window, illuminating my eyes. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a while . I stretched, savoring the softness of the bed. “Wait….It's the weekend!,” I gasped, my heart racing hoping I hadn't overslept and forgotten Henry's plan for us to go shopping.

I threw off the covers and scrambled out of bed, quickly showered, and put on the clothes Henry had given me the day before. As I stared at my reflection in the huge mirror, I smiled, feeling a sense of renewal. I tied my brown hair into a bun and headed downstairs.

“Good morning, sorry I kept you waiting,” I muttered, touching my ears. “I woke up late.”

“It's fine, come let's have breakfast before we leave. I've already asked Gabriel to prepare the car,” He added.

We finished breakfast quickly and headed out to Castle Mall, one of the largest malls in New York City. I had always wanted to visit. And I finally got a chance!.

As we entered the mall, the automatic door swooshed shut behind me. The receptionist greeted us warmly, and other workers bowed their heads slightly in respect.

“I want a refund!” a woman screamed at the sales representative. “What sort of dress do you sell here?

“But the dress was fine before you took it away, ma. We can't cover for your mistake,” the sales representative replied, her voice firm but shaking slightly.

“Did you just say my mistake?” The woman's eyes blazed with anger as she snarled. Before anyone could react, her hand shot out, delivering a hot slap across the sales representative's cheek. The sharp crack echoed through the store. She raised her hand again, prepared to strike once more.

I couldn't stand by and watch. Without thinking, I rushed forward. “Please stop, ma! You can sort this out amicably,’ I pleaded.

The woman spun to face me, her face flushed. “And who are you to interfere? Or do you want to pay for the dress?” she snapped.

“I'll pay for it,” a voice called from behind me. I turned to see Henry stepping forward.

“And why would you pay?” the woman sneered. Can't you learn to mind your business?”

“I want her to pay for the dress!” she snapped, pointing a sharp finger at me. “Since she can't mind her business!”, Her eyes locked onto mine. For a moment, I froze.

“Would you take my offer?” Henry asked coldly, stepping closer, “or would you prefer to be dragged out of here?”

“Who the hell are you to give me such options?” the woman smirked, crossing her arms.

“The owner of this mall,” Henry answered, his voice low but unwavering.

“The owner?” I stammered, my heart skipping a bit.

“Who exactly was this man I’d agreed to spend the next twelve months with?”