Brady's POV "Let's add this to the trolley," Maddie muttered, picking up a jar of jam and dropping it in with a soft clink. “Babe, we should hurry up with the grocery shopping so you can get some rest,” I said, gently nudging the cart forward. “You know I don’t like you stressing yourself—especially not in this condition.” My eyes drifted to her belly, a quiet pride swelling in my chest. “Ours,” I added, leaning down to place a kiss on it. Maddie let out a tiny smile. “He’s doing fine. But yeah… let’s finish up quickly.” We wheeled the cart toward the checkout, passing through aisles heavy with the scent of fruit and cleaning products—normal things. Until everything stopped. “Brady?” The voice came from across the aisle. I turned. She stood frozen by the glass doors, with her hands covering her mouth. Her eyes flicked from me… to Maddie… to the small bump under her shirt. “Lily?” I said, blinking. She stepped closer, almost breathless. “Why are you with Maddie?” she demanded.
Brady’s POVI didn’t answer her immediately.“Love Camelia?” I stuttered. “How could you even think that way?”But deep down I wasn't even sure of what the truth is.“Do I love Camelia?” I asked myself."You know I don't," I quickly added. “I was just taken back by what you said”.Maddie let out a dry laugh, but it was laced with pain. “Not that, Brady.” “You showed concern!” “Why should you even care if she sleeps with other men or marries one?”“It’s not like that.” I sighed, running my hands over my face.“Then what is it like, Brady?” Her voice was trembling now. “Because I don’t want to believe you were ever emotionally attached to Camelia.”“Of course I wasn’t!” I said defending myself. “You know how I truly feel. I reassured you over and over when we were waiting for the right time to be together. I never had any emotional attachment to her.”“Camelia is gone, Brady. And we waited so long to get here.” She paused, her voice a low murmur. “I don’t want her absence to be the
Camelia POV What! You’re kidding, right?” I said, my voice bubbling with excitement and surprise. I never would've guessed Brady would get Grace to stay with me at his mom’s place.“Camelia,” he said, “I just didn’t want you to feel alone. I know it's a lot, adjusting to a new place, so I reached out to Grace. And, believe it or not, she accepted.” He gave me this soft smile that made my heart do a little somersault.“She’s going to be your personal assistant from now on,” he added casually, like it was no big deal.But it was a big deal. That’s just who he is—he doesn’t do things halfway. Even the small stuff, he somehow turns into something huge. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks, and I knew I was blushing like an open book.“Come on,” he said, nudging me gently. “Let’s get going so we’re not pulling up after dark.”We walked side by side, wifht Gabriel taking the lead, and Grace trailing just behind him.***** It was a four-hour trip to Pennsylvania. Pretty stressful, even with
Camelia POV "Can you hurry up with this?" I asked the nurse checking my vitals. "Just one more thing, ma'am," she said, wrapping the blood pressure cuff around my arm. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, glancing at my watch as time was ticking away. It was me and Brady's two years anniversary and I wanted to do something special,but I had to stop at the hospital first for a checkup. I tapped my foot impatiently as I waited for the monitor to read. Suddenly, I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure across the room. My heart skipped a beat as he turned around. It was Brady, my husband. “What was he doing here”? But before I could call out to him, a woman emerged from the crowd grasping his hands. My eyes narrowed, trying to get a better look at her, but I could not tell who she was. Questions swirled in my head. Who was this woman? And why was she holding his hand like she owned him? "Ma'am, please remain still," the nurse advised, but I was already on my feet, my eyes fixed
Camelia POV“Are you Mrs. Camelia?” One of the men on black suits asked me. I shook my head trying to process the chaos before me. "No, I'm not..." I stammered, wincing as the pain from the slap radiated through my cheek. Remembering that I'd just been divorced, I corrected myself. "I'm Camelia.”'Father, what's going on? What collateral are you talking about? And who are these men?' I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady. “What do you mean by you're not Mrs Camelia”? He shunned at me, avoiding my questions. I felt a sting of shame but there was no need to hide it. “Brady divorced me” I broke the news, holding back my tears not to show any weakness. Divorce?? He screamed.“You went against my advice and married that wretched being” and now he has divorced you!. “I'm sure you took out that loan for him, using my house as collateral”! He spat.“Father,” I muttered as my heart dropped. I wasn't expecting him to sympathise with me but at least he should have asked what happened. “Y
Henry's POV “You won't walk out on me!”. My mother Mrs Raymond screamed, I've always called her that, I literally grew up without her, and now she wants to force a marriage I don't want down my throat!. “I'll get to make that decision, I don't know what relationship you're trying to create between both families but I'm not getting married to Lydia” and “that's final!” I uttered walking out on her. “Henry! Stop right there”. she barked but I kept walking to the door. “How's the search going?” I asked Gabriel, my personal assistant, as I stepped out of the house. “None that fits your description sir” he replied, opening the car door. “What exactly have you been doing Gabriel?” “You know what? just get me any girl, any one at all, that I can use to escape Mrs Raymond claws.” “And be fast about it!” I snapped, settling inside one of my luxurious cars. “Alright sir” he replied, shutting the car door. I drummed my fingers on the armrest, my mind racing with impatience.
Henry POV“Where am I”? She asked, opening her eyes after six hours of being semi conscious. I jolted up from where I had dozed off on the hospital bed,the antiseptic scent of the hospital filling my nostrils.You're finally awake...!" I exhaled, relief washing over me. "Are you in pain? How are you feeling now?..." My voice cracked with worry.“Why am I here?I only remembered being in your uncle's office”, she stated.“You passed out Camelia, But the doctor said it was just stress and your blood pressure is also elevated and it needs to be controlled”, I explained as I continued rubbing off sleep from my eyes.” You'll also need a lot of rest”, I added.She only nodded without saying a word and started crying. “Can we leave the hospital”? she asked, sobbing. “It only brings horrible memories”, she sobbed. “Please I'm begging you, she said clenching onto her chest like it was hurting.I had no idea on how to console her. I have never been in such a position before. I only understand th
Henry POVI 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 co
Camelia POV What! You’re kidding, right?” I said, my voice bubbling with excitement and surprise. I never would've guessed Brady would get Grace to stay with me at his mom’s place.“Camelia,” he said, “I just didn’t want you to feel alone. I know it's a lot, adjusting to a new place, so I reached out to Grace. And, believe it or not, she accepted.” He gave me this soft smile that made my heart do a little somersault.“She’s going to be your personal assistant from now on,” he added casually, like it was no big deal.But it was a big deal. That’s just who he is—he doesn’t do things halfway. Even the small stuff, he somehow turns into something huge. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks, and I knew I was blushing like an open book.“Come on,” he said, nudging me gently. “Let’s get going so we’re not pulling up after dark.”We walked side by side, wifht Gabriel taking the lead, and Grace trailing just behind him.***** It was a four-hour trip to Pennsylvania. Pretty stressful, even with
Brady’s POVI didn’t answer her immediately.“Love Camelia?” I stuttered. “How could you even think that way?”But deep down I wasn't even sure of what the truth is.“Do I love Camelia?” I asked myself."You know I don't," I quickly added. “I was just taken back by what you said”.Maddie let out a dry laugh, but it was laced with pain. “Not that, Brady.” “You showed concern!” “Why should you even care if she sleeps with other men or marries one?”“It’s not like that.” I sighed, running my hands over my face.“Then what is it like, Brady?” Her voice was trembling now. “Because I don’t want to believe you were ever emotionally attached to Camelia.”“Of course I wasn’t!” I said defending myself. “You know how I truly feel. I reassured you over and over when we were waiting for the right time to be together. I never had any emotional attachment to her.”“Camelia is gone, Brady. And we waited so long to get here.” She paused, her voice a low murmur. “I don’t want her absence to be the
Brady's POV "Let's add this to the trolley," Maddie muttered, picking up a jar of jam and dropping it in with a soft clink. “Babe, we should hurry up with the grocery shopping so you can get some rest,” I said, gently nudging the cart forward. “You know I don’t like you stressing yourself—especially not in this condition.” My eyes drifted to her belly, a quiet pride swelling in my chest. “Ours,” I added, leaning down to place a kiss on it. Maddie let out a tiny smile. “He’s doing fine. But yeah… let’s finish up quickly.” We wheeled the cart toward the checkout, passing through aisles heavy with the scent of fruit and cleaning products—normal things. Until everything stopped. “Brady?” The voice came from across the aisle. I turned. She stood frozen by the glass doors, with her hands covering her mouth. Her eyes flicked from me… to Maddie… to the small bump under her shirt. “Lily?” I said, blinking. She stepped closer, almost breathless. “Why are you with Maddie?” she demanded.
Camelia POV "Move to your parents' place?" I stuttered. "Why that all of a sudden?" Henry exhaled, rubbing his temples. "She doesn’t believe the marriage is real. She’s made it clear she won’t back off until she sees it for herself." I frowned. "Okay… but why are you calling it a favor? If it’s something I should do for the sake of our relationship, then I’ll do it." He leaned back on the chair, studying me. "Because I don’t want you to feel forced, Camelia. I know this isn't easy, and I wanted to prepare you ahead of time." Something in his tone made me pause. "And what exactly should I be preparing for?" He gave a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "Let’s just say, my mother is… a force of nature." His words were careful, but I caught a glimpse of something deeper. "You never really talk about her," I said, watching him closely as I hoped he'd say more about her. My encounter with her at the office wasn't a palatable one. He hesitated before answering. "That’s because there’s
Lydia POV I wasn't bothered — not really. No matter what happened, I was going to get him. I knew his heart belonged to me, just like mine belonged to him. It had always been that way. "I was made for him — no one else!" I clenched my fists and slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing down the hallway with memories rushing in, uninvited. We spent most of our years together not until I had to leave the country because of the incident that happened at high school. It had changed everything. ##Flash back## “Serena!” I quickened my pace, following her around the back of the school layout. She heard me, I was sure of it, but she kept walking as if I were nothing but air. My frustration boiled over, and I ran after her, grabbing her hair from behind. "Did you give this note and gift to Henry?" I hissed, throwing the crumpled paper at her feet. But she jerked away, ripping my hand from her hair. "Lydia! What the fuck is wrong with you?" she snapped, her voice sharp with
Camelia POV “You heard him right!,” I snapped at Gabriel. “He wants me here, so can you leave us?” Gabriel's face twisted with something between anger and shame. He lingered for a moment, like he had something else to say, but finally turned and walked out, the door shutting behind him. I sighed, turning back to Henry. His face was pink, beads of sweat clinging to his brow. "What did you do to yourself?" I muttered as I knelt beside him. I took off his shoes and shrugged his coat from his shoulders, then pulled the duvet over him. Hopefully, some sleep would do him good. He mumbled something — low, broken words I couldn’t make out. His breathing was shallow and his face tight with discomfort. I glanced around the room, suddenly aware of its size — far larger than the one I was staying in. Curiosity tugged at me, and before I knew it, I was stepping into his closet. Everything was meticulously arranged, suits lined up by color, watches gleaming in their display cases, rows o
Camelia’s POV “What have I gotten myself into”? I asked myself as I finally left his office. The whole dramatic scene seemed like they were all out to chew me. There was something about Lydia that didn't sit well with me. Since the first time I saw her at Henry's. I didn’t like her!, but it wasn’t just dislike. It was... unease. “Because, Why all the warnings? Henry had been clear he wasn’t interested. So why push so hard? I couldn’t figure out what they were to each other — they didn’t act like exes”. But then again, what did exes even act like? I scoffed at myself, realizing how ridiculous that thought was. None of it should matter anyway. I was here to pretend — to act like Henry’s wife. That’s what I owed him. So pretend I would. I still try hard not to think about my betrayal , especially Brady who deceived me. My heart still drops anytime I think about it. I walked up to the elevator, watching the glowing numbers count down as I waited for the doors to open. A man st
Henry POV Shit! I exclaimed, what I was avoiding already happened. Camelia was standing right before me. “That's the bitch!” Lydia screamed, her voice cutting through the room like a sharp blade. She scanned Camelia from head to toe, her eyes narrowing with disgust. “You look somewhat different from the last time I saw you,” Did you actually try to clean up? Cute... but it's pointless” She snapped. “Who is she?” Mrs. Raymond's voice rang out. “She's my wife,” I replied bluntly, bracing myself for the storm I knew would follow. She let out a harsh, sarcastic laugh that grated against my nerves. “Wife? This must be a sick joke!.” Her eyes flashed with disbelief as she stepped closer. “Do you honestly think placing a ring on her damn finger would make her your wife?” She asked, staring at Camelia's hand, “You should know better by now, Henry. Lydia is the only girl you can marry and is acceptable by me and the family. So you better stop this child's play.” I clenched my fists at m
Gabriel POV “Just let me handle him,” I said to Henry after he'd punched the man who had snatched the bag. "You should learn not to touch things that belong to me!" Henry smirked, snatching the bag back and walking away. "You!!," I said to the man sitting on the floor, "Get out of here!" Then I hurried after Henry. Since Camelia came around , I've been seeing sides of him I'd never noticed before. “Were they always there, and I just ignored them? Or is he only now developing these traits?” For 15 years, I'd stood by Henry's side, witnessing firsthand the scars of his loveless childhood. He had learned to rely solely on himself, to shield his heart from the world. But in doing so, he built walls that kept everyone at arm's length including me. “I'm still confused about what changed.” “Don't you think you're doing too much?” I asked as I hurried behind him. “Doing too much, you say?” Henry shot back. “A stranger just snatched my wife's bag!, and you think I'm doing too mu