(Camilla’s POV)It was a rainy afternoon in my office when my door suddenly sprung open, revealing my secretary who is radiating a frenetic energy.I arched my brows at her confusedly.She gave me a big smile.My team has always been comfortable around me. I treat them like family, that's why they don't feel the need to filter their emotions when they're with me.Transparency has always been my guide on handling my employees.“A sponsor has funded our project, Miss Camilla!” she chirped, her face alight with excitement. I perched on my sleek, black leather chair. As a billionaire, I know I have the resources to fund the project myself, but the news still sent a thrill through me.It wasn't just about the money, but the validation, the recognition of my genius.It’s not everyday that the world is blessed with a smart woman with a pretty face.“Who is it?” I asked, interested to hear the name of the person who appreciated our effort to create a project that promises to revolutionize the
(Lester’s POV)The stale air in the coffee shop hung heavy with the scent of burnt coffee and anxiety. I impatiently fidgeted the sugar pocket in my hand, my eyes darting nervously at the entrance, waiting for my friend to arrive.My secretary assured me that she agreed to meet with me today, but why is she not here yet? I feel like I’ve been waiting for an eternity. Each second that passes in this damn coffee shop feels like ten years.I’m going to be honest.I know that Camilla has all the resources to buy people’s loyalty now. She’s probably much richer than I am now. Had I known she was this wealthy, I wouldn't have replaced her with her best friend who only knows how to spread her legs on the bed.Cindy is honestly useless in everything.My face brightened when I saw an incoming familiar woman entering the coffee shop. I immediately raised my hand to wave at her. She smiled as she walked towards the direction of our table.“I’m sorry. There was heavy traffic. Some trucks hit a bu
(Camilla’s POV)My cheeks heated as Kalel leaned against his car with a mischievous grin playing on his lips as he watched me emerge from the building. It was like the sheepish Kalel I saw earlier was gone. He couldn't even look me in the eyes earlier when I was just towel wrapped.He’s such a weirdo. I can't blame him though. I know I look stunning, as always, even when I’m just wearing a simple, boring shirt and pants.I didn't want to wear any of my clothes that I have in my wardrobe because of how revealing most of them are. We’re literally about to meet his grandma, a traditional woman probably from the 1940’s.I wouldn't want her to see me looking like a hooker when her grandson looks like he came out straight from a 1950’s magazine."Ready to go?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.However, I didn't seem as eager because I still had to find me some good clothes. I frowned, glancing down at my outfit. "Actually, can we stop by that boutique first?" I asked, gesturing towa
(Camilla’s POV)The aroma of sweet hot choco filled the air as I sat beside Becky on the plush living room sofa. The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the room, adding more coziness in the time capsule home.Looking at the pictures on the wall, I can already tell that her husband had passed away a long time ago. She’s loving alone in this beautiful home.No wonder why Kalel was so eager to go to his grandmother’s house.She needed company here."So, tell me, dear," Becky began, her voice a gentle murmur, "how did you and Kalel meet?"My heart skipped a beat. I have already anticipated this moment to come where she’d question me about our relationship. The question, innocent as it seemed, was a minefield for me. You guys know that our engagement was a carefully crafted facade, a strategic alliance born out of necessity, not love.There's no way that I could answer that question without my eyes betraying me. I’m not really good at lying, especially to th
(Camilla’s POV)“And we’re done!” Becky announced after securing the last mason jar.The scent of simmered strawberries lingered in the air, a sweet reminder of our afternoon spent together. My cheeks flushed with a mixture of exhaustion and pride. It was my first time making jam, and the success of it felt like a small victory.I didn't know making jams takes a long process. It was enjoyable though because I made it with Bekcy who made sure to fill our activity with a bunch of stories, mainly about Kalel’s childhood.I can really see how much she loves her grandson. No wonder why Kalel is the same to her.At that moment, a man entered the kitchen, his face a little darker than the last time I saw it. Something tells me that his mood is off. He’s not even smiling even when Becky looks at him.“Would you like to try the jam, dear?” Becky asked sweetly.Kalel smiled briefly and shook his head, focusing his attention on me. I gave him a curious look. I don't see any reason for him to be
(Camillai’s POV)“Are you sure that's enough? We have more strawberry jams in the pantry. I can't eat them all. You can take them to your house,” Becky said while busily filling the paper bag with freshly picked fruits from her garden. “Wait, I’ll get more cherries.”She was about to go back inside the house when I hugged her tightly from the back. “I’ll miss you, Becky,” I sweetly said.I could smell the scent of strawberries that had lingered on her clothes."Promise me that you will come back. We still have a lot to do,” Becky said, her voice soft. "And remember, I'm always here for you."I nodded, my throat tight. "Thank you, Becky. I'll call you soon."Soon enough Kalel's car arrived at the facade of the house. I turned back to Kalel, who was loading the last of our belongings into the car. The jars of strawberry jam, their labels carefully crafted, sat nestled amongst the luggage. I took a last whiff of fresh air before finally approaching Kalel in his car."Ready?" Kalel asked,
(Camilla’s POV)After a number of attempts of calming down my breathing, I finally had the strength to go to my closet and find clothes that would be useful for my meet up with Lester.It was something I waited for for a very long time. I have waited for a time where I can finally confront him with everything.But I knew I have to be ready.I carefully adjusted the straps that's holding a secret weapon hiding beneath my dress. It was a small dagger, just in case Lester tries to do something funny.I won't hesitate to stab him with it.I was about to exit my apartment when a voice suddenly called me from behind.“Where are you going?” Kalel asked, his voice soft and concerned, pulled me into a halt.My grip on the door tightened. I almost forgot that he’s in my apartment. I wonder if he overheard my conversation with Lester in the call. There's no reason for him to ask where I’m headed then. He should know if he listened well.“I’m meeting Lester,” I replied frankly, making his brows f
(Camilla’s POV)I woke up to the sound of voices. I don't need to open my eyes to know that I am in the hospital. I could smell the familiar scent of antiseptic cleaning products. It’s also obvious that it was Butler Jin speaking.Other voices could be heard who seemed to be in the process of interviewing him, probably the cops.I only opened my eyes as soon as I heard the door shut. I’m not really in the mood to talk right now. I’m not in a good mood.The first thing I saw was the sterile white ceiling, and the fluorescent lights buzzing above. I groaned, my head throbbing in time with the insistent beeping of the heart monitor beside me. I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my side, forcing me back down."Miss Camilla, you're awake!"Butler Jin's relieved voice washed over me, tinged with a hint of worry. I saw him at the corner of the hospital bed. He looked tired, looking like he aged twice out of worry overnight."What happened?" I croaked, my voice hoarse.I don't re
(Camilla’s POV)“You first!” The sounds of kids playing in the playground filled the air.I have been here, waiting for them to arrive. I was earlier than I intended. I was also feeling a little nervous that's why.After everything, I found out about JM’s true identity, I have never really been able to talk to the child. It makes me guilty. I didn't want to affect him, but it was impossible to happen.I really thought that he was Kalel’s child with Jamaica.A part of me was happy that we could finally grant the child’s wish, which is to have a complete family, but I was sad at the same time. I love Kalel, and would have wanted him for myself.Completing JM’s dream was destroying mine.I focused my eyes at the fun view ahead. The playground is a symphony of squeals and laughter. Children chase each other, their shrieks echoing through the air.I sit on a bench, watching them play, my heart a little lighter than it was earlier.I'm supposed to meet JM here. Kalel told me the little boy
(Camilla’s POV)“Come on, Camilla,” Kalel says, his voice laced with a playful urgency. “Becky misses you. You should see her face light up whenever she mentions your name.”I glance at him, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. He’s leaning against the counter, a mug of steaming coffee in his hand, his gaze fixed on me.He knows I’m hesitant. He knows I’m still grappling with the guilt of leaving Becky behind, of not saying a proper goodbye.Whatever happened in the past really clicked a button in me that's why I wasn't really thinking right.It's also the reason why I wasn't able to see Becky before I left. I felt so guilty that I didn't even dare to call her after that. I thought I didn't deserve a chance to explain my side.Maybe, I am really just the problem.“I know, Kalel,” I say, my voice barely a whisper. “But I’m not sure I’m ready to go back yet.”He sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Camilla, it’s just a visit. It’s not like you’re moving back permanently.”Th
(Camilla’s POV)The aroma of roasted garlic and herbs fills Kalel's apartment as he cooks his favorite dish that he wanted to share with me. It was accompanied with a soft jazz playing in the background.It's a familiar scent, one that brings back a flood of memories of our happy moments together. We used to eat together, laughing and arguing over who ordered the best menu.Now, it's just me and Kalel, sitting across from each other at his sleek, modern dining table.I’m trying my best to keep sober."This is amazing," I say, taking a bite of the perfectly seared salmon. "You haven't lost your touch."He smiles, a flicker of something I can't quite place in his eyes. "I've been cooking a lot lately. Trying to keep myself busy."Busy? I guess being trillionaire has its own sides of making you so popular that you can't even do one thing right.I nod, understanding. We both know that "busy" is a euphemism for "trying to forget."We are both so busy trying to forget the pain, the anger, t
(Camilla’s POV)I found myself being taken to a hotel.This is where he must be staying for whatever business he has in my city currently. I don't want to believe that he came here for me.That's a stupid thing.The plush carpet of his hotel room feels strangely foreign beneath my feet. I stumble, my laughter echoing in the quiet space as I try to regain my balance. Kalel catches my arm, his grip firm but gentle, guiding me towards the plush sofa."You're a terrible liar, you know that?" I slur, my words thick with alcohol. "You miss me, don't you? Even though you have a child with someone else."I am hurting in my own words, but I didn't stop.I wanted him to know how fucking miserable I am after he chose another woman over me.Kalel ruined me.He doesn't answer, his gaze fixed on me as he helps me settle onto the sofa. I watch him, a strange mix of anger and longing swirling inside me.Is he pretending not to hear me? or did he forget what he did to me already?He can't just come he
(Camilla’s POV)[Four Months Later]"I promise, Timmy, I'll buy you all the toy cars you want," I say, kneeling down to meet the little boy's wide, hopeful eyes. He smiles, his gap-toothed grin lighting up his face. "Just tell me what kind you like."I heard from the nuns that this little boy is the only one not impressed with all the toys I bought for them. Of course, as a billionaire, I can't allow that to happen.I want everyone to be happy in this orphanage.I have to admit that I don't really have a good taste in selecting toys. I should have let my bodyguard pick them instead of me.Timmy rattles off a list of cars, his voice filled with excitement, each one more fantastical than the last. I listen patiently, my mind drifting, a familiar ache settling in my chest.Ever since what happened between me and Kalel, I found solace in donating in orphanages like this one.It was the only purpose I thought I had left.I got scared to fall in love again, and I don't think I’m ready to op
(Camilla’s POV)I walk down the deserted road, cool night air caressing my skin, weight from all that I had left behind weighing heavier with every step.The silence is thick; it wasn't quiet but just cut by the hum of crickets in the distance and the sound of my footsteps.I grasp tightly onto my suitcase, feeling its hard texture dig into my palm. I don't know how far the bus station is, but frankly, I don't care.A chance to get away from here, from all pain and confusion smothering me, that's all I wanted.Headlights cut through the dark suddenly, illuminating my tiny figure, and the low rumble of a car reaches my ears. I say a silent prayer that whoever it is will just drive past, but the car slows down and comes to a stop right in front of me.My heart pounds in my chest as I freeze.For a quick second, I wonder if this might be Kalel, but then I catch a glimpse of a face leaning out of the driver's side window-one that's inescapably recognizable.“Camilla?" Justin's voice is la
(Camilla’s POV)It is so quiet upon my arrival to the house, that kind of quietness that really exaggerates the sound of every noise-my footsteps across the hardwood floor, the creak of the door as I push it open.Darkness surrounds me, and the emptiness is nearly suffocating.Becky is not home, and for that, I am grateful. I do not want anyone to see me this way, in pieces and trying to hold myself together.I don't waste any time. I go to my room, tug out the suitcase from underneath the bed, and throw it open. My hands shake while stuffing my clothes into the case; all this time, I can barely see a thing through my tears.I just can't stay here anymore; I just can't keep lying to myself about how I can finally have it all-family, love, a new start.Foolish of me even to have presumed that I could make a fresh start, to be happy. My past has caught up with me again; it has followed me just like a shadow, and then caught up with me again, snatching away any chance of happiness.I sho
(Camilla’s POV)We found ourselves at a local diner near the beach. It has a great view here. It reminds me of something.Kalel grins as he watches me take a timidly cautious bite of the grilled fish he has just introduced me to. "How is it?" he asks with eyes twinkling in amusement.I chew thoughtfully, trying to savor the flavors. "It's.actually really good," I admit, surprised. "Much better than that time you made me try those sea urchins on our first date.Kalel laughs low and deep, the sound a muted rumble like thunder on a spring evening. "Hey, I was just trying to impress you with my adventurous palate," he teases, slouching back in his chair."Yeah, well, you almost gave me a reason to run for the hills," I reply, shaking my head at the memory. "I couldn't wait to leave that night.“I know," he says, his voice softening as he reaches across the table to take my hand. "But look at us now."I smile at him, squeezing his hand. "Yeah.look at us now.”He shook his head, trying to g
(Camilla's POV)He takes a deep breath, and his voice is low, hesitant. "There's something I've never really told anyone," he starts off, his eyes flicking up to meet mine briefly before dropping back down. "About my father.I say nothing, just wait for him to continue.By the tone in which he speaks, I can tell this is not easy; I don't want to push him, but again, I want him to know I am here and listening.When I was a kid, my dad. He wasn't a good man," Kalel says, his voice barely above a whisper. "He used to. hurt me physically. A lot. He would lock me in a closet for hours, sometimes overnight, just because I did something that reminded him of my mom."Those words hit me like a blow to my gut. I could not even believe what was being said.That confident, strong man, now sitting beside me, so composed and appearing always in control-the one who, as a small child, was terrified when trapped in the dark by one who should have protected him.He blamed me for her death, says Kalel,