(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)“While you're still asking nicely? And who do you think you are to order me around? You think you’re so rich that you can tell me what to do and where I should be?!” she sarcastically scoffed, glancing at every single person in the gym like she’s asking them to sympathize with her.Kalel clenched his jaw, while I shook my head in exhaustion. If he thinks he’s going to win against Cindy, he’s wrong.This bitch will do anything to turn herself into a victim. She’s even going to use her gender as an excuse to win an argument against Kalel.“You’re technically causing a public scandal, and you just tried to assault Camilla. Would you like to join your husband in jail?” he sarcastically replied.Cindy’s face contorted in anger, even her thick makeup can no longer hide the crease on her forehead. Looks like someone's need some collagen. I chuckled at the thought of her looking physically old because of stress. She’s technically younger than me, but everyone will say otherwis
(Camilla’s POV)Agnes stared at me in shocked, her hand trembling as she reached for the cool, white reception desk, her expression a mixture of shock and disbelief.It looks like she just had just finished her session with the aesthetician, her face still looking very red. It must feel tight on her face.And she couldn't even express how upset she is to see me, her ex-daughter-in-law. The woman who believed had, in her eyes, stolen her son’s heart and his fortune.She looked at me from head to toe, as of to double check on how different I am now.Well, she’s been spending a lot of time in Spain that she forgot the possibilities of the mother of the baby she killed, coming back for her vengeance. She must have thought I’m dead already.I am very different now. My skin, flawless and glowing, my hair cascading down my shoulders in a luxurious mane. I was a far cry from the "poor and ugly" woman Agnes had once judged me to be.She can't see a trace of that old Camilla anymore.“Agnes,” I
(Camilla’s POV)My cheeks heated at his unexpected response. I genuinely wasn't thinking about hitting his crotch or anything. My sole focus was on the fact that I need to get his keys so I can open his car.“Then… Then grab the keys in your pocket!” I stuttered, trying to maintain my cool.Now that he mentioned his crotch, I can't stop thinking about it. I wonder how long it would be in inches with that kind of enormous size.Kalel weakly inserted his hand in his pocket to search for his keys. I looked away when he lifted his head to look at me. I cleared my voice. “You're taking forever, Kalel!” I pretentiously complained, not wanting him to think that I’m enjoying the fact that I can freely check him out.I was never a big fan of hot guys. I used to think that all of them are hot on the outside and cold as dead on the inside.I have to say that Kalel changed that though.He’s always been so warm.“Here…” he said, handing me his keys.My brows furrowed slightly when I saw a cute pup
(Camilla’s POV)The aroma of simmering chicken broth, laced with the sweetness of carrots and the earthy depth of celery, filled my kitchen. I stirred the pot with a practiced hand, my brows furrowed in concentration.I don't remember the last time I cooked something like this before. What I do remember is I used to cook this for Lester whenever he had a hangover.I scooped a bit on my spatula to taste the soup.“More salt…” I mumbled to myself.Looking at my kitchen, I just realized how incomplete my condiments are right now. I have an aesthetic set of kitchen organizers but there aren't even anything to use them for at all.I used to dream about a beautiful kitchen with everything for my family. I only lost my interest in cooking ever since my ex-husband betrayed me.Why am I thinking about him anyway? That asshole doesn't deserve a space in my mind.I carefully transferred the soup into the bowl.Kalel is still in my room, passed out. He hasn't woken up since I brought him here. Th
(Lester’s POV)“Agravante?” I lifted my head when I heard the jail officer called my name. My brows furrowed slightly when I saw him unlocking the bars. “You're free.”I stood up from being slumped on the dirty ground of the prison. I stayed the night here, and I’ve never felt so disgusted before. The man near my cell keeps on picking his nose. I tried bribing one of the officers yesterday, but he just took my money and left.Don't ask me why I tried to rape Camilla. I also don't know the answer to that.She's just… too attractive."Lester?"A voice, hesitant yet familiar, broke through the haze of my thoughts. I turned, my gaze settling on Cindy, her face etched with a mixture of relief and apprehension. She stood there, holding a worn leather bag, her eyes wide and searching."Cindy," I mumbled, my voice raspy, unused. I only spent one night in the prison, but I felt like a whole different person now.It really gave me a lot of time to reflect."I... I'm so glad you're out," Cindy s
(Camilla’s POV)I stopped momentarily to look behind me when I felt a presence moving. I found Kalel watching me at the door of my bedroom. His hair is all messy, and his hooded eyes tell me that he just woke up from his deep sleep.“You're awake?” I said, turning off the treadmill where I have been walking for about thirty minutes now. “I made you breakfast. It’s on the table. Do you want me to reheat it?” I asked, using the towel to dry the sweat on my face. I glanced at Kalel when I received no response from him.“Uhmm hello?” I awkwardly said, waving my hand on my face to pull him back to reality.He was just staring at me and it’s awkward.“You took care of me,” he said as if it’s not obvious already. I rolled my eyes at him. If he’s going to tease me because of that he better shut up if he doesn't want to leave my apartment with an empty stomach. “Thank you. I thought you were just going to leave me in the street. I’m sorry for the inconvenience I may have caused you.”“If you'r
(Camilla’s POV)My eyes glanced at the door as soon as I heard three heavy knocks. I rolled my eyes, knowing very well who could be bothering me this early. “I’m not ready yet, Butler Jin!” I complained, giving my face a last retouch.I received no response from the outside door, but he continued knocking which irritated me a ton. He thinks I’ll open the door like that?With one earring missing, I went to the door to open it. Let me give my butler a piece of my mind. He knows I don't hurry myself when it comes to dolling up. My date is going to be very cute, and I can't look like a freaking raccoon beside him.“I told you I’m not done—” I wasn't able to finish what I was saying because it was a different man that greeted me as soon as I opened the door. “Kalel?”His eyes went down to my clothes.I stood before him, a vision in a crimson gown that seemed to defy gravity, clinging to my curves like a second skin. The fabric, a deep, rich red, shimmered under the soft glow of the chandel
(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,