(Camilla’s POV)One of my heels was already missing as we hurried through the hospital corridors. When I found out about what happened to Butler Jin, I almost jumped off the building just to get to the car faster.My heart pounded in my chest, each beat a painful reminder of the urgency of the situation. I could feel my hands trembling as I sped to the halls.When we reached the emergency room, we were met with chaos. Nurses and doctors rushed in and out, the air thick with the tension of life-and-death decisions. My eyes zeroed in on a door marked “Emergency Surgery,” and without thinking, I surged forward, only to be stopped by a firm hand on my shoulder.“You can’t go in there,” a nurse said, her tone gentle but unyielding.“But that’s Butler Jin!” I cried out, trying to push past the nurse. “I need to be with him! He’s my family. Please, I know him!”“Camilla, wait!” Kalel interjected, stepping in front of me. His hands were steady on my arms, his gaze firm yet filled with concern
(Kalel’s POV)I stood in the doorway of the funeral home where Butler Jin was taken for cremation. Inside is Camilla who has been sitting on a plush, burgundy chair near the urn where a picture of Butler Jin is resting, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her eyes were red and swollen, staring blankly ahead at the unmoving form of Butler Jin.My heart aches at the sight of her.She has always been strong, always the one to keep it together when things fall apart, but now she looks broken, as if all life has drained out of her.I hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, closing the door quietly behind me.A few people have come to visit him, but having little to no family, it is only Camilla and Justin who have been watching his wake. Justin nodded at me when he saw me approaching Camilla. He tapped my back before leaving to give us some privacy."Camilla," I called softly, my voice gentle. "Camilla, you need to eat something."There is no response. Camilla didn’t even blink, h
(Kalel’s POV)“Welcome, Sir Kalel. Please, come in,” one female secretary said, batting her lashes at me.I adjusted the cuffs of my tailored suit as I entered the opulent conference room. The heavy oak doors closed behind me with a soft thud, sealing me in with the power players who held the fate of Lester’s company in their hands.The air is thick with the scent of polished wood and expensive cologne, a fitting backdrop for the crucial meeting that is about to take place.Seated around the long, gleaming table are the shareholders—men and women with sharp eyes and sharper minds, each one calculating the potential risks and rewards of what is about to be discussed. I knew that every word, every gesture, had to be perfectly calculated. This is not just a business meeting; it is a battle for control.And I’m really good at that.I took my seat at the head of the table, my presence demanding immediate attention. I let a moment of silence linger, allowing the weight of the situation to s
(Kalel’s POV)“Let us through,” I said to the guards who are desperately trying to block the entrance of Lester’s floor. I was told that this space is specifically for him.This is probably where all his stupid crimes happened.“We can't do that, Sir. This floor is exclusively for Sir Lester and his invited guests only. I hope you understand that we’re just doing our job. We will be the ones to pay once our boss finds out that we gave you access to his personal space,” one of the guards said.My brows furrowed slightly as I tried to take a peek of what they're hiding behind those doors. They're five guards against me. But it’s only a matter of time before the troops that I called arrive at the scene.“Would you rather pay for his crimes?” I asked in a serious tone.They glanced at each other's faces.At that moment, I heard the incoming footsteps of the troops. They immediately presented the necessary documents that would give us permission to access his “private space” completely.Th
(Bea’s POV)My head throbbed as I slowly regained consciousness. The air around me felt damp and cold, and a musty scent filled my nostrils. I blinked, trying to adjust my eyes to the darkness, but it’s too thick, too pitchy. Panic began to rise in my chest as I struggled to move, only to realize that my wrists are bound tightly behind my back."Where… where am I?" I whispered hoarsely, my voice echoing off the unseen walls.I glanced around, trying to see through the darkness. The last thing I remember is being taken away by the man who came out behind Madam Agnes.Did… Did she do this?Suddenly, a faint rustling sounded from the shadows, followed by the creak of an old door. I froze, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. The sound of footsteps approached until a figure emerged from the darkness.My eyes widened as his face began to register in my head. I know that face.His face is partially covered by the dim light of a single hanging bulb that flickers weakly overhead, but I know
(Camilla’s POV)You can't keep crying forever.That's what Butler Jin told me when I lost my grandfather at a very young age. Some of you might say that it’s a very harsh thing to say to someone.But looking back now, he has a point. You can cry, but you can't cry forever.Time will come that you'll realize it's better to fix things than just fall apart from them. His death has been like hell to me. It felt like losing my grandfather one more time. And this time, I’m sure that I am really alone.There's nobody alive to tell anyone how I was when I was a kid because they're all dead.And what do I do about that?I take that and use that as a fuel to burn the rage within me.“We were able to get this footage from a dashcam from one of the parked cars present during the time of the attack,” the police officer said as he navigated the video towards a zoomed in clip of a man rushing to get into his white van. “Here you can see this man wearing the same clothes who attacked Butler Jin. Ther
(Cindy’s POV)“Make sure it’s deep enough before you bury the body. I don't want maggots sticking out,” I reminded Frank who is currently in the process of digging soil at the back of our hideout.He rolled his eyes, annoyed at the fact that I made him do all the work by himself. Frank has no guts to complain anyway. He saw how much money he could get once he followed my instructions carefully. He wouldn't dare to say no to that.I stared at the city view ahead. From here, you can see the Atlas building with its funny looking logo on top. It is the largest building in the city currently.When I found out that Camilla was the lost heir of that billionaire company, I couldn't believe it myself. She was just a loser whom I met in the club where I used to work as a waitress. She would scrub floors and toilets. Customers would be rude to her. She was a nobody.But that incident with Lester happened. It was supposed to be me.It should have been just me.[FLASHBACK]“Where…” the man muttere
(Camilla’s POV)I pulled up to the old apartment building, memories flashing back when Cindy and I were still what you call best friends. My heart was pounding as I stepped out of the car. The place is as rundown as I remember—graffiti-streaked walls, broken windows, and the lingering scent of decay hanging in the air.I used to come here whenever Cindy would ask me to. I can't say for sure, but there were times when our friendship felt genuine. She was always there for me.Maybe it was just her waiting for the perfect opportunity to use me.I hesitated at the entrance, taking a deep breath before pushing the creaky door open.The stench hit me first—a rancid blend of mildew and rot. I wrinkled my nose, scanning the dimly lit hallway for any sign of Cindy. But the apartment is empty, save for the scattered debris and the remnants of a life long abandoned.Did she trick me? She said she was coming!My eyes diverted to the kitchen.On the table, among the dust and discarded items, is a
(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,