(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)I slightly wake up to the stinging pain radiating from my hands and feet. It feels like I’m being stretched to my breaking point, every nerve in my body screaming in protest.“Ahhh!”Suddenly, cold water slaps me fully awake, shocking my body out of unconsciousness and into sharp, disorienting pain. The world spins, blurred and upside down as I try to get my bearings.My arms feel numb, and when I try to move them, I realize why—I’m tied up, hanging by my feet like some kind of slaughtered animal.“No…” I mumble to myself, the words barely a whisper. “What the hell is this?”Panic surges through me as I strain against the ropes, but it’s no use. My heart pounds in my chest, and my breath comes in ragged gasps as the reality of my situation sinks in. I’m trapped.“Well, well, look who’s finally awake,” comes a mocking voice from somewhere in front of me.I blink, forcing my eyes to focus on the figure standing just a few feet away. Cindy. Of course it’s Cindy. She’s gri
(Camilla’s POV)The sting of the ropes digging into my wrists fades into the background as Frank's fist collides with my stomach again. The pain radiates through my body, every nerve on fire, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of a scream.I bite down hard on my lip, tasting blood, and struggle to catch my breath.Frank steps back, breathing heavily, a cruel smirk twisting his features. He wipes the sweat from his brow, looking down at me with a mixture of disdain and amusement.“You’re tougher than you look,” he sneers, cracking his knuckles. “But let’s see how long that lasts.”I want to spit something back at him, some sharp retort to let him know he hasn’t broken me yet, but the words catch in my throat.Instead, I glare up at him, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing my fear.*BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!*Before Frank can land another blow, a series of sharp, rapid cracks pierce the air—gunshots. They echo through the walls, faint but unmistakable.Frank freezes, his
(Camilla’s POV)[Five hours later]“She has several wounds,” a voice, calm and clinical, said. I recognized it as the doctor’s. He’s been in earlier, but I wasn't fully conscious then. I don't think I’m capable of being one right now, honestly. “But despite the severity, she’s stable. Physically, she’s going to be fine.”“What about recovery? How long will it take?” Kalel asked, his voice laced with concern.The doctor paused, and I could almost picture him glancing down at the chart in his hands, considering his response. “It’s hard to say exactly. The physical wounds will heal with time, but it’s the psychological trauma that may take longer. We’ll monitor her closely, but she’s strong. I’m confident she’ll pull through.”I swallowed hard, my throat dry and scratchy, and tried to shift slightly in bed.Pain shot through my body, a sharp reminder that I wasn’t just lying in a hospital room—I was recovering from a nightmare.The door creaks open, and I turn my head slowly, seeing Kale
(Camilla’s POV)[The Next Morning]The hospital room is quiet, the only sound that can be heard is the beep of the heart monitor and the soft hum of the air conditioning.I lay in the bed, staring up at the ceiling, my thoughts a chaotic mess. The physical pain has dulled, reduced to a distant ache by the medications, but the turmoil in my mind is still here.I couldn’t stop thinking about what is next, about the one person still out there—Lester. He is the last piece of the puzzle, the one who has slipped through our fingers every time, hiding away from the consequences of his actions.Where is he? What is he planning? The questions buzzed in my mind, and I felt a gnawing sense of frustration that I couldn’t shake.Because if you think about it, he is the root of everything. He’s the one who betrayed me with my best friend, brought me to his wicked family, and treated me like garbage despite my pregnancy during that time. He was very much the person who should be blamed.It's a simpl
(Camilla's POV)A week had passed since what had occurred. Now, I'm at the point where I get to overcome my daily life yet again, and I'm trying not to think about it.I deserve to live normally, right?My life has not changed. But from within me, I feel something changed. Almost as though my whole world flipped upside down. I don't know how to explain it.I'm not sure if that's such a good thing. Today, I'm going to the gym. It feels great, slipping back into that comfortable rhythm—to feel the burn in my muscles and the steady thrum of my heartbeat as I work out. This time, I'm not looking for anyone. I'm done with that seductive game. I'm here for me alone.I am dressed plainly, nothing fancy, nothing provocative. Comfortable. An oversized T-shirt, and under that, my skin is actually locked up tight beneath gym wear.Attracting attention is something I'm over, or at least so I say.As I park my bike in front of the gym, starting to lock it, I notice there is a young man hanging aro
(Camilla’s POV)"We can explain, Nona," Kalel said, moving his hand forward to take one step closer, but Becky shifted back.The moment those words escaped Kalel's lips, color drained out of Becky's face as much as she tried to contain it. She just stood there, wide eyes filled with shock and hurt as the reality of our betrayal dawned upon her. Her eyes flew to me with a shadow of disappointment than anything else.I didn't want this to happen. How could I have not seen this coming? What was I thinking when I agreed on being a fake fiancée for Kalel?My heart plunged down like a heavy boulder in my chest.Before I could utter a word, Becky wheeled and walked out of the room-the door ominously closed behind her, burying whatever was left between them into silence."Becky, wait!" I called after her, instinctively taking a step toward the door. But Kalel's hand gently grasped my arm, stopping me in my tracks."No, Camilla," he said softly, his voice tinged with sadness. "I should be the
(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,