(Kalel’s POV)I find Grandma Becky in the garden, her back to me as she trims the already well-kept plants.The snip of her shears is sharp, almost angry, and I can tell she's using the task for an excuse to avoid thinking about what just happened.Her shoulders are tense, her movements deliberate. For a moment, I am not sure if this is the right time to approach her. But I know it needs to be done-I owe her an explanation.I take a deep breath and move closer. "Grandma," I begin in a soft voice, so as not to scare her.She doesn't turn around but keeps trimming this one branch that's being a particular pain. "Kalel," she says tersely. "If you're here to apologize, I'm not sure I'm ready to hear it."I understand," I reply, attempting to keep my voice even while my stomach is a bundle of nerves. "But I'm not here to apologize-at least, not in the way you might think."She pauses, shears stalled in mid-air, before finally turning to face me. Her eyes are tired and heavy with disappoint
(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,
(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)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)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)[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 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)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)“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,