(Camilla’s POV)My usual morning routine consists of my daily skin care while listening to some good relaxing music to start my day bright and lively.Next, I hopped on a well-oiled machine of pre-workout stretches and protein shakes.I don't usually eat anything in the morning, but I don't want to get to the gym with an empty stomach, so I always try to consume something just to avoid feeling nauseous at the gym.The rhythmic thump of my playlist filled the entire penthouse as I tied my gym shoes.I don't really have anything to do today at the office, but I do need to run some errands, so that's what I’m going to do as soon as I get back from my workout.I plugged my wireless earphones in my ears, checking myself in the mirror for the last time before leaving the apartment.Entering the elevator, I immediately noticed the strange look the old woman gave me upon seeing me. I didn't want to be rude so I gave her a smile but she just scoffed like she didn't want no smile from me.Okay?
(Camilla’s POV)“A press conference?” he said, repeating the same reason why I asked him to meet me today. He scoffed in disbelief.I told him to see me at a public playground outside the City where no reporters can spot us. They wouldn't have guess this place as our rendezvous because they would have assumed us to meet in each other's apartments which is not happening ever.I’m genuinely so tired of covering my face like a criminal just so they can't snap a picture of me.I had to play it smart.He crossed his arms, shaking his head as if to tell me his strong refusal.“What do you think of me? Some kind of celebrity?” he sarcastically remarked.I gave him a bored look.“Well, aren't you? Because the last time I checked, thousands of your fans are attacking all of my social media platforms right now because they think I stole you from them and are milking you for money,” I sneered in pure hatred. I can't believe he’s so ignorant about the impact he has on his fans.A playful smile ca
(Camilla’s POV)I checked myself in the mirror for the last time before heading out of my apartment.Looking pretty has always been my forte, but I felt the need to put more effort in my appearance tonight. I even hired a personal hairstylist and makeup artist just to pamper me right.I have been rich for the longest time, but I was never popular like Kalel. I never had people bash me so much online.I thought I was already perfect, but these people in the internet seemed to have always find a way to find flaws and imperfections to me. They used it against me, and I hate the fact that I am affected.“You look very beautiful, Miss Camilla,” my hairstylist said, looking at my reflection on the elevator. I gave her a short glance.Accepting genuine compliments has always been hard to me. I always think people say something good to get something good in return. It’s always a give and take and you can never receive something for free out of genuine intention.It just doesn't exist in the w
(Camilla’s POV)The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes were the fluorescent lights of the clinic buzzing overhead. It was casting a sterile glow on my face, causing me to squint to adjust my vision for a moment.I blinked, my vision blurry, the memory of the overwhelming panic still lingering like a phantom limb. I heaved a deep sigh, realizing that I have accidentally shown to the world the vulnerability I’ve been trying to hide my whole life.I promised to go back stronger in my revenge.Not weaker…I winced when I felt a hand, warm and reassuring, suddenly clasped tightly around mine. That's when I realized that there was a man sitting beside me on the clinic bed. It was Kalel."Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and steady. I awkwardly withdrew my hand from him. “We can postpone the press conference if you want. You don't have to do it tonight… or anymore.”I gave him a sharp stare, my gaze meeting his. "No, I’m doing this,” my voice stern.I’m not going back to my apartm
(Lester’s POV)My jaw clenched as I listened to the news anchor interviewing Camilla and Kalel, their faces plastered on the screen live on my television. Her voice was smooth as butter while delivering all the wrong things I’ve done to her that I’d hoped to bury in the past together with our unwanted memories.My blood ran cold when they flashed my photo, emphasizing my candidacy for the upcoming election for governor, asking the viewers if they would vote for me despite my ex-wife’s revelation.I have been expecting Camilla to use that against me, but the reality of it hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s more damaging than I thought it would be.Lester’s blood ran cold. The news anchor, a woman with a voice as smooth as butter, was interviewing Camilla and Kalel, their faces plastered on the screen. He had been expecting this, dreading it, but the reality of it hit him like a ton of bricksMy heart hammered in my chest. I knew I was done for. My carefully constructed world is crumblin
(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)“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,