On Saturday morning, I started my day with a swim. After lunch, I went to the boutique and picked up the suit I ordered. Satisfied with the results, I ordered several different colors and designs. It was time to have a formal outfit.I showered thoroughly, applied face and body cream, smeared oil on my hair, and sprayed cologne on my neck and wrists. When I was done, I walked out of the bathroom to the walk-in closet.Fitting in with the invitation, I wore a white shirt, black trousers, a black and dark gray striped tie, a black jacket, and dark brown shoes. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror and was satisfied with the result.'You and Otis are so handsome this morning.'My face heated up, reminding her words. No one had ever mentioned that word along with my name. People mostly said I was ugly, a curse, an illegitimate child, and a jinx. What did Camari see that she wasn't bothered by my flaws?I was forty years old, but my face was still smooth and spotless. I shaved m
[Camari]I didn't want Otis to be sad that I was going to be at my parents' house for two nights. So, I pampered him all that morning before we left for work. We couldn't even hold hands in the office because security cameras were everywhere.Otis offered his helicopter to take me to my parents' town, but I declined. Driving a car would comfort me and give me more time to think. After all, there were places I didn't want to miss when I went back to my parents' house.“I'll take my leave,” I said to Otis.He smiled. “Be careful on the road.”“Thank you for the flowers.” I glanced at the bouquet I was holding.“You're welcome,” he replied.“See you Monday, Jasper,” I said to his bodyguard.“See you, ma'am. Have fun,” he teased.I chuckled, then closed the door. I smiled at Otis briefly. He looked at me like a child about to be left by his mother. I also felt sad to leave, but I needed to finish the business I'd left there.After three hours of driving, I took a break at a gas station. I
After finding out I was at my parents' house, Grandpa wanted to visit. I told him not to, but he insisted. I glanced at Dad and Mom for help, but they just chuckled. I couldn't fight the three of them.I didn't know what Grandpa wanted to talk to me about. My parents couldn't guess either. Grandpa didn't want to discuss it over the phone. Mom and Dad invited me to go to the supermarket, but I refused. I'd rather clean the house. Besides, I had an appointment.At lunchtime, my family's favorite restaurant was packed. I found an empty table and hurried over. The waiter came to ask for my order, so I mentioned my favorite dish.“Hi, Camari.” A man greeted me and then sat on the seat across from me. “Sorry, I'm a little late.”“You're not. I came too early,” I corrected.I did that on purpose to get the upper hand. I wanted to come first. So, I wouldn't be the one apologizing. I wanted him to be the one to say the words. That was the beginning before we discussed my purpose in asking him t
Grandpa took my hands and brought them onto his lap. He sighed, then raised his head and looked at me sadly. Seeing his demeanor, I frowned. Did he have some bad news?“Farrell and Bella are getting married.” He looked at me intently, watching my reaction. “I'm sorry. I had to allow them to get married because Bella is pregnant.”That last word sounded like a hard hammer blow to my head. My chest ached terribly to hear it. Bella was pregnant. It was my dream. Farrell hadn't touched me during our three years of marriage, but he did with Bella.Oh, God. I had just felt so relieved, so free of all my troubles. Why would Grandpa bring bad news and put another burden on my shoulders? People must be speaking ill of our triangular relationship.“Camari, are you okay?” Grandpa asked, breaking my reverie.“Oh.” I smiled at him. “I'm fine. How about you, are you okay?” It wasn't just me, the news must have shaken him, too.“Your parents and I talked a lot while you were sleeping. They were right
The waiter delivered our food and drink orders. The celebration had started, so we didn't talk. Brad delivered his short speech on the stage. I smiled as the women stopped what they were doing. Their eyes were fixed on the handsome man.Even the female employees didn't move and stared at their boss in awe. Well, well, well. Jasmine would encounter a lot of problems if they got into a relationship. Brad had a lot of fans. That was a big challenge.“Do you want more food?” Russell asked as he looked at my empty plate.“Not now.” I smiled at Brad, who returned to our table.I felt a lot of eyes on me, but I ignored them. Those women couldn't be mad. It wasn't my fault that Brad gave me his attention all night. I was his guest of honor because he liked my best friend.“Move,” Brad ordered his friend. “I'm guarding Camari tonight from all the perverts, including you.”“I'm not a pervert,” Russell argued. He turned to me. “Tell him I'm being polite, Camari.”“Yeah, yeah. That's still my seat
[Otis]I sighed with relief as I got into the car. The argument with Farrell had only exhausted me, especially with that slanderous, know-it-all woman. I couldn't believe Farrell so quickly fell for her line of reasoning.Maybe that was what she had been doing to Farrell all this time, so he hated Camari. He repeatedly hurt the kind woman, even though his ex-wife had never been abusive to him or the Haworth family. I finally understood. Bella had poisoned his mind.What was it about that woman that attracted him to her? Her beautiful face wasn't as sincere as Camari's. That look in her eyes that belittles others made her unattractive, unlike Camari, whose beauty wasn't dull.Camari was kind and treated anyone without discrimination. She was willing to get close to a physically imperfect person like me. She was also not shy about walking or being with me in public. On the contrary, she was annoyed at people who mocked me with their stares.My heart beat faster remembering her and her ki
[Camari]I decided not to watch television or browse social media. Monday was my first day leading a meeting. I had to look perfect. I knew I'd be screwed if I watched the press conference.Hearing the bell ring on my unit's door, I approached the door. I frowned as I saw Jasper's face on the screen beside the door. I took in my surroundings and tapped my forehead realizing the mistake I had made.Gosh. I returned to my old unit even though I was no longer living here. I still had some time left on my lease.Therefore, I still had my card and hadn't returned it to the receptionist. I just want to disappear.“I understand, ma'am,” Jasper said politely. He smiled meaningfully when I apologized.Otis didn't say anything. He turned around and walked towards the elevator. I looked at Jasper. He just shook his head. What had happened to make Otis ignore me? Oh. Probably it was just my feelings.But as we got ready for bed, he gave me a silent treatment. Otis didn't talk much, but he wasn't q
My life was so peaceful not seeing her for a week. I could do a lot of things in my work and meet up with my parents without any significant problems. Why did she have to greet me? Couldn't she just pretend not to know me?Jasmine sighed, not hiding her irritation. She sat back and looked at me while crossing her arms over her chest. That attitude of hers made me happy. At least, there was one of my three old friends who was loyal to me.“Aren't you embarrassed to be in public with a scandal going viral in the media?” Bella taunted while standing at the side of the table. She looked at me with a fake concern.“Which scandal?” I mimicked her mocking tone of voice.She chuckled. “Everyone knows you ruined mine and Farrell's relationship. You see? The power of love can defeat a woman like you. Camari, Camari. Don't be angry that your filthy family can't suck off the Haworth fortune anymore.”Thank goodness she chose that topic. I happily rectified her malicious accusation. I knew all of F