Chapter 019

Before Camila could react, he leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss to her temple, just beside her ear.

His eyes, however, never left Emily. He held her gaze like a silent challenge a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

He could see the flicker of hurt and anger in Emily's eyes He knew he was pushing her buttons, but he couldn't stop now.

She pushed him to ths point. Now he will have to fight fire with fire.

Camila's quickly step back, creating some distance between them. "What was...that for."

"Just a friendly greeting, Camila," he said, his voice low and smooth, but with an undercurrent of insincerity.

Camila's search Antonio's face for a hidden meaning. She didn't buy his explanation. "Friendly?" She chuckled in disbelief. "You must be out of your mind."

Antonio smirked. "You've been away from Mexico so long that you forgot that a kiss on the cheek is just a friendly greeting."

Camila eyes him wearily and without a word she walked away. But she noticed--Antonio smirk has disappeared into something more calculating.

And Camila wasn't so curious to know what he was thinking she was determined not to let him get under her skin for the second time this evening.

How would he even ask if she was in a relationship?

."Ahem," a voice cleared its throat behind Camila, and she turned to find Cole standing there. "Everything alright?" he asked, looking at between Camila and the spot where Antonio had been standing.

"Perfectly fine," Camila replied but Cole wasn't so convinced.

"You too seem to get along. You're more comfortable around him that you forgot about your party-."

"Don't you have a welcome speech to give." Camila snapped faking a smile that Cole understand all too well.

He raised his hands in surrender stepping back. "Alright... alright you don't have to be so harsh."

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The rest of the party was a blur of laughter, music, and celebration. Camila tried to put the earlier tension with Antonio behind her and focus on the party and get it over with. She danced with Cole's friends, blew out candles on their cake, and even shared a heartfelt toast with Cole.

As the night wore on, Camila began to feel overwhelmed. She was exhausted from the drama and the constant socializing. And with the party now almost over she wanted to leave discreetly. she wasn't looking forward to any conversation with Cole.

So, when she thought no one was looking, she slipped out the room outo the deck.

The driver Cole had sent over was still present so she hopped into the car and quickly ordered the driver to take her back to the hotel.

As the car pulled away from the party, Camila felt a mix of relief and guilt. She had left without saying goodbye to Cole or thanking him for the party. But she knew that if she had stayed, Cole would have tried to convince her to stay.

As the car drove through the quiet streets, Camila's mind began to wander. She thought about Cole's words, about facing her past and moving on. She still couldn't shake off his voice ringing in her head.

"Señorita, we're approaching the hotel." The driver's voice broke into her thoughts

Camila hesitated, feeling a sudden pang of uncertainty. Was she really doing the right thing by leaving? Should she have stayed and faced whatever it was that Cole wanted her to face?

considering Cole's concern and efforts to make the party special for her, it seem inconsiderate for her to leave without saying at least goodbye or even thanking him.

"We are here..."the driver announced but Camila mind was elsewhere.

"Señorita?"

Camila took a deep breath and made a decision. "Could you give me a minute.. please?"

The driver nodded. "Okay take your time."

Camila pulled out her phone her eyes fixed on Cole number. She knew she was going to regret this but it has to be done. She couldn't keep hurting his feelings like this. He is her only family afterall the one that had always been there for her. She can't begin to imagine how it would have been if she didn't have Cole. What would have happened to her after the accident. Lawson her so called husband didn't seem to care about her disappearance.

She dialed Cole number and there was several rings but no answer..

She called again her heart racing slightly.

Again no answer.

Was he angry?

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"Aren't you going to... pick up the phone?" Rachel asked, as she watched Cole's phone vibrate incessantly on the table beside him.

Cole didn't respond his gaze fixed on the empty dance floor where Camila had been just moments before. He had noticed her when she slipped away. A brief goodbye wouldn't hurt would it?

Cole's thoughts were interrupted by Rachel's gentle nudge. "Cole, your phone," she reminded him. "She sent a text."

Cole stared at the phone hesitant on reading the text as he knew it was all going to be the same excuse.

"I can't stay in Mexico"

"I have A new life in Australia."

And when she had succeeded in leaving she wouldn't bother picking his call cause she had decided to shut him out totally.

It was as if she was being chased by an invisible force.

Rachel sighed still stretching out his phone. "I'll read it you then." She said and read the text.

*Cole, I'm so sorry for leaving without saying goodbye. I hope you understand. Thank you for the amazing party*

"That's it?" Cole's brow furrowed

"That's what she wrote," Rachel confirmed, her eyes searching his face. "What did you expect?"

He shrugged, a dismissive gesture that didn't quite mask the disappointment in his eyes. "Nothing. Just... I thought she'd at least explain what's chasing her."

"Maybe she was tired," Rachel suggested gently. "Or maybe she just needed some space."

Cole scoffed. "Space? She's been running for years. How much more space does she need?"

He picked up his drink, swirling the remaining liquid in his glass. "Camila hasn't recovered as much as she thinks she has."

Rachel gaze drop. "But-"

"Anyways..." He interrupted as he stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor.

He walked over to a corner of the room, where a large, ornately wrapped box sat on a small table. .

" When she gets to Australia, make sure this jewelry get shipped to her immediately."

Rachel raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Aren't those...."

"Yeah she was too in a hurry to remember that she was supposed to receive gifts." He grab his ohone from Rachel, a sense of finality settling over him. He had done everything he could. Now, it was Time from him to rest his case.

"Take care of everything else, I'll see off the guests."

just as Cole was about to exit the room Antonio appeared at the door way. His eyes scanning the place.

"I don't see Camila around....where is she?"