Lawson stared at the "DIVORCE AGREEMENT" in front of him. Cold papers. He scanned every font, but he wasn't reading a single word. Alive. Camila was alive. That's all that screamed in his head.And divorce? That was the first thing she thought of? After all this time?He knew he'd messed up before. Badly. Hurt her.But this... this felt like a punch after barely catching his breath.She was back. He'd imagined this moment a thousand times – tears, hugs, relief flooding him. Not this stark white paper. Not a lawyer's polite cough. Judgmental stares and annoying impatience.A lifetime of grief had lifted, replaced by a fragile, unbelievable joy. He didn't even get the chance to apologize, hold her, or even have a normal conversation.And now this. No time to even register she was safe. Just this demand. This ending. He shook his head slightly, a bitter laugh escaping him. It was almost cruel.The lawyer cleared his throat, bringing him back to reality."Mr. Miller, once you've reviewed
Camilla watched as her marriage crumbled before her eyes. Her cousin Diane stood confidently before the entire Miller family, stroking her protruding belly. The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on Diane as her gaze swept across the room, locking on Camila briefly before moving on. “I’m carrying the Miller family heir,” she declared. Camila's mind reeled as she tried to process the implications of Diane's announcement. Who was the father? She turned in Lawson's direction, expecting to see shock or curiosity on his face. Instead, his expression was unreadable as he sat silently on the sofa, observing the scene unfold. She kept searching his face for answers, but It was as though he had no care in the world, didn’t care about her reaction or that of his family, and honestly, Camilla couldn’t quite grasp what was going on in his mind.“Lawson, is this true?” Camila asked, trying to keep her voice steady. “Did you cheat on me?”It was an unnecessary question, but Camilla couldn’t help i
For a moment Camila saw a flicker of guilt in his eyes. But it was quickly dismissed.Tears streamed down Camila's face as she repeated, as though trying to jog his memory, "I gave you my kidney.""And you were paid for it!" Lawson spat. "Paid for it?" she repeated, her voice trembling. "You think my kidney was for sale? You think I would have given it to you if I didn't love you?""Stop being dramatic, Camila," Lawson said, his voice cold. "Our marriage was based on a clear understanding: I needed a kidney, and you needed financial stability. You can't claim ignorance now.""I thought I was your wife," Camila whispered. "I thought I was the person you loved. But I was just a means to an end, wasn't I? A way for you to get your health back?""If that's the way you see it then, so be it." Lawson replied, his words devoid of any remorse."You know I didn't sign up to be a broodmare or a kidney donor. I thought I was marrying a man who would love and respect me, not use me for his own c
Lawson shrugged to himself, feeling no emotional attachment to Camila's outburst. "If she can't handle the truth, that's not my problem." He mumbled and a soft knock at the door broke his train of thought."Mr Lawson!" The butler voice came through and before he could continue Lawson cut him off abrupt. "Not now Charles Leave me alone," Lawson snapped his voice firm but controlled. He didn't want to be disturbed, not now, not when he was still processing the events that had just unfolded.Charles's voice was hesitant, but he eventually backed down. "Yes, sir. Sorry to disturb you."Lawson nodded to himself, even though Charles couldn't see him. He waited until he heard the butler's footsteps fade away before he turned his attention back to his thoughts.But his solitude was short-lived. The door t swung open, and Diane walked in, flaunting her protruding belly. She looked radiant, her skin glowing with a healthy pregnancy sheen.Lawson's gaze flickered to her stomach, and for a momen
Lawson's blood ran cold. The image of Camila's car crumpled on the highway flooded his mind. The nonchalant dismissal he'd felt moments ago towards the accident vanished, replaced by a sickening dread."Who found the car?" he barked at Madison, his voice tight with a sudden urgency he hadn't felt all day.He ignored Diane, who stood frozen in the doorway, her smug expression wiped clean by a flicker of curiosity.Madison, panic plastered on her face, nodded curtly. "One of your men, but who found the car isn't important right now. She must be at City General Hospital."Lawson didn't waste another second. He practically sprinted past Diane, who scrambled after him, her heels clicking frantically on the floor as she tried to keep up with the pace.The car ride to the hospital was a blur of tense silence. Lawson gripped the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turned white, his mind replaying their argument, Camila's tear-stained face. Had his harsh words pushed her to this point? To be i
Cole Lopez leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he listened to his team's final remark. After an hour of intense brainstorming, he leaned forward, adjourning the meeting."Alright, I think that covers everything. Let's reconvene next week to discuss the financials."The team nodded and began gathering their belongings, while Cole stood, smoothing his tailored suit. With a curt nod at the team, he turned to leave, but Rachel, his PA, appeared in the doorway."Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt, but you need to see this," she said, her voice urgent as she stretched out her iPad to him.Cole's face flashed with annoyance. Couldn't she have just shown him whatever it was that was so important in his office? He valued efficiency and disliked interruptions."You could have at least waited until I left the conference room," he spat as he grabbed the iPad from her."If it wasn't urgent, I wouldn't have bothered you, sir," Rachel retorted, but her voice remained calm and polite.Cole sc
"Our marriage has been beneficial to both of us. You've had a comfortable life, and I've gotten what I needed." "You knew what you were getting into when you married me. You knew I needed a kidney, and you knew I would take care of you financially." "Where are you going?" "Take your hands off me!" Her voice cut through her foggy mind like a knife, and Camila's eyes fluttered open, but they were met with an inky blackness that seemed to swallow everything. She tried to lift her hands to touch her face, but there was this numbness she felt, as if it were wrapped in a thick layer of cotton. As she raised her hand, a sharp pain shot through her head, making her wince. She refused to back down and raised her hand, ignoring the pain as she reached for her face. Yet the feeling she expected didn't come. Instead, her fingers grazed against a thick layer of bandages, covering her face like a mask. Her face... why couldn't she feel her face? Panic set in as Camila's mind struggled to com
TWO YEARS LATER...As the music blares, the thumping bass vibrates through Camila's every cell. This wasn't her typical hangout—the club—but something about the pulsating lights and the anonymous crowd drew her in. Maybe it was the desire to lose herself, to blend in, and forget her troubles. Or maybe it was the thrill of being in a place where no one knew her, where she could be anyone.Strobe lights flash, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the crowded dance floor, but Camila was a few feet away from the chaos, swirling a glass of whiskey in her hand like she had no care in the world.It's a ruse, a way to lose herself."You want another shot, beautiful? I got just the thing," a voice purred beside her.She turned to see the bartender, leaning against the bar, a towel draped over his shoulder. He leaned closer, his face inches from hers."I'll mix you a drink that'll make you forget all about your woes, sweetheart," he whispered, his breath tickling her face. "What do you say,
Lawson stared at the "DIVORCE AGREEMENT" in front of him. Cold papers. He scanned every font, but he wasn't reading a single word. Alive. Camila was alive. That's all that screamed in his head.And divorce? That was the first thing she thought of? After all this time?He knew he'd messed up before. Badly. Hurt her.But this... this felt like a punch after barely catching his breath.She was back. He'd imagined this moment a thousand times – tears, hugs, relief flooding him. Not this stark white paper. Not a lawyer's polite cough. Judgmental stares and annoying impatience.A lifetime of grief had lifted, replaced by a fragile, unbelievable joy. He didn't even get the chance to apologize, hold her, or even have a normal conversation.And now this. No time to even register she was safe. Just this demand. This ending. He shook his head slightly, a bitter laugh escaping him. It was almost cruel.The lawyer cleared his throat, bringing him back to reality."Mr. Miller, once you've reviewed
Antonio went wide.What? Was he surprised? Why?It's what he wanted, wasn't it?Camila kissed him harder, her fingers tangled in his hair.Antonio held her tight. His fingers dug into her waist. The kiss felt strong, too rough for a charade. His lips moved with hers. They breathed hard.This wasn't just acting. Camila felt something new. A hot feeling. A little scary, but it would go away the moment she pulled away. She was sure of that.His hand moved on her back. His scent filled her nose. The music went soft. Too soft for what it should have been. It felt just like them.Camila pulled back; her lips felt full. Her face was hot, her toes curling restlessly. Her heart pounded in her chest.Antonio's eyes were dark, his fingers still framing her chin.A quiet moment. They breathed fast, eyes locked.And then it snapped.Camila slid her fingers from his hair, shifted back a little, and flashed him a brief smile."Well," she said, her voice soft. "That was… something.""Something… good?
"Dress as sexy as yesterday. We are going to a party. I'll text you the address and time," Camila said, a sarcastic laugh in her voice."You do know I'm not a puppet you string, Antonio. If I'm going to be your girlfriend, you're going to give me an explanation. At least tell me where I'm going, whose party it is. So we won't have any problems."Antonio smirked, impressed. "What a threat." He intercepted a passing tray, snagging a glass of red wine and offering it to her. "Drink this and calm down. I like you better when you're not angry."Camila's eyes stayed on him for a moment. Without a word, she snatched the glass from his hand. "Yeah," she said, her voice cool, "it's definitely better for you when I'm calm."She gulped the drink all in one go.Antonio smiled at the sight and took the empty glass from her while offering his hand.Eyes narrowed. Jaw set. Charming like a gentleman."Wanna dance?" he asked.Camila laughed. To be honest, she was flattered. She had come here thinking
Antonio watched himself in the mirror, carefully fastening the buttons on his jacket. Simple and smooth, just as he liked the party to go. It’s Abuelo's birthday party orchestrated by the good daughter-in-law, Emily.So sweet, wasn't it? But he knew better. He knew the gears turning in her head while she planned this messed-up celebration. She always wanted to crawl back to him; well, today she'll know there's nothing to crawl back to anymore.He gave his reflection a little nod, liking what he saw. But then a familiar face appeared behind him in the mirror—Emily.Dark eyeliner, glossy lipstick, and a dress too daring for an old man's birthday. Cleavage on full display on her off-shoulder. She was a vision of calculated allure.Her arms circled his waist from behind. "Good afternoon or evening. Didn’t keep track of time," she whispered, her cheek soft against his back.Without a word, Antonio peeled her hands off; it was a struggle at first, but there’s an advantage to being a man.Sh
Cole watched her, his own eyes wet. He wanted to hold her, but he didn't dare. "What can I do, Cami?" he asked, his voice shaky. "Tell me anything. I'll do anything to fix this." Camila let out a bitter chuckle. "You can't change what happened, Cole. Right now… I just need you to leave. I need to be alone." Cole stood there, looking at her, took one step back, then hesitated. His words seemed trapped in his throat. But he could only mutter one sentence. "I'm not giving up." And this only fueled Camila's anger. Her face scrunched up, and she pushed herself up from the bed, but then, there was another knock on the door. "Come in," Camila didn't hesitate. Anything to get rid of this suffocating tension with Cole. The door opened slowly, and someone stepped in—someone unexpected. Madison. Camila let out a short, humorless laugh. As if this confrontation with Cole wasn't bad enough. Now here comes a Miller with a pity face, here to play the good girl of the family. Madis
No one spoke.No one moved.The silence was heavy, suffocating. The room suddenly felt too small.Lawson just stood staring at the space Camila had occupied. Her words echoed in his mind like a mantra: "Lawson had my kidney, and yet treated me like I was less than dirt."The truth hit him hard. She was right. He had.He never loved her. He was distant, only saw her as his father's pawn. He could still recall the look in her eyes, the hurt, the resentment as she stormed away that day, like she would shatter if she stayed a minute longer.He should have stopped her. He should have tried harder. Maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't have led to this very moment.The silence stretched, taut and uncomfortable, before Diane finally shattered it. She turned on Cole, her eyes wild."You didn't come here for the dinner, did you? You don't want Madison. You just used her... and that woman... you willed her to appear to prove that she's the real Camila because..." Her voice trailed off, the words seemi
"Sorry I'm late; I got caught up in traffic."A woman.That same woman. At the elevator. But something's different about her today.The hair, the eyes... what hit Lawson most were the legs.Long, slim, so familiar. At the hospital, he hadn't taken notice, too engrossed in her mysterious behavior and the argument with Diane. Now it's so... even more mysterious.Lawson's eyes narrowed at the figure striding in with an air of confidence. Jaw set, shoulders squared, her smile seemed to hold a thousand secrets... so much arrogance in every step, like she owned the world and it should fall at her feet.She reminded him of a certain someone—same blond hair and blue eyes...Wait...He paused, brow furrowed...Who is she? How is she related to Cole? Or was it a family resemblance? It's so striking.Lawson began to walk over, hand outstretched, prioritizing formality first before going deeper.He smiled, eyes crinkling."And.. you are?"She stopped, her eyes trailing to his hand. She didn't tak
"Where are you going?"Lawson froze at his mother's voice, already halfway to the hall that led to the front door."Out," he said, not breaking his stride."Lawson." Her voice rose, and he stopped, letting out a frustrated sigh."Remember, we have dinner tonight with Madison's boyfriend.""I trust you, Mother. You wouldn't let Madison marry just anybody, so... this dinner? My presence isn't necessary," he shot back, not bothering to turn.His mother shot up from the couch, her voice sharp. "Are you out of your mind, Lawson? We agreed on this already! Before Madison goes through with the wedding, we meet his family."She scoffed, a harsh sound. "Your first marriage was a disaster, and this one, with Diane, has proven to be useless and a..." She trailed off, muttering about Diane's inability to have children and the loss of their first child due to carelessness. Then, her voice rose again, firm. "We – and I emphasize we – are not letting Madison make a mistake."Lawson scoffed, a famili
Camila: *Are you there yet?*Cole: *Please don't go in without me.*Camila: *Why? Worried I might cause a scene?*Cole: *Camila, please, I'm begging you. If you get there first, just hang around. Don't see them without me by your side.*No response.Cole frantically typed another text.*Camila.*No response. "Damn it!" he muttered, tossing his phone onto the dashboard of the car. His eyes, however, were immediately caught by Madison, who sat silently by his side, her gaze fixed on him, too intense."Seriously, Cole? You know I've warned you about texting while driving." She crossed her arms, but there was something else in her eyes Cole couldn't place. "If it was that big of a deal, you could've asked me to type it for you.""No, thank you," Cole replied quickly. "It wasn't...." He trailed off, a knot forming in his stomach under her unwavering stare."Who was that on the phone?" Madison cut in sharply.Cole hesitated for a fraction of a second too long. "Camila."Madison's expressio