# 69(A WEEK LATER)-Queensway Company.Camille was just strolling out to her office when Emily met her on the way, “ There you’re, I’ve been trying to reach you,” Camille asked “I’m sorry ma’am, I’ve been adjusting to the new location the new investors sent,” Emily announced, Camille raised an eyebrow.“They’ve changed the location? Where now?” Camille asked. “HV Lounge. It’s a five minute walk down the street. Mr Alan said he wants to survey that lounge and he’s meeting someone there as well,”Emily explained while Camille folded her hand into a fist.“Shit!” She cursed while Emily looked at her with concern. “Everything okay ma’am?” She asked but Camille shook her head.“Nothing. It won’t be nice if we delay our investors on our first meeting,” With that Camille walked off, Emily trails off behind her.Camille and Emily arrived at the HV, a modern building that housed the architecture museum, Her heart raced as she entered the lobby, taking in the polished marble floors and th
(QUEEN-WAY VILLA)“You killed Grandma! You hungry looking buffalo! ” A slap followed on Camille’s cheeks, it left hand-prints on her cheeks. That was Shania Rodrigo, Camille’s mother-in-law.Tears streamed down from Camille’s eyes, her heart was racing. How did things happened so fast? She wasn’t crying because of the slap but cried at the sight of the woman placed in the coffin.Rina Rodrigo who was the only person one that loved her in the family… now, she’s gone.Rina doted so much on Camille, she even promised to give her grandson to her whom Camille had a crush on since little.“Please mother, not today.. grandma is gone. Don’t, don’t…do this,” Camille told her in a breaking voice. Shania scoffed.“Stop playing the victim card! I know you’re a snake! You poor filthy thing!” Shania didn’t care about the guests present, she pushed Camille to the floor.Camille’s heart ached, she’s a nobody so everybody treats her like a dirt including her husband, the mommy’s boy. Diego Rodrigo.“G
Camille jaw dropped, her eyes searched through Diego’s but found nothing like sympathy.Shania and Tiana gasped, they were not surprised but instead, happy.“Are you seriously telling me that? Not after you destroyed my child!” Camille yelped with fury.“Tsk, Did you really want me to believe that lie?! How sure are you that the baby is mine!” Diego fired back, Camille was taken aback.Yes, Diego was so drunk and mistook Camille for Tiana that very night, he slept with Camille though She didn’t mind if it was Tiana’s name he was mentioning throughout the night, she was elated she had her first night with Diego.But,, now he’s denying the baby? Camille felt nothing but pure betrayal and heartbroken. All she did was love him.“You’re a jerk! You’re nothing but a jerk! I loved you with all of my heart, Diego!” Camille wailed, tears gathered in her eye and poured out like a running water.“No one asked to love me. I made it clearly that I was only marrying for the sake of grandma. I never
Guevara Villa “Welcome home, my beloved! I’m sorry it took so long before I found you,” Leonard Guevara exclaimed and 10 other maids lined up to welcome Camille. Camille stood at the door-way and looked at the man before her, it was truly the billionaire. Leonard Guevara. He owned lots of companies in the city likewise the top notch hotels, he’s filthy rich even the Rodrigo can’t beat him to it. ‘How is he suddenly my father?’ Camille wondered. “How-how are you my father? How come? How am I a Guevara?” Camille asked curiously. She’s a nobody, a poor orphan that grew up in the streets before Rina took her in. who’s pulling such prank on her? “I’m sure you have a lot of questions for me already but why don’t you have a rest and let’s talk tomorrow. I heard from my guards that you went through a lot today,” Leonard offered instead. “But..” “Irene?” The man called making Camille swallow up her words. The lady called came out of amidst the maids that lined up.
3 Weeks Later “Congratulations, ma’am,” “Congratulations ma’am Camille,” Camille had a warm smile on her lips, she welcomed and appreciated the congratulatory messages people has been giving her. Camille looked so different, she was putting in a black blazer suit, matching it with a red stiletto heels, she looked so beautiful. “When does this end?” Camille whispered to the lady beside her, the new secretary assigned to her. “In an hour time,”Kate replied glancing at her wristwatch while Camille had a pout on, getting bored with the whole thing. “We meet again,”She suddenly heard a familiar masculine voice, she lifted her face, her eyes scrutinized the figure. It’s the man that helped her that day, what was he doing here? She blinked her eyes, “You-” “Oh wow, I’m glad you remembered me. You left in such a hurry that day, who would have thought I’d meet you here?” The man said and Camille cleared her throat. “Xavier Huston. Number one top list of the first Trillion
(The Welcome party- Guevara House) Camille’s hair was packed in a messy bun, a light makeup on her face and the dress she wore screamed wealth. “I look so beautiful, isn’t it? Tsk. Tonight, I strike,” She mumbled under her breathe as she stare at the mirror blandly. “Did you made sure Diego Rodrigo is attending?” Camille asked Kate who was standing at the door way.“Yes ma’am, I made sure of that.” Kate replied.Camille looked at the mirror with a icy smile, “I smell nothing but humiliation tonight,” She mumbled Leonard walked in, “Daughter, You look absolutely gorgeous tonight. Come, let’s get to the party already,” Lenard said while Camille held his hand.“Kate? Get the car ready,” Leonard instructed and went ahead to do as told. A white limousine stopped at their front, the chauffeur came down to help the both of them open the door, Camille got in followed by her father. Few minutes later, the limousine stopped at the event. Camille got down with her hand between Leonard’s
An Hour LaterLeonard raised a glass, “To all that came to celebrate my daughter, continue to support her as she embark her journey in the world of CEOs” He said while Camille smiled looking at Tiana and Diego.No one need to tell her, they were both shocked to teeth. ‘It’s just getting started’ Camille thought. The party ended right after the toast, Diego and Tiana were already leaving the party when Camille stopped them. “It was a pleasure having to you here tonight, Mr Diego,” Camille told him, Diego balled his fist, he bite his lower lips.“Camille-” “I don’t think we are close enough for you to use informal words for me, please add Ms.” Camille cut him off abruptly, her lips drawn a smirk, she was giving them a taste of their medicine.“You-”“Tiana, stop being forward like a frog! I’m not talking to you,” Camille snapped making Tiana fume in anger. If only her fuming could swallow Camille up it would have but what choice does she has? Camille has the upper hand now.“Camille
NEXT MORNING- The Rodrigos Mansion.Author’s POV“Hello house! Guess who’s back from the vacation!” Shania exclaimed as she walked into the house woth lot of luggage, Tiana came down to welcome her with a faint smile, Shania noticed that.They both sat on one of the couch at the living room, “What’s wrong my dear? Why is your face so down and gloomy?” Shania asked holding her hands with so much care, Tiana pout.“Mother, you wouldn’t believe the type of humiliation we faced at the last night party,” Tiana said, her voice breaking.“At the Guevara’s? Who dare humiliate my daughter in law? How dare them!” Shania snapped while Tiana pressed her lips against each other Tiana scoffed, “You wouldn’t believe who Leonard’s lost Daughter is? “ She asked while Shania wondered in curiosity.“Who?”“Camille! That dumbass!” Tiana announced while Shania had a re-think about what Tiana had just said. “W-who..? Wait, are you talking about that lowlife-”“She’s not longer a lowlife, She’s the only
# 69(A WEEK LATER)-Queensway Company.Camille was just strolling out to her office when Emily met her on the way, “ There you’re, I’ve been trying to reach you,” Camille asked “I’m sorry ma’am, I’ve been adjusting to the new location the new investors sent,” Emily announced, Camille raised an eyebrow.“They’ve changed the location? Where now?” Camille asked. “HV Lounge. It’s a five minute walk down the street. Mr Alan said he wants to survey that lounge and he’s meeting someone there as well,”Emily explained while Camille folded her hand into a fist.“Shit!” She cursed while Emily looked at her with concern. “Everything okay ma’am?” She asked but Camille shook her head.“Nothing. It won’t be nice if we delay our investors on our first meeting,” With that Camille walked off, Emily trails off behind her.Camille and Emily arrived at the HV, a modern building that housed the architecture museum, Her heart raced as she entered the lobby, taking in the polished marble floors and th
# 68The Following Day. [Guevara’s Villa]Camille glanced across her wristwatch, “He should be there already,” She muttered softly then licked her lips before unlocking her car which beeped miles away.Getting into the car, she drove out of the Guevara’s premises.Her heels clicked on the wooden floors of the restaurant, St Lou, is just a mile away from the house. Her eyes did a quick search before she finally saw Xavier.She walked towards him, Xavier lifted his head immediately she arrived, “Oh. I’m glad you came,” Xavier muttered while Camille stiffed a smile and sat opposite him.She had sent him a message earlier this morning saying they should meet up. Xavier quickly flipped through the menu, “What should I get you? Should I get you your usuals? I—““I didn’t call you to eat. I want to talk about us, I realize I need to finalize what’s going on between us especially when I acted like that last night,” Camille addressed. Xavier waved it off, “Oh, there’s no need. I’m sure you w
# 67Diego drag his feet into the house…his face swollen due to the nonstop tears after Shania has been cremated.He stared at the urn, the smooth ceramic surface reflecting his own hollow face. Grief threatened to drown him, a suffocating wave pulling him under. But he wouldn't let it. Not yet. Grief was a luxury he couldn't afford. Not until he found Tiana.‘Tiana.’ He growl under his breathe. If only he knew that name would be a curse, he would have never allowed her into this house. Diego stood still in the house, his eyes ran to Tiana’s room.He marched there, in a fit of rage, he kicked the door open, “Fuck it! That sly bitch run off!” That was the word that came out of his mouth when he noticed Tiana is gone, all of her belongings has been wiped out.He walked out of the room, a mournful sound echoed the emptiness in the house. His mother's absence was a tangible thing, a silence that had settled over the familiar rooms.The house felt smaller now, colder. No one is coming t
Camille rushed out of Xavier’s house, the lingering warmth of their conversation still buzzing in her veins.Her car tires screeched making an abrupt stop at the driveway of their building, She came down from the car and went inside, tears still in her eyes.“Dad!” Camille called as she burst through the front door, her voice echoing through the empty home. She hurried down the hallway, her footsteps quick and determined.Leonard, was in his study, surrounded by sketches and blueprints. He looked up as she entered, his brow furrowed with concentration before melting into a warm smile. “Camille! You’re home early, didn’t you say you will be back by noon? ” he said, setting aside a roll of parchment.“Dad, I need to talk to you.” She snapped ignoring his concerns. Leonard leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “I see…Judging by the way your forehead streams out sweat, is it something serious?”Camille paced the small room, “It’s about Xavier’s parents! Are you by any chance involv
(Following Day)The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the winding streets of Maplewood. A slight breeze rustled through the trees lining the road as Camille sat in her car, fingers tapping nervously against the steering wheel. Her heart felt as if it were performing a delicate ballet, pirouetting between anxiety and overwhelming joy. Nothing was going to stop it today, “I’m going to tell him we are having a baby,” Camille mumbled as she run her stomach sweetly.Camille’s mind raced as she replayed the conversations she had rehearsed in her head. The way she’s going to bring the news to him.Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture and turned the key in the ignition. The engine purred to life and zoomed out of her house, she felt joy bubbling forth in her chest as she drove toward his house, taking the winding roads lined with endless trees, her heart as light as the fading dusk..**Xavier wore his usual apron and flip the cooking pan like a pro he w
# 64(A Week Later)The encoded text message buzzed on Tiana’s wrist communicator, a tight knot forming in her stomach. "Cafe Antoinette, 14:00. Urgent. Guevara connection confirmed." It was short, concise, and sent by Sparrow, her most reliable informant.Cafe Antoinette was a place for clandestine meetings, whispered conversations, and the kind of discreet observations Tiana excelled at.She spotted Sparrow in a shadowy corner booth, his face obscured by a worn fedora.Tiana slid into the booth, her movements fluid and controlled. "Sparrow," she greeted, her voice low and even. "What have you got?"Sparrow nodded, his gaze darting around the cafe. "Guevara. I dug deep, Tiana. Deeper than I ever wanted to go.""Just give me the facts," she pressed, her patience thinning.He leaned forward, his voice a raspy whisper. "Leonard Guevara. He wasn't always the polished philanthropist the city sees.“"Get to the point, Sparrow," she urged.He took a deep breath, the air rattling in his ches
Camille stood outside Xavier's house, her heart racing with anticipation. She had been thinking about him nonstop since she found out she was pregnant, and she couldn't wait to share the news with him. She had been looking forward to this moment all day, imagining the look of joy and surprise on his face when she told him.As she stepped out of her car and onto the driveway, she felt a sense of excitement and nervousness. She had been to Xavier's house many times before, but this time felt different. This time, she was carrying a secret that would change everything.She walked up to the door and rang the bell, her heart pounding in her chest. She could hear the sound of footsteps approaching, and then the door swung open."Good evening, ma'am," the housekeeper said, a warm smile on her face. "Welcome to Mr. Xavier's house."Camille's smile faltered for a moment as she realized that Xavier wasn't home. "Oh, hi," she said, trying to hide her disappointment. "Is Xavier in?"The housekeep
Few weeks had passed since the tragic loss of Kate,. The Queensway Company was still adjusting to the void left by Kate's absence. Camille, determined to move forward, had employed a new assistant, Emily. However, the transition wasn't as smooth as Camille had hoped.Emily, though eager to please, seemed to struggle with managing Camille's tight schedule. Mistakes were made, and appointments were delayed. Camille's patience was wearing thin, and she found herself growing increasingly frustrated with Emily's ineptitude.One particularly chaotic day, Camille's meeting with a potential investor was delayed due to Emily's lack of preparation. Camille was furious, her anger boiling over as she paced back and forth in her office."This is unacceptable, Emily!" Camille exclaimed, her voice stern. "How could you not prepare for this meeting? Isn’t that what I employed you for?! You wasted close to 3hours organizing the material! How can you be so careless?!” Camille yelled.Emily looked crest
The early morning sun streamed through the large windows of Camille’s office, casting a bright light on the window. This has always been her favorite thing to watch Yet today, that warmth felt suffocating, not after her father had said those words last night.‘How could he ask me to marry someone else?” Her voice was below a whisper.Camille eyes ran to the wristwatch ‘10:30?’ She mumbled and pulled out her phone to reach out to Kate.She went back to her seat, “She should have gotten here by now, isn’t it?” She dialed her number. “Come on, pick up,” she muttered to herself, tapping her fingers nervously on the desk. When the voicemail message kicked in again, she suddenly felt nervous,,Kate has never ignored her calls before, Just as she was about to text Kate, her phone buzzed with an incoming call.An unknown number, “Who…” She muttered but picked it up anyways.“Good day, I’m calling from an accident scene. Am I speaking with an acquaintance of Kate Robert?” The frantic voice o