Chapter NineCamilla~~~~I woke up feeling better than last night. Raffael had left the house last night after our little argument.I got up from the bed and went to take a shower. I got dressed and ready for the day. I called Skye to tell her to come over since we were both free for the rest of the day.It was almost 8’clock and he hadn’t still returned. Normally he would return at seven and then leave again before twelve. I wonder where he was.I called Anthony, his assistant to check if he was still at the office or if he was with someone else.“Hello, Good morning Anthony. I just wanted to check with you if Raffael was still at the office.”“He didn’t come in yesterday mam.”“He didn’t go to the office yesterday?” I asked confused.“Yes.”“Okay, thank you.” I said and hung up the phone.I threw my phone on the bed, biting my lip in confusion. If he didn’t go to the office yesterday where could he be? Is it possible he went to meet with her?I shook the thought out of my head and
Chapter TenCamilla~~~~My eyes fluttered as I struggled to adjust to the bright light. I finally managed to open my eyes and I looked around. I was on a hospital bed.What happened? My head ached so bad and I felt really nauseous. I stayed in my position for a while then the door opened. It was Skye.“You’re awake, finally.” She said rushing over to my side.“What happened?” I said trying to sit up.She helped me up. “You fainted.”“Why?”“The doctor hasn’t said anything yet. He was waiting for you to wake up. I’ll go get him.” She said and went out the door.She returned in a few minutes with our family doctor.“Ms Edwards, how are you feeling?” He asked.“My head still aches a little bit.”“We’ll prescribe some drugs to help ease the pain.”“Is that the reason I fainted?”“Uhm.” He looked over to Skye to indicate he wanted the conversation to be private.“It’s okay, you can say whatever you want to say.” I assured him.“You are 13 weeks pregnant, Ms Edwards.” He said handing me a
Chapter ElevenRaffael ~~~~The drive to the airport was short and silent. I didn’t have anything to do in California, I just needed to be away.Anthony dropped me off at the airport and then left. I made sure to wear a hoodie and sunglasses to avoid being recognized and photographed.I got on the plane and found my way to the first-class section and found my seat. After a long seven hours, we finally landed in California.I went to get my luggage and then went to the front for my best friend, Sam to come pick me up.I waited at a coffee shop for about ten minutes before he finally arrived.“Sam.” I said standing up to hug him as he came towards me.“Raffael. How’ve you been brother?”“Been good. How are you?”“I’m doing alright. You ready to go?”“Yeah.” I nodded.I carried my suitcase and we went outside. We got in the car and were on our way to his apartment. We arrived there shortly and went inside.“The first room by the left.” He said.I dragged my suitcase and went to the room
Chapter Twelve Raffael ~~~~The weekend in California rolled by fast. It was time for me to go back to New York. The flight back home was smooth and short.I had to go to the office directly from the airport because the Press conference was scheduled for four pm. I changed into a suit at the office and went downstairs.There were reporters outside gathered outside the building. We managed to get around them and we got in the car.I hadn’t seen Camilla since I got here. I tried to call her over the weekend but she wasn’t returning my calls. I’d already practiced my speech for the press conference and I was ready for any question thrown at me.We drove to the location and there were more reporters outside the building. These were the ones who were not allowed to be inside but still wanted to get a story.We had to go through the back because the crowd outside was too much and it would be difficult to go in through there.We got inside the building and the reporters were waiting for me
Chapter ThirteenCamilla ~~~~I’d already made up my mind that I was going to sign papers. It was clear right now that he didn’t love or respect me. I already knew the first part but this just confirmed everything.“So you’re keeping it?” Skye asked.“Yes. I mean it was a hard decision. I was conflicted on if I wanted to be reminded of him every day or just forget about him.”“You made a good decision Cammy. I want you to know that I’ll always be there for you.”“Thank you, Skye. I don’t know what I would do without you.”“So you’re not going to tell him?”“No, he doesn’t deserve to know. After the way he’s been treating me for the past three years and knowing that I know now. Nothing’s going to change anyways.”“You’ve signed the papers already?”“Yes. I just have to give them to him.”“What about the press conference that’s already scheduled?”“He should have a chance to clear his name. We’ll just say we weren’t compatible anymore and we decided to get divorced.”“So what’s the pla
Chapter FourteenCamilla~~~~“Raffael? What’s she talking about?” My grandpa asked.“I-I don’t know.” He stuttered.“What? Cat’s got your tongue?” I mocked.“Camilla, what are you talking about?” My grandpa asked.“Tori came to me, she said she wanted to talk. She told me how two months ago when he went on a business trip they ran into each other.”“Whatever she told you was a lie.” Raffael interrupted. He was already sweating.“Shut up and let me finish.” I retorted. “ She told me about how they slept with each other that night.”“Raffael.” My grandpa stood up. “Is what she’s saying true?”“I promise it’s all a misunderstanding.”“Everything’s a misunderstanding when it comes to you.” My grandpa said.“Is that why you gave me the divorce papers?” I asked standing up. “You felt guilty didn’t you?”“We didn’t sleep with each other, I promise.” He stood up also.“Shut up, you did. That’s why when you came home you were all over me. You felt guilty didn’t you?”“If you would just let me
Chapter FifteenRaffael ~~~~I left the house with my mouth wide open. I was still in shock after what just happened. I couldn’t believe she signed the papers.I got in the car by myself leaving behind the others. To think straight, I needed to be alone. This was my life now. I knew I shouldn’t have let Tori leave like that. She went to run her mouth to Tori.I took the divorce papers with me. Thinking about it now, I didn’t want to get divorced now.I drove to the house and circled the neighborhood for a few minutes. So many thoughts were running through my head. What would happen to the company now? Things were already bad right now. Confirmation of our divorce would only bring more damage. I couldn’t believe the power Camilla and her family held over my company.I finally drove into the compound and parked. I thought of ways to convince Camilla to change her mind. It couldn’t end like this.I went into the house and went to the bathroom to wash my face. I removed my tie because
Chapter SixteenRaffael ~~~~“That was you? You’re sick.” I spat.“Don’t act so self-righteous.”“Oh my fucking God. You’re so pathetic that you had to do that.”“I helped you Raffael. You should be thanking me. That woman is now out of your life. We can finally be together.”“Be together? Us? In your dreams. Get out.”“What?”“I said leave. I don’t ever want to see you again.” I dragged her outside.“You know that’s not possible.”“Stay away from me.”“I’ll tell the media.”“Do whatever you want. I don’t give a fuck.” I closed the door in her face.I went upstairs and hopped in the shower. I took a long hot bath. I came out feeling refreshed and got ready for bed. I tried my best to get a good sleep. I hadn’t had one in a long time. The next morning, I woke up early, got ready, and headed to the office. When I walked in, all the staff were giving me weird looks. Some were shaking their heads acting disappointed and walking away.I went into the elevator and went to my office. My a
Chapter Forty-ThreeCamilla’s POVMartha had arrived the day before and we were all excited. We didn’t talk much about what had happened while she was gone. It was a Monday and she got Rory ready for school and then I dropped her off and returned to the house.I didn’t have to go to work until 10am so I had a lot of time to get ready. I finished getting ready and I had a lot of time left so I decided to chat with Martha.“So he wants to be a part of her life?” She asked.“Yes.” I answered.“How would that work? You live in different cities.”“I really don’t know but we’ll figure that out.”We chatted for a while tge I looked at tge time and realized it was time for me to leave for work. “I’ll be on my way now. See you later.” I said and left the house.For the first few hours, I was at work, and for the remains part of the day, I went to visit the site we were working on.I was about to turn into the kitchen when I got hit by someone and got coffee spilled on my shirt.“What the hel
Chapter Forty-TwoRaphael's POVThe next morning, Jason and I got ready for the day and I dropped him off at my mom's house before going to work. I didn’t have much to do at work so I finished up pretty early. I then told Anthony to take me to the hotel Tori was staying at.We got there and went up to the room. I knocked on the door several times but I didn’t get an answer. I had a key but I wanted her to open the door herself.After about three minutes, I was still waiting for her to open it so I decided to use the key I had. I walked in and closed the door behind me. “Tori.” I called out. “Are you in here?” I didn’t get a reply back.It was a suite so I checked the room and the kitchen but I couldn’t find her. The receptionist said that she hadn’t checked out.I remembered that I hadn’t checked the bathroom so I went there and I saw her passed out on the floor.I bent down beside her. “Tori.” I said shaking her.I looked around and saw a bottle of pills lying on the floor. I tried
Chapter Forty-One Camilla's POV The night Raphael left was pretty rough. After he was gone, Rory resumed crying. We managed to calm her down, get her ready for bed, and put her to sleep. She woke up in the middle of the night crying for him. I couldn’t understand how she had gotten attached in such a short time. I put her back to sleep and stayed with her the rest of the night. The next morning we woke up and prepared for Skye and my Grandpa to leave. I had to tell her that they were going to leave and she started crying again. She went for a walk with my Grandpa while Skye and I were making some last-minute arrangements. “Rory’s pretty devastated.” Skye said while we were packing her suitcase. “I know. And I can’t understand it. I understand her crying cause you guys are leaving but I didn’t expect her to cry for Raphael. She got so attached to him in a short amount of time.” “She’s never felt how it was to have a dad and she finally got it. She’s a little girl but she’s als
Chapter FortyRaphael's POVAfter six hours, we finally landed in New York and I went to pick up my luggage and waited for the driver to arrive.After a few minutes, he arrived and I got in the car. My assistant was there too.“How are you doing?” I asked.“I'm good, sir.” He replied. “There's a problem.”“What is it?”“Tori is in police custody.”“What? Why?”“She was caught stealing from a mall. She called me and asked me to relay the message to you.”I sighed. “Take me to where she is.”He instructed the driver to take us to the station. I couldn't believe that she was arrested. What a disappointment. I turned on my phone and of course, it was all over the news.Everybody was making mention of Jason, our son, and how they felt sorry for him. After I left her, she became more of a mess than she already was. She started using and got addicted. I've tried to get her help but she doesn't want it.We reached the station and we were led inside. We talked to the policemen and then bailed
Chapter Thirty-NineCamilla's POVAfter Raphael and Rory left, I and Skye went to do some shopping. She and my Grandpa will be going back to New York tomorrow.We first went to the mall to get some clothes and random things that Skye wanted to take back to New York. We also got some things for my Grandpa and Rory. I knew Raphael was going to leave today. I was thinking of getting him something but I didn’t want to do too much.After we were done shopping, we went to get food. We just ordered regular burgers and went to find a place to sit.We were on our phones while waiting for our order to arrive me Skye let out a gasp.“What is it?” I asked. She didn’t reply to me immediately but kept scrolling on her phone and her mouth opened in shock. “Skye, what is it?”“It’s about Tori.”“What about her?”“You won’t believe this. She was caught stealing.”“Stealing? That’s a lie. From where?”“From a mall. She got caught with a dress in her bag.”“Oh my God. That’s awful.” I said and Skye gav
Chapter Thirty-EightRaphael’s POVIt was the day of the dance and Aurora and I had spent all of last night practicing our dance moves. The dance started at 2:00 pm and it was currently 11:02 am. I was on my way to their house.When I arrived, Camilla was doing Rory’s hair while Skye was steaming her dress. The chairman wasn’t at home.“Hey daddy.” Aurora said.“Hi, baby. Your hair is looking beautiful.”“Thank you.” She laughed. “I’m going to be the prettiest girl at the dance.”“You sure are.”“Hey.” Camilla said.“How are you?” I asked.“I’m good.” She replied. I went to drop my suit in the living room and came back to the dining.I sat on one of the chairs and after a few minutes, Skye was done with the dress and Camilla was done with Aurora's hair. “It looks really pretty.” I said.“Thank you, daddy.”We still had about two hours before the dance started. “What are we going to do for the next couple of hours before the dance starts?” I asked.“I guess we could watch a movie or
Chapter Thirty-Seven Camilla's POV After Raphael left, I wasn't in the mood to talk to anybody so I went and locked myself up in my room. Skye got Rory ready for bed and they all stayed up watching TV till 8:30 and went to bed. After they went to bed I came out for a glass of water. I spent a little time in the kitchen and when I was about to leave, I saw Skye coming out of the room. “I thought you were already asleep?” I asked. “I came for a glass of water. But I'm glad I ran into you.” “Why?” “I wanted to talk to you about Raphael.” She said and sat on a chair. “What about him?” “Look at the way you treat him, Camilla. You act like he's going to take Rory and sell her off. Give him some grace. I know you're hurt but for Rory’s sake please.” “But.” She interrupted me. “I know he hurt you. He's trying to make amends. If you would just let him.” “I’m trying to forgive him but I just can’t. Every time I think to be nice I just remember that morning he came hom
Chapter Thirty-SixRaphael’s POV“Mummy, look. Daddy got a necklace for me.” Aurora said as soon as Camilla came out of the kitchen.I scanned her face and from her expression, I could tell something was wrong.“Really? Let me see.” She said and took the necklace from her. She looked at it for a good minute.“It’s really pretty, mommy.” Aurora said.“Yes, it is baby.” She replied and handed it back to her. “Thank you.” She said to me.“It’s nothing. She’s my daughter after all.”“I want to put it on.” Aurora said.“Come here. Let me help you.” I said and she ran to me.“You guys are having fun without me.” The chairman said coming into the living room.“Pops. How are you?” Aurora said going to hug him. “You’ve been sleeping.”“I’m fine, Rory. I was tired. How are you? How was school?” “School was fine. Look at the necklace my daddy got me.” She said and showed him the pendant.“It’s really beautiful.” He said.“I know right.” She replied and ran off.“How are you doing?” The chairman
Chapter Thirty-FiveCamilla's POV“Aren’t you coming to eat?” O asked Raphael on my way to the dining room.“I am.” He said and stood up, following behind me.Skye served the food and we said grace and went on to eat.The table wasn’t this silent as either Rory or I had something to say. I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t feel that comfortable talking with Raphael around. I didn’t know why Rory wasn’t saying anything.“Rory, how was school today?” Skye asked.“School was good. We learned a lot today and our teacher gave us more time for recess.” She said concentrating on her food.“That's great. Camilla, how was work?” She turned to me.“It was fine. Had a lot of work to do today. There are only a few people at the office right now and I’m in charge so it was a bit stressful.”“You’ve got this. It’s only for a few weeks too.” Skye said. “How was your day, Raphael?” I didn't expect her to ask him but it would have been weird if she asked everyone but him.“Uhm, my day was f