Act

*CAMILLA'S POV*

I finally reached home after my meeting with Dante, my mind buzzing with everything that had transpired. The moment I stepped out of the car, I heard a rustling sound from the bushes nearby. My pulse quickened, and I scanned the area, wondering if someone was watching me. My mind immediately went to John. Keeping tabs on me wouldn’t pass him. Had he figured out my plan? Was this his way of trying to keep me in check? 

The feeling of being watched gnawed at me, but I tried to brush it off as paranoia. With Dante’s actions still lingering in my thoughts, I walked up the path to the front door and headed inside, locking it behind me. I made my way quietly to Jasper’s room, wanting to check on him. My sweet boy was sound asleep, his tiny chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

I stood at the door for a moment, taking in his features. He looked so much like Dante—the sharp, defined jawline and dark black hair that framed his angelic face. But his eyes, when they were open, were all mine—hazel and warm, just like mine. His skin was the same tone as mine, not too pale but a beautiful beige. Unlike Dante who has a tan skin tone.

I sighed softly, thinking about how much I had to do. Meeting with Dante had gone better than I had expected, but there was still so much uncertainty. He hadn’t rejected me outright, but his distrust was clear as day. I had to be careful. I needed to change everything about my past life if I wanted a different future for myself and Jasper. No mistakes this time.

With a final glance at Jasper, I kissed him and left his room, headed for my own. I lay down, my mind replaying the events of the day. I couldn’t count it a success yet till I was out of this shiny birdcage.

***

The next morning, I was woken up earlier than usual by a soft knock on my door. It was Hannah, the head maid. The sight of her brought a wave of bitter memories crashing down on me.

In my past life, I had trusted her—trusted her with everything, including my escape plan. She had been close to me like a friend, and I believed she would help me. When Tom had traveled for a business meeting, taking most of his guards with him, it had been the perfect time to flee with Jasper. But when I arrived at our agreed meeting point, I found Tom and his men waiting for me. And behind them, smiling had been Hannah. The painfuldaggers that shot right through my heart. Maybe I knew I was going to fail but I still wanted to try before losing all hope. Leaving Tom’s house was easier than I thought, and that’s why I had the lingering feeling of failure. But now it was obvious they just let me walk right out just so they could crush all my hopes.

Hannah had betrayed me without a second thought, watching with a cold smile as Tom beat me senselessly. That memory still haunted me. And now, here she was, back in my life, as though nothing had happened. She may not have betrayed me yet but now I knew she was capable of doing so.

“Miss, it’s time to get ready. Your father is back,” she said, her voice annoyingly sweet.

I nodded, suppressing the surge of anger bubbling inside me. I rose from bed and walked to my vanity. As I reached for something, my hand ‘accidentally’ knocked over a bottle of red nail polish. It splattered across the rug in a dramatic mess.

“Oh no,” I said, feigning surprise. “I’m so clumsy this morning. Hannah, could you clean that up for me?” I asked in a sweet tone.

She hesitated, glancing at the mess. “I’ll get one of the maids—”

“No,” I cut her off sharply. “I don’t want anyone else in my personal space. I trust you, Hannah. You’re the only one I see as a friend,” I added, knowing full well how much it would humiliate her. She was good at bossing people around and leaving all the jobs for others to do while she held her position like a ruler. There was no need for scheming to kick her out, I just wanted to tone her pride down.

Her face tightened for a brief moment, but she bowed her head. “As you wish, Miss.”

“Thank you, Hannah, what would I do without you,” I added jumping up excitedly and accidentally tipping the glass of milk I had sitting on my vanity.

“Oh My God, I must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed today,” I said pretending to be surprised.

“Let me step aside before I cause more damage,” I added almost letting out the smile that had been tugging at my lips.

I watched as she knelt to clean the rug. The sight was satisfying—almost like reclaiming a piece of my dignity, even if it was just a small victory.

Once she finished, I got ready and headed downstairs to meet John. The moment I saw him, he beamed at me, spreading his arms wide. “My daughter, it’s so good to be back, I’ve missed you,” he said, wrapping me in a tight hug.

I hugged him back, but inside, I seethed. This man had kidnapped me seven months ago, my own father, just to make a grand show of his return into my life. I never knew about his existence and apparently, the parents who raised me were my uncle and aunt. He blamed them for the death of my mother and for kidnapping me when I was a baby. But with what I know now he most definitely mixed in lies with the truth. Now, he was playing the role of the doting father, only planning to use me to form an alliance with the Lockwood family.

“Dad, how was your trip?”

“It was fine Camilla, what about yourself and Jasper?”

“we’re alright Dad,” I replied with a smile

He was pretending and acting to care all because of what he planned to gain from me and in the past I was deceived but not anymore I could see through his schemes and even if I hate to admit it I’m his daughter after all and if he thinks he capable of acting the doting father then I’m capable of pretending to be his filial daughter.