First Change

*CAMILLA’S POV*

Today was the day I was to be discharged from the hospital, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. I lay there, staring at the white ceiling, Jasper peacefully sleeping in the crib beside me. I remembered this day all too well. In my past life, this was the day I met Dante again. Our encounter had been brief, barely memorable. The conversation we had was cut short by my father, who had come to help me back home. 

This time I needed to take advantage of our encounter. “ He should be out in the next two minutes,” I mumbled looking at the clock hanging on the wall.

I disheveled my tied-up curly ginger hair. So I looked as sick as I could. He had asked about my health and looked slightly worried about me in my first life and I was going to take advantage of that now. 

“I will inflict times two of the pain I received on those who hurt us,” I whispered to sleeping Jasper. 

 I had a second chance, and I would be damned if I didn’t use it. I took a deep breath and stepped out of my room in hospital clothes headed for the corridor where I had met Dante in my first life, and there he was just right on time. My ex-boss, Mr Dante Draven. He walked into the corridor dressed in a black suit. His sleek jet black hair was packed in a low bun, leaving some strands to fall over his face, almost covering his piercing gray-colored eyes. He was tall and sturdy, his steps exuding power. 

 I knew I had returned to the past but I was still surprised by how accurately I could predict the things that happened around me. 

This time around I wanted to pine for his sympathy so I wasn’t going to walk up to him like I did in my first life. I decided to act sickly staggering towards him making sure we bumped into each other so I trip and fall. 

“Are you alright?” He asked catching my fall.

He has always had good reflexes and I went ahead with my plan because I knew he would catch me.

“I’m sorry,” I said looking up at him.

“Mr Dante, what are you doing here?” I questioned with a surprised look on my face. 

“Camilla… why are you in hospital clothes? What happened to you?” He said placing his hand caressingly on my face. 

I was shocked by his reaction. “ was this the same cold man I worked for?” I wondered to myself. 

“Mr Dante I’m fine,” I answered in a low tone. It was like my words brought him back to his original self his gaze turning cold as he let go of me. 

“I know it’s been a while since we’ve last seen…but I have something important I need to talk to you about.”

His brows furrowed slightly. ”something important?… And why should I be concerned about that?” He said with no hint of care in his voice.

“Please I just want you to hear me out,” I said trying to force a fake cough. 

“Why can’t you tell me now?” He asked as his face softened.

“It’s not something I can explain here,” I replied glancing at the hospital surrounding.

“ I think it’s best we talk privately. Can we meet in two weeks at La Seraphina by six o’clock?” 

Just before I could get a response from him my father arrived interrupting our conversation again.

“Camilla, what are you doing out of your room?”

“Dad,” I responded smiling awkwardly. 

I hurriedly took his hand directing him back to my room. As we walked I looked back at Dante hoping to get an answer and he nodded dismissively in approval. I was happy but I knew this was just the beginning and the real challenge was yet to come. 

***

Two weeks had passed since I was discharged from the hospital, and now, standing in front of the mirror, I could barely recognize the woman staring back at me. I had chosen to change my future and the person I was. I needed to do that if I wanted to save myself and Dante from dying this time around.

I smoothed my hands over the dark red fabric of my dress. It was a bold choice, clinging to my curves and accentuating the confidence I now carried. The deep neckline was daring, the long slit up one leg unapologetic. My makeup, bold and striking, featured deep crimson lips and smoky eyes, a stark contrast to the subtle look Tom always forced on me. This wasn’t for anyone else but me. 

“I have to become a formidable person.” I had no plans of looking helpless and pitiful in front of Dante.

I adjusted the last strand of my hair and went on my way. I had prepared in advance for everything I needed. When I arrived at La Seraphina, the upscale restaurant we had agreed upon, I was greeted by soft lighting, elegant décor, and a quiet hum of conversation that added to the intimacy of the place. As I stepped inside, I saw him sitting at a table near the back, his presence commanding as always, with an icy stare that sends shivers down your spine. The way his shirt stretched around his muscles when he shifted had me staring longer than I should. Dante had an effortless aura, as though he belonged in the shadows but had no trouble navigating the light.

‘Are all CEOs like this?’ I thought to myself.

One look at him, and you would think he was a ruthless mafia boss.

Our eyes met across the room, and for a moment, I felt a rush of heat through my body. As I approached, his gaze slid down my body in a way that made my heart race. I wondered why he looked at me like that. Being used to seeing me in a maid outfit, he must have been shocked by my appearance. 

“Dante,” I greeted him, my voice soft but steady.

“Camilla,” he replied gesturing at the seat across him.

“You look... different,” he added, his deep voice carrying the same edge I remembered.

“Do I?” I replied, a smirk playing at the corner of my lips.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me today,” I added.

“So what was so important that you couldn’t tell me at the hospital?” He questioned. 

“It was about the reason I was in the hospital,” I replied looking him in the eye. 

It had been so long and I thought I would have gotten over what happened the night of his Mother’s funeral. Now it might have just been a couple of months ago but to me, it has been years, and I could still remember it vividly. Dante’s hands on every inch of my body.

 “Camilla,” Dante called snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Did you ask to meet me just to waste my time?” His voice was stern and demanding.