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Chapter 5
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2025-03-04 20:20:46Francis Noah! The name popped boldly in the notification.
Camelia's heart thumped aloud and she continued to stare in horror at the laptop, having no intention of clicking the mail.
Her body stiffened as she felt a strong surge of her emotions rushing in. How was it that her coming back seemed to have traces of him everywhere?
First, she had a dream and now, she received a mail from him.
What in the world had he even sent to her, she wondered, looking at the notification in curiosity, her heart skipping a beat as she moved her fingers to click on it.
How did he know she was back, the last she checked, she had intentionally filtered out her former hospital from the list of applications she had sent.
Unless he…
She clicked on open stiffly, but heard a small sound beside her as she wanted to read through.
Camelia turned to see her daughter stirring awake beside her. She quickly snapped the laptop shut, forced a smile on her face and returned her attention to the little girl.
It was forbidden for her inquisitive daughter to know anything about Francis, so couldn’t let her daughter see her in that state.
“Mummy,” Angel called out, rubbing her eyes cutely, her bright eyes wide awake.
“Baby girl,” Camelia moved closer to her, rubbing her hair fondly. She wrapped her hands around the little girl and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Did you sleep well?”
Angel beamed with a wide grin, the dimple on her cheek deepening and the little mole just like Camelia's became obvious. “I dreamt of daddy!” The little girl squealed.
The smile on Camelia's face froze, her eyebrow raised in surprise and she tried not to make it show, “Really? That’s beautiful, what did daddy say to you?” She asked stiffly, trying hard to stabilize herself.
The little girl sighed in disappointment and dropped her face low, “He said that he loves me but I didn’t see his face and I couldn’t tell him that I love him too.” Angel said sadly, playing with her hands as she complained cutely to her mother.
Camelia's heart hurt as she watched her daughter experience such pain. She hated to have to lie to her daughter but she had no choice.
It was better for Angel to assume that her dad was dead. After all, to her he was dead!
“How about a big bowl of ice cream when we land, sweetie.” She put a strand of her daughter’s hair behind her ear, switching the conversation effortlessly.
She found herself wondering if it was the right move to come back or if she should have listened to her guardian.
But she had unfinished business with Francis. Her heart ached and she clenched her fist subtly as she remembered him again.
Camelia was still pacifying Angel who was excited about the ice cream when an oddly familiar voice sounded from the seat beside her.
“Are you good?” She heard the voice and turned her head, thinking the voice was speaking to her when she got a shocker.
“Hillary!” She gasped quietly but loud enough for the fair lady to hear.
“Hmm!” Hillary answered, also turning her head to Camelia. Her face went pale immediately, her breath ceasing a little.
Camelia noticed that her expression was devoid of any surprise and figured out she must have recognised her before now.
The two women stared at each other in silence, the air suddenly frosty. No one made a move to speak, their stares doing the job instead.
Camelia slowly dragged her eyes away but not before noticing two things. A flash of hurt seeped through her heart and she took deep breaths to calm her nerves, suddenly grateful for the therapy sessions she had gotten.
The airplane gradually descended into the runway and Camelia stared outside the familiar city; the one she had run away from, believing she would never be back. But here she was again!
“Can we go now, mummy?” Angel tugged at the sleeves of Camelia who was still staring outside.
She collected her belongings around her and waited for a few others to move ahead of them.
“Oh!” She muttered when she saw Hillary’s empty seat, “That was fast.” A small smile of amusement escaped her lips.
Funny how she had thought she would wait behind to provoke her with the diamond ring she had noticed earlier.
She shrugged, holding Angel and led her out of their first class suite in the airplane.
As she walked towards the baggage carousel, hand in hand with her daughter to get their baggage, the romantic display of a couple drew attention.
Or rather, it wasn’t their romantic display but the exclaims of people who were touched by the scene. She was unbothered by them and moved away but the dress the lady wore caught her attention.
Camelia stopped midway in her walk and peered closely at the couple again, “Is that not Hillary? Why is fondling another man that is not Francis.”
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Camelia removed the pair of shades from the eyes and peered closely at the couple displaying their public affection. It was indeed Hillary, she remembered the blue floral dress clearly. But who was the man and why was he not Francis? She wondered, her attention still on them as she cleared her luggage with the security.“Dad!” A tiny voice cried out, causing people to turn their attention to them again.Camelia turned and saw the little boy she had noticed seated beside Hillary on the plane. ‘So Hillary had a child for another?’“Oh my!” She gasped, her hand flying to her mouth that was wide open and she turned back s“Is something wrong, mum?” Angel asked her innocently, her cheeks puffed up as she blinked her eyes in anticipation.A deep breath escaped from Camelia and she patted her daughter’s head, her worries suddenly disappearing. “I'm fine, darling. Let's just get our bags.” She moved over to their luggage but was stopped abruptly by a deep voice behind her.“Let me get that.
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Francis' hands on the steering wheel tightened as he stared at Joe through the mirror; the little boy was staring innocently at his mum and through Hillary’s expression, he figured out the woman must be Camelia.He turned his attention back to the road while Hillary remained fidgeted on her seat. She cleared her throat lightly, wishing she could shut Joe's mouth. She never expected him to say that despite knowing how blunt he could be for his age. “It's just a friend,” she stammered, unable to look into the eyes of Francis. “Get some rest, Joe,” she patted his head, “Remember the ice cream I promised you.”This brought a smile to his face and he nodded happily, taking the posture of sleeping. Not long after, his light snores could be heard and only then did Hillary address the issue.“I saw Camelia in the plane,” she started, trying to be as nonchalant as she could. “Funny how we sat beside each other,” she chuckled half heartedly.“She looked different,” Hillary stopped to see Franc
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The air in the room stood still, each second growing longer as they both stared at each other in silence; none making an attempt to talk.While Francis glared at Hillary, slightly agitated knowing where the discussion was headed; Hillary stared at him, anticipating his response or maybe a console.“Let's not start, Hillary.” He broke their gaze and sat at the edge of the bed, not missing the bewildered and furious look on her face. He expected it, he never called her that unless the discussion was becoming heated and this was what was becoming of this. “Why not, Francis?” She retaliated, also calling out his name. “You know very well that she has been behaving like this since…” She paused for a moment to catch her breath. Her voice cracked and tears welled in the brim of her eyes. “Since we lost our David.” The tears dripped from her eyes, sweat forming on her forehead.“I'm tired of having this conversation with you every single time,” Francis raised his voice in anger, veins popp
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“You don't need to know that,” Gary retorted, his base voice blared in anger.Halsey smirked and snorted, knowing that she had touched a soft spot. Was it love she saw in his eyes? She tried to search into his eyes but found nothing- it was dull and full of anger.“You do know that her ex, Francis, still works there with his wife, right?” “I'm well aware,” he acknowledged.“Good,” She gulped down the last cup of water in the glass and took her bag to leave. “I guess that would be all, I have to take my leave.” Gary rose up at once too, taking his phone into his hands. “Alright, thanks for the help.” He shook hands with her and watched as she left the restaurant with a cold glint in his eyes.What was his relationship with Camelia? It was more than she could imagine. He called on the waiter to clear the bill before taking his leave.***Camelia chewed on the tip of her fingers as the circle continuously rolled in motion.“Shit!” She cursed. Why was the network slow at this critical
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A gasp escaped from her lips when she read out the note. She checked the letter for a sort of identification but the thick white paper was blank save the write up.She wondered who could have sent the red roses, it was unlikely to be Gary. A blue envelope caught her attention again and she gently pulled it out from the bouquet.“Hmm?” She was stunned at the calligraphic design she saw when she opened the envelope. Just like the note, something was written in it.But this was an invitation: Cordially invited to a dinner party of Mr Francis Noah and Mrs Hillary Noah.A smirk appeared and formed in her face as she stared at the invite. Things were about to get interesting.Who would have decided or had such effrontery to send it. It was obvious they wanted her at the dinner. She was still sitting on the couch when she heard the door click and open.It was Gary!“Hey!” She greeted, “Please come over here,” she waved the invite at him.“What's that?” Gary raised his brow in inquiry as he m
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All eyes turned to them as they strolled into the large room that had been expensively furnished and decorated. It radiated luxury, with velvet sofas, gilded accents, and a sparkling crystal chandelier. Camelia moved her eyes to the polished dining table held fine china, silverware, and lush floral arrangements. The candlelight flickered against silk wallpaper, while servers glided by with trays of hors d'oeuvres.She was captivated at the work Hillary had done, quietly commending her. The stares continued as they moved towards the display of the family album which was obviously orchestrated by her.Was it her dress or did they recognise her? Camelia wondered as she noticed the glances from unrecognised faces. She had opted for a turquoise plain crepe dress that was adorned with silver diamonds with simple silver earrings and heels to match. It didn’t look like much but only she knew the true worth but it seemed everybody knew now.“Is that May's limited dress?” She heard one of the
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Francis walked out of the room with a frown pasted over his handsome face. It was just the dinner that still pissed him off but the argument that he just had with Hillary.How could she accuse him of inviting Camelia and her alleged lover to the dinner? He was curious to see her and know how she was fairing, but nothing more than that.But the effrontery with which she had stormed into the room where he was having a quick meeting with the board members was nothing to write home about.And the May dress? What the hell was that? He remembered trying to pull strings for her to get a dress and it proved abortive, how does Camelia relate to it?His strides were large and he had to take a moment to restore his breath and force a smile to calm himself.He checked himself through his phone and was glad at what he saw. He couldn’t be looking disheveled for the dinner and in front of her.“Where is our favourite doctor? He heard just as he was about to enter the room and decided to use it as hi
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Dinner ended as quickly as it started and Francis needed no one to tell him that he was distracted. He didn't know why Camelia had come and even if he did, who was the person beside her?Was he her husband or lover? All he knew was that something seemed to be going on between them. The man was seated beside her, sipping wine like he belonged. His hand occasionally grazed Camelia’s and she didn’t pull away.“Urgh, what am I doing?” Francis called himself to order when he noticed his sight drifting to her as she spoke with a friend of hers.“Mr Francis, are you alright?” The man speaking to Francis spoke out, bringing him back to their conversation.“Yeah, I am,” Francis smiled curtly, “Just a little exhausted, it's been a long day. Let's continue this another time, shall we?” The man nodded as they shook hands and the man left.“Can I speak with you?” Hillary appeared in his front and they moved away from the crowd.-“Are you ready?” Gary asked Camelia who had just finished a conve
Last Updated : 2025-03-12
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“Be like who?” Hillary’s blood went hot. “Camelia? You must be kidding, right?” She scoffed, rising from her to the window side.Francis looked speechless, he knew he had crossed a wildfire."I cannot believe you just said that," Hillary spat, her voice low but sharp enough to cut glass. Her eyes glinted, not with tears, but with fury, a wildfire barely contained.Francis opened his mouth to explain, “I… I didn’t…” He stuttered but she raised her hand, silencing him. "Don’t. Don’t you dare try to explain." She turned to face him, leaning her back on the wall. "Comparing me to Camelia? Of all people, Francis. After everything. How dare you?"His face flushed, a mixture of regret and stubborn pride, but he remained silent."You know what? If you miss her so much," Hillary hissed, her voice trembling now, "maybe you should call her. Or better yet, go back to that life you clearly haven’t let go of."“Go on, she is just a door away. You can do that.” She directed towards the door.“I did
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“This is Camelia's daughter,” Francis whispered to himself. The resemblance was so glaring that he figured it out immediately. “How is she so big?” He murmured, his eyes now running down the girl from head to toe. She almost seemed to be the same age as his son, Joe. His mind started to spiral at the moment; Was Camelia pregnant at the point of the divorce or did she cheat on him by getting pregnant for another?He moved closer to Angel and raised his hand to remove the hair on her face. Just as his hand touched her, the door opened and Camelia appeared at the door.“What are you doing to my daughter? Get your filthy hand off her!” She stormed towards them and pushed him aside.“I… I mistakenly entered this room.” Francis cleared his throat and tried to explain.“I see, you may leave now.” Camelia had now appeared beside her daughter, she paid no attention to him and focused on moving Angel to a more comfortable position.“Why are you still here?” She turned back to see him still st
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“Mummy!” Angel's voice rang out, pure and high as she ran towards Camelia with her short and steady legs. “Angel? Why are you here?” Camelia asked quietly and her heart skipped. As she ran towards her, Camelia noticed she was out of the dress she had worn and rather had a sweater on. ‘What could have happened?’ She was extremely worried. Camelia knelt instinctively, her arms wide. Angel launched herself forward, and the two met with a force that nearly knocked Camelia back."Oh, baby," Camelia breathed into her daughter’s hair, her voice trembling. She clung to her, tears threatening to fall despite the smile on her lips. All her worry melted in that moment as they embraced each other. She never knew she needed a hug until that moment and she tried to take all her daughter's fragrance in.Camelia and Angel continued embracing themselves while Gary approached at a steady pace, his presence calm but a little overbearing but Camelia didn’t notice it.“Thank you,” she mouthed as she l
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“That was my exact reaction when I saw it.” Camelia replied, sipping water from the cup.“And you are sure that it was addressed to Richard.”“I'm positive.”Gary remained quiet for some minutes, pondering over it. “You know what, let me conduct some research, I will get back to you.”She nodded, “Noted. I also have to conduct my rounds.”“Hmm… we'd meet at home.”“Alright.” Camelia was about to cut the call when his voice came through again.“Camelia…” He began, “I’m sorry about last night.”“I know, you meant well.” She had nothing to hold against him, it was his first time and he meant no harm. To be honest, she could now see from his angle. She hadn’t even begun her investigation properly and she was already involved in a mess.This case had to be approached with caution.“One more thing.” He continued and she grunted. Couldn't he say it all at once.’“Can Angel come over to the hospital today?” He asked with an extremely gentle and cautious tone.“Why? Is there something wrong?”
THE BILLIONAIRE'S REGRIET: A LOVE BETRAYED Chapter 27
From her tight corner in the cabinet, Camelia remained absolutely still, her heartbeat thundering against her chest. She watched Philips as he leaned back in his chair with fingers stroking his chin gently together as his sharp eyes scanned the room again. She prayed silently that he won'tbe let to look around his office to the cabinet.Damn, Camelia! You may not be lucky this time.But, he sighed and checked his watch instead.“Damn, it's time for board meeting,” he muttered under his breath and grabbed a slim black folder from the edge of his desk, tucking it under his arm. He gave the room one last suspicious glance before heading out the door.As the sound of his footsteps faded down the hall and the door clicked shut behind him, Camelia remained frozen in place for another thirty seconds. Then she carefully stepped out from the cabinet, massing her arms as they ached from the cramped position.She walked back quietly to the desk, her hand still holding on to the document with
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Camelia pushed the door open and quietly walked into the office. The soft click of the latch sounded much louder in the stillness of the office. She shut the door behind her and paused. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and subtle notes of leather-bound books filled the air.As expected from Philips, the office was meticulously arranged, she noticed.“Let's see what you have to hide, Philips.” She said, still looking around.The metal cabinet near the far wall stood tall and cold, each drawer perfectly labeled. The books were lined in the shelves, neatly dusted and sorted alphabetically. The desk was pristine just like an executive’s desk.Camelia continued to stand in the room, her eyes scanning everything. She was searching and analyzing, but feeling momentarily at a loss. Where should she begin? What was she even looking for exactly? A confession? A clue? A name?Her fingers itched with urgency, and the silence seemed to grow heavier around her. She couldn’t stay long here.The d
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“I really needed this!” She exclaimed after finishing her cup of coffee on a go.Camelia stood at the rooftop of the hospital, her arms folded tightly across her chest with her fingers clenched to physically hold herself together. She had indeed vowed to never step foot on the rooftop again but given the situation, she needed it. There was nowhere she could go to for now to avoid the piercing gazes of people.The breeze tugged at the edges of her coat, but she barely noticed. It was chilly and soothing at the same time. Her eyes were locked on the buzzing entrance but she stared at it blankly as though she was seeing nothing at all. Her phone rang continuously in her coat pocket but she refused to pick it up. It was either Gary, the policeman or her friend, Taylor. Whichever one it was, she was in the mood to talk.Her mind was somewhere else entirely, scattered among regrets, confusion, and a gnawing sense of failure. She seemed and appeared strong, particularly when Hillary and F
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Camelia stirred awake to the faint buzz of her phone on the nightstand. She gently turned from her sleep, still tangled in the sheets, she reached over, blinking at the harsh light of the screen when her heart dropped.‘Renowned Neurosurgeon Dr. Richard Found Dead in His Office’She sat up instantly, staring at the headline in disbelief. Her breath caught in her throat. “No... that’s impossible. I just saw him yesterday.” She scrolled through the article.The article was brief, only stating that he was discovered early this morning by a nurse. No cause of death had been released yet.Her fingers trembled as she continued scrolling, rereading the short article. It all felt surreal. Dr. Richard had been alive and well just the day before, he was calm, professional and even kind… well she had to lie though before he handed her the name she so desperately needed. That piece of paper, folded carefully and hidden in a safe place that now felt like it weighed a hundred pounds.A wave of
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late afternoon sun bounced off the hospital’s glass panels, casting sharp reflections into the city streets. From the backseat of a dark-tinted car parked across the road, Cornelius watched in silence, his eyes fixed on the building’s entrance.And then she appeared.Camelia!She stepped out slowly, her movements hesitant, almost dazed. Clutched tightly against her chest was a folder, white, clinical and heavy with answers. Her expression flickered between excitement and shock, like someone who had stumbled into the truth but hadn’t yet made sense of it. Her brows were drawn with her lips parted; her eyes darted about like she had seen something she ought not to.Cornelius leaned forward, his fingers tightening slightly on the steering wheel. Even after all this time, she captivated him. The way her hair caught the sunlight, the way she moved with quiet urgency, it hadn’t changed. He studied her, soaking in every detail.She didn't notice him. The car windows were dark, near-impenet
