chapter 4

Daniel’s POV

“What? You divorced your wife?” Came from Damien Millers, my best friend. He was shocked.

I gave Damien a side-eye look that made him quickly reduce his voice. “Keep it low, guy; Nancy is here!”

We looked around to see if Nancy wasn't coming because she had gone to use the toilet as soon as we entered the club.

I gulped down a glass of hard liquor as the waiter brought the glasses and filled it up.

Nancy and I went straight to the club as soon as we were done with her parents. I had called Damien to meet me up at our usual spot earlier, and I didn't think that Nancy would follow me.

Damien and I are best friends; our fathers were also friends before my father died, so we have literally done everything together since childhood, and he knows everything about me.

“I can't believe you, Daniel. How can you be this reckless?”

“What do you mean? I married Camilla because I wanted a child for my sick mother; she would have died without ever seeing her grandchild if not for an unexpected miracle that happened. So I don't want to waste the miracle that she's still alive.”

Damien shook his head, staring at me with concern on his face. “So, you divorced her only because of that?”

“Why not? Nancy is healthy and I still love Nancy!”

“I love you too, darling,” Nancy said as she appeared behind us.

“Are you sure about it?” Damien asked again; he doesn't give a fuck about Nancy because he doesn't like her, and he doesn't hide it. But I gave him another side look that made him stop questioning me.

We filled out glasses and shifted our conversations to business talks.

“I will follow you home, Dan!” Nancy said as soon as we got into the car.

“No, babe! It's not time for that! I want to marry you in a big way, so wait for me.” I answered firmly.

It was Camilla’s last day at the mansion and I want her to enjoy her last day out of my guilt. I felt guilty earlier when Mr. Albrecht disowned her and I wanted to make it up to her just for tonight.

I instructed Roland, my driver, to drop Nancy off at her father's house before we returned to my mansion.

I was slightly intoxicated when I returned back home but I still knew what was happening around me.

When I opened the door, I expected Camilla to be sitting on the couch, waiting for me like she usually does, but the house was empty. Something about the silence made me feel uncomfortable.

“Camilla,” I shouted, my voice echoing throughout the house, but there was no response.

I loosened my buttons as I climbed the stairs to the bedroom quickly. The door was opened, making me speechless as I walked inside. Her clothes, shoes, and even her jewelry box were all scattered around. The drawers were left half opened while some were empty.

I stood for a moment, stunned. “Camilla!” I called louder, but there was still no response.

I began to fear, I took my phone and called Emily, the head of the maids.

Emily arrived quickly; her expression was worried, considering the situation in the room.

“Where is Camilla?” I asked, my voice sharper than anything.

“She… left, sir?” Emily stammered.

“What? What do you mean left? Where did she go?” I muttered, my heart skipped a beat as I felt guilty towards Stacy.

“She….didn't say, sir. She just carried a bag and left in a hurry.”

My chest tightened, I ran a hand through my head, trying to make sense of what I heard.

I signaled my hand, telling her to leave.

It's true that I don't want her, but finding out she's gone, knowing she's all alone without anyone, family or friends, made me feel sorry towards her. It felt like I made her parents disown her and I didn't even give her alimony.

I scrolled through my contacts and dialed her number for the umpteenth time, but it was switched off.

Frustrated, I dropped my phone, moved closer to the standing mirror, and began to remove my clothes and wristwatch.

My eyes caught sight of a new Rolex watch; I picked it up, opened it, and discovered that it was from their newest collection, and it had my name engraved Inside it, which I had not ordered. It was at this point that I noticed a handwritten note and a ring placed below it.

“I hope you get the happiness I couldn't give you from Nancy. I hope we never get to meet again in life because you are the biggest mistake I ever made in my life. I hope you will take better care of yourself. Goodbye, Daniel.”

My hand was shaking as I read the note. I felt sad and even more guilty. The memories of Camilla flashed through my mind.

Camilla’s words and gift felt like a slap to me because I didn't give her any gift all through our marriage. I started feeling disturbed and restless about where she could be at that time of the day.

The thought made me sick.

I couldn't sleep till dawn because I kept having bad dreams and bad thoughts about her. My thoughts raced, guilt and frustration eating at me.

I dialed Jackson, my private investigator’s number as soon as 6: 30 am. “I want you to find my wife for me and I'm giving you two hours,” I ordered.

“Right on it, boss,” he said, and the line went dead.

Two hours later, my phone began to ring. I picked up hastily thinking it was Jackson, but No, it was Nancy.

“Yes! What do you want?” I asked angrily.

“Are you in the office? I'm somewhere close to your office.”

“No!” I exclaimed, then hung up. She called again, but I ignored her.

I don't even want to see Nancy or want any trouble from her. I just wanted to see Camilla and make sure she's fine.

I was unable to concentrate at work and transferred my annoyance to almost everyone that came my way.

Two hours turned to five hours before I received a call from Jackson.

“Boss, your wife is no more in Sun City, sir!”

“What do you mean by that?” I yelled angrily.

“Look at every airport, every bus terminal, waterfront, lakeside, search every record, and bring my wife back,” I yelled angrily.

My brow creased as I rake my fingers through my hair. Frustration bubbled inside me. I clenched my fist, and I gnashed my teeth.

“Post her photos on the internet, announce it on television and radio stations. I would give whoever finds my wife fifty million dollars, I just want my wife back.” I said because I have lost every peace and I desperately want to see her.