UNEXPECTED VISIT

Camilla

As I got Ava ready for school, the morning felt less light than normal. I dropped her off, but my mind couldn't stop thinking about New York and that terrible meeting with him. Alex. He took me by surprise. I would have turned down the proposal right away if I had known he was behind it. But the name of the company was different, so I thought I was talking with one of New York's bright new business owners. A relationship with one of the fastest-growing companies in the country seemed like it would be a great idea. I wouldn't have gone into that office at all if I knew it was Alex's.

I have made up my mind. I won't partner with his company. I sent my decline mail three days ago.

I’d even let other offers slip by, thinking this one was worth the work. Now, I buried myself in new ideas, determined to find fresh, satisfying chances that had nothing to do with him. Still, my thoughts kept wandering back, memories pricking at the edges of my focus.

---

I remembered that day so clearly, my world breaking as I watched him with Alessia, and not even quietly. They’d been wrapped around each other, careless, making love freely for everyone to see. As if I’d meant nothing. I’d felt broken, embarrassed, and I’d left that place with the hope that he will come to understand his mistakes. With the hope that the baby forming inside me will make him love me. But, he brought me a divorce paper like it was a normal paper. I left, never to let him hurt me again.

I shook off the thought, focusing on the screen in front of me. I was better now. Stronger. I’d built a business on my own, and I didn’t need his approval, his apologies, or his deals. I’d survived his deception, and I was thriving. That part of my life was over.

A knock on my office door brought me back to the present. Elizabeth stepped in, her face a mix of joy and worry.

“Miss Camilla,” she said, coming closer. “There’s a visitor from a major company here to see you.”

I frowned, scanning my mental calendar. “Here to see me? Did he give his name?”

Elizabeth paused, a flicker of worry crossing her face. “No, he didn’t. But he’s a well-known billionaire.”

A strange feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. "A well-known billionaire..." My mind raced. Who Could it be? I shook the thought away, trying to stay calm. “Alright, let him in,” I said, keeping my tone steady.

As Elizabeth left, I noticed the odd buzz outside my office. People moving around, whispers. Something was off. I took a deep breath, telling myself that whoever walked through that door was just another friend, someone I could handle, no matter who he was.

The door opened, and my heart dropped.

Alex.

He looked different—sharper, more confident—but still every bit the man who’d torn my world apart. There was a pause in his look, though, something I hadn’t seen before. He looked… nervous. But he was still perfectly dressed, every inch the successful, powerful CEO.

“Hi, Camilla,” he said softly, moving closer.

I took a moment, pushing myself to settle my breathing. I’d imagined this meeting so many times, practiced the words I’d say if I ever saw him again. But now, standing in front of him, words felt inadequate.

“What are you doing here, Alex?” I finally said, keeping my voice cool.

He paused, his eyes moving to the floor, then back up to me. “I didn’t want you to misunderstand. This partnership… it’s strictly professional. I know we have a past, but this could help us both.”

I crossed my arms, feeling the anger rush up. “How did you even find my office?”

“The address was in the information you provided for the proposal,” he responded, his voice quiet.

Of course. I should have known he’d find a way. I kept my expression bland, but inside, the memories flashed through me like a storm, every wound he’d left still raw beneath the surface.

“Alex, I need you to leave,” I said, my voice firm. “I don’t want to see you. I don’t want to work with you.”

He looked at me, his face stiffening, and took a step closer, despair flashing in his eyes.

“Camilla, please…” His voice was quiet, almost begging.

A part of me twisted terribly, but I forced myself to stay strong. “If you even think of touching me, I’ll have you thrown in jail, Alex.”

He flinched, hurt flashing across his face. “Please, just listen. I’m sorry. I know I hurt you, and I don’t deserve anything from you. But this partnership… it’s only business. It doesn’t have to be personal.”

The anger boiled hotter, but beneath it, I felt the deep pang of betrayal, the reminder that I was just a choice to him. He was here because he needed me—not because he regretted his deeds, not because he cared, but because he wanted something. Just like always.

“Maybe you should read the message I sent to your company again,” I said, my voice ice. “I’m not interested in anything that involves you, Alex.”

He looked at me, horrified, but I didn’t flinch. This was my life now, and I’d come too far to let him drag me back.

“This is the last time you’ll set foot in my office,” I added, each word slow and deliberate. “If I see you here again, you’ll be in jail.”

He opened his mouth as if to say something but stopped, his face a mix of sorrow and sadness. For a moment, I almost thought he might actually apologize, say something real. But instead, he simply nodded, turned, and walked toward the door.

I watched as he left, each step ringing like the end of something I’d been holding onto without realizing it. As soon as the door closed, a sharp pain pulsed in my head. I pressed my fingers to my temples, breathing deeply.

How had I ever allowed this guy to hurt me?

I walked over to the window, looking out at the city. The skyline stretched far, a reflection of the future I was making for myself. But something caught my eye below—a crowd forming outside the building. People were coming in, cameras flashing, media pushing forward. I felt a pang of dread.

What was going on?

Elizabeth popped her head in just then, looking stressed. “Miss Camilla, the building is… busier than usual.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, frowning.

“It’s his presence, the man,” she said, almost sheepishly. “He’s so well-known, the media must have spotted him. There are press and fans outside. The word’s spreading fast.”

Of course. His fame. Even after everything, his appearance still drew attention, still controlled the stage. But not my life—not anymore.

I straightened, feeling a rush of pride. I was free of him, stronger now. This was my company, my success, and he was just another visitor. His world was no longer mine.

Without another thought, I went downstairs, determined to handle whatever chaos awaited.