Alexander Hale

Camilla's POV

JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

Cool air hit me first, my ears still muffled from the long, exhausting flight.

I couldn't believe I was back in New York City after six years. I took a deep breath.

“Where's your sister?”

My little Prince turned and pointed toward Ariel, but Trisha was already sprinting to get her.

It was insane how she still had all the energy in the world after this flight. Prince was almost asleep whilst standing.

“Incoming!” Ariel screamed as she drove toward us, perfectly balanced on her scooter luggage. I let out a grunt, clutching my chest due to a mild heart attack.

It's all my fault for getting them these particular luggages. At least Prince wasn't abusing it.

Trisha juggled the rest of the carry-ons, Ariel in her grip, as my heels clicked harshly against the airport floor.

I was already running out of time.

“The car is at arrivals, already waiting, Miss Clark.” Trisha stated, looking into her phone.

“Okay.”

After a bit of more walking, we arrived, but I took a pause and reached for my phone. 

“Isn't that Miss Camilla?” A female voice gasped in the distance. I blinked, raising my head.

“Do you think it's her?” Another butted in.

“It's her! Oh my Gosh!”

A grin lifted my lips. Is it this fun being a CEO? Then I should've done it earlier.

“Please take the kids to the car. I'll be right there.” I ordered Trisha.

“Mummy, come with us now.” Ariel whined, her lips pouted in a way that made me want to forgive her any time she did something naughty. 

“I'll be there within two seconds, okay?” Then I faced Trisha again.

“Please, make sure she stays put. I don't have the energy to look for a missing kid.”

“Yes ma'am.”

My very obedient little son followed after them, and I watched them mingle with the crowd before I made the call I needed to make. 

I put the phone to my ear, my eyes connecting with a couple of girls still arguing over my identity. 

I smiled and waved eventually, and they showed varying excited reactions.

“Mr. Richards, I have arrived.” He cleared his throat.

“That's delightful. The meeting is in four hours, so please rest. You'll be picked up when it's time.”

“Alright.”

I strutted to the car, Prince already dozing off when I slipped inside. I put his head on my lap, and the driver moved.

Goldenland hotels and suites soon came into view, an old but timeless hotel. It was still the best in the city, and I'd be damned if my kids weren't getting the best in everything.

I carried my now sleeping son while my daughter jumped down, bursting with renewed energy. 

The hotel porters finally relieved my personal assistant of the bags, and we headed up the elevator. 

My new mansion was undergoing finishing touches and would be ready by next week, so for now we had to stay in a hotel.

I booked Trisha a personal suite, then got a big suite for me and the kids. 

The hotel staff escorted us and led us in, and expensive oak greeted us. The floor to ceiling windows were absolutely a blast to Ariel who ran and pressed her face to it.

She drives me crazy. 

“Sleeping Prince can't play now. He's so lazy!” 

I shot her a glare.

“Don't say that about your brother.” I dropped him on my bed and let him sleep while Ariel ran around the suite.

That's when Beth called. Warmth pooled low around my stomach.

“Well?” She started off with a hopeful voice.

“Yes I'm in New York!” her scream almost burst my eardrums through the phone.

“Finally!” My heart rate doubled.

“Are you that happy?”

“Six years! Of course I'm happy to see my niece and nephew! I can't wait to come over!” My face fell. 

“Not me? I'm offended.”

“You know I miss you the most. I'm crying right now!”

“Still dramatic, Beth. You're going to love Ariel, or maybe you'll take her off my hands.” I absolutely meant that last part. 

I didn't need to see Beth to know her cheeks were red with excitement.

“Sounds freaking amazing! I'm so coming soon!”

“We'll be waiting!” The call ended.

I took a bath after. 

The relief that hit me almost made me shed a couple of tears. 

I made it. I did something for myself. Something for me. This merger deal was going to shoot me to the top of the world. I could feel it.

When I came out, Ariel was sitting up, staring into space. She just sat…still.

Something twisted in my gut. I'd rather she was causing chaos somewhere, so I rushed to her.

“Did something happen? Are you injured?”

Her eyes were puffy and red.

“W-what is it?” I choked out.

“Eliora from school said I didn't have…didn't have daddy.” Her voice shook like she was reliving it, more tears falling. 

I froze.

“What? S-she said that?”

She nodded. 

“She made my friends laugh too. You're always busy.”…” she burst into uncontrollable tears. My ears rang.

“They think Aunt Trisha is mummy, but it's you.”

My poor baby. I wrapped both arms around her.

“Sweetie, I promise it's not like that. I'm so sorry. I'll be better—”

“Then what happened to Daddy?” She cut me short.

“Eliora has Daddy. Prince and I don't.”

The memories of six years ago slammed into my head like a tidal wave, and my nerves refused to calm. 

I couldn't do that to my babies. I couldn't take them to such a father.

“I promise, I'll take you to him soon, okay?” I was never doing such a thing.

“Promish?” Her pretty eyes stared back at me. 

“Uh-huh,” I nodded frantically. “Want snacks?”

“Yes!” At least she wasn't crying anymore. I got her some snacks and minutes later, Prince was awake, asking for his. 

I love my kids so much, so I was definitely going to do better now. Once this merger is sealed, we'll go everywhere they want. I was doing everything for them after all.

Hours later, I had gotten dressed in blue suit pants and a white shirt, tucked in, and a couple buttons out because nobody could police what I was wearing. 

I put my hair down, perfectly straightened. 

My phone rang out.

“Miss Clark, our company car is already waiting downstairs at the hotel to pick you up for the meeting.”

“Thank you, Mr Richards. I'm on my way.”

I looked at myself in the mirror after the call ended.

Class and eloquence never looked better as I applied finishing touches to my very light makeup.

I left, bundling the kids and taking them out with me.

I knocked in front of Trisha's room, already sad I was bothering her. 

She opened up immediately, and I rubbed my palms together, Ariel already dashing in because, that's her.

“Help me with the kids. I'm yet to find a baby sitter. I'll increase your bonus. Please.” 

“I'm not coming with you ma'am?” Her eyes grew wide. I shook my head.

“No, Trisha, you should get some rest from me, for once.”

Her shoulders sagged. 

Our relationship had gone from professional to cordial in under six months. 

She's the only personal assistant I've taken a liking to in years, and it's because she wasn't scared of me.

“I'd rather be with you than be with Ariel. Hi, Prince.” She smiled down at Prince.

His cheeks heated. My little boy likes my assistant a lot. 

Then I remembered what she said about Ariel.

“I guess you're toast then. Thank you!” I dashed, leaving Prince at the door with her.

I strutted across the hall until I reached the elevator. 

After I entered, someone else from another floor joined me, so I stood and watched it open.

Harsh cologne hit my nostrils, then I froze. It was familiar, too specific.

I raised my head, my gaze lifting to his face.

Air left my lungs.

I stared into an equally confused pair of eyes, on a face I've spent six years trying to forget, trying to stop loving.

Alexander Hale.