Chapter 6 – The Breaking Point

Camilla didn’t sleep.

She laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Adrian’s voice replayed in her mind, continuously.

$20 million dollars. And your aunt’s hospital bills, paid in full.

Her stomach twisted. She wanted to hate him. She wanted to laugh at his arrogance. But every time Roseline’s face popped in her memory, her anger reduced.

Early that morning, she dragged herself out of bed. Anya was already in the kitchen, sipping coffee, her hair messy.

“You look like death,” Anya said gently.

“I couldn't get any sleep,last night.” Camilla sat on a chair.

Anya slid a mug toward her. “Work stress?”

Camilla hesitated. She couldn’t say it. She couldn’t even imagine explaining to Anya that her new boss had offered marriage like it was a job promotion.

“Something like that,” she whispered.

Before Anya could talk again, Roseline entered into the kitchen, her shawl wrapped tight. She smiled faintly, but Camilla noticed the way her hands trembled as she reached for the kettle.

“Morning, my darlings.”

“Sit down, Aunt Rose, I will get it,” Camilla said quickly, standing up.

“I’m fine.” Roseline tried to wave her off, but her hand slipped against the counter and she almost fell.

“Aunt Rose!” Camilla caught her just as her knees buckled.

Anya gasped. “Oh my God”

“Call the ambulance now!” Camilla shouted, her voice breaking. She held Roseline against her chest, paniking . “Stay with me. Please, stay with me!”

Roseline’s eyes fluttered, her breath shallow. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“No, don’t say that.” Tears spilled down Camilla’s cheeks. “You will be okay. You have to be okay.”

The wail of sirens came minutes later, but it felt like hours.

The hospital smelled of antiseptic and fear. Camilla sat in the waiting area, hands twisted together so tightly her knuckles ached. Anya sat beside her, pale and trembling.

A doctor finally approached, clipboard in hand.

“Miss Hart?”

Camilla jumped to her feet. “Yes, how is she?”

The doctor’s eyes softened. “She’s stable for now. But her condition is worsening. Without immediate, consistent treatment, her chances…” He paused. “They’re not good.”

Camilla’s throat closed. “Treatment costs?”

The doctor sighed. “It’s expensive. The medication alone is thousands each month, not including hospital stays. I’m sorry.”

Thousands.

Her chest tightened. She could barely afford their house rent.

Anya touched her arm. “We will figure it out. Somehow.”

But Camilla barely heard her. Adrian’s voice echoed again.

Your aunt’s hospital bills, paid in full.

Her legs went weak. She sank back into the chair, covering her face with her hands and cried more.

---

Hours later, after Roseline had been moved into a private room, Camilla sat by her bedside. The soft beeping of machines filled the silence. Roseline stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

“Camilla,” she whispered.

Camilla took her hand. “I’m here.”

“You look tired,” Roseline said faintly. “Don’t worry yourself out because of me.”

Camilla shook her head, tears pricking her eyes. “You’re all I have. I’d do anything for you.”

Roseline smiled weakly. “You have always had such a strong heart. Promise me you won’t let this world break it.”

Camilla swallowed hard. “I promise.”

But deep down, she felt that promise cshe made, racking.

---

By the time she left the hospital, night had fallen. Rain slicked the streets, soaking her hair, her clothes, her skin. She walked blindly, her chest tight, her head spinning.

Before she realized it, she stood in front of the Harrington Tower.

The tall glass building glowed against the dark sky.

Her feet moved without thought. The receptionist looked startled when she walked in, drenched and trembling.

“Miss Hart!,you are here?”

“Is Mr Harrington still in his office?” Camilla’s voice was raw.

The woman hesitated, then slowly picked up the phone. Moments later, the elevator doors slid open.

Adrian Harrington stood inside. His tie was loose, his jacket gone, but his presence was just as sharp. His eyes scanned her soaked clothes, her pale face, and something flickered there, something almost human before his expression hardened again.

“Follow me.”

---

His office was quiet, the city lights shone behind him through the tall windows. Camilla stood dripping water on the polished floor, her hands trembling.

Adrian closed the door and turned to her. “You shouldn’t be here this late.”

Camilla’s voice shook. “You knew, didn’t you? About my aunt. That’s why you offered me that… contract.”

Adrian didn’t deny it. “Yes.”

Her breath hitched. “You used her against me.”

“I gave you a choice.” His tone was calm, too calm.

Camilla’s tears burned. “A choice? It’s blackmail.”

“It’s survival,” Adrian said sharply. He stepped closer, his gaze on her. “I don’t play games, Camilla. I need a wife, you need money. It’s clean. Simple.”

“Nothing about this is simple!” she cried. “You’re asking me to sell my life to you.”

“No,” Adrian corrected softly. “I’m asking you to sign a deal.”

Her voice cracked. “And if I say no?”

Adrian’s jaw tightened. “Then you walk away. But your aunt won’t get the treatment she needs. You will watch her fade, piece by piece, knowing you had a way to save her.”

The words sliced through her. She staggered back, shaking her head. “You’re cruel.”

His eyes didn’t flinch. “I’m being honest with you.”

Camilla’s tears spilled over. “I hate you.”

For the first time, something flickered in his gaze like pain or maybe, anger, but it vanished quickly.

“You will sign,” Adrian said,almost like a certainty.

Camilla turned , gripping the doorknob with trembling fingers. “Don’t be too sure, that I would sign such deal with you.”

She opened the door and walked away, her sobs echoing in the hallway.

But deep inside, she already knew that, he was right.