Chapter 4: Shattered trust.

 

Camila

 

My hands trembled on the door handle as her words hit me like a thunderclap. An icy knife seemed to twist in my chest. Why did it hurt so badly? Was it because she was my sister? Because we shared such a strong bond?

Damn! Her words were like burning fire, setting my whole body ablaze. How could she say that to me? I couldn’t believe that someone who offered me her shoulder to cry on would stab me in the back.

I couldn't bear the scene before me. I turned and fled, slamming the door with such force the frame shuddered.

Ragged sobs tore from my throat. Tears streamed down my face as I stumbled into the living room. My legs gave way and I slumped onto the couch, burning my face in my hands. What had I done to deserve this?

Soon he came out of my bedroom and stood in front of me, nonchalantly. He wasn't even remorseful of his action.

I stormed towards him, fury boiling over. “How could you betray me like this?!” I shoved him backward. He tried to grab my wrist, but I slapped him hard across the jaw, the sting sharp in my palm.

I didn't care! I wanted to tear him apart!

"You ungrateful bastard! After all I have done for you? I’m done with you, leave my house!" I yelled, striding past him, my shoulder deliberately bumping his.

Leo’s laughter echoed through the room, cold and mirthless—sending shivers down my spine. He rubbed his jaw, savoring the spot I’d struck, tracing the reddened skin with his fingertip. A sly smile spread across his lips as he began advancing toward me slowly, that cruel smirk never wavering.

Oh my God. Was this an act the whole time? Is this who he really is?

Why hadn't I seen this, these past years?

He'd been pretending all along?

“Do you think I would love someone like you? Everything was all a plan. I can never be with a half-dead woman.!” He spat.

“What did you just call me?” My voice trembled. “What the fuck did you just call me, you bastard?!” I shouted, shoving him back when he stayed silent.

“Half-dead woman!” he roared into my face. “Yes, that’s what you are!”

The words slammed me. How could he? I reeled, my voice strangling in my throat. I gulped hard. “But this ‘half-dead woman’ gave you roof over your head! Clothed you! Supported you when you lost your job!” My voice cracked.

“I don’t care!” He scoffed. “And you said you’re done with me and I should leave?” he sneered, cruelty dripping from his words. “Have you forgotten or you probably need a reminder of what happened few hours ago?.”

Its finally clicked!

My property and savings, everything I willed them to him.

“No!” I screamed. My chest constricted; I struggled to breathe, stumbling backward. The weight crushed me, tears breaking free.

Behind me, Sia emerged from the bedroom, dressed in Leo’s shirt and shorts, rolling my luggages and all of my belongings along side with her, and she threw them at my feet.

“When you are done barking, leave this building.” Her lips rolled her eyes.

I rushed to her. “You two planned this??”

She rolled her eyes. “I took Leo from you, Your property and savings, just like you took Miss Abigail from me. Hope it hurts?” Her lips curled into a vicious smirk.

I was taken aback by her response. Where did these poisonous thoughts come from?’ My brows furrowed in confusion. “I never took anyone from you, Sia,” I insisted, stepping closer despite her hateful glare.

When did this begin? We shared everything. How did this jealousy grow?

“You caused Miss Abigail’s death! Did you think I’d ever forgive you?” she spat, venom dripping from every word.

“I’m shocked you’d stoop this low,” I said, my voice trembling with anger and hurt. “Miss Abigail’s death had nothing to do with me. I loved her as much as you did!”

“Yet she bought you a house, Camila,” her eyes flashed with rage, bitter jealousy simmering beneath. “You were always Mom’s favorite. She poured all her time and money into you and left me with nothing.

“That’s not true!” My voice sharpened. “Miss Abigail loved us both! We always supported you! How could you do this to me?”

“Supported me?” Sia’s laugh sent ice down my spine. “You were always the center of attention. Mom sacrificed everything for you, and you repaid her by causing her death.”

My face burned. “That’s a vicious lie! I would never harm her. She was my mother too!”

“Save your breath,” Sia sneered. “You’re just manipulating everyone for pity. It won’t work this time.”

I stared at her, astonished. How had I missed this part in my closest friend? My sister? Her accusations were bewildering—I had no idea what she meant.

It was true Miss Abigail spent her savings on my health, often prioritizing my needs. She believed my fragile condition demanded extra care. Yet she tried to love us both equally. Sia must have felt neglected, twisting that love into resentment.

“Sia, I didn’t cause her death,” I stated firmly, willing her to understand.

“But she died because of you!” Sia screamed, tears finally breaking free. “Mom ignored her own breast cancer because she was too busy looking after you! She wasted her savings on you after your worthless birth mother dumped you at the orphanage to die!”

Cancer?

Miss Abigail had cancer? Why am I only hearing this now?

I swallowed hard, my gaze darting to Leo. But he was no where to be found. Instantly he walked back into the house and grabbed my wrist and began dragging me out of my house.

“This is my house let me go!” I cried at the top of my voice.

“The house belong to me now, get out of here you bitch. Go and die elsewhere!” He cursed, and pushed me out and slammed the door behind me.

I lost everything.

I couldn't cry any more, a I needed air, space, silence. I stumbled into the night, gasping for breath. I left my luggage behind and walked away.

City lights blurred through my tears as I walked aimlessly. I craved escape. Oblivion.

After a long distance away from my home, then I saw it—a neon-lit club, thrumming with music and life. I needed escaped to numb this pain and crushing guilty.

 

Without thoughts, I stepped inside. I lost myself in the crowd, letting the wall and crowed swallow me. The bartender rushed and handed me a whiskey; I downed it in one gulp.

 

“Another,” I slurred, thrusting the empty glass toward him. My head spun; Alcohol hit me hard and fast tonight, but I ignored the doctor’s warning to avoid alcohol. Who cares? I’m dying anyway.

 

I swaying into the crowds dancing with reckless abandon. Hips moving, without regard for the people around me. The music thumped, lights strobed, face blurred.

Then, a tall, imposing figure emerged from the shadows near the edge of the dance floor. A gleaming gold mask covered half his face, leaving his sharp jawline and lips visible. The uncovered skin looked flawless.

 

His blue eyes, piercing even in the gloom. locked into mine. Seeming to see straight through my drunken haze. He moved closer, a glass of dark liquor in his hands,"Want a drink?" He offered. his voice low, smooth, yet laced with unsettling mystery.

I didn’t care. I snatched the glass from him and gulped down the liquor, the world tilting more violently. He took my hand, pulling me closer. Our body moved together, closer than the crowed dictated. An electric charge humming between us despite the unsettling aura he projected—a mix of fascinating and something colder, like contempt.

Who the hell is this man?

 

In my drunken haze, I ignored it. Numbness is all I need.

 

Suddenly, we were in a dimly lit room. His hands roamed my body, sending shivers down my spine.

 

“Who are you?” I managed to whisper, my words barely audible.

He didn't respond, his lips crashing onto mine.

 

As we succumbed to passion, I felt a strange, primal energy emanating from him, however, I didn’t care. All I wanted at the moment was to have him inside me.

 

We both eagerly explored each other's bodies with our hands. He gently pushed me onto the bed and took off my clothes.  I closed my eyes, permitting him to do as he pleased.

 

‘Why not? A one-night stand won't do any harm, will it?’

 

“Sure?” He whispered, in the sexiest voice I have ever heard.

 

I nodded, my eyes locked on him, “Yes,” I whispered permitting him. He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine, and then he deepened the kiss.

 

"Mmm," I couldn't help but let out a soft moan as I explored his mouth with my tongue, tasting the hint of whiskey on his lips.

 

He raised his hand and gently grasped my exposed breast, causing me to let out a moan as he continued to deepen the kiss.

 

I attempted to caress his chest, but he firmly held my hands and placed them above my head, making me realize that I was not the one in charge.

 

He continued kissing my neck and used his hands to spread my legs wide, positioning himself in front of me at the edge of the bed.

 

With a single fluid movement, he entered me, and I gasped at how perfectly he fit inside. I could hardly stay still as he began thrusting, each movement going deeper and deeper.

 

“Uhmm!” An electric sensation coursed through my body as he pulled out and teased my cl*t with the tip of his cock before plunging back in. It was a sensation, unlike anything I had ever experienced.

 

Moving his head down to my breast, he started sucking on my right nipple, increasing the speed of his thrusts.

 

The pleasure was overwhelming and intense. My body was ablaze, and I could feel myself nearing the edge with each thrust. He intensified his movements, and my moans grew louder.

 

My legs trembled uncontrollably, unable to withstand the intensity. Yet, he continued to thrust with renewed vigor, his pace seemingly superhuman. Finally, he pulled out and released on the bed, and so did I, before drifting off to sleep.