CHAPTER ONE
Staring out of the window in deep thoughts, fighting back the tears threatening to spill down my face, as the last thing I want to show now is “weakness”. I can’t afford to show it, I can’t afford to break down now, not when I’ve finally gotten the freedom I’ve always wanted.
I let out a deep sigh as I pulled my eyes away from the window bringing them back to reality, standing before me where to sack bags piled up with clothes,
I gave the room one last look before stepping out and with a confused mind, I shut the door. Leaving back all the pains and traumas I have once felt during the years I stayed in there.
“Camellia,Camellia,” I could hear my little sister’s voice from a distance as I walked towards the front desk.
“Hello! miss camellia,we’re so glad that you’re finally free, and I hope you’d stay away from troubles henceforth” one of the female cops there spoke with a smile while handing some papers to me.
I picked up a pen from the desk and signed without saying a word.
My mind was clouded with so many thoughts,reminiscing on the whole incident as I signed the papers, I just can’t wait to be out of here.
Stepping out of the gaint gate, I totally ignored my sister’s existence because I’m not ready to see or have any conversation with my family members now. I felt the city’s cool breeze welcome me. “Freedom” at last, I whispered, the word tasting bitter on my lips, it sounded so foreign to my ears,I screwed off, scared they’d change their mind.
Lost in my own thoughts, as I continued my journey to the unknown, I had no place in mind to go, and I’ve no intention of going back to my family, Not after they’ve neglected me all these years.
I was tired and weak, I needed a place to rest.i scanned my environment in search for a place to sit,and I found one across the road, as I hastened my steps to cross the road, I heard a whimper in pain.
A young boy was trying to get back on his feet, he was obviously in serious pains, an angry looking woman came up to him. “Eric,come here, you little brat!” She shouted.
The name “Eric” made my world stop for a moment, as I froze right on that spot with memories flooding my mind, the memories from years back came back in a flash.
“Eric”,- my ex boyfriend, his words, his smiles, his touches, our memories together, and most importantly his death all came in one flash, with the last conversation we had before our breakup echoing so loud in my ears.
“I love you so much cami, so much that
I’m scared it might cause me more
harm,but,I still can’t let you go…I’m
Scared cami”.
Eric had told me this that night in his apartment,with his head rested on my thighs.
“ I love you so much Eric and you
Know that right?”
I asked.
“ I know, that’s why I’m ready to give
Up my life for you” he replied.
“C’mon,don’t say that” I cautioned him.
“Cami,you know I’m not lying,I’m not
Scared of dying for you, I’m only
Scared of a world without you” he replied.
“Silly boy” i giggled.
That night was a memorable one for me, he had called me that morning and asked to spend the whole day together and I agreed without a second thought and we did have fun,from cooking together, to telling tales, playing games
Watching movies and having our alone time indoor.
Everything was perfectly fine till he sent me a breakup text ,without a reason for it and what followed next was his death,making me the prime suspect. How?.
I was still lost in thought when the horn of a car and the scream from onlookers brought me back to reality. Fear gripped
me as I saw the car coming towards me in so much speed,it was so close and there was nothing I could do at that moment. I closed my eyes ready for the moment.
“maybe this is my fate after all” I whispered.
Suddenly a hand grasped my shoulder pulling me with so much force, as we both crashed on the other end of the road with him falling flat on the ground and me on top of him, making my saviour whimper in pains.
I slowly opened my eyes as the crowed murmured.
“That was a close one”
“The guy is her hero”
These whispers came from the crowd, staring at the guy who was whimpering in pain. I quickly got back on my feet, so he could stand up too.
A figure stood before me,with his eyes locked on mine.
“Camellia…” he whispered,sending shivers down my spine,memories flooding in as I stared into these familiar eyes.
Was my head playing games with me? Why am I seeing this?
I thought as I tried keeping my eyes open, because my head was already feeling so light.
“Y-ou” I stuttered with tears clouding my eyes.
“Cami…” he called.
And then, everything went blank.
CHAPTER ELEVENThey weren't just watching, they were inside.They both stood outside, and a deafening silence enveloped the air.Amy reached out to Camellia's hand in panic, squeezing it tightly as her wide, terrified eyes lingered on the bold black message written on the wall.Camellia's facial expression remained neutral, showing no signs of fear or comfort, just her gaze on the wall. Her heart thundered in her chest, each beat echoing like a war drum.Slowly, Camellia began approaching the door, scanning the shadowy corners of the apartment, suspicion laced in her eyes.“Amy…” she whispered, her voice barely heard through the palpable tension. “ I think someone is still here”.Amy nodded slowly, a cold dread settling in her stomach. “ The door was locked when we left right?”“Yes…I locked it myself” Camellia replied as you got hold of the door, ready to swing it open.“Cami..we can just run, we don't need to go inside,” Amy said worriedly.“No! My documents and letters are still In
The weighty accusation from Mrs. Caddel lingered ominously in the atmosphere, reflecting the harsh reality of Camellia’s current situation. Her heart raced, pounding in her chest as if it might explode.“Mrs. Caddel?” Camellia murmured, her voice barely audible. The name was a painful reminder she had desperately tried to erase from her life.The woman in black emerged from the limousine, moving stiffly, each step a poignant reminder of her sorrow. Her dark eyes held a harsh intensity as she locked her gaze on Camellia. Once vibrant and full of life, the woman’s features were now marked by deep grief, transforming her into a figure of bitterness.“Yes… you monster,” Mrs. Caddel spat, her voice low and filled with venom. “You took my son from me; you took my only child and shattered my family.”Amy quickly intervened, positioning herself between Camellia and the furious woman. “Mrs. Caddel, please. This is neither the time nor the place for this, and besides, Camellia has already serve
The words of the enigmatic man lingered in the atmosphere, causing Camellia’s heart to pound violently against her chest in response to the unexpected and unsettling revelation. “You… know him?” she managed to whisper, her voice fragile like ice on a frozen pond.The man, dressed in a dark suit, remained completely motionless, his dark sunglasses obscuring his eyes. He simply nodded slowly and deliberately. “Yes, I know Eric Caddel.”Amy, still positioned protectively in front of her friend, stepped closer, her body taut with tension. “That’s not an answer! Who are you? How did you know Eric? And why are you here now?” Each question escalated in volume, tinged with a mix of fear and anger.Ignoring Amy’s question, he casted his gaze fully to Camellia.” Camellia, I’ve been searching for you ever since you left the hospital…”“Why?” Camellia trembled with apprehension.“Because I want to help you uncover the truth. As someone who had a close relationship with Eric, I’m aware he wouldn’t
“Who are you?” Williams’ voice emerged again, this time more assertive.At that moment, the flickering lights stabilized and brightened.As he fixed his gaze on the figure before him, Williams couldn't help but wonder who it could be, his stare intense and focused.“Well, well, if it isn't the ‘demi-god’ himself,” a harsh and mocking voice sneered.Ethan, who had remained silent up until now, quickly stepped forward to protect Williams. “What do you want from us?” he demanded.The tall figure, wearing a perpetually bored expression, said nothing as he revealed his face with a smirk.“Dan?” the two friends exclaimed in disbelief.“Low peeps,” he responded, still smirking.Dan is the leader of the "Beat Tones," a rival band infamous for their jealousy towards Williams.“Dan,” Williams said firmly, “what do you want?”With that smirk still in place, Dan took a step closer. “Just here for the show, Will, and I’m disappointed it turned out to be such a waste of time. Guess you guys only kno
**CHAPTER SEVEN**Lucia remained in the living room, sobbing uncontrollably, her tears streaming down her face—a manifestation of her father's apathy and the deep sorrow she felt from Camellia's absence.Meanwhile, in his study on the second floor, Mr. Smith approached his reading desk, his eyes falling upon a photo frame resting there. With Smiling faces within: himself, his wife, a young vibrant Camellia, and a cherubic Lucia. He picked it up, his gaze lingered on Camellia as his hand unconsciously brushed over her image, a flicker of something unreadable _regret? Longing?_ as his mind drifted into a blank space. A sigh left his lips, a sound heavy with unspoken emotion.He placed the picture back on the desk and left the room, quietly shutting the door behind him as he made his way his bedroom.Upon entering the bedroom, He found his wife lying flat and pale on the bed. He cautiously approached her, studying her face intently and releasing a sigh.Her face was a disarray; remna
CHAPTER SIXCamellia felt her heart racing as Amy approached the door, unable to shake off her sense of discomfort.Noticing her tension, Amy glanced over and offered her a reassuring smile.As Amy reached the door, and opened it,she came face to face with an angry looking woman. “ when do you intend to repay me ? Do you plan on living in my house without paying for the rest of your life ?” The woman demanded angrily.“Ma’am Jane, I assure you that I will repay you soon” she responded with a calm demeanor.Old Ma’am Jane’s expression turned into a tight scrowl, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Amy. “ Do I seem like I run a charity here? You need to settle your debt quickly, or I’ll have no choice but to kick you out,” she warned, giving one last piercing look at Amy before storming away.With the door shut behind her, Amy exhaled In relief and returned to her seat next to Camellia, a touch of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.“Sorry you had to see that, she’s been on my neck for w