LOGINCHAPTER FOUR
I stared at the stranger’s retreating figure as he stepped out of the hospital room, leaving me with more questions than answers. Who was he?, why is he trying to help me?, And what did he mean by “uncover the truth?”.
I was tired, tired of everything, I just want to leave everything behind and live a free life, but with these stranger’s appearances, it seems like everything is just getting more complicated and draining for me,as it feels like my past, present and future are tied together.
My gaze drifted to the window,watching the bustling streets which seemed worlds away from me,from the turmoil growing inside of me.
I let out a hiss as the stranger’s word echoed in my mind.
“ they’re going to stop at nothing,just to make your life a living hell”.
Why?..what did I do?. Will things have been better if I had listened to father?should I go back to my family?
will they keep me safe this time?..
I winched as pain shot through my head. the nurse had advised me to rest, but how am I going to rest when my mind is racing?”
Should I run away?”
I forcefully got back on my feet, staring at the small sack bags I took brought from the prison.
" I don’t think I’ll be needing this” I thought and made for the door and just then, the door opened and the stranger walked in.
Casting me a suspicious stare, he asked.
“Ready to leave?”
I hesitated, unsure of what to tell him, can I trust him? what if he’s one of those people who wants me dead?,and he’s only here to lure me to them?”
“I-I’m leaving” I finally replied feeling a sense of unease.
The stranger’s gaze locked into mine, I tried searching his eyes, if I could get an hint,and for a moment, I thought I saw something.unsure of what it was, I continued.
“I’m going back to my family, guess that’ll be the safest place for me” I said. Watching him,as he nods his head.
“That’s fine” he replied, keeping his expression neutral.
“Guess,it’s time for me to leave. I’ll sort out the hospital bills and leave, stay safe camellia” he said with his tone firm. I watched him turn his back on me, walking out of the door.
I watched as the stranger disappeared, with his footsteps fading away and a part of me wanting to run after him. with a sense of unease lingering over me, I grabbed my small bag containing some important documents and letters I was given in prison, with a sudden sense of determination, I swiftly made my way out of the room.
My eyes scanned the hallway, as I moved quickly with my heart racing with every step I took, ensuring no one was watching. I was almost out when I started hearing footsteps echoing behind me, the footsteps was loud and fast as it tries to catch up with my pace.
“Cold feet”.
I pushed through the hospital door with a trembling hand as I felt freedom within my reach.
With the footsteps fading completely, I heaved a sigh of relief.
“Who was that? was it the stranger or the people he talked about?”
These thoughts run through my mind, as the city’s bright sunlight welcomed me the moment I stepped out of the hospital.
Standing in front of the hospital gate, it finally clicked that I have nowhere to go and I wasn’t planning on going back to my family either.
While i was tryna figure this out, I felt the gaze of someone piecing deeply into my soul..” am I been followed? I thought. I stood still, not having any intentions of looking back, as I hastened my steps to anywhere my legs chose to lead me to. Then I heard my name.
“Camellia” the deep voice called, I froze, but didn’t dare to look back,fearing what I’d see, as regret rushed over me.
"I should have stayed back at the hospital” I thought. I kept running on the lonely street,even though I couldn’t hear the footsteps anyone.
Suddenly, I saw a car coming from the end of the street, at this moment, I’m not sure of what to feel, scared or happy, this might be one of them and It might also turn out to be my second savior..
I stopped running,waving for the car to stop while gasping for air.
“Please help me, help me” I cried out to whoever was driving the car and that had brought the car to a halt.
I rushed over to the passenger’s seat,Breathing heavily without checking who was driving,as my full forcus was still outside, watching to see if I could get a glimpse of whoever was coming after me.
“Cami?” A voice called.
“That voice…that voice” I murmured as I gently pulled my gaze to the voice.
I froze staring at the person, as I couldn’t form any word at that moment, mere staring at her was enough to leave me speechless..
She said no word, just staring at me with tears glittering in her eyes.
My lips finally found a way to make out a word, as her name slipped out of them.
“A-m-y?” I stuttered.
“Yes, yes “ she replied nodding her head and letting the tears slip out of her eyes.
“Bestieeee” I screamed out of excitement engaging her in a bone cracking hug.
“I missed you much my love” I said still holding her so tight. Amy's tears mixed with mine as we hugged, a moment of silence stepped in as we remained in each other’s arm.
As we pulled back, Amy's eyes searched mine, concern written all over her face“you look…different” she said.
I took in a long breath before giving her a reply, “it’s a long story. Let's get out of here first” I said.
Amy nodded before driving off.
The ride was a quite one, as all I did throughout the ride was to lean my back on the chair, closed my eyes while trying to push all the disturbing thoughts aside.
Meanwhile, just after the car drove off, a figure clothed in an all black outfit, came out from the side of the hospital, staring intensely at the car as it disappeared into the lonely street.
“ I hope you’d escape next time “ he said before getting into a black limo, driving off with so much speed.“So…. They know.”The office was darker now. The blinds were shut. The city lights outside cut thin sharp lines across the floor.The man sat alone, elbows on the desk, replaying the final whisper on the damaged recorder.“You’d better stay off this… Mr anonymous.”He exhaled slowly, anger simmering beneath his calm expression.“Someone knows who I am,” he muttered. “And someone wanted that file badly enough to kill for it.”He reached for the phone and dialed a secure number.The line clicked.A deep voice answered, “Yes, sir.”“Find out who was in Bertha City tonight. Every camera, every shadow. Someone took that file, and I want a name before morning.”“Yes sir.”He hung up and leaned back, fingers steepled under his chin.Just then a knock came in..”Boss I’m here”“Come in”The guy walked in with his head bowed.With a cold voice, the boss asked “Report”“Camellia have doing fine and there has been no suspicious move around her…. all thanks to Williams.”“Williams?”“Yes…. He’s Ca
Williams’s head snapped up. Standing a few feet away, clutching her leather bag, was Camellia.“AMY?”Williams braced himself for the confrontation. He quickly stepped back from Amy, but before he could launch into his nervous explanation, Amy stumbled toward Camellia, a wide, clumsy grin splitting her face. “Cami! You're back! You didn't answer my calls! I missed you!" Amy cried, throwing her arms around Camellia in a surprisingly tight, messy hug. Amy’s scent was thick with cheap wine and desperation.Camellia stood frozen for a beat, then sighed, a faint smile touching her lips. "I see."Williams rushed forward. "Cami, let me help you get her inside.""Oh, Williams, you’re so cute!" Amy murmured as Williams helped pull her toward the door. She leaned against him heavily, giggling. "And I like your face, your body is so sexy..."Williams's face flushed crimson, stealing nervous glances at Camellia, who simply rolled her eyes in amusement. Together, they managed to maneuver Amy int
Williams drove into the Brighton Central hospital. He parked crookedly in front of the hospital, the engine barely off before he jumped out of the car. The air smelled of disinfectant and urgency as he dashed through the glass doors, his heart beating faster than his steps.“Excuse me, the patient brought in from the highway accident…Ethan…where is he?” he asked the nurse at the front desk, breathless.“Ward 3B. Left wing,” she replied.Williams didn’t wait to thank her. He rushed down the corridor, shoes echoing off the tiled floor.When he entered, the world seemed to slow. As Ethan layed motionless on the bed… his head wrapped in thick bandages, his arm in a sling, bruises blooming across his neck and shoulder. Machines beeped steadily beside him, each sound a fragile thread of hope as he looked helpless and small.Williams pulled a chair up beside the bed, his eyes locked on his friend’s still face. The panic began to recede, replaced by a deep, numbing ache.He remembered the fir
BERTHA CITY. The black car didn’t just stop at the Smiths gate, it slammed to a halt with the engine rumbling with aggressive impatience. Mrs Caddel stepped out furious, fueled by the rage over the stolen file.She didn't bother with the bell. She laid on the horn, a long, angry blast that sliced through the morning calm. She then pounded on the iron gate, screaming..“Open this gate now!”“Open this gate murderers!”After several tense moments, the main door of the grand house opened, and Lucia emerged. She looked pale and hesitant, recognizing the furious figure in front of her.Mrs Caddel didn’t wait as she pushed through, eyes burning, and when Lucia tried to stop her, she shoved her out of the way.Lucia steadied herself, voice low. “Ma’am please, this isn’t…”Just then, Mrs. Smith appeared at the doorway, face tight with contempt. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.Mrs Caddel hissed. “You?….you think I’d forget?”Mrs Smith’s tone turned cold. “Say what you came for and le
Morning Light. Camellia woke to the faint hum of a city still half asleep. She sat up slowly, her head pounding, her eyes swollen. For a second, she forgot where she was…until she heard faint movement from the living room.Camellia pulled the blanket around her and walked out quietly. Williams sat on the couch, half asleep, hair messy, the TV flickering muted news in front of him. His phone lay face down beside him.Williams.He was still here.She hesitated in the doorway, staring at him. There was something disarming about the way he looked… peaceful, tired, protective.And she hated that her heart still reacted to him even after everything she’d confessed.Williams stirred and looked up, voice rough with sleep.“Hey… you’re up.”She nodded softly. “You didn’t sleep much, did you?”He gave a tired half smile. “Didn’t want to. Someone had to keep watch.”Camellia’s chest tightened. “You meant what you said last night, didn’t you?”His eyes softened. “Every word.”She looked away qui
No one spoke for a long time.Just the sound from the wall clock as if mocking the silence that filled the room.Camellia sat frozen, her hands twisting in her lap. Williams waited, crouched in front of her, his voice low when he finally asked again.“Who was Eric Caddel to you?”Her throat tightened.“My past,” she said faintly. “And my biggest mistake.”Liam frowned. “What do you mean?”Shaking her head slowly, she replied. “He was… someone I loved.”The words fell heavy.Williams blinked, caught off guard. “You loved him?”Camellia nodded, eyes clouded with memories.“He was my first everything. My first safe place, my first laughter after chaos. Eric Caddel was gentle. Patient. He used to write my name on napkins and say it looked too beautiful to waste.” She gave a broken laugh. “And his mum hated me for it.”Miss Clara sank slowly into a chair, listening.Williams stayed still, silent.“His mum never thought I was good enough. She thought I was using him. But Eric didn’t care. H







