(A YEAR LATER)Camille gazed down at her newborn son, ensconced in the soft blanket she had lovingly prepared. His tiny fingers curled around hers, and she couldn’t help but smile. He was indeed a handsome baby boy, with tufts of dark hair and a peaceful expression that filled her heart with an overwhelming sense of joy. Next to her, Xavier sat, his eyes gleaming with pride as he took in the miracle before them. “Isn’t he so small and beautiful?” Xavier asked, his heart fluttering.Together, they had built a life filled with warmth, laughter, and now, the beautiful chaos of parenthood.The little family was nestled in a snug corner of their home, a small but welcoming space that’s decorated with lots of love. “He’s my new bundle of joy…my peace,” Camille found herself muttering, the small boy grabbed her hand.“What am I, if he’s your peace? I’m here too… I should be your inner peace as well!” Xavier chipped in teasingly, Camille laughed out loud and slap him playfully on the ches
(QUEEN-WAY VILLA)“You killed Grandma! You hungry looking buffalo! ” A slap followed on Camille’s cheeks, it left hand-prints on her cheeks. That was Shania Rodrigo, Camille’s mother-in-law.Tears streamed down from Camille’s eyes, her heart was racing. How did things happened so fast? She wasn’t crying because of the slap but cried at the sight of the woman placed in the coffin.Rina Rodrigo who was the only person one that loved her in the family… now, she’s gone.Rina doted so much on Camille, she even promised to give her grandson to her whom Camille had a crush on since little.“Please mother, not today.. grandma is gone. Don’t, don’t…do this,” Camille told her in a breaking voice. Shania scoffed.“Stop playing the victim card! I know you’re a snake! You poor filthy thing!” Shania didn’t care about the guests present, she pushed Camille to the floor.Camille’s heart ached, she’s a nobody so everybody treats her like a dirt including her husband, the mommy’s boy. Diego Rodrigo.“G
Camille jaw dropped, her eyes searched through Diego’s but found nothing like sympathy.Shania and Tiana gasped, they were not surprised but instead, happy.“Are you seriously telling me that? Not after you destroyed my child!” Camille yelped with fury.“Tsk, Did you really want me to believe that lie?! How sure are you that the baby is mine!” Diego fired back, Camille was taken aback.Yes, Diego was so drunk and mistook Camille for Tiana that very night, he slept with Camille though She didn’t mind if it was Tiana’s name he was mentioning throughout the night, she was elated she had her first night with Diego.But,, now he’s denying the baby? Camille felt nothing but pure betrayal and heartbroken. All she did was love him.“You’re a jerk! You’re nothing but a jerk! I loved you with all of my heart, Diego!” Camille wailed, tears gathered in her eye and poured out like a running water.“No one asked to love me. I made it clearly that I was only marrying for the sake of grandma. I never
Guevara Villa “Welcome home, my beloved! I’m sorry it took so long before I found you,” Leonard Guevara exclaimed and 10 other maids lined up to welcome Camille. Camille stood at the door-way and looked at the man before her, it was truly the billionaire. Leonard Guevara. He owned lots of companies in the city likewise the top notch hotels, he’s filthy rich even the Rodrigo can’t beat him to it. ‘How is he suddenly my father?’ Camille wondered. “How-how are you my father? How come? How am I a Guevara?” Camille asked curiously. She’s a nobody, a poor orphan that grew up in the streets before Rina took her in. who’s pulling such prank on her? “I’m sure you have a lot of questions for me already but why don’t you have a rest and let’s talk tomorrow. I heard from my guards that you went through a lot today,” Leonard offered instead. “But..” “Irene?” The man called making Camille swallow up her words. The lady called came out of amidst the maids that lined up.
3 Weeks Later “Congratulations, ma’am,” “Congratulations ma’am Camille,” Camille had a warm smile on her lips, she welcomed and appreciated the congratulatory messages people has been giving her. Camille looked so different, she was putting in a black blazer suit, matching it with a red stiletto heels, she looked so beautiful. “When does this end?” Camille whispered to the lady beside her, the new secretary assigned to her. “In an hour time,”Kate replied glancing at her wristwatch while Camille had a pout on, getting bored with the whole thing. “We meet again,”She suddenly heard a familiar masculine voice, she lifted her face, her eyes scrutinized the figure. It’s the man that helped her that day, what was he doing here? She blinked her eyes, “You-” “Oh wow, I’m glad you remembered me. You left in such a hurry that day, who would have thought I’d meet you here?” The man said and Camille cleared her throat. “Xavier Huston. Number one top list of the first Trillion
(The Welcome party- Guevara House) Camille’s hair was packed in a messy bun, a light makeup on her face and the dress she wore screamed wealth. “I look so beautiful, isn’t it? Tsk. Tonight, I strike,” She mumbled under her breathe as she stare at the mirror blandly. “Did you made sure Diego Rodrigo is attending?” Camille asked Kate who was standing at the door way.“Yes ma’am, I made sure of that.” Kate replied.Camille looked at the mirror with a icy smile, “I smell nothing but humiliation tonight,” She mumbled Leonard walked in, “Daughter, You look absolutely gorgeous tonight. Come, let’s get to the party already,” Lenard said while Camille held his hand.“Kate? Get the car ready,” Leonard instructed and went ahead to do as told. A white limousine stopped at their front, the chauffeur came down to help the both of them open the door, Camille got in followed by her father. Few minutes later, the limousine stopped at the event. Camille got down with her hand between Leonard’s
An Hour LaterLeonard raised a glass, “To all that came to celebrate my daughter, continue to support her as she embark her journey in the world of CEOs” He said while Camille smiled looking at Tiana and Diego.No one need to tell her, they were both shocked to teeth. ‘It’s just getting started’ Camille thought. The party ended right after the toast, Diego and Tiana were already leaving the party when Camille stopped them. “It was a pleasure having to you here tonight, Mr Diego,” Camille told him, Diego balled his fist, he bite his lower lips.“Camille-” “I don’t think we are close enough for you to use informal words for me, please add Ms.” Camille cut him off abruptly, her lips drawn a smirk, she was giving them a taste of their medicine.“You-”“Tiana, stop being forward like a frog! I’m not talking to you,” Camille snapped making Tiana fume in anger. If only her fuming could swallow Camille up it would have but what choice does she has? Camille has the upper hand now.“Camille
NEXT MORNING- The Rodrigos Mansion.Author’s POV“Hello house! Guess who’s back from the vacation!” Shania exclaimed as she walked into the house woth lot of luggage, Tiana came down to welcome her with a faint smile, Shania noticed that.They both sat on one of the couch at the living room, “What’s wrong my dear? Why is your face so down and gloomy?” Shania asked holding her hands with so much care, Tiana pout.“Mother, you wouldn’t believe the type of humiliation we faced at the last night party,” Tiana said, her voice breaking.“At the Guevara’s? Who dare humiliate my daughter in law? How dare them!” Shania snapped while Tiana pressed her lips against each other Tiana scoffed, “You wouldn’t believe who Leonard’s lost Daughter is? “ She asked while Shania wondered in curiosity.“Who?”“Camille! That dumbass!” Tiana announced while Shania had a re-think about what Tiana had just said. “W-who..? Wait, are you talking about that lowlife-”“She’s not longer a lowlife, She’s the only
(A YEAR LATER)Camille gazed down at her newborn son, ensconced in the soft blanket she had lovingly prepared. His tiny fingers curled around hers, and she couldn’t help but smile. He was indeed a handsome baby boy, with tufts of dark hair and a peaceful expression that filled her heart with an overwhelming sense of joy. Next to her, Xavier sat, his eyes gleaming with pride as he took in the miracle before them. “Isn’t he so small and beautiful?” Xavier asked, his heart fluttering.Together, they had built a life filled with warmth, laughter, and now, the beautiful chaos of parenthood.The little family was nestled in a snug corner of their home, a small but welcoming space that’s decorated with lots of love. “He’s my new bundle of joy…my peace,” Camille found herself muttering, the small boy grabbed her hand.“What am I, if he’s your peace? I’m here too… I should be your inner peace as well!” Xavier chipped in teasingly, Camille laughed out loud and slap him playfully on the ches
THE DAY OF UNION.The sun rose on a clear, bright morning, casting a golden glow on the beautiful room of the Guevara’s. Time seemed to be so fast on Camille’s side…Wasn’t it just last month when everything seemed it was never going to better?Camille stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her veil and taking a deep breath. The day she’s always dreamt of…her wedding with someone she loves. Her satin gown shimmered under the soft light, reflecting the excitement bubbling within her. “You’re looking beautiful,” Irene muttered coming into the room, her hair packed in a loose updo, her silk mint dress flow beautifully on the floor.Anyone would have mistaken Irene for the if she was putting on white. Camille’s face softened, the tension she was feeling earlier melt away when she saw Irene’s face.“I’m grateful you’re here, I’m so nervous Irene.” Camille laments, Irene move closer and took her hand.“It’s your big day! Don’t let that anxiety ruin your look. You’re damn beautiful, ma’am
(THE FOLLOWING WEEK)Camille sat at the waiting room, her breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of Tiana. Camille had decided to visit her today but TianA was totally different, the once-vibrant woman she’d known now looked like a shadow of her former self. Dark circles clung beneath Tiana's eyes, and her skin, usually radiant, now appeared hollow and sallow. Her hair is a total mess.“How have you been, Tiana?” Camille called softly, that was then Tiana lifted her gaze, only to meet Camille’s.“What do you want, Camille? You’re the least person I’d thought of seeing today! ” Tiana’s voice was flat, echoing with the weight of unspoken pain.“Not like I’ve got a choice? But I felt like if I don’t say these words to you, I might never fight peace too,” Camille said, resting her back against the chair. . “You look... exhausted.” She hesitated, searching for the right words. “You can’t keep going like this. You need to find peace too.”Tiana laughed, a harsh, manic soun
After weeks of camping her at the hospital, Camille was finally home. Her small heels clicked on the floor as she stepped into the main building, spreading her hands wide into the atmosphere, her nostril recognized the sweet scent of her home. God knows she has missed this!“You miss home…that much?” Xavier asked behind her, she turned. “Yea! I missed it! So much!”“Camille!” the excited voice of her father reverberated through the house. His figure moved swiftly towards her, arms wide open as if he were preparing to catch her in a warm embrace that had been too long in coming. “You’re finally back! We’ve missed you so much!”As he enveloped her in a bear hug, Camille felt all the worry and fear that had clung to her for so long begin to melt away. She returned the embrace with equal fervor, her heart swelling with joy and relief. “That’s so random coming from someone who visited the hospital everyday…” She teased.Then she heard a sound from behind, she turned. Irene was already i
————————Camille's eyelids fluttered as consciousness slowly seeped back into her weary mind, and she blinked against the harsh glare of the fluorescent lights above. Her blurry vision adjusted, she caught sight of familiar faces anxiously waiting by her bedside. Xavier's eyes, usually so full of life, were clouded with worry. He reached out instinctively at the sound of her shallow breaths, his hand gripping hers with a mix of relief and fear. “I’m here, I’m here. You survived, my queen.” He had mumbled happily.Beside him stood her father, his expression a blend of worry and gladness. His expression became something comforting to Camille, she was not alone.Then her eyes caught the doctors standing beside her, for some minutes, the doctor examined her thoroughly before turning to Leonard, “She’s fine now. All she needs is to respond quickly to the treatment,” The doctor explained.“Thank you Doc.”“If there’s any issue again kindly reach out to me as soon as possible,” With that t
(2 DAYS LATER)Days passed in a blur of paperwork, phone calls, and late-night strategy sessions. Xavier made sure Leonard was out of jail in no time, Theo and his brother has been arrested and put behind bars with a desirable sentence each.Xavier waited outside of the prison in his car, his gaze were fixed on the prison gates, “When-” before he could even say a thing, Leonard stepped out of the prison.He adjusted to the bright light that shone upon him. When last did he see the atmosphere so bright? One or two weeks ago?Then he spot a white car outside. Xavier came down from the car, Leonard’s eyes glimmered as he approached him. “Thank you, Xavier,” Leonard mumbled, a tiny smile on his lips.“There’s no need…just consider it as something I should have done. I’m glad everything went just as I hoped,”Xavier said, apprehending the intensity of the moment.Leonard nod, got into the car and drove away.And—the rest of the ride to the hospital was practically in silence.————————Xavi
June 27, 1996, THE GUEVARA’s Holding.“How can you tell me we lost to Ronald Huston?! Why the hell did you about the investors!” Leonard snapped at Theo smith, his personal assistant.Leonard ran his hand through his hair, frustration sets in, “Have you suddenly lost your tongue? Didn’t I warned you about this?” Leonard yelled.“I’m..I’m sorry, I thought I could double the profit shares higher than the Guevara. I’m sorry sire,” Theo apologized immediately—he’s on his knees.Leonard shook his head, “Sorry? I’ve just lost 15million dollars! Sorry can’t apprehend what you just did. You’re Fired! Fired Theo!” Leonard announced giving Theo an heart attack.Theo ran up to Leonard trousers, “Please, don’t fire me. I swear, I will pay back with everything but don’t fire me, my mother is at the hospital…She’s currently sick…I need still need this job to keep footing the hospital bills,” Theo quickly said but Leonard has already made up his mind.(Hospital)Theo stopped the cab when it got to t
(NYC PRISON)- The following day.(MALE PRISON)“Good morning sir,” Kenneth muttered to Leonard who was led by the two guards to the visitation room, a large room with inmates who has one or two people visiting them. Leonard finally sat, the guards stepped back but their glances felt like a warning to all of them, keeping a close watch on them.“Did you find him? Tell me you find him already,” Leonard asked immediately he sat. Kenneth swallowed and presented a file on the desk for him.“Ethan Smith, 45years old. Missing for about 3years now-““What does it have to do with me? Just tell me where Theo is! He’s the one who can testify…I need to get out of this cramped place, 25years is not a joke!” Leonard protested in anxiousness, Kenneth. “This was the driver of the truck. He’s the one driving the truck the day of the accident. We have to find him if we must find Theo, it happens to be they are siblings,” Keneth announced while Leonard rested his back against the chair.“Fuck it! Who
(THE FOLLOWING DAY)The muted sounds of the hospital buzzed around Xavier as he use wet towels to clean Camille’s hand and foot. “Remember that special recipe I recreated for you? I’d love to try it again….and you have to wake up if you want to taste out of it, Camille,” He added talking to Camille who laid on the hospital bed.The antiseptic scent mingled with anxiety lingered in the air, heavy and unyielding. Xavier finished cleaning her hands, he sprang up on his feet so he could discard the dirty water but just as he stepped out, he met Diego on his way out."Xavier," Diego's voice punctuated the silence, a low murmur that pulled Xavier from his spiraling thoughts. Diego approached cautiously, his face lined with concern.“Diego,” Xavier responded stiffly. “Give me a minute, I’ll be right back,” Xavier told him and went off to discard the water, he came back in a minute.“Here. I got you sweats and under-wears. Mike told me specifically to bring this to you, he said you haven’t