(FEW MINUTES LATER) AUTHOR’S POV Camille squinted eyes opened, “Where—“ she mumbled then sits upright. Looking around , she’s still in the hospital but placed on a bed. The only thing she remember at the moment was when her father was taken away on a stretcher “My dad….” She grumbled then pull out the drip passed to her hand, she opened the door and found Xavier waiting at the entrance talking to a doctor. “My father,,, where is he? Take me to him,” She demanded and Xavier turned to her, he took her hand that’s dripping blood as a result of pulling out the needle forcefully. “Camille you’re bleeding, your father is fine. Let’s address this wound,” Xavier suggested and tried to take her back in but Camille was adamant. “I asked you a question, where is my father?” She requested while Xavier sighed. “Okay fine, he’s undergoing a surgery now. Trust me, he will be fine,” Xavier assured her with a simple smile. Camille found herself shedding tears, her heart wrecks.
(Earlier that evening- Rodrigo’s building)Tiana suddenly barged into Diego’s room, “I thought you meant to ruin Camille?! Why the hell did you suddenly take down those photos?!” Tiana yelled while Diego dropped the video pads and sprang up on his feet.“Don’t you have courtesy? Can’t you see I’m playing games here? Why the hell did you barg in like that!” Diego yelled back, Tiana scoffed.“Answer my question! Are you suddenly having a second thought? Get rid of Camille!”“When did you start to give me advice huh? Tiana, don’t cross the line!” Diego snapped and Tiana folded her hand into a tight fist.“Let’s get married!” Tiana suddenly blurted out, Diego squinted his eyes to be sure he heard her right.“what did you just say?” He asked to be sure, Tiana was so determined.“You heard me, marry me and forget about Camille! She’s not worth it,” Tiana urged but instead Diego laughed out loud.“I thought Camille was kidding when she said you left the psychiatric hospital unannounced but I
AUTHOR’s POV“Thank you Irene,” Camille said to Irene who came to the dining with a well garnished meal. “Please pass me the water,” Camille instructed and Irene gave her a jar of water.“Please help yourself, Xavier,” Camille offered Xavier and he twisted his lips.“Oh princess, can’t you at-least feed me? Be romantic,” Xavier whined making Camille rolled her eyes, Leonard laughed at his joke.“Xavier, your tricks won’t work on me,” Camille said with a snarled, Xavier simply shrugs and took a bite from the food.“I might not be playing tricks…I’m a man of my word.” Camille shook her head and pass a plate to her father, “Whatever,” she hissed and continued her food.It wasn’t long before they finished eating, Camille took the plate back to the kitchen while Xavier helped Leonard back to his room.“You should take a rest. You’ve been under stress for the past few days now,” Xavier urged him and Leonard nod.“Yeah, I know. I should take it slow now that Camille is here, I’m the only o
(The Following Morning- Xavier private Room)Xavier sat at the edge of the chair, the tip of his toe hit the floor countless times as he waited for the large screen in his room to show up, “What is holding him up?” He muttered then was about to pick up his phone when Mike came on the screen.“What took you forever?” Xavier snapped adjusting on his seat. He had sent Mike over there to find more about the private license and the dash-cam. I’d be looking way too obvious if he had gone as well, he’s taken too much leave.“I’m sorry, you know the network here are so private, it took a long while before we could get a server,” Mike replied while Xavier rolled his eyes.Xavier cleared his throat, “So, Tell me what have you found since you got there? Let me hear about the plate number first,” Xavier asked anxiously.“As we both thought, the plate number of the truck is under Leonard Guevara’s holding in fact, all the cars moving at very day was all owned by Leonard Guevara according to the s
(The Rodrigo Villa)Tiana paced to and fro, “Should I call the both of you dumb or stupid?! Why the hell can’t you take down a simple task?! Do you what it cost me to hire two gunmen!” Tiana snapped over the phone with an eye roll.“We already told you Tiana, She is protected by two armed forces..do you want to see our head split into two? We can’t risk our lives to satisfy you, huh?” The man snapped back, his voice getting high.Tiana sweeps back her hair in frustration, “You guys are nothing but a freaking weakling! If this flops and bounce back at me, you will live to regret it!” Tiana yelled.“Will you calm down and give us time to carry out the plan well? Just give us $300,000 more to carry out the plan smoothly,” Another one replied her, Tiana’s scoff filled the air.She’s the only one at home, Shania had gone for a grocery shopping while Diego left home without telling no one.“Are you kidding me? You guys are sick in the head to think I’d give you any penny after you messed up
BRIGHT MORNING- Huston VillaThe sun ray penetrated into Camille’s deep sleep, “Aww,” she yawn and got up from the couch. “Where—“ She was still struggling to remember where she was when she suddenly gasped, “..did I freaking sleep here!” She asked herself anxiously and a knock came on the door.“Yea? Who’s it?” She asked and a lady opened the door, “Yea?”“Good morning, Sir Xavier asked you to join him for breakfast,” the lady announced and Camille blinked her eyes. “Okay, I will be there soon,” She utters and the lady left leaving Camille. Camille gasped more loud… she wasn’t dreaming! She literally slept here! Damn, the plan was to return his wallet back to him, how the hell did she sleep here! The last she remembered was meeting Xavier drunk and falling on his chest…while the rest was history! She facepalm herself, “So stupid of me,” Camille mumbled and quickly made her way to the dinning table.She gasped, “Did he called this breakfast? This is..is definitely a party!” Camille
Xavier came out of room, Camille has finished the food, “Sorry about that, we had an important thing to discuss,” He apologized while Camille just shook her head cleaning her a mouth with a tissue.Mike came out as well but walked out instead, “He seemed so angry…” Camille whispered looking at him till he was out of sight.“Don’t mind him, he’s under the weather,” Xavier muttered then grab his car-keys, “Let me take you home,” He offered and Camille blinked her eyes.“Oh please, Xavier…don’t worry, you’ve offered me sleep and food so let me take myself home instead, Thanks for the kind gestures,” Camille said and sprang up on her feet.“Okay, Bye. See you around,” Xavier waved at her and with that Camille left. “Ruby!” Xavier called and the lady called Ruby came out.“Yes sir,” She replied with a bow,“Pack the plates,” Xavier instructed and with no further ado, he walked back in.On getting in, his eyes went back to the wallet Camille had brought last night, He opened the wallet and
(A Week Later)- Thursday Morning.The Rodrigo VillaTiana knocked on Diego’s room but got no reply, “Tsk! That stubborn thing! He’s refusing to eat! Diego! Diego!” She yelled out but still no reply, she left the door and when back to the dining table, Shania was distributing the plate on the table when Tiana walked back in. “He’s not answering me, mother…” Tiana said and she drag her feet back to the singing table. “It’s been a week since he came out of that room! Aren’t you going to do something about it mother? I’m quite worried about him,” Tiana wailed.Shania sighed, “Let me go and meet him,” Shania suggested and went ahead to Diego’s room. “Son, open the door. I’m sorry the way I spoke to you the other day, Please come and east something at least,” Shania mutters to the door but still Diego refused to answer her.Shania threw her head back in frustration, “You aren’t making this easy for me Diego, I’ve got no choice then,” She announced and brought out a spare key that opens hi
# 73The following morning broke bright and clear, yet Camille’s heart felt shrouded in gray clouds. She had woken from a restless sleep,After a shower and a hasty breakfast, she found herself standing before her maid, Irene, who was dusting the shelves in the living room. Camille watched Irene for a while before approaching her, she had been at Camille's side for years, almost a sister figure, and Camille felt an immediate regret for their earlier argument. “Irene, can we talk?” Camille called, Irene briefly turned and greeted her as usual.Irene has distanced herself from Camille ever since the heated argument with Camille the other day.“Of course, Miss Camille,” she replied, her voice soft and understanding. Camille took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing as she spoke. “I’m really sorry about how I reacted yesterday. I let my emotions take over, and I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that. You’ve always been so kind to me, and I appreciate everything you do.”“Yeah, I kno
{NEXT DAY ———HUSTON VILLA}Xavier stood before the mirror, his reflection staring back at him. He slipped on the tailored suit jacket, the fabric hugging his shoulders perfectly. He adjusted his tie, the silk knot sitting precisely at the base of his neck. A crisp white shirt complemented the dark hue of the suit, exuding confidence and sophistication. “The car is ready, sir,” Mike announced behold while Xavier simply give him a nod as a reply, Mike left after. He picked up his phone and was about heading out when his phone buzzed loudly, a solitary intrusion in the silence that enveloped him. He glanced over, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. An unknown number flashed on the screen, sparking a bit of curiosity— Who is this?Despite his instinct to ignore it, his fingers betrayed him as they reached for the answer button.“Hello?” he answered, his voice steady yet tinged with reluctance. “Oh! I never thought you’d pick! Anyways, Xavier, it’s Tiana.” Her voice, sultry and dangerous,
FEW DAYS LATER- RUN Wedding GownsCamille inhaled deeply as she stepped into the boutique, she looked around at the wedding gown displayed and her heart leaped, “Beautiful,” She mumbled touching one of the dress.“Do you want that? We can get it for you,” Sean's voice broke through her reverie, filled with eager enthusiasm.The smile he wore was infectious, but Camille’s heart remained a stone. “No. Anyone is fine by me, it doesn’t really matter,” She denied and walked into the fitting room.Maybe what she said was a lie. She wanted to wear that pretty gown but not with Sean.They were guided through rows of dazzling gowns, each more extravagant than the last. As they reached the fitting area, the seamstress—a petite woman with a twinkle in her eye—beckoned Camille toward a shimmering ivory dress. It was magnificent, a visual feast of lace and silk that shimmered with minimal embellishment.“Wait until you see how it looks on you,” Sean beamed, his gaze fixed on the gown. “I bet you’l
# 70(Guevara’s Villa)Camille came down from the stairs with a suit case, her father whose face glued to the morning news turned to her, “Oh, you’re set for your trip?” Leonard asked and Camille nod.Leonard stood up from the couch, ascending to her give her a peck, “I hope you have nice trip, eat good food okay,” He retorted and Camille nod in agreement. Camille descended to the driveway, the driver was already waiting for her, “I will drive myself, Mavis. You can go,” She instructed the driver.The driver obliged and handed the keys to her, “Have a nice trip,” With that he left, Camille got into the car and zoomed out of the Guevara’s premises.She had told her father, with a sincerity that almost felt real, that she was on a business trip—but should she call that a lie?In just about four hours, the car stopped at a small hospital away from the city and hopefully she wouldn’t find anyone around here.She had booked a week of appointments with Dr. Metzger, her obstetrician.After
# 69(A WEEK LATER)-Queensway Company.Camille was just strolling out to her office when Emily met her on the way, “ There you’re, I’ve been trying to reach you,” Camille asked “I’m sorry ma’am, I’ve been adjusting to the new location the new investors sent,” Emily announced, Camille raised an eyebrow.“They’ve changed the location? Where now?” Camille asked. “HV Lounge. It’s a five minute walk down the street. Mr Alan said he wants to survey that lounge and he’s meeting someone there as well,”Emily explained while Camille folded her hand into a fist.“Shit!” She cursed while Emily looked at her with concern. “Everything okay ma’am?” She asked but Camille shook her head.“Nothing. It won’t be nice if we delay our investors on our first meeting,” With that Camille walked off, Emily trails off behind her.Camille and Emily arrived at the HV, a modern building that housed the architecture museum, Her heart raced as she entered the lobby, taking in the polished marble floors and th
# 68The Following Day. [Guevara’s Villa]Camille glanced across her wristwatch, “He should be there already,” She muttered softly then licked her lips before unlocking her car which beeped miles away.Getting into the car, she drove out of the Guevara’s premises.Her heels clicked on the wooden floors of the restaurant, St Lou, is just a mile away from the house. Her eyes did a quick search before she finally saw Xavier.She walked towards him, Xavier lifted his head immediately she arrived, “Oh. I’m glad you came,” Xavier muttered while Camille stiffed a smile and sat opposite him.She had sent him a message earlier this morning saying they should meet up. Xavier quickly flipped through the menu, “What should I get you? Should I get you your usuals? I—““I didn’t call you to eat. I want to talk about us, I realize I need to finalize what’s going on between us especially when I acted like that last night,” Camille addressed. Xavier waved it off, “Oh, there’s no need. I’m sure you w
# 67Diego drag his feet into the house…his face swollen due to the nonstop tears after Shania has been cremated.He stared at the urn, the smooth ceramic surface reflecting his own hollow face. Grief threatened to drown him, a suffocating wave pulling him under. But he wouldn't let it. Not yet. Grief was a luxury he couldn't afford. Not until he found Tiana.‘Tiana.’ He growl under his breathe. If only he knew that name would be a curse, he would have never allowed her into this house. Diego stood still in the house, his eyes ran to Tiana’s room.He marched there, in a fit of rage, he kicked the door open, “Fuck it! That sly bitch run off!” That was the word that came out of his mouth when he noticed Tiana is gone, all of her belongings has been wiped out.He walked out of the room, a mournful sound echoed the emptiness in the house. His mother's absence was a tangible thing, a silence that had settled over the familiar rooms.The house felt smaller now, colder. No one is coming t
Camille rushed out of Xavier’s house, the lingering warmth of their conversation still buzzing in her veins.Her car tires screeched making an abrupt stop at the driveway of their building, She came down from the car and went inside, tears still in her eyes.“Dad!” Camille called as she burst through the front door, her voice echoing through the empty home. She hurried down the hallway, her footsteps quick and determined.Leonard, was in his study, surrounded by sketches and blueprints. He looked up as she entered, his brow furrowed with concentration before melting into a warm smile. “Camille! You’re home early, didn’t you say you will be back by noon? ” he said, setting aside a roll of parchment.“Dad, I need to talk to you.” She snapped ignoring his concerns. Leonard leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “I see…Judging by the way your forehead streams out sweat, is it something serious?”Camille paced the small room, “It’s about Xavier’s parents! Are you by any chance involv
(Following Day)The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the winding streets of Maplewood. A slight breeze rustled through the trees lining the road as Camille sat in her car, fingers tapping nervously against the steering wheel. Her heart felt as if it were performing a delicate ballet, pirouetting between anxiety and overwhelming joy. Nothing was going to stop it today, “I’m going to tell him we are having a baby,” Camille mumbled as she run her stomach sweetly.Camille’s mind raced as she replayed the conversations she had rehearsed in her head. The way she’s going to bring the news to him.Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture and turned the key in the ignition. The engine purred to life and zoomed out of her house, she felt joy bubbling forth in her chest as she drove toward his house, taking the winding roads lined with endless trees, her heart as light as the fading dusk..**Xavier wore his usual apron and flip the cooking pan like a pro he w