NEXT- DAYCamille’s POVI spin my seat countless times, so many questions ran through my head, ‘why did he suddenly call off the date? Is something going on with him?’ I bellowed.Suddenly I slammed my fist on the desk, “He should have called me and not make me worried!” I blurted out, Kate who’s beside me blinked her eyes to be sure I was okay.I lifted my face only to meet four to five eyes string at me, oh! I was so lost in my thoughts that I forgot we were in the middle of a meeting, I quickly composed myself.“Sorry, where were we?” I asked and one of them stood up and focused on the projector on the wall, a survey plan came up on the screen.“We surveyed at least 10-15 of people that can’t do without using an accessories and we got same answer from all of them. So, I believe we should work on that if we want to get as much as possible this month,” The lady explained and I slowly nod.“How about we shift our target audience this time around?” I said and I could hear murmur from e
Camille’s POVI looked out through the car window, I pressed the wind down button and the window went down a little bit making the view more visible, i heaved out, “why the hell is my heart not settled?” I mumbled under my breathe, I feel Kate’s glances on me.I looked at her through the rearview, “Just focus on driving don’t mind me. I think I’m losing my mind,” I said to her and she chuckle.“Hope no problem? You’ve been zoning out since this morning, you keep sighing like you’ve lost a business deal,” She asked while I briefly shrugs my shoulders. “Nothing Kate. I was just worried,”“Hm, about what?” She asked once again, yearning for answers. I simply rolled my eyes and pull up the window back, rested my head and closed my eyes.“Just random person that I shouldn’t be worried of, tsk,” I mumbled but definitely, Kate has got a sharp hearing, she heard that.“Are you talking about Xavier Huston?” She chipped in and at once, I snapped my eyes opened.“W-what are you talking about? W
Author’s POVThe cab pulled over at the Rodrigo’s company, “We are here ma’am,” the cab driver announced jerking Tiana up for her nap, she alighted from the cab and stare at the tall building before her, “I’m ending this shit today, that darn brat!” She sneered and with that she walked majestically into the building, heading straight to Camille office.Camille was just typing something into her laptop, Kate at her front jotting down some of the things Camille mentioned to her, “Do we still need to survey the market? The cost of transportation-“ The sudden outburst of the door made Kate halt on whatever she’s about to say, Camille tilted her head.Camille squinted her eyes to be sure of who just walked in, her lips let out a soft scoff, “What are you doing here Tiana?” Camille asked closing her laptop gently.“What do you think? To speak sense into that dumb skull of yours,” Tiana blurted out while Camille simply chuckle.Camille looked at Kate, “Since when did I allow strangers into
Author’s POV“Shit!” Diego cursed leaving the door, going to get the security.“That name is off limits! You have no right to speak of my child like that!” Camille yelled at Tiana who’s still in shock from the slap.“you wench!” Tiana shrieked and in the next few seconds, She grabbed Camille’s hair and tightened her grip on the hair, Camille was way stronger than her.“I’m not the Camille you knew before, get that hands off me!” Camille yelled pushing Tiana away from her, “Get out now, get out before I get you dragged out,” Camille warmed.Tiana stood from where she fell with a smirk, “What are you going to do? Tsk, I bet the least you can do is call your father! Remember you’re nothing without your damn father!” She yelled making Camille furious.“I told you not to speak of my father or family like that! You haven’t learnt your lesson, huh!” Camille grabbed her hair, Tiana cried out in pains.Tiana managed to let go of her grip, “Then I dare you to do something. You’re just a leech
Xavier’s POV“What do you think? I suddenly miss Camille. Let’s head back home…” I said to Mike leaving the window, I went to the open kitchen. Mike had this disinclined look on his face, “Don’t you think it’s too early to start liking Camille especially when the private plate numbers are likely to be owned by her father,” Mike muttered softly but instead I smiled.“Nothing is certain until we find something to prove it,” I said pouring a orange juice into a glass cup, “Care for a glass?” I asked Mike but he shook his head.“No. I’m worried, what if Camille is another bait by her father?” Mike said while I gulp down the orange juice.“Mike, that’s enough. We already talked about this… I’m not going to say or suspect anyone until I find proof,” I warned him with a snarl and he cautioned himself.“I’m sorry,” Mike mutters, I breathed in and walked towards him.“I know you’re worried about me but we have to take things slow as well, We might be wrong,” I suggested then suddenly remember
Camille’s POVI was already heading out of the police station when I suddenly heard my name. I turned, Tiana walked up to me with a fierce look, “How dare you!” That was the first word she said to me, I simply crossed my arms.“Do yourself a favor and get back in there, don’t make your innocent father keep pleading on your behalf.” I mumbled to her and was about walking away when she said something.“I will make you pay for letting my father kneel before you! Is this what you want? Getting everything from me?” She yelled, her voice almost breaking.I stopped on my tracks, slightly I turned my head to her, “You brought this upon yourself. You shouldn’t have messed with me in the first place,” I simply told her but I heard her scoff.I simply ignore her and once again I was about walking away when I suddenly remember something, “Oh, yeah. I didn’t want your father to kneel, it is you I wanted. And mind you, there’s absolutely nothing I’d want from your fake ass family…not even Diego,” W
NEXT DAY (Shawn’s Building)AUTHOR’s POVTiana picked her handbag, already heading to walk out of her room when her father stopped her at the door way, “Are you going back to Diego’s house again? It’s been two years since you left the house, can’t you stay for a week?” Her father queried.“Whatever I do is none of your business Dad, excuse me,” Tiana said briefly and with that she walked away.She stopped a cab as soon as she got to the bus-station and got in, “Rodrigo’s Villa,” She told the cab driver from the rearview and the driver started the car.Few minutes later, the cab halted at her desired destination and she got off, for about 2minutes she stared at the building before her, “can’t believe I’m back here,” Tiana mumbled under her breathe regardless she walked in.Shania beamed immediately she noticed her arrival, “oh goodness! I was worried sick about you! I thought you wouldn’t be coming back anytime soon, I must say, I missed you,” Shania said happily while Tiana respon
(AN HOUR AGO)XAVIER’s POVMike started the car and we were already on our way back to the house, oh, finally! After waiting for 3 extra days. My eyes are practically glued to my phone that has refused to show up network, I angrily took the phone away, “Fuck! Why is everything against me?” I asked while Mike shook his head with a scoff.“I already told you, only the burner phones we used can only have networks. Our business phones can’t be used here… hold on a little longer, we are almost in the city,” Mike said to me and not like I haven’t heard him the first time, I just want to text Camille!“Yeah, I know, you don’t have to keep repeating that,” I whispered resting my head slowly in the seat. Then I slightly closed my eyes but instantly I opened it and sit upright.“Let’s visit her! Let’s…”“Are you out of your mind? You know their house is an extra 20 minutes ride, you-” Mike complained and my gritted teeth welcomed him as he lifted his eyes to look me in the rearview, he shut up
(THREE HOURS LATER)(An Unknown Warehouse)The slightest glimmers of awareness prompt in Camille's mind as she slowly emerged from the clutches of darkness. It took a few moments for her disoriented senses to catch up with her surroundings. She blinked several times trying to adjust to the harsh lights that flickered above her.“Where—“Her heart raced as panic gripped her. She was tied to a chair, her wrists bound by coarse rope that dug into her skin, almost causing a reaction on her skin.When she finally titled her head up, In front of her stood two figures, Tiana and a guy she can’t describe.The realization of her predicament crashed over her like a running truck—she had been kidnapped."Welcome back to the land of the living," Tania taunted, her voice a silky yet sharp melody that echoed in the silence. "I was starting to think you’d sleep forever. Did you enjoy your little nap?”“Let me go, Tania,” Camille managed, her voice hoarse. She thrashed against her bindings, the ropes
(TWO DAYS LATER: The Wedding Day)Xavier thrust his phone down onto the passenger seat. His hand tightened on the steering wheel glancing through the rearview to see if he’s got any message, the screen lighting up with countless missed calls and messages that went unanswered. Truth be told, Camille had blocked him and has been discarding all chances to see him.,His car halted at the hall Camille’s wedding is taking place.Sean, in his white texado suit waited outside with a vip access card, his eyes lightened up when he saw Xavier’s car. “I thought you won’t make it,” Sean told him.Xavier nervously swallowed the lump in his throat, “Thanks man, I owe you everything—including my life,” Xavier told him, he took the vip access card from Sean and walked into the hall.——————In the bridal waiting room, Camille fidgeted with the delicate lace trimming of her gown. Seated among her bridesmaids, the morning sun penetrating through the half opened curtains did justice on her face.She feign
# 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