(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
(The Following Morning )Camille’s POV“Good morning ma’am,”“A pleasant morning ma’am,” Everyone in the lounge offered their greetings immediately they saw me coming in, I simply waved at them with a smile.I waited for the elevator to open and while I was waiting, Kate appeared behind me with a gasp, “Oh, You’re back already? Are you feeling better now?” She asked worriedly I simply smiled, “Is that your own special way to greet your boss?” I told her and instantly she adjusted herself.“I’m sorry, I was just shocked you’re so agile and all lively…” Kate added while my cheeks flushed red remembering Xavier.“Well, miracles happens,” I simply muttered and the elevator door opened, we both walked in. Kate clicked on the 6th floor, my office.Then suddenly she gasped, “Wait! Come to think of it, you’re well dressed and so… tsk, beautiful? Are you going on a date today ma’am?” She blurted out.Tsk, a shape eyes she’s got.“Yes. I will be having a date tonight which means, you don’t ha
(AUTHOR’S POV)(REGSTAR FASHION MALL)Tiana stood by her car as she kept glancing at her wristwatch, “Damn! Where are they?!” She almost lost her mind and almost immediately two ladies appeared.“Hey TT, long time no see!” Eline, the first lady waved at her happily but Tiana simply rolled her eyes. “Why are you freaking late?!” She yelled while the two ladies was taken aback.They both glanced at their wristwatch, “We are just 2minutes late. Remember we have a family to cater for, come on, Tiana,” Suga, her second friend added.“Whatever! Let’s go in. Diego is taking me out today! I’ve got to be hasty,” Tiana bluff taking the lead as they all walked into the luxurious fashion mall.“Oh, look at that new Stunning bag! I heard Huston holdings made these,” Suga quoted admiring the bag, she gasped when she saw the price tag ‘$500,000?’“Too cheap! Compared to what my lovely husband made, the RoL bag, look!” Tiana pointed at the bag sitting pretty at the front roll with a price tag, “$62
(Star Restaurant)Camille cut the steak with so much alacrity as if her life depends on it, “Why is it difficult to cut!” She muttered under breathe trying her best not to let her frustration show. “This damn-“She was close to losing her mind when Xavier speak up, “Here, take mine,” He offered his food which Camille took diligently, she avoided his gaze.“oh, thanks,” She simply said and began eating, Xavier watched her silently. He noticed. Camille has been avoiding to hold an eye contact with him neither will she start a conversation ever since they left the office or since they kissed?“Camille-”“Oh, goodness! You made the right choice picking this restaurant, their service are good and their food is top-notch. Well-done,” Camille quickly chipped in taking another bite into her mouth, munching fast.Xavier was getting tired of the awkward situation, this wasn’t the type of date he wanted, he wanted to know her better, “Camille…I think we need to talk,” He started then immediatel
NEXT Morning.(Huston Benson golf field)Author’s POVXavier shot the ball and it missed the hole and went right beside it, He rolled his eyes and went to another ball, “Shit!” He cussed and hit it till it finally went into the hole.Mike who has been standing the whole time beside him, sighed, “Are we not going to work today, sir? You’ve been playing golf since we woke up this morning, this is 12:34, Sir-““We are taking the day off. I’m not in the mood to work,” Xavier cut him off without even sparing Mike a glance.“Hmm, everything okay sir? You’ve been so moody since you got back from Camille’s. You didn’t tell me what happened, I’m quite worried as this may affect the upcoming projects we have at hand,” Mike mentioned anxiously and it made Xavier halt on his golf and turned to Mike with that kind of eyes he’s never shot him.“Are you the boss? Are the owner of Huston holdings? Why the fuck you care about that work more than me that owns it! I’m not in a good mood Mike, don’t pu
Camille’s POVI picked the broccoli into my mouth and eat the food like nothing happened, “I must say Irene, Ma’am Rita is doing so well with this food,” I mumbled but Irene has been quiet since I got back home.“What’s it you want to talk about? I miss the talkative Irene,” I chipped in, I heard Irene sighed.“I’m worried about you ma’am, this rumor might take a while before it dies down, I’m scared it might cause a huge-““Irene?” I called gently halting on my meals, I made sure she and I are looking at each other before I continued, “I came home because the office is lousy, I’m home to make peace with myself…. If you keep speaking and looking gloomy like that, I’m afraid I might be really restless so please huh, just let it go, give me that smiley face of yours,” I told her and I could see her grin heartily.“Yes ma’am,” she mumbled.“That’s my girl…”“Oh there you’re Camille, I’ve been waiting for you, are you done eating?” Dad chipped in, coming to the dinning table, he place
AUTHOR’S POV“W-what?” Kate who was behind Camille, exclaimed. Camille simply raised her hand to keep Kate under control, Camille is as shock as Kate.“Okay. I’ve heard you but remember that I won’t just sit back and watch all of you try and chase me out. Never because I did nothing,” Camille defended then swiftly she turned to look at Kate who had all sort of concern on her face.“Let’s go,” Camille instructed and took the lead, Kate trailed off behind.Opening the door ajar, “You can now get me a big bowl of noodles and spicy chicken,” Camille ordered while Kate had her mouth wide open.“But…”“Yes. I know what you are thinking..you’re thinking probably I’d be sulking at my desk right now huh? No. I’m not the weak-heart Camille anymore, this phase will pass,” Camille assured, obviously assuring herself.Kate pressed her lips together, feeling sorry for Camille and Camille noticed, “Just get it done, Kate. You know I don’t entertain such pity looks,” Camille chirped in.Kate get a h
Camille stood there confused, shocked and scared. “Dad!!” She shrieked running over to him, her loud noise woke everyone in the house.“Oh Good God! What happennd?” Irene also exclaimed running over there as well, the head of staff could be seen making call to the emergency ambulance nearby.Everyone else was just shocked and wondered what could be wrong.“P-please wake up,” Camille mumbled lowly as she tap her dad gently but got no response.Her fear grew, This man means a lot to her now, she can’t lose him too?Few minutes later, the ambulance came into the building and Mr Leonard was placed on a stretcher and was carried into the ambulance, Camille followed. In a hurry, the ambulance drive away.And in a split seconds, the ambulance stopped at a nearby hospital, the doctors matched out when they received a code blue. Mr Leonard was rushed to the ER, Camille stood at the entrance with her hand getting sweaty, her hand never left each other.She paced to and fro of the emergency ro
(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
The sterile scent of antiseptics and the harshly fluorescent lights filled the hospital corridor just as the stretcher Camille was on came in, “Emergency!” The person pushing the stretcherShouted, the doctors ran to the stretcher.They had tried the CPR, the frantic effort of breath and rhythm, but her heart line on the machine had remained steadfastly flat.He clenched his fists, willing himself to hold back tears. “She will pull through,” he whispered to himself, as if belief alone could will life back into her limbs. “She has to.”Xavier wanted to follow them when they started pulling her towards the surgery room, a nurse stood in his way, “Please wait outside,” The nurse instructed and he nod, his hand and forehead getting sweaty.Xavier sat hunched over in the waiting area, his hands clasped tightly together, knuckles white with tension. “She-she has to be okay,” His voice failed him.Xavier paced the shiny linoleum floor, his footsteps barely making a sound against the echoing
(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