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 loved you neither will I,” Diego mentioned unfazed. “Finally! My son is coming back to his senses,” Shania added smiling looking at Tiana with beams. “I,,swear you will all regret this, I will make y’all pay!” Camille growled but Tiana laughed from where she stood. “Did you just say ‘make us pay?!’ You should be regretful we aren’t suing you for defamation! Tsk, Have you looked at yourself in the mirror and see why you should never be here!” Tiana rasped with a snarl “Mark my words, I, Camille Dante will make sure everyone of you pay for killing my innocent child!” Camille cried with heavy heart. “Expect he papers tomorrow morning. “Diego said, he turned and left the place. Camille crumbled to the floor, her knees bruised due to falling earlier but she cared less. “Get a life, fake ass,” Shania spat on her face as she also walked out followed by Tiana. Camille stood up and walked aimlessly out of the living room as well, she was barefooted going out of the house with tears streaming out her eyes. Not paying attention to where she’s headed, the horn of a moving car made her jolt back to reality and by the time she lifted her head, a car was coming at her direction on a high speed. Weak to move out of the way, she stood still waiting for the car to hit her, “Get out of the way!” Someone’s voice interrupted and felt a masculine figure wrapped around her as she was pulled out of the way. “Are you crazy?! Are trying to die?” The voice growled but everything sounded like an echo to Camille’s ear, “You,,you have let me die-” She couldn’t finish up her words when she passed out on the man’s chest, her tears dropped on his vest. FEW HOURS LATER “Argh, my,,” Camille opened her eyes, her thiny blue eyes landed on an unfamiliar chandelier, she quickly sit upright. “Where am I.. How did I get here,” She questioned looking around. “Finally, you’ve woken up. I was just thinking if I should take you to the hospital, are you okay?” A tall man came in just right in time, he held a cup of water on his hand. Camille furrowed her eyebrows, “Who are you?” She queried getting up from the bed. “Easy, you just woke up,” The man tried to calm her down but Camille wasn’t buying his sympathy. The man surrendered, “Okay, I was the guy that saved you from getting hit by the moving car. This is my vacation house, You should rest a little more,” He added Camille remembered what had happened earlier, she was almost hit by a car. Her face lightened up a bit and she bit her lower lips. “Thank you mister but I have to leave,” She was already leaving when the man came out with a pair of white sneakers. “Wear these at least, don’t tell me you want to go barefoot?” He offered while Camille hesitated. “Err,,,” “Don’t give me no for an answer, Wear them,” The young man cut her off and bend over to her feet, placing her small leg into the sneakers. Camille felt warmth with his gentle touch, why couldn’t Diego be like this? She thought. “Thank you, bye.” She simply mumbled under her breathe walking out of the premises. NEXT MORNING Camille packed her bags, she had brought few things into the house after she got married to Diego. She loved the house at her first time but not anymore, it’s hell. “Do you even deserve to take anything from here? You should leave with nothing isn’t it?” Shania interrupted as she stood at the door way with Tiana behind her. Camille scoffed but continued packing her clothes. “I’m leaving your house for good. It’s all useless at the end of the day, you both and have your extravagant life!” She snapped getting up with her briefcase. Diego walked into the room, “Come out, the divorce lawyer is outside,” He announced while Camille walked past as she went to the guest parlor. The divorce lawyer seated in the parlor as he checked the papers careful, he lifted his head when he noticed the appearance of Camille. “Good morning, Camille,” The man greeted “Yeah, Mr Ethan. Where is the divorce paper?” Camille asked nonchalantly. Mr Ethan placed the paper on the shelf, Camille took it and read the content on it. “I don’t need the money stated here. I will sign the papers without collecting a dime from the Rodrigos” Camille clarified. Diego who was standing at the door way sniffed, “I’m trying to be nice here, take the damn money so I won’t have to pay any money in the future,” He blurted Camille folded her fist, “I’m not a cunning person like your family. I don’t want anything from you. Get it?” She snapped grabbing the pen and signed on the paper. “I’m no longer Camille Rodrigo. I’m Camille Dante as of now. Have a miserable life!” Camille shrieked as she walked out of the house. Four years of loving Diego came to nothing but waste. Camille stood at the bus station, the cold breeze lifted her flawless hair, looking like an homeless lady. Yeah, she’s an homeless lady. Then all of a sudden, two black SUV car pulled over at her front, she squinted her eyes, who are they? Two guys came out of the car, they were putting on suit and glasses on their face. “Finally miss Camille, we found you,” One of them said and it made Camille wondered. “Please who are you?” “We work for your father, he asked us to bring you home, Leonard Guevara.” Camille blinked repeatedly, is she hearing them well? Leonard Guevara? The only Leonard Guevara she knew in the city was one of the richest man in the world. How,, how did he suddenly became her father??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
Camille’s POVWe both stare at each other for a while, the only reason I was staring at him was how he got into our house… what am I even saying? Who doesn’t want a zillionaire in their house? Of course Daddy would make all things possible for him to be here,“There you’re darling,” Daddy chirped in breaking the silence within, I shifted my gaze back to Daddy’s, with a questioning look.Daddy understood my facial, he simply smile, “Meet Xavier, The only son of Huston,” Dad introduced.“I already met your daughter. At her inauguration last few weeks, Camille Sylvia Guevara, isn’t it?” Xavier said while Daddy smiled.“Yes I guess,” I hummed.“Oh really? That’s great then. Hm, Xavier? Why don’t you take this opportunity to tell the secrets of your wealth to my daughter? You know, she’s just beginning to take a step,” Daddy suggested while I squeezed my face.I’d be lying if I tell you I don’t know what daddy is trying to do here. Hell no, I don’t want a matchmaker. “I’d love to,”Xavier
Xavier’s POV We froze on the spot, the hot coffe on my back hurts like shit but I must take it in if I want to win this pretty lady’s heart. “A-are you okay?” I finally voice out after taking a look at her well curved lips.If only, if only I could take those pouty lips into my mouth. She released herself from my grip, I could see her face flush red, wait, is she blushing? Damn, I won there, hehe.“Oh my goodness! I’m really sorry Mr Xavier! I-” The lady that spilled the coffee fell on her knees, her eyes dropping tears.“No, no, it’s not any one’s fault. You both didn’t see it coming,” I implored while Camille looked at my back, she bit her lower lips feeling bad.Yeah, I can’t lie but I love the look on her face.“A-re you fine? Does it hurt a lot? Why did you get in the way huh?” She asked worriedly taking a look at the bruises.You don’t have to ask baby girl, it hurts like hell and I can’t believe I’m doing this just to get a lady’s attention.Xavier? You’re nothing but a dumba
Diego let out a scream immediately the call dropped, Tiana moved closer to him. “What’s wrong? What did Ethan say?” She asked curiously while Diego folded his hand into a fist.“They’re dismissing me as the CEO! I knew this was going to happen!” Diego screamed out while Tiana gasped.“W-what are you going to do now? It’s your company! You can’t lose it to someone else!” Tiana exclaimed and without thinking twice, Diego dashed out of her room. “Where are you going?” Tiana called after him but he had already grab his car keys and left the house.Tiana bit her fingers, “I bet he’s going to meet Camille!” She shutters slamming her butt on the bed angrily.Diego stopped his car at the front of the Guevara’s Villa, Tiana was right. He’s coming to the Guevara for help.“Please I’m here to see Leonard Guevara. Is he home?” He asked the guards at the entrance.“Do you have an appointment with him?” They asked but he shook his head.“I’m sorry but Mr Leonard isn’t at home at the moment, come b
(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