(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
45[Camille’s POV]~The following Day(Winter Interiors)“Here is how the inner interior pans out, I would like you to go through it and tell me what you think about the designs,” The lady at my front suggested passing me a folder, I flip through it and smiled softly.“These designs are damn pretty! You did a great job,” I mumbled then pointed at one of the designs, “This, it’s so lovely,” I flip the page over and showed her.“Wow, the mint style? There’s no problem, you’ve got us covered,” The lady said.“So when should I escort the renovation of the building? I want it to be by the end of this month, can that be possible?” I asked and the lady nod immediately.“Sure, there’s no need to worry. We will get it done just as you wanted it,”The lady assured “…so, if that’s what you’ve decided, we will do ahead and start to work on it,” She added and started packing up her things.“If you may-”“Camille?” I suddenly heard someone’s voice behind me, I turned. Xavier? Oh god! What’s he doing
46- You ruined it!(The Rodrigo’s Villa)“Today sucks! I can’t believe Dad put me through all that just to get back his goddamn,” TianA was just coming back from her outing, she drag her feet up to her room then as she was up on the stairs, she suddenly remembered something.“Damn! The annex! Don’t tell me she has gone to clean it already? Fuck! That stupid and forward woman!” Tiana exclaimed, then instantly she came down from the stairs with a fake grin.She stepped into kitchen, hoping she was there but only met two ladies doing the dishes, her eyes almost came out and hissed with a bit on her lower lips, “..where has ma’am Shania gone?” She asked the ladies.“She has gone to the annex. She said you can join her when you’re back,” said one of the ladies, Tiana had her heart in her throat, she dashed out of the kitchen and made advances to the annex with different thoughts running through her mind.Just as she was about to take another step, Shania came in right on time, “Oh—mother,”
(THE FOLLOWING DAY) RODRIGO VILLA-5:14amIn a white cloak, a figure who seemed like a woman swiftly marched under the heavy rain towards the annex, the loud lightening shines directly to the harmer the figure was holding, on getting to the annex, the door has been locked, “Shit!” She grunts then pull out her gloves and put ‘em on.And in a count of three, she break the lock with her heavy harmer gaining access into the annex, no one can hear from the main house so, she’s on the safer side.Without wasting much time, she took a stool and climbed up to the cctv at the corner, she broke it into pieces, “That damn thing!” She yelled out then got down from the stool, she went to the operator and took the system into her bag not minding she had been soaked by the rain.She was about exiting the room when her eyes caught something between the books on the shelf, something that seemed like a biro but at the same time- “it’s a thief!!!” Someone yelled from outside and that made her pushed t
48Camille was just heading back to her car with Kate ahead of her when someone suddenly appeared at her front, her eyebrow raised, “What are you doing here Diego?” Camille snapped.They were standing at the lounge, thankfully, no one is there.Diego folded his fist, “You think I won’t find out your dirty schemes?You snake!” He yelled out while Kate wanted to get between but Camille simply told her to let him be.Camille folded her arms across her chest, “At least, let me know what I did before you accuse me. Why are you being so bitter?” Camille bleated and Diego scoffed.“You think I don’t know you killed grandma? You killed her when all she ever did was loved you! You—“ Diego snorted and it made Camille narrowed her eyes for a while. What’s he taking about?She turned to Kate who was still standing there, “Kate?” She called.“Yes?” She replied and gave a sign, she understood and walks off after.Then Camille waited till Kate was out of sight before walking towards Diego, “Do you kn
49-He’s always here.(Next Day)-Queensway company.Camille’s POV“Are you sure you want to leave alone? I could tag along.. the road is a little messy because of the chaos going on there…” Kate mumbled to me for the tenth time, I rolled my eyes and looked at her.I sighed, “I heard you Kate, I know. You’ve been singing that to me since we got to office…can you please give it a rest?” I said to her and she twisted her lips like she wanted to say something, I shook my head my and went back to my seat.“Look! Look at what the news says about the Quill alley. In just four weeks, 17 bodies has been found! Please—” Kate mentioned waving her iPad at me, I sniffed.“You don’t need to worry, I’m strong and anyone who dares me will have to face my craziness…hehe,” I assured her but her eyes were saying another thing. Obviously, she doesn’t want me to go but too bad, have informed Susan Len, the owner of 4Nine that I’m coming for a visit, I can’t go back on my words.“Tsk! You’re so stubborn! Fi
—-“We only have a room left, aren’t you couple?” The receptionist asked Xavier, he scoffed and shook his head as he glanced at Camille who is still in shock as she had Xavier’s jacket over her body.Xavier found a nearer hotel around where Susan Len lived so they can both visit tomorrow since it’s past 12.“Bring the keys,” Xavier took the keys and went back to were Camille sat, “Here, they’ve only got one room, you may have it.” He gave it to her, Camille took and looked at him.“Come with me,” She instructed and without more questions, Xavier followed her.The door opened, Camille walked in and instantly she took off the jacket and placed it back on Xavier’s hand.“How did you find me here? And please, don’t tell me that it’s a coincidence,” She asked looking at him directly, Xavier licked his lips and tried to move closer to her but Camille shifted back.“Okay, Kate told me. She was so worried about you that she had to call me, so don’t take it the other way, Camille,” Xavier exp
Next DayCamille eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the ray of sun coming from the window, blinking away the sleep from her eyes, she stretched her arms above her head to sweep back her tousled hair…then her eyes ran to the other side of the bed, “X-Xavier?” Her voice came out croaky and she sat upright.“Xavier?” She called hoping she’d hear his voice probably from the bathroom but none came, instantly she rub off the duvet away from her body and started making way to the bathroom, she was about twisting the door knob when Xavier walked in.A tray containing a slice of cheesecake and a soft drink with him, Camille ran into his arms almost letting the tray fall but Xavier held it tightly with the other hand.Camille pull slowly away raising only her head from his chest, her hands still wrapped around his waist, “I thought you left me! Why did you leave?” She lamented with a puppy eyes while Xavier couldn’t help but feel so delightful.Gently he dropped the cheesecake into her mouth and
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
# 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