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
(Two Days Later) Camille’s POVI scrolled down to last post and nothing had appeared on the page for the last two days, I guess they’ve taken down the scandal, but who cares? I cared less.… I looked at dad on the hospital bed, he’s been asleep for the past two days now, the doctor said he’s probably fallen into coma.‘He might take long before he wakes up and if he doesn’t respond to the treatment, we might have to perform the surgery’ My mind flashed to what the doctor had said the other day.“Dad,… please wake up,”My voice failed me as I silently cried, the door to the room slide open, instantly I cleanse my tears, Kate walked in.“Good morning ma’am,” She greeted and I simply nod as we both trailed off to where I designed as an office since I couldn’t go to work. I sat down at the desk while she stood, “Let me have the business proposal of the other marketing company? What did you call it?” I asked.“I don’t we’d need it anymore, RUN Inc reached out to the Marketing team and c
(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
(A YEAR LATER)Camille gazed down at her newborn son, ensconced in the soft blanket she had lovingly prepared. His tiny fingers curled around hers, and she couldn’t help but smile. He was indeed a handsome baby boy, with tufts of dark hair and a peaceful expression that filled her heart with an overwhelming sense of joy. Next to her, Xavier sat, his eyes gleaming with pride as he took in the miracle before them. “Isn’t he so small and beautiful?” Xavier asked, his heart fluttering.Together, they had built a life filled with warmth, laughter, and now, the beautiful chaos of parenthood.The little family was nestled in a snug corner of their home, a small but welcoming space that’s decorated with lots of love. “He’s my new bundle of joy…my peace,” Camille found herself muttering, the small boy grabbed her hand.“What am I, if he’s your peace? I’m here too… I should be your inner peace as well!” Xavier chipped in teasingly, Camille laughed out loud and slap him playfully on the ches
THE DAY OF UNION.The sun rose on a clear, bright morning, casting a golden glow on the beautiful room of the Guevara’s. Time seemed to be so fast on Camille’s side…Wasn’t it just last month when everything seemed it was never going to better?Camille stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her veil and taking a deep breath. The day she’s always dreamt of…her wedding with someone she loves. Her satin gown shimmered under the soft light, reflecting the excitement bubbling within her. “You’re looking beautiful,” Irene muttered coming into the room, her hair packed in a loose updo, her silk mint dress flow beautifully on the floor.Anyone would have mistaken Irene for the if she was putting on white. Camille’s face softened, the tension she was feeling earlier melt away when she saw Irene’s face.“I’m grateful you’re here, I’m so nervous Irene.” Camille laments, Irene move closer and took her hand.“It’s your big day! Don’t let that anxiety ruin your look. You’re damn beautiful, ma’am
(THE FOLLOWING WEEK)Camille sat at the waiting room, her breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of Tiana. Camille had decided to visit her today but TianA was totally different, the once-vibrant woman she’d known now looked like a shadow of her former self. Dark circles clung beneath Tiana's eyes, and her skin, usually radiant, now appeared hollow and sallow. Her hair is a total mess.“How have you been, Tiana?” Camille called softly, that was then Tiana lifted her gaze, only to meet Camille’s.“What do you want, Camille? You’re the least person I’d thought of seeing today! ” Tiana’s voice was flat, echoing with the weight of unspoken pain.“Not like I’ve got a choice? But I felt like if I don’t say these words to you, I might never fight peace too,” Camille said, resting her back against the chair. . “You look... exhausted.” She hesitated, searching for the right words. “You can’t keep going like this. You need to find peace too.”Tiana laughed, a harsh, manic soun
After weeks of camping her at the hospital, Camille was finally home. Her small heels clicked on the floor as she stepped into the main building, spreading her hands wide into the atmosphere, her nostril recognized the sweet scent of her home. God knows she has missed this!“You miss home…that much?” Xavier asked behind her, she turned. “Yea! I missed it! So much!”“Camille!” the excited voice of her father reverberated through the house. His figure moved swiftly towards her, arms wide open as if he were preparing to catch her in a warm embrace that had been too long in coming. “You’re finally back! We’ve missed you so much!”As he enveloped her in a bear hug, Camille felt all the worry and fear that had clung to her for so long begin to melt away. She returned the embrace with equal fervor, her heart swelling with joy and relief. “That’s so random coming from someone who visited the hospital everyday…” She teased.Then she heard a sound from behind, she turned. Irene was already i
————————Camille's eyelids fluttered as consciousness slowly seeped back into her weary mind, and she blinked against the harsh glare of the fluorescent lights above. Her blurry vision adjusted, she caught sight of familiar faces anxiously waiting by her bedside. Xavier's eyes, usually so full of life, were clouded with worry. He reached out instinctively at the sound of her shallow breaths, his hand gripping hers with a mix of relief and fear. “I’m here, I’m here. You survived, my queen.” He had mumbled happily.Beside him stood her father, his expression a blend of worry and gladness. His expression became something comforting to Camille, she was not alone.Then her eyes caught the doctors standing beside her, for some minutes, the doctor examined her thoroughly before turning to Leonard, “She’s fine now. All she needs is to respond quickly to the treatment,” The doctor explained.“Thank you Doc.”“If there’s any issue again kindly reach out to me as soon as possible,” With that t
(2 DAYS LATER)Days passed in a blur of paperwork, phone calls, and late-night strategy sessions. Xavier made sure Leonard was out of jail in no time, Theo and his brother has been arrested and put behind bars with a desirable sentence each.Xavier waited outside of the prison in his car, his gaze were fixed on the prison gates, “When-” before he could even say a thing, Leonard stepped out of the prison.He adjusted to the bright light that shone upon him. When last did he see the atmosphere so bright? One or two weeks ago?Then he spot a white car outside. Xavier came down from the car, Leonard’s eyes glimmered as he approached him. “Thank you, Xavier,” Leonard mumbled, a tiny smile on his lips.“There’s no need…just consider it as something I should have done. I’m glad everything went just as I hoped,”Xavier said, apprehending the intensity of the moment.Leonard nod, got into the car and drove away.And—the rest of the ride to the hospital was practically in silence.————————Xavi
June 27, 1996, THE GUEVARA’s Holding.“How can you tell me we lost to Ronald Huston?! Why the hell did you about the investors!” Leonard snapped at Theo smith, his personal assistant.Leonard ran his hand through his hair, frustration sets in, “Have you suddenly lost your tongue? Didn’t I warned you about this?” Leonard yelled.“I’m..I’m sorry, I thought I could double the profit shares higher than the Guevara. I’m sorry sire,” Theo apologized immediately—he’s on his knees.Leonard shook his head, “Sorry? I’ve just lost 15million dollars! Sorry can’t apprehend what you just did. You’re Fired! Fired Theo!” Leonard announced giving Theo an heart attack.Theo ran up to Leonard trousers, “Please, don’t fire me. I swear, I will pay back with everything but don’t fire me, my mother is at the hospital…She’s currently sick…I need still need this job to keep footing the hospital bills,” Theo quickly said but Leonard has already made up his mind.(Hospital)Theo stopped the cab when it got to t
(NYC PRISON)- The following day.(MALE PRISON)“Good morning sir,” Kenneth muttered to Leonard who was led by the two guards to the visitation room, a large room with inmates who has one or two people visiting them. Leonard finally sat, the guards stepped back but their glances felt like a warning to all of them, keeping a close watch on them.“Did you find him? Tell me you find him already,” Leonard asked immediately he sat. Kenneth swallowed and presented a file on the desk for him.“Ethan Smith, 45years old. Missing for about 3years now-““What does it have to do with me? Just tell me where Theo is! He’s the one who can testify…I need to get out of this cramped place, 25years is not a joke!” Leonard protested in anxiousness, Kenneth. “This was the driver of the truck. He’s the one driving the truck the day of the accident. We have to find him if we must find Theo, it happens to be they are siblings,” Keneth announced while Leonard rested his back against the chair.“Fuck it! Who
(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