58- I must sleep with you!Xavier came back few seconds later, “I’m sorry I took long,” He mumbled and they both continued the food.Few minutes later after they were done eating, the lady came back later, “I’ve prepared the couple room, kindly follow me,” She instructed and Camille raised her eyebrows.“Did you book a room as well?” She found herself whispering to Xavier, Xavier simply nod.“Yes. Let’s enjoy the night,” Xavier winked at her then stood up following the lady behind.Camille swallowed the lumps in her throat, “What’s he going to do to me?” She whispered but followed quietly.“Here,” The lady hand a gold key to Xavier, “Have a wonderful night rest,” With that she walked out.Xavier opened the door and urged Camille to walk in but she stood at the door way, “W-what are we going to do? I—” a kiss on her lips shut her up completely.Xavier slowly pull away, “We are not doing anything princess, I won’t do it if you don’t give me a go ahead so, relax and rest,” Xavier whisper
59-I don’t approve! The cab stopped right at the front of the Royalle Restaurant, Tiana came out of it and rushed into the hotel after paying the cab man. Camille was already waiting for her at the lounge so immediately when she walked in, Camille went to her.“Here, take him out of this place!” Camille gave her the key to the room, she had locked Diego inside. She was about turning away when she sudden remembered something and said, “Don’t ever make me call you like this again!” With that Camille left.In a fit of rage, Tiana marched to room number 13 as stated in the gold key Camille had given to her. On getting there, she met Diego on the bed with his shirt opened and his trouser zipper down.Tiana folded her hand into a tight fist, “You ungrateful fellow! All you care about is yourself and that stupid business!” She yelled then pull him up from the bed, Diego sober up a little. His eyebrows drew a firm line, “What are you doing here?! Where is Camille?” He asked looking around,
60:Sleep Mother.(THE FOLLOWING MORNING)Kate walked into the Guevara’s house after waiting at the car park for about 30minutes, she went into the building when she didn’t see Camille come out.“Oh Ms Kate. Good-morning,” Irene was the first to greet her, Kate responded with a smile and searched around.“Are you looking for ma’am Camille?” Irene quickly asked when she noticed Kate kept looking around.Kate nod, “Yes. Is she still asleep? It’s past 9, I’m afraid we might be late to work,” Kate replied.“Didn’t she tell you? She left the house early this morning and yeah, she told me to tell you that you should take her car to the office, she will meet you at work,” Irene informed her and Kate mouthed an ‘o’, then a message popped into her phone.“Oh, she’s just messaged me. I will head back now. See you by noon,” With that Kate walked out of the building, she went back to car park. She unlocked Camille car and in a split seconds, she zoomed out of the premises.It hasn’t been 5 minute
The early morning sun streamed through the large windows of Camille’s office, casting a bright light on the window. This has always been her favorite thing to watch Yet today, that warmth felt suffocating, not after her father had said those words last night.‘How could he ask me to marry someone else?” Her voice was below a whisper.Camille eyes ran to the wristwatch ‘10:30?’ She mumbled and pulled out her phone to reach out to Kate.She went back to her seat, “She should have gotten here by now, isn’t it?” She dialed her number. “Come on, pick up,” she muttered to herself, tapping her fingers nervously on the desk. When the voicemail message kicked in again, she suddenly felt nervous,,Kate has never ignored her calls before, Just as she was about to text Kate, her phone buzzed with an incoming call.An unknown number, “Who…” She muttered but picked it up anyways.“Good day, I’m calling from an accident scene. Am I speaking with an acquaintance of Kate Robert?” The frantic voice o
Few weeks had passed since the tragic loss of Kate,. The Queensway Company was still adjusting to the void left by Kate's absence. Camille, determined to move forward, had employed a new assistant, Emily. However, the transition wasn't as smooth as Camille had hoped.Emily, though eager to please, seemed to struggle with managing Camille's tight schedule. Mistakes were made, and appointments were delayed. Camille's patience was wearing thin, and she found herself growing increasingly frustrated with Emily's ineptitude.One particularly chaotic day, Camille's meeting with a potential investor was delayed due to Emily's lack of preparation. Camille was furious, her anger boiling over as she paced back and forth in her office."This is unacceptable, Emily!" Camille exclaimed, her voice stern. "How could you not prepare for this meeting? Isn’t that what I employed you for?! You wasted close to 3hours organizing the material! How can you be so careless?!” Camille yelled.Emily looked crest
Camille stood outside Xavier's house, her heart racing with anticipation. She had been thinking about him nonstop since she found out she was pregnant, and she couldn't wait to share the news with him. She had been looking forward to this moment all day, imagining the look of joy and surprise on his face when she told him.As she stepped out of her car and onto the driveway, she felt a sense of excitement and nervousness. She had been to Xavier's house many times before, but this time felt different. This time, she was carrying a secret that would change everything.She walked up to the door and rang the bell, her heart pounding in her chest. She could hear the sound of footsteps approaching, and then the door swung open."Good evening, ma'am," the housekeeper said, a warm smile on her face. "Welcome to Mr. Xavier's house."Camille's smile faltered for a moment as she realized that Xavier wasn't home. "Oh, hi," she said, trying to hide her disappointment. "Is Xavier in?"The housekeep
# 64(A Week Later)The encoded text message buzzed on Tiana’s wrist communicator, a tight knot forming in her stomach. "Cafe Antoinette, 14:00. Urgent. Guevara connection confirmed." It was short, concise, and sent by Sparrow, her most reliable informant.Cafe Antoinette was a place for clandestine meetings, whispered conversations, and the kind of discreet observations Tiana excelled at.She spotted Sparrow in a shadowy corner booth, his face obscured by a worn fedora.Tiana slid into the booth, her movements fluid and controlled. "Sparrow," she greeted, her voice low and even. "What have you got?"Sparrow nodded, his gaze darting around the cafe. "Guevara. I dug deep, Tiana. Deeper than I ever wanted to go.""Just give me the facts," she pressed, her patience thinning.He leaned forward, his voice a raspy whisper. "Leonard Guevara. He wasn't always the polished philanthropist the city sees.“"Get to the point, Sparrow," she urged.He took a deep breath, the air rattling in his ches
(Following Day)The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the winding streets of Maplewood. A slight breeze rustled through the trees lining the road as Camille sat in her car, fingers tapping nervously against the steering wheel. Her heart felt as if it were performing a delicate ballet, pirouetting between anxiety and overwhelming joy. Nothing was going to stop it today, “I’m going to tell him we are having a baby,” Camille mumbled as she run her stomach sweetly.Camille’s mind raced as she replayed the conversations she had rehearsed in her head. The way she’s going to bring the news to him.Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture and turned the key in the ignition. The engine purred to life and zoomed out of her house, she felt joy bubbling forth in her chest as she drove toward his house, taking the winding roads lined with endless trees, her heart as light as the fading dusk..**Xavier wore his usual apron and flip the cooking pan like a pro he w
(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