CHAPTER 5
Rosella Vincento."Oh my God! I never knew I would ever see you facially!" Rosella said in excitement, her eyes wide with surprise as she spotted Camila. Camila, on the other hand, smiled lightly but felt a little nervous."I'm Rosella. What about you?!" Rosella asked, her smile widening."Camila," Camila muttered, her voice tinged with shyness."You have such a nice name. Why don't we link up and become…" Rosella's enthusiasm was cut short by a familiar voice."Rosella!" A voice called out from behind. It was Rosella's course mate, Beldin, waiting for her in front of their car."I'll be right there!" Rosella responded before turning back to Camila."We'll talk better some other time. You live at the white mansion, right? Expect my visit anytime soon," Rosella said before she hurriedly left to join her course mate in the car. They drove away instantly.Camila felt a bit of relief as she watched them go. She was intrigued by Rosella's vivacious personality but also a bit overwhelmed.Walter, had quietly observed the interaction. When he joined Camila inside the car, he couldn't help but comment."Did Rosella catch you by surprise? And did you decide on a building for the shop yet"Camila gave him a sly look, suspecting that he might have overheard for heard their conversation. "How do you know I was searching for a vacant shop?"Walter chuckled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Though you didn't mention it yourself, one can easily figure it out because of the kind of moderate spaces you've been scouting so far."Camila nodded gently, acknowledging Walter's attentiveness. "You want me to drop you off at the mansion, right?""Yes, please. I'm really tired," Camila replied, her thoughts still lingering on her encounter with Rosella.During the car ride, Camila's thoughts meandered between anxiety and curiosity. She felt anxious about owning her own coffee shop soon, knowing nothing about its management yet. But she was also curious about Rosella, who had just entered her life.THREE MONTHS LATERCamila found herself settled into the rhythm of her life as a student at the Mexico Business University. Her educational journey had begun just three months ago, and to her surprise, she discovered that her sister-in-law, Rosella, was her coursemate. To her delight, Rosella had become her closest friend.Camila was still amazed at how Rosella managed to combine a vibrant social life with her academic responsibilities. Yet, when it came to schoolwork, Rosella admitted she was as "lost as heck." Camila, who was more reserved and academically inclined, gladly helped her navigate her way through their courses.Their friendship blossomed against the backdrop of an academic environment where Rosella's popularity was unmatched. Many students approached her because of her family's status, particularly her brother, who seemed to have attracted more than his fair share of female admirers.Despite Rosella's charm and social success, she had never experienced a true friendship until she met Camila. Leonardo's absence during these months had allowed Camila to focus on her studies and her burgeoning coffee shop. At first, it had been difficult to cope with his absence, especially because he had been so cold and distant on their wedding day.Yet, as time passed, Camila found solace in her work and her friendship with Rosella. She threw herself into her studies, immersing herself in textbooks and lectures, determined to excel in her business management courses. The coffee shop had become her sanctuary, a place where she could channel her energy and creativity.Her friendship with Rosella had blossomed, providing a welcome distraction. Rosella's vibrant personality and penchant for adventure had drawn Camila out of her shell. They spent countless hours together, talking about their dreams, sharing secrets, and finding solace in each other's company.Rosella's presence had brought joy into Camila's life, creating an oasis of laughter and shared experiences. They often had late-night conversations, confiding in each other about their pasts, their desires, and their deepest fears.Camila had confided in Rosella about her distant relationship with Leonardo and his abrupt departure after their wedding. She didn't know the reasons behind his cold behavior, and she wondered whether their marriage could ever be salvaged.Through it all, Rosella had been a pillar of support, encouraging Camila to stand up for herself and seek happiness on her own terms. She had instilled a newfound sense of confidence in Camila, empowering her to pursue her dreams with unwavering determination. Professor Felix informed the class about an upcoming group project that carried significant weight for their semester grades. Camila and Rosella listened, the weight of their professor's words sinking in.Their class representative, Vince, distributed the students into groups, and it was no surprise when he placed Camila, Rosella, and two other students together.Vince, known as the best student in the business management department, had an unexpectedly huge crush on Camila. His charm and charisma seemed to evaporate when he was around most girls, but Camila's presence was different.Camila suspected he would choose her for his group, and Rosella, ever the romantic, had her own predictions. When Vince eventually called them to be in a group together, Rosella couldn't contain her excitement."Could you please stop dancing in front of everyone? You’re drawing attention to yourself and you’re embarrassing me" Camila chuckled as she watched her friend's unrestrained joy.With their project group formed, Vince walked over to Camila and Rosella. His smile was enchanting, revealing his deep dimples."Hi," Vince greeted Camila."Hey," Camila responded, her voice soft yet friendly."We're really looking forward to working with you, Vince. Like, seriously, I can't wait!" Rosella gushed. Camila couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully."I can't wait, too," Vince replied with his usual smile. Then he turned his attention to Camila. "When will you be free so we can work on our project?"Before Camila could answer, Rosella spoke up, excited and ever the planner. "Anytime you're free, we're good with it."Vince inquired, "Really?"Camila shot Rosella a knowing look and whispered. "Are you forgetting I run a coffee shop? How do you expect me to meet up with just any time and location?"Vince, who had overheard their conversation, chimed in. "It's no worries. We can meet up in your coffee shop later in the evening when you're less busy."Camila's eyes widened, pondering how Vince had known about her coffee shop. Then she turned her accusing gaze toward Rosella, who simply smiled in response.Camila decided to let it slide but couldn't help questioning Rosella's decision. "Isn't that too much?"Rosella ignored her and responded Vince with too much enthusiasm, "So, Vince, we agree with your suggestion!"Vince agreed, and they made arrangements to meet that evening. But before he left, Camila inquired about Gloria, their missing group member."She's not currently in school, so I'll text her about the new development with our project, I’m hoping she’d be able to join us for the meeting at the shop tonight." Vince replied. Camila nodded in acknowledgment."See you later," Vince said as he walked away, and Camila and Rosella bid him goodbye. Then Camila received a reminder on her phone—it was time to head to work.Camila stood up, preparing to leave the classroom. Rosella followed closely behind, and they walked to the parking lot together."Don't tell me it's time for work now," Rosella commented, concerned about her friend's busy schedule.Camila nodded, and they reached Rosella's car. It was parked in the lot, with the driver waiting."Why are you leading me here?" Camila asked as they approached the car.Rosella signaled to her driver to open the car door. "At least let me drop you off."Without objections, Camila got in, and Rosella joined her. The driver swiftly departed from the school's compound, taking them on the journey to Camila's tea shop.While in the car, Rosella couldn't help but ask about Camila's husband, whom she hadn't heard from in months."Have you heard anything from my brother yet? It’s been three months, he should have at least contacted you at this point" Rosella inquired, her curiosity getting the best of her.Camila twitched her eyebrows, her expression revealing that she had almost forgotten she was married. "No, I haven't really heard anything from him yet, and it's best that way. We're two different people with different thoughts, anyways."Rosella began to say something but decided that it wasn't her place to pry into Camila's personal life. She settled into her seat, and Camila sighed, relieved that Rosella had stopped asking questions.After the car arrived at Camila's coffee shop, she prepared to dive into her work."Let's get to work ," Camila muttered to herself. She parked her loose hair into a messy bun and braced herself for the day's tasks.DIAMOND GROUP OF COMPANIESCEO'S OFFICE…Leonardo Vincento, the enigmatic and powerful CEO of the Diamond Group of Companies, sat behind his imposing desk. He was a man of few words, and his intense focus and business acumen were legendary in the industry, his focus is one of the reasons for his immense success."Get all the goods delivered to the JK Group of Companies before evening, and make sure nothings goes wrong, I dint want stories" Leonardo ordered his secretary, his voice sharp and unwavering.His secretary, Maria, nodded dutifully and jotted down the instructions. Then, as if something occurred to her, she raised her head."Dave mentioned the chairman plans on having a family dinner tonight, and he's expecting you and your wife to be present," Maria informed her boss.Leonardo frowned. "How come I'm just hearing of this?"Maria, always efficient but occasionally forgetful, apologized. "I'm so sorry, sir. It slipped my mind, it would never happen again."Leonardo pondered for a moment, considering whether it was worthwhile to attend the dinner. Then he made up his mind. “alright, what time is the dinner?” he has decided to show up at the dinner to save himself from his father’s wrath. “it’s at 8pm, I’ll get someone to pick madam up”"No, don't worry. I'll pick her up myself."Back at Cam's Coffee Shop, evening had descended, and Camila had already finished her sales for the day. She put up the "Closed" sign, expecting Vince, Gloria, and Rosella to arrive for their project discussion.However, time passed, and no one seemed to be turning up. Rosella stood in front of the shop, waiting patiently, and Vince finally arrived after keeping her waiting for what seemed like ages.Camila noticed Vince's arrival and stepped forward, her warm smile greeting him. Vince was wearing a black hoodie and black joggers, a stark contrast to his usual sharp suits. He looked completely cute, and his presence brightened the evening."Did we keep you waiting for long?" Vince asked, his voice filled with concern.Camila reassured him with a smile. "Not really."Vince had news about Gloria; she wouldn't be able to make it due to illness. Camila hoped she would recover soon. Then he inquired about Rosella's whereabouts."Where's Rosella?" Vince asked."She isn't here yet. Please come in." Camila gestured for him to enter.Vince noticed the unsteady moment Camila had when she tried to lead him inside. Her composure almost faltered, and she nearly stumbled, but he was quick to react. In a flash, he caught her by her slender waist, steadying her with a firm but gentle grip.Camila and Vince found themselves locked in a moment, their eyes locked in an unspoken connection.Then, the sharp voice of a man shattered the moment."Is this the service your coffee shop offers, Mrs. Vincento?" Leonardo's cold voice boomed.Chapter 6Camila Vincento. Shocked but still with a calm expression and composure, Camila shuffled herself out of Vince's grip, with tiny shades of guilt and naiveness building up in her. She stood straight not being able to see her estranged husband in the eyes. While Vince wondered why she suddenly became cautious and accountable. Leonardo on the other hand was done, wasting time giving them questionable look as he spoke to Camila's hearing but in a way that it looked like he was sending an unforseen message to confused Vince. "Change into something soothing and meet me in the car". His stern voice came, then he turned and made his way to his car. The driver opened the backseat for him and he went in. "I'm so sorry Vince but we'll have to postpone I'll project work till next time. I have something important to meet up with". Camila said in a pleading tone to gasped Vince, who just nodded slowly still not getting all that just happened. "I can see that. So we'll be meeting some
~♡His kitten from no where…♡~THEME: An Arranged marriage CHAPTER 7 Camila Vincento. Camila sluggishly walked through the door, having what Leonardo said to her right in front of her thinking. She walked straight towards, dining only to see that Leonardo was actually sitted there already. She wondered when he walked past her, and went into the mansion before her, but later shoved it off her mind cause that was literally the list of her problems right now. "Cam!". Rosella called out to her, smiling widely as she tapped the empty chair beside her, which Camila later sat on. She sat directly opposite Leonardo who doesn't look like he was part of the dinner, as he quietly began eating with his usual picky but sophisticated attitude. He was a picky eater with style."Dave find somewhere to sit and join us". The chairman said. "Thanks Mr chairman. It's an honor". Dave smiled as he sat right next to Leonard who doesn't seem so bothered by his closenes
CHAPTER 7Leonardo Vincento."I'm very sorry I didn't…". Camila tried to apologize but she was cut short by the mean glare Leonardo shot her way. Then he got up, grabbed his laptop and went out of the room shutting the door firmly behind him, and Camila roughed her hair in frustration. "You're so stupid Camila! How could you bring your crazy attitude here of all places!". Camila scolded herself as she smacked her head. "To think I even tried poking his nose?!". Camila gasped as she began slapping herself dramatically with a spoiled look on her face."Let's go prepare for school. I'm sure I'm already late". Camila muttered as she grabbed the package the maid delivered to her last night, and ran straight into the bathroom. Few minutes later she came out of the bathroom fully dressed in a short pink flare gown that covered her hips though, as she parked her hair in a messy bun. She picked up her phone after neatly dressing
THEME: An Arranged marriage CHAPTER 8 "Are you both busy now?". Vince asked when he got to them. "Not really, why did you ask?". Camila asked. "it's just that Grace is already waiting In the library, we plan on working on our project now". Vince said. 'Oh great! Let's go, I thought you've forgotten". Rosella said. "I was just a little busy. I never forget anything". Vince replied and Rosella grinned slightly. Then Vince began leading the way to the library and it didn't take them so much time before reaching the library and like Vince said Grace was already there pressing her phone while waiting for them. "Is this the school's library?". Camila gasped at how immensely huge the library was, and every inch of it was filled with different kinds of books. "Of course it's the school's library. Why do I have the feeling that you'll be coming here more often than usual?". Rosella said and Camila just glanced at her. "How do you know that?". Camila asked with a
CHAPTER 9Leonardo Vincento. "Go on, I'm waiting". Leonardo said and Camila stood up facing him with a guilty expression written on her face. "I didn't know you were the one… "Never seen anyone eat raw steak and sauce before, right?". Leonardo questioned and Camila bit her lower lip. "I'm sorry… "Bring my food up to my room". Leonardo said to Nadia who bowed lightly before leaving the dining and going up the stairs. "I'm so stupid". Camila scolded as she bit her lip more. "Eat up and go to bed early". Nadia cooed, patting Camila gently on the shoulders, before arranging the meals reserved for Leonardo in a silver platter, then she organized them in a neat tray before taking them up to his room. "For the first time after three months of our wedding he came here, only to get criticized by me. My mouth needs to be put under a leash!". Camila muttered to her as she stared at the food with no appetite left in her again. "I'm not hungry anymore". She said, Then
CHAPTER 10 Camila Vincento. After reading for some time, Camila stood up as she returned the book she borrowed, placing it back into its shelf. She turned to leave the study but she hadn't taken a step forward when the lights in the study room went out and Camila flinched in fear. She has always been afraid in the dark, worse she wasn't with her phone which made her felt more worse. "Cam it's okay don't be scared". She cautioned herself as she nade to take a step forward but ended up falling to the floor. And she sat on it, giving up on whatever confidence she had portrayed, she began crying slowly as she squeezed herself at one corner. She had cried for up to two minutes when suddenly the lights came back on, and someone opened the exit door for her, making her sprang up to her feet immediately. No one had to tell her at all, before she ran towards the exit only to see Leonardo waiting for her with his usual cold expression on his face and his hands in his pocket. She wa
CHAPTER 11 CHAIRMAN'S OFFICE… Chairman Lucas. "Inform Leonardo that the release date has been shifted to Saturday. The foreign investors called and they saw no cause for delaying since everything's already set". Chairman Lucas said to Dave who nodded. The chairman's secretary stood right next to Dave, taking note of everything he just said. "What are you both waiting to inform my son to notify his team to get everything prepared!". The chairman snapped at both of them and they instantly left the office. "Go stay with the chairman. I'll relay the message to the Ceo myself". Dave said to Claudia the secretary. "Okay then". Claudia said before going back into the Chairman's office. "You're back so fast?". Dave heard the chairman say the moment Claudia opened the door to his office. "Dave went already. I came to be at your assistance". Claudia said professionally, before shutting the door to his office closed and that was all Dave could hear. "Since he
THEME: An Arranged marriage CHAPTER 12Camila Russell. "I'm fine?". Camila mumbled. "You don't look fine". Leonardo said. "I'll be fine before day break… "Go get dressed and meet me in the car". Leonardo cut her off as he walked past her going up the stairs. "I think he's taking you to the hospital. What are you waiting for? Go get dressed okay". Nadia said to her as she cleared the table. Camila went up the stairs into her room. She searched and found a huge black hoodie and a gray trouser. She put them on and after smoothing her hair she went out of the room. "He's waiting for you outside". Nadia told her when she got to the dining and she quickly went out to meet him. This time around he wasn't at the back but front seat, with his hands resting on the steering wheel as he waited patiently for her. Camila couldn't deny it was the first time she was seeing him in the driver's seat. He had always sat at the back seat regally like the boss