Masuk“And I appreciate that, but I've known Naomi for years. I knew her long before I met you and the rest of your family. We've been through too much together for me to abandon her without giving her a chance.”I gently pulled my hand free and hurried after Naomi.By the time I reached the entrance, she was already outside the gate, walking away with her head bowed.“Naomi!”She stopped but didn't turn around.I rushed toward her and caught both her hands.“Look at me.”Slowly, she lifted her tear-stained face.“I can't let you leave like this,” I told her firmly. “I choose to trust you, Naomi. I don't know everything that's going on, and I won't pretend I have no doubts, but I'm not going to abandon you when you need help.”Her lips trembled.“But what about Duke?”“Leave him to me. I'll handle him.”“Cammy, you don't understand how much trouble this could cause you.”“Then let me worry about that.”I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before turning her around and leading her back into
Camille's POV I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head at Naomi's audacity. “No, darling friend. You're the one making a mockery of our long-standing friendship, not me.” She stared at me, her eyebrows drawing together as she struggled to understand what I meant. “What are you talking about, Camille?” she asked, looking genuinely confused. I folded my arms across my chest, trying to keep my emotions under control. “First, you told me that calling me Leonard was a slip of the tongue. Now, you're telling me that Leonard has been calling you and threatening you. So, tell me, Naomi, how exactly am I supposed to make sense of all this?” “Oh, that…” she muttered casually, waving her hand as though it were something insignificant. I couldn't believe her response. “Is that all you have to say?” I demanded. “After everything you've told me, that's your explanation?” Naomi's expression changed instantly. The casual look disappeared from her face, replaced by a mixture of anger and hu
Camille’s POV“Olivia, I didn’t leave because of you or your parents.”She stared at me, completely confused.“I left because my life was in danger,” I continued quietly. “And it wasn’t just me. You and your parents were in danger too.”The handbag slipped from Olivia’s hand and landed on the floor.“What?”Her voice trembled.“Are you being serious right now?”I nodded.“Oh my God…”She slowly bent down and picked up her bag, but her hands were shaking so badly that she nearly dropped it again.“I have always thought you hated me,” she admitted. “I mean, You left without a word, you refused to pick our calls… And when you finally picked, you warned me never to call you again, you avoided everyone. I thought you were angry with me and my family.”She swallowed hard.“Even though Dad kept telling me I was wrong.”My eyes widened.“Your dad doesn’t hate me?”Olivia looked at me as though the question surprised her.“Hate you? Camille, Dad could never hate you.”Something inside my chest
Leonard’s POVI started the engine and pulled out my phone, dialing Zoe’s number over and over again. Each call rang endlessly before dropping into silence.No answer.I clenched my jaw, gripping the steering wheel tighter.Stubborn woman.I tried again. But her phone was now switched off.Frustrated, I scrolled through my contacts and began calling her friends—colleagues, acquaintances, anyone who might know where she was.Nothing.No one had seen her.A cold unease settled in my chest.With nowhere else to go, I turned the car around and drove straight to my mother’s house.The moment I stepped inside, I saw Harold lounging in the sitting room like he owned the place.“Good morning, sir,” I muttered, barely sparing him a glance.“Good morning, son—how—”I didn’t wait for him to finish.“Mum! Mum!” I called out, already walking past him.She met me halfway between the dining area and the living room, concern written all over her face..“Good afternoon, Mum.”“What is it, son? Come, le
I tried calling Zoe again.But she didn't answer.My jaw tightened as irritation flared.This stubborn woman…The nurse at the reception had barely looked away when I slipped past her and hurried down the hallway. My pulse pounded in my ears as I started opening doors—one after the other.“Oh—sorry,” I muttered quickly each time, barely pausing before moving on to the next door.By the time I reached the last door, my patience had worn thin. I pushed it open without thinking and froze.It was Dr. Martin Alphaeus’s office.He looked up immediately, his sharp eyes locking onto mine.“Sorry, sir… wrong room,” I said quickly, already stepping back.“Wait.”That single word stopped me mid-step and I turned reluctantly.He was studying me now—closely. Too closely.“You look familiar,” he said slowly.A flicker of unease passed through me.“No, I don’t think so,” I replied with a quick shake of my head. “I’m in a bit of a hurry.”He didn’t look convinced.“Smitheen Holdings…?” he added, narr
Duke’s POVLeonard slowly released Zoe’s hand, “Good morning, boss,” he said smoothly.Then his gaze shifted to Camille.A smirk curled onto his lips.“Hello, wifey.”He even had the audacity to wave.Camille didn’t respond. Not a word. Not even a glance.Something dark flickered in Leonard’s eyes.“What’s wrong with you?” he continued, his voice lowering. “You look… bloated.”He leaned in slightly, his tone turning cruel.“I’d say pregnant, but we both know that’s impossible…” he whispered. “You’re barren.”Then he chuckled.My hands curled into fists instantly.It took everything in me not to break his face right there.Before I could react, another voice cut in.“Derrick, Venique, go wait for me over there.”Venessa.She didn’t even look at me.Neither did the children.They walked off like I didn’t exist.“Ven! Derrick” I called after them. But they didn't respond nor turn.Venessa stopped, a tight, bitter smile touched her lips as she finally turned toward me.“Duke, stop,” she







