Morning Regrets and Blurred Memories.

~Camila~

The sunlight streaming through the window was the last thing I needed. It felt like a spotlight on my throbbing head, amplifying the hangover that threatened to split me in two.

I groaned, forcing myself out of bed. My head was a spinning top, threatening to launch itself into orbit.

I stumbled to the bathroom, my aching head throbbing with each uneven step. I splashed cold water on my face, looking into the mirror.

I was still in last night's clothes, a proof of the blurry memory of how I got home.

Brushing my teeth, I decided a cold shower would be the only thing to soothe my throbbing temples.

My breakfast was waiting for me on the coffee table: a plate of toast and a glass of juice, alongside two pills.

A smile touched my lips. My best friend knew the only cure for a night like last night. I finished the toast, swallowing the pills with a gulp of water.

Taking the dirty dishes downstairs, I found Jenny, Daisy, and Ava looking suspiciously energetic. It was as if they hadn't spent the night partying hard, unlike me.

"Hey Camila," they greeted in unison as their gaze found me, their voices perfectly synchronized.

I shot them a skeptical look, noticing the mischievous glint in their eyes. I ignored them and went into the kitchen to clean my dishes, returning to the living room afterward.

"So tell me, how did you enjoy last night?" Jenny wiggled her brows and poked my side.

"Ladiesss," I drawled, giving them a suspicious look. "Did I do anything stupid?"

"Well, if you call dancing and grinding on Luciano Dela Lucchese – the hottest man alive – stupid, and being carried home by him, then yes, you did something stupid," Ava bluntly lay out, making my eyes widen.

"W-what?" I whispered, the memories of last night crashing down. I remembered everything – every word, every move. I even recalled telling him I found him attractive. Oh, Camila, you idiot.

"Why are you suddenly silent? Enjoyed what happened last night? Seriously, Camila, you had everyone in the club staring as you danced wildly," Daisy chimed in, and I glared at them as they reveled in my embarrassment.

"Seriously, I hope you ladies aren't joking," I warned, and they crossed their hearts.

"We're serious, Camilla."

"Shit! I need to find Mr. Dela Lucchese and apologize."

"Why?" Daisy asked, biting into an apple.

"Because of my weird behavior and the stress I probably put him through."

"You don't have to worry, Camila. I don't think he minded. Besides, he really enjoyed your show. Did you see the way he held your waist..."

"Jenny, you aren't helping!" I groaned, and they all dissolved into laughter.

Later in the day, Jenny and Daisy left with Ava, who insisted on seeing them out.

I lay on the couch, a hand pressed to my forehead, my mind replaying two important events from the previous day.

First, I lost my job. Second, I made a fool of myself in front of Luciano.

I groaned, burying my face in a pillow, the memories of last night replaying like a horror film. Way to go, Camila. I really wondered what he thought of me now.

Instead of wasting the day doing nothing, I decided to pass the time by creating new designs on my tablet. But the loud ring of my phone interrupted me.

Without looking at the caller ID, I answered it, tucking the phone between my shoulder and ear.

"Camila?" Mrs. Paisley's voice startled me, causing me to drop my tablet.

"Mrs. Paisley?"

"Yes, honey, how are you?" Worry and sadness laced her voice. I could tell she was blaming herself for everything that had happened.

"Camila, can you come over tomorrow?" She asked, and I sighed.

"Mrs. Paisley, you know Henry wouldn't want to see me."

"Please, darling, it's really important." I chewed my lips, considering her request.

"Why don't you say it over the phone?"

"No, Camila, it's really important. And I need you to be here."

"Okay, I'll try."

"Please do consider it. I'll see you tomorrow." I hung up without further reply. Whatever she wanted to say, I hoped it would be worth my time.

^^^^^^

The heavy sigh escaped my lips as I pulled into Mrs. Paisley's garage. A wave of self-encouragement washed over me as I walked towards the door, the sweet aroma of cooking food already a welcome distraction.

My stomach rumbled in agreement.

The maid ushered me inside with a polite smile. I paced around silently, tapping my nails against my back to quell my impatience.

"Camila," Mrs. Paisley's familiar, motherly voice called. I looked up to see her walking towards me, a smile on her face that didn't quite reach her eyes. She pulled me into a warm embrace.

"How are you, darling?" A flicker of sadness crossed her features before she masked it with a forced smile.

"I'm fine, Mrs. Paisley. Why did you call?" I went straight to the point.

"Please, have a seat. It's important," she said, her demeanor shifting.

A worried frown creased my brow at her sudden change. She sat beside me, clearing her throat.

"I know you're probably blaming yourself for the deal we lost two days ago, but you don't have to worry, Camila."

My eyebrows shot up; I was completely lost.

"Mr. Dela Lucchese refused to help us... because of his reasons," she continued. "And he found out you were blamed for everything. He wants you to meet him in his office."

My eyes widened in surprise.

"Wh-what?" I stammered. She placed her hand over mine.

"Yes, Camila. I don't know what he wants to say, but you have to see him on Monday." I swallowed hard, my ears struggling to process the information.

What did he want? How could I face him after last night?

"Camila?" Mrs. Paisley's voice broke through my stunned silence, laced with worry.

"Mrs. Paisley, I'm not sure about this..."

"You don't have to make a decision now, darling. You have the weekend to think about it," she said, offering a reassuring smile.

"Hold on, I'll get you something to drink." Before I could protest, she disappeared.

I sat there, reeling. Fuck, Camila! I shouldn't have gone to that party last night.

"Camila." The dreaded voice rang out, loud and sharp.

I looked up to find Henry Paisley standing there, clad only in khaki shorts and a white shirt.

"Mr. Paisley," I mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

The memories of his actions last night flooded back, and I clenched my fists to stop myself from reacting.

"I want to have a word with you," he demanded. His words finally forced me to meet his eyes.

He looked disheveled, bruised – a dark purple mark under his eye – and I wondered what had happened to him.

"Why….”

"Just follow me," he snapped, turning to leave.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and followed him.

He led me into what I assumed was his study.

Before I could process anything, he pushed me against the wall, pinning my wrists above my head.

"W-what the hell…..” I began, but he silenced me with a finger pressed against my lips.

"What should I do for you to give me what I want, Camila?" he slurred, the words disgusting in my ears.

My heart pounded. Summoning every ounce of courage, I shoved him away. Anger flared in his eyes.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Mr. Paisley?" I yelled. He grabbed my neck.

"You act so innocent, but behind that white dress is a black heart, Camila. Tell me, what did you do to get Luciano Dela Lucchese on your side? I've given you so many signs of how badly I need you, but you always ignore them, acting like the holiest person."

Rage fueled my response. I pushed him away and slapped him, forgetting the age difference, the social implications.

"Look, Mr. Paisley, I respect your wife, and that's why I tolerated everything you did to me! But the last thing I will let you do is accuse me of something I didn't do and take advantage of me!"

I yelled, not caring if Mrs. Paisley heard.

Fury burned in his eyes.

"You bitch….” He raised his hand to strike me, but I grabbed his wrist

"If you think you can control me, use me the way you use that slut Aubrey, then forget about it! Because I'll put you in your place, and I'll report you to the authorities. And don't even think about doing something stupid because it would take nothing for me to tell Mrs. Paisley everything you do, and you know what that means!"

I glared at him, his terrified expression an evidence of the power of my words.

"You can't threaten m….”

"Just try me, Henry," I warned, and I left, ignoring Mrs. Paisley's worried calls from the hallway.

^^^^

I returned home, ignoring Ava's calls as I strode to my room. I flung myself onto my bed, sinking into its comfort and softness.

Ava knocked, but I ignored her. I needed time to process what had happened with Mr. Paisley and the revelation Mrs. Paisley had shared.

The thought of facing Mr. Dela Lucchese on Monday filled me with dread.

How could I possibly explain the embarrassing events of the previous night? The embarrassment was a heavy cloak I couldn't seem to shed.

Finally, in the evening, I emerged from my room, and, Ava, being the best friend she is, didn't fail to carry out her duties.

The moment I came out, she bombarded me with questions. I took a moment to compose myself before recounting everything that had happened.

"This is too much, Camila," she exclaimed, "We have to report this!"

"No, Ava," I stated, "I warned him. If he values his life, he won't do anything stupid."

"No? Come on, Camila, at least think about Mrs. Paisley!"

I sighed, shaking my head.

"Honestly, I feel terrible for her, but I want her to discover the truth herself. I don't want to be the reason her marriage falls apart and make Henry a lifelong enemy. I hope you understand why I can't do anything about this."

Ava looked skeptical, but eventually conceded. Then, she shifted the focus.

"Now, back to the bigger problem. What do you think Mr. Dela Lucchese wants to say to you?"

A frustrated sigh escaped my lips. "I don't know, Ava. I guess we'll find out on Monday."

The uncertainty hung heavy in the air, as heavy as the burden I carried.