CHAPTER 2

Camilla's POV.

"Camilla, where are you? The party has already started, and the Director is asking for you," Andrew's voice crackled through the phone.

"I'll be there soon," I replied quickly, ending the call before Andrew could initiate a longer conversation. I felt a bit of guilt tugged at me as I hung up.

The hospital I worked at, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, was hosting a get-together party. My being there was more like a miracle thanks to Raymond, my fiance who I met the first time I relocated to this city.

It was so easy for him to find me a job through some connections, after learning I was a qualified doctor- although I never got to practice before I married Lawrence.

Recently, some mystery businessman bought the hospital. As it were, there was a bit of a reshuffle but luckily for some staff, they were retained.

Andrew, the head doctor, decided to celebrate the occasion by throwing a mini party for the hospital staff and important guests and to introduce and welcome the new director. As one of the top doctors, I couldn't afford to miss such an event.

Just as I was about to apply the final touches to my makeup, the door to my bedroom burst open, and my two precious pumpkins came tumbling in, giggling and laughing as they crashed into my legs.

"Mommy, Mommy, look what we found!" George exclaimed, holding up a tiny frog figurine with a triumphant grin.

I couldn't help but smile at the sight of my twins, George and Mira, their faces flushed with excitement as they showed off their latest discovery. They were the light of my life, the reason I got up every morning, and I couldn't imagine my world without them.

Six years ago, it was a mixture of happiness and sadness. Everything came crashing down in my world when I caught the father of my kids in a promiscuous act with my best friend, Jane after accusing me of cheating with my ex.

Without a word and a second glance, I turned and ran. I ran as far and as fast as my legs would carry me, desperate to escape the pain and heartache that threatened to consume me. And as I left that house behind, I vowed never to look back, never to let them hurt me again.

It didn't take up to a year before I gave birth to my twins. Ever since I took it upon myself to take care of my twins even as a single mother while having Raymond who had done nothing all this while than to support me by my side but that didn't stop the constant reminder of Lawrence whenever I look at the kids, especially Goerge who has a striking resemblance of his father.

"Wow, that's amazing, sweetheart!" I said, kneeling to their level and ruffling George's hair affectionately.

"But Mommy has to go to work now, so I need you two to be good for Aunt Kiara, okay?"

They nodded eagerly with their eyes wide with anticipation as they handed me the frog figurine before racing off. I watched them scamper off to find their babysitter and I couldn't help but smile at them as I realized how much they had grown in the four years.

They were my reason for carrying on, my reason for pushing through the pain and heartache that threatened to consume me.

With a heavy sigh, I turned back to the mirror, putting the finishing touches on my makeup before slipping on a pair of matching heels. I checked my reflection one last time, smoothing down stray strands of hair and straightening my dress before grabbing my purse and heading out the door.

I walked into the party a bit late. The room was already abuzz with laughter and chatter and I tried as much as possible to avoid drawing too much attention to myself but I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the sight of my female colleagues squealing like teenagers over the hospital's new director.

The excited whispers of the female colleagues as they gushed about the hospital's new director were so annoying.

I rolled my eyes at their childish antics, their giggles grating on my nerves.

Did they have nothing better to do than swoon over some rich businessman? But as I brushed past them, my attempts at slipping by unnoticed were thwarted when Andrew appeared at my side with a stern expression.

"Camilla, you're late," he scolded.

"The hospital's director has been asking for you. He wants to speak with you."

I sighed inwardly, cursing my luck as I followed Andrew towards one of the rooms in the building where the party was being held.

As we entered, I froze in shock at the sight before me. Standing there, looking every bit as handsome and infuriating as ever was no other than Lawrence.

My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, and I felt a surge of emotions wash over me.

Anger, betrayal and longing... it was all there, swirling beneath the surface as I struggled to keep my composure.

Andrew noticed I was carrying an emotion he didn't understand. He cleared his throat, breaking the tension as he addressed me.

"Do you know our new director, Camilla?"

I hesitated for a moment, trying to come up with a plausible explanation. "No, I don't," I lied, forcing a smile onto my face as I turned to face Lawrence.

"Nice to meet you, Dr...?"

"Lawrence," he said with his gaze never leaving mine. "Lawrence Knights.”

My breath caught in my throat at the mention of his name and instantly memories of our past flooded back with a vengeance. I didn't know how he turned out to be the one who bought the hospital, but something didn't seem right.

But I pushed them aside, not wanting to cause any suspicion from Andrew.

Andrew however excused himself, leaving us alone.

Lawrence took a step towards me with a serious expression as he spoke.

"Camilla, we need to talk," he said with a low yet urgent voice. "There's something I need to tell you."

I clenched my jaw refusing to let him see how much his presence affected me.

"I'm not interested in anything you have to say," I snapped even though my voice tinged with bitterness. "You lost that right when you betrayed me."

He flinched at my words. His eyes were filled with remorse as he reached out towards me.

"I know I messed up, Camilla," he said softly.

"But please, just hear me out. It's important."

I shook my head, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes as I backed away from him.

"I don't want to hear it," I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I can't trust you, Lawrence, not after what you did."

But he wasn't ready to give up, not yet.

"Camilla, please," he pleaded with desperation creeping into his voice. "I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here for our child."

His words hit me like a ton of bricks. My breath hung in my throat as I struggled to comprehend what he was saying.

"How... how did you know?" I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.