After a long drive through the Sterling family estate, the car finally stopped in front of a luxurious mansion painted in creamy white.
Camilla was escorted straight to the master's bedroom on the second floor. The room was lavishly decorated in black and white, making her casual outfit feel out of place. “Wow, they really went all out.” she murmured, eyeing a beautiful vase awkwardly placed in the corner. Who leaves such a valuable item lying around? “Quite rich and wealthy.” Taking in her surroundings, Camilla realized she would likely be spending quite a bit of time here, and it might even be an interesting chapter of her life. She settled into a chair, and crossed her legs, pouring herself a drink she found on the table. The sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the hallway, and the door suddenly swung open, revealing a man dressed in a custom suit, followed by a guard, Carter. He had thick, short hair, which fell across his face, hiding one of his piercing eyes. Beneath his strong, noble nose were delicate lips, resembling cherry blossoms. He exuded an air of elegance, and detachment, like a warning not to get too close to him. “What?” Camilla's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but laugh out loud. It was him!! The man who had thrown her out of his car, when she needed help. So he was the Crazy heir of Sterling, no wonder, no wonder he didn't think twice and threw her out of the car. Hearing her laughter, his previously eyes suddenly sharpened, piercing through her like a blade, carrying a hint of warning. Camilla, unfazed by his expression, relaxed into the chair, propping her chin up and smiling as she took in the scene before her. Once the guard closed the door and left, Camilla stood up. “Wow, it's only been a few days, and you seem not to recognize me. Buddy, are you also losing your memory?” Cyrus snorted coldly, “You're too noisy to be an arranged bride, aren't you scared of me?” Camilla raised an eyebrow, to be sure he was joking. “Scared of a Crazy man?” she chuckled. Cyrus's expression shifted and darkened, “You look smart, so I assume you should know your choice of words.” he said, his gaze lingering on her. “Why? Does it sting to be called a—” “Shut up!” Camilla thought since she had already been married into the family, they were in the same boat and were open to a mutually beneficial relationship. However his attitude says otherwise and was quite unappealing, so she shrugged deliberately. “Mr. Sterling, I didn't study much, and my brain isn't sharp, so, I'm not sure of what you're talking about, can you explain to me in detail?” Cyrus had never misjudged a person. From the moment he laid his eyes on her, he knew she wasn't one to be underestimated, though she looked petite and fragile. “I hope you don't regret agreeing to this marriage. Because right now, I can't stand you.” Camilla scoffed impatiently, “Seems like I forgot to mention that I dislike people who question my choice or decision. I know, you and your family need help from me, you better come down from your high throne and ask nicely.” Cyrus had encountered many people and women and they were so scared of him, that they didn't dare to stay in the same space as him, but the woman in front of him was not only in the same space, but was also rude and not scared of him. It made him angry, yet curious to know more about her. His gaze lingered on her, as he slowly walked towards her, closing their distance. Camilla frowned, “What do you think, you're doing?” Before she could react, he suddenly lunged forward, covering her mouth and pushed her to the bed. The sudden movement caused Camilla's heart to race wildly, but she couldn't move as she was pinned down firmly. “Make a sound!” Cyrus commanded, his voice low and urgent, leaning closer to her ear. He was also listening for any noise outside the door. Sure enough, his mother was eavesdropping, hoping to ensure the new bride would carry on the family line. “Make a sound, someone's listening outside.” He repeated. Camilla blinked in confusion, trying to process his words. “Haaahaaa?” she finally replied, hesitantly. Cyrus' expression darkened, “If you don't play along, I won't be responsible if she comes in here.” he warned. Camilla seemed to finally understand, as a hint of pink crept to her cheeks, and instead of feeling awkward or embarrassed, she felt a rebellious spark ignite inside her. Without thinking, she pushed Cyrus back, her tone defiant. “Why should I be the one to do it? Why don't you take the lead?” Cyrus hadn't expected that from this angle, the woman would actually look attractive. He was usually immune to beautiful women, no matter how sought after they were, to him, they were all quite the same. The two of them were locked in a struggle, one resisting and one overpowering. Cyrus gritted his teeth, as he pressed his elbow against her lower back. He disliked being close up with someone, but for the sake of playing his mother's game, he didn't mind. As his elbow pressed against her lower back, Camilla felt a wave of electric curse through her. Her lower back was the only weakest spot on her entire body, and it made her feel funny. “You! Ahh…” She instinctively let out a sound.It was the day of Katrina's heart transplant, and Camilla had been calling James' number but it was unavailable or going to voicemail. Afraid he was backing out, she decided to go to his apartment.Camilla got into the available cab she saw and gave the driver the address. The drive wasn't long, but every second felt like forever to Camilla. Her breathing and thoughts were a mess as she couldn't imagine James backing out of their deal prior to the day of the transplant.Finally the car pulled into the district, Camilla got down and paid him. She hurried to his apartment, after another call that went to voicemail, Camilla used the doorbell. After several rings there was no response. Confused, Camilla ruffled her hair. “No, not again. Fuck!” She kicked her foot furiously against the door. She used the doorbell for another few minutes, but there was no response. Her chest tightened, as hot tears stung her eyes.The longer Katrina's surgery was postponed, the worst and shorter her life
There was a hidden room, lined with shelves filled with old books and documents. At the center of the room, there was a desk, neat and organized and covered with photographs.Camilla's stomach twisted as she stepped forward. The photos were of the same person. At first glance, Camilla thought it was Cyrus, but when she picked one from the desk, she knew she was wrong. They weren't Cyrus, but someone who looked exactly like him, like his twin or brother, although he looked to be the older one.The pictures were all old, but one thing they had in common was that they weren't casual. They were all taken from a distance. Her fingers trembled as she raked through the photos to see more of his pictures. Childhood, teenage, adult. He had facial similarities with Cyrus, it was too hard to look away. But he seemed like a more outgoing and easy going person unlike Cyrus. He smiles in the pictures said it all.Could this be Cyrus' twin? Why hasn't she met him or heard of him? Why was this p
The room was dark and silent except for the faint rustling of sheets. Camilla stirred, her lashes fluttering as she shifted onto her side, her body still warm from sleep. But something felt off.She frowned, blinking against the dim lighting. Then, a sound—low, strained, almost a growl—cut through the quiet.Her eyes snapped open fully this time.Cyrus.Her eyes widened as she turned to him, slowly her brows knitted as she watched him shift restlessly on the bed. His body was damp with sweat, his usually composed features twisted in raw torment. His lips parted, murmuring something incoherent at first, but then his voice sharpened into an agonized growl."Get off me!"Camilla’s heart clenched.She had seen him like this, once. But this time, he looked more pained. His broad chest heaved, his breath ragged, and his fists clenched tightly at the sheets as though he were grappling with an invisible force. Another sharp jerk of his body had him nearly rolling off the bed, his muscles stra
The ride back to the mansion was quiet, the hum of the engine the only sound between them. Camilla was curled into the seat, her body relaxed, her lips parted slightly as she hummed a soft tune. Every now and then, she glanced at Cyrus, her eyes lazy with amusement, as if she found something about him particularly funny.Cyrus kept his gaze on the road, but he wasn’t immune to the way her dress had shifted, revealing the smooth curve of her thigh. Or the way her perfume—a mix of jasmine and butter and something more tempting, filled the space between them.His fingers tightened besides him.She was drunk. Well, tipsy. But in that state, she was unpredictable, her usual sharp wit softened into something dangerously alluring.As soon as the car pulled into the long driveway of their estate, Carter stepped out of the car and walked around to open her door. Cyrus came and stood beside her, Camilla noticed him and blinked up at him, her lashes fluttering as she slowly stretched like a sat
The night progressed smoothly, the atmosphere filled fun. While some were happy, chatting and bantering, one amongst them was annoyed.Cyrus seated in his chair, his usual stoic expression unwavering, but beneath his cold exterior, a storm brewed. He didn’t like the way Lan and Hyde’s attention was solely on Camilla. She was his wife—at least in name. And yet, she sat there, basking in their admiration, her sweet, flirtatious smile only making it worse.“She’s an absolute stunner, Cyrus. You sure you married her out of convenience?” Lan smirked, sipping his wine.Hyde laughed, giving Camilla a teasing wink. “Yeah, because if you didn’t, you’re a damn fool. If she were my wife, I wouldn’t let her out of my sight.”Camilla giggled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh, stop it, Hyde. You’ll make Cyrus jealous.”Cyrus stiffened, his fingers tightening around the stem of his wine glass. Jealous? He wasn’t jealous. He just didn’t like the way they were looking at her—filled w
The tension inside the car was thick, yet silent. Camilla was usually calm and quiet, her head rested on the seat as she watched the landscape from the window.After a long silence Cyrus suddenly spoke, his deep voice was calm and neutral.“What happend? You look like someone died?”Camilla tensed but didn't look at him or say anything.“You're ignoring me and I don't like it.”“Can we talk later? I'm not in a good mood.” she said, still not looking at him.This was the first time Cyrus was seeing Camilla in a sulking mood. He couldn't help but wonder what ruined her mood.“Mind sharing?”“No.”The drive back to the mansion was quiet and peaceful.When Camilla got down she glanced at Cyrus, who was now standing beside her. “You said we're attending a meeting.”“Yeah, it's in the evening. Rest now till then, I'll let you know.”“Ok.” Camilla nodded and went inside.Cyrus eyed her figure as she went in. Once she was inside, he called over Carter, “I want detailed information on what she
The ride to the hospital was quiet, with Cyrus stealing secret glances at Camilla. When Camilla got down from the car, she made to step away but paused and turned to look at Cyrus, flashing him a sweet, fake and teasing smile. “Thank you, hubby.”“I'll come pick you up when you're done.”Camilla frowned, “Don't push it, Mr. Sterling. Thanks for your ride, I appreciate it.”Cyrus sighed, “Anything you say. Don't keep me waiting when I come.”“Don't come.”“Must we argue over everything?”“Yes. You made sure of that, the moment you threw me out of your car when I needed your help.”“What does it matter? I didn't know you then. I thought we're past this.” “Hell no.”“Look, I'm not picking you for any other reason. There's a socialite meeting and you're coming with me.”“Why?”“You didn't think about it when you agreed to marry me?”Camilla's lips curved up to a sneer, “Agreed to marry you? I never agreed to marry you.”“Well, you're married to me and you'll do exactly what you're exp
Camilla narrowed her gaze at Cyrus, “What's wrong with you?”“That still doesn't answer the question.”“Look I'm running late. I don't have time for you right now, maybe you should take a complete dose of your medicine.”“I'm confiscating the car keys, you'd use none.”Camilla stared at him like he had grown two horns and Cyrus took that as a surrender, thinking she was going to say where she was going. But Camilla quickly cut him off from his thoughts.She burst out laughing. “That might be a big deal to you rich folks, but that's not a big deal to someone like me. I've been using cabs and foot my whole life, I can't suddenly change cos I got married to you. In other words, you can keep the keys to your cars I don't need them! Don't interfere in my business.” Camilla shot at him, rendering him speechless, with that she turned around and stormed off, huffing in annoyance.Cyrus stared at her retreating figure with a darkened gaze, anger growing in the pith of his heart. Once she was
The next morning, Cyrus jolted awake, his head pounding as if a hammer was striking his skull. Sweat clung to his skin, making his shirt stick uncomfortably to his back. He hissed under his breath, pushing himself up on the bed, wincing at the sharp pain throbbing behind his eyes. His gaze darted towards Camilla but she was still sound asleep.He reached for his phone and called Carter to have his tea prepared, while he fumbled for his medicine in the drawer.The noise seemed to get out loud, causing Camilla to stir in her sleep, her brows knitting. “Hey… I'm trying to get some sleep, you should sleep as well…” She hissed, her words slurred from still being asleep.Cyrus glanced at her and looked away. It wasn't time to admire her beauty or cuteness, although she still had that sharp mouth, even when sleeping.He couldn't find his medication on the drawer, causing him to get down from the bed, his headache getting stronger.“Fuck!” He hissed, frustrated.“Sir?” The servant's voiced ca