Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 11 - Chapitre 20

Camilla closed the hospital door behind her with a soft click, her lips still curved in a small smile. The day had been long, but her heart was light. Roseline’s surgery had finally been scheduled. She could still hear Zoe’s laughter echoing in her ears, the way they had sat together in the waiting lounge, eating crackers from a vending machine and talking about silly things to pass time. For once, the world didn’t feel so heavy on her shoulders.By the time she reached the mansion, the relief in her chest had grown into something like gratitude. She entered the room she shared with Adrian, though the space always felt too big, too quiet. She dropped her bag on the chair and sank into the edge of the bed, running her fingers over the embroidered duvet.A knock came immediately. Sharp, polite, rehearsed.She straightened. “Come in.”The butler stepped inside, holding a large white box in his gloved hands. His face was unreadable, but his tone was formal.“Madam, this is for you.”Camil

The morning came slower than usual. Camilla stood by the tall glass window of the room, staring at the garden below. The sun was soft, stretching it's golden light across the wide grounds of Adrian’s mansion. For the first time since she had been forced into this contract marriage, she stepped outside to see it for herself.The garden was alive with colors. Roses climbed in soft walls of red and white. Small lilies swayed in the breeze. The grass was so green it looked painted. She walked slowly, touching petals with careful fingers, her heart strangely calm. The scent of the flowers filled her chest, heavy and sweet, making her remember a life she had once dreamed of, peace, a home, love.But this was not peace. This was a contract. Her life was tied to Adrian now, bound to his cold rules and his silent stares. Still, standing in that garden, she felt a small corner of freedom. For a moment she could pretend. Pretend she belonged here, that this beauty was hers.Her thoughts broke wh

The bell over the boutique door rang as Camilla walked in. The boutique looked exquisite like a beautiful palace. Everything inside whispered wealth, the soft lighting, the faint music, the smell of roses and money. Camilla hesitated at the door, clutching her purse. Her sneakers made no sound on the polished floor as she stepped in. Racks of dresses surrounded her, each one glowing like it had its own light. A few women stood near the mirrors, their laughter sharp and sweet, like something that could make melody.A tall shop attendant in a fitted black suit approached her. Her smile looked practiced. “Good afternoon. Can I help you?”“Yes,” Camilla said. “I need a gown for an event tonight.”The woman’s eyes scanned over her plain blouse, simple jeans, no makeup. “Our evening gowns start at five thousand,” she said gently, though the words carried the weight of a warning. “You may want to try another ...”“I will just look around first,” Camilla interrupted, her voice steady.The wom

The car ride home was wrapped in silence.A low music playing in the car, Camilla sat still, her hands hooked together on her lap.Adrian’s face was unreadable in the dim light of the car. His grip on the wheel was firm, one hand steady while the other rested. Every time she glanced at him, He looked handsome and cold.She thought about what had happened at the Harrington estate. The whispers. The looks. Eleanor’s sharp tone.Adrian had defended her, just enough to silence them, but not enough to make it seem emotional. It should have made her feel grateful. Instead, it made her ache, why.“Thank you,” she said at last, her voice soft.He didn’t look at her. “For what?”“For what you said back there. For standing up for me.”“I only said what needed to be said,” he replied, his tone even.“Still,” she murmured. “You didn’t have to.”He said nothing. She turned her head, watching droplets of rain chase each other down the glass.By the time the gates of the mansion opened, the rain

It was a cool afternoon, Camilla laid on the bed beside Adrian, pretending to be asleep. Her back was turned to him, but her mind was racing. She could feel every tap on his laptop, every calm breath he took.Adrian sat against the headboard, sleeves rolled to his elbows, focused on work as if the world outside didn’t exist. He looked calm, but the kind of calm that carried quiet power.The air between them felt strange,like two people used to silence but not to each other’s company.A knock broke the silence.Adrian didn’t lift his eyes from the laptop.“Come in,” he said, voice cool as always.The door opened slightly. The butler stepped in, his tone formal.“Sir. Madam. There’s a visitor.”Adrian finally looked up. “Who?”“Miss Celine, sir.”The name hit the room like a chill.Camilla’s eyes opened before she could stop herself. She didn’t move, but her body went completely still.Adrian’s jaw tightened for half a second, just a small reaction that only someone watching him closel