All Chapters of Flavours of love: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

"After the events of last night, it seemed imperative that he had a valid reason for being at the gallery. Allowing him to leave without uncovering his purpose might lead to regrets later on. So, taking the stance of 'better safe than sorry,' I ensured I was fully dressed and ready from head to toe. Grabbing a purse, I descended the stairs, taking a moment to open the blinds and let some light into the apartment even in my absence. Upon reaching the lobby, I walked out, pushing my sunglasses up onto my head as I hailed a cab.Arriving at the destination, I observed only a few customers and guests lingering outside, gradually making their way in. "He just had to come so early," I grumbled under my breath, glancing back at his car before entering the gallery. Nancy was immediately present inside. "Where is he?" I questioned.""Near the sculptures," she mumbled in response, patting my arm before walking past me to welcome the customers entering behind me. I rushed down the stairs and to

Camiella's POVI released a soft groan, pulling the pencil out of my hair and letting it drop onto my desk in frustration. I had been sitting in my office at The Fortress for over two hours, unable to shake Stefano's advice—or whatever it was he offered. He definitely got into my head, but all he managed to do was set my thoughts racing.I hadn't planned on telling Dad or Derek about what happened because, initially, I didn't consider it a big deal... until Stefano entered the picture. What if someone intentionally sent that person after me last night? What if it wasn't just a coincidence?Clearing my head with a shake, I clicked my tongue, returning the pencil to the cup with my stationery. I powered down the desktop, stood up, gathered my belongings, and locked my office on the way out. I lingered on the ground floor, observing the people around me and ensuring the gallery was running smoothly.I watched two high school girls in amusement as they took pictures, turning their backs t

Stefano's POVI led the way into the kitchen, wondering what exactly brought Camiella to my door. "What brings you here, Ms. Rodriguez?" I questioned, going back to the dinner I left unfinished when I answered the door. She hesitated, watching me as I opened a cabinet and took out a wine glass before pouring myself some white wine and taking my seat. "It's rude to not offer a drink," she mumbled under her breath, "but anyway..." I lifted a brow at her, tracing the rim of my glass as I watched her with curiosity. It must be bad if she's here. "I was going back home but I had to stop. It was an emergency." "Enlighten me." She hesitated, watching me warily for several moments. "I was being followed," she finally admitted. "Interesting," I mumbled, sipping on my wine. "Why did you come here? Why not go home?" "I don't want them to find out where I live," she scoffed. "Your parents' house?" She shook her head, rolling her eyes and dropping her arms onto the table before resting h

Camiella's POVMy nose wrinkled, and irritation surged through me as the loud and chaotic sound of a blender disrupted my sleep. Even the deepest sleeper would be roused by that monstrous noise. Groaning, I covered my head with the blankets, attempting to drown out the racket. However, as the blender's volume increased, I had no choice. Frustrated, I kicked the covers off, opened my eyes, and remembered that I was in the Devil's den.Sighing, I glared in the direction of the kitchen. Adjusting my camisole and tying my hair into a bun, I approached the kitchen where Stefano had his back to me. Standing on one side of the island, I crossed my arms, shooting daggers at the back of his head until he turned off the blender and grabbed a glass."Glaring at someone doesn't earn you any rewards, Ms. Rodriguez.""I didn't know you had eyes in the back of your head. Why are you wreaking havoc at..." I glanced around, spotting a clock. "Seven in the morning," I finished as he turned to me, pouri

I scoffed at her. "The best choice is someone she feels at ease with, someone capable of ensuring her safety. Someone physically able to rescue her in the worst-case scenario. Honestly, Mr. Rodriguez, I doubt any of your guards are up to the task. We're dealing with an unknown threat. It could be someone wanting to harm her, extract information, or even kill her. You need someone equipped to handle it and, of course," I turned to her, "handle her as well.""Someone I trust, and someone Camiella can trust too, correct?"I nodded once, taking a sip of my drink."Maybe Derek," he suggested."Derek has his own life, Dad," Camiella interjected, "he has his own family, deals with work, and other arrangements you both make. Besides, Derek and I can't stand each other; it's a sibling thing. It can't be Derek," she shook her head."Your boyfriend," I said, "that is if you have one?" She watched me with something unreadable in her eyes, something I couldn't place nor recognize. "Do you think I