The next day, Camila found herself in Madam Jessica's office, the atmosphere thick with tension. "I saw the photo Richard sent," Madam Jessica said, her voice icy. "You know the rules, Camila. You're playing a dangerous game."
"It was just Sheldrake," Camila insisted, her heart racing. "He's a friend from the neighborhood. There's nothing between us."
Madam Jessica's gaze was unwavering. "You're on your last chance and I mean it this time. If you want to continue this arrangement, you must follow the rules".
"I had to beg on your behalf yesterday, giving him excuses why he shouldn't leave. I was able to convince him but he insisted if you are caught or seen with him again then this deal is off" she continued
There's one more thing Richard told me to inform you about, this one is crucial, act composed and calm when you're with Richard's father."
Camila nodded, feeling the weight of the ultimatum. She had no choice but to comply. The following week, they were scheduled to visit Richard's father, a man known for his stern demeanor and high expectations.
The next day, Richard went to Camis apartment to pick her up just as he told her.
"I will miss you Cami, make sure you come every weekend to check up on me". Anna said while being sober.
"I promise to come every weekend, the carer that will be staying with you should be here any moment from now, make sure you take your medication as prescribed, I love you" Camila said as she kissed her on her forehead
Richard took her to his apartment, which was a magnificent paradise. The billionaire's estate, which was encircled by acres of private land and hidden behind many levels of security, was more of a monument to excess than a place to live.From the private cinema set into the rock below to the indoor waterfall, the world of rare art, gold accents, and unique features was unveiled through glass walls. The owner went through it like a ghost, alone in a palace that could compete with royalty, while a quiet staff maintained it operating like clockwork.
When they arrived at the luxurious mansion, Richard's father was in the living room, greeting them with a friendly smile. "Richard! "I am so glad you brought someone special to meet me," he exclaimed, his eyes glowing with delight.
Camila faked a smile, however inside she felt dull and out of place. Richard had encouraged her to appear relaxed, but the stress of the situation made her feel anything but. Throughout the visit, she battled to keep her cool, her mind racing with memories of her sister and the precarious nature of her relationship with Richard.
Richard's father noticed her lack of enthusiasm. "Is everything alright, dear?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern.
"Of course, sir," Camila replied, forcing the words out. "I'm just a bit shy."
Richard's annoyance was palpable. He had expected her to charm his father, to fit seamlessly into the role he had envisioned for her. Instead, she seemed distant and disengaged. "Camila, I thought we discussed this," he said later, frustration evident in his tone. "You need to act like you belong here."
"I'm sorry," she said, her voice trembling. "I'm trying my best."
Camila finally got little composed and confident, she behaved and spoke like a billionaires wife she was which left Richard happy
The tension between them simmered, but Richard's father remained oblivious to the underlying conflict. He was simply happy to see his son settling down, unaware of the strain it was putting on their relationship.
A few days later, Richard decided to take Camila out for a night of fun, hoping to ease the tension. They arrived at a trendy bar, and Richard booked a VIP section for them and a few of his friends. The atmosphere was lively, and for a moment, Camila felt a sense of normalcy.
As they laughed and enjoyed the night, the door swung open, and in walked Kabby, Richard's stepbrother from another mother. He was clearly intoxicated, stumbling into the room with a loud laugh that drew everyone's attention.
"Richard!" Kabby slurred, his eyes narrowing as he spotted Camila. "What are you doing with her? Don't poison Dad's heart with this one! You should be with someone worthy of the family name!"
The room fell silent, and Camila felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Kabby's words hung in the air, heavy with accusation. Richard's expression darkened, his jaw clenched in irritation.
"Shut up, Kabby," Richard snapped, his voice low and dangerous. "You don't know what you're talking about."
But Kabby wasn't finished. "You think she's the one? She looks so familiar to me. I know you from somewhere," he said, his gaze piercing into Camila's.
The cliffhanger hung in the air, leaving everyone in the room on edge. Camila's heart raced as she tried to recall where she might have crossed paths with Kabby. The night had taken a turn, and she could feel the weight of Richard's expectations pressing down on her once again.
As the tension escalated, Camila felt a surge of defiance. "I may not be from your world, but I'm doing my best to support my family," she said, her voice steady despite the chaos around her. "I'm not here to take anything from anyone. I'm just trying to survive."
Richard's eyes softened for a moment, a flicker of admiration breaking through his frustration. He knew the sacrifices she was making, and it pained him to see her belittled. "Kabby, enough," he said firmly, stepping closer to Camila. "You don't get to speak to her like that."
Kabby's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and irritation. "You're making a mistake, Richard. You're letting your emotions cloud your judgment."
"Maybe it's time you learned to respect my choices," Richard shot back, his voice rising. The tension in the room was palpable, and Camila felt a mix of gratitude and fear. She was caught in a battle that was not hers, yet she felt the weight of both men's expectations.
As the night was passing by, Richard pulled Camila aside, away from the prying eyes of his friends.
"Have you had an encounter with him before, tell me the truth, don't lie," he asked.
"I haven't seen him before in my life, I'm trying hard to remember if I've met him before but no clear picture is coming to my head", she said.