A Love Rewriting

Episode5: Shadows of Doubt

RAYMOND.

I was paralyzed, standing there and watching as Camille vanished, her words still echoing in my head: "You know it as much as I do."

That couldn't be true, it just wasn't possible. What were the chances that my last one night stand before my engagement, a night I’d tried to forget, was somehow connected with my fiancée's sister?

A shrill voice cut into my reverie. "She's lying!" shrieked Bella in that high-pitched voice that could grate on the nerves. She whirled to her father Reynold Thompson, who looked furious but bewildered. "She's just jealous and trying to ruin my wedding!"

Celinda folded her arms and added with disdain, "Honestly, Reynold, that girl has been nothing but trouble lately. We should have seen this coming."

Reynold raised a hand for silence, his eyes narrowing. "I'll handle this," he muttered. Then, turning to me, he said, "I'm so sorry for the ruined evening, Raymond. I don't know what's gotten into Camille. She's been acting out for weeks. Please, just ignore her behavior."

I forced a tight smile, his mind still racing. "It's…fine. These things happen.”

Bella could feel my distraction and clung to my arm, pouting. "You're not leaving already, are you?"

I freed my arm as gently as possible. "I have to. There's a work emergency I need to handle."

Her pout deepened. "But we barely spent any time together!"

"I'll make it up to you," I said smoothly. "How about I get you that Prada bag you've been eyeing?"

Bella's eyes lit up, and the frown vanished as a bright smile appeared on her face. "Really? Okay, then. I'll forgive you this time."

I nodded, bidding a quick farewell to all as I walked toward my car. Once I slid into the back seat, I let out a deep sigh.

"Where to, sir?" My driver asked.

My phone vibrated, and I looked at the screen. Farouk, my personal assistant, was calling. "To the office," I said now, answering the call.

“Farouk," I said, my voice clipped. "What's the situation?"

"There's been a snag regarding the deal in Singapore," Farouk replied calmly but urgently. "Some contract clauses about intellectual property rights were flagged, and their lawyers are pushing back. They threatened to pull out if we don't revise the terms."

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "What's the time frame?

"They're expecting an answer by tomorrow morning."

"Send me the revised clauses and schedule a call with legal in an hour," I ordered.

"Yes, sir," Farouk replied. There was a brief pause before he added, "Should I prepare the jet in case you need to fly out?"

"Not yet," I said. "Let's try to handle this remotely first. Keep me updated."

"Understood."

I hung up and looked out the window as the car sped away from the Thompson estate. Camille's face flashed across my mind again, her accusing eyes and trembling voice. What if she's telling the truth?

I shook my head, trying to shake off the thought. No, it's impossible. It has to be. She has to be lying.

The car pulled up to my office building, its sleek exterior gleaming in the night. I stepped out, and Farouk was already waiting by the entrance.

“Sir,” Farouk greeted, holding a tablet. “Here’s the preliminary report on the Singapore situation. I’ve also flagged the key points of contention.”

I nodded and took the tablet as we headed inside. "Excellent. Let's discuss that on the way to the boardroom."

As Farouk began explaining the issues on the contract, I forced myself listen. We stepped into the elevator, and Farouk said, "Their main concern is that our terms strongly favor our proprietary rights, something they perceive as a risk for their IP development. Legal suggests—"

I raised my hand, interrupting him. Again, my mind was elsewhere.

“Farouk," I said now in a quiet voice.

"Yes, sir?"

I gave it a beat before telling him, "I want you to do something for me, quietly."

Farouk raised his eyebrow somewhat, though gave him a nod. "Alright, sir, what?"

I clenched my jaw came once more. "I want you to get the security footage from Club Euphoria, Room 22, from May 12th.”

Farouk blinked, surprised for a moment. He'd worked with me long enough to know better than to pry, but this was an unusual request. "May I ask what I'm looking for, sir?"

"Just get the footage," I said sharply. Then, taking a deep breath and softening my tone, I added, "And keep this between us."

Farouk nodded slowly. "Understood. I'll make the arrangements.”

“Good”, I replied in a low tone of voice. I returned the tablet to Farouk and adjusted his tie as the elevator opened and we headed towards two large double doors. I paused then opened the boardroom doors.

I went inside with a composed face but, on the inside, I was anything but composed. The business crisis that I would now have to take action against was like a shadow against Camille's words that echoed incessantly within me.

"You know it as much as I do."