A Tale Of Revenge

Chapter 7

Hunter Rossi's Point Of View.

I could feel all kinds of emotions swirling inside me as I drove to the airport. There was nervousness, sure, but also anger and anxiety. It has been twenty long years since that night, but the memories still haunt me.

Pulling into the airport parking lot, I turned off the ignition and sat in my car for a moment while trying to collect my thoughts together. I glanced at myself in the rearview mirror while adjusting my collar and running a hand through my hair in an attempt to look presentable. Despite my efforts, to stay calm I was a mess inside. I could see the tension in my face.

Stepping out of the car, I was greeted by the brisk chill of the morning air. People hurried past me, their faces obscured by masks, their voices muffled by the hum of conversation. Flakes of snow could be seen in the air. Despite the early hour, the terminal was alive with activity.

As I reached the gate, I glanced around, searching for any sign of Camilla. People stood clustered together while their eyes were set on the entrance and eagerly awaiting the arrival of their loved ones. Some held up signs with names written in bold letters, while others checked their phones impatiently and tapping their feet in anticipation. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead.

My heart skipped a beat as I reached into my pocket and retrieved a crumpled piece of paper. "Camilla Martini," it read in bold letters. I clutched the crumpled piece of paper in my hand while its words were a silent reminder of the task that lay before me. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. Should I hold up the sign like the others?

In the end, I decided to keep the sign hidden, holding it upside down in my hand as I stood amongst the crowd. My gaze drifted towards the entrance of the airport, where a figure emerged from the sliding glass doors and there she was, just as beautiful as I remembered. Camilla Martini, with her long chestnut hair cascading down her shoulders and a small suitcase in tow. She wore a simple yet elegant outfit, a black turtleneck sweater paired with skinny jeans and knee-high boots.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still as I watched her approach. Memories of our childhood flooded my mind, and I found myself transported back to a simpler time, when the world was filled with wonder and possibility but then reality came crashing back, and I snapped out of my thoughts. With a quick glance around me, I discreetly flipped the sign right-side up, holding it high.

She looked towards me and drew nearer, I could not help but feel a surge of nervous energy and conflicting emotions coursing through my veins. There she was, the daughter of the man who had destroyed my family, approaching me with that same innocent smile I remembered from our childhood. Anger and resentment bubbled within me, reminding me of the betrayal and pain her family had caused mine. Suppressing my emotions, I forced a neutral expression as I reached out to take her luggage.

"Ma'am." I greeted her while trying to keep my voice steady despite the unfathomable feelings in my stomach.

"Ernest, right?" She asked while her voice was soft and gentle and I nodded. I had decided to go for a alternate name as I didn't want to be recognised before the right time.

I reached out to take her suitcase, offering her a reassuring smile. "Let me help you with that," I offered while gesturing towards her luggage.

"Thank you," she said gratefully while handing over the suitcase as she settled into the back seat of the car unaware of the turmoil raging inside me.

I quickly stowed her luggage in the trunk before taking my place behind the wheel. As I started the car and I could not shake the feeling of bitterness that lingered in the air. Camilla's phone began to ring, and she reached for it quickly.

"Dad." She answered the call with a quick swipe of her finger. Her voice tinged with relief at hearing her father's voice.

"I was worried, when you have not called. Have you landed safely?" Her father's concern was evident in his tone, prompting Camilla to reassure him.

"Yes, dad. I am safe and sound. You don't need worry at all. Do you also want me to send my location in every minute to you?" Her attempt at humor was met with a chuckle from her father.

"Eh, no, my berry. Is the person, uhmm what was his name - Ernest, next to you?" His forgetfulness brought a smile to her face as she glanced over at me.

"Yes, I am with him right now." Her reply was short and confident.

"Fine. Do not go out to explore the city without him, okay?" His protective nature was evident in his instructions, causing her to roll her eyes playfully.

Listening to her casual conversation, I gritted my teeth, reminded once again of the injustice that had been done to my own family.

"Okay, dad. I will be fine and see you soon." Her reassurance was sincere, though she could not help but feel a pang of homesickness at the thought of her father.

"See you soon." She reciprocated the sentiment.

"Take care of yourself too, dad." Her final words were filled with affection. It was a silent promise to return home safely.

After the call ended, I could not shake off the twinge of envy that gripped me. It was a subtle reminder of the loving bond Camilla shared with her father, a stark contrast to the relationship I had with mine.

Each word she spoke felt like a dagger twisting in my chest while fueling the fire of vengeance burning within me. Despite her obliviousness to my true intentions, I could not help but seethe with resentment towards her and everything she represented.

I pulled the car into the grand entrance of the luxurious hotel. The building rose up like a shimmering palace against the city skyline, while its sleek glass exterior was reflecting the lights of the surrounding streets. As we stepped out of the car, a uniformed doorman greeted us with a warm smile and whisked the luggage away.

"You need to leave in an hour and we will go straight to the school. Lemme escort you till your room, Ma'am." I informed while my voice was steady despite the turmoil raging within me as I could not help but feel a surge of conflicting emotions. On one hand, I was relieved to finally be in her presence after all these years, but on the other, the weight of my deception bore down heavily on me.

"No need. I will manage myself." She replied while her tone was firm yet appreciative.

"I understand, but it's my responsibility," I insisted while my tone was firm yet masking the true complexity of my emotions.

"Thank you, but I will be fine," She reassured me oblivious to the subtle tension in my demeanor.

"Well, I can not go against the order that has been issued to me." I spoke as I stood with my words.

Camilla accepted my offer and gestured silently for me to show her the way to her room. Without uttering a single word, she followed me as I led her to the first floor. Unlocking the door to her room, I didn't even hesitate for a moment and walked inside before she could enter.

I took it upon myself to ensure her safety as per the orders. I scanned each and every corner of the room for any potential threats. My eyes swept over the room, searching for any signs of danger, but all I found was the quiet stillness of the empty space. The room was spacious and tastefully decorated, with plush furnishings and soft, muted colors but despite its luxurious appearance, it felt strangely sterile, devoid of the warmth and personality that one would expect from a home away from home.

She watched me silently while her expression was unreadable as she leaned against the doorframe. I could sense her growing impatience and frustration at my perceived intrusion into her personal space. Finally satisfied that the room was secure, I stepped aside to allow her to enter but before she could take a single step, she turned to me with a glare as her eyes flashed with irritation.

"What do you think you are doing?" She demanded while her voice was sharp with annoyance.

"Each and every step of mine is a part of order that has been issued to me reagrding you and your safety, ma'am." I replied with a dead voice.

"Well, you have made your point," She snapped while pushing past me and into the room. "Now get out."

"I will be waiting for you outside," I informed her while my voice was tinged with profesionalism as I retreated from the room.

As I stood outside her door, the weight of my deception weighed heavily on my shoulders. I knew that I was walking a fine line between protecting Camilla and betraying her trust but for now, all I could do was wait while hoping that my actions would ultimately lead to the justice we both sought.