THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN

CHAPTER 19

Days after days passed and this day the sun had barely risen over the horizon, casting a warm grow over the Harrington's family home. Carmilla stood in the living room, surrounded by her two families, as they gathered prepared to bid her farewell. Her husband, Harrison, stood by her side, his eyes filled with understanding.

Carmilla's parents, Mr and Mrs.Hunt, beams with pride as they hugged their daughter tightly.

“We're going to miss you so much, sweetie”. Mr.Hunt whispers, his voice trembling with emotions.

Carmilla smiled, trying to reassure her parents.

“I'll try and be back soon, dad. I promise?

Her sister-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law and some of the servants in the house filled up the place to lighten the mood. Beneath the surface, carmilla could see that her sister-in-law crystal was going to miss her presence even though they weren't all that close? Her father-in-law, who had supported everything she does and tried from day one to make her feel among was truly going to miss her. Her mother-in-law couldn't care less but her presence was everything at this moment.

As the clock ticks closer to carmilla's departure time, Harrison took her hand, while the servant helpedwith her luggages as they made their way to go door.

“Time to go” he said softly

Carmilla nodded, taking one last look at the familiar surroundings. The drive to the airport was quite, with only the sound of soft music filling the air. Carmilla stares out the window, watching as the city gave way to the sprawling airport complex.

As they pulled up to the terminal, Harrison turns to Carmilla, his eyes filled with concern. “Take care, buddy”, he said, his voice firm.

Carmilla smiled, she was grateful to him even though they were not like other couples. He supported her through out like he knew her from somewhere. While she was trying to adjust and change his behavior to suit into his family, he always tells her “be yourself, nobody here needs to be impressed”.

“I'll be back before you know it” she said, pulling up closer and giving him his first hug from her. Harrison felt surprised, his body at ease as she releases herself and grabbed her luggage. Harrison escorted her to the check-in counter, as they said their final goodbye's. As carmilla boarded the plane, she felt a sense of excitement and happiness wash over her, it was as if someone had deprived her of her happiness. She was ready to be herself once again in the country she loves ‘LA’.

The flight was long, but carmilla passed the time by reading. As the plane began it's descent into LAX; carmilla felt a thrill of excitement. It was never going to die.

She was finally here, in the city where she built her life making her way through customs and baggage claim, carmilla's eyes scars the crowded airport, searching for a familiar face. Then she saw her-Mia, her best friend, waving enthusiastically from behind a sign that read “carmilla”.

Carmilla's face broke into a wide smile as she rushes towards Mia, dropping her luggage in the process. The two friends hugged tightly, laughing at the same time. They were both in the mid-20’s but they still behaved like teenagers. But when it comes to work, they seem to be serious as if we're possessed by a determined spint.

“I'm so glad you're here”, Mia exclaimed, holding carmilla at arms length. “I've missed you too”.

As they made their way to Mia's car, carmilla couldn't help but fell a sense of excitement. She was finally here, in LA, ready to begin from where she stopped.

The drive to the apartment was a blur of conversation and laughter. Carmilla and Mia chatted about everything from jobs, catching up on lost time. As they pulled to the apartment complex, carmilla's eyes widened a surprise. The building was beautiful, with sleek glass and steel facade. “Wow, this is amazing, it's more better than my former apartment while I was here”. Carmilla exclaimed.

Mia grinned “I know right? We'll be staying together till you return”. Carmilla's expression suddenly changes on hearing Mia's statement. “Together?”

“Let just head into apartment first” Mia pressures. Stepping into the apartment, carmilla took a deep breath, feeling relieved. The place was beautiful, with sleek modern furniture and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Mia drops her keys on the counter and smiled,

“Welcome home, Cam”.

Carmilla grins feeling much gratitude towards her friend “Thanks, Mia. Truly, this place is amazing”.

The two friends made their way to the bedroom, dropping their bags on the floor. They collapsed into the bed, feeling exhausted. As they settled in, carmilla recalls that Mia didn't respond to her question earlier and so she asked again;

“I'm glad you're staying with me, but I have to ask again… why are you staying with me? You didn't even tell me about it” Mia smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“I am broke, cam. But I'm not staying with you because I need a place to crash”.

Carmilla's curiously was piqued.

“Then why?”

Mia's expression turns serious. “It was your father's idea. He watched carmilla's eyes widens in surprise.

“What? Why would father do that?”

Mia hesitated before responding.

“He knows about whatever incident that happened at the Harrington's mansion”.

Carmilla's face suddenly turns pale upon hearing that.

“How did he find out?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Mia shrugged.

“I asked him the same question, because I knew that if you had a problem, even if your parents didn't know at least I will, but you disappointed me. He said it was one of the maids that told him”. Carmilla's eyes narrowes.

“What maid?”

Mia expression was serious as shae sat up on the bed facing carmilla.

“Apparently, it looks like your father had lured a maid to work at the Harrington's mansion without their knowledge. It was his way of making sure you are safe”.

Carmilla's mind reeled as she tries to process the information she couldn't believe her father had gone to such lengths to protect her.

“Why didn't he tell me?” Carmilla asked, feeling a mix emotions.

“I don't know, maybe he didn't want you to worry” said Mia casually. Carmilla sighed, feeling a sense of unease.

“How could her father go to such extent?” She asked herself.

“Please keep this to yourself, your father made me promise not to tell you. If he finds out you know……….Gosh! I'll be chewed raw”.