THE BILLIONAIRE’S WIFE

Chapter 4

4: the gift

Camille's point of view

The next day, while I was trying to sew a dress for a client, plunged into my thoughts, an unusual noise drew my attention. The workshop bell insistently sounds. Inès rushed to open, but even before she said a word, a familiar silhouette imposed herself in the frame of the door.

Nathaniel.

Its impeccable look and its natural charisma enlightened the room. He wore a dark, perfectly cut suit, which seemed to shout "power" with each step he took. I felt my heart getting carried away, but I got back quickly, feigning indifference.

-Hello, Camille, he said gently, his gaze immediately hanging mine.

I was resting my tools, crossing my arms to give me a capacity.

-What are you doing here? I asked, trying to hide my surprise and a touch of nervousness.

A smirk stretched his lips.

- I wanted to see you.

Inès and Jade, who observed the scene with fascination, exchanged amazed looks. I gave them a significant look to go out, but Jade Chuchota when they leave:

- Don't let him go, Camille.

I sighed, turning to Nathaniel.

- Are you used to landing in people like this?

"No," he replied calmly. But for you, I have exceptions.

He approached slowly, reducing the distance between us, and I felt this electrifying, almost palpable tension, settled again.

-Listen, Nathaniel, I said, avoiding her burning look, I don't think you should be here.

- For what ? He asked, a fun of fun in the eyes. Because you are afraid of what you feel?

I picked up my head, stung by his audacity.

-I don't feel anything, I replied quickly, too quickly.

He stopped, an amused smile on his face, but his gaze was intense.

- You are a bad liar, Camille.

His insurance destabilized me. I wanted to shout, repel it, but another part of me, the one I didn't want to admit, wanted him to continue, that he breaks my defenses.

- Nathaniel, I am not like these women you frequent. I'm not going to fall in love because you are rich or attractive.

-That's good, he whispered, approaching a little more. Because that's not what I'm looking for.

His gaze plunged into mine, and I felt a thrill traveling. He was so close now that I could feel his wooded, intoxicating perfume. My heart was beating everything, but I refused to give in.

I step back, raising a hand to establish a distance.

- You should leave.

-If that's what you want, I will leave, he replied gently, but he did not move.

Heavy silence settled between us. I knew he was waiting for something, a sign, but I couldn't give it to him. Not now.

-You are so ... Stunned, I whispered finally, unable to look away from him.

He smiled, this time with a sweetness that disarmed me.

- And you, Camille, are much stronger than you think.

He took a step back, letting me catch my breath, but he didn't need to go further. The effect he had on me was already immense, and I knew he knew it.

-I will come back, he said, heading towards the door. Not to force your hand, but because I believe in us.

I was frozen, watching him go, unable to move or speak. Once the door closed behind him, Jade and Inès appeared from the back-shop, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

- SO ? Jade exclaimed. He's really there for you, huh?

I mine to raise my shoulders, but my cheeks betrayed my confusion.

-It is impossible, I whispered.

Inès laughs.

-And you, you already like him, she added with a wink.

I turned away, refusing to answer, but their words echoed in me. Nathaniel had already shaken my certainties, and I knew it was only the beginning.

A few hours after her surprise visit to the workshop, while I was quietly looking for a dress for a client, a delivery truck stopped in front of the shop. I frowned when I saw two men going down and heading towards the door, carrying a huge cardboard carefully wrapped.

-Excuse me, is Camille's workshop here? One of them asked.

I looked up, perplexed.

- Yes, it's good here.

The man nodded and put the cardboard right in front of me, then handed me a paper.

- It's for you. You have to sign here.

I took the pen, even more confused.

- But ... I didn't order anything.

"We are only delivering," he replied with a smile before leaving.

Inès and Jade, attracted by noise, approached, curious.

- What is that? Jade asked by designating the package.

I shrugged, as lost as it is.

- I have no idea.

After a few minutes of debate, we decided to open the package. When the cardboard was finally unpacked, a metallic and shiny radiance all made us go by the mouth.

- Oh my God, whispered inès. It is…

-A high-end sewing machine, I whispered, unable to look away.

She was beautiful. With an immaculate white, with golden touches, she seemed straight out of a dream. The model was so perfected that I had only seen photos in professional magazines.

Jade found an envelope attached to the box and handed it to me.

- There is a letter.

I opened it with trembling fingers, already guessing the sender. The words written in elegant letters confirmed my suspicions:

"Camille, your talent deserves the best tools. I hope this machine will inspire you to create even more wonders. - Nathaniel"

My heart jumped, and I closed the letter quickly, aware of the insistent gaze of my friends.

- SO ? Who is it? Inès asked, a malicious smile on his lips.

I sighed.

- From Nathaniel.

Their reaction was immediate: bursts of laughter and enthusiastic exclamations.

"He is really thoroughly," said Jade, crossing his arms. And you, what are you waiting for to give in?

-It's not that simple, I replied, putting the letter in my pocket.

But frankly, my heart was still beating at full speed. The simple idea that he thought of me, that he ordered something so expensive and useful for my work, gave birth to a strange warmth in me.

- If a man offered this to me, I would marry him right away, joked Inès.

I rolled eyes, but I couldn't help but smile while looking at the machine.

Nathaniel played a dangerous game. He knew how to destabilize me, how to cross my defenses, and I was afraid of me as much as I liked.