Chapter 2.1
1247 Words
Camila arrived at Hazel Logan’s office carrying an assortment of carefully chosen food and elegant gift bags. Her heels clicked softly against the polished floor as she reached the door and gave it a gentle knock.
“Come in,” Hazel called.
Camila stepped inside with a warm, practiced smile. “Good morning, Mrs. Logan.”
Hazel looked up from her paperwork, and her expression softened the moment she recognized her visitor. She set aside her pen and leaned back slightly, giving Camila her full attention.
“You came by, mija. Is there anything I can help you with?” Hazel asked, her voice gentle and welcoming.
Camila placed the food and gifts on the table between them. “I brought you some food and gifts, Mrs. Logan. A small token of gratitude for merging with our business. You have no idea how much this partnership means to us.”
“You deserve it, dear. You didn’t have to trouble yourself with all these gifts, but thank you,” Hazel replied with genuine warmth.
Camila picked up a velvet jewelry box and opened it. “I designed this necklace myself, Mrs. Logan. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece. I hope you’ll like it.”
Hazel’s eyes brightened as she lifted the necklace from its box. The delicate craftsmanship glimmered under the lights.
“It’s beautiful, Camila,” Hazel whispered, clearly impressed. “You’re such a talented young woman. I’m sure many men are lining up for you, hoping to marry you. If only Elijah had waited a little longer… you would have been the one he married.”
A pleased flush colored Camila’s cheeks. She tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear, savoring Hazel’s approval.
“How about Scarlett?” she asked innocently, though she already knew the answer she wanted.
Hazel exhaled, her smile tightening. “If I had known that Scarlett had no knowledge of business whatsoever, I would’ve stopped Elijah from marrying her. You’re cousins, yet the two of you are worlds apart. You excel in business, while she can’t even help my son with the simplest things. She can’t even keep the house in order. If only you had been Elijah’s wife instead.”
Camila suppressed the triumphant spark inside her, though her heart fluttered at Hazel’s praise.
Hazel eagerly clasped the necklace around her neck and admired herself in the mirror. “It’s lovely, dear. Thank you so much. If you ever need my help, don’t hesitate to tell me.”
Camila’s lips curled with purpose. This was the moment.
“I like your son, Mrs. Logan,” she confessed softly. “Elijah wants to divorce Scarlett, but without a valid reason, he can’t file. Could you help me?”
Hazel’s gaze sharpened. “And what exactly are you planning to do to remove that woman from my son’s life?”
Camila leaned closer and outlined her plan in a whisper. Hazel’s eyes narrowed, then slowly gleamed with approval. When they finished, the two women exchanged satisfied smiles, united by a shared goal.
---
Later that evening, Camila’s condo filled with the scent of perfume and candlelight. She smiled the moment she heard the door unlock. Elijah stepped inside, weary but undeniably handsome, loosening his tie.
She rushed to him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him. “I thought you weren’t coming. What took you so long?”
“Traffic,” he answered simply, shrugging off his suit jacket.
As soon as the fabric hit the couch, Elijah pulled her into another kiss—hungry, impatient, familiar.
“Won’t your wife look for you?” she teased breathlessly. “Is it all right for you to stay here tonight?”
“I’m tired, and you’re the only rest I want, Camila,” Elijah murmured against her neck. “She won’t question it. I’m exhausted from going home to her. You’re what I need right now.”
Camila giggled softly as he kissed her sensitive skin. “Stop, that tickles,” she whispered playfully—though she didn’t want him to stop at all.
After they made love, they lingered beneath the sheets. Camila traced lazy circles on Elijah’s chest with her fingertips.
“Can I bring Scarlett tomorrow to my celebration?” she asked suddenly.
Elijah looked at her, confused. “Why would you do that? You’re not close. She’ll ruin your celebration.”
“She probably wouldn’t do that, especially since you’d be the one embarrassed. I just want her there. Her parents owned the company we’re managing now. I don’t want her to think I’ve stopped caring about her after we took over the business she was supposed to inherit.” Camila pouted sweetly. “Please? I’ll take care of her. Nothing bad will happen. We’ll celebrate at the hotel bar, and if we get too drunk, I’ll just rent us a room.”
Elijah sighed, still unsure, but her persistence wore him down. “You’re too kind, Camila. You still make time for your cousin.”
“I heard she barely leaves the house,” Camila replied. “She needs to get out. You’ll be there too, right?”
Elijah nodded.
Satisfied, Camila rested her head on his chest, hiding the sly smile that tugged at her lips.
---
The next evening, Scarlett came downstairs, her hair still damp from her shower.
“Has Elijah come home yet?” she asked the maids.
“Not yet, ma’am,” one replied sympathetically.
Scarlett exhaled, frustration and worry tightening her chest. She’d noticed how often Elijah failed to come home lately—and how vague his explanations had become.
“Aren’t you going to eat, ma’am?” the head housekeeper asked gently. “The food is getting cold.”
“I’ll wait for Elijah. Maybe he’s just stuck in traffic,” Scarlett murmured.
The housekeeper sighed, pity filling her face. “It’s already nine in the evening, honey. What if Elijah doesn’t come home again? You’ll end up going hungry. You’ve been losing weight waiting for him like this. Come, Scarlett. Eat something.”
Scarlett forced a small smile and followed her to the kitchen. She dialed Elijah’s number repeatedly, but it rang and rang with no answer.
---
The next morning, Scarlett froze as she walked downstairs and saw Camila sitting comfortably in their living room—holding a cup of tea like she owned the place.
“What are you doing here?” Scarlett asked cautiously.
Camila smiled sweetly. “I wanted to invite you to my celebration at the hotel tonight. A few businessmen will be there. Do you want to restart your passion for designing? You might meet someone who could help you apply.”
Scarlett hesitated. The offer tempted her, but she knew the wall she’d hit. “Thank you, Camila, but I can’t go. Elijah won’t allow it.”
“What if I told you he already agreed?” Camila replied lightly. “I asked permission for you, so you don’t have an excuse. Your talent shouldn’t go to waste.”
Scarlett’s brows knitted. “Elijah agreed?”
“Yes,” Camila said confidently. “If you don’t believe me, ask him when he gets home. I’ll pick you up later, okay? You should go out, Scarlett. You should enjoy the party life. You don’t even have children yet—you should live a little.”
With a final wink, Camila stood and left, her heels echoing triumphantly across the marble floor.
- Writer
