Chapter four
1298 Words
Camelia POV
How am I going to face my father? My heart was heavy with so many regrets . I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the task at hand: getting back home. I glanced around, my eyes scanning the horizon for a taxi, but I felt disconnected from it all.
I suddenly found myself stranded in the middle of the road, surrounded by blaring horns and screeching tires. "Get out of the way b***h! " Do you want to get yourself killed!" a driver yelled, speeding off with a dismissive honk. I shook off my daze and desperately searched for a safe crossing point. Spotting a narrow path, I made a dash for it, but my legs gave out beneath me, sending me tumbling to the ground in front of a moving car. A gentle voice pierced the chaos, "Hey miss, hey miss, are you okay?" I struggled to respond, but my words caught in my throat. A gentle man with impeccably groomed hair loomed over me, his expression etched with concern. As I gazed up at him, my eyelids grew heavy, and I drifted into unconsciousness.
****
" Slowly I regained consciousness, my body felt weak. " The sound of hushed voices drifted through the air, growing louder with each passing moment. "...don't think it's a good idea to tell her that, Master," a deep, gravelly voice whispered. "We can't trust her and you don't even know her. " What if she's..." The voice trailed off, but I sensed a hint of concern and wariness. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me to pause. I waited for the room to stop spinning, the sweet smell of scented candles filled the room, my eyes fell upon the soft, plush bed beneath me, giving me optimal comfort.
But despite the cozy atmosphere, I felt a growing sense of unease. Where was I? And who were these people whispering about me? I took a deep breath and tried to sit up again, this time more slowly. I looked around the room and I spotted a figure standing in the corner, watching me with an intense gaze.
" She's awake, Master," the older man whispered, his eyes darting nervously towards the young gentleman standing beside him. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me to pause. Who are you? " Why am I here? " And who brought me here?" I demanded, my eyes narrowing between the two men. The young gentleman stepped forward, his eyes were gentle and peaceful. "You were involved in an accident, Miss. " You ran into our car, and we couldn't just leave you there. " I brought you to my estate, and my doctor has been taking care of you." He paused his eyes locking on mine.
How are you feeling now? He asked, finally ending his long speech.
I rubbed my temples, trying to process everything. "Was that what happened?" I asked, my voice laced with uncertainty. He nodded in response. I took a deep breath, knowing I had to face reality. "Thank you, but I should get going," I said, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. The room spun slightly, and I grasped the bedside table to steady myself. The two men watched me with concern as I gathered my belongings. "Thank you for your help," I said, my voice sincere. As I stumbled towards the door, the young gentleman called out, "Miss, are you sure you're not forgetting something?" I paused, turning back to meet his gaze. His eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if searching for something. I felt a shiver run down my spine. So what about this? He said, raising the loan paper.
I felt a surge of anger and embarrassment.
Why is that…. I hastily grabbed it from his hands. You should learn not to touch things that aren't yours! I snapped angrily at him.
Sorry I didn't mean any harm. I picked it up from the scene of the accident.
I felt a pang of guilt for my outburst, but I was still reeling from the events of the day. Before I could utter another word, the gentleman dropped a bombshell.
Miss Camelia, I have a proposal for you," he said, his eyes locked on mine. What proposal? I repeated, trying to keep my tone neutral.
He smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I can help you clear your debt if you agree to be my fiancée for a certain period."
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I thought this only happens in movies. Was he seriously asking a stranger to be his fiancée? I tried to process my emotions, but they were all over the place. What does he even know about me?
"Have you gone mad, Mr. Henry?" I exclaimed, trying to keep my tone. " Mind your language," the other man said, cautioning me. "Is that how you behave to people you just helped?"
The gentleman's expression turned serious. "I'm perfectly sane, Miss Camelia. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help you."
Anything? I felt a shiver run down my spine. There was something unsettling about his words.
“Take” he said, handing over his business card to me, “such a beautiful card shining like it was laced with real gold”. But I feigned ignorance.
And what should I use this for? Mr… it occurred to me that we didn't even exchange pleasantries. I just wanted to leave here.
“Henry Richard”, he said as I took the card from him. I'm Camellia even though he already knew my name…. Camelia Roy.
I'll head out . They watched me as I hurriedly left the house. Outside, the house was like heaven on earth: the cars, the green lawn, not to mention the driveway. Life can't be fair, can it?
I kept walking, looking at the surroundings until I finally got to the gate and boarded a taxi home.
****
" Thank you for the ride," I said to the taxi driver dropping from the taxi, but I saw my father and Lily standing outside. I didn't hesitate. I quickened my steps to meet them, but he didn't wait for me to get there. He also took some steps towards me, and Lily followed. Good eve… I didn't finish my sentence before a hot slap landed on my face, sending a searing pain across my cheek. “What have you done, Camelia”? My father thundered, and a shiver ran down my spine.
You gave out our house as collateral!
" How did he find out? "I... I can explain," I stammered, trying to placate him. But he cut me off, his words dripping with venom.
"I don't want to hear it, Camelia!. You've put our family's home at risk. And I don't want anything to do with you! From this day onward you're no longer a part of this family.
Go and sort out your debt. With that, he dragged Lily along and slammed the gate.
His words hung in the air like a challenge, and I felt a cold dread seep into my bones.
I prayed for the ground to open up and swallow me.
I had nothing, nothing left.
I cleaned my tears as I thought of what I could.
This can't be it.
Mr Henry…. I looked at the card I was holding.
I took out my phone, my hands shaking as I dialed Mr Henry's number.
Hello, this is Camelia.
Camelia? Are you home already? He asked.
Yes I am.
Without any hesitation, I let out my thoughts.
“Let's get married”.
- Writer
