Eighty one
Kamille’s POV
As I stepped out of the steam-filled bathroom, a towel wrapped snugly around my body, I reached for the hairdryer to tame the unruly strands of my hair. The soft whirring of the dryer filled the air as I began to brush through the damp strands of hair, coaxing them into submission.
Midway through my hair-drying routine, the familiar buzz of my phone disrupted the tranquility of the moment. Glancing at the caller ID, I see Zeke’s name flashing on the screen. My heart skipped a beat.
Why the hell is he calling me from the blues?
For a fleeting moment, I considered the possibility of hearing his voice, but then, I reminded myself of the extent to which he kept lying to me.
With a resigned sigh, I set the phone back down, opting to focus on getting myself dressed. As I continued to dry my hair, my thoughts drifted to the letter that had arrived earlier.
The address it contained, a car park near a playground, loomed in my mind. I tried to assess how secure the environment was. I considered calling for backup and was even tempted to call Zeke back, but no.
I was not going to use his feelings to my advantage.
With each passing moment, the anticipation built within me, fueling my determination to seek out the truth, no matter the cost. As I finally finished drying my hair, I got to the wardrobe and selected a smart outfit to put on.
I slipped on my favorite pair of jeans, a cozy jacket, and a cap to shield my face from prying eyes. I could feel the weight of what I was about to do, settling over me like a cloak. With each step toward the door, my resolve solidified.
I have been a Manor all my life. A fucking true Manor.
Grandma Monica’s will written into that letter was the only piece of evidence that I had and meeting this lawyer would get me back into my place.
As I made my way downstairs, I paused to inform Nanny Dona of my brief departure, assuring her that I’d be back soon. Despite the gravity of the moment, I can’t help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins.
“Safe journey Ms Kamille,” Nanny Dona said.
As I stepped out into the cool embrace of the evening air, my mind raced with thoughts of reclaiming what was rightfully mine. The Manors would never know what hit them, till it does.
But just as I was about to reach for the handle of my car door, a sudden presence materialized before me, sending a jolt of surprise coursing through my body. Zeke stood before me, his grip firm on my arms, his eyes searching mine with an intensity that took my breath away.
“Zeke, what in the freaking hell are you doing here?” I asked, slightly irritated by his presence and slightly delighted to see him here.
“You were not picking up my calls Kamille,” He replied.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
For a moment, we stood there, locked in a silent exchange, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air between us. But then, Zeke’s voice broke through the silence, his words laced with urgency and concern.
“Kamille, please,” he implored, his tone soft yet filled with a desperate plea. “You can’t do this alone. Let me help you.”
I could begin to feel the familiar tug of emotions stirring within me, but even as a part of me longed to surrender to his offer, another part of me knew that I had to stand firm in my resolve.
With a gentle yet firm motion, I removed myself from his grasp, meeting his gaze with a strong determination of my own. “I appreciate your concern, Zeke,” I reply, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging within. “But this is something I need to do on my own.”
As I turned away from him towards the car, the weight of his presence still lingered in the air behind me.
“Why are you insistent on standing in my way?” I asked.
“Can you just hear me out first Kamille?” Zeke retorted back. “I have not been comfortable withholding the information I carry and that is why I really need to talk to you,” He added.
“Fine, ” I replied and leaned onto my car, causing me to stand across from Zeke.
My heart raced as I tried to make sense of his words. The air between us was thick with tension and unspoken truths, and I could feel my pulse pounding in my ears.
“You got the video, right?” Zeke’s voice was steady, his eyes locked onto mine.
I felt a jolt of shock course through me. “So, you knew too?” I managed to ask, my voice trembling.
He nodded slowly. “I didn’t initially. But I kept on monitoring them for a while. When I was sure of the magnitude of their evil, you had already encountered the accident.”
I stared at him, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. “So, you were the secret helper too that gave me some money to survive on,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Zeke’s eyes softened, and he nodded again. “That alimony I sent was never enough to compensate for all that happened to you. Also, after the hospital, I searched for you but didn’t know where you went. That was why I was overly protective of you and the kids.”
My eyes widened in shock. “You fucking knew that too?” I yelled, unable to contain my anger and surprise.
When or how could he have known about the kids? My mind was swirling with different possibilities. I knew the kids shared a strong resemblance with him, but was that enough for him to be certain the kids were his?
“Yes, I knew,” he replied calmly. “And I want to help. Please, Kamille, let me take care of them.”
I shook my head, my emotions swirling in a chaotic storm. “It’s not necessary, Zeke. I’ve been taking care of them since and will continue to do so.”
He called my name softly, “Kamille,” but I cut him off, leaving the car abruptly.
“I have an appointment I don’t want to miss,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
Zeke looked at me, concern etched on his face. “Let me drop you off.”
“No, it’s fine. I can manage,” I insisted, my resolve weakening under his intense gaze.
“Please, Kamille,” he persisted, and I finally relented with a sigh.
“Fine,” I muttered, grabbing my bag and heading for the door to the passenger seat of his car.
The drive was silent, the air between us filled with unspoken words. My mind raced with thoughts and memories, trying to process everything Zeke had revealed. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, his strong profile illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the windows.
As we pulled up to my destination, I turned to him, my emotions still in turmoil. “Thank you for the ride,” I said stiffly, reaching for the door handle.
“Kamille, wait,” he said, his hand gently gripping my arm. “Please, let’s talk more. There’s so much we need to sort out.”
I shook my head, my eyes burning with unshed tears. “I can’t, Zeke. Not right now.”
He let go of my arm, his expression a mix of frustration and sadness. “Okay. But promise me you’ll consider letting me help.”
I nodded reluctantly, stepping out of the car. “I’ll think about it.”