My Daughter's Funeral, My Last Goodbye

Brandon's widowed sister-in-law,Sabrina,was expecting a baby.

At our daughter’s funeral,while the scent of lilies still clung to the air and the priest’s final words barely faded,he stood there with his arm around her like it was the most natural thing in the world.Like we weren’t burying a child.

Our child.

He didn’t even look sad.

Then he glanced at me,his voice smooth,rehearsed.“Sabrina’s a good person.Even after everything she’s been through,she still came in person to pay her respects.If Lyra is watching from above,she’ll look after her little brother and make sure he grows up safe and healthy.”

His tone made it sound like he was eulogizing someone else’s child,like Sabrina was the one grieving.

Not me.

Not the mother standing there with a hollowed-out chest.

I didn’t say a word.

Instead,I slipped off the wedding ring I’d worn for six years,turned around,and walked straight out of the funeral hall without once looking back.

Later,a few of the older relatives tried to smooth things over,whispering apologies and excuses.

And Brandon?He just gave a cold,smug little laugh.

“Don’t bother with her,”he said.“Let her throw her tantrum.She’ll come crawling back eventually,begging for another chance.”

The entire Doyle family burst out laughing like he’d cracked the joke of the century.And they weren’t subtle about it either.They had actual money riding on me—bets on when I’d break,when I’d come crawling back to Brandon,begging him to give me another child.

But what none of them knew was that the private jet—booked by Brandon himself,no less—was already in the air.

Three more hours,and I’d be gone.

Gone from Port City.Gone for good.

——

Back in the villa,I was upstairs packing when Brandon finally came home.He didn’t ask what I was doing,nor did he even glance at the suitcase.Like it was any other day,he just took off his coat and loosened his tie.

Completely casual,he said,“Hey,Camilla,Sabrina’s craving chicken soup.”

'The nerve of him...'I crumpled my hand into a fist,calmly trying not to retaliate.

Right then,my mind jumped back to that night at the office when I refused to bring Sabrina a cup of coffee.Brandon made me kneel there,in front of everyone,all night long like some pathetic lesson in obedience.

'Two hours left and I'm done here,'I said to myself.

Recollecting myself,I zipped up my bag and headed for the kitchen.Ten minutes later,I heard Sabrina giggling from the living room,all syrupy sweet.

“Mmm,this soup’s amazing,”she said.

Brandon’s face relaxed a little.The usual tension around his mouth softened.Then he turned to me.

“Camilla,”he said,“as long as you treat Sabrina’s baby like it’s your own,I won’t divorce you.”

Not long ago,there was a time when just hearing the word'divorce'would’ve wrecked me.

My heart would’ve jumped.My hands would’ve shaken.

But now?

Now I reached into my purse,pulled out the divorce papers I’d been holding onto for months,and laid them in front of him.

“Sign it,”I said quietly.

He didn’t even glance at them.Just arched a brow and snorted.

“Camilla,really?You think this weak-ass reverse psychology move is gonna work on me?I told you the day we got married.I only picked you because you looked like Sabrina.And if you’re still gonna act like this,I’ll just ship you overseas and leave you there to rot.”

Before I could get a word in,Sabrina let out this dramatic little gasp.

Brandon spun around like someone had pulled the fire alarm.“Sabrina?What’s wrong?”

“Brandon…I don’t know…I just feel itchy.All over,”she said,her voice soft and pitiful.

Her acting was so bad it was almost funny—like high school theater level.

But of course,Brandon didn’t care.

He was in full-blown panic mode—just not for me.

He stormed across the room,his face twisted in fury.“What the hell did you put in the soup?!”he barked,charging toward me like I’d just tried to commit a felony.“Are you trying to poison her?!”

I barely had time to part my lips before he grabbed the bowl off the table,scooped up what was left,and shoved the spoon into my mouth,forcing it down my throat without a second thought.

The thing is,I’m allergic to chicken.

He knew that.

Within minutes,my throat started to tighten.Breathing felt like trying to suck air through a straw.I collapsed to the floor,clutching at my neck.

“H-help…”I gasped.“I—I can’t…”

My vision blurred.A fire broke out across my skin,welts forming on my neck,my arms.I could barely lift my head.

And Brandon?

He had the nerve to look irritated,as if I were being inconvenient or my reaction was somehow ruining his night.Then he kicked me aside so he could get back to her.

I blacked out not long after.

Everything that followed was a blur:sirens screaming,cold hospital lights,the sharp sting of an IV sliding into my arm.

Half an hour later,I walked back into the house after getting cleared from the ER.

The second I stepped through the door,I heard them upstairs.

“Brandon,ahh!Babe,go easy on me,”Sabrina’s voice floated down,syrupy sweet.“You have to be careful with the baby…”

He answered just as casually.“Don’t worry.You’re three months in now.It’s safe.”

Three months.

Exactly three months ago…was our wedding anniversary.

I stopped cold in the foyer.'So that night,that late meeting at the office...'

That was the night he got her pregnant.

The realization didn’t just hit me.It detonated inside me.

I stood there,staring up at the ceiling,feeling the air drain from the room.

And just like that,something inside me snapped.Clean.Loud.Final.

I walked into his study room,grabbed the framed family photo from his desk,tore it to shreds,and tossed the pieces into the trash without blinking.Then I went straight to the safe box.I entered Sabrina’s birthday,took my ID,my passport,and all the important documents that mattered.

Without glancing back,I walked out of the villa.

At the front gate,the security guard straightened when he saw me approaching.

“Ma’am,”he said politely,“do you need a ride?Should I call the driver for you?”

I shook my head,calm and steady.“No need.The car I called is already waiting—”

But before I could even finish the sentence,the phone inside the security booth started ringing.

Chapter 2

Camilla's POV

About thirty minutes later,I found myself strapped to a hospital bed,thick restraint bands digging into my wrists.My skin was cold,my mind foggy—but my ears caught every word of the argument happening just outside the door.

Brandon’s voice cut through first,sharp,irritated.

Then came Dr.Nathan Reed,Brandon's childhood friend.

“Brandon,I don’t care if you feel nothing for Camilla anymore,”Nathan snapped.“She carried your children without complaint.She stood by you for six damn years.And now,just because Sabrina’s pregnancy is high-risk,you’re tying Camilla down and forcing her into a uterus transplant?You understand that no matter what happens to Sabrina,Camilla will never be able to have children again.”

“Not having children is just fine.Sounds ideal,doesn’t it?”Brandon’s voice came back flat and emotionless.“Besides,Lyra’s death just proved Camilla was never meant to be a mother.Taking her uterus out ends this little fantasy she keeps clinging to—about giving me another kid.Women like her will do anything for a piece of status.As long as they’ve got food and a roof over their head?They'll follow orders.”

Then I heard footsteps approaching my room.I quickly shut my eyes and forced my body still.

A finger brushed a stray hair off my cheek.

“Camilla,”Brandon murmured,his voice soft.“If you just cooperate and go through with this simple surgery,I’ll give you whatever you want.”

For the first time in our marriage,he truly sounded gentle.

But I didn't flinch.Without glancing at him,I slowly opened my eyes,keeping my focus on Nathan,who stood behind him.

“Dr.Reed,”I said quietly,“please go ahead with the surgery.I’ve got something I need to take care of after.”

Nathan blinked.“Something to take care of?”

Disbelief etched itself into Brandon's face as he turned towards me.His lips parted,his eyes hardening into that familiar,chilling stare,questioning what a woman like me,a housewife,could be up to in the middle of the night.

Before he could say anything,his phone rang.

I recognized the ringtone instantly—Sabrina.

He picked up without hesitation.

"Sabrina,there's no need to be scared,"he said gently.“I’m coming right now.”

And just like that,he was gone.

Nathan’s eyes lingered on the door before turning back to me,his expression softening with pity.

“Camilla,”he said quietly,“you still have a choice.It’s not too late.”

I remembered my dad.A decade ago,Brandon paid for his chemotherapy and hospital expenses.

So I gave Nathan a faint smile,shook my head,and said,“I just need one favor from you,Dr.Reed…”

...

Two hours later,the first thing I saw was Brandon,sitting by the bed like he’d been there all night.Judging by his calm,almost satisfied expression,I could tell that Sabrina’s surgery must’ve gone smoothly.

He leaned forward to me and asked,“Camilla,you didn't tell me earlier what you want as a reward."

I blinked slowly,keeping my voice even.“You can peel me an apple.”

That simple,harmless request made him pause,catching him off guard.

He must have thought I was starving because,just minutes later,the room was overflowing with takeout bags from all my favorite restaurants.Back then,Brandon barely ever sat down to eat with me.But now,he was right there at the table,watching,waiting for me to dig in.

But I didn’t touch a thing.

He frowned,set down his utensils.“If none of this is what you want,just tell me.I’ll have someone bring you whatever you’re craving.”

I looked straight at him and said plainly,“It’s fine.I’m not hungry.”

Right then,my phone buzzed.

The number was unknown and did not have a caller ID.

Curious,I got up,stepped into the bathroom,and answered,"Hello?"

The familiar voice on the other end was low,gravelly,and tinged with worry.“Camilla,I just landed at Port City Airport.I don’t see you.Is it because…you still can’t let go of him?”

“No,”I said quickly.“Something came up on the way.I got delayed.”

His voice tightened.“What happened?Are you hurt?Where are you?Just send me your location.I’ll come find you.”

I cut him off gently before he could spiral.“I’ve got it handled.Can you wait for me?”

Without hesitation,he answered,“Of course,I’ll wait.”

And that was all I needed to hear.I lowered my head,pressing my lips together,trying to hold back the smile tugging at the corners.

Then a loud slam startled me.The bathroom door burst open,and Brandon stood in the doorway.

He marched in,his eyes blazing.

Chapter 3

Camila's POV

“Camilla,who were you talking to in there?”Brandon asked,his voice low,suspicious,already tilting toward confrontation.

I ended the call just in time and met his gaze—steady,unbothered.

“Just a friend,”I replied,cool and flat.

'Just a friend.'The words tasted ridiculous the second they left my mouth.

What kind of“friend”do you sneak off to the bathroom to call while your husband’s sitting in the next room?

He was already connecting the dots,probably gearing up for one of his signature interrogations—half accusation,half performance,when a low rumble of thunder rolled in from outside the window.

And just like that,I lost him.His whole body tensed,attention shifting.

Without another word,he turned on his heel and rushed down the hallway toward the VIP suite.

Because,of course,Sabrina was afraid of thunderstorms.

Every time it rained,he dropped everything to be with her.It didn’t matter what he was doing or if I was in the middle of a sentence or a breakdown.

I used to cry.I used to beg.I used to chase after him like my love could compete with her fear.

But this time?I didn’t move.

No scene.No meltdown.No grabbing of his sleeve and whispering,'Please don’t go!'

I just stood there.

Halfway down the hall,he slowed down,looking confused.

I wasn’t behind him.

Something twisted in his face—tight,foreign.He furrowed his brow,not sure why it suddenly felt wrong.

But he didn’t turn back.He just kept walking,assuming I was finally learning my place.

...

The next day,as if I’d somehow earned a reward,Brandon dragged me to the mall.

No heads-up.No,“Do you want to come?”

He just pulled me along with him and Sabrina as if I were a dog on a leash.I trailed behind them while they wandered from boutique to boutique,laughing and whispering as though they were the stars of some painfully clichéromance.

And me?I was the extra in the background.

Everyone in that mall knew I was Mrs.Doyle.But it didn’t matter.Not to them.Not to him.

Salesgirls smiled politely—too politely—as they handed me shopping bags like I was the hired help.

“Thank you for stopping by,ma’am,”one chirped,her eyes flicking to Sabrina like she was royalty.I stood there holding heels,designer sweaters,a stupid pink maternity coat—as if I should be grateful.

Brandon didn’t say a word.He had one arm around Sabrina,planting a kiss on her hair while she leaned into him with that smug little smirk.

By the time we made it to the elevator,my arms were numb.I was sore,still recovering from surgery,barely hanging on.

And then I missed a step.My foot caught the edge.My knee buckled.

Everything—bags,boxes,pride—crashed to the floor with me.I hit the ground hard,pain lancing through my shoulder as clothes and shopping bags scattered everywhere like some pathetic explosion of luxury.

Neither of them turned around.

Not even once.No one turned back.

While I was picking myself up,Brandon was already in the baby boutique with Sabrina,helping her pick out onesies.

Pink or blue?She couldn’t decide.

He just smiled,pulled out his black card,and handed it to the clerk.

“We’ll take everything,”he said.

I finally caught up,still looking a mess,just in time to hear one of the employees gush to Sabrina.

“Ma’am,I’m so jealous of your little baby.He’s not even born yet,and he already has such a perfect,loving dad.”

Looking at the little star-patterned hair tie around my wrist,I remembered the day when our daughter,Lyra,was struck by sudden,acute meningitis.

Her fever wouldn’t break.Her lips were pale.Her little hands kept reaching for me.

I had called Brandon 199 times.

His phone wasn’t off.He just didn’t pick up.

In the ER,her voice was barely a whisper.“Mommy…I promise I won’t steal milk candy again.”

Tears spilled down my cheeks.“Why would you say that,baby?”

“Because Daddy must be mad at me,”she said.“I wasn’t good.That’s why he won’t come to see me.Mommy,I’m sorry.I’m a useless kid.I couldn’t help you make Daddy love you.”

Later,when the doctors told me she might not make it,I went to Sabrina’s apartment and begged to let Brandon come to the hospital with me.

I dropped to my knees outside her door,pleading.

Crying.

She didn’t come out.But her bodyguards did.

They dragged me down the hallway and slapped me.

Over and over.

By the time the hospital called to say Lyra was gone,Brandon was just waking up from his afternoon nap.He opened the door,yawned,and looked at me like I was trash left on the curb.

My face was swollen and bruised.I could barely speak.

All he said was,“Didn’t I tell you not to bother Sabrina?This is what you get for not listening.”

Snapping back to the present,I put down all the shopping bags,turned around,and started walking toward the exit.Just then,Brandon grabbed my wrist with a firm grip and pulled me into the jewelry store on the top floor.

“Camilla,”he said,his tone unreadable,“didn’t you always complain about wanting a necklace?”

He brushed my hair off my shoulder,trying to make it look like some affectionate gesture.Then he turned to the counter and started browsing.

Off to the side,Sabrina watched in silence.Then,as if on cue,she stepped in,curling herself against his chest.

She looked at me with a soft,sugary smile.

“Camilla,”she said sweetly,“if it weren’t for your generous donation of your uterus,our baby might not have made it.Brandon,don’t you think we should have a little dinner tonight to thank her properly?”

Brandon smiled down at her,brushing her bangs aside like she was made of porcelain.

“My precious Sabrina,whatever you want,we’ll do it,"he replied.

I didn’t argue.I didn’t decline.

I had some documents I needed to grab from the villa,anyway.

So I smiled faintly,nodded,and said nothing.It wasn't because I wanted dinner.

It was because I needed to go back one last time.

Chapter 4

Camilla's POV

On the drive home,I sat in the back seat,silent,staring out the window while Brandon and Sabrina’s giggles floated up from the front.

They weren’t even trying to hide it.

Sabrina was curled against him like a high school girl on a date,her voice all sugary-sweet as she whispered,“Brandon,you’re so bad…We shouldn’t be doing this.What if Camilla finds out?”

Brandon let out a low laugh,acting like I wasn’t even there.But I caught him checking the rearview mirror—again and again—trying to catch a reaction.

I gave him nothing.

Just kept tapping away at the mobile game on my phone,calm as ever.

If he was waiting for a meltdown,he was going to be disappointed.

But I saw it.

The same flicker in his eyes I’d noticed that night outside the bathroom.The suspicion,the unease,creeping back in like smoke curling around a flame.

Then came the snap.

“Camilla,hand me a tissue,”he barked,holding out a damp hand without even looking.

I didn’t blink.Just passed him a tissue and went right back to my screen like he was invisible.

Not a second later,he yelled,“What the hell are you even looking at?”

Before I could say a word,he reached over and yanked the phone from my hands.His eyes narrowed the second he saw the lock screen.

“Why did you change your background?”

For years,it had been the same photo of me,him,and Lyra.That perfect little image of a family that never really existed.But that was gone and replaced by a random default image that was generic and meaningless.

And somehow,that hit him.

His whole expression changed.His jaw clenched.His face darkened like a storm cloud rolling in.

When I didn’t answer,he threw the phone back at me,disgusted.

As we started winding up the hill toward the villa,Sabrina piped up like a child with a craving.

“Brandon,I really want shrimp croquettes…”

Brandon didn’t even hesitate.

He hit the brakes hard,turned to me,and said coldly,“Get out.Go home and make dinner.”

Just like that.No shame.No explanation.

He kicked me out of the car like I was an assistant who’d overstepped.Like I was nothing.

So I walked.

Two hours in heels,each step cutting deeper,until the skin on my feet was torn and bleeding.

But I made it.

I didn’t stop.Just went straight to the spot near the villa gate where I’d hidden my documents.My fingers were shaking as I dug them out,but I didn’t care—I was done.

I was leaving.

And just as I turned to go,a rusted-out truck came screeching around the corner.Tires screeched.Dust flew.

Before I could move,two men jumped out.

No warning.No talking.

Just hands—rough,fast,unforgiving.They grabbed me and dragged me toward the truck.Blacked-out windows.Slammed doors.Gone.

...

When I came to,the air was thick with dust and the stench of rusted metal.I was on the cold floor of what looked like an abandoned mine.Vision blurry.Limbs numb.The silence pressed down like a weight.

And then I saw her.

Sabrina.

She looked like she was headed to a fashion shoot with her heels,red lipstick,and a designer coat.

Not a hair out of place.

She walked toward me slowly,heels clacking against the concrete with every step.Then,with zero hesitation,she ground the pointed toe of one into the back of my hand.

I didn’t flinch.

Her lips curled into a sneer.“God,Camilla.Look at you.You’re pathetic!Brandon and I are having a baby,and you’re still clinging to him like a sad little leech.”

She knelt beside me,voice dipped in faux sympathy,but her eyes were gleaming.“Still playing the victim,huh?Still hoping he’ll feel guilty enough to throw scraps your way?Let me save you the heartbreak,idiot,Brandon’s only ever loved one woman.”

She then leaned closer,her breath like sugar laced with poison.“And it’s me.”

I must’ve smiled—just a little.

Her expression twisted instantly.“You cheap woman!What are you laughing at?!”

I looked her dead in the eye.“You.You're just wasting your time,Sabrina.This...your entire plan?It’s just embarrassing.”

She snapped.

Her hand flew before I could blink.

Once.

Then again.

Harder the second time.

But this time she smiled while she did it,like she enjoyed it.Like she'd been waiting for the excuse.

“You still think you’re winning?”she hissed.“You never figured out what really happened to your daughter,did you?”

My stomach dropped.

Sabrina leaned in,so close I could see every ounce of venom in her eyes.

“At Lyra’s birthday party,”she said with a twisted smile,“I made a little joke.Told her,‘If you’re brave enough to eat a whole snot slug,your daddy will come home and blow out the candles with you.’I didn’t think she’d actually do it.But she did.”

My stomach dropped.

“She got sick—really sick.You didn’t know that part,did you?She called Brandon herself.While we were watching a movie.”

She shrugged,so casually I could’ve screamed.

“He looked at the caller ID and said,‘She’ll be fine.Let her sleep it off.’Then he hung up.”

I couldn’t breathe.My entire body went cold.

And then something inside me snapped.

I lunged.“You heartless witch!”

I grabbed her by the hair and dragged her deeper into the mine,yanking her toward the exact spot I knew they had buried the dynamite.

She shrieked,kicking and flailing,nails clawing at my arms as she cursed me like a woman possessed.

That’s when the men came back.They saw us,yelled,and rushed in.

They slammed me to the ground.Fists flew.Boots hammered into my ribs,into my back.It all came in waves—sharp,crushing,unrelenting.

Then,somewhere in the chaos,someone stepped on the detonator.

A deafening boom shattered through the cavern.The ground shook like the earth itself had cracked open.The walls groaned.Dust and debris rained from above.

The mine roared like a living,angry beast.

And for a split second,I thought:'This is it.'

The walls shuddered.The air turned to smoke.The ground cracked beneath us.

And then,I heard him.

“Camilla!”Brandon’s voice,wild with panic,rang through the dust and rubble.

More shouting followed—authorities,police.

“Mr.Doyle!You can’t go in!It’s not safe—the mine’s collapsing!”

But he didn’t stop.“I don’t care!I’m going in to get her!”

He shoved past them,disappearing into the debris.Somehow,through all that smoke and broken stone,he found me.

Our eyes met,just for a second.

And then,from behind him,came that voice.

Soft.Fragile.Timed like a dagger.

“…Brandon.”

Chapter 5

Brandon's POV

“Brandon,my leg…”Sabrina’s voice was shaky,almost falling apart.

The second I saw her,everything else around me blurred out.It was like the world narrowed in on just her.

There was no dust,no wreckage,no chaos.Just Sabrina.

“Sabrina!What the hell are you doing here?!”

A surge of panic—followed immediately by guilt—hit me hard.She looked so damn fragile,like she’d shatter if I let go.

I didn’t think.I just scooped her up into my arms,held her tight,and walked off.

...

Two hours later,we were at the hospital.They’d run every test,scanned every inch of her,and checked all her vitals.

Sabrina was fine.Thank God.

I stayed close,watching as the nurses worked,making sure she was comfortable.Once I knew she was stable and once the tight knot in my chest started to loosen,I could feel my mind finally snap back into focus.

I remembered Camilla.

I’d left her behind.

Without wasting another second,I got in the car and headed straight to the abandoned mine site.

The place was still a disaster.Rescue teams were everywhere,working through the rubble.Heavy machinery hummed in the background,and the entire area looked like it had been ravaged by a bomb.

I moved from person to person,asking the same questions again and again.

“Have you seen a woman named Camila Doyle?”

“Anyone find a woman?”

But no one had any answers.No one had seen her.

I remembered seeing Camilla earlier,before Sabrina started calling out to me.She had looked fine,unharmed.If she’d gotten out,she must’ve headed home.The rescuers would’ve told me if they’d seen her.

With that thought in mind,I turned around and headed back to the hospital,where Sabrina was waiting for me.

...

Camilla’s POV

The VIP suite by the private helipad still smelled like jet fuel and some overpriced cologne that clung to the furniture like a memory you couldn’t scrub out.

I had just stepped out of the shower,towel wrapped around my damp hair,steam still clinging to the mirrors,when my phone lit up.

Brandon.

I didn’t pick up.

A few seconds later,a message came through:

[Don’t throw a tantrum.No one’s going to keep indulging you.By the way,Sabrina wants some butterfly pastries.Bake them in the morning and bring them to the airport by 4 PM.]

I just stared at the screen.

Didn’t blink.

Didn’t sigh.

Didn’t feel a thing.

I hit'block'without even thinking twice.

No hesitation.No second thoughts.

Brandon Doyle,from this day on,you no longer exist.

…

Brandon’s POV

The airport was crowded with waiting passengers.We stood near the departure gate,the cherry blossom trip hanging between us like some half-kept promise I never really meant to make.

Sabrina shifted closer,eyes wide,voice soft.“Brandon,do you not want to go see the cherry blossoms with me anymore?”

I didn’t answer right away.After the incident,I knew Sabrina needed some reassurance.

So I squeezed her hand gently,and said,“Of course I do,Sabrina.We’re here,aren’t we?Just waiting to board.”

But she wasn’t letting it go.

“You’ve been looking around like you’re expecting someone else to show up,”she said,lips pressed into a pout.

I didn’t even think.I just fired back,“If you don’t want to go,you can fly over without me.”

Sabrina blinked,surprised.She expected my certainty that I would always be there for her,no matter what.

Pressing my lips together,I kept quiet for a beat and then said flatly,“Alright.You go ahead.I’ll wrap things up at the office and meet you there.”

Her eyes widened.She didn’t see that coming.

And the truth?

Nothing was waiting for me at work.No deal.No crisis.Nothing urgent.

I didn't know why,but I didn't feel like going on vacation.

'Is it because Camilla hadn’t come home?'I thought.

Hell,no.That wasn’t it.

Camilla had always been a substitute.A placeholder.She looked just enough like Sabrina to make things convenient.I never loved her.Never told her I did.

'So why the hell does something feel…off?'I didn’t have an answer.

Seeing Sabrina's flabbergasted reaction,I kissed her on the forehead.“I’ll be there soon.I just need to finish some work.You and the baby go enjoy the blossoms.I’ll catch up.”

After that,she boarded,while I stayed.

I simply stood at the gate,gazing into the emptiness,hands in my pockets as if I were waiting for a train that wasn’t coming.Eventually,I pulled out my phone and called the house.

“Is Camilla still asleep?”I asked the housekeeper.

There was a pause before she said,hesitantly,“Mr.Doyle…Miss Camilla didn’t come home last night.”

I froze.

Then I let out a bitter laugh.“Perfect.If she doesn’t want to come back,then wipe her fingerprints from the door system.All of them.And let the staff know—she doesn’t set foot in the house again without my say-so.Ever.”

I hung up before she could answer and went straight to the office,diving straight into paperwork.

...

Five days had passed since the incident.Still,there was no word.No trace of Camilla.

It was as if she had disappeared into thin air.

I buried myself in the office,letting work consume me,hoping it would distract me from the gnawing feeling inside.It was already late,and I’d been grinding through a project for the whole day.

With that,I decided to head back home.

To my bed.To sleep from my exhaustion.

But when I opened the door to the bedroom,I stopped.

Someone was there.

At first,I only saw the curve of her body under the blanket.Her loose hair spilling over the pillow.Everything in me tensed up.

I walked straight over and grabbed her wrist.

“So much for your whole‘I’m too good for you’speech,”I snapped.“What,five days alone was enough to change your mind?”

She stirred and turned her face.

I went cold.“Sabrina…?What the hell are you doing here?”

She looked up at me,eyes a little red but smiling like this was all normal.“I was bored.Missed you.Thought I’d come back early and surprise you.”

Then she tilted her head,studied me.“Brandon…did you think I was Camilla just now?”

"Of course not!"I clenched my jaw and continued,“I had too much to drink tonight.That’s all it was.”

I lied.

I hadn’t had a single drop.

Still,I smiled,softening my tone.I sat beside her until the shivers in her shoulders eased and her breathing evened out.Once she was asleep,I stood,loosened my tie,and walked into the bathroom.

I flipped on the light,leaned over the sink,and stared into the mirror.

Hands braced.Jaw tight.

Chapter 6

Brandon’s POV

I stood in the bathroom,staring at the row of toiletries she used to obsess over.Shampoo,serum,face mist—lined up just the way she liked them.

Nothing touched.Nothing moved.

I frowned and pinched the bridge of my nose.

How long had it been now?A week?

Had she really decided not to come back?

But this weekend,it was my birthday.

And every year,without fail,Camilla would go over the top.She’d bake the cake herself,hand-mix the frosting,even decorate the damn living room like we were throwing a kid’s party.Traditions meant everything to her.She never missed a birthday.

No way she’d miss this one.

My thumb hovered over my phone screen,halfway to sending her a message.

But then I scoffed,locked it,and slid it back into my pocket.'Forget it.'

Later that night,I walked into the private suite with Sabrina on my arm.The birthday party was already in full swing—drinks flowing,voices loud,the usual crowd making noise like they owned the place.

“Oh,look who finally showed up—the bride and groom!”someone called out,halfway through their champagne.

“Don’t even need to guess why they were late,”another guy added with a grin.“Just look at Sabrina’s lipstick.Brandon probably snuck in dessert before dinner!”

The room roared with laughter.

I gave a faint smile,looked around at the faces—same circle,same fake jokes,same loud,rich people.

But something felt off.

Someone was missing.

And I realized it when I caught myself glancing at the door.

Camilla.

My smile started to fade.

...

A few drinks later,someone muttered,“Man…look at the time.Where’s Camilla?She’d usually be clinging to Brandon by now,right?”

That got quiet real fast.

Everyone suddenly remembered they didn’t know what side of the line they were standing on.

I leaned back in my chair,took a slow sip of whiskey,and said,“What’s up?You sound curious about my wife.”

The guy laughed nervously,hands up.“Nah,I just remembered last year.You got her so wasted that she puked bile all over her shoes.That night was nuts.”

Sabrina perked up and clapped her hands.“Wait,play the video!You know,the one where Camilla’s totally drunk.Put it on the screen.”

And the staff did what Sabrina requested.They played the clip on the big screen,full volume.

There she was,Camilla,drunk,stumbling,humiliated,everyone laughing like it was comedy gold.

The room was howling,except for me.

Distracted,I picked up my phone,opened her contact,and typed out a message:

[Camilla,where the hell are you?]

Red dot.I was blocked.

I stared at the screen for a second too long,like maybe it would change if I just waited.

Sabrina leaned in.“Something wrong?”

I forced a short laugh.“Nothing.Just got a little tipsy.Gonna get some air.”

Right there,I stepped out into the hallway and found a quiet corner near the exit.

I dialed Camilla's number,but her voice didn't come out.

Just that cold,automated voice:'The number you have dialed is not in service.'

I called again.Same result.

So,I texted her again,but there was no reply.

The back of my neck started to tighten,but before I could think it through,I felt a familiar grip slide around my waist.

Sabrina’s voice in my ear whirled me out of my thoughts.“Brandon,your cake’s here.Come in and blow out the candles.”

Before I could answer,she pulled me back into the suite.

I was greeted by my tall birthday cake.

Nine layers,over-the-top,ridiculous.

Expensive as hell and not even close to what Camilla would’ve made.

Still,I asked the waiter,“Who ordered this?”

“It's Miss Sabrina,”he said.“She made the arrangements herself.”

I nodded,jaw tight.Said nothing.

We blew out the candles together.Or,well—she did.I barely moved.

Then came the parade of gifts.

Watches.Keys.Stock.All the usual gestures from people who didn’t know me.

Then Sabrina stepped forward with a small envelope in hand.

“Brandon,”she said,smiling.“We’re having a boy.”

My head went blank for a second.

I opened the envelope,stared at the results,then said,“That’s great,Camilla,we—”

Silence.

Complete,dead silence.

It hit me right after the words left my mouth.

I’d said her name.

Camilla.

Sabrina’s expression went cold in an instant.Her smile dropped.She stood up,shoved past the chairs,and stormed out without another word.

I was about to go after her when I heard Nathan’s voice behind me.

“Brandon,”he said.“Camilla asked me to give you something.”