Sixty one
Kamilles POV
Tears streamed down my face, unchecked and raw, as I finally allowed myself to release the flood of emotions that had been building inside me.
“Why?” I asked slowly, my voice cracking with anguish. “What were you aiming at Zeke?”
Zeke stared at me in shock, his hand pressed to his stinging cheek. “Kamille, I-”
I didn’t let him finish. The words spilled from my lips in a torrent of pain and anger, each one laced with the bitter taste of betrayal.
“Was everything you did for me just a facade?” I demanded, my voice rising with each word. “Did you only come to my rescue because you knew something like this would happen? Were you just playing the hero all along?”
Zeke’s expression softened, his eyes pleading with me to understand. “No, Kamille, that’s now-”
But I cut him off again, unable to bear the thought of his excuses. “If that’s true, then I want nothing to do with you,” I declared. “And I told you already, we can’t be together again.
Zeke’s face had fallen and he stood transfixed to the spot. His gaze searched mine for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But I refused to waver, my heart hardened against the pain of his betrayal.
“No, Kamille, you don’t understand,” he insisted, desperation creeping into his voice. “I did what I did to protect you. I couldn’t bear to see you hurt again, not after everything you’ve been through.”
I scoffed bitterly, shaking my head in disbelief. “And where was your protection when my children and I were chased by some lunatic behind wheels?” I demanded, my voice rising with accusation. “Where were you when they needed you the most?” I added in a more subtle tone.
Silence hung heavy in the air as Zeke struggled to find an answer, his gaze falling to the floor in shame. “Just forget it,” I said and walked past him in annoyance.
I stumbled out into the hospital gardens, the cool evening air soothing against my flushed cheeks. Tears continued to stream down my face. I was heavily heartbroken and disappointed at the outcome of the events.
Finding a secluded corner, I sank to the ground. My voice choked with sobs as I poured out my heart.
“I’m tired, Grandma,” I whispered.
For a moment, I sat in silence, the only sound was the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. After a while, I finally decided on what I was going to do.
I couldn’t continue to let Zeke’s actions dictate my life, couldn’t allow myself to be consumed by anger and resentment, and couldn’t allow him to hinder any of my plans or delay it.
Confident in my decision, I rose to my feet. As I turned, I froze. Standing quietly behind me was Zeke.
For a moment, we stood there in silence and as I looked into his eyes, I saw a flicker of something – it felt like pain, hurt, and regret.
“What are you doing here and how long have you been standing there?” I asked, my voice steady.
“I’ve been here for a while,” he replied quietly, his gaze unwavering as he met my eyes.
I nodded. “Thank you for everything, Zeke,” I said, my voice tinged with gratitude. “But I need you to take your men off my trail and I have also decided that I’m leaving the hospital.”
Zeke’s brow furrowed in concern. “But the kids,” he began, his voice pleading. “They’ve just been admitted. They need to be monitored.”
I shook my head. “I can bring them in if the doctors need to monitor them,” I countered. “Or they can come to my house. I just need my space.”
Zeke sighed heavily. “Okay,” he said softly. “I’ll have the doctors come over for the checkup.”
Relief washed over me as I realized that he was respecting my wishes. “Thank you,” I said sincerely. I had half expected him to argue with me. I arranged my hair and began to walk away.
But as I turned to leave, Zeke reached out to me, his voice calling me softly. Before he could say anything, I cut him off, my words tumbling out in a rush.
“Don’t, please don’t say what you have to say, Zeke,” I pleaded, my voice thick with emotion.
With a resigned nod, Zeke released my hand, his expression pained. And as I turned and made my way back inside the ward, I couldn’t shake the feeling of longing that tugged at my heart.
I arrived back inside the ward and gazed down at my children sleeping peacefully. Who could have possibly wanted to harm them?
Zeke was definitely not the culprit.
Deep down, I knew that he would never intentionally harm my children. But even so, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to step back and this was an opportunity that presented itself on a platter of nothing.
Breaking the silence of the room, the sound of voices pulled me from my reverie. Turning towards the entrance of the ward, I was surprised to see Amanda and Belle entering the room.
“Kamille, are you okay?” Amanda asked, her voice laced with concern as she rushed to my side.
I forced a smile. “I’m fine, just lost in thought,” I replied, my voice betraying a hint of exhaustion.
Belle stepped forward, her expression sympathetic. “We heard about what happened with you and the kids.” she said softly. “Is there anything we can do to help?”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
I shook my head, grateful for their concern but unsure of how to answer. “I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I just need some time to process everything.”
Amanda nodded understandingly, her gaze lingering on my children with a mixture of sympathy and sadness. “We’ll be here for you, Kamille,” she said reassuringly. “Whatever you need, we’re here to support you.”
“How did you ladies know about the kids?” I asked as curiosity flickered in my eyes. They exchanged a glance before Belle spoke up, her voice gentle yet tinged with concern.
“Zeke’s personal assistant reached out to us,” she explained, her words carrying a sense of gravity.
I nodded, a sense of gratitude welling within me for Zeke’s thoughtfulness, despite the complexities of our relationship.
“I-I’m going home. I’m tired already.” I managed to say.
Before I could stop myself, silent sobs wracked my body, tears streaming down my cheeks. Amanda and Belle wasted no time in wrapping me in a comforting embrace, their words of solace a balm to my wounded soul.
After a while, I regained composure. “I should prepare to leave soon.” I said to Belle and Amanda.
“Alright love, I would go get the kid’s stuff from Zeke’s penthouse then.” Belle offered.
“Thank you, Belle,” I said softly.
Amanda and Belle both looked at me with warm smiles. “Of course, Kam,” Belle replied, her voice filled with understanding. “We’re here to help in any way we can.”
Amanda glanced up, her eyes reflecting understanding and empathy. “Of course, Kamille,” she said softly, her words a soothing balm to my weary soul. “We’ll take care of everything here.”
Belle nodded in agreement, her expression a mixture of sympathy and determination. “You just focus on getting home and taking care of yourself and the kids,” she said, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Once everything was gathered, we gathered around in the ward as the nurses helped us roll out the sleeping kids. I sighed heavily.
“We’ll get through this together,” Amanda said, rubbing my shoulders in a mild way.
Belle nodded in agreement, her gaze meeting mine with a shared understanding. “No matter what happens, we’re here for you,” she said.
We all boarded the car Amanda came with. They helped me with the kids and the luggage. The nurses also came to our aid and in no time, we were on the road and heading home. I just wanted a long and warm bath to end the day.
I made a silent promise to my children that they would not face what they faced today ever again.