Nathan's POV
Today is a special day - it's the third anniversary since Camila and I have been together. Despite the passing of time, our love remains as strong and beautiful as on the day we first met. I've prepared a surprise for her - I've worked three part-time jobs to afford a special gift that I know she'll love. I can't wait to see her reaction and celebrate our love on this special day.
Firstly, I was going to get her a gift, and I reserved a table at a popular and expensive restaurant. I knew I was making a huge dent in my wallet with all these expenses, but Camila deserves everything I'm doing for her and more. I had even written her a note to thank her for all her love and support and for standing by me through thick and thin. I had rehearsed every word, and when I was sure it was perfect, I walked into my bathroom and had my bath.
I happily got dressed in neatly ironed dark blue jeans trousers and a white t-shirt. I put on my affordable cologne. I wanted to smell very nice today. I styled my hair and picked up my phone. I've had this phone for eight years. The screen is so cracked that I can barely see anything properly. I don't have enough money to change it yet, but as soon as I do, I will change it right away. I had other important things to use my money for other than buying a cell phone. I rushed out and locked my bedroom door.
I walked into a popular jewelry store. It was filled with well-dressed people. Men in sleek suits and women in expensive gowns, I stood out like a sore thumb. They all stared at me, but I ignored their stares and walked towards the salesgirl.
"Good afternoon. I am looking for a nice couple's ring to buy. Can you show me some samples?" I asked politely. She looked at me for a while, taking in my appearance, before responding.
"Of course, sir, we have new collections from this season," she said, opening the show glass and bringing out some rings. They glistened brightly.
"These are all pure diamonds. They are one hundred million dollars each," she said.
My eyes widened in shock. Two hundred million dollars for just rings? I haven't even seen half of that money in my life.
"Which one would you like me to wrap for you?" she asked curiously. I gulped.
"Do you have rings at lower prices? Ones that would be able to fit my budget?" I asked politely. She nodded.
"If you could just tell me what your budget is, I will find something for you," she replied.
I glanced around before responding. "Can you get me two rings for a hundred dollars?" I asked inquisitively. She stared at me skeptically before scoffing.
"We don't sell those types of rings here. What kind of jewelry shop do you think you walked into? I'm sure you would find a ring that suits your budget perfectly at a roadside stall. If you excuse me, sir, there are other customers behind you, I have to attend to," she said dismissively. I stepped aside for the people behind me.
I hurriedly walked out of the shop without looking back. I could feel their judgy glances at me. I've always been treated like this, so it's nothing new. It was a huge mistake of mine to think I could afford to buy jewelry from such a sophisticated and expensive-looking shop. I sighed while walking into a flower and chocolate shop. I bought a bouquet of blue roses and a box of chocolates. Both are Camila's favorites. On my way to her apartment, I saw a woman selling rings and engraving lovers' names on them.
I walked towards her and bought two rings. She engraved our names on them, as well as an infinity sign I specifically asked her to engrave. She wrapped them nicely for eighty dollars. I thanked her before walking away. I stared at the rings happily. It might not be a diamond or gold ring, but it was an exceptional ring. It holds a very significant meaning. Giving her this ring would mean we were going to be together forever. Until infinity.
I had already exhausted my last penny. I didn't have enough for a cab, so I rode a bus to her place. The seats were all occupied. So, I stood holding the grab rails. The bus was filled with so many noisy and sweaty people. I held the roses and chocolates carefully above my head so no one could destroy them. I arrived at my bus stop and got off.
I didn't inform Camila that I would be visiting her. I wanted this to be a surprise, and then later in the evening, we would have a romantic dinner date together. I'm sure she would be so excited. I haven't been able to do much for our past anniversaries, and I want this to be different and memorable. She lived in her exquisitely furnished three-bedroom apartment alone. I stayed over sometimes, and her friends did too whenever I was not around.
I saw a blue sports car in front of her apartment. Camila didn't have this type of car. I know all her cars. Perhaps the car went into another apartment. The people who lived on that side of the city were very wealthy, so I wouldn't be surprised if one of them owned that car. I had the keys to her house, so I opened the door and got in. I entered her spacious and lavish living room. I saw two glasses of red wine sitting on the table. Does she have a visitor? I thought as I decided to walk into her room.
I touched the rings in my pocket excitedly. I straightened my shirt and smoothed out my hair. Satisfied that everything was perfect, I pulled the door to her room open happily. My face fell when I saw Camila straddling another man and kissing him passionately on her bed. Their bodies were so tightly entwined together. They were so engrossed in their act that they didn't notice someone coming in.
The flowers and chocolate fell from my hands onto the floor with a thud. Its contents are scattered all over the floor. I stared at them in such shock that I completely forgot how to breathe or move.
Nathan's POVThe sound of the chocolate box and flowers startled them, interrupting their activities. Camila appeared surprised, standing up from the man's lap and casually running her fingers through her disheveled hair."Baby, who is this man, and why did he enter your house like this?" the man asked, glaring at me with disdain."He's nobody. Wait for me in the living room," she replied. I stared at her in disbelief. Did she just call me a nobody?He rose from the bed and gave her a quick kiss before leaving. He purposely bumped into me, causing me to stumble, as if I had lost myself completely."What are you doing here? Why did you come to my house without informing me?" she questioned, furrowing her brow. I approached her slowly."Is that all you have to say? I just witnessed you in bed with another man, and that's your only response? Camila, how could you cheat on me on our anniversary?" I asked, my voice filled with pain and brokenness. She snickered."Correction, you are the ot
Nathan's POVI was unable to sleep last night which was why I woke up very early and started getting ready for college. Today was the first time I wished I didn't have to go to college. I was a scholarship student and I had to maintain that scholarship before it got taken away. I also had to graduate with really good grades so I could not afford to miss school. I always anticipated going to college every single day to see someone who was special to me before. Sadly, there isn't someone like that anymore.I got ready and rode the bus to school. I used the last penny I had to take the bus after spending everything I had on gifts. I called the restaurant that I had booked to cancel my reservation. I might have to walk to school for a while until I get my salary from my part-time job.I crossed my bag and walked dejectedly to college. I met Amelia immediately after I alighted from the bus."Good morning," she greeted cheerfully. I sighed as I continued to walk. She joined me."You left an
Nathan's POV"Who are you and how do you know my name?" I asked the elderly man gazing at him skeptically. He came down from his car."Can we talk in that restaurant over there? I already made a reservation," he said."Have you been following me? How were you certain I would pass through this route before you made a reservation?" I inquired."I'm old and I can't stand for too long. Come with me to the restaurant and I will explain everything," he said pleadingly. I gazed at him for a while before I nodded. He walked in and I followed after him. He was an elderly man and I knew how to respect my elders. Although I was passing through hell.We sat in silence for a while. He ordered drinks for us while we seated. One glance at his sleek-looking suit, his cane, shoes, and watch. I could tell he was a very wealthy person. He was clearly hesitating to speak. I cleared my throat loudly."I'm your father," he deadpanned. I stared at him in shock."W..what?" I stuttered in confusion."You are
Nathan's POVSix years later"And now to the business sector. It is no news that there is one certain company that has taken the business world by storm. They have been in existence for generations but over the past few years, they have dominated the business market and toppled over other popular companies. This company is the number one company in the world today. It is now diverse and into almost every sector. Ranging from hotels, pharmaceuticals, clothing brands, airlines, manufacturing cars and jewelry, manufacturing wine, filling stations, schools and so many more. I would never be able to finish the list on time if I decide to continue. This company has caught the attention of every single person either young or old, rich or poor. Everyone knows this company.""It is no secret that the Knoxville enterprise was able to achieve these great fits after the appointment of the new CEO. Although his identity remains a mystery, we've heard he is a ruthless and merciless businessman who
Camila's POVI was lying on my bed, randomly scrolling through my phone when suddenly an email popped up on my screen. I read its contents, blinked, and wiped my eyes just to be sure I was seeing it correctly. Reading it again, I squealed happily at the good news. Knoxville Enterprise had set up an interview with my company. It was nothing short of a miracle. I had applied without much thought because I never believed we would make it to the top ten on their list.Knoxville Enterprise is one of the most popular and well-established global companies today. When I heard they were selecting just one company to invest in, I applied because my family's company was on the verge of bankruptcy. We didn't have enough money to pay the employees or cover our bills. I knew over a thousand companies had applied to Knoxville Enterprise. Everyone wanted to be associated with them.Among the thousands of companies that applied, I never thought we stood a chance, but we ended up being chosen. I needed
Nathan's POVI smiled upon hearing her voice and turned around to look at her. Her eyes and mouth widened in shock as the files she was holding fell from her hands. Now, that was the reaction I had been anticipating.She glanced around my office before her gaze settled on me again, shock written all over her face, staring at me in disbelief."Nathan... Why are you here? I'm supposed to be meeting the CEO," she stuttered in confusion, pointing towards the door. I took in her appearance slowly. She still looked exactly the same, but something seemed different. Is she less intelligent now or just more pathetic? Anyway, I am going to make the best of this moment."Is this how the representative of Arkwright Group behaves, being disrespectful and unprofessional? I'm sure you must know that the way you portray yourself here reflects on your company," I muttered coldly. She stared at me in shock, opening and closing her mouth like a fish gasping for air."Nathan, is this supposed to be a jok
Camila's POVSitting at my desk in Arkwright Group, I tapped my foot on the floor, feeling restless. It had been two days since I met Nathan in his office as the CEO of Knoxville Enterprises. I had to remember to address him as Mr. Knoxville now, as he strongly insisted on that title. The rumors about Knoxville Enterprises' CEO were clearly true, and I witnessed it firsthand. Nathan was ruthless, rude, and cold. I never expected that person to be him.Seeing Nathan sitting on that chair in the CEO's office that day left me dumbfounded. I initially thought my eyes were playing tricks on me until he spoke. His voice was hardly recognizable, cold and emotionless. It had only been six years, but he had changed completely. He looked like a different person, a complete stranger. His warm grey eyes had turned cold and steely, his once long black hair now trimmed shorter. His demeanor was now either icy, rude, or taunting.After we ended things on a bad note, he left school without completing
Nathan's POVI sat in my office, feeling completely content. It had been three days since I presented my conditions to Camila before considering investing in her company. Deliberately, I set forth absurd demands, aiming to make things much more challenging for her. I was absolutely certain that she would soon walk through that door, as she had no other choice.Prior to accepting their proposal, I conducted thorough research on Camila, her family, and their company. They were drowning in debt, with not a single penny to their name. I chuckled at the irony of their downfall. Regardless of how outrageous my conditions may have seemed, she wouldn't be able to refuse. No other company would be willing to invest heavily in them; they all considered it a lost cause. Only I had the power to save them from shutting down.Suddenly, a knock interrupted my thoughts, and my secretary entered the room."Good morning, sir. Miss Arkwright is here to see you," she informed me. A smirk formed on my lip
Camilla's POVI hurried after my dad angrily. We just got humiliated in front of everyone in there because of his persistence and stubbornness. "Dad," I called out to him. The security guards had thrown him out of the door before closing the door and guarding it. All our employees watched us leaving the company premises curiously. I've never been this humiliated."Dad!" I yelled when he was about to get into his car. I wasn't going to overlook it this time around."What was the meaning of what you just did in there?" I asked angrily stepping in front of him."What was wrong with what? I was trying to get the company which you sold out back!" he screamed at me.I ran my hand through my hair out of frustration. Why can't he just understand? "A company which was on the verge of bankruptcy. I saved us. This car you drove over here, the house, your hospital bills. We were able to afford all that because I took the decision you were too sensitive to take. We would have been out in the stre
Nathan's POVI watched as she stood in the middle of the room looking utterly humiliated. That was what I wanted. To destroy her dignity and her pride. And when she was finally broken, shattered just the way she left me years ago, my revenge would be complete."I can handle the meeting on my own. I don't need the presence of a secretary. You may leave," I deadpanned. Without glancing at anyone, she hurried out of the room. "We deeply apologize for everything sir. We thought Robert was going to say his last goodbyes. We had no idea he would try to turn us against you," the man I recognized as Mr. Peters pleaded. I had studied their portfolio and I knew every single person sitting in this boardroom down to their families. I wasn't new to the fake apologies since I took over my father's company. I bet he was only doing this to keep his job and his salary. If I was the same poor Nathan that they used to know, they wouldn't have hesitated to throw me out like a pauper. But I wasn't concer
Camilla's POV"Revenge?" he inquired with a raised brow. I gulped, his scent wafting through my nostrils. I tried to avoid his gaze as much as I could but his proximity was making things harder."The printer," I muttered trying to pick it up."I'm asking you a question. You don't ignore me when I'm talking to you," he declared."I know we haven't discussed about what happened in the past. We can't keep working together in such a tense environment without talking things through," I replied."Talk about what exactly?" he asked again. He knew what I was talking but if he was going to pretend like he didn't, it was fine. I can remind him. I've done worse things than that."The things I did and said to you in the past. This is your way of taking revenge on me and my family right?" I asked. I wasn't dumb. I knew he didn't treat other employees this way."What did you do to me?" he inquired. I sighed. He was enjoying this."Torturing me isn't going to help both of us. If there's anything fro
Camilla's POVThe hardcover of the file hit my arm and I winced from the pain. He looked into his computer completely ignoring my presence. I bent down and picked up the files as fast as I could before bolting out of his office. I sat on my chair and stared at the files in front of me in confusion. I followed all of his instructions. I was sure I didn't miss anything. Why did he get angry in that way? My mind drifted from his reaction to what I had seen in his office. The way his arm was wrapped around Amelie's waist protectively. It was obvious something was going on between them. He had a smile on his face while she wrapped her arms around his neck fondly. They looked quite cozy in each other's arms. I shook my head to get rid of those thoughts."Focus on work Camilla. Stop thinking about useless things," I muttered to myself. I wore my glasses and looked into the files but everything looked perfect to me. I didn't know where I was supposed to start from. I sighed and began typing o
Nathan's POVI saw the shock on Camilla's face as soon as she walked through the door. Amelie tried to pull away when she heard the door open but I held onto her. I was just about to pull away from her when Camilla walked in. My hand slowly moved towards her waist pulling her closer. "What are you doing?" Amelie asked in surprise. She should be. This was unlike me. Camilla's lips parted in surprise before she hurriedly looked away. She glanced at everything in the office except for us. "I just missed your company," I lied with a smile. It wasn't a complete lie, I was glad she was here even though it was unexpected. I was unsure about it before but it was certain Camilla was jealous of seeing me with Amelie. I chuckled. Who would have thought? "Really? You should have called me. But you had to wait for me to come to you," she replied."Uhmm..," Camilla cleared her throat loudly. She turned towards us but when she saw me still holding onto Amelie's waist, she looked away again."I br
Camilla's POVI couldn't sleep a wink last night. I kept tossing and turning in my bed thinking of all that had happened the previous day. I lay on my bed, eyes wide open without moving an inch. The loud ringing of my alarm clock brought me back to my senses. I sighed and got up from my bed. The day hadn't started yet I was already feeling tired. I turned off the alarm clock and started my usual routine for the morning. I did a couple of stretches to get rid of my fatigue, took a warm bath, and got dressed in a navy blue fitted suit. Nathan had made it clear that I had to be present at the office today. Dad didn't want me to take care of him at the hospital so I might as well make good use of my time.I drank my coffee and headed out after dropping the keys for the housekeeper. I didn't have enough time to clean my apartment so I hired someone to do it. I rushed out of the building and flagged down a cab. I had a car but I didn't know how to drive. My driver was also on leave to see h
Camilla's POV"Somebody call an ambulance! Please! Anyone!" a voice kept screaming uncontrollably. Was it me? I had no idea. The voice sounded muffled to my ears. I didn't know how much time had passed but some people suddenly came in and placed my dad on a stretcher rushing him outside. I got up from the floor and immediately followed them. "Where do you think you are going?" a cold voice asked halting me in my steps. I wiped the tears that were streaming down my face before turning around. I pointed towards the door."Didn't you see that?" I inquired."See what exactly?" he asked getting up from his chair. I stared at him in disbelief."Are you serious right now? My dad just passed out right in front of you. It might be a heart attack. His life could be in danger," I replied in a trembling voice."How does that relate to me? It's all your fault. You were the one who didn't tell him about the merger. He passed out due to the shock of finding out his lovely daughter was hiding the tr
Nathan's POVEveryone else had left for their various homes as soon as it was the usual time but I stayed in my office working till it was very late. I glanced at my wrist watch and it was almost 10 pm. I rubbed my tired eyes with a sigh. I switched off my computer and grabbed my jacket and briefcase before heading out. I was walking towards the parking lot when my phone suddenly rang. I picked it up after glancing at the caller ID."Brother," the person at the other end of the phone called out in a happy tone."You sound excited. What's the occasion?" I inquired getting into my car."Can't I be excited speaking to my brother? I'm just so happy to be hearing your voice," he replied."I doubt that," I muttered."You sound grumpy and tired. Are you still at the company?" he asked."I already left. I'm heading home," I responded. "That's great. Come over to our usual bar. I'm there right now," he urged."I'm tired. I'm going home to rest," I replied."Come on man, it's just one drink. I
Camilla's POVI was startled by how cold and harsh his tone sounded. The wind tousled his hair giving him a fierce look. It was hard to believe he was the same Nathan I used to know. How could a person change this much? "Didn't you hear me?" he asked snapping me from my thoughts. I cleared my throat. "I was uhm...getting some fresh air," I replied. "Why are you getting air at my company? Is your company and mansion too small for that?" he asked. I fought the urge to roll my eyes."I came back here to pick up my phone. I left it at your office earlier. Your secretary wouldn't let me in because you were away which was why I came up here," I explained to him which was the truth. I was in a hurry to leave his office earlier that I completely forgot about my purse which had my phone in it. He stared at me for a while before turning around abruptly. "Why are you still standing there?" he asked without stopping. "Right. My phone," I muttered hurrying after him. We got into the elevator