Fifty
Kamille’s POV
Glancing at the clock, I realized that time was running late, and I needed to prepare the promised cookies for the kids before they returned from school. But who to look after Royer was my concern.
Belle was not yet back, Zeke too had not appeared since he left with his friends. I felt an urge to call Zeke tug at me.
He may say he’s busy. I reasoned, and I didn’t want to burden him with unnecessary concerns.
Instead, I reached for my phone and dialed Belle’s number. “Hello bestie.” I greeted warmly as she answered the phone. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but please I could use a bit of help.”
“Hello Kam. It’s fine.” She replied. “What do you need?” She asked.
“I’ll send it to you. Just a couple of items I’ll need for the cookies.” I replied.
“Alright Kam. I’ll be there soon.” She replied warmly.
“Thank you so much, Belle.” I expressed, genuine appreciation coloring my voice. “I really appreciate your help.”
“It’s no problem at all Kam.” Belle reassured me, her tone warm and comforting. “I’ll grab everything you need and be there as soon as possible.”
As I waited for Belle to arrive, I turned to my laptop to catch up on the latest news surrounding Gabriel Manor’s arrest.
As I read deeper into the news, I smiled as I read the damning accounts of Gabriel Manor’s crimes. The headlines painted a grim picture of his actions, detailing the horrifying allegations of sexual harassment, rape, and blackmailing that had come to light.
How much evil can one man do?
The Manor family name was also making headlines, with the scandalous revelations sending shockwaves through London’s elite society. The once-respected family was now at the center of a media frenzy and their reputation tarnished.
As I read the articles, a mix of emotions washed over me. There was a sense of joy in seeing Gabriel face the consequences of his actions, but there was also a profound sadness in witnessing the downfall of a family that had once held such prominence and influence. But that would soon change when I got back in control.
Soon Belle arrived with the much-needed cookie ingredients, I greeted her with a grateful smile, relieved to see her. “Thank you so much, Belle.” I said sincerely, taking in the bag of ingredients she had brought.
Belle returned my smile, her expression warm and understanding. “Of course, Kamille. I’m happy to help.” She replied, her tone reassuring.
As I began to wonder how I would get to Zeke’s penthouse to bake the cookies, Belle anticipated my concern. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you directions.” She offered kindly.
“Thank you.” I replied gratefully, already feeling a sense of relief knowing that I wouldn’t have to navigate my way there alone. “But I’ll be back soon, so I need to prepare the cookies for the kids before they’re back.”
Belle nodded understandingly. “Alright, no problem. I got this.” She reassured me, her confidence bolstering my own.
I smiled as I took the bag of ingredients from Belle and prepared to leave the hospital. I walked to Royer who was fast asleep. I placed a kiss on his forehead before stepping out.
As I stepped outside, the crisp air filled my lungs, a welcome change from the confines of the hospital room. It had been two days since I last stepped outside, and the sensation of freedom was exhilarating.
Taking a moment to soak in the surroundings, I felt a renewed sense of energy coursing through me.
Following Belle’s directives, I arrived at the penthouse. When I was married to Zeke, I knew he had numerous houses and condos almost everywhere but I was never opportuned to see or visit any of them with him.
As I stepped inside, my mind danced around memories of the last time I had visited one of his penthouses. I had imagined him there with me, making love to me and singing beautiful words of affection in my ears while we cuddled in bed.
I imagined a little bit too much. I scoffed.
Taking in the sight of the beautiful penthouse, it was spacious with a sleek contemporary design and luxurious amenities.
I walked into the kitchen to prepare the cookies so I could hurry back to the hospital. I began the creaming and mixing process of making the cookies and after a while the cookies were ready to bake.
I shaped the dough into perfect rounds and placed them on the baking pans. With the cookie doughs finely arranged in the pan and ready to go into the oven, I paused for a moment to admire my handiwork, a sense of satisfaction washing over me.
But before I could set the pan in the oven, I felt firm hands snake around my waist, pulling me gently against a solid chest. Startled, I turned around to find Zeke standing behind me, his eyes warm and filled with affection.
“Zeke!” I exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and delight coursing through me. “What are you doing here?” My heart began beating faster and I could swear one could hear it miles away.
“I went to the hospital looking for you.” Zeke murmured softly, his voice filled with sincerity. “But I was met by only Belle and Royer instead.”Content held by NôvelDrama.Org.
“Ohh.. yeah. I needed to bake the kids some cookies like I promised them I would.” I replied, trying to act unaffected by his closeness.
“Hmm. But you could have just ordered it.” Zeke replied.
“I wanted to make it myself. They love my cookies.” I replied, turning to put the pan into the already prepped oven. I waited for a while hoping my flushed cheeks would get back its warmth.
“Kamille.” Zeke called and took a few steps closer to where I stood.
“Stop! Please.” I pleaded. I didn’t want him coming closer to me as I was not in control of my emotions at the moment.
“I’m sorry.” Zeke said calmly.
“What are you sorry for? I already forgave you for all you did.” I replied, finally turning to face him.
“I’m sorry for all you went through.” He said. His blue eyes held so much emotion than I could tell.
“Hmmm. You don’t have to be.” I replied and made to walk past him, hoping to escape being in the same space with home alone. But as I reached past him, he grabbed my hand and twirled me to face him.
As I found myself so close to Zeke, my heart began to race uncontrollably, its rhythm echoing loudly in my ears. Each beat felt like a drum, signaling the intensity of the moment. My breath became shallow and uneven, my chest rising and falling rapidly with each shaky inhale and exhale.
A fluttering sensation took hold in the pit of my stomach, alongside an undeniable warmth spreading through my veins in Zeke’s presence.
Before I could say a word, I was caught off guard as Zeke’s lips met mine in a tender kiss, a rush of emotions swept through me and overwhelming my senses.
Fuck! This should not be happening.
Ignoring the voice of reason in my head, I found myself instinctively responding to his touch, my heart leading me forward.
Lost in the heat of the moment, the kiss deepened, our bodies pressing closer together in a desperate embrace.
His touch ignited a fire within me, stirring up a potent mixture of longing and restraint. In his arms, I felt simultaneously vulnerable and protected, a conflicting blend of emotions that left me dizzy and disoriented.
His hands began roaming down my thighs, while his lips were still locked with mine. My hands having a mind of their own wrapped around his neck. I used my left hand over his firm chest and settled on his firm nipples. He let out a low groan and lifted me up on the kitchen counter.
But just as things began to escalate, the oven chimed breaking through the haze of desire. Startled, I gently pushed Zeke away and jumped off the counter.
I brought out the cookies from the oven, they were perfectly golden brown and deliciously fragrant. I turned to Zeke. His eyes still burned with desire but I was not going to indulge him again. I struggled to find the right words to say to him.
“I’m sorry, Zeke.” I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. “But I can’t do this.”
There was a flicker of hurt in his eyes, but he nodded in understanding. “I’m sorry too. I understand.” His expression is a mix of hurt and disappointment as he backed away, giving me the space I needed to collect myself.
What have I just done?