Chapter 19
Yanina shook her arm, feeling a little dizzy but nothing too serious. I’m fine, she whispered, trying to reassure Cameron.
She was touched by Cameron’s instinct to protect her. Tm no longer eager for his care, but why did he always step up just when I needed it?‘ she thought to herself.
But she didn’t dwell on it. The last thing she wanted was to relive that gut–wrenching feeling.
Hearing that Yanina was okay, Cameron let out a sigh of relief and slowly cased his grip. But then he winced in pain.
“Are you hurt? Where?” Yanina quickly asked, concern flooding her voice.
Cameron pointed at his left arm with his right hand. “I think my left arm might be broken.”
Yanina frowned as the wind and rain whipped through the car window, giving her an unusual beauty.
“Let me see,” she said, reaching over to inspect his arm. “Does it hurt here?”
“No,” Cameron replied, shaking his head..
“How about here?” She pressed a little harder.
“No pain,” he said again.
“And here?”
“It hurts,” he admitted reluctantly,
That’s not a fracture. It’s probably just dislocated,” Yanina said, feeling relieved.
Before Cameron could react, she located the dislocated joint, and with a quick push, there was a sharp snap as it popped back in place
“Ouch. Cameron sucked in a breath, but the pain started to ease. “When did you learn to do that?” he asked, genuinely surprised.
They had been married for a year, and he had no idea she knew anything about first aid. ‘Was she just keeping it a secret, or has she learned recently?‘ he thought.
“It’s not important,” Yanina said, pursing her lips. “Right now, we need to figure out how to get out of here.
The car wasn’t going anywhere, and a big rock blocked the road ahead. Retreating was out of the question.
Cameron pulled out his phone and dialed Zak. I’m stuck on the coastal highway. The car broke down. Can you come get us?” he said, sending his location.
Twenty minutes later, Zak showed up. Cameron and Yanina climbed into his car, grateful to be out of their mess.
“Mr. Zamora, where to? Zak asked, glancing at them.
Let’s head to SouthHaven Apartments first; Cameron said.
Let’s go to the Celestial Dawn Hotel, Yanina said. Both were speaking at the same time again.
“Let’s hit the Celestial Dawn Hotel first. I don’t want you to regret it later, Yanina insisted. Even though Christina was acting out, Yanina knew Cameron felt it was his duty as family to check on her.
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Chapter 19
“Alright!” Cameron nodded, deciding not to argue
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Zak started the engine, this time driving a spacious vehicle that gave them plenty of room in the backseat. On the seats were two sets of clean clothes–Zak always planned ahead.
Yanina looked over and saw Cameron already starting to unbutton his shirt. She frowned, “Turn around while you change.”
Cameron smiled. “I’ve seen it all before. What’s there to be shy about?” He continued to strip off his wet clothes.
Yanina pouted in frustration. There was no way she could undress in front of him.
Seeing her flustered. Cameron chuckled and stopped teasing her. “Okay, okay, I’ll turn around. Go ahead and change. I promise I won’t peek.
Though he said that, he thought he could still sneak a glance through the window.
Once they changed, the car rolled to a stop outside the Celestial Dawn Hotel. Zak handed Cameron a room card. “Room
- 5808.
Yanina didn’t plan to go in; her presence might just complicate things. Cameron took the card and walked into the hotel, determination on his face..
Inside Room 8808, Christina leaned on Steven’s shoulder, fuming
“Your grandfather might have bad eyesight, but how could you not spot the fake painting? I was humiliated in front of that awful woman!” She pounded her fists against Steven’s chest, unable to hold back her frustration.
Steven shot her a fierce look from the corner of his eye as he thought, This woman is impossible! It’s one thing to scold me, but to insult my grandfather?
‘If it weren’t for needing leverage right now, I’d never let her talk to me like that. Once the Hopper family gets through this mess… she’ll see
“Chris,” he said, trying to placate her, “you know my grandfather is sick and confused. I rushed to give the gift and didn’t check it closely. And you know I’d never lie to you. He reached for her and pulled her in for a deep kiss.
Just then, the doorbell rang urgently. “Who is it? Didn’t we put up a Do Not Disturb sign?” Christina frowned, clearly annoyed.
Steven’s eyes brightened. It was about time for the Zamora family to arrive.
itima
He had suggested Christina turn off her phone to test how much the Zamora family actually cared and whether or not they would come looking for her if she was missing.
“I’ll check,” he said, slipping on a robe and heading to the door.
As soon as he opened it, a fist shot out and smashed into his face Steven yelped, clutching his face in pain.
“Where’s Chris?” Cameron demanded, looking down at him, anger radiating from his eyes.
“Cameron?” Christina called from inside the room.
Dazed, Steven opened hits eyes. He hadn’t expected the Zamora heir to come knocking for Christina personally.
Despite taking a hit, he felt a surge of satisfaction. If Christina was so prized by the Zamora family, marrying her could give the Hopper family some needed leverage to resolve their crisis.
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Chapter 19
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Ignoring Steven, Cameron stormed past him into the room. The tension hung thick in the air, and Christina quickly dove
under the covers.
“Get dressed and come home with me” Cameron’s voice pierced through the atmosphere, cold as ice,
Christina met his indifferent gaze, tears brimming in her eyes. I’m not going back! Grandpa is helping that wretch Yanina. and so was Dad! Even you are against me!
“Why should I go back when none of you care about me? I won’t leave!” she shot back defiantly.
“Who are you calling a wretch? She’s your sister–in–law!” Cameron’s voice sharpened, growing even colder.
“You’re twenty, and all you’ve learned is to disrespect your family and not to value your innocence!” he snapped. “Christina, if you don’t come home with me today, you’d better stop calling yourself a Zamora!”
His words hit Christina like a blow to the chest, leaving her breathless. All she wanted was for her family to comfort her like they used to when she was a child–every tantrum was rewarded with sweets and toys….
But instead. Cameron was scolding her. I’m twenty years old; why is he still lecturing me in front of my boyfriend? she thought to herself.
“I won’t go back! Even if I have to say it a thousand times, I’ll say Yanina is a wretch! She’s just a wretch!”
In a fit of rage. Cameron slapped Christina across the face. “Come home with me!” he commanded, jaw clenched.
Christina held her face in shock, tears streaming down. She couldn’t believe her brother hit her for a woman she hated so
much
Looking up, she met Cameron’s gaze, her heart racing. Suddenly, he felt like an enemy instead of her brother. “I will never go back! Get out of here! Just get out of here!!!”
SEND GIFT
