Chapter 7
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Hearing his mom’s words, a pang shot through Cameron. “About her, lately… Mom, please, just drop it. I’ll handle it.”
Sherry let out a sigh. “Alright… you and your wife should figure it out.” She spoke as if disappointed, but a hint of satisfaction flickered in her eyes. If Yanina and Cameron split, she could pick a new daughter–in–law. There were lovely and promising girls out there. This time, she’d be more careful in her choice.
Cameron didn’t have time for Sherry’s scheming. All he could think about was Yanina. He grabbed his jacket and rushed out
the door.
Yanina stepped out of her ride–share, about to head into her building when she noticed a familiar figure. It was Cameron. He spotted her, and they locked eyes before he strode over.
“How’d you know I live here?” Yanina asked, puzzled.
“Zak gave me the address, Cameron replied.
Yanina sighed. Of course, her address wasn’t a secret, and with Zak’s skills, it was easy to find. “What do you need?” she asked.
“Thanks for the auction help,” Cameron said.
Yanina raised an eyebrow. Thanks? For playing along with Sherry? Or for not mentioning the divorce?‘ She turned to. Cameron, her voice cool “Grandpa took me in, and I’ll always be grateful. Going to the auction with Mrs. Cameron was my way of repaying it but don’t expect it again.”
Before she could turn to leave, Cameron grabbed her arm. His grip was firm, his hand hot against her skin. He didn’t understand why he couldn’t let Yanina go. Every time he saw her, his feelings were out of control. He just wanted to be close, to hold on. Yet, he felt like he was just a fleeting figure in her life
“Yanina, can we talk about the divorce? Grandpa’s heart isn’t strong. I hope we can keep this quiet until after his birthday.”
Yanina thought of Carl, the vivacious old man at the Zamora residence. Despite being ninety, he’d had a severe flu earlier this year and had been declining since. The news of their divorce might be too much for him.
At the Zamora residence, Carl was the only one who treated her kindly, the only one who considered her “family” “I agree.” she said.
Cameron nodded, as if a weight had lifted. Tve cashed out your shares and had Zak transfer the money to you.” “Okay,” Yanina nodded.
“And I’ve transferred the house on the south side of the city to your name.
“Alright,” she nodded again, her expression neutral.
Cameron felt a tightness in his chest, as if her responses were always just “Mm–hman, no matter what he said. Frustrated, he pulled Yanina’s hand behind her back, leaning in closer, feeling dull ache in his stomach. Just seeing Yanina made in impossible for him to control himself.
Is there really nothing you want to say to me?” His voice was cool but carried a seductive hint, a testosterone–laden allure drifting to her.
Having been married for a year, Yanina knew what that tone meant. “Is Ms. Stark better now? Why why are you here instead?”
y aren’t you with her, and
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Yanina’s words immediately dampened Cameron’s anger. Why does she always have to hit a nerve!”
“You’re staying with Yetta now, right? I just saw her mom come over, so it might be tight for you to stay there tonight. How about coming back with me to SouthHaven Apartments?” Cameron suggested.
Yanina thought for a moment. Yetta’s place was tiny–just over 300 square foot with a living room and a bathroom. It was a studio. Even though it seemed small, in this city, she and Yetta hard earned a few million from three months of livestream selling to barely afford it. It was cramped for the two of them; with Yetta’s mom here now, there was no chance of fitting
everyone.
“For the SouthHaven Apartments, I’ll pay you market price, like I’m buying it from you.”
“Alright,” Cameron nodded, satisfied that she would go back with him.
As they reached the car, Cameron let go of Yanina’s hand and moved to open the front passenger door, but she breezed right past him and climbed into the back seat, reducing him to a chauffeur.
Yanina! Cameron hissed her name, his teeth clenched.
“Let’s go.” Yanina replied with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Her gaze was as frosty as ever.
With a shake of his head. Cameron got in and started the engine. They drove off in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Half an hour later, Cameron pulled up at the SouthHaven Apartments, a wedding gift from his buddy Gavin. They’d never lived there, but it was fully furnished, ready for whenever they might need it.
“Even though you chose to leave with nothing, Cameron said. “I don’t want people thinking I’m a total jerk. But deep down, he knew it was just an excuse to make seeing her easier.
“Alright,” Yanina responded, her expression unchanging. She was used to Cameron’s distant demeanor.
After Cameron left, Yanina reset the lock’s code and her fingerprint. Then, with bated breath, she took out the “Heritage Rose” teacup and cradled it gently.
The pink cup with its scale pattern was filled with memories: her grandpa’s cherished touch, her dad’s secret sips of tea, her mom’s loving polish… Yanina’s vision blurred with a fresh wave of emotion.
“Mom! Dad!” she’d screamed with all her might, but all she could do was watch as the flames engulfed her parents. Her father, still clutching his police cap, seemed to smile right before the fire took him. Hands muffled her screams, and unbearable pain flooded her.
When Yanina woke again, her grandfather had aged decades overnight, his back bent as he sat by her hospital bed. “Yani, tomorrow my chauffeur will take you to Yvale City, Mr. Zamora will look after you there. You need to be good and leave all this behind. Never come back. Your parents would want you to live a normal life. Promise Grandpa… don’t come back!”
Yanina couldn’t stem her tears. Even in Yvale City, the nightmare of her parents lost to the flames haunted her nightly. That was, until the day she met Cameron…
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Chapter 8
A month into living at the Zamora residence, Yanina woke from yet another nightmare, her heart pounding. She wiped. away her tears and looked around the unfamiliar room, trying to calm herself down.
Thirsty from the heat of her dream, she quietly opened her door and headed for the kitchen. As she reached the door, she bumped into a man’s chest.
Looking up, she saw his deep, bright eyes under the moonlight. It was the moment she understood what it meant to be captivated instantly–love at first sight wasn’t just a fairy tale.
“Are you Yanina?” he asked.
Yanina nodded quietly.
“I’m Cameron,” he introduced himself, handing her a glass of water. He noticed her tear–reddened eyes and rushed to his room, returning with a dreamcatcher. “Hang this by your bed; it’ll stop the nightmares.”
Maybe it was all in her mind, but she didn’t dream of that devastating fire anymore. Yanina would drift off to sleep, hugging her “Heritage Rose” Tea Set as if it were her family.
She knew her grandfather sent her to Yvale for her safety, but she was determined to uncover the truth and find the version of herself she saw in her dreams
The next morning, the phone rang. “Yani, why didn’t you come home yesterday? Is everything okay?” Yetta asked as soon as Yanina answered, her voice full of worry.
Yanina remembered she’d been so caught up in her argument with Cameron that she’d forgotten to tell Yetta about moving to SouthHaven Apartments. T’m fine, really,” Yanina reassured her with a smile.
“That’s great! By the way, I’ve set up a meeting with Goldenlight Entertainment. The contract is almost ready to sign!” Yetta’s voice was bubbling with excitement
“Okay,” Yanina replied, her voice steady.
“Come on, Yani, get excited! We’re going to Goldenlight Entertainment, we’re going to make a fortune! And who knows, we might even run into Shawn, my idol Just the thought thrills mel Yetta exclaimed.
Hearing the dreamy excitement in Yetta’s voice, Yanina couldn’t help but sigh….
“Hey Yani, how about we celebrate after our stream tonight? Yetta suggested
Celebrate? Maybe itaas a good idea. “Alright,” Yanina agreed. After that, she left South Haven Apartments and caught a cab to Yetta’s place. They got busy for a while, then started their live stream.
CrimsonSnow is online!]
What’s popular today?]
[I can’t wait!]
CrimsonSnow, if I gift you a yacht gift, will you smile for me?]
Vanina sat calmly in the streaming room, wearing a cotton dress holding a plate of grilled steak. “Today, we’re featuring a steak made from synthetic materials, not a whole cut. It’s a bit salty, so think carefully before purchasing, she advised her
viewers earnestly.
[I really like how honest CrimsonSnow is! I’m definitely buying i
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This synthetic one doesn’t get stuck in your teeth! Let’s buy it!)
Amid the rush of comments, one stood out, immediately capturing Yanina’s attention.
[Is it really you?]
Yanina frowned at the comment. It was strange. Then, her account pinged with a private message.
[I’m Callie. I’ve been trying to get in touch with you, but I didn’t have your contact details. I happened to catch your live stream by luck.]
[What do you need?] Yanina asked with a frown
[I was hoping we could meet and chat in person, if that’s alright with you?]
[It’s not.] Yanina replied immediately, without hesitation.
totally worth it!]
The audience was crazy. [CrimsonSnow, hold still. You look so beautiful when you frown. Now I get why they call you Muse.] [Sent a sports car gift! f I didn’t get to see CrimsonSnow smile, seeing her frown was totally [CrimsonStow, could you smile for us, please?)
Even if I
The comments section was buzzing with even more excitement. Yanina ignored Callie’s private messages and concentrated on her stream.
Two hours later, Yanina logged off and noticed another private message from Callie: [Westshine Café, see you there. I’ll be waiting.]
Callie wanted to meet her. It was 1:30 PM when Yanina checked the time. After pondering for a moment, she decided to drive over to the Westshine Café
Peering through the café window, Yanina observed Callie sitting peacefully, sipping her coffee and absorbed in her book. Despite her initial aversion, Yanina had to admit there was something captivating about the scene–truly beautiful. No wonder Cameron was smitten.
As Yanina entered, Callie greeted her with a warm smile. Thanks for coming. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Skip it, Ms. Stark. Let’s get to the point,” Yanina said, taking a seat, straight to business.
Callie’s eyes dropped slightly, and a touch of sorrow crossed her pale face. “I wanted to apologize, I didn’t know it was your anniversary when I came back.”
“Cameron really helped me return. I’m just a bystander, and I hope my presence doesn’t affect your relationship, Callie added, dabbing her eyes with a tissue.
A twinge of bitterness hit Yanina as she sipped her lemon water, Ms. Stark, weren’t you aware we’re already divorced?” she asked.
Callie’s eyebrows shot up, her mouth falling open in surprise. She was genuinely clueless. “No, Ms. Fulbright, you can’t be divorced!” she blurted, her expression one of concern.
Yanina found it odd that Callie seemed sincere. ‘Cameron is so fond of Callie. Why hasn’t he told her about the divorce? It was puzzling!
Did you really wait two hours just to apologize?” Yanina asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
“Ms. Fulbright, I can’t hide it from you any longer. I don’t have much time left, Callie admitted, pulling a folder from her bag and handing Yanina a diagnosis report. “When I was in school, my family sent me to Borealis, and there…” Her voice
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choked, struggling to go on. They pumped me full of drugs, and now only a fifth of my lungs function. The rest are dead. The doctors say I have at most three years….
“Cameron wants to help me achieve my childhood dreams in my remaining time. That’s the extent of our relationship. I truly didn’t know about your divorce, and I’m so sorry, Ms. Fullright. I know you’re a good person. Please don’t leave Cameron. I hope you two can grow old together. Please…”
Holding the diagnosis report. Yanina looked up at Callic. “No.”
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