Chapter 14
“All good, Dad,” she said, making a small smile to reassure him, though he couldn’t see it. “I think he‘ s far from the rumors.
Don’t worry too much about me.
“Are you sure?” her father pressed, his tone firm but protective. “If he’s done anything—or even said something–you’d better tell me. We‘ ll deal with it together.”
Camilla let out a soft laugh. “I don’t think so, Dad. He’s been… polite so far.”
Her father paused, as if weighing her words. “Polite doesn’t mean good,
Camilla. Don Colen isn’t a man to underestimate. Don’t forget who he is- and what he’s capable of.”
“I know who he is,” she said quickly, her voice dropping into a whisper as if the walls might have ears. “But it’s not like I have much choice in this, do I?”
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The silence on the other end of the line
was heavy. When her father spoke again, his voice was softer, almost regretful.
“You always have a choice. But I understand why you made this one. Just… promise me you’ll keep your guard up.”
“I will,” she murmured.
Still, even as she reassured him, doubt gnawed at her. Polite or not, Colen was an enigma–one moment intense and commanding, the next almost gentle. It was hard to reconcile the man who spoke to her kindly with the ruthless figure whispered about in hushed tones.
“Camilla,” her father interrupted her thoughts. “If something doesn’t feel right, you leave. Don’t let pride or fear
stop you.
She sighed. “I’ll be fine, Dad. I have to go. He expects me at dinner soon.”
“Alright,” he said reluctantly. “But remember, you call me if anything
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changes.
“I will,” she promised, though uncertainty lingered in her chest.
As she ended the call, she stared at the phone in her hand. There were so many questions she wanted to ask Don Colen- about the marriage, his intentions, the future–but she wasn’t sure if she’d have the courage to voice them. For now, all she could do was wait and watch.
Camilla stepped into the shower, hoping the warm water would wash away the tension that had clung to her since arriving at Don Colen’s estate. He’s not as terrifying as the rumors, she reminded herself, though her racing thoughts didn’t make it easy to believe.
After what felt like forever, she turned off the water and wrapped a towel around her hair. The cool air of the bathroom prickled her skin as she slipped into fresh
underwear, intending to get dressed quickly.
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Stepping out of the bathroom, steam curling into the bedroom, she froze mid- step. Her eyes widened as they landed on the figure reclining on her bed–Don Colen.
He sat there casually, his dark eyes fixed on her with an unreadable expression. The sharp contrast between the relaxed way he leaned back and the intensity of his gaze sent a shiver down her spine.
Her heart slammed in her chest. What is he doing here?
Feeling exposed in her state of undress, she instinctively turned back toward the bathroom. Her hand had barely brushed the door handle when Don Colen moved.
He stood with a fluid grace, his steps unhurried yet deliberate. Before she could retreat further, he caught her wrist in a gentle but firm grip, halting her escape.
“Running away already?” he asked, his deep voice low and laced with amusement.
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Camilla’s breath hitched, her mind scrambling for words. “I–I didn’t know you were here,” she stammered, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Her free hand tugged at the towel around her head, wishing she’d had the foresight to grab a robe.
“I wanted to see you,” Don Colen said simply, as though his presence required no explanation.
Her gaze darted to the bed and back to him. He looks so calm.
“You can’t just come into my room,” she managed, though her voice was more uncertain than she‘ d intended.
Don Colen’s lips curved into a faint smile, his grip steady yet non–threatening. “This is your home now, Camilla. And I’m your future husband,” he said, his tone carrying a quiet authority that left no room for argument.
Camilla‘ s pulse quickened, her mind a
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blur. She wasn’t sure whether it was his words or the way he said them that made her feel so cornered.
Don Colen’s gaze softened slightly.
“Relax,” he murmured. “Get dressed. I’ll see you at dinner.”
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He released her wrist and stepped back, his presence still lingering as he walked to the door. With a glance over his shoulder, he added, “You look good, by the way.”
The door clicked shut, and Camilla exhaled shakily, her legs almost buckling beneath her.
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