Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 107

Camilla was caught off guard by the sudden kiss, feeling a surge of electricity between them that momentarily overpowered her senses.

For a fleeting moment, she let herself be lost in the intensity of the kiss, her eyes closing as desire mingled with a swirl of conflicting emotions.

However, reality quickly snapped her back. This was the man who had caused her heartbreak and pain, the one she had divorced.

She managed to gather her wits and pushed Alexander away forcefully, breaking the kiss and leaving a stinging slap on his cheek.

"Don't you ever try that again," she snapped, her voice laced with anger as she wiped her mouth with the back of her palm.

Alexander, his head turned from the force of the slap, slowly turned to face her, a disturbing grin on his lips.

"So you prefer kissing him, huh?... Is he better than I am?" he taunted, bitterness tainting his words.

Camilla's fury flared at his comment, her eyes narrowing. "Yes!" she retorted sharply, her voice cutting through the air.

"He is, in fact, ten times better than you. So don't you even dare to compare yourself to him," she continued, her voice quivering with anger.

Alexander's grin faded, and he took a small step back.

"Camilla, I... I know I hurt you... very badly... but him?!" His voice wavered, revealing the vulnerability beneath his bravado.

"Camilla, he's just using you because of your name and influence," Alexander retorted, attempting to reach out and touch her shoulder, but she roughly brushed his hand away.

"No, he isn't. And even if he were, it's none of your bloody concern," Camilla shot back, attempting to move past him, but Alexander stood his ground, gripping her arm and pulling her back, effectively trapping her between himself and the wall.

"Fine... I'm sorry I hurt you, but just hear me out, please," he pleaded, his eyes locked onto hers.

Camilla hesitated, her gray eyes locking onto his, a swirling mix of emotions evident in her gaze.

Anger, hurt, regret, and a lingering affection battled within her heart but her gaze remained guarded despite the whirlwind of feelings.

"No." Her voice was firm and unwavering as she uttered that single word.

She had grown tired of the cycle of pain and heartache that Alexander had brought into her life.

Despite her tumultuous emotions, she remained guarded. "You filed for divorce not long after I lost our child, which you blamed me for... what could I possibly want to stay and listen to?" Her words cut through the air like a knife.

Alexander's face fell, his demeanor visibly deflating. His shoulders slumped, and he appeared defeated. "I... I know I was wrong, and I can't change the past," he admitted, his voice tinged with remorse.

"But it wasn't your fault... It was mine. I should never have left you alone that night, Red..."

Camilla interjected sharply, unable to bear hearing him dredge up that painful memory once again. "Just shut up, Alexander!" Her voice was sharp, laced with frustration.

"You can't use those words to manipulate me," she added, her tone firm.

"After what you've put me through, you don't have the right to come near me, speak to me, see me, or even touch me!'

"We're done... forever." Camilla's voice held an unyielding finality, her emotions laid bare.

Alexander stood there, a frozen figure, before he spoke softly, "I love you, Camilla. I always have and I always will..."

"And deep down I know that what you're saying now isn't true."

"You're mad at me, and I understand that, but you and I... even if you won't admit it, we're far from being done."

Camilla's fists clenched, her teeth grinding together, and her jaw set. "...I said we're done! I've moved on, don't you get it!?" Her words spat out, her chest heaving with rapid breaths.

"Camilla?" Edward's voice suddenly cut through the tension, breaking the charged atmosphere between Camilla and Alexander.

Alexander's frustration became more palpable as Edward's presence added another layer of complexity to the situation.

He turned to face Edward, his expression a mixture of conflict and annoyance.

"And why the hell are you here?" He snapped, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "This is none of your concern."

Edward's brow furrowed, his voice unwavering as he stepped closer, "I'm here because of her."

He then pushed Alexander away from Camilla, creating a space between them, and without hesitation, he drew Camilla close to him.

Camilla, though surprised by Edward's swift action, composed herself and refrained from reacting.

Edward turned his gaze back to Alexander, determination in his eyes. "As a matter of fact, she's my girlfriend, so it is my concern...especially when you're holding her against her will in a restroom."

Alexander's face twisted with a mix of anger and frustration at Edward's words. "Your girlfriend?" he sneered. "Since when?"

Camilla stepped forward, her voice steady and resolute. "When we started dating is none of your concern."

"What matters is that you and I are divorced, and Edward here is my boyfriend," she asserted firmly.

Alexander appeared taken aback, as if reality had struck him unexpectedly. His anger seemed to dissipate, replaced by a turbulent mix of emotions he struggled to express.

Camilla continued, her gaze unwavering. "Edward has been there for me when you weren't. He has shown me care, respect, and love. He's proven himself to be a supportive partner, unlike you."

"So please, just stay away from me," she concluded, her tone firm as she locked eyes with Alexander.

Edward's voice entered the conversation, calm yet assertive.

"We're leaving now. Camilla doesn't need any more of this." He gently guided Camilla away from Alexander, leading her toward the exit.

Once outside the venue, Edward's concerned eyes found Camilla's gray ones "Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine," Camilla replied without hesitation.

Edward continued to look at her with concern, but he didn't press further.

"Do you want to take a seat or perhaps have a drink?" he offered, but Camilla remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.

"Camilla?" Edward's voice broke through her reverie, and she shook her head slightly.

"No, I...," she trailed off, her attention suddenly captured by the soulful music being played by the live band nearby.

The soft melody seemed to have a soothing effect on Camilla, and Edward's concern didn't go unnoticed.

His hand on her shoulder felt reassuring, and she took a deep breath, her distant expression giving way to a faint smile.

"I'm sorry, Edward. It's just... the music..." Camilla's words trailed off, the emotions still lingering beneath the surface.

Edward nodded in understanding. "We don't have to stay here if it's too much for you. We can go somewhere else, or even head home if you prefer."

Camilla considered his thoughtful offer, a sense of appreciation in her eyes.

"Actually, I think a dance might be nice," she surprised herself by saying. "Just a dance with you, though," she added, turning her gaze back to the dance floor where other people and some couples were swaying to the music.

Edward's warm smile reflected his relief, glad to see Camilla taking a step forward despite the recent emotional upheaval.

He took her hand willingly and led her onto the dance floor, where they found a space among the other people, moving in harmony with the music.

The soft melody created an intimate atmosphere around them, comforting and serene.

As they danced, Edward held Camilla close, his touch gentle and supportive. Gradually, he felt the tension in her body start to dissipate, and their gazes met.

"I didn't expect to see you here... I mean, we haven't seen or talked since you dropped me off that night," Camilla broke the silence between them.

Edward nodded, maintaining his protective hold on her. "Yeah... I thought you might need some space after what happened."

For a brief moment, Camilla's gaze shifted past Edward, catching sight of Alexander staring at them from a distance, his intense gaze fixed on them.

A faint smirk played on Camilla's lips as she returned her attention to Edward, meeting his gaze with a playful glint.

"And what happened that night?" she inquired, feigning ignorance.

Edward seemed momentarily taken aback, his brow furrowing slightly, unsure if she genuinely didn't remember or was playfully pretending.

"I... um... I tried to..." He stumbled over his words, clearly flustered.

Camilla couldn't help but chuckle softly. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue, or are you only confident when you're referring to me as your girlfriend?" Her teasing tone and mischievous eyes added a playful edge to her words.

Edward's cheeks reddened slightly, but he held his ground, determined not to let embarrassment get the best of him.

He cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "Well... um... about that... I said that in the heat of the moment. The words came out before I had time to think."

Camilla raised an eyebrow, her playful grin widening.

"Oh, is that so? And here I thought you were being all suave and smooth." Her teasing tone caused Edward's blush to intensify.

Despite his embarrassment, his heart raced with a mixture of desire and nervous excitement.

He met her gaze with a playful glint. "I am suave and smooth," he asserted, trying to sound confident.

A moment of silence passed between them, and Camilla glanced behind Edward again, catching sight of Alexander still watching them.

She then redirected her attention to Edward, leaning in slightly closer.

Their lips were now just inches apart, and her seductive gaze held him captive.

Edward chuckled nervously, his heart pounding as her closeness intensified the electric atmosphere between them.

"What are you doing?" he asked in a low voice, his eyes locked onto Camilla's with curiosity and anticipation.

Camilla leaned in a bit more, her eyes never leaving his.

The atmosphere grew more charged, and Edward felt his senses heighten.

"Nothing... Just trying to see if your suave and smooth skills extend beyond words," she whispered, her voice a soft, alluring murmur.

Without hesitation, she closed the gap between them, pressing her lips lightly against his in a brief, tantalizing kiss.

Edward froze for a moment, his mind racing, before he responded, his lips meeting hers with a gentle yet passionate fervor.