Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 68

The day began with a beautiful scene, as the sun embraced everything in its warmth.

The sky above was a vast expanse of blue, with occasional clouds that danced with the sunlight.

Camilla sat outside the garden in her parents' mansion, finding comfort on a cozy couch, basking in the sun's gentle caress.

Engrossed in a conversation with her personal assistant, Lauren, the air hummed with their talk.

Every word seemed purposeful, carried by the breeze to the blooming flowers nearby.

"Okay... The clothes look much better now," Camilla said, contentment resonating in her voice as she shared her assessment.

On the other end, Lauren nodded and hummed in agreement, responding, "Yes, they do look better than before."

"Hmmn... Just make sure the girls deliver it to Taylor Jones' house before the end of the day," Camilla emphasized, her tone conveying the task's importance.

"Her movie premiere is tomorrow, and we can't afford any delays or mistakes," Camilla added, and Lauren's commitment was evident by her answer through the phone.

"Absolutely, ma'am," she assured, showcasing the unwavering dedication that defined their working relationship.

"Alright then," Camilla began, preparing to conclude the conversation when she heard Lauren's voice once more.

"Oh, and ma'am," Lauren called, her tone shifting to a more personal tone

"Yes, Lauren?" Camilla responded, her curiosity sparked by the unexpected interruption.

"Happy birthday," she expressed, her voice carrying genuine warmth and affection.

Camilla's lips slowly widened in a beautiful smile, radiating joy and gratitude.

"Thank you, Lauren... I genuinely appreciate it," she responded, her voice filled with sincerity and heartfelt gratitude.

"You're welcome, Ma'am," came Lauren's immediate response before the call ended.

Camilla sighed after that, relishing the fresh air as she settled back against the couch.

Gently rubbing her prominently rounded belly, she pondered when or if Alexander would call to wish her a happy birthday.

"Maybe he forgot," she whispered to herself, a touch of melancholy in her voice.

Uncertainty trickled into her thoughts, casting a faint shadow over the day's beauty.

And the gentle rustle of leaves seemed to resonate with her inner turmoil as if nature itself shared her longing for Alexander's presence.

"Or perhaps he's just busy," she mused, trying to suppress the doubts that threatened to dampen her spirits.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes, letting the sun's warmth seep into her very essence.

"Hello... Bambina,(Baby)" her mother, Alessia's sweet Italian-accented voice suddenly cut through the air, interrupting Camilla's thoughts.

Surprised, she opened her eyes to find her standing before her, a gentle smile gracing her face.

"Mama..." Camilla said, her voice attempting to soothe her frightened heart. "You startled me."

Alessia chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Sorry, Cami. I didn't mean to startle you. I was just wondering why you chose to expose my grandson to so much sunlight this morning."

Camilla couldn't help but chuckle at her mother's playful comment and she reached down, tenderly caressing her swollen belly, feeling a flutter of movement from within.

"I was just enjoying the warmth," Camilla replied, her voice filled with both amusement and affection.

Alessia's eyes twinkled with a knowing glimmer as she observed her daughter's gentle touch.

However, she wasn't going to let her stay out in the sun knowing the detriments it could also cause her.

"If you want warmth, I can turn up the heater inside. So come on, let's go. Breakfast is ready," Alessia said.

Camilla's eyes widened at her mother's statement.

"Food again?!" she exclaimed, shocked.

"Mama... I've only been here for two days... just two days! And you've practically fed me almost twenty times."

"Besides, I already had something to eat this morning, so I'm not hungry," she protested.

Alessia chuckled softly at Camilla's protest.

"Sweetheart, you're six months pregnant now. Your body needs all the nutrients and nourishment it can get to give you the strength you need."

"Plus I don't want my precious grandson coming into the world looking like a skinny little twig."

Camilla playfully rolled her eyes at her mother's remark, unable to resist the teasing.

"I understand, but if you keep feeding me like this, he'll end up coming out looking like a sumo wrestler instead," she replied, a touch of amusement in her voice.

"But alright, I'll join you for breakfast. Just a small portion, though."

Alessia's smile widened, satisfied with her daughter's agreement.

"That's my girl," she said, extending her hand to help her up and guiding Camilla gently toward the house.

"You need to keep up your strength, especially on your birthday," Alessia added, concern laced in her tone as they strolled along the pathway.

"Don't worry about me, Mama. I'm definitely going back to my house to be with my husband after all this."

"I won't be spending my thirtieth birthday with you and Papa," she teased, her lightheartedness contrasting with the seriousness in her expression.

Alessia raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Oh, is that so? Trying to escape your old parents, are you?" she teased, her tone brimming with playful affection.

Camilla feigned surprise.

"Me? Escape you and Papa? Never!" she exclaimed in mock shock.

Then, a sly smirk appeared on her face, and she added, "I just want to spend my first birthday married with Alexander."

"You know... just him and me." A blush tinted her cheeks, revealing her embarrassment at the admission.

Alessia burst into hearty laughter. "Well, sorry, but you might have to endure a few hours with me before you can see him, okay?"

Camilla let out an exaggerated sigh, putting on a show of resignation.

"Alright, I guess I can handle a few more hours of your company," she said, feigning reluctance.

"But promise me you won't overfeed me, okay?"

Alessia nodded, her smile warm and indulgent. "Of course, my dear. I promise."

"We can even have a wonderful time together before you go off to celebrate with Alexander," she replied, with mischief twinkling in her eyes as they walked side by side, their steps perfectly in sync as they head back inside the house

••••~•

Later that night, a sleek silver Mercedes GLS 2020 pulled up outside Camilla and Alexander's home.

Camilla stepped out of the car without waiting for assistance from the driver.

She couldn't help but feel a tinge of annoyance at the day's events and her parents, especially her mother, meddling in her special day.

For some unknown reason she had managed to keep Camilla occupied all day, seemingly trying to delay her return until late at night.

Entering the villa with a noticeable frown etched on her face, she proceeded to the living room.

But as soon as she made her appearance, a thunderous cheer erupted from the assembled crowd, their voices blending in unison, exclaiming, "Happy thirtieth birthday!"

The whole room had gone through a wondrous transformation, adorned with decorations in Camilla's favorite colors.

Shimmering fairy lights illuminated the space, casting a magical glow, while a prominent banner proudly proclaimed her birthday for all to see.

The air was filled with the vibrant hues of colorful balloons, infusing the space with a palpable sense of joy and celebration.

At the center of it all, a grand table stood adorned with tempting treats, accompanied by a magnificent cake bearing her name in elegant lettering.

Camilla stood there, momentarily frozen in awe.

The initial frown that had adorned her face gave way to an overwhelming surge of pure surprise and uncontainable joy as her gaze fixated on Alexander.

He walked towards her, donning a suave and impeccably tailored gray suit, which exuded an air of effortless style.

His dimples seemed to deepen, accentuated by the widest and most radiant smile she had ever witnessed.

Gently pressing his lips against hers, he planted a tender kiss as she stood there, still transfixed by the moment.

With a hushed whisper in her ear, he declared, "Happy birthday, wifey."

The entire room erupted into applause as he gracefully stepped back, leaving her surrounded by the resounding cheer of their loved ones.

"Oh my God," she gasped, unable to form any other words.

Emotions surged through her veins, overwhelming her at the sight of him and everything around her.

Spotting her mother amidst the crowd, a wide smile etched onto her face.

"So this is why you kept me busy all day," she said, her voice filled with awe and gratitude.

A mischievous grin spread across Alessia's face, her eyes gleaming with delight.

"We wanted to make sure this day would be truly unforgettable for you," she said, brimming with excitement.

Camilla's heart swelled with gratitude as she took a moment to absorb the sight before her, the room filled with loved ones, friends, and even business associates all gathered to celebrate her special day.

"Wow...you guys...thank you so much for this...I...I don't even know what else to say," her words punctuated by soft, affectionate laughter, her eyes brimming with tears of pure love and happiness.

Isabel, amidst the bustling crowd, chimed in, "How about we start by getting you ready for your special day?"

Camilla nodded eagerly, feeling overwhelmed by the incredible display of affection and anticipation that surrounded her.

She couldn't find the right words to express her emotions, but she was filled with excitement to celebrate this milestone with everyone.

With her heart ready to embrace the enchantment of the evening, Camilla was led upstairs by Isabel, accompanied by Lauren, and some of her interns and workers.

As she made her way up the stairs, her eyes instinctively sought out Alexander's.

In that fleeting moment, their gazes connected, exchanging a wordless understanding that spoke volumes.

Just before she disappeared upstairs, enveloped by the group accompanying her, Alexander, unable to resist the urge, sent her a flirtatious wink, a gesture that carried a hint of mischief and anticipation.

With Camilla's return eagerly anticipated, the guests exchanged cheerful anecdotes and laughter, fueling the vibrant energy in the room.