Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 79

The unexpected betrayal from the person she least expected had left Camilla heartbroken, cutting deep into the core of her vulnerability and shattering her expectations.

With her eyes red-rimmed from countless tears shed over the past forty-eight hours, she lay on the bed, her emotions still raw and overwhelming.

The next morning, after regaining consciousness from the ordeal with Alexander, she decided to leave the house and seek solace with her parents.

They were the only ones she could trust, the ones who would never betray or blame her for the loss of her child, unlike Alexander.

The morning sunlight seeped through the parted curtains, casting a gentle glow as she lay on her parents' bed.

Her eyes remained fixed on the wedding ring adorning the fourth finger of her left hand, the trembling fingers of her right hand twirling it round and round.

Each rotation of the ring mirrored the whirlwind of emotions that stormed within her heart.

The door creaked open, and Alessia entered, carefully balancing a tray adorned with a plate of Arancini and freshly baked cannoli.

"Mmm... What a delightful aroma," she remarked, closing the door behind her before placing the tray on the bedside table.

As she set it down, she smiled softly.

"Take a look at what I've made for you... your favorite," she said, casting a hopeful glance at Camilla, whose gaze remained fixed on the ring, unresponsive.

Alessia's heart sank at the sight of her daughter's pain, but she masked it with a brave smile.

She moved closer, taking a seat beside Camilla and gently resting a hand on her shoulder.

"Sweetheart," she called, but Camilla quickly interjected, "I'm not hungry," her tone firm and Alessia sighed.

"Cami, I can't have you starve yourself. You need to take your medications, and it's important to have something in your stomach before you do," Alessia pleaded, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"I understand that you're hurting, my love, but starving yourself won't heal the pain. Please, for me, try to eat something."

Camilla turned her weary and distant gaze towards her mother, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil.

"I just can't. What's the point when everything feels tasteless and empty... just like my life."

Alessia took a deep breath, her heart breaking for her daughter.

She searched for the right words to provide comfort.

"Your life is not empty, Cami. You have me, your father, Nonna... you have us, your family, and we will always be here for you, no matter what."

Camilla looked at her mother through teary eyes, her voice choked with emotion. "I know that..." She trailed off, her words fading.

Her voice cracked as she continued, "But I just can't help feeling like a loser... a failure."

"First, I failed my baby, and now my marriage crumbles, all within the same damn year." She sniffled, the weight of her emotions becoming unbearable.

"I just hate myself right now."

Alessia's brow furrowed as she listened to her daughter's words of pain.

She gently took Camilla's hands in hers, holding them tightly. "You're not a failure, okay? Stop poisoning your mind with such destructive thoughts."

She let out a heartfelt sigh as tears welled up in her own eyes.

"You're my daughter, my baby, and you are not a failure." Alessia's voice trembled with emotion as she whispered, pouring all her love and support into her words.

Camilla's shoulders slumped, a mixture of frustration and resignation etched across her face as if carrying the weight of the world.

"Then why would he lay the blame on me for the loss of our child?...why would he file for a divorce from me?" Her voice quivered with a fragile vulnerability as a tear escaped her eye, which she swiftly brushed away in anger.

Alessia's eyes softened with empathy, and she enveloped her daughter in a comforting embrace.

"My love, it's not your fault. Sometimes, people project their pain onto others when they can't confront it within themselves."

"Alexander's actions are from his struggles, not from any deficiency on your part," Alessia reassured, staring deep into her eyes.

Camilla's sobs became subdued as she clung to her mother, seeking solace in their connection.

"It's all just too much for me to take in all at once. I never imagined I would find myself this broken and lost," she confessed, her voice choked with emotion.

"I miss the person I used to be before all of this," Camilla lamented, her words interlaced with tears, while Alessia gently stroked her hair, offering a soothing touch.

"I understand, my love. But please remember, deep inside, you are still the same strong and resilient woman I've always known."

"You just need time to heal," Alessia affirmed, releasing her hold on Camilla's face and cupping it in her hands.

"And who said you have to take it all in at once?" She questioned with a little smile.

"You can take as long as you want to process your emotions and I promise, I'll be with you every step of the way okay?" Alessia reassured.

Camilla took a deep breath, gathering her strength, and nodded in agreement.

"Okay," she whispered, her voice fragile yet resolute.

Alessia smiled warmly, as she extended her hand to the bedside table and picked up an Arancini from the plate, and offered it to Camilla which she declined yet again.

Undeterred, Alessia held it out once more, "Just one bite, and I promise it will reawaken your appetite," She pleaded, her voice filled with tender affection.

Camilla let out a tearful laugh, a fragile sound that held both sorrow and gratitude.

After a brief hesitation, she accepted the Arancini from her mother's hand, stealing one last glance before taking a tentative bite.

The flavors danced on her tongue, momentarily distracting her from the weight of her pain.

"How is it?" Alessia inquired sweetly, her eyes fixed on Camilla, eager for a glimmer of contentment.

With her mouth still filled with Arancini, Camilla managed a muffled response, "Delicious as always."

A small chuckle escaped Alessia's lips at her response as she leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her daughter's head.

"Eat up... I'll be back soon," She reassured her, a genuine smile gracing her face.

Camilla nodded, appreciating the care and love in her mother's words.

As soon as Alessia exited the room and closed the door behind her, a flood of guilt surged within her, causing her eyes to well up with tears.

She instinctively covered her mouth, stifling any sound that threatened to escape.

Turning around, Alessia found Fernando standing there, his face etched with concern.

He took a step forward, a gesture of comfort, but she raised her hand to stop him, silently indicating that she needed a moment alone.

With a quick pace, she made her way to the veranda, and Fernando quietly trailed behind her.

As they reached the veranda, Alessia finally let go of the pent-up emotions that had been weighing heavily on her.

Leaning against the railing, her body trembling with sobs, tears streamed down her face, releasing the emotional burden that had been building inside her.

Guilt washed over her like a tidal wave, threatening to consume her as she blamed herself for her daughter's misfortune.

Fernando watched her from a distance, his heart aching, and he approached her slowly, giving her the space she needed while silently conveying his support.

Finally, as her sobs began to subside, she turned to face Fernando, her tear-stained face filled with sadness and remorse.

"It's all my fault that she's like this. I should have never set her up with Alexander," she confessed, her voice quivering with regret.

Tears still glistening in her eyes, she looked up at Fernando. "I'm the reason she's broken, Fernando."

"I'm sorry...I broke our daughter."

Fernando stepped closer, his touch gentle as he placed his hand on her shoulder.

He spoke with empathy and tenderness, his words meant to provide comfort.

"Amore mio(My love), you can't blame yourself for this. You had no way of knowing what would happen. You wanted the best for her, and you acted out of love and care. It's not your fault."

Alessia shook her head, her voice choked with emotion.

"But look at her, Fernando. She's in so much pain. I never wanted this for her. I never wanted her to experience such heartbreak."

She turned her gaze away, unable to meet his eyes, consumed by her feelings of responsibility.

"I'm... a... horrible mother," she choked out, her voice trembling as she fought back a sob.

Fernando tightened his grip on Alessia's shoulder, attempting to offer solace.

"No, you're not a horrible mother. You've always been there for Camilla, supporting and loving her."

Alessia whipped her head back towards him, her eyes filled with anguish.

"What kind of mother drugs her daughter and a stranger just to manipulate her into a relationship?"

"All because of my selfishness? Tell me, have you ever heard of a mother doing such a thing to her daughter simply because she wasn't ready for a relationship?"

Fernando's lips quivered as he briefly glanced at the ground, only to fix his gaze back on her face.

"You wanted her happiness, Amore(Love)," he whispered.

"You loved her, and that's why you made those choices. That's why I agreed to help, too."

Alessia scoffed and rolled her eyes, turning away from him.

"Don't try to sweet talk me, Fernando," she retorted

"The truth remains... I'm still the one responsible for all the pain and suffering she's enduring now."

"And even though I don't want to admit it, with Alexander filing for a divorce after her miscarriage, deep down I fear she may never recover from it all." Her voice filled with despair, as she finished her words, staring ahead at the breathtaking view of the sunrise.