Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 83

"She's leaving for Paris?" Fernando and Alessia exclaimed simultaneously, exchanging surprised glances before redirecting their attention to Lauren, who confirmed with a nod.

"Yes," she replied, prompting a furrowed brow from Alessia.

"But why?" Fernando inquired, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion as he directed his gaze toward Lauren, who appeared hesitant to answer the question.

Lauren pursed her lips, taking a brief pause to gather her thoughts before responding.

"She mentioned the need for some space for a while..." Lauren trailed off tentatively, but Alessia seemed to grasp the situation instantly, nodding in understanding, and a soft sigh escaped her lips. "So, when is she planning to leave?"

Lauren glanced at her notes, then lifted her gaze and replied, "She's scheduled to depart tonight after her discharge. She has already instructed me to make all the necessary arrangements."

Fernando's expression grew serious as he processed the information, and he asked, "Will you be accompanying her, at least?"

Lauren shook her head. "No, she wants me to remain here and keep an eye on Tombell® Fashion House."

Fernando's concern deepened at the thought of Camilla traveling alone.

He exchanged a worried glance with Alessia, who nodded in agreement, sharing his apprehension.

Turning his attention back to Lauren, he questioned, "Is there any way you could help us convince her to have someone accompany her? Paris is a big city, and she doesn't have anyone there to watch over her. We don't want her to be alone in such a vulnerable state."

Lauren understood their concerns and proceeded cautiously.

"I understand your worries, but don't you think that pressuring her to accept someone's company might further strain her already delicate situation?"

A moment of silence ensued as both parents contemplated this, and Fernando let out a sigh. "So there's no possible compromise she could consider?"

Lauren replied hesitantly, "I don't believe so."

Alessia nodded, her expression resigned. "It's alright... we understand."

She paused briefly before adding, "Thank you. You can go now."

Lauren nodded in acknowledgment, the sound of her heels softly echoing through the hospital corridor as she gradually disappeared.

After Lauren left, Alessia and Fernando remained standing outside Camilla's wardroom.

They still weren't allowed inside, so their eyes lingered on the closed door for a moment before turning to each other.

Both could feel the weight of the situation and the whirlwind of emotions swirling within them.

Breaking the silence, Fernando's voice carried a tinge of concern.

"I can't help but worry about her being alone in Paris. It's such a big city, and she's going through such a difficult time now."

"What if something happens?....What if she finds herself in a situation like this again and there's no one there to help her?"

His words were heavy, laden with apprehension and fear and Alessia let out a sigh, blaming herself.

"This is all my fault," she said, her voice filled with guilt.

Fernando reached out and gently took Alessia's hand, attempting to provide some comfort. "No, amore mio (my love), this is not your fault."

He then placed a comforting hand around her shoulder, gazing at her as she shifted her attention away from the door to meet his eyes.

"You know,.....maybe her taking some time away could actually help her heal more effectively."

"Even though she might be angry with us now, I'm confident she'll eventually find her way back to us."

"We just have to trust that she knows what she needs right now, even if it doesn't comply with our wishes."

Alessia nodded "I know, Fernando. I just wish I could take away all of the pain she feels and make everything right for her."

Fernando pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close.

"We can't control everything, Amore(Love)," Fernando whispered gently.

"But we can be a guiding light of love and support, even from a distance," he assured her, tenderly kissing her forehead.

"Together, we will go through this, just as we always have," he added, and Alessia nodded, getting a little emotional.

•~•~•~•~•

The night enveloped Alexander in its dark embrace, the moon obscured by heavy clouds, barely casting its pale light.

The wind swept through the air, carrying a melancholic tune that rustled the leaves and brought a hint of autumn's chill.

The atmosphere seemed to reflect the storm of emotions raging within Alexander's heart.

Standing alone amidst his expansive estate, he became a solitary figure.

The wind howled around him, tugging at his coat and causing his hair to sway in a graceful dance.

In one hand, he tightly clenched a glass filled with whiskey, seeking solace in its fiery depths.

On the other hand, he held Camilla's wedding ring, which she had returned to him during their meeting at the hospital.

He stared at the ring for a while, his mind flooded with vivid memories of Camilla, but a pang of profound guilt gnawed at his conscience for the pain he had inflicted upon her.

Feeling the turmoil within him intensify, he clenched the ring tightly in his palm, his knuckles turning white from the pressure.

Lifting the glass to his lips, he savored the rich aroma of the whiskey, its scent intertwining with the cool night air.

As he took a sip, the fiery liquid coursed through his throat, yet, the emotions he carried persisted, refusing to be subdued.

They relentlessly clawed at his heart, leaving him exposed and vulnerable.

He tried closing his eyes, surrendering to the gusts of wind that whipped through his hair, hoping they could carry away the weight of his thoughts and reignite the flickering embers of his soul.

And in that moment a hand suddenly rested on his shoulder, jolting him from his reverie.

Startled by the unexpected touch, Alexander turned his head to find himself face-to-face with his father, their eyes locking in a moment of shared connection.

His father's deep blue eyes held a blend of calmness and concern, offering a silent reassurance.

"Dad..." Alexander's voice faltered, his words catching in his throat.

He swallowed hard, attempting to regain composure. "What are you..."

His father interrupted him with a gentle wave of his hand.

"I've been observing you for some time now," George said, his deep voice steady and soothing despite the internal tempest that raged within Alexander.

"I think you should take it easy, son."

Alexander gazed at his father, the lines of worry etched on his face.

He let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his emotions

"I just don't know how to do that, Dad," he admitted, frustration lacing his voice.

"For the first time in my life, I feel like I've made an incredibly wrong decision... one that could haunt me forever."

George tilted his head slightly, studying Alexander with a thoughtful expression.

"Letting Camilla go was a necessary step to ensure her safety. It wasn't a bad decision."

Alexander shook his head, his tone sharp with self-doubt.

"But what if it was a bad decision?... What if I've lost her completely just because I'm trying to protect her from that psycho, Red Saint?"

George raised an eyebrow at Alexander's sudden outburst, letting a small sigh escape his lips.

"I understand your anger, son, but Camilla was becoming increasingly curious, questioning the staff... You mentioned it yourself."

"She was seeking answers, especially after what Violet told her at the hospital. And you and I both know that her involvement would only bring her more danger."

George maintained his gaze on Alexander before lowering his voice, speaking with conviction.

"You'll get her back," he said, his words carrying a sense of reassurance.

Alexander shook his head, his tone heavy with resignation.

"I don't think so, Dad." He replied flatly.

"The look in her eyes that day at the hospital when she returned the wedding band... it was filled with hatred." He said and then took another gulp of the whiskey, attempting to numb the pain that surged through him at the remembrance.

George observed Alexander intently, sympathy burning in his eyes.

"For her safety, you had to push her away. You made her believe that losing your child was her fault because you wanted her to leave you... It's natural for her to be hurt, but I don't believe she hates you."

Alexander let out a heavy sigh, his grip on the whiskey glass loosening slightly.

"I hope you're right, Dad. I hope she will come to understand one day."

George offered him a reassuring smile. "She will, without a doubt. You just need to focus on the plan... For now, we have a lead on Red Saint, and this time, we will make him pay for everything he has done."

He squeezed Alexander's shoulder briefly before turning to make his way back inside.

After his father's departure, Alexander drew in a deep breath, allowing the cool night air to fill his lungs and invigorate his senses.

At that moment, a spark of unwavering determination reignited within him, casting a warm glow in the depths of his being.

He slowly unfurled his fingers, revealing the wedding band nestled in his palm, and a subtle smile began to grace his lips, spreading like a gentle sunrise.