Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 93

The doorbell chimed, 'ding dong' resonating through Camilla's luxury serviced apartment.

"I'll be right there," she called out, her voice echoing from the distant reaches of the living room.

As the door swung open, Edward stood before her, clutching a magnificent bouquet of roses.

Despite his casual attire of a t-shirt and jeans, an air of elegance and refinement enveloped him.

His dark, lustrous hair was expertly braided, lending him a polished look, while his face radiated a gentle smile.

"Good evening," he greeted, his words leaving Camilla in a state of astonishment.

She remained rooted at the threshold, draped in her pajamas, her blonde hair gathered in a disheveled bun.

After a brief pause of awe and confusion, Camilla finally found her voice.

".....Hi," she uttered, her internal thoughts racing to process the unexpected visit.

Edward's smile widened, a warm affection shining in his eyes.

He took in Camilla's pajama-clad charm and artfully tousled hair, inwardly praising her natural beauty.

"I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time," he spoke, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Camilla blinked, regaining her composure.

"No, not at all," she responded, a mixture of surprise and self-consciousness coloring her flushed cheeks.

"I just didn't expect... this." She gestured towards the bouquet of roses, her curiosity sparking in her eyes.

Edward's gaze flickered with hope and anticipation.

"Yeah about this...I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a drink or two tonight," he suggested, his voice tinged with a hint of nervousness.

"I know it's unexpected, but I couldn't resist the chance to... catch up, maybe?..."

"And I brought this as a small token because I firmly believe that a person as beautiful as you deserves nothing less."

His voice wavered with a touch of vulnerability as he extended the bouquet towards her.

Camilla's initial surprise gave way to a warm smile as she listened to Edward's genuine invitation.

The warmth in his eyes and his sincere words melted away any lingering reservations.

She glanced down at her pajamas, considering her appearance, then looked back up at him.

"You know what?..." She paused, accepting the bouquet before continuing, "I would love to," she responded, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and intrigue.

Edward's smile widened even more, his relief evident.

"Wonderful!" he exclaimed, a touch of excitement also in his voice.

"I know a charming little bar nearby with a cozy atmosphere."

"It would be the perfect place to unwind and have a meaningful conversation."

Camilla nodded appreciatively.

"Sounds perfect," she replied, stepping aside to let Edward into her apartment.

"Please make yourself comfortable," she said, gracefully placing the bouquet into a nearby vase.

The vibrant colors of the roses breathed life into the room, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.

With a warm smile, she retreated into her room to get dressed, leaving Edward to settle on the plush cushions of her couch, surrounded by an ambiance of anticipation and beauty.

•~•~•~•~•

Camilla's voice reverberated through the bustling bar as she exclaimed, "Another!"

Her glass cup landed on the table with a slight thud, accompanied by her laughter that filled the air.

Her unrestrained enthusiasm drew a mix of amused and surprised glances from the other patrons, momentarily breaking the natural atmosphere in the bar.

Edward, feeling slightly self-conscious, turned back with a sheepish expression, offering a sympathetic smile to those who had briefly diverted their attention towards Camilla's sudden burst of energy.

All he had wanted was a pleasant conversation over a couple of drinks, but to his surprise, Camilla turned out to be a lightweight drinker, getting drunk after just two glasses of Classic Martini.

He then turned back and softly placed a hand on her arm, trying to get her attention.

"Camilla," he said in a soft yet resolute tone, "I think it might be a good idea for us to leave now."

Camilla paused, her laughter subsiding as she furrowed her brow, questioning, "Why?.... I'm having fun." She responded, preparing to signal the waiter for more drinks but Edward calmly and caringly interjected.

"Camilla, you're drunk... and also on the verge of causing a scene."

Camilla's brows furrowed even deeper as she continued to gaze at Edward, her expression filled with a mix of frustration and defiance.

In an abrupt motion, she jerked her arm away from him, her voice laced with irritation.

"If you're so embarrassed, then just leave!" she exclaimed, rising from her seat.

However, her attempt to walk away was impeded by her unsteady balance, causing her to stumble forward.

Thankfully, Edward reacted swiftly, catching her and steadying her on her feet.

"Come on, let's get you home," he said, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Taking her gently by the arm, he guided her towards the exit of the bar, her head lazily resting on his shoulder.

When they reached where his car was parked, a sudden burst of energy seemed to take over Camilla.

She swiftly freed herself from Edward's hold and cornered him against the car.

His back rested on the vehicle while her hands found their way to his face, her drunken eyes filled with a mischievous glint.

"You know what?" she slurred, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

"I think we should forget about going home just yet."

Edward's heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by Camilla's sudden change in demeanor.

He looked into her eyes, searching for clarity amidst her intoxication.

"What do you mean?" he asked cautiously, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern.

As Camilla leaned in closer for a supposed kiss, Edward's instincts kicked in, and he gently but firmly flipped her over, so now her back was against the car.

"You're drunk... I don't want you to do anything you'd regret later," he said in a resolute tone, holding her in place to prevent any more impulsive actions.

Camilla's playful expression slowly transformed into a sorrowful one, her lips trembling as her eyes glazed with unshed tears.

"Don't you want me?" she asked, her voice quivering with a hint of hurt and vulnerability.

Edward's heart sank as he looked into Camilla's eyes, witnessing the pain reflected in them.

With gentle care, he delicately brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, his expression mirroring concern and tenderness.

"... wanting you feels like an understatement for what I truly feel for you ... what I've always felt," he confessed, his words carrying a weight of years of longing.

"..but I don't think it's right to kiss you in your current state." He added.

And as Edward's words sank in, a surge of emotions overwhelmed Camilla.

Camilla's intoxicated state heightened her emotions, which gradually gave way to a mixture of frustration and yearning.

Her heart raced within her chest, driving her to succumb to a spontaneous impulse.

Without hesitation, she closed the gap between them, her lips pressing against Edward's.

Surprised by her sudden action, Edward's eyes widened, but he couldn't resist the spark of desire it ignited within him.

He kissed her back, closing his eyes, and gradually embraced the moment, savoring the warmth and softness of her lips.

The taste of her, mixed with the hint of alcohol, overwhelmed his senses, momentarily intoxicating him.

But before he could fully lose himself, he was suddenly yanked away.

The unexpected force caused Edward to stumble backward, losing his balance, and he fell to the ground with a thud.

A voice filled with anger and protective fury growled, "You bastard... how dare you try to take advantage of her?"

The words cut through the air, expressing deep outrage.

As Edward tried to gather himself, he looked up to see a tall figure with piercing blue eyes, filled with anger, glaring down at him.

Camilla, still disoriented from the intoxication, managed to steady herself against the car, her expression a mix of confusion and surprise.

She blinked her eyes repeatedly, attempting to clear the haze that blurred her vision.

"What... two Alexanders?" she whispered in disbelief, her voice barely audible, unable to comprehend the bizarre situation before her.