Chapter 183
Still seething from her father’s betrayal, Camila answered the phone without checking the caller ID.
“Come out,” an angry voice repeated. It was Eric Bailey.
Camila’s mind snapped back to the present. “Why are you calling me? I’m hanging up p>
She frowned and was about to end the call when he said, “If you don’t come out, I’ll come in and find you p>
Camila froze, phone in hand. “Where are you p>
“Right outside your front gate p>
She hurried to the window and saw a figure standing in the shadows of a large, leafy tree just outside the gate.
“Are you crazy?” she hissed into the phone, her voice dropping to a panicked whisper. “If my dad sees you, how am I supposed to explain this p>
“As long as you come out, your father won’t see me,” Eric insisted.
Defeated, Camila gritted her teeth and agreed.
Once outside the gate, she couldn’t see anyone under the tree. She walked a little further, her eyes scanning the surroundings, wondering where he had gone.
Suddenly, a strong arm pulled her into a dark corner. The source of thɪs content is.net
Camila let out a muffled cry as a pair of lips crashed down on hers, kissing her with a fierce desperation. The force of his grip was painful, and she thrashed against him, finally managing to push him away with all her strength.
It was Eric.
Camila wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, glaring at him. “What the hell are you doing here p>
She wanted nothing to do with him right now, yet here he was, seeking her out.
“Why are you marrying Alexander Ramirez when you’re pregnant with my child? That’s my baby p>
He had been following her for days and had learned about her engagement to Alexander. He had assumed that carrying his child would make her give up on Alexander, but instead, she had doubled down, planning to marry him with their baby in her womb.
Eric couldn’t stand the thought of his child calling another man ‘father p>
Camila was stunned that he knew. She quickly clamped a hand over his mouth. “Do you want everyone to know the baby is yours p>
“Camila, my family may not be as wealthy as the Ramirezes, but I can give you a comfortable life. Why do you have to marry him?” Eric tore her hand away, his voice a mixture of anger and wounded pride.
Seeing his temper flare, and realizing they were right outside her house where anyone could overhear, Camila knew she had to de-escalate. If her father found out, he would kill her. And if Alexander found out p>
“Marrying Alexander has always been my dream,” she began, her voice softening, her eyes pleading. “I didn’t get rid of the baby because I couldn’t bear to. Because it’s our child p>
“If you couldn’t bear to, then let’s get married. I won’t let my child call another man father,” Eric said, slightly moved, his tone softening in response.
Camila fought back her impatience, forcing a look of tender affection. “You love me, don’t you? Then
please, just respect my decision net
Even after I marry Alexander, we can still see each other And besides, as ong as know the babys yours isn’t that enough p>
Eric fell silent. Sensing an opening, Camila pressed on. “Eric, I know you’re the only one in this world who truly loves me. So please don’t, stand in my way. The real reason I’m manying him is to help The White Group through its crisis. You know the state it’s in. Once the company is back on its feet, I’ll divorce
Alexander. Then the baby and I will both be yours p>
She spun a web of lies, needing to placate him before he ruined everything.
“I can help you. I can help The White Group. I p>
“You can’t help!” Camila’s expression changed in an instant. “Eric Bailey, if you don’t agree, then go ahead! Tell everyone I’m carrying your child! Let my father kill me, or let Alexander throw me out of Cabinda p>
Her attempt at gentle persuasion had failed, and she had lost her patience. The emotional outburst triggered a wave of nausea, and she stumbled to the wall, retching until she trembled.
Watching her, Eric’s heart ached. He rushed to her side, rubbing her back.
“Okay, okay, don’t get upset. I agree,” he said, the words torn from him. Camila, her head still lowered, allowed a small, triumphant smile to cross her lips. Then she heard him ask, “But what if Alexander finds out you’re lying to him p>