Kamille’s POV

As the early morning light filtered through the curtains, I groaned. My head pounded as if a world war were raging inside it. I shifted, feeling a warm body beside me, and turned to see who it was.

What the heck!

His long, perfect body lay beside mine, naked as I was. I quietly lifted the covers to check myself, and the memories of yesterday flooded my mind.

I’d met Amanda and Belle; we’d had a lot to drink, and they’d left earlier. I remembered how the alcohol had dulled my senses and clouded my judgment. Then Zeke had appeared; he’d taken me home, but his presence stirred something within me I’d long tried to suppress.

Now, in the harsh light of day, regret gnawed at me. The last thing I wanted was a one-night stand with him. I should have known better than to get involved with a married man, especially one with whom I shared a complicated history. My eyes fell on his fingers—the rings were gone.

What happened to them?

My gaze shifted from his fingers to his body: his long, beautiful legs, his firm abs, his soft lips. My mind wandered back to the previous night. Our fingers intertwined in a bond I couldn’t explain, our bodies moving together in perfect sync.

How could I yearn for someone who hurt me so much? I’m supposed to hate him, not this. I have to, for my children’s sake. Shit!

Guilt washed over me as I pushed myself out of bed, careful not to disturb Zeke. I was supposed to relieve Nanny Dona last night, not at 4 AM! I was already making a mess upon arriving in London. Whew!

The sun wasn't fully up, but there was enough light to navigate my way back to my kids. I quickly found my clothes and dressed.

I tiptoed out of his room and into the hallway. As I walked, I noticed a stark difference in the house from my last visit. The décor was sad and lonely; the house felt empty and lifeless.

Where was Ellen? Zeke wouldn’t have brought me back here if she were home. I know how much she loathes me; I’m like a plague to her.

I slipped out of the house and hailed a taxi. “Good morning, ma’am,” the driver greeted. I responded politely and gave him my address. I glanced back at Zeke’s house as the car sped away.

As the sun fully rose, I got out of the taxi. Throughout the ride, I’d been worried. I wondered if Nanny Dona had left my kids last night. She had every right to, but I hoped she hadn’t.

As soon as I reached the door, it opened, and there stood Nanny Dona, wearing a motherly smile. I started to offer the numerous excuses I’d concocted on my way home: “I’m so sorry, I got carried away and…”

“It’s fine, Miss Kamille. I totally understand,” Nanny Dona interrupted, “Taking care of four kids takes its toll on any mother, and it’s only right for you to take a break now and then.” She added with a warm smile.

“Thank you,” I replied, comforted by her words. “How are the kids?” I asked.

“Oh, they’re lovely souls, so full of life,” she replied warmly. “They’re still asleep,” she added.

“Thank you so much, Nanny Dona.” I made a mental note to give her a permanent contract. Her thoughtfulness and motherly care were admirable.

She nodded and left. I climbed the stairs to my room, but stopped at the children’s room first. The boys were peacefully sleeping; I smiled at their calm faces and quietly closed the door. I went to Tyris’s room to give her a peck before heading to my own.

I took a bath and put on a loose, flowery dress. I went downstairs to prepare breakfast. I got fruits and vegetables from the fridge. Soon, the aroma of sizzling bacon filled the air, along with the sound of eggs cracking. Once I was done, I set the table, arranging colorful plates and napkins. I went upstairs and got the kids ready. They came downstairs, and we ate breakfast together.

After clearing the dishes, I went to my study to work on an article for my forecast station. The memory of Zeke lingered in my mind. I knew I couldn’t undo last night, nor could I ignore the undeniable chemistry between us. But for now, I’d put those thoughts aside and focus on what mattered.

I made a mistake last night. One that would never happen again, I promised myself.

“Hello, Amy. What’s up?” I said, answering my ringing phone, which thankfully interrupted my thoughts.

“Hello, bestie. I’m cool. Glad you got home safely,” she replied. “Mmmn,” I hummed in agreement.

If only you knew, Amanda.

“So, here’s what’s up. You’re going to email me all the evidence you have on the Manors right now,” she said.

I listened, not to her, but to the voices in my head. Reuniting with my best friends was something I looked forward to, and their help was a blessing I didn’t take for granted. But at that moment, I doubted if I wanted them fully involved. It was my battle, not theirs. I didn’t have enough incriminating evidence, just a few videos and Grandma’s will.

“Uh, Amy, I don’t know. What I have won’t do. We’ll need more evidence, and I haven’t come up with a plan to get it,” I replied.

“Don’t overthink it. We’ll come up with something soon enough. Those motherfuckers will definitely get prosecuted,” Amanda said.

“Yeah. I need to trace where that mail came from. Whoever sent it knew who I was and that I was alive; they must have had a reason to mail me Grandma’s will,” I said, wondering what they wanted. “But I’ll email you what little I have so you can work on the article,” I added.

“Alright. I’ll get to work immediately. Talk to you later, Kam,” Amanda ended the call. I sighed.

I refocused on the article. London’s weather was different from that in the United States, so I needed to adjust the tone. After more research, I completed the article and sent it to my editor.

As I relaxed my tense muscles, I heard Tyris squeal with excitement, along with her brothers. My heart filled with warmth; she was a girl, but being around her brothers made her stronger than most girls her age. I knew no one could bully my daughter like they did me.

They’d be dead before they had the chance.

I needed to enroll them in a daycare, since we’d be in London for a while. I quickly searched online for daycares with good reviews. I found one nearby and filled out the online forms for each of my kids: Roen Reid, Torin Reid, Tyris Reid, and Torin Reid. (Note: there is a repetition here. Please check the original text.)

Almost immediately, I received a confirmation email. I signed the necessary documents, and just like that, they were enrolled.

Thanks to web developers for making it so easy.

My phone rang. “Hello, Kamille on the line. How may I help you?” I replied. It was the daycare; they wanted to verify my home phone number. The kids could start the next day or the following Monday.

“Thank you very much, Ms. Kamille. Have a great day,” the woman said before hanging up.

“Thank you,” I replied before the line went dead.

With all the hassle and mess that brought me back to London, I had a lot of cleaning up to do. I didn’t want my children caught in the middle of it. I sighed.