Kamille’s POV

London’s weather was favorable as the Monday morning sun streamed into my room. I yawned and got out of bed.

I quickly freshened up. I paused, staring at myself in the mirror. I loved how my body had evolved over the years. I’d gained weight, my face had become rounder, and I felt more beautiful. I got dressed and went downstairs to prepare a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs, bread, and lattes for my kids and me.

I went to the boys’ room, expecting a struggle to get them ready for school, but they surprised me with their excitement. Tyris was equally enthusiastic when I reached her room.

Today must be a good day. I smiled as they ran to the breakfast table. Their excited chattering filled the room.

“Promise you’ll tell me all about your day when you get back,” I said, looking at them with a pleading smile.

“Of course, Mummy. I’ll tell you everything!” Tyris giggled. I nodded warmly.

“You boys need to look after your sister, okay?” I said, looking between Roen, Torin, and Royer.

“Yes, Mummy,” they replied in unison.

I ordered an Uber and left with my kids. We arrived at school on time. I helped them out of the car, paid the driver, and he left. My children marveled at the enormous school building and started to run ahead, but I called them back. I held their hands and walked in with them.

We soon reached their classroom. I saw the back of a tall, fine young man. His skin was well-tanned, he had brown curly hair, and he looked almost six feet tall.

“Hello. Good morning,” I greeted him. He turned and smiled; he was very appealing.

“Good morning, Ma’am,” he replied with a bright smile.

“I’m Ms. Kamille, and these are my children. I assume you’re Mr. Christopher, the class teacher?” I said. I noticed his eyes flicker, but they quickly returned to normal.

“Yes, Ma’am, I am. But you can call me Chris,” he responded. His eyes lingered on me a little longer than I found comfortable, but I dismissed it. I spoke briefly with Chris before leaving.

As soon as I got home, I went straight to my study. A pile of neatly arranged documents sat on my desk, but I ignored them and took out a letter that had arrived in the mail.

This letter was from Grandma. Her beautiful penmanship stood out. I sniffed, tears welling up and streaming down my cheeks.

I missed Grandma Monica so much. I’d thought I’d overcome the pain of losing her, but seeing her handwriting reopened old wounds, and the tears wouldn’t stop.

Reading her words, anger and annoyance welled up. My entire life with the Manors had been a lie. They enjoyed a life of luxury that wasn’t rightfully theirs, and their audacity in doing evil was shocking. I sneered.

After composing myself, I picked up another document—evidence I had against Liz Manor. She had always enjoyed hitting me. Even after I became an MMA fighter, thinking the beatings would stop (hitting non-fighters is against the rules except in self-defense), they only got worse. Liz hit me for the slightest reason; her dislike for me was obvious.

Unlike Zeke!

I hated being reminded of him. He was a mistake I couldn’t erase, no matter how hard I tried. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping to banish the thought of him, but the harder I tried, the more vividly I saw him.

“Ahhhh!” I groaned in frustration. I just wanted to be happy with my kids. I was done with men. I’d tried love once, but it didn’t end well, so I wouldn’t let my heart be misled again—not even by the father of my children.

After planning my next steps, I prepared lunch. It was almost noon when the doorbell rang.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Kamille,” Nanny Dona greeted me with her usual smile.

“Good afternoon, Nanny Dona,” I replied, gesturing for her to enter. “I was just about to get ready to pick up the kids; please make yourself comfortable.” I smiled.

“Okay, Ms. Kamille. I’ll make sure everything is ready for their return.” I mouthed a thank you.

I went upstairs, grabbed my purse and phone, and quickly changed into lighter clothes and applied a little makeup.

When I arrived at school, I saw other parents collecting their children. I made my way to my kids’ classroom. Upon seeing me, they ran towards me excitedly.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Reid?” I heard Chris say as he approached.

Does this man not ask questions before blurting out taboos?

“Kamille. Miss Kamille,” I emphasized.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Ms. Kamille. I just assumed you were married,” he replied.

“I’m not married, Mr. Chris,” I replied, turning to my children. “Let’s go, my darlings. Mummy can’t wait to hear about your day.” They giggled, and we walked out of the classroom. I felt Chris’s gaze on us as we left.

What is wrong with him?

I’d already ordered an Uber, so we waited calmly. I made a mental note to check on the car I was trying to obtain; I couldn’t afford to be recognized by anyone who knew me.

“Uh, excuse me, Ms. Kamille?” I turned to see Chris standing behind me.

“Yes?” I replied.

“Um, I wanted to apologize for the assumption I made earlier. I just thought you were already taken,” he said sincerely.

“Apology accepted. It’s no big deal,” I replied.

“Thank you.” He smiled. “Are you waiting for the children’s father or for an Uber?” he asked.

“The children’s father is quite busy, so I ordered an Uber; it should be here in two minutes,” I responded.

“Okay. How about I give you a ride home?” Chris asked.

I smiled and politely refused. “We’re fine, really, Mr. Chris. You don’t need to trouble yourself.” He persisted, but I refused again. Just then, the Uber arrived.

“We’ll go now, Mr. Chris.” I smiled and stood up.

My children and I got into the Uber, leaving Chris behind. His gaze seemed to follow us until the car sped away.

As we arrived home, I felt uneasy, as if we were being watched. I scanned the quiet street, but saw no one.

“Mummy, aren’t you coming in?” Roen called. I looked around again, but still saw nothing. “I’m coming, love,” I responded and went inside.

I spent a few minutes at the dining table listening to my children’s stories about their first day at school. Nanny Dona was busy organizing their backpacks and school clothes. After lunch, I returned to my study, leaving the kids with Nanny Dona.

After assembling the final piece of evidence against Liz, I called Amanda. “Hello, Amy,” I said.

“Hey, Kam. How are you?” she responded.

“You know, just living,” I chuckled.

“Living’s a good deal,” she laughed. “How are my godchildren?” she asked.

“They’re doing great, Amy, and will hopefully see you soon,” I replied, much to Amanda’s delight.

“So, were you able to find a journalist or blogger to help?” I asked more seriously.

“Yeah. He’s promised to be discreet. He’s a blogger with a track record of standing for the truth,” Amanda replied.

“That’s great. Thank you so much, Amy,” I said.

“Anything for you, my love,” Amanda replied. I giggled.

“Alright then, I’ll hang up now,” I said.

“Bye, love. Blow kisses to my godchildren, will you?” she asked.

I remembered her line, “Because you asked nicely, I will.” We laughed, and the call ended.

A tingle of excitement stirred in my heart.