Kamille’s POV

Leaning against the door, I felt my breath quicken, and the urge to place my hands on my chest. But my hands were full; I was holding the kids' pizza and ice cream.

“Why the hell did I let him kiss me like that?” I wondered, my mind spinning with uncertainty. “Was it just weakness, or was there something more?”

Lost in thought, I stood in the hallway, grappling with conflicting emotions. Part of me was drawn to Chris; I appreciated his kindness and felt sorry for what he’d been through. But another part of me was wary, unsure of what was happening.

“Miss Kamille?”

Nanny Dona’s warm voice broke the silence, pulling me back to reality.

“Is everything okay?” she asked, her tone concerned.

Startled, I turned to face her, my mind racing as I tried to compose myself. “Yes, everything’s fine,” I replied, forcing a smile despite the gnawing uncertainty. “I was just… lost in thought.”

Nanny Dona studied me, her eyes understanding. “I hope your outing went well?” she asked gently, her voice laced with empathy.

I hesitated, unsure how to articulate my feelings. “It went well,” I admitted softly, my voice a whisper. “I’m just… not sure what to make of something.”

Nanny Dona nodded understandingly. “It’s okay to feel confused,” she reassured me. “Just remember to listen to your heart, Miss Kamille. It will guide you.”

Her words offered clarity amidst the uncertainty. Taking a deep breath, I nodded.

“Thank you, Nanny Dona,” I said sincerely. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

A pang of guilt struck me. “I’m sorry, Nanny Dona,” I apologized. “I’m sure I startled you. I didn’t mean to alarm you. It was just me coming in.”

Nanny Dona smiled reassuringly. “No need to apologize, dear,” she said gently. “I just wanted to make sure everything was alright.”

Grateful for her concern, I handed her the pizza and ice cream, offering a sheepish smile. “Thank you, Nanny Dona,” I said.

With a reassuring pat on my shoulder, Nanny Dona led me back to the living room, where we joined the kids.

Entering the cozy living room, the sight of my children filled me with warmth and joy. “Hello, my darlings,” I greeted them, smiling. Their faces lit up. “How are you guys doing?”

The kids chimed in excitedly, their words tumbling over each other. “We were waiting for you, Mummy!” Royer exclaimed. “We can’t wait to watch our favorite cartoon!”

I chuckled at their exuberance, settling beside them on the couch. “That sounds like fun,” I replied, ruffling their hair. “Let’s get started then!”

Nanny Dona helped serve the pizza and ice cream as they settled in front of the TV. We chatted about their day and shared stories from my outing.

Eventually, the kids yawned, their eyelids heavy with sleep. With Nanny Dona’s help, we brushed their teeth and got them ready for bed.

“I’ll take my leave now, Ms. Kamille,” Nanny Dona said.

“Thank you so much, Dona. Have a great night’s rest,” I replied. She left, leaving me alone in the quiet house.

With a contented sigh, I visited each of my children’s rooms, tucking them in with kisses and whispered words of affection. Then I took a warm bath and went to bed.

I tossed and turned as my phone rang incessantly, the morning light streaming through the open window.

With a groan, I reached for my buzzing phone, squinting at the bright screen.

Scrolling through notifications, my heart sank at the sight of numerous missed calls from Amanda and Belle. What could they possibly want at this ungodly hour?

Rolling my eyes, I initiated a video call, bracing myself for their questions. Their cheerful faces appeared on the screen.

“What’s up with all the missed calls?” I grumbled, my voice thick with sleep.

Amanda and Belle exchanged knowing glances before bursting into laughter. “We just wanted to know how your night went,” Amanda teased.

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. “I’m yet to forgive you two for having something to do with Chris showing up last night,” I accused, feigning hurt.

Belle feigned innocence. “Us? Come on,” she protested sarcastically.

I huffed, crossing my arms. “Well, you wasted your efforts because nothing happened,” I declared stubbornly, refusing to admit their matchmaking had any effect.

We bantered back and forth, trading playful jabs. Our conversation ended with laughter and well-wishes. We ended the call, each returning to our days with a smile.

The rest of the morning began as usual: getting the kids ready, breakfast, and Nanny Dona’s arrival. I usually go to my study, but not today.

After clearing the kitchen, I returned to my room. I didn’t feel like working. My mind was filled with thoughts of Chris, Zeke, Ellen, the lawyer, and that letter.

I retreated to my room and sank onto the bed, staring blankly at the wall. I knew I should be working and tending to my family, but the thought felt overwhelming.

More pressing than work was the letter. I needed to reach the lawyer. I checked my last email; there was no response. I sent a message reminding him of our meeting and waited.

While waiting, I scrolled through my phone and started playing a video game. A chime interrupted my game.

It was a message from the lawyer. My pulse quickened. I tapped the message, my heart racing with anticipation.

The words on the screen sent a surge of excitement through me:

“Be on the lookout. The mail will be delivered to your home address soon.”

I stood and went to the living room window. No one was there. Just as I was about to close the curtains, I noticed a man in black, on a black bike with a black helmet. He dropped a letter in my mailbox and sped off. I shakily retrieved the letter.

Back inside, I opened and read the letter:

“We’re about to make our big move.”