To break

(Camilla’s POV) The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes were the fluorescent lights of the clinic buzzing overhead. It was casting a sterile glow on my face, causing me to squint to adjust my vision for a moment. I blinked, my vision blurry, the memory of the overwhelming panic still lingering like a phantom limb. I heaved a deep sigh, realizing that I have accidentally shown to the world the vulnerability I’ve been trying to hide my whole life. I promised to go back stronger in my revenge. Not weaker… I winced when I felt a hand, warm and reassuring, suddenly clasped tightly around mine. That's when I realized that there was a man sitting beside me on the clinic bed. It was Kalel. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and steady. I awkwardly withdrew my hand from him. “We can postpone the press conference if you want. You don't have to do it tonight… or anymore.” I gave him a sharp stare, my gaze meeting his. "No, I’m doing this,” my voice stern. I’m not going back to my apartment without painting them negatively in the media. The election is coming and I can't let Lester win as governor. This is the first step to my revenge. I’m going to take everything from him. I forcefully sat myself from the bed, noticing the man standing at the corner of the room. “Jin…” I whispered. He lowered his head slightly. How did he know I was here? I don't remember telling him anything about my press conference. I knew he’d stop me. Kalel must have read the confusion on my face because he answered on his behalf. “I knew he’d be worried that's why I called him,” he explained. I looked at my butler confusedly. When did he become so close with Kalel for him to give him his contact details? And he didn't even tell him to leave me alone? Does he trust him or something? “You should tell him about your plans, Camilla. He’s worried about you.” My gaze diverted to Kalel. Is he winning my butler’s trust that's why he’s favoring him? “That's none of your business, Kalel. How long have I been out?” I asked, changing the topic. He checked the time on his expensive watch. “Not long. I can call the organizer if you wish to continue the press conference,” he said, a hint of reluctance in his voice. I went in front of a mirror to check my appearance. I could see the determination in my eyes, a reminder of the promise I told myself a year ago that I will definitely come back to the people who destroyed me, giving them ten folds of the pain they had inflicted upon me. This is the time. The beginning of my revenge. “Let’s go there,” I said, walking towards the exit of the door with confidence. ***** The drive back to the press conference was a blur, the city's relentless hum a constant backdrop to our tense silence. Kalel suggested that I drove to his car, so that the reporters wouldn't doubt our relationship. Apparently, I passed out in front of the reporters, which was definitely not part of the plan. This is what their betrayal left me. A festering wound that cannot be healed. The building loomed before us, a concrete monolith, its facade adorned with a dizzying array of cameras and microphones. "Ready?" Kalel asked, his hand finding mine again. I stared at it for a moment. My mind wants me to remove his hand, but my heart feels at ease in his grip. I looked at his worried face. He looks dashing in his black suit. As much as I want to deny it to myself, I’m glad that I met him to help me with this revenge. I took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "As I'll ever be." Kalel escorted me out of the car. Unlike the first time, the reporters are now seated on the benches in an organized manner, their cameras still flashing, but not as overwhelming as before. They watched in anticipation as we walked towards the front where a sofa is waiting for us to accompany us in this heated situation. The press conference room was a cacophony of flashing lights and buzzing voices. The air crackled with anticipation, a palpable energy that made my stomach churn. I took my place beside Kalel, his arm a comforting weight against my back. I was wearing a tube dress that's why I had to cross my legs, but Kalel instinctively took off his blazer to cover my legs like a real gentleman. The reporters didn't waste time. They’ve waited long enough after I passed out. The questions came fast and furious, each one a barb aimed at our relationship. "Ms. Camilla, is it true you're only with Mr. Kalel for his money?" a reporter shouted, his voice amplified by the microphone. My heart skipped a beat. They didn't even bother starting with opening questions first. Well, I guess, that's better, so we could skip on the good part. My lips curving into a wry smile, met the reporter's gaze. "I'm afraid you're mistaken. I'm with Kalel because I love him, and he loves me. His wealth is a lovely bonus, but it's not the foundation of our relationship." The room erupted in a wave of laughter, the tension easing slightly. “Is it true that you're the CEO of a leading technology company?” another reporter asked. It was a simple question that would greatly clear my name in this kind of situation. “Yes, I am the CEO of Atlas Innovations,” I briefly replied. It seemed like all the questions were made for me because they're not even asking Kalel anything. They seemed to be more curious about me than him. “Is it true that you're the youngest female billionaire in the country?” My brows arched at the next question they threw at me. I didn't know how to answer that question because I was never really aware of the ranking. “I hope so…” I answered, smiling at them to lighten up the atmosphere. The reporters laughed at my humorous answers. I was doing it intentionally because the last thing I want to happen right now is for them to think that I’m guilty of something. My plan is to make our relationship as genuine as possible. "Ms. Camilla, what is your relationship with Lester, the man you recently had a public altercation with at a restaurant?" another reporter pressed. Kalel's hand tightened around mine, his expression hardening. It was a question I was expecting but felt unready to answer. I didn't realize how difficult it actually is to talk about something like this publicly. "Lester is... a man from my past,” I revealed, causing a series of whispers from the reporters in the venue. “Do you have anything to say about his steps on joining politics?” He followed up a question. I smiled lightly. “He's running for governor, but his political aspirations are not my concern,” I replied nonchalantly. But deep inside, I knew that the purpose of this press conference was to discredit him and ruin his reputation. "Is it true, Ms. Camilla, that Lester is your ex-husband?" a voice from the back of the room called out. I felt a cold wave of dread wash over me. A part of me had hoped to avoid this, to keep this part of my past buried. But it seemed like this was my only way to serve my revenge successfully. Kalel, sensing my discomfort, squeezed my hand again. "Yes, it's true. Lester is my ex-husband." "And Ms. Camilla, what was the reason for your divorce?" The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken pain. I closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Lester... he cheated on me. With my best friend, Cindy." I could feel the shock ripple through the room. The reporters exchanged glances, their faces a mixture of surprise and curiosity. There were already rumors about our relationship spreading on the internet, but for it to be confirmed by me is something that still sends chills down their spine. "And what about the recent incident at the restaurant?" a reporter asked, his voice laced with intrigue. "That was... a long time ago," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I was still very hurt by what happened. It was a difficult time for me." Kalel, his expression filled with concern, leaned closer to me. "There's nothing more to say about that. It's a private matter." "Ms. Camilla, we understand you've been through a lot," a reporter said, her voice softer now. "But we also know that you've had a miscarriage. Can you tell us about that?" My heart pounded in her chest. Just when I thought their questions couldn't get any worse. This was the part I had dreaded the most. I looked at Kalel, seeking his support. I don't even know where they got that information. I don't remember mentioning that at the restaurant incident. How did they know about the miscarriage? "It was... a very difficult time," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "My mother-in-law... she made it very difficult for me. She blamed me for the loss, for everything." Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. I felt Kalel's hand tighten around mine. "I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice cracking. "I just... I need a moment.” The reporters fell silent. Kalel gently pulled me away from the microphones, leading me out of the room. My tears flowed freely as soon as we left the venue, my sobs echoing in the confines of the car. Kalel reached out to gently touch my hand. "It's okay, Camilla," he whispered. "Sometimes, you have to let yourself break to become stronger.”