Turning Tables

(Camilla’s POV) My usual morning routine consists of my daily skin care while listening to some good relaxing music to start my day bright and lively. Next, I hopped on a well-oiled machine of pre-workout stretches and protein shakes. I don't usually eat anything in the morning, but I don't want to get to the gym with an empty stomach, so I always try to consume something just to avoid feeling nauseous at the gym. The rhythmic thump of my playlist filled the entire penthouse as I tied my gym shoes. I don't really have anything to do today at the office, but I do need to run some errands, so that's what I’m going to do as soon as I get back from my workout. I plugged my wireless earphones in my ears, checking myself in the mirror for the last time before leaving the apartment. Entering the elevator, I immediately noticed the strange look the old woman gave me upon seeing me. I didn't want to be rude so I gave her a smile but she just scoffed like she didn't want no smile from me. Okay? I decided to ignore her, not wanting to ruin my day. *Ting!* The elevator opens. I was about to step out when the playlist playing in my earphones was abruptly replaced by the cacophony of clicking cameras and flashing lights. My hands instinctively covered my face as they continued to blind me with their flashes. A gaggle of reporters, their faces a blur of eager anticipation, had somehow infiltrated my building and were now swarming the elevator. “Ms. Camilla, Ms. Camilla, just a few words!” “Are you really engaged to Mr. Kalel?” “What do you have to say about the gold digger accusations?” I could feel their weight pushing over me. I would have fallen on the ground already if it weren't for the wall that hit my back. “Is it true that you boyfriend the young trillionaire, Kalel Villafuerte, for his wealth?” My jaw dropped on the floor from their bold accusations. Is it even legal to ask someone like that? Isn't that libel already? “Excuse me!” I struggled to hide myself from the flashing lenses of their cameras that they're trying so hard to peak on my face. What happened to the fucking security of this penthouse?! How did they all get in here? I’m getting ambushed by a bunch of judgemental reporters who are forcing me to comment on their nonsensical accusations. I could feel my carefully crafted composure crumbling, standing frozen, my hand instinctively reaching for the phone I hadn’t even had a chance to grab. The accusations, the whispers, the judging stares – they were all a whirlwind of negativity that threatened to drown me. I need to get out of here. One more question and I think I’m going to pass out from suffocation. I wanted to scream, to defend myself, to tell them that I wasn’t a golddigger, that I am not someone capable of using another person for money. But the words wouldn’t come. A wave of nausea washed over me, leaving me speechless and paralyzed. I thought I was ready for this kind of war, but I didn't expect for karma to rain down at me this quickly. Lester and Cindy should be the one experiencing this kind of harassment. NOT ME! Just as the reporters were about to push past me, a tall figure emerged from the crowd, his presence radiating an aura of authority. And that's when my racing heart finally calmed down. He’s here… I’m safe now. Butler Jin, his face a mask of calm, effortlessly navigated the chaos, his voice a soothing balm in the storm. “Please, everyone, give Ms. Camilla some space,” he said, his voice firm yet polite. “She’s not available for interviews at this time. I felt his rough hands touch my shoulders, guiding me behind him to cover me from all the flashing cameras that are trying to capture a photo of me. Butler Jin pressed the floor on the elevator and it soon closed, leaving all the hungry reporters at the lobby who weren't able to receive a comment from me. I covered my face as I tried to calm myself down. He was just there, standing, looking at me. He ushered me back into my apartment, the reporters’ voices echoing inside my head like a persistent echo. “Thank you, Jin,” I said, my voice trembling. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.” Jin, his expression unreadable, simply nodded. “It’s my duty, Ms. Camilla.” Once the door was shut and the clamor of the reporters faded, I sank onto the couch, my body still trembling. Something must have gone wrong with my plan. The media seemed to be more interested in Kalel than Lester who is planning to run as governor. Isn't that more worth a read in the newspapers than our story? “Water?” Jin asked. I smiled, nodding my head. “Yes, please.” I watched his back as he disappeared to the kitchen. I’m so glad he’s here to back me up in spite of my reminder to give me alone time in my apartment. He promised to watch me still just so he can make sure that I’m safe. And he did. He kept me safe. I turned on the television, the news flashing with my chaotic encounter. The headlines screamed: “Camilla Engaged to Billionaire Kalel!” and “Is Camilla a Golddigger?” I closed my eyes as I tried to process everything that is happening right now. I’m instantly getting famous because of my connection with Kalel. He’s not even my real fiancée and he wasn't supposed to pretend to be one. He just came out of nowhere and took the spot. Had I known he would give me this much problem, I would have just admitted lying to Lester and Cindy about having a fiancée. It seemed my false engagement with Kalel was a bigger story than the restaurant incident. I need to shift the focus back to Lester, to clear my name. At that moment, I felt my phone vibrating inside my pocket. I didn't bother looking at the number and just out it in my ears. “Hello?” I tiredly answered. [How are you?] “Kalel!” I blurted, my eyes opening like a dead person who came back to life. “Where did you get my number?” [From your blazer that you left in my car last night. You have your calling card there.] Fuck… Wait, I can use this opportunity to talk to him. “Listen… I can’t have people thinking that we’re engaged. You have to make a statement,” I said, my voice rising in frustration. “It’s going to ruin everything.” [Ruin everything?] Kalel chuckled. [What, the fact that I’m the hottest topic in town? I’m not complaining, especially that you are my fiancée in the story.] “Kalel, this is serious,” I said, mh voice tight with frustration. “We need to set the record straight. I’m not your fiancée.” [Camilla, I’m not going to withdraw what I said to your ex-husband. I told you that I want to help.] “Well, you're not helping at all. You shouldn't have intervened in the first place!” I shouted at the phone. I frustratingly threaded my fingers through my hair. [.....] Fuck it. This won't do. I can't keep screaming here. I have to fix it. There's no way I’m going to let Lester and Cindy win against me again. Not happening. “Let’s meet.” [Now?] “Are you free?” [For you, yeah.] I’m going to give him a piece of my mind.