Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen

Third-person Pov

Antonia remained at the corner that was only a few steps away from the doorway where Gabriel was, feeling torn. She could tiptoe back to her room and avoid whatever was happening between Gabriel and Camila, who was clearly upset, or she could walk down there and find out what was going on.

Realizing she wasn't doing anything wrong by being curious, she straightened her shoulders and decided to head to the entrance.

As she moved out of the not-so-hidden corner that led into the living room, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. She had no right to be uncomfortable with Camila spending the night at Gabriel's place—after all, her relationship with Gabriel wasn't real, and Camila was well aware of this.

But the idea still gnawed at her and made her both uncomfortable and unhappy. What kind of relationship did Gabriel have with Camila besides the fact that she was his assistant? And more importantly, why did she feel she could come to his place late at night and demand to stay?

She wondered if they were lovers, but quickly dismissed the thought. If Camila and Gabriel were involved, why would Gabriel bother with the charade of having a fake girlfriend? And even though she didn't know Camila well enough, she knew that no girlfriend in her right mind would allow her boyfriend to publicly claim another woman.

Pushing the confusing thoughts aside, she stepped out of the shadows and walked towards them.

Gabriel was deeply engrossed in his conversation with Camila, who was still clearly upset and drunk. He was trying to convince her to let one of his drivers take her home, and because he was so busy being concerned for his friend, he didn't notice Antonia until she was almost where he was.

"Gabriel," Antonia called softly, trying not to startle him.

He turned abruptly, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Antonia," he said, straightening. "I didn't realize you were back downstairs."

"Is everything okay?" she asked, glancing at Camila, who was wiping her eyes and swaying slightly on her feet.

Gabriel hesitated, looking between the two women. "Yes, everything's fine. Camila just needs a ride home."

Even in her drunken state, Camila was fully conscious of her surroundings, and she could hardly believe her eyes when she saw Antonia show up beside Gabriel, wearing pajamas, with wet hair and no makeup on her face.

She blinked several times, hoping she was seeing things, but the clarity of the situation hit her like a cold splash of water when she heard Antonia ask Gabriel what was going on.

Gabriel's explanation that he wanted to send her home confirmed her worst fears. Gabriel’s fake girlfriend was currently in his house at this time of night.

Immediately, she turned to Gabriel, her voice thick with disbelief and anger. "What is she doing here?" she demanded, pointing a shaky finger at Antonia.

Gabriel, sensing the rising tension and knowing Camila’s tendency to overreact, especially when she was drunk, quickly responded. "Camila, I'll explain everything tomorrow when you're sober. Right now, you need to go home and get some rest."

Camila stared at him with a look of disbelief. "What is she doing here?" she repeated, her voice rising in pitch. "Why is she in your house, dressed like she lives here with you?"

Antonia, feeling the weight of the tension, quickly interjected. "Camila, I had a situation, and Gabriel offered me a place to stay for a few days. It’s only because of an emergency, nothing else."

Gabriel, not liking that Antonia felt the need to explain herself, turned to her and spoke gently but firmly. "Antonia, why don’t you wait for me upstairs? I’ll help Camila get home, and then I’ll come up."

Antonia nodded, understanding that her presence was only making things worse. "Alright," she said softly. She gave Gabriel a reassuring smile and then headed back upstairs, leaving Gabriel to deal with Camila.

Once Antonia was out of sight, Gabriel turned back to Camila, who was still glaring at him. "Camila, let's not make this any harder than it needs to be. You need to go home."

"Why is she here, Gabriel?" Camila insisted, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. "Why is she in your house, looking like she belongs here?"

Gabriel took a deep breath, trying to keep his patience. "She's here because she's dealing with something serious, and I offered her a place to stay. That's all."

Camila's eyes filled with tears again. "You used to care about me, Gabriel. You used to be there for me."

"I still care about you, Camila," Gabriel said softly. "But this isn't the time to talk about it. Please, let me take you home."

Camila knew that Gabriel wouldn't take her seriously in this state, so she decided to give in and agree to have his driver take her back to her apartment since there was no use talking to him.

She stood up straight, swaying slightly, and looked Gabriel in the eye. "Fine," she said, her voice thick with frustration. "I'll leave. But remember, Gabriel, you're throwing me out for the sake of another woman."

With those words, she turned away unsteadily, heading towards the door. Gabriel watched her go, his heart heavy with guilt and frustration.

He quickly called his driver, instructing him to take Camila home safely, and as he helped her into the car, he tried to say goodnight, but she scoffed at him.

"Go to hell," she muttered before the car drove off, leaving Gabriel standing alone in the driveway.

He let out a long sigh of relief, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. Dealing with a drunk Camila was always exhausting, but he hoped she would calm down by morning and wouldn't be upset with him.

He turned back towards the house, his thoughts now shifting to Antonia. He needed to check on her and make sure she was okay after witnessing Camila's drama.

As he went up the stairs, he found Antonia waiting for him in the hallway with her arms folded.

She looked concerned, her eyes searching his face as soon as she saw him coming towards her.

"Gabriel," she began softly, "I don't mean to pry into your life, but I need to know—were you and Camila ever... involved? In a lover-like relationship, I mean. Is Camila, your assistant, also your lover?" she asked, and Gabriel was immediately taken aback.