Chapter 105 Camilla’s Pov.
“Should I expect your people to jump out of nowhere and bundle me up over to your father the same way they did to Àlvaro?” Anthonio curled his lips into a greasy smile, his gaze darting around like he was expecting something to happen.
He doesn't trust me anymore and that's fine. It's not like I expected him to anyway. I would even say that it was stupid of him to come here on my father's territory but it just goes to show how much he loves Àlvaro and would do anything to save him.
I would've contacted Santiago but I was even more afraid and ashamed of how Santiago would look at me so I ended up reaching out to Anthonio.
We were hidden in the depths of the forest, surrounded only by trees, just him and I. I stayed true to my words and came alone just like I assured him I would.
Maybe I'm stupid to meet him in private, knowing that he probably hates me after everything I've done. The ‘friendship’ we once shared was long gone and forgotten.
Anthonio kept a safe distance from me, his hand never leaving his gun, ready to take it out at any moment if necessary.
“I can do that myself. I don't need my father's dogs to do it.” I said and he laughed, his eyes lighting up with a mocking note. That was a lie. Of course he could end my life before I could even get the chance to reach for my gun.
“You're really starting to look and act like your father.” He muttered, his eyes sliding over my body with disgust on his face.
“If I acted anything like my father, you'd be dead by now.” I fired back and he clenched his jaw.
The distance between us spoke volumes about the mistrust he felt towards me. He bit his tongue, stopping himself from saying what he wanted to say.
“I'm only here because I saw Àlvaro's name in the pathetic letter you sent to me.” He spoke, his eyes darkening, making him look even scarier. His words were full of malice.
I nodded, keeping my tongue behind my teeth. We both wanted the same thing and that's something I needed to remind myself of.
I held the folder in my hands, clutching it tightly, knowing that I was probably making the biggest mistake for what I was about to do.
But still, my heart and my feelings were stronger than my mind and I threw the folder at Anthonio's feet. He followed the folder with his gaze, narrowing his eyes before looking back up at me with a raised brow, waiting for me to speak.
I swallowed my ego and pride, knowing I was making the biggest mistake but still I did it all for Àlvaro.
“This is the plan of the whole mission, every entrance, every corridor, every room. Everything is in here, down to the last detail.”
Anthonio raised his eyebrows again with confusion written on his face, probably laughing inside at how stupid I was to give him free entry to my father's mansion but that was the last thing I cared about right now. Àlvaro's time was running out.
“I will make sure that the guards are not at the entrance of the mansion tonight and that all the cameras are turned off. I'm giving you a chance to save your friend from certain death.” I swallowed, clenching my jaw. “Whether he lives or dies is up to you now.”
He was still looking down at the folder in disbelief, clearly expecting it to be some kind of trick but I've never been more serious in my life.
After what felt like ages, he spoke in a low, cold voice. “Why? Why exactly are you doing this?”
I smiled tiredly, pressing my lips together. Deep down, I knew he knew the real reason I was doing this and I wasn't ready to say it out loud again.
“He always took care of my safety back when I was with him. He protected me from Sergei and even Vincenzo.” I shrugged, avoiding his gaze. “I feel like I owe him.”
“Bullshit.”
I laughed. It was the only thing I could think to do. He knew the real reason why and I knew it too. It was probably written on my fucking face but somehow, neither him nor I said it out loud.
The last thing he probably wants now is me around his closest friend and I can't say I blame him for that. “Your friend's life is running out with every second you're here acting like a little bitch.” I muttered. “Take it or leave it, it's your choice.”
He nodded, his eyes softening under his cold gaze. I could even see something in them…gratitude?
Before I turned and left, I looked at him for the last time, my eyes narrowed and absorbed in him. I knew he would take advantage of the opportunity I just gave him. I knew he would do anything to save Àlvaro and that was why I addressed my letter to him.
I was at my window that night, watching them take the car and driving off at full speed. My heart filled with joy just from the memory of seeing Àlvaro without chains and handcuffs. He was free and powerful, just as he should be.
Needless to say, my father was furious when he found out about Àlvaro's escape early in the morning. I don't think I've ever seen him so furious and out of control in the short time I've known him.
He would probably lose his mind if he ever found out the real truth on who was behind Àlvaro's escape. That his own daughter was the mastermind behind all these, betraying him in the worst possible way but I didn't feel a twinge of regret.
All these happened exactly a week ago and exactly a week ago, Leonardo burned the entire mansion to the ground, leaving no trace of it.
One thing about my father was that he didn't like to feel vulnerable or out of control. If someone got into the mansion so easily, killing some of his best men and running away with our hostage, without anyone suspecting anything, that would most likely happen again.
But still, I was glad he burnt it to the ground. That mansion held some dark memories behind its door that I have no interest in remembering.
I like the new mansion we moved into a lot more. It was big, built like a maze, beautiful in an old fashioned type of way and hidden deep in the woods, away from everything and everyone. Leonardo made sure that every corner of his house was guarded by his men.
Vincenzo's revenge plan was put on hold according to my father. His priority was to keep me safe. We knew where Vincenzo was hiding but still, my father puts me first. He's doing a lot for me but I just betrayed him so easily for someone who wouldn't think twice before ending my life. If only Leonardo knew. He would probably lock me in a dark room, limiting my freedom.
This past week has been difficult for me and I was hardly getting any sleep.
Àlvaro haunted me in my thoughts and in my dreams. He was constantly on my mind and I could hardly think of anything else.
Where was he now? How was he doing? Was he already planning his revenge on me? Would he kill me if he had the chance again?”
Was I scared? Yes.
Did I deserve it? Maybe. Maybe not.