Chapter 46 OLD FLAMES PART 2
"To Camille Winters. Banking heiress, social climber, first daughter of Maverick Winters." Priya took a bite of her sandwich. "Everyone thought they'd get married, but he called it off and walked out of the ceremony."
"Fascinating," she said, hoping she sounded bored.
But inside, she was torn, unable to control her thoughts or feelings.
Alex never went on with the wedding. He never married that woman. And while she felt betrayed and carried that betrayal in her heart for years, he never married her.
Priya grinned. "The most drama-free guy in the industry has the most dramatic personal life. Ironic, right?"
The afternoon dragged on, with more sequences, more criticism from Isabella, and more "accidental" touching between her and Alexander. By six o'clock, most of the crew had packed up and left.
"Just a few more takes," Alexander said as Eliza checked her watch. "We're close to getting this perfect."
"I'll stay," Isabella offered immediately. "I don't mind the late hours."
Eliza hesitated, then looked at Vivienne. "Ms. Cross? Are you okay to continue?"
Vivienne thought of Noah, who was safe with Rebecca until eight, and nodded. "I can stay."
"Then I'll leave Victor's second camera operator with you and head out," Eliza said, already gathering her things. "Don't push her too hard, Mr. Hunt."
By seven, only Alexander, Vivienne, Isabella, and a quiet camera operator named Jeff remained in the studio.
"One more time," Alexander said, watching as Vivienne repeated the sequence. "Perfect. I think we've got it."
"Finally," Vivienne muttered under her breath, exhausted.
"Let's call it a night," Alexander announced. "Great work, everyone. Jeff, you can head out. I'll lock up."
Jeff needed no further encouragement, packing up his equipment in record time and disappearing through the studio doors.
Vivienne headed to the changing area, peeling off the sensors that had been attached to her all day. Her reflection in the mirror showed a woman pushed to her limits, hair escaping its ponytail, face flushed with exertion, eyes tired.
She changed quickly, wanting nothing more than to get home to Noah. As she gathered her belongings, she heard voices from the main studio area. Isabella and Alexander.
"...surprised you called me," Isabella was saying. "But glad you did."
"You're the best in the business," Alexander replied. "And after yesterday's false start with Vivienne, I wanted to make sure we had expert guidance."
"Always thinking ahead." Isabella's voice dropped lower. "I've missed that about you."
Vivienne froze, knowing she shouldn't eavesdrop but unable to move.
"Isabella," Alexander's tone held a warning.
"I know, I know. Professional boundaries. But the day is over now, isn't it?"
Vivienne forced herself to finish gathering her things. It wasn't her business. She needed to leave.
Just as she was about to step out, the studio doors opened, and a woman walked in. Tall, blonde, and impeccably dressed in a form-fitting black dress, she carried a paper bag that smelled deliciously of food.
"Alex?" the woman called out.
There was a moment of silence, then Alexander's voice: "Camille? What are you doing here?"
Vivienne froze in the doorway of the changing area, now trapped between Isabella and Alexander in the main studio and this newcomer at the entrance.
"Surprise!" The woman, Camille held up the bag. "I brought dinner from Lucien. Your favorite."
From her position, Vivienne could see Alexander's face harden. "Camille, this isn't the time or place."
"We need to talk," Camille insisted, moving farther into the studio. "Your mother said you'd be working late."
"Of course she did," Alexander muttered.
Isabella stepped into view, her posture immediately defensive. "Hi Camille, never thought I'd see you again."
Camille's eyebrows rose. "Isabella. I didn't realize you were back in New York."
"Surprise, surprise," Isabella said, her smile still fake.
"Enough." Alexander's voice cut through the tension. "Isabella, thank you for your help today. We'll continue tomorrow."
Isabella hesitated, then gathered her bag. "I'll see you tomorrow, Alex." She brushed past Camille with barely a nod.
Once Isabella had gone, Camille set the food on a nearby table. "I thought we could eat while we talked."
"There's nothing to talk about," Alexander said firmly. "I told you that last night."
"I made a mistake." Camille's voice cracked, tears suddenly welling in her eyes. "I never should have left. Everything since has been... empty."
Vivienne knew she should make her presence known, but she couldn't move. But like watching a car crash in slow motion, she couldn't look away.
"Camille, please." Alexander's voice softened slightly. "This isn't going to happen."
"You don't mean that." Camille stepped closer to him. "We were good together. Your mother always said...."
"My mother doesn't get to decide my life."
"Just give me another chance." Camille moved even closer, reaching up to touch his face. "Remember how good we were?"
And then she leaned in, closing the distance between them.
Vivienne's bag slipped from her fingers, hitting the floor with a soft thud.
Both Alexander and Camille turned in her direction.
"Oh," Vivienne said, her face burning. "Sorry to interrupt..."