CHAPTER 8

One week since Cameilla and Zayden has last seen. One long week of agonizing silence and unspoken feeling. She buried herself into uncovering the truth, determined to stay focused on her plans. But the thoughts of him, haunted her at every turn. Her body missed his touch, her mind waring with her heart. She hated how much she missed him, how much she wanted him inside her despite everything.

Zayden too was no different. He had spent the last seven days, pacing around his office in frustration, staring at his office, debating if he should call her or not. He had convinced himself that he was giving her the space she needed, but the truth was he couldn't stand being apart from her. Every moment felt like eternity.

When he finally reached out to her it was simple "Meet me at the hotel."

She hesistated for a moment, her mind weighing the options before she replied: "On my way."

The hotel room was dimly lit, the golden glow of the chandeliers casting a soft warmth. When Camellia entered Zayden was already there, leaning against the window, his broad frame illuminated by the city lights behind him.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither spoke. The tension in the air was palpable, a mixture of longing and unresolved emotions. 

Zayden's gaze, heavy with desire, swept over her before settling on her breasts, faintly visible through the sheer fabric of her gown. 

"I missed you," he said softly, stepping closer to her.

She swallowed hard, her resolve crumbling. "I missed you too," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Their lips met in a desperate kiss, a clash of hunger and disbelief. Zayden's hand roamed her body, his hands rested on her ass, squeezing it and pulling her close like she might slip away. Camellia’s fingers tangled in his hair, her breath hitching as his mouth moved to her neck, sucking her flesh.

He lifted her about effortlessly, carrying her to the bed. She moaned as he laid her down, his weight pressing against her as his lips claimed her again. His hands slipped beneath her dress, pulling it over her head and she shivered as his hands touch her bare skin.

Their clothes were discarded piece by piece, the room filled with the sound of labored breath and whispered names. Zayden’s hand cupped her breasts, tender and possessive, his hands exploring every inch of her as if memorizing her.

Camellia moaned beneath him, her body responding to her every touch. He thrusted into her with deliberate slowness, savoring the moment as their bodies melded together. The world outside the room ceased to exist, their shared passion consuming them entirely.

As they reached climax Zayden whispered her name.

"Cam..eilla," his voice thick with emotion. 

"Zay...den," Camellia cried out, her body trembling as waves of pleasure crashed over her. 

He pulled out his length, his release spilling onto her legs and on the sheet, before collapsing beside her and pulling her into his arms.

For a while, they lay in silence, their bodies tangled together, their breathing slowly returning to normal. While there, camellia couldn't believe herself, she had lost herself completely to him. 

"I'll just the moment while it lasts," she thought.

As Camellia began to dress, ready to leave, Zayden’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression darkening.

"Chief judge Harrison," he muttered before answering the call. Cameilla froze, her body trembling as she listened to the conversation.

“Tonight?” he said, his tone cautious. “Fine. I’ll be there.”

When he hung up, she tilted her head, feigning curiosity. “What’s going on?”

"The chief judge wants to meet," Zayden said, his jaw tight. "Says it's urgent."

Cameilla's heart raced. A meeting with the chief judge could be the perfect opportunity to gather more evidence. But Zayden couldn’t know her true intentions. She softened her expression, stepping closer to him.

"I missed you, Zayden," she said softly, stepping closer as she pressed herself to him. A blush crept on Zayden's face as he slipped his hands on her waist. "We could spend the night together, maybe discuss our marriage."

Zayden's eyes widened with excitement. "Are you sure, cam?" 

"Of course," she replied. "I can't stay here, waiting for you by myself. Let me come with you,” she said, her voice gentle but insistent.

"Camellia, you can’t come with me,” Zayden said firmly, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Feigning disappointment, Camellia sighed and took a step back She grabbed her bag, her movements slow and deliberate, and turned to leave. “Alright, I’ll leave then."

Zayden’s resolve wavered as he watched her retreat. “Wait, Cam,” he called, gently grabbing her hand. “Fine, you can come—but you might have to wait outside the private bar while I quickly handle things.”

Camellia suppressed a victorious smile, nodding with feigned innocence. “Sure,” she said softly, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. She knew exactly how to play her cards.

Together, they stepped into the restaurant, despite Zayden’s initial insistence that Camellia wait outside.

The meeting took place in a private room of an upscale restaurant. Chief Judge Harrison was seated at a table, his imposing figure exuding authority.

“This is Camellia,” Zayden said, introducing her with a calm tone. “She’s my business partner.”

Harrison’s gaze rested on her, lingering just a fraction longer than polite, his expression unreadable but undeniably curious.

The conversation was brief, with only a few words exchanged. Camellia discreetly tried to record the dialogue, but her phone failed at the worst possible moment, leaving her both frustrated and empty-handed.

“Take this file,” Judge Harrison said, sliding a folder across the table to Zayden. “Review it, and pass it on to Daisy when you're done.”

Camellia’s heart skipped a beat. Daisy? Zayden’s stepmother? Her mind raced as she connected the dots.

“Excuse me,” Harrison said, rising and heading toward the restroom.

Camellia’s hands trembled. She needed to act fast, but how? A plan began to form. She picked up her glass of wine and deliberately spilled it down her front, staining her cleavage.

“Hey,” Zayden said, concern softening his tone as he quickly offered her a napkin.

She forced a sheepish smile, accepting it. “I’ll go clean up in the bathroom.”

Zayden nodded, his eyes following her with a mix of affection and curiosity as she walked away.

Inside the restroom, Camellia removed the jacket Zayden had lent her earlier, revealing her fitted gown beneath. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, steadying her nerves. Her plan needed to work.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Judge Harrison step out of a stall. Turning with feigned surprise, she said, “Oh, I didn’t realize someone was here. I’m so sorry.”

Harrison’s eyes drifted down to her exposed cleavage before snapping back to her face. The lust in his eyes , evident. He cleared his throat, his composure faltering for a moment.

“You’re quite a striking woman,” he said, his voice low as his gaze lingered briefly. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a card and extended it to her. “If you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to call.”

Camellia smiled politely, taking the card without hesitation. “Thank you,” she murmured, slipping it into her purse.

As she left the restroom, her heart raced with exhilaration. She was closer to unraveling the truth, closer to her goal.

When she returned to the table, Zayden’s protective instincts flared at her flushed face and slightly disheveled appearance. “You okay?” he asked, his brow furrowed.

“I’m fine,” she said with a reassuring smile, masking her triumph.

Camellia knew she was treading dangerous waters—manipulating Zayden, hunting for revenge, and now capturing the interest of a man as powerful as Judge Harrison. But she was too deep to turn back now. Each step she took brought her closer to the justice she craved, and nothing could stop her.