Chapter 99: Chapter 99

Rodrigo's countenance changed. What is going on here? Why does he feel they are not happy that he was going to be married simply because that person is not Camilla.

"What sort of question is that? Nothing is going to happen to her and her kids. I can't remember having kids anywhere ok?" Rodrigo declared and gently kissed his niece's chin, placed her down to go to her mother.

He stood up. "I have an important business to settle tonight" he declared and was going to stroll out with his long legs when Lola called:

"Rodrigo" she called and the latter paused. He didn't move on but he didn't turn back as well.

Lola walked over and stood in front of him. He looked up at his face and held his hands "I know I haven't been the best mum to you concerning your love life, but please, take a deep breath and search your heart for who you truly love.

Camilla is actually waiting for you. And your kids just left the house a few hours again before your arrival. They've become an integral part of this family and your grandfather has blessed them.

I wouldn't want the first grandchildren Brian and I would have to be illegitimate.." Lola was saying when Rodrigo interrupted her.

"I'm sorry that I interrupted you, but I don't want you to talk about Camilla with me anymore. Not now, not ever.

Why would I accept kids that I didn't bring home? Why would grandfather and you bless them when I didn't introduce them to you? Why, why mum, why?

Can't you see that Camilla and I can't be together anymore. I can't say I disliked her but I don't think I have any feelings for her anymore. Please, just pretend that you don't know anything and let me be happy for once, is that too much to ask?" Rodrigo declared and walked out.

He got into one of the cars in the garage and his mother's chauffeur drove him home. He was so angry at his mother's words, how can they inculcate children into the family without his consent?

When he got to his Mansion, he told the chauffeur to return the car. His servants and securities were surprised that the boss was back so suddenly.

He had dismissed Joel already but called him to ask him if he executed his orders and the latter said yes. He smiled and knew someone would knock on the door of his Mansion soon.

As soon as Rodrigo left, Mirabel looked at his mother and they both were speechless. They already so loved Camilla and now Rodrigo is asking them to pretend not to know anything?

Without another word, Mirabel took her phone and dialed Camilla's cell phone number. She didn't wait for exchange of pleasantries but went straight to business:

"Rodrigo came in this evening and is leaving early tomorrow morning to be married to someone else. If you still love your man and want him, you only have this night to do it" Mirabel disclosed.

Mira's words made Camilla shivered. Getting married, he really doesn't want to have anything to do with her and is getting married to someone else?

"Rodrigo is really getting ma.rrie..d to another woman?" Camilla's voice choked, she was sobbing already.

"This is not the time to sob. Go and find him and explain things to him. He might listen to you and you both let go of the past. This night, you must find him otherwise by tomorrow, it will definitely be late.." Mirabel advised.

Camilla started sobbing. Rodrigo is leaving her for real? How can he do that, how can he think of being married to someone else.

Sara heard Mira's words and started consoling her. She told Camilla to fight for her love, and get it back if she can. But if she didn't, at least she would know she tried.

But Camilla was not listening. Her sobs were getting louder and her kids came to ask their mother why she was crying.

The kids were growing. They are four years old and have started school already. At Larry Campbell's instruction they used the family's surname in school.

"Your mother will be fine, kids, she just needed to be a little emotional," Sara replied to the kids and told them to go to their rooms.

"Sitting here and sobbing, isn't going to change anything. Get up and find Rodrigo in his Mansion" Sara advised and Camilla went upstairs, changed into a casual dress and came downstairs with her car keys.

"I'll have one of the chauffeurs drive you there" Sara declared but Camilla said she can drive. Besides, she doesn't know what awaits her there.

As she got to the door, she turned and told her mother "maybe I will win or maybe I will lose, I don't know mum"

"You will win my child, you will have your man back" Sara said and blew kisses at her. Camilla smiled and stepped out.

The snow was falling and Camilla hurried into her car. She should have put on a jacket but didn't want to get back. Meeting Rodrigo was more important at that moment.

Rodrigo had showered, changed into a rob. He had instructed his securities to inform him when anyone came around.

He got his computer and went to his study. It's been long since he was in that house but yet, everywhere seemed like he used it the day before.

His employees are good at their jobs. They kept cleaning and keeping the place tidy. He would increase their payment by another 30% for being diligent.

Just then, he received a call that he had a guest. Rodrigo smiled, he knew he would come. There's no way he won't come begging him.

Without asking the security who the fellow was, he asked that he should let him in. The security wanted to inform him that it's not a he but a she.

But before he could say it, Rodrigo had hung up. He shrugged, anyway, she was a known face in that Mansion a few years ago.

Camilla parked her car and walked out to the building. She got to the door and tried using her fingerprints and immediately the door opened.

She least expected that Rodrigo wouldn't change the code and remove her fingerprints from the lock. She stepped in and no one was in the large sitting room.

The sitting was the same except for the furniture. Rodrigo once told her that he changes his furniture every six months or a year at the most.

The décor was changed as well. Everywhere was glittering with light that if a button should drop, it can easily be picked up.

The room was filled with Rodrigo's peculiar perfume. He used an expensive Perfume that he smelt from a distance.

Just as she was going to look towards the stairs, she saw Rodrigo staring down at her. She shivered. It appeared he was scrutinizing her with his stern looks.

Rodrigo frowned when he saw Camilla. He got a signal that the door was being opened from outside when he came out of his study.

He wasn't expecting her. He didn't even want to see her. He was expecting someone else and not her. He stared down at her with a Frosty gaze.

He sluggishly came downstairs and stood before her. Camilla said hi but he didn't answer rather, she felt he was looking at her from her head to her toes.

He passed her and went to the door, looked at it and returned to use the telephone. He pressed a number and the phone was immediately answered.

"First thing tomorrow, change all the locks and remove all fingerprints recognition except mine" he instructed and hung up.

Camilla sighed. That is it. After that night she wouldn't be able to access that door ever again. She bowed her head and didn't say anything.

Rodrigo looked at her again, really scrutinizing her as if he was going to give her a pass mark based on physical assessment.

"What do you want here, Miss Anderson?" Rodrigo finally asked, his hands akimbo. This is his house and not hers where she could close her sense of respect.

"I want us to talk, Rodrigo," Camilla said, raising her head and looking up at him. His eyes were still fixed on hers but Camilla looked at his face briefly and turned away.

"You can't walk into my Mansion and tell me we need to talk. Do you ask me if I can spare time to talk to you?" Rodrigo inquired.

Camilla sighed. "I'm sorry I didn't ask you first. I want us to talk about ourselves and first I am sorry how…" she was saying when Rodrigo interrupted her.

"Are you daft, you are repeating the same mistake" he said, this time it's obvious he wasn't going to be easily persuaded.

Camilla was dazed. Did he just ask her if she was daft? Rodrigo never uses such lousy words at her before. Only when that ugly incident in the past happened did he use words like a lowlife for her.

She looked up at him and saw a cold stare at her. Rodrigo was upset, she knows him and knows how his facial expression usually is when he's displeased.

"I'm sorry. Can you please spare some time to have a talk with me?" Camilla asked politely using the word please before the request.

"No, I don't have such time. And if that is the reason why you came, you may leave. I don't have time for useless chitchat" he declared.

He was going to hold the door when Camilla grabbed his wrist "Rodrigo please, I need to clarify some things first.." she was saying when Rodrigo flanged her off his wrist.

"Are you crazy? Who said you could lay your hands on me? Do I look like I am interested in a second bath? Rodrigo yelled.

This time his voice was deep and hoarse. He was visibly displeased. Why would she touch him with those flirty hands of hers?

Camilla looked at her palm and at Rodrigo again. Has she suddenly become unclean that touching him meant a second bath?

"The next time you make that mistake, I will hit you so badly that you might need to see a doctor. Now get out!" He ordered.

"Why don't you just go ahead and hit me? Just do it Rodrigo" Camilla was becoming temperamental. She has soon forgotten that she was there to win him over.

"Don't get excited because I said I will hit you. I can't do it to a woman. So please leave" Rodrigo declared, this time, his voice was down when Camilla's went up.

"I am not leaving Rodrigo. You can't send me out of your Mansion because this whole thing you have belongs to my kids, or our kids rather" Camilla declared and sat down crossing her legs.

"When you are ready to leave, use the door. You give your kids what your man has amassed not mine" he hissed between gritted teeth and walked towards the stairs.

Camilla stood up and went after him "Rodrigo, Rodrigo" she was calling him but he completely ignored her and went on.

"The kids and I love you Rodrigo" Camilla said and Rodrigo paused. The next minute, she heard him say "I have outgrown that deception"

Deception? He thinks she was lying or that she is deceiving him by saying she loved him.

Just then, the security called and told him a man wanted to see him. He said okay and he should come in.

He turned back again and walked past Camilla. It's amazing how two lovers have met at his place. He didn't plan it that Camilla should be there but then it's not bad if she was.

Soon he held the door and Camilla was surprised that Justin Swaras came to find Rodrigo as well. This was going to be easy, he would reverse everything he said back then.

Seeing Camilla, Justin shivered. She shouldn't have been there. This was a top secret and he doesn't want anyone to know, not even Camilla.

The two of them stare at each other. Camilla at Justin and vice versa. Rodrigo shut the door and saw the two of them staring at each other speechless.

Rodrigo chuckled aloud in mockery "Surprised that she is in my place? Don't worry, I won't touch your woman. Camilla Knows I am not so loose hahaha"

"Rodrigo please, you are mistaken", Camilla corrected. She's shy already standing in front of two men and the one she loved thinking horrible things in his head.

"Shhhh don't talk if I don't permit you to do so. This is my house and whatever I think or say must be the law here" Rodrigo declared arrogantly.

Justin has his own issues. Anyways, how can he do it so Camilla won't know a thing? He was thinking when Rodrigo said "what do you want Justin Swaras?"

Justin Swaras stared at him. He knew what he wanted and that explains why he was the one who held the door for him to walk in. But with Camilla there, he doesn't want to say anything before her.

"Can we talk privately?" Justin Swaras asked, his voice full of pleas. Rodrigo sat down and crossed his legs. His white skin exposed, capable of causing a storm in a lustful heart.

"I don't trust having private talk with the likes of you. If you really don't have a business here, just leave. I am too busy to grant your impossible request.

Justin got closer to Camilla and Said "Rodrigo wants revenge on me and it's simply because of what I said the other day. He thought you and I have been having affairs and he discovered a secret that even I didn't know before today.

Would you tell him that nothing ever happens between us? I can't afford to let that secret get to the public. My parents reputation would be ruined beyond repair and I won't let it happen"

Camilla squinted. This act of Justin Swaras talking with her privately before Rodrigo would only worsen the whole issue. She should have just kept a distance and rather say what he wanted to say from where he stood.

"I'd rather I excused you both then" Camilla suggested and without waiting for Justin to agree, she turned around and walked towards the kitchen.

Justin turned and glanced at Rodrigo whose cold stare was filled with disdain for him. "Why are you doing this, because of Camilla right?" He asked, staring back at the fellow seated.

"Why I am doing this doesn't matter, what matters is that I will so much drag you and your entire family in the mire. Then who sees who is more capable of causing a scandal…" Rodrigo replied.

Did Justin think that he didn't know that he was the one who sponsored that scandal about him being impotent. He also knows that Jared brought it down at Camilla's instruction.

"It is I who crossed you, not my parents. My father is a public figure and if this gets out, what do you think will happen to his political career? You want to ruin him?" Justin demanded.

"If I want to destroy you, that's where I need to begin from. You knew your father was a public figure when you fucked my woman and went ahead to scandalize me. Why weren't you thinking that before?" Rodrigo inquired.

" First I Never had anything to do with Camilla. She's pure for you alone last that I know. Truly I tried to win her heart but she loved only you and told me she can never love another man except you.

Secondly, I am sorry that I sponsored that scandal. I wanted to hurt you and nothing more. It wasn't because I wanted to win Camilla's heart, no.

Tell me what you want me to do to keep my family's deepest secret. Anything. You have no idea how we've kept it all these years. Tell me what you want?" Justin asked.

Rodrigo chuckled. The only part of his words that interested him the most was the part where he lied, telling him he had nothing with Camilla. The other parts, he doesn't care.

"You came all the way here to ask me what I want you to do? Can you really do it if I name it?" Rodrigo asked.

Justin Swaras didn't answer that question. He can't really predict what Rodrigo would say next. He just stared at him calmly.

"Find your real mother and go viral with her. She's in the psychiatric home and completely lost her mind. Everyone is just waiting for her to die" Rodrigo declared.

Only when he received Rodrigo's mockery video with a mad woman in it did he suddenly feel interested in the woman. The only statement attached to the video is that the truth lies with your parents.

Hence he went to ask them. Dinner time he let them see the video and his parents both shivered at the sight of the video. Seeing their actions he asked them to tell him the truth otherwise he would pull down the roof.

That woman was his mother. She was his father's mistress. His father's wife was barren and he couldn't marry a second nor divorce based on her inability to conceive.

His mother was pregnant with him and his step mother pretended all along to be pregnant. When he was born, his father took the baby and brought him to his wife while he told his mother that her baby was dead.

Not convinced, his mother decided to take action against him. He had no other than to get her abducted, injected and let her become mentally unstable.

She ended up in a psychiatric home and had been there all her life. She soon lost her mind and went completely crazy.

His father often makes donations to that home and sometimes goes there to check on the patients. He never knew his mother was the real person his father was going to check on.

"I can't do it Rodrigo? It doesn't make my mother who she is supposed to be. And my parents life would never be Normal again. What good will it bring any one of us?" Justin Swaras responded.

"Fine. You may leave when you are ready to" Rodrigo declared and stood up, stared at Justin with a grin.

Justin knew if he didn't get Rodrigo to compromise, the worst would happen. He would go ahead with his plans, he would be the one to bite his fingers later on.

"If I've not done anything good to you before, I remembered I did one. I saved your Camilla from prison when she almost died of poisoning.

I invariably saved your twin. If anything had happened to Camilla that night, you wouldn't be a father now. I was soaked in Camilla's blood when we arrived at the hospital.

She may not know because she was already in a coma, but Eduardo told her. If for that singular favour, pay me back, I am begging you" Justin pleaded, went down on a kneel.

"You want me to be considerate after you had your way with Camilla and got acquainted with my kids while I had a situation more complex than a restraining order?

That alone boils in my blood and now you want me to consider that? No Justin, I can't be easily fooled again in this life. So please use the door when you are ready to leave"

"What exactly do you intend to do with those findings Rodrigo?" Justin asked, raising himself and standing upright.

His question made Rodrigo pause and turn back, he Chuckled and said "sell it to your father's political opponent" . That statement made Rodrigo feel happy.

"It appears you're enjoying inflicting pain on my family. It is I you have issues with not my parents nor family. Deal with me as a person however you can Rodrigo. Keep my family out of this'' Justin pleaded.

Still staring at Rodrigo's back view he added "if you think I had anything to do with your woman, why don't you ask her. I swear on my life Rodrigo, Camilla still remains yours alone..." Justin declared.

If he still doesn't believe him, there's obviously nothing that he can do about it. He only has to plead with him using his kids.

He also knew that he was doing to him because of Camilla. He was silent back then and he guessed that he would strike back. But now, he came harder on him than he thought.

Meanwhile, Camilla was just seated, waiting for Rodrigo and Justin to settle their score before she showed up again.

While she was still waiting, her phone beeped with a message. She opened it and read what was written "don't leave, until you own your man back"

She smiled. Mirabel is a darling, and to think she was Rodrigo's sister before becoming her sister in-law. She made up her mind to convince Rodrigo that they can still make their lives work together.

"Leave my house!" Rodrigo ordered. He wasn't interested in having him around him. He doesn't know why but all that Justin said sounded like blatant lies in his ears.

And the thought of Camilla and Justin Swaras together kept making him feel furious whenever he mentions it.

"I swear on the lives of your kids that…" Justin was using the last option he had to plead with Rodrigo when the latter interrupted him with a fierce anger in his voice.

"Enough!" Rodrigo thundered. His voice reverberated in the entire Mansion. Camilla shivered at his tone and her heart beat fast.

She stood up quickly and walked back to the sitting room. She was shocked to see Rodrigo's eyes spitting fire. Justin on the other hand looked pitiful like a child who was going to be spanked by his parents.

"How dare you mention my kids here. Are you crazy or something? I may not have gotten any closer to those kids, but they are mine. They are Rodrigo Campbell's kids!

The next time you dare something like this, it will be a fight to the death between the both of us. Okay? Now get out!" Rodrigo thundered.

Camilla immediately understood that Justin dragged her kids into his discussion with Rodrigo. She looked at Justin and said "please Justin, leave.

Whatever it is, talk to Rodrigo about it another time. As he is now, don't try saying anything else"

Justin nodded and turned, walking out of the door. When he left, she was going to shut the door when Rodrigo pulled her back "you always chose him over me right?"

"No, I wasn't going to follow him out, I need to shut the door" Camilla replied, pulling herself from his grip.

When she came back to stand before Rodrigo, she saw his eyes were filled with grievance, his face was frowned and she knew he was madly furious with her.

"You took my kids and gave them to Justin. You deprive me of my right as a father simply because you had a cross with me.

For whatever you have with Justin, it doesn't hurt me as much as separating me from my own kids and getting them another father, I don't know if I can ever forgive you Camilla" Rodrigo declared.

Camilla's eyes welled up with tears. She wanted to defend herself but no words seemed to come out of her mouth. She ended up placing her hand on her mouth, sobbing quietly.

Rodrigo looked at her and turned, returning upstairs. He went to his study and sitting behind his desk, He sighed. Camilla, why? He thought aloud.

He had gotten into his study not quite twenty minutes, the door knob was turned and he knew it was Camilla. She came in and sat on the sofa.

"Will you just listen to me please Rodrigo? All I want is for you to hear me out first" Camilla said softly.

"And like I said before, I am not interested in listening to you. Is that too hard for you to understand?" Rodrigo responded, giving her that irritated look.

"That is where it all started from. You never think I have something reasonable to say right? You'd rather listen to others and your mind than hear me out.

If you had cared to listen to me, perhaps I would never have been an ex convict. Maybe you and I might have been living our lives happily now, but you concluded that a low life like mine would not have any sense in my words.

What are you upset about? That I hurt you back in City B or that I said those humiliating words at you, tell me, which one are you upset about?

If you knew what I went through to protect my love for you, you probably wouldn't say or feel the way you are now. I am living" Camilla declared, cleaned her tears and dashed out of Rodrigo's study.

Each of her words were like needles pricking Rodrigo's heart and conscience. He couldn't stay relaxed when Camilla walked out of his study so he stood up and went after her.

"Camilla, Camilla" he called but the latter just ignored him. She came downstairs, picked up her bag and wanted to walk out when Rodrigo gripped her by her waist but quickly he let her go again.

"Ok, let's sit down," he requested. Reluctantly, Camilla sat down and started sobbing. Rodrigo was just staring elsewhere.

He said she should sit. Rather than going ahead with her words, she started sobbing. He hates to tears let alone the tears of someone he loves.

"I'll be upstairs, when you are ready, you let me know" Rodrigo declared and stood up. He can't stand it seeing her tears and perceiving her sniffling. He would rather leave her alone.

"If you really want to listen Rodrigo, then sit down" Camilla instructed and like magic, he did so.

Camilla took a deep breath and started by telling him that they don't need to talk or think about the past. They should just pretend that the past was a nightmare, it was not really true.

While she talked, Rodrigo just sat down and listened. Then she asked him if he thought what she said was realistic?

Rodrigo chuckled and said he agrees now that the past was gone and they should sweep it below their feet, but while doing that, they should also pretend that they never dated.

"Why?" Camilla asked. Why is Rodrigo dragging the whole thing in another direction? He really doesn't love her anymore.

"A lot has happened and the only thing I really need from you right now is my kids. But if you don't give them to me, fine, I still won't bother you but they would never come first before me again" Rodrigo replied.

"A lot has really happened Rodrigo, but from your side. I should be thinking of how hard it is for me to put that behind me. You need me around to get acquainted with the kids okay?" Camilla declared.

Camilla knew it's because he was getting married that he wanted to get the kids if he could and integrated them into his home as his kids.

"I'm sorry Camilla, but I am getting married any moment soon. I don't want you anywhere around me to avoid unnecessary distraction…"Rodrigo blurted.

"Getting married?" Camilla repeated as if she hadn't heard those words before.