Chapter 6 - THE FIANCÉ WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Preston Whitfield arrived at Camille's apartment carrying flowers.
She opened the door but didn't invite him inside.
"Camille."
She stared.
"What do you want?"
He held out the bouquet.
"To apologize."
She didn't take it.
Preston sighed.
"I made a stupid joke."
"You humiliated me."
"I know."
"Then why did you laugh?"
He looked away.
"I was nervous."
Camille almost laughed.
"You were nervous?"
He nodded.
"My father was watching."
Something in his expression changed.
Camille noticed.
"Why does that matter?"
Preston hesitated.
"Because he doesn't approve of us."
She stared.
"He encouraged our engagement."
Preston looked down.
"At first."
Camille's heart tightened.
"Why?"
He didn't answer.
She stepped closer.
"Preston."
He swallowed.
"Because he wanted to know what your father left you."
The words landed like a blow.
Camille stared.
"What?"
Preston's face crumpled.
"He thought you had documents."
She felt cold.
"So you dated me?"
"No. Camille, it wasn't like that."
"Then tell me what it was like."
He looked desperate.
"My father asked me to get close to you. But I fell in love with you."
Camille shook her head.
"You lied for eleven months."
"I was going to tell you."
"When?"
He reached for her hand.
She stepped back.
"Don't."
Preston's eyes filled.
"Please."
Camille looked at him.
"Did you know about the manuscript?"
He hesitated.
That was enough.
She closed her eyes.
"Get out."
"Camille—"
"Get out."
He stood there for a moment.
Then lowered the flowers.
"I'm sorry."
She closed the door.
For a long time, Camille stood motionless.
Then she took out her phone.
She called Lucien.
When he answered, she said:
"Preston admitted his father sent him to get close to me."
Lucien was silent.
Then:
"Are you safe?"
"Yes."
"Good."
Camille swallowed.
"He says he fell in love with me."
Lucien's voice softened.
"Maybe he did."
She closed her eyes.
"Does that make it better?"
"No."
A pause.
"Love doesn't erase betrayal."
May you like
Camille sat down.
For the first time that day, she began to cry.
