"Ben I was told you gave Lily your jacket," Camilla said they had just had a staff meeting and only Ben and Ritah had remained behind.
Ben nodded, "She looked cold and I decided to give her my jacket. Did I do anything wrong?" he asked.
Camilla shook her head, "No in fact that was nice of you. What can I say am proud of you Ben " she giggled
He snorted and turned away, "Am just like you bring someone who hurt you for dinner is just crazy " he said.
"What is it with everyone? Lily was hungry and so was I.So I decided we have dinner together I don't see anything crazy in that " Camilla frowned.
"Keep telling yourself that, " Ben said.
"Oh, she called me today and said she was coming over for dinner again and also bring back someone's warm Jacket " Camilla smiled.
"okay then I will be waiting," ben said and walked off.
And just like always everyone came over to have dinner at Camilla's and this time Lily was joining them.
Ray who had picked up Rachel arrived and sat down with Camilla. Alfred arrived to bring over presents from his endless trips.
Chris and Jack came together. Alfred excused himself and dragged off Jack up to the balcony.
Chris sat next to Camilla asking how she was feeling.
When the food arrived, Jack and Alfred returned but Jack wasn't looking too good. Camilla was about to ask what was wrong when Lily walked in.
"You here, welcome " Camilla got up hugging her. Rachel got up and hugged her too then lead her to her seat.
"Hello everyone, " Lily said. The rest answered apart from Chris.
Dinner was eaten within conversations about different things. Lily who had been quiet finally asked for everyone's attention.
"Am sorry to interrupt the wonderful conversation but I wanted to say something " she said.
Camilla noticed her hands tremble and moved hers to hold Lily's. Lily sighed and gave her a slight smile.
"I came here to apologize to you all, especially Camilla and Chris "Lily breathed then added, " I can't say I can go back & change what happen but am really sorry "
Camilla smiled at her with eyes assuring her of forgiveness, "I thank your friends for being so patient & understanding with me last time and also want to apologize to them " Lily said.
"Alfred am sorry about my sister's doing," she said.
"It was nothing don't worry " Alfred smiled.
Lily turned to Rachel, "Am sorry about your back, and thank you for that coffee. It warmed me up that day"
Rachel's face brightened up, "Am just glad your okay too " she said.
"Jack am sorry about messing with your brother and also harming your boyfriend " Lily apologized.
Jack nodded then said, "Brother is alright and Alfred too and oh he's not my boyfriend but fiancee " he moved his ring finger up for her to see the ring.
The others snorted but Lily smiled and apologized for her mistake.
"Chris, I have nothing to say but be shameful of my actions. And sorry for what I didn't to you that night " she gave Chris a look but turned away.
Chris didn't answer but Camilla did.
"Don't worry he understands it perfectly. He just hasn't fully forgotten about it yet " Camilla said.
"Camilla I don't really know what to say, but a thank you and sorry for everything " Camilla tapped her hand and pulled her back down.
"Oh, now that we have moved on from that bad experience let's have some dessert," Camilla said.
The waiters cleared the table and brought in the dessert.
The atmosphere cleared after Lily apologized they seemed to engage her in their conversation now.
Camilla smiled then turned to Chris who was staring intently at her.
"What wrong love?" she asked.
"Nothing, just exhausted " he answered.
"I thought it was because I invited lily that you were upset " Camilla held his hand.
Chris shook his head, "Am just tired and need to get home soon " he whispered the last part.
Camilla looked at him in confusion but then sprung up. He had not yet taken his medicines and it seems something wrong was happening. She bent over his ear, "Don't tell me it's happening right now?" she asked.
"Let's go home, I need you," he said back.
His breath on her war turned it red instantly with his words.
Camilla turned to her cheerful friends and smiled while grabbing her fiancee's hand. she got up, "Guys we will be leaving early, Chris isn't feeling himself right now," she said.
"Oh, what is it?" Jack asked.
"Nothing serious.His just having a bad headache with a slight temperature" she said telling one waiter to go bring her things.
"Enjoy yourself and goodnight " was all he said before walking out of the restaurant. Camilla got her things and rushed after him.
"What with them, something seems weird " Ray muttered watching Camilla drive off.
"Mind your own business " Rachel nudged him.
"I will call them later to see how brother is doing, " Jack said.
"Okay, since those two are gone let's just have our own fun," Ray said. Be ordered more wine and another set of food...." let's chat and get to know each other more with our new friend " he laughed.
"You just want to eat and drink that's all " Rachel sighed but opened the wine.
They clung to their glasses and continued chatting.
Camilla woke up later in the night, her body ached but she still smiled watching Chris sleep. She hoped he would be better soon and not have to suffer those sudden urges. She caressed his face, thinking about their vigorous lovemaking the previous two days, and giggled.
She loved every moment of it but her body was changing now and she had to care more about the growing baby now.
Her wedding was one day away and she didn't feel so ready for it. But with him laying there next to her, she wanted it to last hence washing away all her fears.
She turned away and grabbed her nightgown leaving the bed. Craving some apples she washed two of them and sat down. to peel them.
Slowly she ate one piece thinking about how she would look in her wedding dress, would Chris love it, and passed out from shock, she giggled thinking about it. Looking down at the plate it was now empty, she got up to get more then walked back to bed with them.
Grabbing her laptop, Camilla got back to bed and turned it on. Chris turned and moved his arms to her waist.
She rubbed his head putting him back to sleep.
Reviewing the documents Chris's secretary had sent her, Camilla kept busy till midnight.
"Hmmm, please...." Chris murmured, Camilla moved her eyes from the screen to the man next to her.
He was talking in his sleep, she bent down close to hear him, "Am sorry.... I let mother hurt you " he muttered. Camilla moved back to gaze at his face, it looked sad and tears flowed from his closed eyes.
"Shhhh...don't cry, love...." Camilla whispered, "you have suffered....and sometimes I think Ray was right but am...." he was sobbing now and Camilla didn't know what to do, "but...am selfish to let you go again "
Having talked about that past with him might have triggered his hidden sadness. She frowned It was Ray's fault for telling her all that happened to him when she wasn't there.
Camilla placed away the laptop and held him, "you don't have to feel that way Love. I don't care if I suffer, now stop crying your going to make me sad " she said and kissed his lips.
Chris's eyes flew open, he looked up at her his tears still flowing. She smiled wiping them away softly like he would break if she put too much pressure on his skin.
"Keep those eyes on me forever and never let go, you hear me, babe " Camilla stared into his eyes dark orbs waiting for him to answer.
"I will never look anywhere else but your eyes or ever let go of you, Milla" he muttered.
"That's good enough for me, honey. Now go back to sleep you still tired " she kissed his forehead and laid back, holding him tighter. He responded by holding her back and closing his eyes.
Turning off the light Camilla went to sleep too.