CAMILA

"Dr. Camila?"

Camila jerked back to the present. Eric was watching her, his phone still in his hand, that wallpaper glowing between them.

"Are you alright?" His voice was different. Concerned, not cold.

"I'm fine." Her voice sounded far away. "I just... I need some air."

But as she walked out of the conference room, her hands were shaking.

That dress. That white dress from the hospital.

It looked exactly like the one in his wallpaper.

Why?

>>>>>>At her office,

Her hands shaking slightly as she set down her laptop. The meeting had gone well better than expected but Eric's question haunted her.

"Have I seen you before?" He asked her twice already.

She'd been asking herself the same thing since the hospital. Three weeks. Gone. The doctors said it was the drug, whatever they'd slipped into her drink one night. Rohypnol, maybe. Something that erased her like she'd never existed in that time.

She pulled out her journal, the one her therapist insisted she keep. Dates, notes, fragments of what others told her happened.

March 15: Worked late on cardiovascular trials

March 16: ???

March 17-April 5: Nothing

April 6: Woke up in hospital. No memory. No explanation.

She sighed.

And that wallpaper on Eric's phone. The woman in white, turning away.

Why did it feel like looking in a mirror?

Her phone rang and she picked after glancing at the caller.

"Hey girl! How have you been doing over there? How's your first day?" Evie said over the phone. Her voice mixed with happiness. She must be really happy that she kicked her out of her comfort zone.

"Where do you want me to sleep, Evie? I will be done with work and I've never done anything impromptu like this. Just finished with a meeting earlier to meet the rest of the members. All looking like i shouldn't be there with them in the first place." She replied, standing at the glass that shows the buzzling city. So lovely.

"So did you meet him? The boss." Ignoring her question.

"Yes, I did. So the house, don't skip my question."

"Okay! Your apartment isn't ready yet. So......"

" Wait what? You don't expect me to sleep in my office or something and I'm not going to a goddamn hotel." She tried to shook off that idea of going to an hotel, that idea has always cringe her and make her feel weird and uncomfortable. She doesn't know why, how it started but maybe her body remembers whatever happens that doesn't want her near hotels.

"Don't worry, Mila. Mr Dante will get everything settled for you. I'm in charge too so don't worry. So, guess what?" She could picture Evie's grin.

"What? You finally dumped that merlin of a guy?"

"Wow! You really must hate Colton. Really. I will forgive you on that, don't worry. So, I'm in New York right now." She spilled, giggling afterwards. "Just landed to come and see you, Mila and to settle your housing which is 20% reason."

"What's the 80%?" She yawned, returning to her desk and sits on it.

"There's a party in town, and I'm invited and to also bring a friend which is you."

"I'm not partying this night. I have a lot of things to do. Come settle my housing stuffs and go back to wherever party you're going. Count me out."

"It's a billionaires' party!"

"How'd you get invited to a billionaires' party?" Camila asked suspiciously.

Evie hesitated for just a second. "Family connections. Don't worry about it." Evie squealed, obviously dancing around wherever she is.

"I'm not coming. Wait ....I thought you had Colton. Does he know?"

"There's nothing wrong in having little fun outside of a relationship girl. You know why i'm dating him anyways so it shouldn't surprise you. Girl, I'm outside your office. Get down here and come change into this sexy gown for me and lets go party. I fucking promise, your apartment will be ready till then."

Camila groaned, her hands over face as she reluctantly stepped out of the office with her work bag. She got out of the building and saw Evie waving happily at her with a bag dangling around her arm.

"Baby girl, Let's go party." She drew her closer.

"I never said I'm going."

"Whatever it is, I'm dragging you there, my love." She pushed her towards the waiting cab.

ERIC

 Eric was playing with his phone. A message popped into his screen and he opened it to read.

"Eric, you need to come to this damn party tonight. Lots of girls are here. Beautiful ones and just the way you like them, dude. Don't be a dick! We need to celebrate Stephen's birthday." He read and rolled his eyes.

Nolan. That fool.

True, he almost forgot about it.

He got to his bedroom and Watson, his golden retriever, nosed his hand. "Yeah, buddy. I know." He scratched the dog's ears. "You want to go for a walk, but I've got this damn party." The room was spotless. Expensive. Empty. His eyes caught the photo on his desk. His parents on their wedding day. His father's hand on his mother's waist. Both of them smiling like they'd found the secret to happiness. They'd died ten years ago. And Eric had been running ever since.

He sat in his bed and begin dial Nolan's contact.

"Good evening, my king." Nolan teased, before bursting into laughter. "King of the jungle." He laughed again.

"Fuck you! Where the hell are you?"

"Your majesty, you didn't see my message? I think that's enough to tell you my location." The noise background causing him to raise his voice loud like they were in the same noisy room. Well, fuck that.

"Okay."

"My king, are you coming? Step......."

"Call me my king again, I will come over there and cut off your fucking dick." He interrupted.

"Yes your highness." He never listens. There's no point correcting him.

 "I'm coming over there. I need to see Stephen, text me the location. Will you?"

"Okay man. Send it to you in a second."

The call ended and almost immediately, a message popped in with the location details.

>>>>>>>>>

CAMILA

   "You going to get late for this damn party if you don't change fast! This is the opportunity to see rich fucking men! Oh my! I'm going to take home a dude." Evie squealed.

"I never wanted to go in the first place. So, don't fucking rush me and let me do my thing." Camila retorted, struggling with her dress. "And aren't you supposed to help me with this tight dress you got me. I don't think this is even my size." She stood firmly at the mirror and looked at her reflection.

The orange dress had pushed her boobs out, almost spilling from its comfort place. The length of it stopping at her thighs and made her felt exposed looking at her legs to feet wearing silver sandals. Her hair tied up in a messy bun.

Okay, this is perfect, I think. She thought.

"Oops! Let me help you." Evie helped with the zip and all set. They walked out of the small clothing store that had allowed them to change into their outfits and boarded the cab.

CAMILA

"What are you going to use those condoms to do?" Camila inquired, staring not so surprise at her.

"Oh common. Don't be so naive. You know what it's used for. " Evie nudged her.

"You're getting more corrupt. Day by Day. I still don't know why am still friends with you." She shook her head, taking out her phone to look at the time.

It's past 8 already. She sighed.

"We can never break up girlfriend." Evie chuckled, while she does a retouch of her makeup.

Camila thought of how the party would end like, seeing that his boss will definitely be there. What would he think of her? When she's supposed to be buried in the project work and to make it successful.

Whatever. It's just once. They might not even cross path.

Evie walked out majestically in her heels while Camila quickly fixed her dress and looked around the building. She really hates loud parties but Evie had begged and dragged her here and she's left with no choice as far as her apartment will be ready. 

Music blasting through the speakers loudly and the cheers of people dancing with one drink or two in hands.   

"Wow! You look stunning Evie." A man's voice got her attention that made her turned back. A dark brown hair dude with matching eye color. He's good-looking in that Hawaii shirt he wore and smirk that seems to stir something in her. 

 "Hey Stephen! Happy birthday! Thanks for the invite." Evie moved closer hug him.

"You're welcome. I see you brought a friend." The dude looked at him. His stares making her uncomfortable as he checked her out, licking his lips. "Hi, beautiful!" He extended his hand.

 Camila took his hand. "Hello, happy birthday to you." He held unto it and raised it up to his lips and kissed it before releasing it. 

 "Thank you, Lovely. Welcome to the party. Enjoy yourself. I have to catch up with my niggas. See you soon." He replied with a smile which she returned as well.

 "Okay, uhmm....is Nolan here?" Evie asked.

"Nolan? Why are you asking of him? I thought you guys aren't on good terms." Stephen arched his brows at her.

 "Answer the question."

 "Yeah, he got here already. The great majesty is here too. Came him some minutes ago." 

 "Okay, for now, we need to enjoy ourself first. We will come over soon." Turned to Camila, "Lets go show some dance moves over there." She pointed at the crowded dance floor.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Camila breathed out. She was not used to dancing in public like this.

 The music changed and she took a step made her almost bump into the waiter carrying tray with champagnes. 

 "Sorry." She muttered an apology.

Then she felt eyes staring at her. She was certain, her hair stood straight on her skin and she turned to wherever her instincts took her to.

Up at the gallery, dressed in gray shirt that fitted that perfect body and rolled sleeves that showed his abs was Eric, staring at her. She shouldn't be thinking so much when it comes to her grumpy boss. She had wanted to avoid him at all cost but why is she having these tiny bits of thought about him. 

'Focus on he's still wicked.' She nodded inwardly. Him being here shouldn't be an obstacle. 

She gulped as their eyes met. None of them planning to break the contact. Camila's legs were beginning to get jelly. 

"Hey girlie," Evie interrupted. Before she could look back at him, he wasn't there. Like he was an illusion. "Let's go meet the celebrant and his friends. Oh! And your boss is there if you don't mind."

Without waiting for an answer, she dragged her out of the dance floor. They climbed the stairs up to a more reserved place, warm and dim lightning. Evie knocked once and entered. In the room, were three men. Two were laughing serious while the other, her boss glared at them. His attention shifted when the two girls announced their presence.

"Hey boys!" Camila shook her head on the kind of audacity Evie had. Maybe she'd forgotten Eric is her boss as well. 

Probably thinking he won't know her. Okay, time will tell.

"Oh! You're here! Come sit over here." Stephen urged them forward to sit; Evie sat between Nolan and Stephen while Camila sat beside Eric. Her heart racing as she clutched her purse tightly to herself. This is the second time today she'd been close to him.

"Wow! Can't believe starfish really got here? Hey little fish." Nolan waved at Evie who returned it a pinch on his lap that made him groan a little. He whispered something in her ear and caused her fury expression. 

"I'm going to cut it off before you even think of that." Evie warned. 

Okay, so what's going on here? Evie knew these guys like they've been friends for decades or something. She's starting to feel uncomfortable. She could feel Eric gaze at her few times and when she'd look to confirm, he turned his head.

"What's your name?" Nolan questioned, facing her.

"Camila." She answered, clearing her throat. 

God this feels like a blind date!

"Hmm....nice name. So you stay here or you're just like starfish?" 

"I work here, in TheSlyvester Inc."

"Oh! Eric, you have a beautiful employee right beside you. I hope you're not firing her tomorrow cause she's breathing the same air as you." Nolan wiggled his brows with a smile.

Eric ignored and drank the whole content of his drink and got up.

"I'm leaving. See you tomorrow." His thick voice sending shiver down Mila spine. Her thighs pressed together and bit her lips. 

She must be sick! God! This isn't what she wanted to feeling around him.

"Are you coming or not? Or you know the way already?" His questioned was directed to Camila. 

Mila tilted her head in confusion. "Sir? Me? Where? I do not understand you." She glanced at Evie who only shrugged.

Is this a set up or something? He wants to take her somewhere and do what? No, he thought she's going to be a one night stand? Well, fuck him if that's it. 

Eric turned to Evie and cocked his brow, "Vee, you didn't tell her? Anyway, I don't want to waste any further time here. I'm out." He took a step forward when Evie got up to her feet to hold him back.

Vee? Wow! They know each other? Can someone at least shed more light on this darkness that's covering the room right now? She stared at the two of them, obviously the confused one in the room as others were grinning from ear to ear. 

"Evie, what's going on?" Camila's voice was tight.

"Oh, baby girl! Eric is my cousin," Evie said. "My dad, Mr. Dante is his uncle."

The room tilted.

Eric. Sylvester. Was. Evie's. Cousin.

"And the apartment?" Camila barely recognized her own voice.

"Is mine," Eric said from the doorway. "Empty unit. My property manager suggested renting it out." His eyes met hers. "Evie vouched for you."

"I can find somewhere else ...."

"It's already arranged." He turned to leave. "But, yyou're welcome to look elsewhere, but I leave in ten minutes with or without you. Your things are already there."

Stephen whistled low. "Damn, Eric. You're really going out of your way for an employee."

Eric's jaw tightened. He didn't answer.

Camila stood frozen, her mind racing. Live in her boss's property? The same boss she'd been avoiding for years? The same man whose phone wallpaper had her photo?

"Camila?" Evie's voice was gentle. "It's just a house. And it's a really nice house."

Just a house.

So why did it feel like a trap?

Or worse, an opportunity she was terrified to take?

"Fine," she heard herself say. "But just until I find something else."

Eric's eyes flashed with something she couldn't name. "Whatever."

As she followed him out into the night, Camila realized two things:

One: she'd just agreed to live in her mysterious, grumpy boss's property.

Two: the man who claimed not to remember her had a photo of her on his phone.

And she was going to find out why. Why she also can't remember properly how or where she took that photo. But that person is definitely her.

Outside the building, as they walked to his car, he opened the door and got in. Camila looking at the car like it's a bad omen. Her body suddenly uncomfortable in that dress.

"You will not get in?" Eric arched his brows at her. "I don't bite and if you want to go separately, I don't give a fuck about that." He added and ignited his car.

"Sorry, I'm just nervous. I apologize if I'm a burden to you."

"You're already a burden since Evie is so talented in manipulating me to giving out my apartment to you. Don't fucking waste my time or I will leave you for real. And trust me, I won't open my gate once it's 10pm. I assure you that." He replied.

Camila sighed and walked over to the car and entered. Inside the car, it was supposed to be cool with the AC on but she felt hot. Sitting beside his boss in his car wasn't something she's expecting. Having to work with him closely was enough.

Why does she keep getting close to him? At this point, running away from him is no longer possible.

If Eric had seen the way she appeared stiff and her cheeks flushed with heat, he choose to ignore. He started the vehicle and they drove home.

Getting to the location, it was truly a palace. His residence rose beyond the private gates like a modern palace carved from stone and glass. A long, curved driveways swept toward the entrance, bordered by perfectly trimmed hedges and water features that moved in quiet controlled rhythms.

She was so tempted to know what the interior of the house looks like.

Eric packed at his garage that housed extra three cars. A Lamborghini Revuelta, Rolls Royce Phantom VIII and a Bugatti Chiron.

Camila came down, followed Eric behind as he quietly led her to her new apartment. Tucked behind Eric's mansion, almost hidden by tall trees, stood a modest building Eric owned. Its small balcony lined with potted plants.

"That's your apartment. Evie already had your things in there." He broke the silence that had held for long and turned back to go.

Camila caught a glimpse his eyes. Those blue eyes that the thought of it suddenly does wonders to her.

"Thank you for letting me in." She smiled at him.

Is that permitted? She mentally warned herself not to try that again.

Eric grunted at her words. He didn't stop or even give her a glance. He walked until he was out of sight.

Camila walked inside, it was small but carefully arranged. Soft light filtered through the sheer curtains. The living area held a simple couch, bookshelf and some scientific journals her dad had gathered. Everything is here with her again. She made a tour to the kitchen and her bedroom that had a small workspace area. She was satisfied.

This is going to be a long night.

She thought of calling Evie. That silly girl had done well to give her the best surprise of her life. Being together for two years, they had met at a hospital they were both admitted to, began friends and more when she applied for a job in The Slyvester Georgia lab, and she didn't even give a sign that she's a cousin to Eric. Queen of keeping secret. The award goes to her.

She would call her tomorrow. For now, she needs to sleep this shock away.

******************************************************************************

ERIC

Watson wagged his tail excitedly at Eric's presence. He bent to pat the big guy playfully at the back.

"What's up, Man?" Watson barked in return.

Eric turned, heading to his room to freshen up. He had gotten to his bedroom, his eyes glanced down from his window, to the building that he had took Camila in. He could see partially, the inside of the living room and kitchen.

How he had agreed with Evie to let her stay in his premises, he still doesn't know why.

But he will make some rules. Boundaries that are not supposed to be crossed.

He walked passed that piano, back to the bathroom to take his showers when he heard her scream and something like glass, shattered. He stopped on his tracks, hesistating whether to check why she screamed.

"She's not a child." He muttered to himself and proceeded into the bathroom.

Letting himself care about anyone isn't what he signed up for. Caring for others won't gain him anything.

He had done that to people he claimed he love but left him in the end or for someone else.

Digging into old wound. Most especially, Briana. He was grateful she didn't drive him to the asylum. When he needed her the most when he lost both parents, she left.

It drive him crazy. He loved her so much than any other woman.

"You have become too much to handle." She told him. "I'm now with someone else. Deal with your loss all by yourself."

As he took his bath, he hoped the water would wash down the remaining memory of her down to the tiniest bits.

His phone rang, he walked towards it while he wrapped his towel around his torso. Victoria Ashford. He frowned.

There comes another woman. His situationship.

Like she knew he'd been thinking of the women in his life.

He picked. "Hi." He answered gruffly.

She was the banking heiress, whose family has global influence and financial manipulation. Eric had met with her father to discuss some business deals when he mentioned that he's love to introduced his daughter to him. Claiming Victoria is ready to settle down and he'd love Eric to be the perfect son-in-law.

Eric hadn't say anything, but Victoria on the other hand took things further into her hands. She'd come to his house once in while to visit and to mark her territory. She would walk naked around the house to seduce him, but he'd turned her down.

Victoria had pursued him relentlessly after their families' business dinner. What started as a one-time mistake had become a pattern he couldn't seem to break, though he'd never promised her more than he was willing to give.

But that's her issue. He doesn't want any strings attached. They had good sex, yes. But he's not ready to settle down.

"Hey, Eric" She replied, sweetly. "Took you so long to pick my calls. No texts, no calls. I have to do that. That's not sweet, you know that. I'm going to be your fiancee soon."

Eric sighed. That attitude. "What do you want?"

"Hey, are you angry at me?" She scoffed. "That's your problem. Just wanted to tell you that, I will be coming to the company's event next tomorrow. So you should be ready to see me. Paris is so boring."

"You don't have to come." He walked towards the bedroom window. His eyes caught Camila outside the house, talking a walk and appreciating the gentle breeze that seems to be having issues with her hair.

She was smilling.

"Oh, you know how stubborn i can be. I will be arriving at New York tomorrow. Hope no woman has touched you when I'm away. Because I'm going to cut their hands off."

"Do whatever you want and go back. Do not cause trouble." He replied and pressed the red button before she could say anything else.

Camila must have heard his voice, she looked around until her eyes met his. They stared at each other. None wanting to break off contact.

Finally, he broke it first. "Do you want to come in?" He cleared his throat softly.