In Victor's father's hospital room, a few minutes later...
Aline: I'll stay with your father tonight. You two go home and get some rest.
Victor: Are you sure, Mom?
Aline: Yes, son. Don't worry. I'll be fine, and so will your father.
Victor: Alright... Come on, Camila.
Camila (softly): Okay, Mom... Take care of yourself.
—
On their way home,
The road was unusually quiet, and Camila remained silent the entire time — something very unlike her.
Victor: Camila? We've arrived.
Camila: ...
Victor: Camila! Are you listening?
Camila (snapping out of it): Huh? What did you say?
Victor: What's wrong? You seem really distracted.
Camila: Nothing, brother... I'm just thinking.
Victor: Are you hungry?
Camila (after a pause): A little bit.
Victor: Alright. Wait for me in the dining room, I'll make you something.
Camila: Thank you...
—
At home, a few minutes later...
Victor returned with food, only to find Camila sitting on the couch, tears streaming down her face.
Victor (worried): Camila! Why are you crying?
He rushed over and sat beside her, pulling her into a gentle hug.
Victor: What's bothering you? Tell me. I'm here for you.
Camila (sobbing): I don't want to get married... I don't want this marriage, brother.
Victor: But you agreed to it yourself, Camila.
Camila (in tears): I felt pressured... scared. And now I feel like I made the wrong decision.
Victor: Don't worry. I'm with you. I won't let you be forced into anything you don't want. We'll figure this out, I promise.
Camila: Can it even be fixed? Everything feels out of control.
Victor: There's always a solution. But for now... you need to eat. Come on, let me feed you.
He fed her with love and care, trying to ease her stress. A few minutes later, she whispered:
Camila: I'm full... Thank you.
Victor: Do you feel any better now?
Camila (sighing): A little... Thank you for always being here.
Victor: I'll always be by your side. Now go and get some rest.
Camila: Good night, brother.
Victor: Good night, dear.
—
Meanwhile, at Emma's mansion, she returned exhausted after spending the whole day at the hospital.
Jacob: I need to talk to you.
Emma: I'm going to sleep now. We'll talk tomorrow.
She walked away before he could say a word.
Jacob (to himself): I'm the older one, but it doesn't feel like it...
—
The next morning, Emma woke up full of energy and went for her usual morning workout.
Jacob: Good morning, Lucy. Where's Emma?
Lucy (the maid): She went for her workout, as usual.
Jacob: I see. What's for breakfast? It smells amazing.
Lucy: I made your favorite.
Jacob: That explains the heavenly aroma.
He left and went back to his room. Around the same time, Emma returned to the mansion.
Emma: Has Jacob woken up?
Lucy: Yes, Miss.
Emma: I'm going to shower. I want everything ready when I come back.
Lucy: Of course, Miss.
As Emma passed by Jacob's room...
Emma: Oh, you're awake on your own today.
Jacob: The smell woke me up.
Emma: Naturally. It's your favorite food.
Jacob: Yes, Emma. Are you sure about what you said yesterday?
Emma: Absolutely. And don't you dare change your mind.
Jacob (angrily): But I'm your older brother. I should be the one making the decisions, not you.
Emma (angrily): I told you — and you agreed. You could've objected.
Jacob (angrily): But—
Emma (furiously): But what!!! I'm done wasting my time with you. I have more important matters to deal with.
Jacob (furiously): Don't forget, I'm your business manager.
Emma: I don't care!
She stormed off, slamming his door behind her.
Later, they both sat for breakfast without speaking a word to each other.
—
Victor: I'm heading out now. Please take care of yourself.
Camila: Can I visit Dad?
Victor: When I return, we'll go together.
Victor stepped outside — only to be met with a crowd of reporters at the gate. Caught off guard, he hesitated until a car pulled up, and Emma stepped out confidently.
Emma (sternly): Can you stop asking these annoying questions?!
Reporter: And who are you to interfere? Is this man your boyfriend?
Emma (mocking smile): Boyfriend? No way. He's my future sister-in-law's brother. Now back off and stop prying.
Reporter: Could you clarify that? Your brother's marrying his sister?
Emma: Not yet, but soon. We'll be holding a press conference next week to explain everything.
Reporter: Can we have more details?
Emma: Absolutely not. Show up at my estate next week. For now, please leave. Let him go to work in peace.
The reporters stepped aside after her commanding words. Victor stared at her, speechless.
Emma: (to Victor) Are you just going to stand there? Go to work.
Victor (grateful): I don't know how to thank you...
Emma: No need. Just do your part. I'll stay here with your sister.
Victor: But... what about your job?
Emma: That's none of your concern.
As Emma walked toward the house, she overheard neighborhood women whispering:
Neighbor 1: She's so full of herself.
Neighbor 2: Well, she's from a rich family, after all.
Neighbor 3: I heard her brother is marrying Aline's daughter.
Neighbor 1: Why? Did Aline ask them for help with her husband's treatment?
Neighbor 2: Or maybe the girl did something to win him over. Her brother is wealthy and handsome.
Emma approached them with calm but chilling authority:
Emma (coldly, under her breath): If I hear any of you repeat this nonsense again, I'll make sure you end up in jail. Understood?
The women scattered in silence, and Victor continued watching her with quiet admiration.
At the house, Camila answered the door.
Camila: Who is it? Brother, is that you?
Emma: No, it's Emma.
Camila quickly opened the door, flustered.
Camila: I... I'm sorry for the mess.
Emma (smiling gently): It's fine. May I come in?
Camila: Of course.
They sat down, and Emma smiled warmly.
Emma: You seem nervous.
Camila: No, I mean... yes, a little.
Emma: Don't be. Think of me as your sister. You can talk to me freely.
Camila (hesitant): Okay... How are you?
Emma: I'm fine. But the real question is — how are you?
Camila: I'm alright.
Emma opened the bag she brought and pulled out some clothes.
Emma: I brought these for you. I think you'll look stunning in them for the conference.
Camila (surprised): F-For me?
Emma: Of course. And on the day of the conference, a makeup artist will come to take care of you.
Camila: I don't know how to thank you...
Emma: No need for thanks. This is the least I can do.
Camila hesitated, then said softly:
Camila: Can I say something?
Emma: Of course.
Camila: I'm a huge fan of yours. I listen to your songs every day.
Emma (beaming): That's so sweet. I think we're going to be great friends.
Hours passed in deep conversation, and Camila felt an unexpected comfort.
Camila: I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time.
Emma: Me neither. And by the way — don't let what people say affect you. Be strong. Don't give them power over your life.
Camila (grateful): Thank you... really, thank you.
Emma: Come on, get ready. We're going to visit your father.
-
To be continued...
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