CAMILLA'S POV.
I honked my horn loudly and angrily at the cars in front of me. I was so mad that I was shouting curses at the driver ahead.
"Watch where you're going, you crazy driver!" the man yelled at me. I just shot him a harsh look and pressed the gas pedal harder.
Ever since I ran into Astrid at the hospital, my mind has been in a state of chaos. Her words kept repeating in my head over and over again.
"You've never been pregnant; you lied to Halfdan!" Astrid screamed at me, pretending to be all virtuous, though I knew she was far from it.
I couldn’t understand what her real goal was. I shrugged and slouched my shoulders as I got out of the car.
I glanced at the car parked in the garage. It was untouched, just as it always was.
I turned to the gardener and asked, "Is my father in?"
He nodded and gave a respectful bow.
I bit my fingertip nervously, feeling the weight of the news I was about to deliver.
I rushed into the house, knowing that my father would not be happy about the sudden and unsettling information I was bringing.
I pushed open the door to his room, and he looked up from his laptop, surprised to see me.
“Camilla? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at home, playing the perfect wife? Won’t your mate be wondering why you’re here? I don’t want him finding out about my plan, and you know I don’t like trouble.”
Hearing his words made me realise I was in deeper trouble than I had thought.
“I’m sorry, Father, but I have some bad news,” I said quickly, preparing myself for his reaction.
His expression turned serious, and I could see his frown. He wasn’t happy, and I knew he would be even more upset once I explained everything.
“Well then, spill it. Don’t keep me waiting, Camilla,” he said with a sharp tone.
“I’m sorry, Father. Everything happened so fast. I ran into Astrid at the hospital. I went there to see Dr. Miles and pick up some papers, and she found out that I was never actually pregnant.”
“She what?” Father interrupted sharply, his voice filled with anger. I swallowed hard, my lips trembling with fear.
For a moment, I felt numb, unable to speak. I couldn’t think of anything to say that would make up for my mistake.
“I’m so sorry, Father. I swear, I never intended for any of this to happen,” I pleaded. “She just found out, and it happened in public. I couldn’t stop it.”
Father’s eyes narrowed with fury. “You had one job, Camilla. Just one simple task, and you’ve messed it all up. Sometimes I really wonder how my daughter could be so careless.”
“And you question why Astrid always ends up with everything? We need power, Camilla, not stupidity... Power. And now that this bastard knows, do you have any idea how serious this is?”
His words cut through me like a knife. Overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation and his anger, I fell to my knees.
I clutched at his feet, tears streaming uncontrollably down my face, desperately trying to beg for his forgiveness and make things right.
“Please, Father, we have to do something. I worked so hard and gave it everything I had. I tried to get rid of her, but no matter what I do, everything seems to go right for her.”
“I can’t let her ruin this last chance of mine. Please, Father,” I begged, my voice breaking into a wail as tears continued to stream down my face.
I sobbed uncontrollably, my gaze fixed on the table briefly, and I could hear the heavy, agitated breaths coming from my father.
He had always taught me to be stronger and more capable than this, and I knew it. Yet, despite my efforts, I kept falling into one problem after another. I sighed deeply, feeling the weight of my failures.
“It’s not the end of the world to show a bit of weakness,” Father said, his tone slightly softer.
“Why are you crying so much over that worthless Astrid? Mistakes happen. It’s part of life.”
He sighed as well and then gestured for me to sit in a nearby chair. I wiped the tears from my eyes and managed a faint, grateful smile as I took a seat, feeling a mix of relief and shame.
“Alright,” Father said, his voice steady.
“Now we need to figure out how to fix this situation. On top of that, I’ve been keeping a close watch on Dr. Miles, and I have to say, he’s starting to look suspicious. There’s something off about him; he seems rather shady.”
He pushed himself away from me, indicating that the conversation was shifting focus.
I wasn’t entirely sure what was expected of me next, but seeing him take a moment of silence gave me the clarity I needed.
“Yes, that’s right,” I said, picking up on his cue.
“He put on a facade when he finally gave me the files. There was something about his demeanour that didn’t sit right with me.”
Father nodded in agreement. There was indeed something strange about Dr. Miles.
In the past, he had always been quick to help as long as he was compensated, but now he seemed unusually hesitant and unwilling.
Father then slowly reached for his phone, dialling a number with deliberate care.
After pressing the speakerphone option, the call connected, and a voice came through the speaker.
“Good day, Mr. Han,” the voice greeted, its tone polite but carrying a tension.
“Good day, James,” Father said, his tone authoritative.
“I need you to keep a close eye on Dr. Miles. Monitor him around the clock and report back to me if you notice anything unusual.”
“Understood, sir,” James replied promptly.
Father ended the call, setting the phone down with a firm tap. He stood up from his chair, adjusted his posture, and cleared his throat, preparing to address me.
“But what about Astrid, Father?” I asked, my voice tinged with desperation.
“She knows the truth and could tell Alpha Halfdan at any moment. I can’t afford to lose Alpha Halfdan. I need him.”
Father nodded thoughtfully, clearing his throat again before responding. “It’s fine, Camilla. You can leave now. I understand your concern about losing the pack, and Astrid is a little issue for the time being. I’ll figure out how to handle her.”
He waved me off, his expression resolute as he turned his attention back to his plans.