Chapter 2 Break Up

Faye was already at the restaurant when Camilla arrived. As she approached, she saw Faye sitting at a round table with one other person—his back to Camilla. Vanya. Of course, the terrorist hadn’t even bothered to change out of his black suit. She stormed over, ignoring the murmur of diners and the curious glances as she dropped her bag onto the table with a loud thud. Let's see him pretend now. She thought. Faye looked up with a bright smile, oblivious to the tension. “Hey—” Camilla didn’t give her a chance to finish, her fingers trembling with anger. This man thought he could play me? Vanya turned, frowning slightly, but there was no sign of recognition in his eyes. His hair, still perfectly styled, glistened under the dim lighting. He smiled politely, cool and collected, as if he hadn’t just terrorized her hours earlier. “Hi, Camilla.” He had that accent, but his voice sounded airier. Was it possible for voices to change in hours? “I’ve heard a lot about you. Faye talks about her best friend all the time.” Camilla clenched her fists, her blood boiling. Was he really going to act like nothing happened? “Really?” she snapped, glaring at him. “You’re going to pretend like we didn’t see each other earlier today? That you didn’t smash my phone?” Vanya’s brow furrowed in confusion, but his lips curled into a smirk. He flicked his hair back and leaned forward, shutting the menu with a soft click. “I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else. Faye and I have been here all evening. You must be confused.” Confused? Was this all an act? Camilla’s heart raced as she struggled to piece it together. Was he really going to pretend this never happened? The same cold menace she had faced hours ago had to be hidden behind that smile. He wasn’t innocent—he couldn’t be. “Is this acting?” she asked, her voice dangerously low. “Cam, what are you talking about?” Faye tugged at her arm, her face pale with embarrassment. Camilla ignored her, her eyes fixed on Vanya. He’s lying. He’s pretending. She wouldn’t let him get away with this. Without a second thought, she grabbed the nearest glass—a cold, red drink—and emptied it over Vanya’s head. The liquid soaked his hair, dripping down his face and into his suit. Vanya’s mouth fell open in shock, his hand frozen midair as he tried to wipe the drink from his face. Camilla bit into the cucumber slice she had removed from the glass, savoring the moment. This was payback for her phone. “Are you insane?!” Faye’s scream pierced through the moment, her eyes wide as she watched Camilla’s every move. Around them, the restaurant erupted into murmurs. People pulled out their phones, the flashes of cameras capturing the moment, but Camilla didn’t care. Let them take pictures. Let the world see this. “Apologize!” Faye demanded, her voice trembling with fury. “Now, Camilla!” Camilla turned to her best friend, pointing an accusatory finger at Vanya. “If anyone owes an apology, it’s that man,” she growled. “He’s the one who’s insane. He’s a beast, Faye.” “Apologize. To. Him,” Faye insisted, her voice cold. The cameras were still rolling, but neither of them paid attention. This was about something bigger now. “Never! I am protecting you!” Heaven would open before Camilla apologized. She snatched her bag off the table, making sure to smack it across Vanya’s forehead. “Get the fuck out of here!” Camilia opened her eyes wide, unable to believe that her friend would let her leave for this dangerous man. Heartbroken, she stormed out of the place with red eyes. Camilla barely heard Alvin’s polite greeting as she threw herself into the back seat of the car. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her mind racing from the confrontation. “Are women stupid?” she muttered, more to herself than to Alvin. “Some of them, ma’am,” Alvin replied, his voice calm as always. “Faye is stupid,” Camilla declared, leaning back into the seat. How could her friend not trust her? Her phone was destroyed, and her dignity had taken a hit. But she wasn’t done. Not by a long shot. “Take me home.” Alvin started the car, and the familiar hum of the engine did little to soothe her rattled nerves. When she finally reached her apartment, she slumped onto the couch, hugging a throw pillow to her chest. She wasn’t sure how much time passed before a sharp slap on her back startled her. Faye stood at the other end of the room, her fists clenched and her lips set in a thin line. “What the hell was that about? You made me and Vanya embarrassed!” Faye’s voice was low, dangerous, the anger simmering just beneath the surface. “Look, I’ve been trying to tell you,” she replied. On her feet, she reached for Faye, who jumped back. “I saw him today at the store. Before you messaged me. He was—” Faye stretched out her hand. “Evidence?” “I don’t have that because he took my phone before I could leave,” Camilla tried to explain. “He even pulled my hair. He’s a violent man. “I don’t know how you cope. So Vanya took your phone and he pulled your hair.?” Faye began, listing out his offense on her fingers. “Yes. Did you break up with him?” Disgust curled Faye’s lips as she eyed her best friend. “You have no right to do this!” Without a word, she stormed to her room. Faye was stuffing clothes into her bag. “What are you doing?” Camilla asked from the door. “Faye, stop. What are you doing?” “You know, I wonder if it’s because you let me stay here rent free that makes you think you can butt into my life.” Pointing a shaky finger at Camilla, she continued, “You are no longer my friend, EVER!” Faye left. Camilia struggled to keep the tears at bay as she sank down to the floor, her legs folded underneath her. She just broke up with her best friend for that damn man! What should she do now? A revenge?