The Miracle of You

Camille flinched reflexively, not knowing what to expect.

She was always wary whenever he did something unexpected, like touching her out of the blue when he usually never did, especially when they were at the company. Besides, Christian Callahan wasn’t exactly the touchy-feely type.

But today, he seemed to be possessed by something, and that made her feel even more wary. She could no longer predict what he might do next, and that was a little scary.

“What’s with that reaction?” Christian burst into a chuckle. “You’re acting like I’m about to murder you or something.”

She stepped aside and went to the fridge. She had already taken all the ingredients that she needed, but she just wanted a reason to get away from him. “I already told you what I know. Please leave me alone. I’m hungry,” she said.

“Then we should eat together,” he suggested. “I’m rather famished myself.”

“No,” she said automatically. “I’d rather eat my meal alone, thank you.”

“What a cold woman you are,” he remarked lightly.

Camille chose to ignore him after that. No matter how much he tried to twist it in his favor, or how many times he tried to manipulate or gaslight her in some way, she would never completely give in to him.

He was already holding her hostage with this contract. The least he could do was leave her the hell alone for once in his life.

“I’m not in the mood to talk about work right now, so let’s talk about something else,” Christian began with a mischievous smile.

Oh, he knew exactly how much she wanted him to leave her alone. Then again, how could he give her what she wanted so easily? It would be unlike him to let this golden opportunity pass him by.

Frustrated, Camille closed the refrigerator door and turned to face him. “What is it?” she asked resignedly.

“Would you like to take charge of the engagement party?”

She stared at him in disbelief. “Mr. Callahan, didn’t you tell me back then that there would be no such parties and that the wedding would be held privately?” she said through gritted teeth.

He nodded. “I mentioned that, yes.”

“Well?” She tried not to sound impatient.

A smirk played on his lips. “Well, plans change, don’t they?”

Camille did her best not to lash out. ‘Breathe,’ she told herself. ‘Don’t let him get to you. That’s exactly what he wants, and you know it.’

“I am not arranging an engagement party, and I will not participate in any publicity regarding our engagement,” she said stiffly. “I want to emphasize again, Mr. Callahan: no public events.”

Christian didn’t seem to mind at all. Instead, his grin only grew wider. “Well, isn’t my fiancee quite the firm operator?” he said teasingly.

“I believe I’m not asking for much, Mr. Callahan,” she said dryly.

Christian took a step towards her, deepening her exasperation. Frankly, she was getting tired of being angry all the time. Not that she could help it, though, because he was an infuriating individual.

It was as if Christian Callahan was a demon who fed ravenously on her anger, and that every time she got upset or annoyed, she just fed him the life force that he needed.

So this time, she just stayed still and didn’t react, not even when he rested both hands on her shoulders, his warmth seeping through her thin clothing.

“Too bad,” he murmured, moving closer until their bodies were only inches apart.

“About what?” she asked flatly, trying not to care that her personal bubble had been breached once again.

She wasn’t really interested in the answer, but he said it as if he expected her to inquire about it.

“You,” he answered.

“Me?”

“Yes. You.” He hummed slightly, the vibration sending a tingle through her skin. “It’s too bad you don’t like me as much as I want you to.”

Camille frowned. “What does that mean?”

“Your body is here with me. I can touch you freely like this,” he said, making a demonstration by sliding his hands off her shoulders and running his fingers through her upper arms, making her shudder instinctively. “But your heart is so far away.”

Christian smiled, but it did not reach his suddenly cold eyes.

“I bet you wish that I should be Michael McGregor instead right now, don’t you?”

Camille’s heart skipped a beat.

“What in the world are you talking about?” she demanded, her face flushed with irritation and embarrassment.

Every time Christian spoke Michael’s name, it was as if his voice was poisonous enough to put a curse on Michael.

Camille wanted Christian to stay out of Michael’s business completely, but unfortunately, she was in no position to force him to do so.

“Oh, you know exactly what I’m talking about.” He reached out and grabbed her chin, tilting her face up so she could meet his gaze.

There was a startling coldness in his eyes, causing her breath to hitch. It was as if he was completely serious this time and not playing around anymore.

“Why, Miss Parker?” he asked suddenly in a low voice.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Camille decided that she wasn’t going to back down. “Why what?”

“Why not fall for me instead?”

Camille’s jaw clenched in anger as she quickly recovered from her surprise. “You’re seriously asking me that?” she snapped. “You’re a smart man, Mr. Callahan. I’m sure you already know the reason.”

“Is it because I’ve treated you badly all this time? Well, that’s my mistake. I’ll treat you better this time, my dear Camie.” Christian smiled, unfazed. “As long as your heart belongs to me, I’ll treat you like a queen. No one will ever gossip about you or mistreat you again. You will have everything that you want. You will be on top of the world, just like me.”

“No,” Camille said defiantly. “You cannot possibly treat me any better. You have crossed the line so many times that I have lost count. Even now, you are touching me without my permission.”

She glared at him.

“Your words have no value. You’ll just keep doing whatever you want, and you don’t care as long as you’re the one who benefits. So, no, there is no possibility of me even considering you as the man who will have my heart for a lifetime. Stop dreaming!”