Old Money || Shawmila [Completed]

26. Time to make a choice

The next morning, Camila woke up feeling more rested than she had in a while. She glanced over at Shawn, who was still sleeping soundly beside her. She smiled to herself, feeling grateful for his presence in her life once again.

As she got out of bed and began getting ready for work, Camila couldn't help but think about the events of the previous night. Since they had met again in New York, Shawn appeared more possessive of her, even a little apprehensive, and she couldn't fathom why. She knew that she and Shawn had a lot to talk about, particularly in terms of their relationship and where it was headed. It seemed like it was becoming slightly serious, and she needed to know it for sure.

Despite feeling a bit hesitant, Camila knew that she needed to confront these issues head-on. She wanted to know where she stood with Shawn, and she knew that it was important to have an open and honest conversation with him.

As she walked out of her apartment and onto the busy streets of the city, Camila couldn't help but feel a sense of determination wash over her. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, both in her personal life and in her career.

And so, with a newfound sense of purpose, Camila made her way to the office, ready to tackle whatever bureaucratic tasks lay ahead. Little did she know, however, that the day would hold some unexpected surprises that would ultimately lead her down a path she never could have anticipated.

When she walked inside her office, she was surprised to see Mr. Gold waiting for her. Whenever she had to deal with the old man, she knew she had to take deep breaths and try to stay as calm as possible. She was used to his arrogance and his boastful claims, so she was a little thrown off by his sheepish demeanor. He appeared defeated and resigned, an unusual look that somehow suited him. There was nothing better than an humbled rich man.

Camila put on her best professional face, wiping off her smug look. She sat in front of him and greeted him. «Good morning, Mr. Gold. What can I do for you?»

The old man sighed, slumped on his chair like an abandoned garbage bag. «I came to the conclusion that it's time for me to take a step back. I want to discuss a new negotiation».

Camila raised her brows, astonished. «May I ask you why?»

«You and I both know that I have no rights on that damned license. Maybe I'm too old and too proud to face the humiliation that'll come when the judge will confirm that».

Camila nodded. That would made her life a lot easier. So, she listened to his requests and took notes to draft a new agreement. The working hours went by quickly and before she knew it, she was ready to head home. Then, out of the blue, she decided to stop at Shawn's office so she could dropped by the new deal she had just written.

While she walked to his building, she had a strange feeling. That was the first time that she'd showed up at his office – on top of turning up completely unannounced. Why was she nervous? The ride in the elevator felt everlasting, but ultimately it slow down, it dinged and the doors opened. Camila stepped into a relaxed hall, where attorneys and their assistant chatted while heading toward the exit. After asking for some directions, she walked towards Shawn's office. The glass doors gave the ambiance a very modern look. Everything was spotless and perfectly clear, as if nobody in there had anything to hide.

Evidently, someone didn't take into consideration the need for some people to have some privacy.

Camila couldn't believe her eyes. Shawn was laying with his shoulder on a wall, right beside a tall and pretty brunette. She was beautiful in every possible way: she looked smart and genuine, her hair reminded of the most rich caramel one can taste, paired with a couple of emeralds nestled in her eyes. He leaned over her, his signature flirty smile embedded on his face, a face that Camila really wanted to slap. But, even if every part of her longed to make a scene in front of everyone, she stayed calm.

She walked slowly to him, knocked on the door, and watched as his face morphed from a charming grin to an astonished grimace. Camila entered the room and smiled politely at both of them. The woman smiled back and walked away, completely unaware of the tension between the other two. Shawn, on the other end, remained silent until she was out of the room. «Camila, I wasn't expecting you here».

«Clearly» she said coldly. She tossed the folder containing the new agreement on the table that separated them. «You should read that and discuss it with Mr. Caplan before our next meeting». She turned on her heels and stalked out. «And by the way, don't bother showing up at my door tonight».

Striding, Shawn reached her and took her wrist in his hand. «Wait a minute, Camila».

She yanked away from his grip, shooting him a dirty look. «So you can give me some of your bullshit? No, thanks».

«For fuck's sake, what are you even mad about?»

«Are you kidding me?» she stared at him, speechless.

«I was just talking to her, Camila»

She rolled her eyes. «Yeah, sure. You absolutely weren't hitting on her»

«Is it that hard to believe?»

«Maybe you're forgetting I know you. I know how you flirt, I know all your moves when it comes to seduction»

Shawn's face hardened. He seemed offended, maybe irritated. «Well I didn't do anything wrong. Even if I was flirting with her, it's none of your business»

«That's where you're wrong»

«No, I'm not. We're not together!»

At that sentence, Camila struggled to keep her murderous instincts at bay. «So why the double standards? I can't go on a stupid dinner with my coworker, but you can fuck whatever random girl you stumble upon?». Her eyes were made of fire. «Are you fucking her, Shawn?»

He groaned, frustrated. «I'm not fucking her»

«Did you though?» For a split second he glanced away, but it was enough for Camila to understand the truth. «Oh my god, you did. Of course you did».

«I still don't see why it should concern you».

Was he for real? The absurdity of that conversation made her doubt she was actually awake. Maybe she was just dreaming, maybe she ended up in an alternative universe. «You ought to be the biggest jerk on this planet to really believe that!» she exclaimed, almost screaming. «You were the one who showed up at my door saying you wanted me back, saying that I'm yours, that you want to wake up next to me every morning. But I'm not so pathetic to put up with all of this!»

«But there's nothing going on! Can't you understand that?»

«You can't possibly be convinced that it's okay to act like that! What if I make goo-goo eyes at one of my exes? Would you like that? Would it be fair to you? Look, I get that we're not together, and I told you it was okay to take things slowly, but I cannot accept this kind of behavior». Camila looked him straight in the eyes. «It's either you want me or not, Shawn. It's time to make a choice».