The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Chapter 3: Camila

Camila's POV
The door to my office had barely closed behind Selena Spencer and her adorable daughter Kelly before Vanessa barged in, her face contorted into a scowl. 'Camila, I can't believe you offered that woman a job on your team,' she spat out, her eyes flashing with anger.

I sighed heavily, leaning back in my chair and rubbing my temples. 'Vanessa, we've been over this. She's qualified, she's experienced, and she's a damn good lawyer. I need someone like her on my team,' I replied calmly, trying to keep my own frustration at bay.

But Vanessa wasn't having it. She stormed over to my desk, her arms crossed over her chest. 'You're just doing this because you're attracted to her,' she accused, her voice rising. 'You want her on your team so you can ogle her all day long.'

I rolled my eyes. 'That's not it, and you know it. I'm a professional, Vanessa. I wouldn't let my personal feelings interfere with my work.'

But Vanessa wasn't listening. She kept going on and on about how jealous she was, how she didn't trust Selena, how she didn't want her anywhere near me. It was exhausting.

'Vanessa, I told you to get the fuck out and leave me alone,' I said, my patience wearing thin. 'We're not dating. We're not even in a relationship. We're fuck buddies, that's it. I don't owe you an explanation for every decision I make.'

But Vanessa wouldn't back down. She just kept arguing, her voice growing louder and more irrational with every passing minute. I could feel a headache coming on, the tension in my shoulders growing tighter and tighter.

Finally, I'd had enough. 'Get out,' I said, my voice low and dangerous. 'I mean it, Vanessa. Get out of my office right now before I throw you out myself.'

For a moment, I thought she might push back, might refuse to leave. But then she seemed to deflate, her shoulders sagging as she turned and walked towards the door.

'Fine,' she said softly, not looking back at me. 'I'll go. But this isn't over, Camila. I won't let her take you away from me.'

I watched as she left, my heart heavy in my chest. I knew I needed to end things with Vanessa, to make it clear that we were over. But I also knew it wouldn't be easy. She was jealous, possessive, and prone to dramatic outbursts. I couldn't imagine how she would react when I finally broke things off for good.

Sighing, I turned back to my work, trying to push thoughts of Vanessa and Selena out of my mind. But it was no use. My thoughts kept drifting back to Selena, to her warmth and kindness, to the way she looked at me with those bright blue eyes.