Unexpected Love (Austin Taylor)

24: Michael back AGAIN?!

*2 months later*

Two months had passed since Camilla's birthday celebration with Austin. Life had been good, and she had never been happier. But little did she know, her past was about to come knocking on her door.

Michael, her ex-boyfriend, appeared out of nowhere, standing in front of her at the office, his eyes piercing and intense. Camilla felt a shiver run down her spine as he spoke in a low, persuasive tone.

"Camilla, we need to talk," he said, his voice dripping with an air of superiority.

Camilla's instincts screamed at her to stay away, but Michael's words tugged at her heartstrings. "What is it, Michael?" she asked warily, trying to keep her emotions in check.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Michael said, his eyes burning with intensity. "You're with Austin now, but you know it's not meant to be. You deserve someone like me, someone who truly loves you."

Camilla felt a lump form in her throat as Michael's words stung. She knew she had to stand firm and refuse his advances. But her heart was still reeling from their tumultuous past.

"No, Michael," she said firmly, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm happy with Austin. We're good together."

Michael's expression turned cruel. "You're just settling for someone who can't give you what you deserve. I can give you everything you want and more."

Camilla felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes as Michael's words cut deep. She knew he was trying to manipulate her, but it was hard to shake off the guilt and insecurity that still lingered from their past.

"Austin loves me for who I am," Camilla said, trying to sound stronger than she felt. "He accepts me for my flaws and imperfections. You never did."

Michael sneered. "That's because you were blinded by your infatuation with him. Trust me, Camilla, I'm the one who truly loves you."

Camilla felt a wave of anger wash over her as Michael's words dripped with condescension. She knew she had to stand up for herself and reject his offer once and for all.

"I'm not going back to you, Michael," she said firmly, her voice cracking with emotion. "I love Austin, and I'm happy with him. You need to accept it and move on."

Michael's face twisted with rage as he realized he wasn't getting his way. "Fine," he spat. "But mark my words, Camilla - you're making a huge mistake."

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the office, leaving Camilla feeling shaken and emotionally drained. She knew she had to get away from the toxic influence of their past and focus on the present - and the love she shared with Austin.

As she sat back down at her desk, tears began to stream down her face as she thought about the pain Michael had inflicted on her once again. She knew she had to talk to Austin about this - he needed to know what had happened.

She took a deep breath and picked up the phone, calling Austin as she walked out of the office building into the crisp afternoon air. She knew that talking to him would help her heal and move forward - away from the toxic past and into a brighter future with the man she loved.