Falling For The True Heiress

The evening breeze carried a cool bite as it brushed across my face.

I drew in a slow breath, held it for a second, then let it out before walking toward my car.

A click echoed through the quiet as I pressed the key fob. The headlights flashed in response.

I slipped into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and pulled away from the mansion.

The drive to Camila’s place didn’t take long.

A few minutes later, I pulled up in front of the Everton estate and gave a short honk.

The wrought-iron gates slid open almost immediately.

I drove through and parked in my usual spot.

Camila had insisted that the space be reserved for me. No matter how many guests visited, no one ever parked there.

I switched off the engine, stepped out, locked the car, and headed toward the entrance.

The Everton mansion was every bit as extravagant as people claimed.

High stone walls surrounded the estate, shielding it from the outside world. Beyond them stretched acres of perfectly maintained gardens, marble fountains, and towering trees that lined the driveway.

Stone paths led to a private pool, a quiet gazebo, a guest house, and a beautifully landscaped courtyard.

At the center stood the mansion itself.

A magnificent three-story residence built from pristine white stone glowed beneath the warm evening lights.

Floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the darkening sky, while marble columns, sweeping balconies, and elegant arches gave the entire place the presence of a royal palace.

Everything about it whispered old money.

Before I reached the front door, Daniela stepped onto the porch and waved.

"Over here, Lia."

A smile tugged at my lips as I walked over.

She looked me over from head to toe before raising an eyebrow.

"You really rushed over."

I glanced down at myself. I was still wearing the silk pajamas I had changed into before Auntie called.

"I didn’t have time to change."

"I figured it." Daniela smiled as she slipped her arm through mine. "Come on."

The moment we stepped inside, Camila’s mother hurried toward us.

"Oh, dear..."

"Auntie."

She grabbed my hands tightly. "Thank goodness you’re here."

"What happened?" I asked.

"Which room is she in?"

"Upstairs," she answered quickly. "She won’t let the doctor near her. She keeps asking for you."

A strange feeling settled in my chest. "I’ll go see her."

Without wasting another second, I headed for the staircase.

The grand marble stairs curved elegantly toward the second floor beneath an enormous crystal chandelier, but I barely noticed any of it.

My only thought was getting to Camila.

Behind me, Daniela and Auntie remained standing in the foyer, watching silently as I disappeared upstairs.

I stopped outside Camila’s bedroom and knocked.

Knock.

Knock.

Knock.

"Come in."

The door opened almost at once.

I gave the maid a small nod.

I stepped inside and was immediately met by the sight of Dr. Henry Prescott standing beside the bed, his usually composed expression shadowed with concern.

Camila lay beneath the covers, her face unusually pale.

"Doctor," I called as I walked over. "What’s going on?"

Dr. Henry turned toward me, and the tension in his face eased ever so slightly.

"Miss Winston."

"I’m glad you’re here."

He glanced at Camila before continuing.

"She’s running a high fever. We’ve tried to give her medication and examine her, but she refused to cooperate."

He sighed quietly.

"The only person she’s been asking for is you."

My brows knitted together. Without another word, I walked to the bedside and gently took Camila’s hand.

"Cam."

Her fingers twitched beneath mine.

A few seconds later, she slowly opened her eyes.

"Lia..."

A weak smile appeared on her lips. "You came."

I couldn’t help frowning. "Of course I came."

"But what is this?"

"Why are you refusing treatment?"

She looked at me for a moment before tightening her grip on my hand.

"I just..."

"I wanted you."

I let out a helpless sigh. "You always know how to worry people."

I looked up at Dr. Henry.

"Doctor."

"You can treat her now."

He nodded and picked up the medication from the bedside table.

"Miss Winston, could you help her sit up?"

"Sure."

I slipped an arm behind Camila’s back and carefully helped her into a sitting position.

Dr. Henry placed two fever tablets into her palm before handing her a bottle of water.

Camila didn’t complain this time.

She quietly swallowed the medicine and drank a few mouthfuls of water.

Dr. Henry checked her temperature again before listening to her heartbeat with his stethoscope.

When he was finished, he returned everything to his medical bag.

"Thank you, Doctor," I said before turning back to Camila.

"Lia..." she called softly.

"Yes?"

"Don’t go... please."

A small smile tugged at my lips. I reached out and gently rested my hand on her head.

"I won’t."

She smiled weakly and gave a slow nod.

"The fever should begin to come down soon," Dr. Henry said. "I’ll come back to examine her again in a little while."

"Thank you, Doctor."

He smiled politely. "If anything changes, don’t hesitate to call me."

"I will."

With a small nod, he picked up his bag and walked out of the room.

Silence settled between us. I looked back at Camila.

"Have you eaten?"

She nodded.

I narrowed my eyes. "Liar."

She looked away with a guilty smile.

Just then, the bedroom door opened once again.

Daniela walked in, followed by the family chef.

The chef wheeled in a gleaming silver trolley carrying a steaming bowl of creamy pumpkin soup, a basket of freshly baked dinner rolls, a platter of neatly sliced seasonal fruit, and a porcelain teapot filled with warm herbal tea.

"How is she?" Daniela asked the moment I turned around.

There was obvious worry in her eyes.

I gave her a reassuring smile. "She’s going to be okay."

Relief immediately spread across her face.

"Thank goodness."

Just then, Mrs. Everton walked into the room.

"Amelia."

She stopped in front of me, her expression filled with gratitude.

"Thank you."

"I don’t know what we would’ve done without you."

I smiled politely. "You don’t have to thank me, Auntie."

She let out a helpless laugh. "That child has been nothing but trouble for you."

I shook my head with a small smile. "It’s not trouble at all, Auntie."

Daniela walked over to the bed and rested her hands on her hips.

"Alright, Mila."

She flashed Camila a bright smile. "Come on. Let me feed you."

Camila frowned immediately.

"And why should you be the one to feed me?"

"Because I want to," Daniela replied, folding her arms with a smug smile.

Camila didn’t even spare her another glance.

Instead, she leaned away from the headboard and rested her head against my shoulder.

"I want Lia to feed me."

Mrs. Everton sighed, already looking exhausted.

"Mila..."

"Why do you always make Amelia spoil you?"

Camila pretended not to hear her.

I looked down at the girl leaning against me and couldn’t help smiling.

"Alright. I’ll feed you."

She instantly brightened and sat up with a satisfied smile.

"Hey!" Daniela protested with a pout. "You’re only bullying my girl because you’re sick.

I blinked.

My girl?

Since when did I become her girl?

Camila laughed weakly. "When did Lia become your girl?"

Daniela only grinned and refused to answer.

Mrs. Everton smiled and stepped forward. "Let me feed her instead."

She turned to me. "You’ve done enough for today, Amelia."

"You should head home and get some rest."

Camila’s smile disappeared. "No."

Everyone turned to look at her.

"Mom..."

Camila frowned immediately. "Lia isn’t leaving."

"She’s staying with me tonight."

Mrs. Everton folded her arms and let out a sigh.

"Little Mila."

"You don’t get to make that decision."

Camila turned to me with pleading eyes.

"Right, Lia?"

I looked at her for a moment before smiling.

"It’s alright, Auntie."

"I’ll stay with her tonight."

"Yes!"

Daniela threw both fists into the air like she’d just won a competition.

Camila’s smile widened until it reached her eyes as she leaned comfortably against the headboard.

Mrs. Everton looked at the three of us before letting out a defeated sigh.

"You girls really are impossible."

The chef quietly served the food, gave a respectful bow, and left the room.

As everyone else focused on Camila, my thoughts drifted elsewhere.

Sylvia.

She hated sleeping alone.

A small sigh escaped my lips.

"How is Sylvia going to sleep tonight?" I murmured under my breath.

A sudden vibration buzzed against my thigh, cutting through my thoughts.

Ring!

Ring!

Ring!

I slipped my hand into my pocket and pulled out my phone.

The screen lit up.

Mr. Clifford.

A slight frown creased my forehead.

At this hour?

An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of my stomach as I stared at his name for a moment.

Something told me he wouldn’t be calling this late unless it was important.

I looked up at Mrs. Everton.

"Excuse me. I need to take this."

She smiled and gave a small nod.

"Of course, dear."

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