Camila dialed her mother’s number, and Melissa picked up almost immediately.
“Camila, are you busy?” Her mother’s voice was as gentle and caring as ever.
“Not really…”
Camila hesitated for a couple of seconds, then decided to ask, “Mom, are you and Dad coming to Cabinda because you heard what happened to me?”
Melissa didn’t try to deny it. She sighed and said, “We just found out. Something this serious happened, and you didn’t tell us? Camila, you don’t need to be afraid. Your father and I are coming to be with you, and we believe you did nothing wrong.”
Hearing her mother’s concern and support warmed Camila’s heart, but she still tried to reassure her, “Honestly, I’m fine. The institute will get to the bottom of things. I’ll be back at work in a few days, so there’s no need for you and Dad to go through all that trouble. It’s a long flight from Harrisburg to Cabinda and back—don’t tire yourselves out.”
Melissa replied right away, “Oh, it’s no trouble. Your father and I were planning to visit you and Lillian soon anyway. Ever since you both moved to Cabinda, we haven’t had a chance to visit. Now’s as good a time as any. Besides, we’ve already booked our tickets—the flight leaves in two hours. We’ll be there by seven tonight, so wait for us, okay?”
Camila couldn’t help but laugh. “You two are quick! This only happened a few hours ago.”
But in truth, she hadn’t seen her parents in a while and missed them dearly. Plus, she’d never actually told them about her relationship with Dennis Williams—maybe she could use this opportunity to test the waters.
So instead of protesting further, she simply said, “Alright, but you and Dad be careful, okay? I’ll come pick you up tonight.”
“Okay, I should finish packing now. See you soon, honey.” Melissa laughed, exchanged a few more words, and hung up.
Camila slipped her phone into her bag and turned to head back to her office—only to walk straight into someone’s broad chest.
Startled, she took a step back on instinct.
“Careful.” Dennis Williams reached out, steadying her with a gentle hand at her waist. He lowered his voice, “Who are you going to pick up at the airport tonight?”
Seeing it was him, Camila’s racing heart calmed down. She looked up at him, surprised. “You’re done already?”
He nodded. “I saw you rushing out and thought something might’ve happened.”
Camila felt a little embarrassed and explained, “It’s nothing, really. My mom just messaged to say they’ll be arriving in Cabinda tonight.”


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