SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 2

Camille's point of view

The house was quiet, too quiet. I slipped in through the side door, locking it softly behind me. The air smelled like lemon polish and roses, just like it always did. It felt strange to be back, like stepping into someone else's life.

The kitchen was dark except for the faint glow of the fridge light. I crept up the stairs, careful to skip the third step that creaked. Every sound I made felt loud, like the house itself was listening.

When I reached my bedroom door, I stopped. It was open a crack, just like I'd left it all those years ago. Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside and shut the door.

My childhood bedroom hadn't changed in three years. Same pale pink walls, same white furniture, same collection of second-place trophies. Rose's first-place ones used to shine in the room next door.

I stared at my reflection in the vanity mirror, the same one where I'd practiced my wedding makeup three years ago, Rose standing behind me with that perfect smile. Now my mascara was smeared, hair wild, designer dress wrinkled. Mom would have a fit if she saw me like this.

The clock on my nightstand read 10:47 PM. I'd been sitting here for hours, packing what little of my old life I wanted to keep. Amazing how seventeen years in this house fit into one duffel bag.

My phone buzzed again, the twentieth time in an hour. This time it was Mom.

"Camille, this is ridiculous. Come home so we can discuss this like adults. Rose is worried sick..."

I hung up. Of course Rose was worried. Her carefully laid plans were unraveling. The front door clicked open downstairs. I froze, listening to familiar footsteps on hardwood. The slight tap of heels, the whisper of expensive fabric.

"Camille?" Mom's voice floated up the stairs. "Darling, I know you're here. The housekeeper saw your car."

I should have parked around the block. Should have been smarter, faster, better at disappearing. But I'd never been the clever one, had I? That was Rose's role.

More footsteps. A deeper voice, Dad, probably called home from work to deal with his hysterical younger daughter. Again.

"Princess?" His voice carried that same gentle tone he'd used when I was twelve, crying about Rose getting my spot in the school play. "Let's talk about this."

A third set of footsteps made my blood freeze. Lighter, more graceful. Perfect, like everything else about her.

voice dripped concern. "Sweetie, please. Don't shut us

family photo on my dresser, taken the day Rose's adoption was finalized. Mom and Dad beaming, Rose radiant in her new dress, thirteen-year-old me trying to smile through braces and

What a joke.

like

my script, tears blurring the words. "Mrs. Bennett said the

I didn't mean to take your part. I just... the words came so naturally in the audition.

had a gift. For music,

lit up with that special gleam that always meant trouble. "Maybe you could help

Because that's what good sisters did. Because saying no to Rose meant disappointed looks

from the wings as Rose brought the audience to tears. Afterward, Mom bought her roses. Dad took us all

lines during our "practice sessions." Or that her dramatic monologue had been

gift for memorization,

voice sharpened. "This

my

like a perfect family portrait, Mom in her designer suit, Dad looking distinguished in his work clothes, Rose wearing concern like the latest

out steady. "Shouldn't you be comforting

eyes widened. Always the performer. "Camille, please.

my husband? Or how you set this whole thing

Rose, who already had tears forming. Perfect, delicate tears that

upset," Rose whispered. "Lashing out. You know how she

sounded strange, even to me. "Don't you dare play that card again. Show them the ring, Rose. The one Stefan gave you two

too sick to attend the charity

Rose, Rose's mask slipped for just a second. I saw it this time, that flash of cold calculation behind

wasn't like

how was it? Explain to everyone how you've been calling me every week, giving me marriage advice while sleeping with my husband. Tell them about all the times you helped me pick

stepped forward. "Rose would

what, Mom? Never lie? Never manipulate? Never steal something that belonged to her sister?" I pulled out my phone, playing the last voicemail from