Chapter 4 What do I feel

Months Later

Narrated by Leonardo Álvarez

It's been a while since I talked to Camila, and at this point, I don't know how to describe our relationship. We've never met in person, although we're just weeks away from our first meeting at university. I have no intention of sharing the details of that encounter with my friends.

I don't know what's happening to me. I can't be with another woman because she's constantly on my mind. We talk almost all day, from sunrise until late at night. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not, but I enjoy it. She always finds a unique way to make me laugh; she's a different kind of girl.

"Leonardo". I heard my father's authoritative voice. Who knows what he wants now. Probably my brother refused to help him. I wish I could do the same, but I don't have the strength for it.

"Father". I responded, approaching his office. He looked at me with a smile on his face. I don't fully understand what that gesture means, but I responded in kind. "Did you need something?" I asked as I checked my phone. It had vibrated, and I hoped it was Camila.

"Are you busy with something?" he asked. I looked at him and put my phone away. "I feel like you're hiding something, Leonardo". he mentioned again, raising an eyebrow. I hesitated to tell him about Camila. It would probably be premature to mention her. After all, we don't really know each other, and I'm sure he'll want to know all the details about her: her family, her studies, her financial situation-everything that matters to him.

"I was just busy with one of my university projects". I responded, uncertain about my answer. He looked at me with some doubt, but then he smiled. I think he caught on to my response.

"Your brother is insolent. Can you believe he told me he won't work in my companies? As if I were to blame for him not giving his best!" he mentioned. I knew that what my brother said was true. Our father is strict, and most of the time, uncompromising. If something isn't done his way, he thinks it's wrong.

"What are you going to do about it?" I asked. I didn't know what else to say or do.

"He can find his own path. You'll see that he won't succeed and he'll come back crying, admitting he was wrong. For now, you'll be the one in charge of the companies when I'm no longer here". he mentioned as if time were limited. "By the way, have you thought about what I told you last time?" he added.

What did he tell me last time? Oh, right. He thinks I need to have a "good woman" by my side. I know that doesn't fit with my lifestyle, but he believes it would give me more character and that I'd eventually fall in love with her. I'm not sure if that's true.

"I have been thinking about it, but I feel like I'm still too young to commit to something like that. I'll give it a try, but I can't promise anything". I responded.

"Alright. I'll introduce you to a young lady; she's the daughter of one of my partners. I hope you get along". he said, giving me a light elbow nudge. I don't understand why he likes to have so much control over everything.

"If it's Ana, you're wasting your time. She doesn't want anything to do with me, not even in photos". I mentioned with a smile. I don't want to be forced into something like that. Besides, if I ever thought about being with someone, it would be with Camila. But my father would never approve of that, as she comes from a lower social class than us.

"I'll think of something". he said, smiling. I know just how far he can go, and I'm sure Ana will be here at the house soon, ready to try something again.

I left the room and went to mine. I wanted to be alone and talk to Camila. I was sure she'd have words of encouragement for me, as she always does. I replied to the message that had arrived a few minutes ago.

Camila's Message: "Hello, how did you wake up?" She wrote. I smiled and remembered the previous night. For the first time, even though I no longer had high hopes, we had a video call where we talked for a long time. I heard murmurs from other people, and then her cheeks turned red. She was wearing a shirt that revealed part of her cleavage, and I appreciated every centimeter.

Leonardo's Message: "Hello, I'm well. And you, how did you wake up?" I asked, smiling at the screen. I even dreamed about that moment, touching her skin that seemed so soft. I could have stayed dreaming about her forever.

Camila's Message: "I'm well too, thanks." She replied.

Camila's Message: "Do you have to go to university?" She asked again. Unfortunately, I had to. I had some pending exams, so it was better to finish them soon.

Leonardo's Message: "Yes, I'll finish some projects that are still pending and then I'll head back home. Don't worry, I'll keep talking to you and let you know how things are going." I responded. I knew she might feel sad about it, but that's just how it is. I wonder, what did she do to have such an effect on me? I've never cared so much about someone. Could it be because she's gone through so much in her life? I have no idea, but it scares me.

Camila's Message: "Well, take care." she mentioned, adding a smiling face emoji.

Camila's Message: "Let me know if I'm interrupting at any point." she added.

Leonardo's Message: "You'll never be a problem for me, but I'll let you know if anything comes up." I mentioned.

Leonardo's Message: "Remember one thing, okay?" I added.

Camila's Message: "What thing?" she asked.

Leonardo's Message: "You're beautiful, incredibly beautiful." I responded, adding a heart-eyed face emoji and a couple of hearts. I had never done something like this before, and now I was actually doing it. I felt a bit cheesy, if that's how you could describe it.

Camila's Message: "Stop it! You'll make me believe it." she mentioned. I couldn't believe she actually said that. It was like she was doubting herself, and I definitely wasn't going to allow that. To me, she truly was beautiful.

Leonardo's Message: "I'm just saying what my eyes see, you're unique." I wrote, smiling at the screen as I did initially. I couldn't even control what she was causing in me. If I were alone, there wouldn't be a problem, but if anyone found out about this, it would be my downfall, my ruin in front of my friends.

Camila's Message: "You're a liar." she mentioned. I ended the conversation there because Esteban had come to find me. I assumed he would take the opportunity to talk about how well he's been doing at university. He'll do anything to get on my father's radar, even though my father has ignored him many times before.

"Hey". I greeted as I descended the stairs. As I expected, Esteban was already deep in conversation with my father. I just hoped he wouldn't bring up his numerous conquests, let alone mine.

"Buddy!" he said, raising his voice. He had never called me that before, so I figured he had something up his sleeve. "Are we leaving now?" he asked. I nodded, and we left the house together. I checked my phone. "Who are you texting with?" Esteban asked. I couldn't reply to Camila's message.

"Nobody, why do you ask?" I said, putting my phone in my pocket. You'll have to wait for me, Camila, I thought.

"You were smiling while looking at your phone, and lately, you're always glued to that thing". my friend responded, smiling. "Is it possible that things are going better than you thought with your latest conquest?" he said in a lecherous tone that didn't sit well with me.