Chapter 3
Camilla couldn’t help but find it a little funny.
She was his wife, the real lady of the house, yet here he was bossing her around, telling her to cook for the nanny’s daughter like it was the most natural thing in the world p>
Barnard must have noticed her hesitation, because he turned to her and said, “Davina can’t cook like you do. The kids just love your food p>
From her spot at the kitchen counter, Camilla had a clear view of the living room. Barnard and Davina sat side by side on the sofa, deep in conversation. Whatever they were talking about had Davina laughing so hard she almost doubled over.
Little Jasper was crouched on the floor, totally absorbed with his toy train. Daisy kept trying to get close, but Jasper kept dodging her, inching away every time she reached for him.
Eventually, Daisy gave up and scurried over to Davina, her face all scrunched up from feeling left out. Barnard just scooped her onto his lap without missing a beat. The three of them nestled together, looking an awful lot like a happy family—just not hers.
Camilla tried to focus on cutting scores into the chicken wings, but her mind wandered for a split second. The knife slipped and nicked her finger. Blood started to bead up along the cut.
She quickly stepped out to find a bandage. The moment she appeared, the whole group on the sofa froze mid-conversation. Suddenly the living room was so quiet it felt like time stopped.
It was Barnard who broke the silence first. He spotted the blood immediately, took Daisy from his lap, and handed her off to Davina. Then he hurried over, rummaging around for the first-aid kit. “How did you manage that? Does it hurt p>
Camilla just curled her hand, shook her head, and took the bandage from him, wrapping her finger herself.
Not long after, lunch was ready.
Barnard, as usual, came to help her carry the dishes out. Meanwhile, Davina had already settled herself at the dining table with Daisy, looking perfectly at home.
It wasn’t always like this, but ever since Davina and Daisy moved in, Barnard said they could eat together at the family table. So that was that.
When Barnard set the last dish on the table, Camilla stayed back to wash her hands. That’s when Susan, the housekeeper from before, leaned in and whispered, “You cooked everything and you’re still not at the table, but Daisy’s already started eating. That’s just not right p>
Camilla had noticed, too. Barnard had personally served Daisy her food, smiling the whole time.
He’s okay with it, Camilla realized. He gave his blessing.
She felt a bitterness rise in her throat, dull pain throbbing under the bandage. “Davina helped Barnard out in the past. Don’t bring it up again, Susan p>
At the table, Daisy’s plate was practically overflowing with food. Jasper’s was empty. Davina spoke up softly, “Jasper, aren’t you going to eat anything? Are you still mad at Daisy? If you want, I can take Daisy to eat somewhere else p>
Barnard’s face darkened as he shot Jasper a look. “I told you, what happened yesterday wasn’t Daisy’s fault. Enough with this attitude p>
Jasper’s voice rang out, loud and shaky. “I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m just waiting for Mom to eat with me.” He looked like he’d been slighted, and before anyone could stop it, tears started to roll down his cheeks.
Davina rushed to apologize, but the atmosphere around the table was already a mess.
Camilla felt a heavy ache building in her chest. She grabbed Jasper’s favorite sweet and sour ribs and went over to him. “Jasper’s feeling upset. I’ll take him to eat in his room p>
Barnard just gave a silent nod, but Davina started anxiously, “Camilla, maybe it’s better if we step out for a bit p>
“You’re all almost done eating anyway, just finish your meal,” Camilla replied, her patience running thin. The edge in her voice was impossible to miss.
Once she and Jasper were in the kids’ room, Camilla knelt down so they were eye to eye. “Jasper, do you not like Daisy? If it’s really too hard for you to be around her p>
She wanted to tell him that if being around Daisy was too much, she’d figure something out.
Jasper looked up and said, “No, Mom, it’s not that. Dad said Daisy has had a hard time p>