Chapter 102
Barnard had spent ages hyping up how much effort Camilla must have put into his birthday, only for her to shrug and say, “I forgot.” Anyone watching could see something was seriously off between this so-called perfect couple.
He definitely hadn’t planned this scene with Camilla. If they had at least talked it over, she would have said something nice to defuse the moment instead of just being blunt and saying she forgot.
“Camilla, come on, stop joking. There’s no way you forgot,” Barnard said, trying to laugh it off after an awkward pause. “Alright, don’t tease everyone. Just show us the present already p>
A reporter jumped in, trying to lighten the mood. “Ha, so this was just for fun. Camilla, you really had us going for a second p>
Camilla’s brow furrowed. She seriously didn’t get why Barnard was digging himself into such a hole. She’d made it clear enough, but he still believed she had something special hidden away for him.
What did he expect her to have? Magic?
With all eyes on her, Camilla handed her purse to Barnard. She leaned close and spoke quietly, “I told you, I forgot. If you don’t believe me, look for yourself p>
Barnard looked inside. There was nothing besides a pack of tissues and some makeup. That was it. Even if he wanted to fake a gift, there was nothing to grab.
His face froze. Now he realized Camilla really wasn’t kidding—she hadn’t prepared anything.
But he’d already made such a big deal. Everyone was waiting for a gift, and now she had nothing. Just thinking about how people must see him made Barnard’s face burn.
Trying to save himself, Barnard forced a smile. “Oh, Camilla, how could you be so forgetful? You must have left the gift at home. Sorry everyone, she’s had a busy day and totally forgot to bring it along. We’ll show it to you another time p>
He tried to act casual, but everyone could hear the strain in his voice.
Camilla took her purse back, her smile gone. She’d spent weeks planning this event, aiming for perfection, and now Barnard had turned it into a sideshow.
People in the crowd started making awkward small talk, but Camilla knew they couldn’t wait to gossip about what just happened.
Still, the party had to keep going. She cleared her throat. “Sorry for the mess, everyone. Let’s head over to the banquet hall p>
They all followed her, pretending nothing was wrong. Barnard stood stiffly by her side, looking at her with a glare sharp enough to cut glass.
She’d really said she forgot. How was that possible? Camilla would never forget his birthday. She always cared. He’d even seen her sketching a brooch—a man’s brooch.
If she’d forgotten his birthday, then who was the brooch supposed to be for?
Barnard kept replaying everything in his mind, refusing to believe it. He’d rather think Camilla was mad at him and doing all this on purpose just to embarrass him.
The banquet hall was decorated in a cozy, fancy style, but nothing screamed “birthday.” It was just a regular celebration.
No matter how hard Barnard tried to spin it, seeing the room proved it. Camilla really had forgotten his birthday.
Once the party started and groups of guests fell into easy conversation, Barnard couldn’t take it anymore. He grabbed Camilla by the wrist and pulled her out of the room.
“What now?” Camilla said, sounding tired.
“Why are you acting like this, Camilla?” Barnard demanded. “You used to care about keeping things together. If you’re upset with me, we can talk it out later. Why make a scene on my birthday? What do you get out of making me look foolish? We’re married. Don’t you realize this just makes both of us look bad p>
“I’m the one making you look bad?” Camilla shot back. “Barnard, I put everything into this launch, and you’re the one who crashed it. I haven’t even gotten the chance to complain. What are you so upset about p>
Barnard choked on his answer before getting the words out. “It’s my birthday. Didn’t you schedule the launch today because it’s my birthday? How could you forget p>
Even though he wished it wasn’t true, Barnard couldn’t deny it anymore. Camilla seemed to have genuinely forgotten.
He felt this heavy, sick disappointment settle in his chest. It actually hurt.
He asked again, almost pleading, “Camilla, how could you forget my birthday p>
“I was busy,” Camilla said, her voice flat. “I have guests to entertain. I’m going back p>