Chapter 126
The car moved along, slow and steady, nothing like the way Lance usually drove. In the rearview mirror, Lance kept catching glimpses of Camilla, her face pale and drawn.
He tried to reassure her again. “I’ve put together the best medical team, they’re already on their way. Elise is going to be okay, don’t worry too much. And as for the ones responsible, just give the word and I’ll make sure they pay for it p>
“The ones responsible?” Camilla echoed, a bitter, almost mocking little smile flickering at her lips. “If we’re laying blame, can I really say I’m innocent? I thought I was smart, but from the very start, I fell right into the trap. This marriage was nothing but a lie, and I was so blinded by his sweet words that I actually believed he meant them p>
She couldn’t keep pretending anymore. She could see the truth now, laid bare. Barnard’s so-called affection had never been for her. It was always for Davina.
She understood her role now. She’d only ever been a convenient shield. Barnard needed a capable wife to help him pave the way, to clear every obstacle, just so he could eventually marry someone older, someone who’d been married before, who even had a child, someone who couldn’t match Camilla on paper.
If he’d just been more careful, if he’d hidden things better, or maybe waited a little longer before bringing Davina anywhere near Saddlebrook Estates, maybe Camilla would still be stuck in the dark, believing the lie. And when the time was right, there’d have been a divorce agreement waiting for her, with no say in anything that mattered.
“It’s not your fault, Camilla,” Lance said softly. “You did your best. Back then, you were still in college and Elise was sick… Anyone could’ve taken advantage, and it isn’t on you. You finished school and got this far—that’s already impressive. It’s never too late to see someone’s true face p>
Camilla bowed her head, fists tightening in her lap. It was just like fate to put a price on every little blessing. When she thought she’d found a savior, all along it had been a setup, a web spun for her to get caught in.
She looked up, her eyes wary and guarded. “And you, Lance? Ever since you showed up, you’ve done nothing but be good to me. What do you want? What is it that you’re really after p>
Her voice had a trace of suspicion, hurting but trying to hold her ground. She looked like some spooked animal, vulnerable and afraid for once, all her usual composure gone.
“I p>
“Don’t tell me you don’t want anything,” Camilla snapped, cutting him off before he could answer.
Lance’s mouth quirked, but he was completely serious. “Of course I do. I’m not some saint. I thought I’d made it obvious, Camilla. You’ve felt it, haven’t you? The only thing I want is you p>
He’d joked about it before, never this serious. Now he parked at the curb and turned, looking straight at her. His eyes reflected nothing but Camilla.
“Camilla, I know you just went through everything with Barnard. I get why you wouldn’t believe a word I say right now. But I need you to know I won’t hide from you. I’ve always cared about you. The only thing I’m after is you p>
“Lance, isn’t that a little ridiculous? We barely even know each other. And I p>
“How much you see someone doesn’t decide if you care about them. There’s all kinds of love in this world. Some people fall for someone the first time they meet, some people grow into it over time. That’s totally normal. Status doesn’t matter, either. I care about you—all of you. Who you are, everything you’ve been through, that’s what matters. I don’t expect you to trust me yet, but if you ever need anything, just ask. I’ll prove I mean it. One day, you’ll believe me p>
He started driving again, but the engine noise did nothing to drown out the wild beating of Camilla’s heart. If she glanced up, she’d see Lance’s straight back at the wheel, every single earnest word echoing in her mind.
Lance liked her? How could he? Why would he suddenly confess, out of nowhere?
The drive from the hospital to Brookfield Manor passed quickly. When they arrived, Lance parked outside. He got out, opening the door for her, but Camilla stepped away, avoiding his hand.
“Lance, I just… I need some space. Let’s not talk for a while p>
Everything inside her was tangled and messy, because of Barnard—and now because of Lance too. What she needed most was time to cool down, to finally cut ties with the past.
Lance just nodded. “You don’t have to worry about what I said today. I’m not asking anything from you. I just want you to know, if you ever need anything, I’m here. That’s all p>
She was on her own in this world, fighting through the social maze of the rich and powerful. Lance’s words—soft and steady—were just a promise that she wouldn’t have to face it all alone.