Chapter 16
“Camilla,” Barnard said, “maybe I wasn’t thinking things through. If keeping Jasper close makes you feel better, that’s fine with me. I just worry you’ll exhaust yourself, juggling work and Jasper. How about I arrange for a nanny to help out at the office p>
He pushed the plate of steak toward her, still wearing that gentle, thoughtful look she used to love so much. But their argument had dragged on, and now the steak was cold—just like the way she felt about him.
“No need,” Camilla replied. “Jasper’s always good. He’s never a handful with me.” She already knew what she needed to do. In the next few days, she’d start looking at apartments. She could use taking care of Jasper as an excuse to slowly move out of Saddlebrook Estates.
Throughout dinner, Barnard tried his best to win Jasper over. Jasper didn’t say much, but he did accept the toy Barnard brought for him. Kids change their minds so quickly. Even if Camilla wanted Jasper to let go of his dad, she knew it wasn’t realistic to expect that overnight. So, she didn’t interfere.
By the time they drove back into Saddlebrook Estates, it was almost half past nine. The lights in the living room were still bright. Someone small was crouched by the door, hugging a rabbit plushie. Daisy spotted Barnard’s car and ran straight over.
Barnard braked hard, the tires screeching. Camilla’s first instinct was to shield Jasper, holding him so his head wouldn’t hit the window. Before she could get her bearings, Barnard was already out of the car, scooping up a shaking, scared Daisy. Moments later, Davina rushed out of the house and started scolding her daughter. “Daisy, why can’t you just behave p>
“I’m sorry, Mommy. I just missed Barnard,” Daisy said through her tears, still clinging tight to him.
“It’s alright, Davina,” Barnard said. “She didn’t do it on purpose. Go easy on her p>
“Barnard, you can’t keep spoiling her. She’s so attached to you. How will she cope later on?” Davina shot back.
“What do you mean? The Carter family can handle one more. If Daisy wants to stick by me, she can always stay.” Barnard was quick to reassure her.
Davina managed a helpless smile, and the three of them looked exactly like a perfect little family. At that moment, Barnard seemed to forget he had a wife and son still in the car.
Camilla stepped out, holding Jasper, her eyes falling on Davina. “Davina, I get that you feel you owe Barnard. I’ve never asked you for anything since you moved in. But Daisy’s your daughter. Isn’t it your job to keep an eye on her? I don’t want to see this happen again. If she keeps running off without any rules, I won’t mind stepping in p>
Barnard frowned. “Camilla, what are you doing p>
Her words cut right through the cozy family moment. Davina’s face went stiff, and Daisy looked at Camilla nervously.
Camilla said, “Honestly, I’m just thinking about her safety. You managed to hit the brakes in time today, but can you promise that’ll always happen? What if she keeps running into the street and something truly bad happens? Who’s going to take responsibility then p>
It was lucky Barnard had been driving. Camilla thought, if she’d been behind the wheel, maybe she wouldn’t have reacted as fast. And even if she had, if Daisy ended up frightened, Camilla would be blamed, no matter what.
Barnard hesitated, but for once he didn’t take Daisy’s side. He started gently explaining the dangers to her.
Camilla barely gave them a second glance before taking Jasper inside.
Jasper was still shaken. Camilla stayed with him, reading story after story for half an hour until he finally fell asleep. Even then, he was restless, his brow furrowing in his sleep, mumbling under his breath. Watching him like that hurt Camilla deeply.
That night, she messaged Dahlia for help finding a new place. Dahlia had been her best friend since college—the one classmate Camilla still talked to, and someone she trusted completely. When Dahlia heard Camilla wanted to move out, she was stunned.
There was too much to explain in one conversation, so Camilla set up a meeting for the next day.
Later, as she left Jasper’s room, she ran into Barnard stepping out of Daisy’s room, with Davina just behind him. The moment Davina spotted Camilla, she blurted out, “Don’t get the wrong idea. Daisy just wouldn’t let go of Barnard, that’s all. He was worried about Jasper and left as soon as he could. How’s Jasper now? Is he asleep p>
Camilla had no idea what had actually happened in there, but Davina’s desperate explanation sounded anything but sincere. “If you really feel bad, Davina,” she said, “try raising your own child properly p>