Chapter 194
“Davina, I can handle my own problems. You don’t need to worry about me. Daisy, help your mom inside.” Barnard’s voice was flat, already worn thin.
Davina’s latest mess had left him completely drained. Nowadays, every encounter with her just left him tired and frustrated. He missed the thoughtful, understanding woman she used to be. Now, she was someone else entirely.
Barnard leaned against the wall in the hospital hallway. He stared at Elise’s door, his mind racing with confusion and regret.
Was everything he’d done for Davina really worth it?
He lingered for a long time, caught between doubt and old feelings. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh, pushing himself away from the wall and following after Davina. At this point, there was no turning back. Davina had been special to him since childhood. Even after spending so many years abroad, he never stopped thinking about her. The idea of giving up on her just wasn’t possible.
Inside Elise’s hospital room, the mood was heavy. Elise looked exhausted, but her eyes lit up the moment she saw Camilla. She tried to sit up, struggling to put on a brave face.
Camilla rushed to her side, supporting her gently. “Mom, I’m here. If you want to ask me anything, just ask. This time I won’t hide anything from you p>
Elise didn’t say anything at first. She just pulled Camilla into a tight hug and held her like she never wanted to let go. “Camilla, Dahlia already told me what happened. I’m so sorry. I should’ve noticed, but I didn’t realize you were going through so much on your own. I can only imagine how tired you must have been. Why didn’t you tell me? I’m really happy just seeing you grow up and get into college. That’s all I ever wanted. So what if this illness isn’t cured p>
Camilla glanced at Dahlia, who gave a small, reassuring nod. Dahlia had been the one to tell Elise about everything. She knew it would’ve been too painful for Camilla to explain it all herself, so she took that burden away.
Camilla gently rubbed her mother’s back. “It’s all over now, Mom. I’ve already filed the lawsuit. You don’t have to worry about me or Jasper. We’re doing okay. No more talking like that, alright? Just work with your new doctors and focus on getting better. You and Jasper are my whole family. I don’t want anything to happen to either of you p>
Elise smiled, her voice soft and full of love. “Alright, Camilla, I’ll listen to you. But you have to promise me—no more secrets. I wish I could do more to help, but if you ever feel tired, come to me. Let me hold you, just like I did when you were little. Remember how you used to crawl into my lap whenever you were upset p>
Hearing that, Camilla’s throat tightened. Childhood memories came back so suddenly, flooding her with all those old feelings. Back when her dad was still around, their life was ordinary but filled with warmth. Her mom was her whole world, her dad her protector. She used to think that with her parents there, nothing bad could ever happen to her.
Now things were so different.
Still, Camilla’s voice was strong and clear. “Mom, you focus on your treatment. No matter what it takes, I’ll find Dad and bring him home to you p>
Elise was too tired to say more. Before long, she fell asleep.
Camilla and Dahlia left the room together. Outside, Camilla looked over, concern in her eyes. “You’ve been with my mom these past few days. Magee hasn’t shown up and given you any trouble, right p>
Dahlia let out a little laugh. “Camilla, I’m not that scared little girl anymore. I can handle Magee, I promise. Compared to what you’ve been through, my problems are nothing. You made it through so much, and I’m your best friend. Of course I’m tough enough too.” She linked arms with Camilla and gave a playful thump to her chest in reassurance.
Seeing Dahlia so relaxed helped Camilla’s worries melt away.
Dahlia nudged her gently. “Seriously, don’t worry about me. What really matters right now is your divorce. I heard something from Magee—I guess that woman was pregnant with twins. She fell, lost one of the babies, but the other one survived, though it’s not looking good. No one knows if it’ll make it to term. Camilla, you need to be extra careful. I have a bad feeling they’re going to try something shady again p>
Twins?
Camilla suddenly remembered the way Davina had instinctively held her stomach earlier. That practically confirmed it, Dahlia was probably right.
She looked back at Dahlia with steadiness. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful. I won’t go out alone, and if I ever have to, I’ll keep a camera and recorder on me at all times. I won’t give them any more chances p>