Chapter 207
Barnard walked in right as Davina was putting down her phone.
Daisy trailed after him, chirping out an explanation. “Mom called you a bunch of times, Barnard. You never answered. She was worried, so she took me out with her p>
“You went looking for Camilla again?” Barnard’s eyes narrowed as he turned to Davina. Daisy hadn’t said it out loud, but he could guess.
Davina bit her lip, looking awkward. She didn’t say anything, which told him everything.
Barnard’s tone was sharp. “Davina, how many times do I have to say it? Can you please stop reaching out to Camilla? I’m done with her. Why do you keep dragging her into things p>
Davina was still in her hospital bed, her face pale. Barnard didn’t seem to notice or care. He didn’t even feel guilty about ignoring her calls.
The hurt kept piling up inside Davina. Just earlier, while talking to Carmen, she’d told herself to stay calm and not fight with Barnard these next few days. That resolve faded fast.
“Do you really not know why I went to find Camilla?” Davina finally asked, her voice trembling. “You keep saying you love me, that you want to marry me, but you won’t divorce her. Then the second she gets in another man’s car, you go running after her. How do you expect me not to worry?
Barnard, I gave up school to take care of you. I’m not smart or well-educated like Camilla. If she gets divorced, she’ll just keep running her company. Her life won’t change at all…but I don’t have that. I’ve cut ties with my family for you. If you leave, Daisy and I…we won’t even have a place to stay. I was just so scared, Barnard, that’s why I p>
At first she was angry, but as the words kept coming, tears spilled over. Maybe she was emotional, maybe it was the pregnancy, but she felt awful. Her skin was dull and loose these days, and as she sobbed, her whole face twisted.
Barnard looked away, uncomfortable.
Lost in her feelings, Davina’s crying only got louder. Someone passing by in the hallway peeked through the half-open door. The stranger couldn’t help themselves. “Young man, why are you just standing there? She’s crying her heart out. At least offer her a glass of warm water or say something nice. Kids these days…how can you just ignore someone you’re supposed to take care of p>
The stranger’s words made Barnard’s jaw clench. Davina’s sobs stopped on a dime. Daisy piped up, wanting to explain, “Wait, she’s not my—Barnard’s not p>
“Daisy, close the door,” Barnard told her.
He couldn’t even say out loud that Davina was his girlfriend. Not anymore. Not in front of other people.
The door shutting was almost a relief—at least now no one outside could see.
Barnard reached for the tissue box and handed it to Davina. “Here, wipe your tears p>
His voice was stiff and awkward. Davina’s eyes turned red, but she didn’t make a sound anymore, just looked at him, upset. “Barnard, are you sick of me? Didn’t you used to say I was the only one you loved? Are you…starting to like Camilla again p>
He heard this question all the time. Every time she talked to him, it was either “Do you still love me?” or “Are you into Camilla now?” It was like she had nothing else to say. He’d explained himself so many times, he almost felt like he’d worn holes in his mouth, but it never sunk in.
Barnard let out a slow breath. “Let me say this one last time. I was with Camilla for years. If I was going to fall for her, it would’ve happened already. I’m not divorced yet because sorting out money and property is complicated. Davina, you know how busy I am right now. Please, can you just let me finish my work and then we’ll talk about us, okay p>
His tone was gentler now, almost like he was trying to calm a child. But really, he was just worn down from her crying.
He remembered when Davina used to be gentle, patient, and kind. Back then, she was the sweetest part of his life. Even when he went abroad or worked at The Carter Group surrounded by all sorts of women, Davina was his safe haven, the one pure thing in his heart. He used to think he’d do anything to keep her safe.
He never expected that in just a few months, having her by his side would turn her into someone unrecognizable: needy, loud, emotional, even more unpredictable than Camilla.
Davina picked up on his mood. She didn’t dare push anymore.
“I get it, Barnard,” she said quietly. “I don’t want to be this way. I was just scared. Now that you’ve explained, I’m not afraid. Just…please don’t ignore my calls anymore, okay p>