Chapter 211
After leaving the civil office, Camilla headed to the courthouse to withdraw her lawsuit, just like she promised she would. Barnard trailed after her the entire way, never more than a step behind. His eyes were dark, practically thunderclouds, and everyone they passed could tell he was in a foul mood.
Even after all the paperwork was done, he didn’t let up. He stuck close, hovering as Camilla walked outside.
“I’ve done what you asked, Barnard. The lawsuit’s withdrawn,” Camilla said. “Now it’s time for us to go our own ways. For real p>
Barnard’s jaw tightened. “You’re in such a rush to cut me off. Is it because of him? Are you two actually together now? How far has it gotten? Does he know about Jasper’s real father p>
He stepped in front of her, blocking her path. His shadow stretched over her, making her feel suddenly small.
“My private life has nothing to do with you,” Camilla said evenly. “You’re about to be my ex-husband, paperwork pending. Asking me these questions is pointless, Barnard. Maybe you should focus on figuring out how to get your long-lost illegitimate son onto your precious family tree instead p>
Barnard’s face twisted. “If he finds out you were assaulted by a homeless man, that Jasper carries ‘that kind’ of blood—do you think he’ll still want you? Camilla, you need a wake-up call. I’m the only one who could ever truly accept you. We were together for five years. You know what I was like. You should really think about coming back to me. I’m the only one who’ll never hold your past against you p>
His voice softened as if he was suddenly loving again. He reached for her face, but Camilla slapped his hand away without hesitation. Just hearing him say “homeless man” out loud made her skin crawl, wave after wave of nausea threatening to take over. She fought it down with sheer willpower.
“Barnard, everything that’s happened to me is thanks to you,” she snapped. “So please, don’t stand there pretending to be my savior. It’s disgusting. And Jasper is my son. He has my blood. Not that garbage you keep talking about. If you really could accept him, you wouldn’t keep bringing it up, would you? We’re finished. Get out of my life for good p>
For the first time all day, Barnard seemed to really notice her anger. So Camilla did care about something after all. It was that “bastard” child she was protective of. That hit a nerve in him.
“Alright,” he said, putting his hands up in surrender, “I misspoke. Give me some time to sort things out with the Carter family. You’ll see, I’m the only one who fits beside you p>
His words sounded sincere, but Camilla didn’t buy any of it. She pushed past him, slid into her car, and drove away. She should’ve felt light and free, but Barnard’s parting words left her annoyed, an irritation buzzing under her skin.
She drove straight to the office, needing something—anything—to keep her mind busy. Work, as always, was the best distraction.
Barnard stood on the sidewalk, watching her car disappear. His mind spun with plans. One month. That’s all the cooling-off period gave him, more than enough time to tie up loose ends and reel Camilla back in. If she cared about kids that much p>
He broke off the thought, startled by the sudden ring of his phone. Davina’s name lit up the screen. He ignored the call, got in his car, and headed for the hospital.
Inside the hospital room, Davina was curled up in bed, pale and anxious. Her eyes never left the door. When Barnard finally walked in, she exhaled deeply, then blurted, “Barnard, did you and Camilla get divorced p>
Her words were out before she could stop herself, and they hit Barnard wrong. The frustration he’d been holding back nearly snapped. “Davina, can you not wait just a minute? I told you I was working things out. Instead, you went to Camilla and stirred up trouble, dragged your family into it, caused a whole mess. Do you not get it at all? Honestly, you’re acting like a lunatic p>
Davina stared at him in disbelief, lips quivering. She never imagined he’d snap at her like this.
He went on, voice quieter but edged with disappointment. “Do you know why I cared about you in the first place, Davina? You used to be patient, gentle, understanding. That’s the woman I remembered for years. What about now? Can you even recognize yourself? You’re just making everything harder for me p>
The panic in Davina’s eyes was clear. She wanted to argue, to plead her case, but suddenly she was speechless. All she could do was clutch the blanket, trying not to look desperate as she stared at Barnard. He was all she had left. She’d already gotten a taste of the high life, and there was no way she could stomach going back to being a nobody.
Noticing the fear in her expression, Barnard’s tone softened a little. “I’ve filed for divorce. Once the cooling-off period is over, we’ll get the papers and make it official. There’s nothing to worry about now. Just tell Ines to drop the lawsuit p>
Her calm only lasted a second before the words “cooling-off period” hit her. “Wait, why is there a cooling-off period? How long will that take? Can’t we just skip it?” She was almost frantic again, anxiety shooting right back into her voice.