Chapter 241
Davina had finally come to her senses. She wasn’t throwing a fit anymore, just hurriedly looped her arm around Barnard’s. “Barnard, since Camilla’s free today, let’s go get the paperwork done. Mom and Dad are still waiting for you at home, and also p>
Barnard pulled his arm away from her, the way she was pushing things along way too eagerly, making him uncomfortable.
He looked at Camilla.
She must have been woken up by all the racket. She was wearing silk pajamas, the fabric slipping off one smooth shoulder. Her skin was fair, practically glowing with youth. Usually, her face looked cold and distant, but right now, a touch of sleepiness made her seem soft, even a little adorable.
Barnard swallowed, his voice coming out lower and gentler. “You just got back to the country. Why don’t you take a break today? Tomorrow… let’s go tomorrow p>
“Barnard!” Davina protested, grabbing for his sleeve like she always did.
Camilla spoke up, sounding calm but a bit impatient. “No need. Since you’re all here, might as well do it now. I’ll go change and then we can leave p>
Barnard watched as Camilla disappeared into the bedroom, his face darkening. His hands curled a little tighter by his sides. Davina still hovered nearby, reminding him, “Barnard, did you bring everything you need? Think about it. If you forgot anything, I can have someone send it over p>
The thought that Camilla would finally cease to be Mrs. Carter and that she could take that title for herself had Davina practically beaming. She switched to her sweetest tone, coaxing him like he was her little brother.
It had always worked. When they were kids, she remembered how a gentle word would have Barnard handing over his fancy toys and snacks without a second thought. She even made good pocket money reselling those.
Davina was sure she had Barnard figured out.
She quietly waited for him to nod, but then he snapped, sounding irritated, “Will you stop making things more complicated p>
Davina blinked, caught off guard. “Complicated? How am I complicating things? Barnard, I’m trying to help you. Or is it that you actually don’t want a divorce p>
Her expression completely froze, eyes fixed on him, searching for cracks.
Barnard stiffened. “What do you even know? Even if we’re divorcing, it should be me bringing it up, not her. What am I supposed to do now? Where’s my pride supposed to go p>
Davina stared at him, still not understanding. “We’re here to get divorced, aren’t we? As long as it gets done, that’s all that matters. Alright, Barnard, I get it, I was wrong. Don’t be mad. She’ll be ready in a minute. Just check if you’ve forgotten anything, so we can get this over with in one go. We don’t want her thinking you can’t let go p>
She was desperate. This was the closest she’d ever come to getting Barnard’s divorce finalized. She couldn’t risk losing it now.
Just then, Camilla walked out, all ready to go.
She chose a camel coat that brought out her tall, elegant figure, hair pulled back in a neat, low ponytail. She looked sharp, effortless.
Funny enough, Davina was also wearing a camel coat, but Barnard barely noticed hers. Once he saw Camilla in the same color, it was like seeing it for the first time.
Camilla picked up her car keys and glanced back. “Let’s go. If we wait any longer, the office will be closed p>
That turned Davina’s anxiety up another notch.
She grabbed Barnard’s arm, dragging him forward to keep pace with Camilla. She pressed close to him and kept sneaking glances at Camilla, trying to catch some sign of jealousy or second thoughts.
But Camilla didn’t look her way, didn’t even glance at Barnard.
That chilliness made Davina burn with frustration. She’s just pretending, Davina told herself. No way can she actually be this calm once we’re there. There’s no way she’ll just walk away from being Mrs. Carter without a fight.
They reached the courthouse with twenty minutes to spare before it closed.
It was a busy day. The lobby was still full of people waiting.
A staff member approached. “What can I help you with p>
“We’re here for a divorce,” Davina blurted, voice tight. “We’ll be quick, is there any way we could go first p>
Barnard’s lukewarm attitude made her nerves worse. She couldn’t let things collapse now that she was this close.
The staff took one look at the three of them. “You’re helping your daughter and son-in-law divorce, correct? Ma’am, I understand you’re in a hurry, but there are quite a few people ahead in line. Let me show you to a seat while you wait p>