Chapter 270
He’d had so many chances to stand up for Dahlia. Even back then, if he’d just said something, anything, maybe she wouldn’t have ended up so hurt. But he kept quiet. From the very beginning, he was always on Barnard’s side.
He messed with Dahlia and then vanished like it never happened. Barnard stepped in to clean up the mess and somehow earned Camilla’s trust in the process. After that, Dahlia spiraled into depression, and he just drifted out of her life. Camilla heard from Barnard that he’d gone abroad for further studies. He only showed up again recently.
He wrecked a girl’s world like it was nothing, walked away like none of it mattered, and after all this time, all he brought back was more trouble. Just another guy running from his own mess, as unforgivable as Barnard.
“Yeah, it’s all on me,” Magee said, his voice low. “I’m not going to make excuses for the past. But right now, what matters is Dahlia’s health. Camilla, if you don’t trust me, you can come with us. I just want to find her the right doctor p>
He glanced past Camilla toward the hospital room, pain flickering in his eyes—mostly guilt, though, if she was being honest.
Camilla hesitated, her expression wavering.
“Camilla, I heard everything. Let me go with him.” Dahlia’s voice came from behind. Camilla spun around, surprised to see her standing there. “Dahlia, you p>
“Camilla, I know you worry about me, but I can’t rely on you forever. I want to get better. Trust me, I can make my own choices. I’ll be fine,” Dahlia said. Her face was calm, her eyes clearer now, a trace of strength shining through.
Taking Dahlia’s hand, Camilla said, “I can help you find a doctor. There’s no reason to let him get involved.” She dropped her voice. “Have you forgotten what he just said? He’s a hypocrite. I really don’t want you tangled up with him again. I just… I don’t feel good about this p>
A moment ago, Camilla thought she could be the bigger person for Dahlia’s sake. But now, hearing Dahlia wanted to leave with Magee, Camilla’s chest felt tight. She remembered how hard Dahlia had fallen for Magee all those years ago. After everything, why couldn’t she see through him? Why was she still willing to give him another chance?
“Camilla, he owes me. That’s all this is. You’ve already done enough, and I know what I’m doing with my life. I really am feeling better, so please… just stop worrying about me,” Dahlia said.
Then she looked past Camilla, forcing a smile. “Look, your boyfriend’s here to pick you up. I won’t keep you p>
Camilla glanced down the hall and spotted Lance, Jasper in tow, heading their way. But she didn’t care about pleasantries right now. She turned back. Dahlia was already making her way toward the elevator with Magee, still in her hospital gown, looking so small and breakable.
Magee tried to drape his coat over her shoulders, but Dahlia sidestepped him. She moved a couple steps away, putting space between them.
Lance stopped at Camilla’s side, lowering his voice. “Worried about your friend?” he asked. “I get it. You’re really close. But you can’t control the path she picks. She has to make her own choices p>
“I know,” Camilla said softly, “but all of this started because of me.” Her gaze went distant, her voice quiet. “When my mom got sick and I hit rock bottom, Dahlia was the one working those late shifts with me, handing over every cent for hospital bills. That’s when she met Magee. Barnard was already showing up in my life all the time back then, and Magee was his closest friend. That’s how he started hanging around Dahlia. If she hadn’t been helping me, if Barnard hadn’t targeted me… none of this would have happened to her. I still owe her for everything. I can’t just walk away p>
Talking about it, a heavy tiredness settled in Camilla’s bones.
Lance rested his hand gently on her head, pushing her hair back. His touch was light, his voice even softer. “Camilla, this isn’t your fault. You shouldn’t let it weigh down your friendship. And I really don’t think Dahlia blames you. Honestly, she seemed so sure of herself walking away just now. Maybe that’s what she needs—to finally move on. But if you really need to be there for her, I’ll buy tickets right now. We can go together. Bring Jasper and call it a trip. What do you think p>
Camilla pressed her lips together for a long moment, then shook her head. Dahlia probably wouldn’t want her showing up. She had to respect what Dahlia wanted, no matter how hard it was.
Lance sighed so quietly it was barely there. He slid his arm around her shoulder, just enough to let her lean in if she needed to. “If only I’d come back sooner…” he started, then trailed off. He didn’t say anything else, just looked at Camilla with soft, understanding eyes.
After a while, Camilla glanced up and asked, “Lance, did you really know me back then p>