Chapter 32
“Since Susan’s here, and you can’t stand this place, I won’t stop you. Go on,” Camilla said.
Dogs always know who really likes them. Right now, Snow wasn’t barking at Susan or the others anymore. He poked his head out from behind Jasper and kept yapping at Barnard, almost like he was trying to run him off.
For a moment, a flash of disgust crossed Barnard’s face. He caught sight of Camilla’s icy look and tried to explain himself. “Camilla, I just want what’s best for you. I p>
But before he could finish, Snow, sensing something was off, ran right up to his feet and barked even louder.
Barnard’s face darkened. Without warning, he kicked Snow aside.
It happened so fast. By the time Jasper realized what was going on, Snow was lying by the table leg, his tiny body shivering, completely unable to get up.
“Snow! Snow! Are you okay? Mom, Snow won’t move! What do we do?” Jasper burst into tears on the spot.
Dahlia hurried over and checked Snow, her voice tense. “This is bad. I think she’s hurt inside. We need to get her to the animal hospital right away p>
A tiny puppy, just two months old, could never handle a grown man’s kick.
Dahlia dashed outside to call the vet hospital. Camilla rushed to comfort Jasper. Susan said, “Camilla, take Jasper to the animal hospital. I’ll clean up here, don’t worry p>
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” Camilla scooped up Snow with one arm and took Jasper’s hand in her other, practically running out the door. Barnard wasn’t even a thought in her mind.
Still, Barnard followed them all the way to the animal hospital.
Nobody knew how bad Snow’s injuries were, so they had to do a scan. Jasper waited anxiously outside, tears streaming endlessly down his cheeks.
He clung to Camilla’s hand. “Mom, Snow’s going to be okay, right? She survived that huge storm, so she’ll get through this too, won’t she p>
“She’ll definitely be okay. Don’t worry, Jasper. Snow wouldn’t ever want to leave you,” Camilla comforted him, stroking his hair.
Soon enough, Jasper’s gaze shifted to Barnard. “Dad, Snow is just a baby. Why did you do that? How could you… kick her? That was so cruel p>
Barnard, who was already annoyed that Camilla had rushed off to the hospital for a dog, snapped when Jasper confronted him. “Enough. Why are you being so difficult? Your mom’s already exhausted, and here you are making a fuss over this dog. If you ask me, the dog should just p>
“Barnard!” Camilla stopped him, not wanting him to say something that would hurt Jasper any more.
She spoke firmly. “I know you don’t like dogs, but you don’t have to deal with this. Go do whatever you need to do p>
Jasper was devastated. Barnard’s cold, careless attitude was only making it worse. Camilla just wanted him out of there.
Barnard shot Jasper a look but seemed to back down, saying, “It’s late. It’s not safe to be outside right now. I’ll stay with you p>
Jasper’s face was soaked with tears, his eyes red and puffy, but even then, Barnard didn’t show the slightest bit of concern.
Time dragged by.
Once the scan was done, Snow had to go in for surgery.
Normally, Jasper would already be dozing off at this hour, but tonight, he curled up in Camilla’s lap, too worried to sleep and asking about Snow every couple minutes.
Barnard stayed nearby, scowling the whole time.
Eleven o’clock came around. Snow’s surgery still wasn’t over, but Barnard’s phone rang first.
He answered right there, his face growing more tense with each word. As soon as the call ended, he stood up and told Camilla, “Something came up. I have to go. Message me when you get home so I know you’re safe p>
Camilla had clearly heard Daisy crying on the other end of the call.
It was obvious what his “urgent business” really was.
Jasper had been crying for hours, and Barnard hadn’t cared at all. But the second Daisy started bawling, he couldn’t wait to run straight back.
He didn’t even think twice about the promise he’d made to stay and look after them.
After this happening so many times, Camilla’s heart felt numb.
Jasper, still nestled in her arms, spoke up: “Mom, I heard that crybaby’s voice. Is Dad going back for the crybaby p>
Camilla wasn’t sure how to answer, but before she could say anything, Jasper continued, “I don’t like Dad anymore. I don’t want to see him. Mom, when can we just not have him at all p>
If a child wasn’t truly hurt, could he really say something like that?
Camilla hugged Jasper even tighter, gently patting his back to calm him down. “Very soon, sweetheart. I promise, I’ll take you away from all of this. Just hold on a little longer p>