Chapter 53
Davina covered her face with her hand and looked up at Barnard, her eyes full of hurt. “Barnard, I… you have to believe me. I never meant anything bad. But Camilla p>
“Camilla!” Barnard didn’t let her finish. His expression twisted in anger. He snatched Camilla’s wrist and pushed her roughly to the side. “Didn’t I tell you? Davina helped raise me. She’s practically family. I told you to treat her with respect. Who do you think you are, hitting her p>
He was stronger than she’d expected. Camilla crashed into the wall, her wrist twisting, a sickening pop echoing in her ears. The pain swept through her hand so sharply it almost felt numb, and she squeezed her eyes shut, refusing to let him see her cry. She bit her lip. She wouldn’t let herself show weakness in front of Barnard, not now.
But to Barnard, her silence just looked stubborn.
He grabbed her by the shoulders this time, pulling her to face him. “Why are you just standing there? I told you to apologize to Davina.” He forced her around, and just then, he noticed the tears pooling at the corner of her eyes. For a moment, he hesitated.
In all the years he’d known Camilla, she’d always been the picture of calm and strength. She never broke down in front of him, never let anyone see her vulnerable side. Maybe she’d never allowed anyone to get that close.
But now, seeing her like this for the first time, something in him faltered. Still, he pushed down any doubt. His face stayed hard, his stare cold. “Davina is older than you. You hit her for no good reason. If anyone should feel wronged, it’s her. I’ll say this one more time. Apologize. Right now p>
The pain buzzed through Camilla’s whole body. She tried to steady herself, but lifting her eyes and meeting Barnard’s furious glare made her feel even worse. He looked like he hardly recognized her, like he could tear her apart with that anger.
This was a side of Barnard she’d never seen before.
Their eyes met. In that instant, something inside her clicked. Maybe Barnard had never truly loved her at all. If he had, he wouldn’t ignore her feelings so completely.
“Apologize,” Barnard said again, his voice icy.
Davina’s voice trembled from beside him. “Let it go, Barnard. I’m just the help. If Camilla’s upset and hit me, it’s fine. I don’t need her apology p>
Barnard turned to comfort her. “That’s not right, Davina. You’ve done so much for me. I won’t let anyone hurt you, not even her p>
Watching the two of them, Camilla felt a wave of bitterness so sharp it almost made her laugh. “You want me to apologize? You can forget it. Barnard, if you think she’s the victim, then keep her away from my mom. If I see her again, I’ll hit her again. And you, don’t even think about forcing me. Unless you want the press talking about how you bully your wife for the sake of a nanny p>
The perfect couple image he’d worked so hard to build was unraveling right in front of him.
Barnard glanced at her, his eyes meeting hers. For the first time, he looked unsure. He took a step back, clearing the way and saying nothing else.
Finally, the shouting faded. Her wrist throbbed, barely able to move. Camilla didn’t even look back at him. She went to register for orthopedics, sure the pain meant she’d dislocated her wrist.
Barnard watched her heading upstairs, his brow scrunched tight, but he didn’t try to stop her.
Davina, ever cautious, edged closer to him. “Barnard, why did Camilla go back to the hospital? She looked like she was in so much pain. Maybe you should check on her p>
“She’ll be fine. It’s just a bump. You’re the one who was frightened and hurt today. You shouldn’t worry about anyone else. Come on, I’ll take you home,” he said, trying to calm her.
“But Camilla… maybe you should really check,” Davina insisted gingerly.
Barnard replied, “She’s probably just going to see her mom. Trust me, I was careful. There’s no way she’s seriously hurt p>
Davina finally looked a little relieved, staying close to his side as they left. She still leaned in to say, “You’ve already done so much for me, Barnard. Camilla is your wife, after all. Please don’t make things worse between you two because of me. I’m just a nanny. I can put up with a lot p>
He shook his head. “I told you when I brought you here, I’d look after you. No one’s allowed to treat you badly with me around. Camilla was wrong today. Later, after we pick up Daisy, I’ll take you both shopping. It’s the least I can do. And one day, I’ll make sure she apologizes p>
The words hung in the air, falling heavy between them, as they walked away together.