Chapter 61
Camilla didn’t have to get dragged into Calvin’s mess at all. Even the chaos outside was something he handled himself. When he left, he took Barnard and Davina with him.
Laura stayed a bit to keep Jasper company, and when she was heading out, she pulled Camilla aside for a chat.
“Camilla, I know what happened today,” Laura began. “I get that I probably made you feel bad by standing up for Davina with Barnard. But back then, if it weren’t for Davina, Barnard could’ve ended up really depressed. I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing p>
“Mom, there’s really no need to explain all this to me,” Camilla replied softly. Truth was, she didn’t care that much anymore.
But Laura wouldn’t let it go. “I just worry you’ll overthink things, Camilla. Barnard told me he’s only grateful to Davina for what she did. She’s older, she’s been married, she has a kid. There’s just no way anything would ever happen between them. Don’t forget, you’re the one Barnard insisted on marrying. Don’t let something so trivial cause problems between you two p>
Listening to Laura’s well-meaning speech, Camilla almost wanted to laugh. For everything Laura thought she knew, she really didn’t understand Barnard at all. Married, divorced, with a kid… none of that mattered, did it? Davina was still his unattainable ideal.
“I understand, Mom. Really, you don’t have to worry about me,” Camilla said.
Laura glanced over at Jasper, who was still in the hospital bed. “If looking after Jasper ever gets to be too much, you let me know, okay? Don’t hesitate. I can come here and stay with him every day if you need p>
“That’s okay, Mom. I’ll have Susan help out with Jasper. You should go home and get some rest,” Camilla replied.
Laura didn’t push it, but as she left, she paused three times to look back, the worry in her eyes still clear.
Jasper had drifted off to sleep. Once Laura was gone, Camilla finally managed to slip away to the orthopedics office. When she’d picked Jasper up earlier, there had been a dull pain in her wrist. She’d ignored it, but now even her fingers felt numb. She finally found time for a check-up.
After the doctor gave her wrist another look, he frowned. “Camilla, I told you before, you really need to rest. Your bones haven’t healed yet. Why would you lift heavy things? Now look, it’s shifted again. You’ll need another two, maybe three weeks of taking it easy. Please take care this time p>
After leaving the orthopedics department, Camilla checked on Elise’s condition, and then went back to Jasper. He’d been having nightmares, and even in sleep, he seemed uneasy. The moment Camilla opened the door, he woke up right away.
“Mommy, you’re back,” he said, voice still groggy.
“I’m here, sweetie. Are you hungry? Is there anything you want to eat? I can have Susan make something for you.” Camilla sat beside him, her voice gentle and comforting.
Jasper hugged her arm tightly. “I’m not hungry,” he whispered. “Can I just talk to you for a bit p>
“Of course,” Camilla said, brushing a hand through his hair. “Anything you want to talk about, I’m here p>
He spoke so softly, nearly in tears. “Mommy, why did Daddy leave me? Does he hate me? Why? I’m his son, aren’t I? Why is he always so good to Daisy, but doesn’t like me at all p>
Hearing that, Camilla’s heart twisted painfully. She hugged Jasper close, wiping away his tears. “Jasper, I don’t know what Daddy is thinking either. But listen to me, in my heart, you’re the most important person. You’re my precious boy. I promise, I’ll give you all the love you need, mine and Daddy’s together. You’ll never get less love than any other child, okay p>
Camilla still didn’t understand why Barnard treated Jasper that way. All she could do was hold him close and keep reassuring him.
Jasper still seemed so lost. He laid his head on her lap and looked up at her with wide, wounded eyes. “But Mommy, am I really not as good as Daisy p>
He’d never doubted himself like this before. Being left behind by Barnard had clearly left a mark.
“Of course not, Jasper. You are wonderful, and don’t ever let anyone—including Daddy—make you feel otherwise. Don’t judge yourself by what someone else thinks,” Camilla murmured, holding him tight.
It took a while, but she slowly got Jasper to calm down. She asked Susan to make his favorite foods and brought them to his room. After he ate, Susan said, “Camilla, why don’t you go home and rest for a bit? I can stay here with Jasper p>
Jasper gripped Camilla’s hand, not wanting to let her go. “Don’t go, Mommy. Please stay with me,” he pleaded, his eyes wide with worry.
Camilla couldn’t bear to leave. She stroked his head softly. “It’s okay, Susan. I’ll stay here tonight p>
Susan nodded. “If you need anything, just give me a call. I’ll come right back p>
The door had barely closed behind Susan when Barnard showed up.
He came carrying food for Jasper, a storybook, and for Camilla, a bouquet of lush, freshly cut roses. The rich scent slipped into the room, and for a moment, it seemed to sweep away the sterile hospital smell, leaving the air just a little bit softer, a little more romantic.