Chapter 64
The old doctor kept chiding Barnard, who looked more lost with every word. Camilla didn’t even bother watching his shocked expression. She just turned around and went straight back into Jasper’s hospital room.
Barnard stood there, trying to make sense of what he’d just heard. The first time Camilla had to see an orthopedic doctor was right after he pushed her at the hospital. Back then, he hadn’t used any real force. How could that have possibly broken her bone? Thinking back, the tears he’d seen on her face weren’t from feeling wronged. It was just the pain she couldn’t hide.
He’d run into Camilla plenty of times since then. Not once did he realize she’d been hurt.
“How is this possible? Why didn’t she ever tell me she was hurt?” Barnard mumbled in disbelief.
How could anyone, especially someone like Camilla, be injured and still juggle both work and hospital visits, like nothing happened? She never showed even a little sign of feeling sorry for herself.
“Your wife is hurting, and as her husband you have no idea. Now you’re upset because no one told you? Maybe you should ask yourself if you’ve ever really cared about her at all.” The old doctor let out a sigh, clearly done with Barnard. He tossed out a last comment and walked away, leaving Barnard rooted to the spot.
Barnard just stood there, staring at the closed hospital door, his mind spinning. Had he really been so indifferent to Camilla? It sure looked that way. Before Davina showed up, no matter what he was feeling, he would at least have one meal with Camilla every day. Every week, he’d bring her a gift at least once. But now, looking back, it felt like ages since they’d eaten together or since he’d given her anything at all. He’d ignored her so thoroughly that he didn’t even notice her injury.
Inside the room, Camilla got up to pour Jasper a glass of water. Before she could, Barnard walked in and said, “Let me do it, Camilla p>
Honestly, when it came to their marriage, Barnard knew deep down he was the one who owed her. He should have treated Camilla better.
Camilla didn’t say a word. Barnard handed the warm glass of water over to Jasper, his voice softer than usual. “Camilla, is your injury from p>
He didn’t finish the question before Camilla fixed him with a cold stare.
He already knew the answer. Barnard swallowed, guilt clouding his eyes. “I’m sorry, Camilla. I p>
“Barnard, I just slapped Davina that day. And for that, you broke my wrist. You really know how to treat your wife, don’t you?” Camilla’s voice was calm, almost mocking.
She didn’t care for his apology. To her, it meant nothing. She’d kept quiet to avoid drama, but now that he knew, she wasn’t going to let it slide.
“I didn’t do it on purpose. I never thought a simple push would… But it was me, so I won’t argue. Camilla, how can I make it up to you?” Barnard’s voice was hoarse.
“Ten million,” Camilla said immediately, not even blinking.
With her and Barnard, everything came down to money. And she needed a lot of it if she wanted out.
Barnard stared at her. “Didn’t my mother just give you five million? Why are you so obsessed with money all of a sudden, Camilla p>
He looked at her, like she was someone he’d never met. They had been married almost five years. He never held back when buying presents, but if he actually thought about it, he never once gave her that kind of cash.
He always thought that as long as he was paying for Elise’s medical bills, Camilla would never leave him. But now, when he added up the money Camilla had taken from Davina and what Laura gave her today, she was already quite comfortable. If he gave her another ten million, wouldn’t she be totally independent?
Camilla just watched him. “You really have changed lately, Barnard. Forget always making Jasper give in to Daisy, but now, is my arm worth less to you than ten million p>
Barnard’s face changed. He shook his head quickly. “Of course not, Camilla. You’re the most important one. If that’s what it takes to make you happy, I’ll call Aaron and have him bring the check right now p>
She nodded. As Barnard left the room, a flicker of worry crossed his mind, but he pushed it down. No, Camilla was just hurt and acting out. She loved him so much. If she ever found out she wasn’t the one in his heart, she couldn’t possibly stay this calm, could she? There was no way she knew. Ten million—fine, he’d give it to her, just this once.
He pulled the door closed behind him and made the call in the hallway. Out of sight, Camilla’s eyes stayed fixed on the closed door, her gaze as cold and distant as winter.