Chapter 75
When Barnard walked into the apartment building, the first thing he saw was Davina, her face streaked with tears.
Daisy was right beside her, whispering, “Barnard, can you please talk to Mom? She’s been crying ever since we got back yesterday. I don’t even know what to do anymore p>
Seeing Davina like this hit Barnard right in the chest. He tried to smile at Daisy and said, “Hey, why don’t you go play for a little while? I’ll take care of things here p>
Hugging her worn-out doll, Daisy nodded dutifully. “Okay, but you have to make her feel better. It really hurts to see Mom like this p>
The place was still a mess, boxes and bags scattered everywhere since Davina and Daisy had been forced to move back the night before. Nobody had the heart or energy to clean.
Daisy disappeared into her tiny room and softly closed the door, so only Barnard and Davina were left in the quiet, cramped living room.
Davina finally looked over at him, her eyes red and puffy. “Barnard, why are you here? I thought… I thought maybe you wouldn’t care anymore. I p>
“Davina, don’t even say that. How could I possibly stop caring?” he said gently.
She shook her head, fighting back another wave of tears. “Camilla hates me now, Laura and Calvin don’t trust me either. I really didn’t mean any harm, but… But I got kicked out. I don’t want to drag you down with me,” she murmured.
He watched her, his heart aching. Even when she was hurting, she was still worried about everyone else.
“Davina, you shouldn’t be thinking about any of that,” Barnard said. “Protecting and taking care of you… that was my promise. If anyone should apologize, it’s me for not keeping it. Please don’t feel guilty. Just… stop crying, okay? I’ll deal with everything. Just come back with me. Daisy needs you to be okay p>
She stared at him in disbelief. “Go back? How could I do that? Calvin threw me out like I was nothing. Barnard, I used to think after meeting you, all the darkness was finally behind me. I never thought I’d have to live through it all over again. I p>
Her voice broke. Barnard stepped forward and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. “It’s alright. Please, Davina, don’t cry anymore. It’s my fault. I should have protected you better. I swear, I’ll never let anything like this happen again p>
Davina’s sobs died away, replaced by a fragile, bittersweet smile. “Barnard, do you know… I’ve always been jealous of Camilla. She and I grew up pretty much the same, but she got to marry you in the open, and even Laura and Calvin treat her like she’s special. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder… If I wasn’t so much older than you, if I was closer to your age, would things have been different for us p>
Her words trailed off, but her gaze was so direct, it made his heart race. She was really asking, If I were younger, would you have chosen me instead of Camilla?
Barnard held her even closer, his voice low and serious. “Davina, haven’t you figured it out yet? No matter how old you are or what your family’s like, you’re the only one for me. There’s no need to compare yourself to anyone. Not even Camilla p>
He paused for a moment, thinking of his flawless, almost perfect wife, the one he married as a way to shield himself from his family’s expectations. A tight feeling passed through his chest, but he pushed it aside.
In an even steadier voice, he promised, “Someday, you’ll understand about Camilla. But just know this… no one will ever matter to me as much as you do p>
Davina’s eyes were wide with shock. “Barnard… do you mean p>
He cut her off softly. “Isn’t it obvious? Davina, I’ve loved you since we were kids. You’ve always been the most important person to me. Always p>
He leaned in and kissed her gently on the forehead. She ducked her eyes away, blushing.
Still a little stunned, she whispered, “But… I’m so much older than you. And I already have Daisy. Barnard, you’re not joking, are you p>
He shook his head, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “How could I joke about something like this? Age doesn’t mean anything to me. You were the only one who ever made me feel at home, the only warmth I ever knew. I knew how I felt about you right after you joined the Carter family. And Daisy… she’s a part of you, don’t you get it? I’ll love anything that’s connected to you p>
Davina’s eyes shimmered with tears, but now happiness overshadowed the sadness. “I had no idea, Barnard. I thought it was just me, that I was the only one who p>
She trailed off, suddenly shy. Then her worry for him took over. “What about you? How are your injuries? Let me look. I want to help you with your medicine p>
In their tiny, cluttered apartment, the air suddenly felt a little warmer.