Divorce Him, Then Dazzle novel Chapter 53

Lean and Adah were both university professors, but they kept a flexible schedule when they weren’t teaching. When Camilla dropped by, they were just about to sit down for dinner.

“Camilla, you’re here?” Lean opened the door with a smile. “Perfect timing, come eat with us.”

Adah was ladling out soup, her head poking out from the kitchen. “What brings you home today?” Her voice was just a little cool, not quite welcoming.

Camilla knew her mom was still upset. The last time they talked, Camilla had said she couldn’t sew a quilt for Barbara because she was busy with a competition. Even though she’d made the quilt later, Adah was still annoyed, telling everyone that Camilla didn’t care enough about Barbara.

“Dad, Mom,” Camilla said as she put her bag down, “there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“What is it? We can talk while we eat,” Lean answered, already heading to the dining table.

Telling them she was getting a divorce definitely wasn’t something to say before a meal. Camilla quickly took the bowl from Adah’s hands, offering a small smile. “Let’s eat first. I’ll help with the dishes later.”

During dinner, Adah only talked about Barbara. “Just over a month until the holidays and I don’t even know if Barbie is coming back.”

“We’ll know soon enough. Worrying won’t make her appear,” Lean said, trying to calm her. “Stop stressing so much.”

“How can I not worry? She’s so far away, all on her own,” Adah said, shooting Camilla a look. “If it weren’t for you, Barbara wouldn’t have gone off to study so far from home.”

Camilla just kept her head down and ate in silence.

Lean cut in. “Let’s not dwell on the past. What’s done is done.”

“I just want her to remember,” Adah said, still not letting it go. “Barbara left because she knew it was best for her. Otherwise, with her background, do you think she could’ve married someone like Daniel?”

“Daniel’s a great guy. But Camilla’s wonderful too,” Lean said gently.

Adah dropped her fork with a clatter. “Are you trying to push my buttons on purpose?”

“Alright, alright,” Lean hurried to say. “Let’s focus on eating.”

Lean’s face changed immediately when he looked at Camilla. The warmth from before was gone, replaced by something cold and serious. “Camilla, what’s this about?”

Camilla wiped her hands and turned around, meeting their eyes. “I want a divorce. That’s it.”

Adah shook her head. “I can’t believe young people these days. To you, marriage is just something you can throw away so easily. Do you think it’s a game?”

Lean added, “She’s right. Divorce isn’t something you just do on a whim. Think about what people will say.”

Camilla had expected all of this. She knew they wouldn’t understand, and not one of them even asked why she wanted to end her marriage.

She let out a small, tired laugh. “Not even a single question about my reason for this? Doesn’t it matter why?”

Lean shrugged. “That’s not the point. What matters is that you put effort into your marriage. Couples all argue, get upset. Your mom and I have fought plenty, but we made it work.”

Adah shook her head again. “Honestly, I think you’ve lost it. You married a man like Daniel. You should be grateful every single day.”