Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 14

“You look exhausted. I asked Susan to make you some soup to help you sober up a bit. Drink it and try to get some rest.”

He clearly just wanted the night to be over. As he tried to comfort Camilla, he shot Davina another meaningful look.

This time, Davina didn’t argue. She just took Daisy by the hand and hurried toward their room, glancing back every few steps.

Susan kept herself busy in the kitchen. In no time at all, the living room was quiet, just Barnard and Camilla left.

Camilla finally spoke. “Barnard, do you care more about Daisy than Jasper?”

The answer was written all over his face, but Camilla couldn’t wrap her head around the idea that someone could love another person’s child more than their own.

Barnard’s eyes darted away. His voice became vague. “How could I? Daisy’s just a little girl and she just lost her father. I’m only helping out a bit, you know, trying to repay Davina for everything she’s done. Jasper’s our son. Of course I care about him. Why are we even arguing about this?”

No matter how hard he tried, his words rang hollow to Camilla.

For years, she’d told herself Barnard was just awkward around kids, that’s why he always seemed so distant. He never played with Jasper and rarely even spoke to him. Camilla had let it go, making all kinds of excuses for him.

But now, watching him dote on Daisy, she realized it wasn’t that he didn’t like kids. He just didn’t like Jasper.

Susan finished the soup and Barnard brought it over himself. Just like always, he cooled it off, stirring carefully, then held the spoon to Camilla’s lips.

The warmth of the broth slipped down her throat, but Camilla only felt a cold, empty ache deep inside.

She finished the bowl without really tasting it. Barnard put the empty bowl aside and, as if nothing was wrong, asked how things had gone at the party.

Camilla was tired. She didn’t want to fight, so she gave a brief recap about her talks with the investors.

Barnard smiled, full of empty praise. “I always knew you could handle it. You don’t even need me at those events.”

He laid on the compliments, but to Camilla, his words sounded fake and meaningless. She met his eyes. “If you really think I did such a great job, how about something real for a change? Like cash.”

On paper, Camilla’s life looked glamorous. Four years married to Barnard, an impressive job title, a beautiful home. But in reality, she barely had any money of her own.

Barnard had always paid for her mother’s medical bills, and the company she managed was registered under his name. Every cent earned went to him. She had status at the office, but no control over the finances.

If she wanted things to end quickly, she would have to compromise.

It was close to noon when she left the law office. Before heading home, she stopped by a toy store and picked out some new toys for Jasper.

Back at home, she found Barnard and Davina talking in the living room.

Davina’s official title was “housekeeper,” but the toughest job she’d ever done here was picking up after Daisy.

When she saw Camilla walk in, Davina jumped to her feet, flustered, and said hello.

“I heard you didn’t go into the office today,” Barnard said. “Is everything okay?”

“No big deal. I just got Jasper some new toys,” Camilla replied.

Barnard glanced at the bags in her hand and suddenly remembered the pile of things he had brought home for Daisy. He hadn’t bought a single thing for his own son. Awkwardness flickered across his face.

Camilla didn’t bother to explain herself. She just took the toys and headed upstairs.