Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 140

“You’re Mrs. Carter. We’re a couple. It’s only natural for you to be by my side at a time like this.”

A couple, he said. When it came to putting in the work or taking the blame, suddenly they were a team. But on sunny days, when life was easy, all he thought about was Davina.

Now that Camilla finally knew the truth, there was no way she’d protect Barnard ever again.

“I haven’t been feeling great lately,” Camilla told him. “I’m not sure I could calm Lance down. If I say something wrong, things could get worse. If you need someone for apologies, you’d better find someone else, Barnard.”

Barnard’s patience was wearing thin, that much was clear. He looked like he might argue, but she cut him off. “Look, just being able to get along right now is already rare. If you keep pushing me, I really can’t predict what I’ll do.”

Barnard just stared at her, that stubborn glint in his eyes. Camilla stared back, refusing to budge. After a while, Barnard sighed. “I don’t want to fight with you. Get some rest. If nothing goes wrong, your mom should wake up tomorrow. I’ll have the hospital call.”

Then he left, and Camilla couldn’t tell if he walked away because he was backing down, or just afraid she might completely burn everything to the ground.

She dropped back onto the sofa, every bit of strength she’d found to deal with Barnard suddenly gone. Elise waking up should have been the best news, but somehow her heart felt even heavier, more afraid.

Camilla thought about her marriage—all her own choice, and yet, full of secrets. She’d always been independent in her mother’s eyes, the perfect daughter who never slipped up. Now, after one mistake, she’d messed up so badly it felt like she’d never crawl out of the hole she dug.

She had no idea how she was supposed to face Elise now.

When Susan and Jasper came back home, Camilla was still curled on the sofa, stare empty, mind spinning. Jasper glanced her way, a little shy, then wheeled himself over and grabbed her hand. “Mom, are you sad? Did Dad do something mean again? Don’t worry, Mom. I’m right here. I’ll grow up fast and always protect you. Promise.”

“He’s not your dad,” Camilla said quietly. “Remember that, Jasper. From now on, you don’t have a dad. One day, I’ll take you away from all this.”

She used to worry so much about hurting Jasper, about telling him too much. But this time, she thought he should know, even just a little, so he might start getting used to life without Barnard.

Jasper looked confused, but serious too. He nodded right at her, then said, “Okay. I’ll do whatever you say, Mom. But you can’t be sad anymore, alright?”

Camilla smiled a little. “Alright, I’m okay now. Go on, play for a bit.” She quickly wiped the tears from her eyes. If not for herself, she needed to stay strong for Jasper.

Elise still wouldn’t let go of her wrist, squeezing tighter, as if maybe that strength could keep Camilla whole.

Camilla knew—Elise just wanted her to hold onto the last bit of dignity she had, to leave before things got even worse.

But dignity? What was left of that?

Barnard had ruined her ages ago, just to have something to hold over her.

Camilla just stayed silent. Elise noticed right away.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Don’t tell me you’re refusing to divorce him. Didn’t you hear what I said? Barnard is already planning to bring that woman into the house in your place. Why are you hesitating now? Are you really waiting for them to throw you out? Do you have any pride left?”

The questions kept coming, hard and fast. Camilla couldn’t squeeze a word in. Her chest tightened so much it hurt just to breathe.