Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 212

Barnard winced at the sound of her voice, his brows creasing tighter with every word, but that last question really just drained him. “That’s the rule. I can’t change it. The divorce is already registered, so you can let it go now.”

Davina had no clue about this whole cooling-off period for divorces. Her last marriage ended because her husband died, so the relationship was gone instantly. After Barnard’s explanation, she didn’t give up. “The Carter family has all this influence, right? Can’t you just tell them to hurry it up and skip this waiting period? Barnard… are you still thinking about Camilla? Is that why you’re stalling me with this cooling-off thing?”

She clung to his wrist, almost pleading for an answer. Barnard just felt his head start to throb. It hit him that Davina wasn’t just clueless, but she really thought differently from everyone else. She didn’t even understand basic rules.

He let out a slow breath, trying to keep calm. “These are national laws, Davina. No one gets to change them on a whim. I’m exhausted. I already promised you what you asked for. You should try to be satisfied.”

“National laws…” Davina repeated under her breath. “So when will you be able to marry me, then?”

Getting married should be something that just… happens naturally. Barnard hadn’t been completely against it at first, but having to answer to her over and over was wearing him down. He shrugged her off with a careless, “At least a month. Once I get the official papers, we can talk about it. Davina, I waited for you for years, and now you’re telling me you can’t wait just a few months?”

“I…”

Davina paused, worried that if she kept pushing, it would only make things worse. She dropped her gaze, her eyes landing on her own stomach almost by accident. One month didn’t sound so long, but she wasn’t even sure if the baby would make it that far. Lately, there had been a dull, nagging ache in her lower belly. Nothing major, but her doctor warned her it could mean losing the baby at any moment. If that happened, the Carter family could just walk away without so much as a backward glance.

After a moment, she looked up at Barnard. “If we can’t get married yet, can we at least get engaged? Please, Barnard… I’ve been really scared. I just want something. For me, for our baby. Can you give us that security?”

Barnard’s patience finally snapped. His temple was visibly throbbing. He stared at her with this look, like she was out of her mind.

“Just stay here and rest. Take care of yourself, take care of the baby. I’m busy—unless it’s something urgent, stop calling me. You also need to keep your mom and Ines under control. If they stir up trouble again and my dad gets angry with you, I can’t protect you.”

Davina’s voice shook. “Barnard, what are you saying? Are you just giving up on me now?”

“I’m tired, Davina. I have my own life. I can’t pour everything into yours. Think about why things have gotten to this point,” he said, sounding completely defeated.

If she kept this up, Barnard honestly didn’t know how much longer he could keep going with her. Without that thoughtful kindness he remembered, Davina just seemed like any other ordinary village woman. Whatever he thought he saw in her had disappeared, leaving nothing behind.

She hadn’t gotten anything she wanted out of this fight. Quietly, Davina stared at her phone for a moment, then ended up dialing Camilla.