Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 33

Snow’s surgery didn’t finish until after midnight.

Dahlia had rushed to the hospital as soon as she heard, rolling up her sleeves to help in the operating room.

When the surgery finally ended, Dahlia scrubbed out and stepped into the hallway. Jasper could barely keep his eyes open. He snuggled up against Camilla, yawning so hard his jaw looked like it might crack, but he stubbornly refused to sleep.

The sight made Dahlia’s heart twist in her chest.

Before she could say anything, Jasper piped up, urgency thick in his sleepy voice. “Dahlia, how’s Snow? Did he make it? Is he... okay?”

“Don’t worry. You love Snow so much, he wouldn’t dream of leaving you,” Dahlia said softly. “Surgery went really well. But he has to stay here a while so the doctors can keep an eye on him. Let’s go home for now, alright?”

Jasper still looked unsure. “Can I come back to see him? Like... later?”

“Of course. You can visit every single day if you want,” Dahlia promised.

She and Camilla gathered up Jasper and brought him back to Brookfield Manor.

Susan hadn’t gone to bed yet. She helped Jasper get washed up and then tucked him in, murmuring something gentle as she settled him beneath the covers. Afterward, she made a simple pot of noodles for Camilla and Dahlia.

Once Jasper was out of earshot, Dahlia finally spoke. “Camilla, what about Barnard? Where was he tonight? Why didn’t he even stop by?”

It stung to even ask. In front of all of Camilla’s friends, Barnard always acted like the perfect husband. Everyone thought he adored her.

Even when Camilla had suddenly started talking about moving out, Dahlia assumed it was all just some sort of misunderstanding. Maybe just a fight, nothing more.

But tonight Dahlia had seen Barnard’s indifference for herself. He hadn’t cared about Jasper’s dog or Jasper’s tears, and worse, he’d left Camilla and Jasper at the pet hospital in the dead of night like it was nothing.

Camilla’s lips twisted. “What else? The nanny’s daughter was crying so he rushed home to comfort her.”

“So the nanny’s kid cries and he runs home. But Jasper? He was crying his eyes out tonight and Barnard just ignored him? That’s just... I mean, anyone would think the nanny’s daughter was his actual kid, not Jasper,” Dahlia fumed, her voice sharp.

She was always blunt, but tonight, she couldn’t hold anything back.

Camilla let out a tired, almost mocking laugh. With the way Barnard treated Jasper and Daisy, it did seem like Daisy was the real daughter.

“Let him do what he wants,” Camilla said flatly. “Honestly, I’m planning to file for divorce.”

He let his hand drop, awkwardness flickering across his face. “Last night was a fluke. There was an unexpected power outage at Saddlebrook Estates. Daisy got scared and Davina’s not really used to the place yet...”

“You don’t have to explain,” Camilla interrupted.

She’d lived at Saddlebrook Estates for years. Not once had the power gone out. Now that Davina moved in, suddenly there’s a blackout? And even if it was true — after what he did to Jasper last night, there was no excuse for dropping everything just because Daisy called.

Camilla’s voice was steady. “You have your own priorities. No need to explain them to me.”

“Of course I do. You’re my wife. You’re the most important person in my life. I can’t let you get the wrong idea,” Barnard said earnestly.

The most important? If Camilla hadn’t seen the way he acted around Davina, maybe she’d believe him. Now, she could hardly believe he could even say it out loud.

She let his comment slide. “Why did you come so early?”

“I wanted to check on Jasper. And the hospital called — your mom’s condition is stable right now. Clear your calendar tonight. Let’s go visit her together,” Barnard said.

It was obvious. He knew he’d crossed a line last night, and now he was testing to see where he stood with Camilla.