Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 35

Camilla walked in just behind Barnard.

As soon as the door opened, Susan was still gently coaxing Davina. “Davina, really, you should go. I’m here to take care of Jasper. That’s enough.”

Davina replied, “Susan, I mean well. Barnard and Camilla just went out, and who knows how long they’ll be gone? Jasper must be bored all alone. I just thought…”

She trailed off, her words falling flat as she turned at the sound of the door. “Camilla, you’re back already?”

“Why is Davina here?” Camilla’s voice was icy.

Along with Davina and Daisy, there was a new dog in the room, a tiny Bichon Frise. The pup looked barely three months old, totally lacking in energy, sprawled on the floor by the table. It didn’t seem scared or shy, like a dog in a new place might be. It just looked sick.

Standing by Davina’s side, Daisy wore a mask. Her face was pale and unsettling.

Davina spoke up quickly, “When Daisy heard about Jasper’s dog, she was really worried. She asked me to get Jasper a new puppy. I know I shouldn’t have made Jasper bend over backwards for Daisy before. This time, before coming over, I made sure Daisy had her allergy shot. She’ll be able to play with Jasper just fine now.”

Daisy nodded, her voice even softer, “That’s right, Jasper. I’m not allergic anymore. Do you want to come home with us? You can bring your puppy too. Really, it’ll be okay. I’ll get shots if I need to. What happened last time won’t ever happen again.”

She raised her hand toward Jasper, almost like she was swearing an oath.

Her eyes were red, and even though she was clearly nervous, she forced herself to look brave. It made her look especially pitiful and easy to feel sorry for.

Jasper scowled. “Who wants to play with you? Just take your dog and leave. I told you already, I don’t want it. I only care about my Snow.”

Daisy pleaded, “Jasper, you aren’t mad at me, are you? I really know I messed up. Please, please don’t stay angry. And… Mom said Barnard gets so tired, always having to go back and forth because you live out here. Barnard’s your dad. Think about making things easier for him? Please come home with us.”

Jasper frowned, shaking his head.

Barnard, watching Daisy’s pale little face, was already walking over to her, full of concern.

Whatever Davina’s reasons for pushing her to move back, Camilla just saw trouble every time this woman showed up. Trouble, and Daisy, and Jasper always got upset.

She’d moved out for a reason. No way was she going back.

Davina pressed on, “It’ll be fine, Camilla. Seriously, I’ve been really strict with Daisy lately. I won’t let her and Jasper fight again. As long as Jasper comes back, I promise Daisy will listen to whatever Jasper wants.”

Daisy piped up, eager, “Mom’s right. I’ll always listen to Jasper and Camilla from now on. Please move back, Camilla. Do it for Barnard’s sake—so he isn’t so tired.”

Daisy ran to grab the puppy and cradled it gently. “Look, Camilla, I’m really not allergic now. However many dogs Jasper wants, I’ll be there too.”

Barnard sighed, “Camilla, please stop making this difficult. Look at Davina and Daisy. Just come home.”

Watching mother and daughter put on this heartfelt act, it was clear they were forcing Camilla and Jasper into a corner. Their humility made it look like if Camilla refused, she’d be the heartless, unreasonable one. Like she was the villain in their story.