Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 42

“If you ask me, if you hadn’t let go in the beginning, maybe things would still be different…”

“She got hurt.” Lance cut Abelard off before he could finish.

By the time Abelard tried to say something else, Lance was already gone, having taken the other elevator down. Abelard stood there, stunned. “What does her getting hurt have to do with you?”

***

Camilla’s injury was only a minor one. After a quick hospital visit, all she got was some cream for the bruising. Barnard wanted to drive her home, but she knew Jasper wasn’t really in the mood to see him these days. So, right at the hospital entrance, Camilla hailed a taxi, not caring if Barnard saw.

When she got home, Susan already had dinner ready. Jasper hadn’t eaten a bite, just waiting for Camilla to arrive. Tonight, she could tell he was in a great mood, his eyes shining and full of excitement. It had been ages since Jasper looked this happy, not since Snow was sent to the pet hospital.

“Jasper, you look really happy today. Did something interesting happen?” Camilla asked.

“Mom, Lance came by! He brought you some medicine for your hand. And he said his dog is coming home soon, and I can visit and see it.” Jasper’s voice was bubbling with joy.

Just hearing Lance’s name made him light up, the same way he did with Snow. Kids can’t fake this kind of excitement—Camilla could feel how much Jasper genuinely liked Lance.

But something felt off. Wasn’t Lance just with Abelard? How did he suddenly show up here? And how did he know about her injury when Barnard only found out a little while ago?

Camilla took the ointment and recognized it immediately. It was an imported brand, the kind only found in well-known European labs. Even if you wanted to buy it, it wasn’t easy to get your hands on.

“Did you thank Lance?” Camilla asked.

“I did, but Lance said I didn’t have to. Mom, when can we go to Lance’s house to see his dog?” Jasper asked, hope sparking in his eyes.

He was just a kid. To him, if someone was good to him, he liked them back, pure and simple.

Camilla, on the other hand, felt a little uneasy. She didn’t know Lance well enough to just show up at his place. So, she made up an excuse and gently nudged Jasper to eat his dinner first.

Even when Jasper was getting ready for bed, he was still murmuring about wanting to play with Lance. It was the first time Camilla had seen him so caught up on someone new.

Davina quickly walked up, her smile eager. “Camilla, Barnard told me you got hurt. I was so worried, so I made you some chicken soup. I cooked it all night for you, really, you have to try it.”

Her face was all flattery, and Daisy—who came along—jumped in, “Camilla, my mom didn’t even sleep last night making the soup. Please try some.”

Camilla was about to refuse, but Davina already popped the lid open under her nose. Instantly, a strange, greasy smell filled the air.

Camilla wrinkled her nose. Davina glanced toward the break area. “You should sit down and have some. It’s good for you on a cold morning.”

“I’ve already eaten. I’m fine, really,” Camilla replied.

It was like they hadn’t heard a word. “Soup won’t make you full,” Davina insisted. “I brought it all this way. At least have a taste.”

Daisy took it further, grabbing hold of Camilla’s sleeve. Annoyed, Camilla shook her off.

Daisy lost her balance, stumbling back a few steps and bumping right into Davina. The thermos tumbled to the floor with a loud crash, chicken soup splashing everywhere. Some even landed on Daisy’s leg, and she started crying the moment it stung.