The thick layer of bandages completely hid the actual wounds from view.
But seeing the sheer amount of gauze required, and the dark, crimson spots of fresh blood seeping through the white fabric, made Camilla's fingers tremble violently.
Jasper saw it too and stumbled backward in terror. "Dad! Why didn't you say you were hurt? Did I hit your owie? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, I..."
"Why are you apologizing? Look at the two of you, why are you so tense? It's just some old injuries, they're practically healed. Smile, don't look so sad." He reached out and affectionately rubbed Jasper's head. His light, effortless tone only made Camilla feel exponentially worse.
Wounds that were still bleeding fresh blood were absolutely not 'old injuries'.
She knew he was lying right to her face because he couldn't bear to see her worry. She didn't press him on it, but the look in her eyes hardened into pure, unshakable determination.
She carefully pulled the blanket back over him, making sure her expression remained perfectly calm. "Drink the soup. I simmered it for two hours. Tell me how it tastes."
Deflecting the conversation away from his injuries, she held the bowl out to him.
"If you made it, it's obviously the best thing in the world."
"You haven't even tasted it yet, stop sweet-talking me. I just remembered I have an errand to run. Jasper will stay here and keep you company."
She pushed the door open and stepped into the hallway, immediately spotting Tessa still lingering near the exit.
For whatever reason, the woman hadn't actually left the hospital yet. Camilla had caught her reflection in the door's glass panel moments before stepping out.
Coming face-to-face with Camilla, Tessa looked instantly uncomfortable, like someone caught doing something shameful. She immediately turned on her heel to leave, but Camilla called out, "Tessa, wait. We need to talk. Let's find somewhere quiet."
The blatant use of her first name made Tessa grimace.
"You have absolutely no manners," she muttered dismissively. "What could we possibly have to talk about?"
"About Lance. You're furious with him for treating you terribly and cutting ties, right? Do you actually know why he's so heartless toward you?" Camilla asked.


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance)