Chapter 25

Damien's phone buzzed to life. Camille caught a glimpse of the screen flashing "Sweetheart" before she quickly looked away.

She told herself she didn't care anymore. But years of love don't fade in an instant.

That single word burned her vision. She focused on her coffee instead.

Damien noticed her reaction when he glanced up. Without hesitation, he answered right in front of her. "Yes?" His voice softened noticeably.

Chloe noticed the change too.

In Chloe's memory, her father only used that tender tone with Selene. Forgetting her mother's presence, she blurted out, "Dad, is that Selene?"

"Yes." His reply was calm.

Chloe nearly asked to speak with Selene too. Then she remembered Camille's dislike for the woman. The words died in her throat, her excitement dimming.

Selene!

Chloe frowned. If only Mom could get along with-

Selene must have said something concerning. Damien's brow furrowed. He abandoned his half-eaten breakfast and left abruptly.

Chloe watched him go with concern. But with Camille present, she stayed silent.

Her appetite gone, Chloe stood. "Mom, I'm finished. Let's go."

Camille noted every micro-expression. She knew exactly who occupied Chloe's thoughts.

But she said nothing.

"You barely ate. Take something for the ride."

"I'm not hungry."

Camille didn't push.

In the car, Chloe immediately texted Selene.

Camille saw but didn't comment.

Selene replied quickly - just a fever, nothing serious. But her raspy voice worried Chloe more. She typed rapidly, promising to visit after school.

Guilt pricked Chloe immediately.

She hadn't had Camille's cooking in ages. Tonight was supposed to be their mother-daughter dinner. At least she hadn't mentioned it yet.

She stole a glance at Camille behind the wheel. Seeing her mother focused on driving, Chloe relaxed.

At school, Chloe hugged Camille tightly. "Bye, Mom!"

"Have a good day."

Chloe missed Camille's flat tone as she skipped inside.

Back at the office, Camille received notice: Damien had postponed the 10 AM meeting. Some urgent matter.

She knew exactly where he'd gone.

Camille focused on her work.

By 2 PM, Damien seemed to have returned. Caleb announced the rescheduled meeting and asked Camille to prepare Damien's coffee.

When Damien entered the conference room, Camille's fingers stilled on her keyboard.

He'd changed clothes. Not the same outfit from breakfast.

He'd been with Selene. Maybe just comforting her. Maybe more.

The thought derailed her focus.

Damien must have mistaken her distraction for something else. When she surfaced from her thoughts, his steel-gray eyes pinned her in place.

That same gaze held nothing but impatience for her, while Selene received all his tenderness. Camille's nails bit into her palms as she looked away.

The meeting ended quickly. Caleb informed Camille her handover was nearly complete. No need to come in tomorrow.

"I know."

She'd planned to mention it herself after finishing her tasks. At least this saved her a trip.