Chapter 76

Damien's sleepy murmur was never meant for Camille.

In all their years of marriage, he'd never once held her like this in his sleep. Never once kissed her forehead at dawn.

So Camille knew with absolute certainty - he'd mistaken her for Selene.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.

Damien remained asleep, oblivious.

Staring at his peaceful face, she swallowed the bitter lump in her throat. She inhaled sharply and began easing out of his embrace.

Their bodies were pressed so tightly together that even the slightest movement disturbed him.

Just as she lifted his arm from her waist and sat up, his eyes fluttered open.

She froze mid-motion, one leg still tangled with his.

Their gazes locked in that electric moment.

Damien came fully awake. Realizing his mistake, he stiffened momentarily before untangling their legs with deliberate care.

Camille withdrew completely. Turning away, she slipped into her slippers and headed for the bathroom without a word.

When she emerged, the bedroom was empty.

She found Damien at the end of the hallway, phone pressed to his ear, still in pajamas.

Their eyes met briefly before she looked away and descended the stairs.

Helena was already in the dining room.

Moments later, Chloe bounded down the stairs.

"Perfect timing!" Helena beamed. "Now that everyone's awake, let's have breakfast."

"Yay!" Chloe cheered.

Damien joined them, taking the seat beside Camille.

Remembering the morning's incident, she edged away slightly, increasing the space between them.

Chloe munched on her toast, studying her father with curious eyes. "Daddy," she piped up suddenly, "do you always cuddle Mommy when you sleep?" Her innocent question hung in the air.

Camille choked on her tea.

Damien remained silent.

Her face burned from coughing, her discomfort growing. But Helena's delighted grin only widened. "Oh? What makes you ask that, darling?"

"I went to find Mommy earlier," Chloe explained between bites. "And I saw Daddy hugging her really tight—"

Helena's knowing "Ohhh" stretched out as she glanced between them with undisguised amusement.

Damien's expression gave nothing away.

Camille's stomach twisted. She knew exactly who he'd meant to hold.

Her phone rang - a welcome distraction.

It was Marianne.

"Hello, Grandma," Camille answered.

Marianne explained that Talia had returned with souvenirs and wanted to arrange a family meal.

"I'm at Harrington Manor with Chloe now," Camille replied, glancing at Helena.

Originally, Helena had planned for them to pick fruits at the estate.

Recognizing Marianne's voice, Helena - who'd been friends with her for decades - immediately suggested, "Take Chloe with you."

Then she turned to Damien. "It's been too long since you visited Marianne. Since you're free today, go with Camille."

Damien took a deliberate sip of coffee. "I have business later."

Camille wasn't surprised.

She'd expected nothing less.

For Selene, he'd cancel meetings. Clear his schedule. Move mountains.

But for her? There was always "business later."

That was the difference between Camille Hartwell and Selene Lancaster.

Helena frowned. "What could possibly be so urgent? You haven't visited with Camille in months!"