Chapter 10
“Of course, that fact can never be changed,” Charles soothed her gently. “What I mean is, you need rest the most right now. Once your legs can walk normally again, it won’t be too late to spend time with Lucius and Cecilia.”
Camilla was reluctant. “But-”
Charles sighed softly, looking troubled as he interrupted her quietly. “Camilla, you have been absent for five years. To the kids, you are more like a stranger right now. Give them some time.”
Camilla really wanted to slap that insincere smile off Charles’s face. If Charles truly regarded her as his wife and the mother of his children, het could have told the kids over these five years how much she loved them, and how she had become a vegetable to ensure their safe birth.
Lucius and Cecilia were her children; Camilla couldn’t believe that if they knew the truth, they would still be afraid of and resistant to her.
But Charles had clearly done nothing. He had even allowed Ophelia to gradually replace Camilla, their biological mother, in the children’s hearts.
Camilla’s hands, hidden under the blanket, dug into her thighs as she barely restrained herself from breaking down.
“Alright, I’ll do as you say.” Camilla forced a smile, pretending to be compliant.
Charles was pleased with her obedience. “Good girl.”
This condescending tone, as if he were praising a pet, made Camilla feel
nauseous.
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ter 10
Charles kissed her forehead and promised, “I’ll have a good talk with
ucius and Cecilia and help them accept you sooner.”
Camilla’s listless eyes turned to him, and she forced a grateful smile. Darling, you’re so kind.”
Charles gazed at her silently, his eyes deep and inscrutable.
After a moment, he spoke in a perfectly normal tone, “I’ll go wake the kids.
p.”
As he reached the door, Charles suddenly remembered something and
urned back. “Oh, and I’ve contacted Mia. She’ll be over to take care of ou shortly. Mia has been a nanny here for two years and is very esponsible. Just let her know if you need anything.”
Camilla nodded obediently. “Okay.”
After the door closed, Camilla’s gentle expression vanished completely,
eplaced by a piercing and cold gaze.
She had a hunch that Charles didn’t want her to have any contact with the
hildren. And Mia–Camilla suspected that she was here not to take care of her, but to keep an eye on her.
Downstairs in the dining room, Lucius and Cecilia were sitting side by
ide, eating breakfast.
Lucius kept glancing toward the staircase, trying to hold back his curiosity but eventually giving in. “Dad,” he said.
Hmm?” Charles, who was reading a message on his phone, looked up briefly.
Lucius pursed his lips, feeling a bit awkward about addressing his
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Chapter 10
mother. “Why isn’t she coming down to have breakfast with us?”
This morning, he had carefully picked out his favorite plaid jacket, tied his tie, and even spritzed on some cologne.
He thought that even though his mom couldn’t see, he could let her give him a hug and feel his tic. But she hadn’t shown up. Lucius couldn’t hide his disappointment.
Charles noticed his son’s expression and said calmly, “Lucius, your mom just got out of the hospital. She needs to rest the most right now. Promise me you won’t disturb her, okay?”
“Okay,” Lucius replied, though he sounded downcast. He huffed and added, “I didn’t really want to have breakfast with her anyway.”
Cecilia, on the other hand, was carefree. “Dad, I’m full. When is Mommy Ophelia coming to take us to school?”
“Today, she’s not coming,” Charles said indifferently. “I’m the one taking you to school.”
“Ah?” Cecilia pouted. “That’s so boring
Charles wiped his mouth, stood up, and said, “Alright, it’s about time. Get your backpacks; I’ll go get the car.”
After Charles left the table, Lucius turned to Cecilia and said sternly, “Cecilia, you can’t call Ophelia Mommy anymore, okay? Our mom is back. If she hears you calling another woman Mommy, she’ll be sad.”
