I silently observed Camelia and couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness. The girl who used to be so beguiling had now become just like any other ordinary girl.
Who do I blame for her complete transformation? Time is ruthless, but so is Marcus.
Just then, Camelia’s baby was awakened by the noise in the hospital and started bawling his head off. When Marcus glared at her, she hurriedly apologized and left the room with the baby to coax him back to sleep.
Marcus’s actions left me befuddled. I knew he could be cold and distant, but that was reserved only for strangers and acquaintances. I never expected him to treat his family the same way.
I always thought there was a gentler side to him once one got to know him, but after what I witnessed, I started to doubt his character.
Is it Camelia? Has she done something wrong? Camelia used to lead a blessed, carefree life until Marcus bewitched her with his lies. She fell in love with him, married him, and even had a baby with him. But all she got in exchange for her love was Marcus’s contempt.
“Scarlett!” Marcus shouted to get my attention when he saw me spacing out. As his gaze landed on me, I felt a shiver down my spine.
“What’s wrong? What’s on your mind?”
“Nothing. I’m going to check on Camelia!” I quickly replied and made my way out of the room.
Camelia couldn’t find an empty chair in the crowded hospital hallway and sat on the floor instead. As her baby continued to cry, she had no choice but to breastfeed him right there and then, much to the chagrin of the onlookers.
The once beautiful girl who was admired by all had now become a mother despised by passers-by.
It pained me to see her in that plight, so I lent her my coat to give her some privacy. She looked at me with mixed emotions before finally saying, “Thank you.” Such simple words, but they conveyed so much sincerity and gratitude.
“No, don’t mention it. I’ve experienced this before with Summer. Every time she cried, I could only coax her by breastfeeding her. As a first-time mother, I can sympathize with you.”
She wasn’t expecting me to respond as such and was a little taken aback by it. She sat there deep in contemplation and finally gave a bitter smile. “I used to think that my situation would get better once I had my baby. Now that he’s here, it feels like I’ve simultaneously lost and gained everything.”
She’s right. Becoming a mother is full of sacrifice, but we eventually realize that all the sacrifice is worthwhile.
“Don’t worry. You’ll see that this is all worth it.” I reassured.
She looked at me in confusion, not knowing what I meant by my words.
Not wanting to elaborate further, I changed the subject. “You came in such a hurry I don’t think you’ve packed enough for yourself. I’ll head home and pack some warm clothes for you.”
She hummed in response and stared at me for a long while before mustering up the courage to ask, “You and him, are you…”
“Friends. We’re just friends,” I replied without any hesitation. “I have my own family, so please don’t see me as your rival. All I want is the best for the both of you.”
Camelia tried to hold back tears as she bit her lips. “Thank you, Scarlett!”
“You don’t need to thank me. I owe him.”
On my way home, I couldn’t help but think about how obsessed men could be when it came to love. Just because they’ve had a change of heart, they could throw their wives aside without any care of the consequences. Men can be so heartless.
After packing more warm clothes and daily necessities from the villa, I ordered some nutritious food from a restaurant to bring back to the hospital. Camelia could definitely use some sustenance, especially since she was still breastfeeding.
Back at the hospital, I made my way back to the ward with my hands full of bags. When I got there, I was stunned to hear the heart-wrenching cries of Camelia and her baby while Marcus admonished them.
Thankfully, Marcus was staying in a private ward so their quarrel wouldn’t have disturbed other patients. From the sounds of it, it didn’t seem like Layla was inside with them.
“Fine! I will neither get in your way nor bother you again. I want nothing from you! I’m leaving!” Camelia cried out in pain. Upon seeing me at the door, her face contorted with rage. “Look at how things turned out! Are you happy now?” she yelled.
With that, she walked out of the room with tears still streaming down her face. The situation in the room wasn’t any better. Marcus was fuming while their baby continued to cry in his stroller.
Soothing the baby was my top priority as I dropped all my things and made my way to the stroller.
After picking the baby up, I tried to coax him the way I used to do with Summer.
