Chapter 188

That's better.

Camille let out a quiet sigh of relief.

After exchanging a few words with Gabriel, she left the office.

When she arrived at the villa, she went straight to Chloe's room where Damien was working at the desk.

He looked up the moment she entered. "You're back," he said simply.

Camille gave a soft hum in response.

She set her bag down and moved to Chloe's bedside.

The little girl was still hooked to an IV, fast asleep with a faint frown between her brows. She must have been exhausted.

Rather than wake her, Camille turned to Damien. "How is she now?"

"She was in quite a bit of pain when I got home, but the medication's helped."

"I see."

Camille sank into the nearby armchair with a book, intending to read while waiting for Chloe to wake.

Then Damien asked, "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

Before he could respond, Chloe stirred awake.

Her eyes widened when she saw Camille. "Mommy! You're home!"

"Mmm."

Camille barely had time to close her book before Chloe sat up and threw her arms around her neck. "You finally came back!"

The warmth of her small body made Camille pause before carefully returning the hug, mindful of the IV.

After half an hour on the drip, Chloe was clearly feeling better. She pulled back with a pout. "Mommy, I'm hungry."

Damien remained seated but glanced over. "Should I have dinner brought up?"

Chloe shook her head, still clinging to Camille. "I want Mommy to cook for me."

Camille smoothed her hair. "Not tonight, sweetheart. It's too late to start cooking. I'll make your favorite tomorrow."

Chloe's lower lip trembled. "Promise you'll eat with me then?"

"Promise."

The little girl's face lit up instantly.

When the IV finished, Damien carefully removed the needle. Chloe immediately demanded to be carried downstairs.

Camille lifted her, surprised by how much heavier she felt. Had she grown taller in just twenty days?

"Mommy?"

Chloe touched her cheek when she didn't respond.

Wordlessly, Camille adjusted her grip and headed for the door.

Damien closed his laptop and followed. Seeing Chloe nuzzle against Camille's shoulder, he reached out to pinch her cheek.

Too happy to protest, Chloe just giggled.

At dinner, she chattered nonstop between bites, already listing what she wanted Camille to cook for breakfast.

"I have plans later," Camille said, noting how much better Chloe looked. "I'll make those for you another time."

Damien's gaze flicked to her but he remained silent.

Chloe's smile vanished. "But Mommy, you're always working! I don't want you to leave! You just got home!"

Seeing her pout, Camille realized these brief monthly visits weren't enough.

"Alright," she conceded. "I'll stay tonight."

Chloe beamed. "And take me to school tomorrow!"

Camille nodded as she took another bite.

After dinner, Chloe dragged Camille upstairs to share everything about her classmates, teachers, and recent adventures.

Midway through a story about art class, Camille noticed Damien leaning against the doorframe, watching them.

She had no idea how long he'd been standing there.