Chapter 230

Camille turned to Damien, who sat nearby observing them. "Daddy, I want to eat here. Can we get the food packed to go?"

Damien nodded. "Of course."

Chloe immediately brightened and clung tighter to Camille.

Marianne and Helena were deep in conversation. Camille remained mostly silent, only occasionally adding a comment.

After a while, Chloe grew tired and asked, "Mommy, when will you finish work?"

Not wanting Marianne to hear, Camille carried her to the couch near the hospital bed. "I'm not sure," she whispered. "If things go as planned, I might actually get busier."

"What?" Chloe's face fell with disappointment.

"Then when will you take me skiing?" She hadn't forgotten their promise.

Camille considered for a moment. "Next month."

"Really?"

"Mmm." Camille nodded. "I'll let you know when I'm free."

"Yay!" Chloe instantly perked up.

Remembering last night, she suddenly asked, "Mommy, did you go shopping yesterday?"

Camille hesitated but answered, "Yes."

"Oh! So that really was you I saw?"

"Maybe." As Camille spoke, she noticed Damien glancing sideways at her.

Chloe hadn't gone shopping with Camille in ages. She used to find aimless wandering boring, but now she missed it terribly.

"Next time you're free, can we go shopping together?" Chloe begged. "And we have to play bumper cars at the arcade!"

Camille averted her gaze. "Alright."

While Chloe chattered away, Damien picked up Camille's cup. He poured out the cold water, refilled it with warm water, and placed it back on the coffee table before her.

Camille met his eyes. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He settled onto the couch beside them.

Helena and Marianne had been chatting amiably, but seeing the three of them together as a family, Helena paused mid-sentence.

Following her gaze, Marianne looked over but showed no reaction. She simply turned away.

Helena sighed. "You see—"

"If they've made their choice, we shouldn't interfere," Marianne interrupted.

Helena sighed again.

Soon, the food Damien ordered arrived—an elaborate spread clearly meant for more than two people.

"Have some too," Damien said to Camille.

She noticed half the dishes were her favorites. Not only that, but Damien had arranged them all within her reach.

"Chloe," he said, "go ask Granny to join us for dinner."

"Okay!"

Chloe finally slid off Camille's lap and ran to pull Marianne's hand, inviting her to eat.

Helena added, "Go ahead. Otherwise I'll feel guilty asking you to keep me company tomorrow."

With no choice, Marianne came and sat at the table.

Noticing all of Camille's favorite dishes placed before her, Marianne paused slightly and glanced at Damien.