Chapter 355

In Chloe's world, there was no space for her, Damien, and Selene to exist together.

She had specifically asked Camille to attend her competition without extending the invitation to Selene. The message was clear—she understood how things stood between them.

On an important day, Chloe chose her mother. But Camille didn't feel the satisfaction she once would have.

The competition was set for the following weekend.

Weekends were usually free for Camille. And when a child competed, it was a significant event for any family. Parents naturally prioritized their children.

In the past, Camille would have done exactly that—Chloe would have been her first priority. Everything else would have waited. But now...

She wasn't blind to the hopeful look in Chloe's eyes. Yet, her response was vague. "I'll see when the time comes. If nothing urgent comes up, I'll be there."

Over the past six months, Chloe had called Camille countless times, making so many requests that she had learned to recognize the pattern.

When Camille used phrases like when the time comes or if, it almost always meant she wouldn't show up.

Chloe's nose stung, her eyes turning red. She let go of Camille's hand, sniffled softly, and whispered, "Okay."

Camille noticed. Of course she did. It wasn't like she felt nothing. But even so, she didn't change her mind.

She reached out, intending to ruffle Chloe's hair before leaving. But the moment her hand moved closer, Chloe turned her face away with a pout.

Camille paused. She withdrew her hand without another word and simply walked away.

Damien watched the entire exchange. He didn't stop Camille. He didn't try to persuade her. Chloe kept her face stubbornly turned away, refusing to look, but she was still listening.

When the sound of Camille's heels faded into the distance, and she realized her mother had truly left—without even attempting to comfort her—she finally broke.

She turned and buried her face against Damien's leg, sobbing uncontrollably.

Her fencing coach was stunned.

Chloe was far more mature than most children her age. Bright, opinionated, and spirited. Over the past six months, many kids at the academy had cried countless times.

But this was the first time he had ever seen her cry.

That morning, Camille had agreed to every one of Chloe's requests, speaking to her with such gentleness and attention.

Yet, knowing how hurt and disappointed the child was, she had walked away without a second glance.

The impression she gave was as if she no longer wanted her daughter. That kind of coldness was shocking.

Any other man would have lost his temper, confronting his ex-wife for treating their child this way.

But Damien showed nothing—no anger, no argument. He simply watched Camille leave in silence.

Then he bent down, picked Chloe up, and gently wiped her tears with his fingertips. "That upset?"

Chloe clung to his neck, crying harder. "I'm sad, and Mom doesn't care... She just... left..."

Damien murmured, "Mm. I saw."

Chloe wailed louder. "Does Mom not love me anymore?"

He chuckled. "Of course she does."

Chloe peered at him through her tears. "R-Really?"

Damien pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her nose. "I promise."

It soothed her slightly, but when she remembered Camille hadn't even tried to comfort her, the tears started again. "Then why didn't Mom try to make me feel better?"

Damien pinched her soft cheek, smiling without answering.

Chloe pointed at him indignantly. "I—I'm this upset, and you're still laughing!"

Damien took the backpack her coach handed him.

He carried her out, holding her bag. "How about I take you out for something nice to make up for it?"

"I don't want that. I just want Mom."

"That's out of my control. You saw it yourself—when it comes to your mother, I have no say."

Chloe had no reply.