Simon and Grace had never seen Cameron this furious before.
Cameron stood still. His expression was icy, with every word cutting like cold steel. “Dad, that’s your daughter–in–law you’re talking about. Maybe try showing some decency for once.”
The commotion finally brought Lisa out of the kitchen. She hurried in and found the dining room a complete mess–food and soup splattered across the floor, and broken dishes
scattered all the way to the front door.
Cameron’s anger had clearly reached the boiling point.
Simon’s patience snapped. “From the very beginning, I had never accepted her as my daughter -in–law! Only a woman who can bear children deserves to be part of this family! No one else belongs here!”
“Alright.” Cameron let out a humorless laugh. “Since I can’t have kids, I guess I’m just as useless. In that case, you won’t see me coming through this door again.”
With that, he turned and walked away.
Grace quickly grabbed his arm. “Cameron, what are you doing? Do you really have to go this far just for Cassandra?”
“Have either of you ever cared how I feel? You set up a trap for Cassie without a second thought. Did it ever cross your mind how much that would hurt me?”
Grace sighed. “It was harsh, I’ll admit that. But your father only wanted you to finally let go of her. After everything she did with that old man, how can you still be with her?”
“I want her,” Cameron said, his voice cold and firm. “I don’t care what she’s done or what’s happened. I still want her!”
With that, he stormed out.
At the door, he stopped and turned back. “You want a grandchild from Annabelle so badly- well, go ahead. If having an heir is all that matters, then just forget about me. Raise that child and pretend I was never born.”
“What are you talking about…”
Before Grace could finish her sentence, Cameron slammed the door so hard that the whole house shook.
Simon stomped his foot, fuming. “What kind of spell has that woman put on him?”
Just then, the phone rang. Lisa answered and called out, “Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey, it’s Ms. Green
on the line.”
Grace’s expression instantly softened. “Let me take it…”
“Annabelle, it’s Grace. Why are you calling so late? Is something wrong?”
Annabelle sniffled on the other end. “Grace…”
“Oh, why are you crying? Don’t cry, it’s not good for the baby. Tell me what’s wrong. You know you can talk to me.”
“I’m sorry, Grace. It was my stupid idea that got Simon arrested by the police.”
Grace quickly comforted her, saying, “Nonsense, this isn’t your fault. If anyone’s to blame,
it’s Cameron for letting that woman get in his head, making him turn against his own parents.
“1
“Did Cameron argue with
Grace let out a heavy sigh. “Yes, he did. He’s dead set on being with Cassandra. We just don’t know what to do anymore.”
“Grace, I have one more idea.”
“You do?”
Annabelle lowered her voice. “Listen to me. Here’s what you need to do…”
Cameron drove back to the house he once shared with Cassandra. He parked and sat there in silence, staring up at the home where they had spent so many years together.
Every day after he came home from work, Cassandra would leave a light on for him, right in the conservatory on the second floor. He used to look up and see that soft glow waiting for him.
A
9
Now, the whole house was dark and empty, the conservatory black as midnight. Even all the roses Cassandra had cared for so lovingly were dead and gone.
*
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Cassandra had always adored roses. Cameron had imported her favorite variety from Virelia. They had big petals in the soft pink shade she loved most and a sweet fragrance. She loved them dearly and had tended to them with care all these years. The conservatory had always been overflowing with color, bright and full of life.
But now, just days after she left, all those precious flowers had withered away.
Cameron lit a cigarette and slumped back in his seat, staring up through the sunroof at the empty sky. For the first time, he felt like he might not make it either.
