Kamille’s POV
The memory of Zeke’s marriage to Ellen hit me like a whirlwind. How could I have even considered such a thing? Zeke was a married man, and I was simply his ex. What was I thinking? I’d let the emotions swirling since Royer’s accident cloud my judgment.
Fuck!
Turning to Zeke, I composed myself. “I really appreciate your gesture, but don’t worry. I’ll call my friends. I’m sure they’ll help with the kids. I don’t want to inconvenience you further.”
As I spoke, I found my purse, which his security had brought in with the children. I took out my phone.
“I’ll be waiting outside,” he said, moving toward the door.
I was about to nod, but hesitated. Had he not heard me refuse his offer?
“Zeke,” I said firmly, “You really don’t need to stay.”
A moment of silence hung between us, his gaze searching mine for any hesitation. Then, hesitantly, he asked, “Can I talk to you outside?”
“Of course,” I replied, smiling faintly.
Before leaving, I turned to my children, gathered around Royer’s bedside, their faces etched with concern and love. “Be good,” I said gently but firmly. “Don’t touch your brother’s head. He’s still weak.”
Reon stepped forward, his young face determined. “Don’t worry, Mummy,” he said confidently. “I’ll watch over them.”
Pride swelled in my chest. “Thank you, sweetheart,” I murmured, then followed Zeke from the room.
The soft click of the door closing echoed in the hallway. I met his gaze, searching his eyes for his intentions, but his expression remained unreadable.
I gathered my courage and broke the silence. “I’m sorry,” I began hesitantly. “I hate having imposed my problems on you, burdened you with my issues.”
“But Kamille, you’ll never be a burden to me,” he insisted, his eyes pleading. “Everything I did, I did because I wanted to. Because I care about you, Royer, and your kids. Please, never feel like you’re a burden.”
“Thank you, Zeke,” I whispered, choked with emotion. “You saved my baby, and I’ll be forever grateful.”
I turned to go back to Royer’s room, but Zeke reached out, his hand gently but firmly closing around mine.
“Please, Kamille, let me stay,” he said, his voice defeated. “Don’t send me away. I promise I won’t get in your way. I just want to be here for you. Please.”
With a shaky breath, I nodded. “Okay, Zeke,” I murmured, my hand tightening around his. “You can stay.”
“Thank you,” he said grimly, then left.
I sighed, reaching for my phone, my fingers trembling as I opened my contacts. I initiated a conference call with Amanda and Belle.
“Hey besties, what’s up?” Amanda’s voice crackled through the line.
“Hey Amy. A lot,” I replied, my voice barely a whisper. “It’s Royer. He’s been in an accident.”
Silence followed, broken only by Belle’s sharp intake of breath. “Oh my God, Kamille,” she gasped. “Is he okay? Where are you? We’re coming now.”
I swallowed hard. “He’s stable, with his siblings. We’re at Reid Hospital.”
“Of course,” Amanda said, her voice steady. “We’ll be there as soon as we can. Just hold on.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, ending the call.
Soon, Amanda and Belle arrived, their faces etched with concern. Relief washed over me as I embraced them, then led them to Royer’s room.
“Oh, Royer baby, I’m so sorry,” Belle said warmly.
“Get well soon,” Amanda added. Royer nodded tiredly, but his siblings chatted with Amanda and Belle.
Once the children were quieter, I took them to the lounge. I recounted the evening’s events with a heavy heart.
“I left the kids with Nanny Dona and went on a date with Chris,” I said softly. “And now… Royer’s in that hospital bed because of me.”
Belle put a comforting hand on my arm. “Kamille, there’s nothing wrong with wanting your own life,” she reassured me. “You’re a young woman; you deserve love and happiness. If Christopher is a good guy, there’s no reason you shouldn’t date him.”
I nodded, grateful, but guilt remained. “But what if… what if it’s my fault?”
Amanda shook her head fiercely. “It’s not your fault, Kamille. You didn’t cause Royer’s accident. Sometimes, life throws curveballs, and we just navigate them.”
“Funny thing is, Zeke said the same thing,” I chuckled lightly.
“Zeke?” they said simultaneously, confused.
I recounted Zeke’s unexpected appearance, his help bringing Royer to the hospital. He had saved Royer.
Their eyes widened. “Zeke saved Royer?” Amanda repeated incredulously.
“Yes,” I confirmed softly. “He was outside the restaurant when it happened. He rushed to Royer’s side, called for help… he saved him.”
Silence fell. What was Zeke doing outside the restaurant that evening?
“I sent the evidence of Liz’s maltreatment to the blogger,” Amanda announced. “It’ll be released the morning of her fight.”
“Thank you, ladies,” I murmured, thick with emotion. “Thank you for your hard work.”
“You’re welcome, Kam,” they replied.
“Alright, ladies,” I smiled. “Time to tuck the kids in. The doctor said Royer needs rest.”
We went back to the room, but Zeke intercepted us, his expression serious.
“I’d love to steal Kamille for a moment,” he said quietly.
I glanced at Amanda and Belle. “Okay,” they replied, entering the room.
Once alone, Zeke said, “You can use my penthouse; it’s close to the hospital. Your friends can stay with the kids.”
I blinked. I couldn’t be alone with Zeke again.
“But what about you?” I asked, confused.
He shook his head sadly. “I won’t be there. Only one person can stay with the patient.”
My heart sank. “What am I going to do? I don’t have their clothes or other things.”
“Don’t worry,” he said soothingly. “My men have already gone to get what the kids need. Everything will be taken care of.”
I stared at him. Was this the same Zeke I’d been married to for three years? What changed? Was it the kids? Their resemblance was evident, but was he getting close to me to take them away?