Chapter 22

"Dakota."

Cameron looked at Dakota apologetically.

"Cameron, are you okay?" she asked worriedly. She knew he was emotional, and figured recent events had been a huge blow.

"I'm fine," Cameron said, shaking his head. His guilt intensified as he looked at the gentle girl.

"Do you want to look for Ms. Jones? I can accompany you," Dakota offered.

Dakota bit her lip, sensing Cameron's guilt. Regardless of what happened and his decision, she would stand by him.

His eyes reddened.

"You silly girl," he said.

"Cameron, what's wrong? Don't scare me," Dakota said nervously; he was behaving unlike himself.

"I'm fine," he repeated, taking a deep breath. Then, solemnly, "I'm not going to find Laura. I just feel"

"Feel what?" she asked anxiously, worried he was overreacting.

"I just feel sorry for you," he said, pausing before finally confiding in her. He hadn't stayed because he couldn't let go of Laura or wanted to find her; he felt sorry for putting Dakota through this.

"Ah, you meant that," she said, breathing a sigh of relief. She had presumed he still couldn't let go of Laura.

"You're not angry with me?" he asked, surprised by the relaxation in her demeanor.

"How could I be angry with you? You've confessed your past relationship with Ms. Jones. It's just"

"Just what?"

"It's just that you still love her, right?" Dakota asked, looking into his eyes, deciding to face the truth.

Cameron felt guilty under her innocent gaze. Heat rose in his chest. He didn't avoid her question. After a deep breath, he answered, "That's not the case. I merely have some doubts, and I want Laura's answer."

"What about now?" Dakota asked.

He chuckled. "It doesn't matter anymore."

"Is it because she said those hurtful words?"

"I think so," Cameron said, considering his feelings. "I can't describe what I'm feeling now. I'm not sad, but relieved. I persistently wanted Laura's answer to confirm something—if what we had seven years ago was genuine. After that, we can continue our lives separately. She returns to Leving to be the heiress, while I stay in Yrando. I just didn't expect Alan to appear. At first, I thought her family forced her to marry him. I didn't want to see her live a life not of her choosing, but it seems I was wrong. That makes sense. Who else could force her to accept something she doesn't want? But if this is her choice, it's fine. After she marries Alan, the Jones and Xander families will join forces, which is ideal for her. As for me, I don't have to worry about her anymore."

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