I was drying my hair with the blow dryer in my left hand when Cameron's words made me pause. I gave a wry smile.
Why didn't I iron his suit?
I used to make sure I pressed his suits the night before, every single day. But the second he dragged me out of the car, I knew what I had to do. Once I was back to normal, I set his contact to "Do Not Disturb."
I blinked and brushed it off with an excuse. "My hand's hurting, so I can't check my messages."
Cameron glanced at my bandaged right hand, and I saw something strange flicker in his eyes.
He tossed a tube of ointment at me. "The doctor said this really helps with stopping the bleeding."
I grabbed the ointment, gave it a quick look, and sneered.
Perfect—it was expired.
Before long, Cameron muttered, "Rowena's got a good heart. She's not as nasty or petty as you. She knew you were in pain so she got this ointment specifically for you."
"No, I'm good. Let her have it." I tossed the ointment onto the table, and it slid right into the trash.
Cameron got up, glaring at me. "What the hell's wrong with you? Rowena actually went to the pharmacy to get this for you, and you just threw it away?
"I know you're mad because I bought Rowena a new house, but it's my money—I can spend it however I want! You've been acting all snarky with her, and I still haven't settled that with you!"
He laid into me without stopping, and I felt lightheaded and couldn't catch my breath. "I'm not mad. Can I just get a break—"
"Pretending to be sick again?" Cameron cut in impatiently and smacked my head hard. "I don't think it's depression, but something's definitely not right up here—in your head! And you're such a jerk!"
Since Rowena's return, Cameron had been accusing me of being a jerk every single moment he could. He claimed I was pushing him to be some cold-hearted man.
I used to cry and explain that Rowena's presence bothered me because I wanted him all to myself. But now, I had decided to let him be the guy who kept his promises like he wanted.
"Yeah, I'm a jerk. Can you leave now? I need to rest," I said with no feeling.
Cameron was caught off guard. He turned and left, slamming the bedroom door as he went.
I lay on my side and played some calming music to soothe myself. But my depression flared up again, and the tears wouldn't stop.
Now and then, I could hear Cameron comforting Rowena from the living room. His laugh was hearty and unbelievably gentle.
I was almost asleep when I heard the bedroom door creak open. Cameron slid under the blanket and wrapped his arms around me. "Hey babe, it's Saturday... Wanna play?"
Ever since Rowena showed up, I couldn't shake the feeling they were more than just friends. So, Cameron made sure we slept together every Saturday to prove his innocence.
I blocked his hand. "I'm beat today. Let's wait till next week."
Cameron stopped and let out a sigh of relief. "Honestly, I wasn't up for it either. If it weren't for how much my parents like you, I wouldn't even be touching you."
He jumped up and bolted, slamming the door as he went.
I locked the bedroom door and grabbed my phone to schedule an abortion for the day after tomorrow. I also texted my lawyer to start working on the divorce agreement.
…
Cameron vanished for two days, and the next time I saw him was on Rowena's social media.
"17 years of friendship, eight years as lovers, and now closer than ever."
The post featured a photo from a birthday party. Rowena leaned on Cameron, carrying a Hermès bag. I looked closer and saw it was the same one I'd bought after checking out a ton of others.
Half a month ago, Cameron unexpectedly offered to pick it up from the store, but I never got it.
I cracked a wry smile and liked the post.
Cameron called me immediately. "Get downstairs in half an hour. I'm taking you to a party. Oh, this is your reward for being on your best behavior."
I was about to say no, but he had already hung up.
To keep the divorce moving along, I pushed the abortion to tomorrow and took a cab home from the hospital.
After I got into Cameron's car, he mentioned spending Rowena's birthday with her.
"Don't be mad. When we were dating, I promised her I'd spend every birthday with her if she wanted. But honestly, this is my personal life, and I don't owe you any explanations."
I gave a casual nod. "I'm not mad. You should be with her on her birthday."
Cameron threw a look my way, something unreadable passing through his eyes again.
It wasn't until we got there that I realized it was Brandon Lloyd's celebration party on a cruise ship. Oddly enough, Rowena wasn't around today.
"Sylvie the Stunner, you're a big part of why we're celebrating today," Brandon said, holding up his champagne to toast with me.
He was flattering me, but it was also the truth. I'd hooked Brandon up with connections back then, all for Cameron's sake.
I poured myself some water. "Congrats. I've been under the weather, so I'll stick with water instead of wine."
Brandon grinned. "I heard you're about to head abroad and take over a huge market. Congrats!"
I gave a small smile.
Cameron unexpectedly came up behind me, wine glass in hand. His expression shifted slightly. "Why didn't you tell me you're going abroad? Did I approve of this?"
