Chapter 400

Camille paused for a brief moment before rising from her seat. "Excuse me," she said smoothly. "I need to take this call."

After offering polite nods to Dorian and the others, she stepped out of the private dining room with her phone pressed to her ear.

Gabriel watched her departure with growing realization. His eyes widened in shock.

He'd once entertained the fleeting thought that something might exist between them when he'd seen Camille dancing with Felix at last year's gala.

But when no further interactions followed, he'd dismissed the notion entirely.

Now this unexpected development left him reeling.

Declan's attention snapped to Camille when Gabriel questioned her.

He didn't know Felix Rhodes - the name meant nothing to him.

Yet the subtle tension in Camille's expression told him everything. Gabriel's reaction only confirmed his suspicions.

Could there really be something between Camille and this Felix?

Damien knew Felix well.

His initial glance toward Camille had been casual, meant to last only a moment before looking away.

But the unfamiliar expression on her face made him pause. His gaze lingered thoughtfully as she exited the room.

Once outside, Camille answered the call.

Before she could speak, Felix's warm voice came through. "I thought you might not pick up."

Beautiful women received confessions often, and Camille was no exception. She'd been fielding admirers since her teens.

But after marriage and motherhood, her social circles had changed.

She'd never hidden her marital status at work either, making such declarations rare in recent years.

Felix existed in that ambiguous space between acquaintance and friend.

With her divorce from Damien still pending, his previous confession had unsettled her. This renewed contact only deepened her discomfort.

Just as she opened her mouth to respond, Felix continued. "After we last spoke, I did considerable soul-searching. At first, I thought my words might have been impulsive."

"But upon reflection, I realized they weren't impulsive at all. Somewhere along the way, without realizing it, I'd developed genuine feelings for you."

"What I said that night was simply the truth surfacing. So yes, Camille, my feelings are real."

She'd anticipated the call's purpose, but not this level of earnestness.

Felix spoke with measured calm, each word carefully considered and delivered with sincerity.

Before she could respond, he added, "Last time you said you'd 'been married' - not 'am married.' Does that mean your marriage has ended? May I know your current status?"

His tone held no pressure. The question itself was gentle.

Camille had always respected Felix. He was considerate, polite, and valued honesty.

Faced with such sincerity, she couldn't bring herself to be harsh. "I filed divorce papers today, but it's not finalized yet."

"The mandatory waiting period?"

"Yes."

Felix chuckled softly. "My timing seems impeccable."

"It's not..." Camille grew increasingly uncomfortable. "I appreciate your feelings, but I—"

"I know." His interruption was as gentle as his confession. "I know what you'll say - you're not ready for a new relationship. Perhaps you've never considered me in that light. In other words, you don't share my feelings."

Camille fell silent. He'd anticipated her response perfectly.

His voice came again, warm and steady. "I understand completely. But I don't mind waiting."

She gathered herself to mention Chloe when Felix spoke first.

"You said 'been married.' I assumed you might have a child. I've considered that too. My answer remains unchanged."

"So I hope you'll allow me to properly court you. And when you're ready to consider new relationships, I hope you'll think of me first."

Camille had received countless confessions before. None like this.

Before she could respond, Felix continued warmly, "Where are you now? Have you eaten? I just returned to town. Let me take you to lunch."