Chapter 440

Camille held Chloe's small hand while reaching for Damien with the other. "Let's have lunch together!" She hesitated, almost pulling away, until Chloe whispered, "I can't remember the last time we all ate together as a family."

Seeing Chloe's radiant smile as she swung between them, noticing other children with both parents at the school gates, Camille's resolve wavered.

She'd chosen to keep the baby despite the unexpected pregnancy. For years, Damien had been absent from Chloe's life until recently reconnecting. But this new involvement had ironically created more distance between mother and daughter. Chloe had never known what a complete family felt like.

The realization struck Camille like a physical blow. She'd given Chloe life, raised her alone - yet deprived her of a normal childhood. Whatever future she and Damien might have, they would always remain Chloe's parents. Even after the divorce, they'd need to co-parent responsibly.

"Mommy?" Chloe tugged her hand, eyes wide with hope.

Camille glanced at Damien, finding him already watching her with that uncanny ability to anticipate her thoughts. "Where should we eat?" he asked casually.

"You choose," she replied, turning away to hide her conflicted emotions.

They took separate cars to The Meridian. In the private dining room, Chloe beamed from her seat between them.

Damien passed the menu to Camille first. "Still coming to Harrington Group this afternoon?"

"I have prior engagements." Her tone was clipped as she accepted the teacup he poured.

"Chloe's birthday is next month," Camille changed the subject. "How are you planning to celebrate?" She hadn't attended the last two birthdays. Last year's attempt to visit Lucerne had ended disastrously when Damien ignored her messages and Chloe seemed content without her.

"You make the arrangements," she said lightly, already knowing custody would go to Damien post-divorce. She might not even attend.

"Mommy, please come?" Chloe's hopeful voice cracked her resolve.

"We'll see," Camille deflected, unable to promise.

Damien fielded multiple business calls throughout lunch. The strained silence between courses was punctuated only by Chloe's cheerful chatter.

As Camille prepared to leave, Chloe clung to her sleeve. "Just a little longer? Please?" The desperation in those big eyes shattered her defenses.

Damien, having finished his calls, suggested the arcade across the street. Camille focused entirely on teaching Chloe the games, pointedly ignoring the man hovering behind them.

"Daddy, play with us!" Chloe eventually called out.

Damien's gaze flickered to Camille's rigid posture. "I'm happy watching my two favorite girls," he said softly, that familiar half-smile playing on his lips.

Chloe shrugged and returned to the game, while Camille steadfastly ignored the warmth spreading through her chest at his words.