Chapter 96

Camille finished packing her suitcase after breakfast, carefully selecting outfits and essentials for the hot springs getaway. She only packed for herself—not for Damien.

Their marriage was nothing more than a facade now. Damien wasn’t truly her husband anymore. He belonged to Selene Lancaster, and she doubted he’d appreciate her touching his things.

Not that Camille wanted to, either.

Meanwhile, Marianne helped Chloe with her packing. In the past, Camille would’ve double-checked everything, worried Chloe might forget something important. But now? She didn’t spare it a second thought.

Once her own suitcase was zipped shut, Camille carried it downstairs without hesitation.

Damien and Chloe joined her shortly after.

When they arrived at the retreat, Damien disappeared to make a phone call. Helena found Camille unpacking in her room and handed her a small box.

"I got this for you," Helena said with a knowing smile. "Wear it in the springs."

Camille hesitated, recognizing the glint in Helena’s eyes. "I brought my own swimwear—"

"It’s nothing scandalous," Helena assured her. "Open it."

Inside was a bikini—similar to what Camille usually wore, but when she unfolded the bottoms, her cheeks warmed. The fabric was soft, the cut just a little more daring than she was used to. And the color—deep crimson—made her fair skin glow.

Helena chuckled. "You’ll thank me later."

Camille sighed. "Fine."

Just then, Damien walked in. His gaze flickered to the box before she snapped it shut. He pretended not to notice, turning away casually.

"What brings you here, Grandmother?" he asked.

"To make sure you two actually enjoy the springs!" Helena nudged him toward the bathroom. "Go change."

Damien didn’t argue. Moments later, he emerged in a robe, his expression unreadable.

Camille slipped into the bathroom next. When she came out, Damien was already gone.

She was about to head to the springs alone when Helena appeared. "Damien’s in the private one to the left," she said, grinning. "Hurry up."

The private spring was small—intimate. Barely enough space for two people without their limbs brushing.

Helena’s plan was obvious.

Camille hesitated but finally stepped inside.

Damien was already in the water, his robe discarded. His eyes locked onto her as she approached.

The bikini Helena had chosen was more revealing than Camille had realized. The red fabric clung to her curves, the soft material leaving little to the imagination.

She swallowed hard, suddenly hyperaware of his gaze.