“Don’t ever hesitate to ask me for help.”
For the first time that day, Sophia’s eyes softened.
She had never seen Camila’s emotions so clearly before. The usual composure was still there, but beneath it, there was also warmth, pain, and quiet protection.
Her chest tightened.
Her eyes began to sting, tears slowly gathering despite her effort to stay composed. She quickly turned her head away, blinking fast, trying to force them back.
She didn’t want to cry.
But the emotion overwhelmed her.
Before she could stop herself, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Camila.
Camila was slightly surprised, then softened. She gently patted Sophia’s back, her palm moving in slow, comforting strokes.
For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.
Then they finally pulled apart.
Sophia stepped back, wiping the corner of her eyes discreetly. She forced a small smile.
“Mrs. Graves… I’ll leave now,” she said softly.
Camila nodded.
“Alright.”
Sophia turned and walked away. Camila’s gaze followed her figure until she completely disappeared from sight.
Thomas, who had been standing quietly in the corner the entire time, stepped forward.
“Mrs. Graves,” he said cautiously, frowning. “Why didn’t you try to stop her?”
Confusion and concern were evident on his face.
“You could have forced Miss King to stay. With your influence, it wouldn’t have been difficult.”
Camila let out a slow breath. When she spoke, her voice was cold and firm.
“Magnus has been too relaxed,” she said sharply. “He doesn’t treat Sophia like she is his wife. If he truly wants her, he will fight for her.”
She paused, her voice turning even stricter.
“And if he doesn’t… then he doesn’t deserve her.”
***
The indoor swimming pool echoed with loud splashes under the bright white lights.
Harold and Gregory floated leisurely at one side, watching Magnus.
He had been swimming aggressively back and forth for over an hour without stopping. Water cut sharply around him as he powered through each lap, his strokes harsh, almost violent.
Harold winced.
Magnus cut through the water again at full speed, muscles tight, movements sharp and angry.
