Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 318

Upon hearing my question, Camilla chuckled bitterly, "It's been a few years now."

She prepared some tea and told me to take a seat.

Seeing what was on the coffee table, she quickly said, "Aaliyah, look at you, I'm already so grateful that you visit, and you even brought all these gifts."

"I just got some stuff for Fidelia on the way! Don't mind it!" I said, then called out to Fidelia, "Fidelia, come see, there might be something you like."

She nodded obediently, her smile radiant, "I like everything!"

I laughed, "Well then, don't hold back!"

She looked over at her mother, Camilla, who also laughed, "Aren't you going to thank your aunt?"

Fidelia politely thanked me, her eyes full of gratitude.

Camilla told Fidelia, "Go wash some fruits for your aunt."

I quickly pointed to the tea and said, "Fidelia, get the fruits for yourself. We will have some tea!"

Hannah flashed a smile at her, "May I see your room?"

Fidelia immediately turned to her mother. Camilla laughed, "Go ahead!"

Once they'd left for the room, I looked around, "This is a nice house. When did you move? I had no idea!"

"Well, it was probably when you were sick. It's been a few years!" Camilla agreed, also glancing around, "We used to live in the house you helped us buy, we should have thanked you a lot sooner." "Please, no need for formalities," I brushed it off, "That's just how the Dawsons are. You and Jerome, are you..."

"We're not divorced!" Camilla interrupted, as if she knew what I was going to ask, "But he's rarely home."

"He doesn't take care of you and Fidelia?" I probed.

"Rarely."

I wasn't sure what she meant by 'rarely'.

"Ever since we moved here, he's barely been home. Even when he does come back, he doesn't stay the night. Just leaves some money and goes." Camilla's voice was barely a whisper, her hands interlaced and fidgeting, a clear sign of her inner turmoil.

"Isn't he busy with Jaylan at the company? Maybe Jaylan isn't paying him enough. I'll ask him," I feigned ignorance, "If he's not coming home, where does he go?"

"Oh..." Camilla chuckled bitterly again, "I wouldn't dare to ask. He can do whatever he wants."

Camilla's words echoed hopelessness and despair.

"You're just too naive. You gave up everything for him..." I stopped mid-sentence, as if I'd said something wrong.

She smiled at me dismissively, "It doesn't matter anymore, it's been so long that I've almost forgotten I have a husband."

I patted her arm, unable to find any words to say.

"If anyone is to blame for all this, it's not Jerome. It's my mother who was too much." Camilla began, which surprised me.

"Why would you say that?" I asked, confused.

"My mother was very greedy. After she found out about me and Jerome, she wanted to extort him, to use the money for my brother's wedding. At that time, my brother and sister-in-law were also on the verge of breaking up. My mother had no other option, so she pinned all her hopes on Jerome. But you know Jerome, he would never bow his head to anyone."

Camilla wore a bitter smile, still bitter.

"I have to ask... back then, did you... did you marry Jerome because you were pregnant?" I asked gently, afraid to hurt Camilla's feelings.

"Otherwise?" She hung her head, looking like a victim, "Back then, it was a big deal for my family. And I was the only one who knew I was pregnant. I had already had an abortion once and no one knew. I didn' dare to do it again. Jerome is stubborn and no one can control him. If I didn't follow him, where would I go?"

She was telling the truth, but I was also impressed by Camilla's courage. To have an abortion in secret, that took guts.

I was certain, she loved Jerome more. After all, no one could deny Jerome's good looks. But the Camilla in front of me, she was just average.

"So I chose to upset my family rather than lose this man. Otherwise, I might not have had any way out. That's why I have to thank you! If it wasn't for you, providing us a home, I can't imagine what would have happened..."

"Do you know what he's doing out there?" I asked bluntly.