Chapter 82: Pang of Jealousy
"Ric, I... I..." Cammy stammered, her lips moving soundlessly as her thoughts scrambled for the right words. Her chest tightened, and no matter how hard she tried, the explanation wouldn’t come.
How could she explain this to Ric? He had been nothing but kind to her and Dylan, a steady pillar of support when she needed it most. The thought of hurting him twisted her heart into knots.
Before she could attempt to speak again, Ric closed the gap between them in a few measured steps. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms. The embrace was firm yet gentle, enveloping her in warmth. It wasn’t suffocating, but protective, as if he were shielding her from a force she couldn’t see.
"Ric..." Cammy whispered, her voice trembling as her cheek rested against his shoulder. She could feel the weight of his emotions in the way he held her. It was overwhelming, and her own emotions began to spill over. "I’m sorry... I’m so sorry..." she murmured, her voice breaking.
Ric slowly loosened his embrace and stepped back, his eyes searching hers with a mix of sadness and understanding. "Why are you apologizing, Cammy?" he asked, his voice low and strained. "It’s not your fault... not your fault for falling in love with–"
Before he could finish, Cammy raised her hand and gently placed it over his mouth. "Don’t," she said softly, shaking her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Don’t say it, Ric... please."
"Don’t... Please don’t say that," Cammy pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Greg has been good to me, just like you have, but in a different way. I might be wrong, but I don’t think I’m in love with him. My mind is overwhelmed right now, and love is the last thing I can focus on."
She hesitated, then continued, her voice was steady but full of emotion. "This isn’t the right time for me to jump into another relationship. But yes, I did choose Greg—on paper, at least. I’ve accepted his help, and in return, I’ll help him. We’ll pretend to be together, especially in front of Duncan and Annie. That’s all there is to it."
Cammy met Ric’s gaze with an expression both firm and sorrowful. "I’m telling you this not because I want you to wait for me, Ric, because I don’t. Don’t wait for me. My life is in chaos right now, and I can’t let you get tangled up in it. Please, continue living your life, and let me deal with mine."