Chapter 258: Under the Palm Tree
The days slipped by in a blur of preparations and emotions, and before Cammy could even catch her breath, the morning sun rose on her wedding day.
A soft, golden light spilled through the windows where Cammy sat in front of the vanity, her eyes locked on her reflection as the hairdresser worked her curls into a loose, elegant updo.
Down the hill in Felicity’s sprawling villa, Ric’s uncle and cousin had arrived the night before—stoic, formal, and perfectly in sync with Ric’s world.
Monica had arrived just hours later, tension clinging to her shoulders like a heavy cloak.
"Are you absolutely sure you didn’t say anything to Dad? Not even a hint?" Cammy asked, breaking the silence, her voice painted with a thread of anxious urgency.
Monica, seated on the small sofa by the window, crossed her arms and gave her daughter a hard look. "Cammy, I said I wouldn’t. I’m not about to send your father into another cardiac episode just because he finds out he’s not your real father. We agreed, remember? You’ll tell him when you’re ready. Besides... he’s miles away. He won’t know anything."
Cammy let out a long sigh, her gaze returning to the mirror. Her reflection stared back—strong, but not unshaken. "It’s just... I hate keeping it from him. I know it will break his heart. But I also know it will destroy him to find out like this."
There was a beat of silence.
"Have you spoken to Richard?" she asked finally, her voice softening. "Ellie said he got here early this morning."
Monica stiffened. "No. And I don’t plan to."
Cammy turned her head slightly, frowning. "Mom..."