Chapter 289: Homecoming
Because of the sacrifice Ric had made for Cammy, for Dylan, and for the child growing in her womb, Greg chose to set aside the bitterness of the past.
In quiet acknowledgment of Ric’s redemption, he allowed him to visit Cammy regularly during her hospital stay and even gave him free rein to prepare her meals, ensuring she was nourished, not just with food, but with intention.
Ric had been relentless in his support, cooking gourmet, nutrient-rich meals with the same devotion he once gave their broken love. And on the day of her discharge, he was there once more—like he’d always been lately, waiting in the background.
As Cammy sat near the hospital entrance in her wheelchair, the early morning sun casting warm gold over her face, Ric knelt beside her with a bittersweet smile.
"Cammy..." he began, voice low and uneven, "now that you’re going home, I’ll be stepping back too. I know I’ve been around a lot, but... I needed to be. I needed to do something. I let you down. I stood by when I should’ve stopped you. And because of that, because of me, you went to prison... and you almost lost your baby."
He looked away, his jaw tightening as if holding back emotion. "But now... now that you’re safe, healthy, I think, my part in this is done."
Greg, who had been standing behind them, crossed his arms and said in a mock-stern tone, "If you keep bringing Michelin-star meals, I’ll allow the occasional visit. But don’t test my limits, Ric."
Ric chuckled, eyes glistening. "Thanks, Greg. I appreciate that. But it’s more than the food. I need to move forward now. For real this time. The guilt’s not eating me alive anymore. Maybe I can finally... breathe."
Cammy reached out, touching Ric’s arm. "You’ve done more than enough. Thank you, Ric. For everything. You know where we are if you ever need us."
They were interrupted by the sound of screeching tires. A sleek black car halted at the curb in front of the hospital.
Cammy’s eyes widened as recognition hit her like a punch to the chest.