Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
Suddenly, Callum’s once-bright grin gradually became more subdued. “You know I never have any feelings for that child.” Then, he gazed thoughtfully into hers as if trying to explain something.
“I know. You don’t need to explain all this to me.” She was not angry or upset because she had long accepted Cameron and would not mind taking that child in if given the chance. Since she was now pregnant herself, her empathy for that child grew.
“No, I have to. This matter has always been a burden in my heart,” he admitted with a guilty expression. “I don’t know how Joella got pregnant with that child, and I don’t know how to make you understand and accept this because it’s partly my fault too.”
While listening to him, she took a deep breath and hugged him. “I’ve already let go of it for quite some time. I hope you can put it out of your mind as well.”
Pregnant? He clearly didn’t understand what was being said as he muttered under his breath. However, his voice grew somber as he said, “Don’t force yourself to accept this-“
“I’m not forcing myself to accept it; I’ve genuinely made peace with it. Trust me. Why don’t we go and see Cameron? Edmund said he’s taking him abroad soon, so let’s visit him before he leaves.”
Callum’s eyes flickered at Elspeth’s words. “Is this truly what you want? Are you certain you want to see that child?”
“Of course, and I know you’ve secretly gone to see him during this time. You even sent money to Edmund.”
“How do you know about that?”
Elspeth chuckled and replied, “You were cautious but did not completely cover your tracks. How could I not know?”
After hearing this, Callum explained, “It wasn’t my intention to keep it a secret; I just didn’t want to be a burden on you. Moreover, I’m not that concerned about him. I just thought…” He stopped mid-sentence when he realized he couldn’t remain objective toward Cameron. After all, the child’s veins carried his blood, and even if he didn’t feel affectionate toward the child, he still had sympathy for the kid.
“I understand your actions, and I don’t blame you. If I were in your shoes, I would have done the same, if not more. After all, you’re his father, and all these things are expected of you.” As she said this, she glanced at his mounting guilt and grabbed his hand. “All right, stop blaming yourself. I don’t mean to blame you. Go and freshen up; let’s go to Edmund’s house now.”
About 40 minutes later, Elspeth and Callum arrived at Edmund’s house right on time.
On the other hand, Cameron was happily sifting through the dirt in the villa’s private garden with a small shovel. When she pushed the door open, and the boy saw her, his smile faded before it was quickly replaced by a wary expression. Since they had only met a handful of times and she stood in the distance, he mistook her for a stranger when he saw her enter the home.
“Cam, where’s your daddy?” Elspeth asked the question awkwardly because, in her mind, Edmund wasn’t yet his father.
“Daddy went to work. Oh, it’s you.”
As she approached step by step, Cameron finally let go of his guard. “You must be… Elsie, right?”
Elspeth could not contain her laughter upon hearing how Cameron addressed her. She was amused that he called her “Elsie” like she was young enough to be his sister or a peer but called Edmund “Daddy.” He has a way with words!
However, the boy was perplexed because, in his mind, she appeared so young and beautiful that she must be an older sister, so he didn’t see any problem with him addressing her in this manner.
Meanwhile, Callum, who had been standing behind his wife, was entirely disregarded by Cameron, who seemed not to notice him. Instead, the boy sprinted over and grabbed Elspeth’s hand, a faint grin spreading across his face. “Elsie, I know you have a great relationship with Daddy. Come with me, and I’ll make you some tea.”
She was taken aback by his unexpected sweetness and charm, and a wave of maternal affection washed over her, and she couldn’t help but reach out to tousle his hair. “Sure.”
Clearly, I am related to him by blood? How dare he ignore me when he sees a pretty lady? Callum’s face darkened at this thought as he followed them inside.
Once inside, Cameron showed off his maturity by pouring tea for her.
Then, Callum asked, pointing to the empty cup before him, “Why didn’t you pour anything for me?”
After hearing this, Cameron glanced at him leisurely and retorted, “Mr. Winthrop, if you want tea, pour it yourself.”
Nevertheless, Elspeth was perplexed by the contrast in demeanor and blatant hostility, so she inquired,
“Cam, what’s wrong? Don’t you like Uncle Callum?”
As soon as Cameron heard this, he turned into a docile and endearing little boy. “No. How could I possibly have any ill feelings toward Uncle Callum? Since I poured only one cup of tea, it’s only for you. I’m sure he won’t mind.”
This brat must be doing it on purpose! Callum took a deep breath and paused to give the situation careful thought. This is my son, and I should not descend to his level of immaturity. After having this thought, he was able to calm down.
However, she was curious about the boy’s inexplicable fondness for her and asked, “Cam, how do you know me?” If I am not mistaken, I have never met this boy before, much less developed a close friendship with him.
“Do you need a reason to like someone?” Cameron playfully approached Elspeth, rubbing his head against her hand. His fluffy hair made her feel even more affection for him.
“You’re so adorable. If only you were my son.” She unintentionally uttered those words.
When he heard this, his eyes instantly lit up. “Elsie, are you serious? Do you truly want to be my mommy?”
Nonetheless, she dismissed it as a child’s wish and nodded firmly as a sign of affection. “Yes, I think you’re well-behaved and likable. If possible, I want to be your mommy.”
A glimmer of light flashed in the boy’s eyes, and he said, “Actually, it’s not impossible.”
After hearing this, Callum, who had been reserved and quiet until now, suddenly had a bad premonition. I have a feeling this little rascal has a wicked plan, especially given his previous behavior toward me, and I am sure this brat would say something shocking.
“Oh?”
Elspeth assumed Cameron wanted her to be his godmother and was about to propose it when he said something that rendered her speechless.
“How about this, Elsie? You divorce Uncle Callum and marry Daddy, then you can be my mommy.” The boy thought his suggestion was incredibly brilliant, as he was still young and always believed his ideas were profound and ingenious.
Indeed, just as I expected. Callum’s face darkened, and before she could speak, he flatly refused, “That’s impossible. Just give up on that idea.”
Cameron had thought it could be a negotiable matter, but after hearing Callum’s angry rejection and fierce tone, he almost couldn’t hold back his tears. “Look at him. I just made a suggestion. I didn’t do anything, yet he spoke to me like that.”
After hearing this, Elspeth’s head throbbed, and she consoled the boy, “Cam, don’t be upset. He just has a bit of a temper.”
Then, Callum turned his head and glared at her. “I know. I won’t stoop to his level.”
Afterward, Cameron snorted at him and turned his head, burying himself in her embrace.
On the other hand, she found it humorous to observe these two throwing tantrums at one another. Even their temperaments are somewhat comparable, proving they are father and son. Will Cameron regret his actions if he discovers he is Callum’s child and is helping someone steal his father’s wife? The more I try to picture this happening, the funnier it becomes. However, based on the current situation, the boy has a deep-seated hostility toward Callum.
“You’re so adorable. If only you were my son.” She unintentionally uttered those words.
“You brat. If you say anything like that again, I’ll have your father kick you out,” Callum threatened Cameron after seeing that he had not learned his lesson and was still clinging to Elspeth and misbehaving.
Perhaps the boy was too young to handle such taunting, as his nose twitched and he burst into loud sobs upon hearing this. “You’re a bad person! I hate you!”
Then, she quickly tried to console the distressed little boy in her arms. “Cam, don’t be sad. Don’t cry. He won’t kick you out.”
Cameron finally calmed down, sniffled, and nestled into her embrace when he heard this. Oh, it smells so good!
Meanwhile, Callum couldn’t help but feel that this boy was taking advantage of the situation. Although he knew Cameron was only a few years old and probably didn’t have such malicious thoughts, seeing the boy act like this made him uncomfortable. He wanted to yank this brat from his wife’s embrace.
While Callum was brainstorming on one side, Cameron, having collected himself, smiled and took
Elspeth’s hand, wanting to take her upstairs. “Elsie, there’s a fun place upstairs. Let me show you.”
Since she didn’t want him to have another emotional breakdown, she accompanied him upstairs. “Where are you taking me?”
He giggled and replied in a low voice, “We’re going to Daddy’s study.”
Edmund’s study? After hearing this, she felt it might be impolite to casually enter and leave someone else’s study, so she stopped at the study door and said, “That’s not appropriate. After all, it’s your father’s room, and we can’t just enter someone’s room without permission.”
Cameron was a little helpless and replied, “It’s fine. Whenever I enter and leave the room, he never scolds me.”
“But you’re his son, and I’m different.”
Nevertheless, the boy firmly rejected that and said, “No, in Daddy’s heart, you’re also an important person.”
Elspeth was taken aback. “Did he say that to you?” What exactly is Edmund up to?
“No. I found your photo in Daddy’s room, so I guessed he must have liked you.” Then, Cameron looked directly at Elspeth before continuing, “Elsie, he genuinely likes you. Are you sure you don’t want to be my mommy?”
Nevertheless, she was at a loss for words as she stared into his solemn eyes. Then, she said, “Well, Cam-“
“Not only does Daddy like you, but so do I. I don’t want any other woman to be my mommy. I only want you. I think you’re a nice person.”
Elspeth chuckled awkwardly upon hearing this. “Cam, I don’t think you can decide on your own. You should ask what your Daddy thinks. I’m also married. I can’t be your mommy.”
However, Cameron frowned at that and asked, “Why not? You may be married, but you can get a divorce.”
A divorce… Do children nowadays believe divorce is as simple as ABC? She nearly choked when she heard that. “Enough, Cam. Don’t talk about this anymore. I love Uncle Callum, and I will not divorce him.”