Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
Nevertheless, the disappointment on Cameron’s face was hard to hide as he asked again, “Are you sure you can’t get a divorce and become my mommy?”
“No.”
In any case, this was merely the perspective of a child. When he saw that Elspeth disagreed with his suggestion, he had no choice but to push the idea to the back of his mind. Then, he insisted, “Okay, but you must still accompany me to Daddy’s study. I want to give you a tour.”
Ultimately, she couldn’t refuse him, so she had no choice but to comply.
Edmund’s study room was not particularly large, but it was well-organized. The entire room’s decor felt deathly cold, just like him.
Then, Elspeth walked over to the desk, and as expected, there was a photo of her there. However, it was a photograph of her taken from behind, and the only part of her face that could be seen was the side of her head as she turned to look at the camera. Cameron has sharp eyes, as he immediately recognizes me in the photo, whereas I may not have done so.
After that, she picked up the photo and looked at it intently. Due to her interest in the picture, the boy hurried over to talk to her about it. “This is the photo, Elsie. Look… Is the person in this photo you?”
She nodded and replied, “It’s me.”
“Sometimes, I wonder if I am actually Daddy’s son.”
Cameron’s confession shocked Elspeth as she quickly said, “Cam, you are his son. Of course, you are. Why would you think that?”
“I always feel like he’s not the kind of man who would have a relationship and a child with just anyone.”
She was about to nod when she suddenly recalled witnessing Edmund getting intimate with another woman while at home a long time ago. That memory instantly dispelled her initial thought. Edmund is not as pure as the boy believed… However, she could not say anything like that to a child, so she nodded agreeably. Instead, she stated, “Your father is a good man.”
“Since you won’t be my mommy, let’s forget about this.”
Then, as though Cameron was struck by a sudden thought, he asked happily, “How about I give you a present?”
Before Elspeth could respond, he ran out of the room. She had planned to call him back, but he ran so fast that he soon disappeared from her view. Thus, her only option was to wander around the room and find something to occupy her while waiting.
Suddenly, she spotted a familiar photograph in the corner of the room; it was of Callum. There was no doubt in her mind that Edmund cared for his brother. She knew Edmund was reluctant to open up about his feelings, acting as if nothing mattered to him and even picking fights with Callum. Moreover, she could tell Edmund was just a kid who wanted his brother’s attention.
While contemplating this, Elspeth’s lips gradually spread into a smile.
At this moment, Cameron ran in with a toy and handed it to her. It was a plush bear that looked quite cute. “I found this in Daddy’s room. It’s hard to believe someone like him would like a toy like this.”
Yes, indeed. I couldn’t have imagined it either. While holding it, the plush bear began singing as if she had pressed a button. This voice sounds familiar… Isn’t this my voice?
Meanwhile, there was an enthralled look on the boy’s face as he listened to the familiar tune. Then, he said, “I knew the singer was you from the moment I heard that song, Elsie. You see? He truly loves you. When I arrived at this home, that bear was kept in his room, and he would sleep with it.”
Her blood instantly froze, and she was speechless for a brief moment. Then, she uttered, “Cam-“
Elspeth was about to say something when a loud roar echoed behind her.
“Cameron!”
When he heard this, Cameron immediately recoiled with a terrified expression. “Daddy, I-“
She turned toward the voice, and, as she had suspected, Edmund stood there with a furious expression.
He was standing at the study room’s doorway at the time, and when he saw Elspeth holding the plush bear, he was at a loss for words. Thus, he turned and let his anger loose on Cameron. “Who permitted you to take what is mine and give it to other people?” he shrieked.
On the other hand, the boy had never witnessed Edmund so enraged, so Edmund’s roars terrified him. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I had no idea you were so concerned about it.”
Edmund nearly burst out laughing in anger. “Also, what did you just say to Miss Elspeth? You told her to get divorced and marry me, right?”
Then, Cameron ducked his head and looked at the floor, unable to look his father in the eyes, and said softly, “I was only joking. I know that’s impossible.”
“Go to your room now and think about what you have done!”
With a quick nod, Cameron dashed out of the room in a way that made it seem like he was running away.
When the boy left the room, Edmund approached Elspeth with an apologetic look. He felt awkward and befuddled when he noticed she was still holding the plush bear. After that, he said, “I’m sorry. Cameron is a playful boy. I hope you’ll forgive his nonsensical words. He’s an immature young boy, so I hope you won’t hold this against him.”
His floundering made her laugh helplessly before she handed the bear to him. “I know. I never took those words to heart anyway,” she said.
While he heaved a sigh of relief, his eyes still shone with a glimmer of disappointment. “Good. It’s great that you can forgive him.”
However, Elspeth inquired, pointing to the bear in his hands, “About this-“
After hearing this, Edmund tightened his grip around the bear and stated, “Don’t worry. I’ll destroy it.”
After hearing what Edmund had said, Elspeth blinked her eyes and said nothing. As the air grew awkward and tense, she decided to change the topic. “Why don’t we head downstairs?”
Edmund nodded in response. “Okay. Let’s go.”
Meanwhile, Callum’s face turned ugly when he noticed the two descended the stairs.
“Have you been waiting for long, Cal?” she asked.
After hearing this, he took a deep breath, and a dark cloud formed in his eyes. “Not really. Since you are pregnant, I was only concerned that you might be exhausted or unwell.”
He seems to have brought up the subject of my pregnancy on purpose. Naturally, Elspeth could see what the man was up to, but his jealousy reminded her that she could only go along with his act. “I’m fine. I only went upstairs for a little stroll. That won’t tire me.”
When Edmund heard about this, he looked shocked and exclaimed, “Pregnant?”
“Yes, but I’m not that far along. It’s only two months.” While saying this, she stroked her belly subconsciously as a maternal glow shone on her face.
“That’s great news.”
“Yes, it is. What about you? When are you going to get married?” Callum had prodded at the subject on purpose to observe Edmund’s reaction.
Nonetheless, Edmund shrugged and replied, “I don’t plan on marrying anytime soon. Since I have Cam to look after, I can’t just marry anyone. If the person I marry is ultimately not a good fit for him, it will be bad for him.”
“It looks like you truly love him. You treat him like your own son now,” Elspeth chimed in.
After hearing this, he raised an eyebrow and blurted, “What do you mean by that? He is my own son.”
Meanwhile, Callum was similarly ecstatic when he heard that. “Edmund… Thank you so much for shouldering the burden for me.”
Then, Edmund huffed, “I’ve already raised a son for you. Does that mean you must give me some of your company shares?”
Callum’s grin instantly disappeared, and he refused, “No way.”
However, Edmund clicked his tongue and stated, “You are so ungrateful. Look at what I’ve done for you, and yet you can’t afford to give me a tiny bit of your shares. What a stingy man.”
Suddenly, the sound of glass breaking echoed down from upstairs.
The three adults simultaneously turned around to find the boy standing at the top of the stairs with a dazed look in his eyes that seemed to radiate an air of disbelief.
Earlier, Cameron had dragged himself out of his room to apologize to Edmund. After all, he knew it was wrong for him to give away one of his father’s personal belongings without first asking permission, and he also revealed his secret. In addition, the boy realized that his behavior had crossed the line. However, he had not expected to leave his room and overhear such a huge secret.
I am not Daddy’s son, but Uncle Callum’s. So, I am Uncle Callum’s biological son. No wonder I do not feel any sort of father-son bond with Daddy. Also, it’s no surprise that Elsie would have a strange expression whenever she looked at me. This explains why Uncle Callum would sneak over so often. Although he was still a young boy, he had a sharp mind regarding these matters. Is it because my mommy loved someone else and Uncle Callum did not want me? Is it because I am a nobody who is disliked by everyone? Despite his realizations, all he could do was stand there, befuddled and lost.
Then, Elspeth broke the silence. “It’s not what you think, Cam. Your father was just joking-“
The fear of being exposed as a liar spread quickly across Edmund’s face as he uttered, “That’s right, Cam. I was only joking with my brother.”
In the meantime, Cameron’s eyes were unusually calm, as if he were a mini version of an adult rather than a child. There was a trace of fear in his innocent, young voice when he said, “I’m sorry for breaking the glass.” Then, he continued, “What do you mean? A joke? I don’t get it.” While saying this, he tilted his head to the side curiously.
It seems like the boy heard nothing. The three adults in the room all heaved sighs of relief.
After hearing this, Elspeth took a deep breath and reassured him, “It’s fine, Cam. It’s only a glass cup. No one will blame you for it. Be careful not to touch the glass. I’ll clean it up later.”
Cameron grinned and dashed into her embrace before snuggling into her. “Thank you, Elsie. You’re the best. I thought you would scold me for it.”
She tenderly stroked his hair and asked, “Why would we? You only broke a glass.”
The boy’s voice was soft as he replied, “Back at home, Mommy would punish me with the paddle whenever I break anything.” His memories of the past came flooding back and recalling the agonizing pain caused by the paddle made him shiver in fear.
On the other hand, Elspeth felt distressed when she heard that. “It’s okay, Cam. No one will punish you for that here.”