Chapter 119: Chapter 119

After shutting down the computer, Camille cast a glance at the closed door of Christian’s office and felt a grimace contort her features.

He had gone home earlier before her, but that was only because he needed to get ready to entertain guests at his father’s mansion tonight. Maybe his relatives were coming to pay a visit, or maybe they were very important clients. Camille didn’t really care.

At least she didn’t need to face him again later on. The thought of that kiss that he had forced upon her made her feel like gooseflesh were crawling up her skin. Not a pleasant sensation at all.

Camille shook her head vehemently, as if that would help force the memory away.

She refused to think about that dreadful incident anymore. If she continued to dwell on it, she would only end up tearing her hair out from anger and frustration.

She had more important things to do than let herself sink into rage over Christian’s thoughtless actions.

So, she packed her things and headed home. Since she worked late most of the time, there were hardly any employees at the company, which meant that she could leave in peace without having to worry about hearing whispers and sensing curious, probing stares on her.

She left through the doors, nodding once at the security guard before heading her way towards the direction of the bus stop.

As she walked, she felt the cool evening breeze brush against the skin of her face, making her feel a bit better. Her migraine seemed to have subsided as well.

‘Maybe I should slow down a bit and get some more fresh air,’ she thought. ‘It would be nice to walk by myself for a while.’

With that, she decided to take the longer route to the bus stop, distracting herself with thoughts of her family and also memories of the past with Michael.

Camille could feel a faint smile tugging at her lips. Thinking about Michael always made her feel relaxed. At least she could always trust him not to make her feel uncomfortable. Unlike some people…

She lifted her head and looked ahead, noticing that she was already approaching the bus stop.

Oh well. It seemed that her brief period of relaxation was already over.

But just as she took a few more steps forward, she suddenly felt her phone ring in her pocket.

Puzzled, Camille took out the device and looked at the caller ID.

When she saw who it was, her eyes lit up, and she answered the call immediately.

“Brüderchen!” she greeted happily. “What is it? How’s Papa?”

“We’re getting him ready for travel,” Benjamin replied from the other end of the line. He sounded much more cheerful than the last time they spoke, which made her glad. “Paul is currently gathering information about the doctor’s clinic. He’s also preparing the necessary documents for international travel and looking for available accommodations near the treatment facility.”

“Let me take care of those instead,” Camille instantly offered. “I’ve finished my work and I’m on my way home. Just take care of Papa and his travel papers. I’ll put everything together as soon as possible and send it to Paul’s email.”

“Are you sure, sis? We wouldn’t want to disturb your work. You’re busy enough as it is.”

“I’m sure. I’d rather do something useful than sit around and wait. You know me.”

“All right, then. Thank you, sis.”

“There’s no need to thank me. We’re family.” Camille paused for a moment. “What else do you need? Just tell me.”

“Hang on. I’ll check the list.” There was a sound of shuffling on Ben’s end. “Okay… so, Papa only needs to undergo a medical examination to make sure that he’s fit to travel. That’s all.”

“I see. When will he be on the plane?”

“It’ll take about a week after all the arrangements are made.”

“A week?” Camille couldn’t help the worry that leaked into her voice. “Won’t that be too long? Shouldn’t Papa be treated properly as soon as possible?”

“Don’t worry about that, sis. Dr. Colmen contacted us himself and gave us instructions for everything. We’ve got things under control so far. We’ll make sure to contact you if we ever need more than we can handle.”

“Okay, got it. I’m just a phone call away, don’t forget.”

“I know, sis.” Ben became quiet for a while. There seemed to be a contemplative silence in the air. “But… are you okay?”

Camille was now sitting on the empty bench at the bus stop, adjusting her bag on her lap. “I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

“Well…” He seemed hesitant. “You don’t sound okay.”

“Really? I’m just… tired from work. That’s all,” she lied. She was trying to keep her voice calm and steady the whole time, trying her best not to worry her brother.

Ben seemed to process her words for a moment. “Sis,” he began in a more serious tone. “You know that you can talk to me or Paul if something’s bothering you, right?”

Camille felt her throat go dry, and she had to swallow in order to soothe the sensation. “Of course I do,” she said. “You two are like the only people I have in this world who actively care about me.”

“Then… you’re really okay? Nothing’s bothering you at all? What about at work today? Did someone, maybe a rude client, harass you or complain about you to your boss? What about that asshole Christian? Did he say anything to you or maybe hurt you?”

Ben’s questions came like a constant barrage, and she struggled to keep up.

“Whoa, slow down. I’m fine,” she assured him. “Don’t worry about me. Worry more about Papa. I’ll keep working hard over here. Just ask me whatever you need.”

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. “Sis,” Ben said quietly. “We’re worried about you, too. It would be nice if you could count on us more. Paul and I… we always feel like we’re not helping you enough. You’re our sister, yet we feel powerless.”

“Don’t be,” she told him gently. “You’ve done more than enough for me. More than you even know, in fact. If it weren’t for you two by my side, I probably would’ve been plunged into a pit of despair right now.”

“Sis…”

“But I know that you’re only a phone call away, so I’m not too scared or worried.” Her tone lowered to a whisper. “You also know the situation that I’m going through, so there’s that.”

“I know,” Ben said somberly. “But Paul and I still wish that we could get you out of there faster. It makes us feel helpless knowing that you’re constantly struggling. We know that you’re trying to be strong for us…”

Camille’s lips tugged upwards into a small smile. Oh, what would she have done if she didn’t have such caring brothers?

She thanked her lucky stars that she had a family like this. Not everyone had this strong of an emotional support during hard times.

So, even though she felt like she was simmering in hell, at least someone worried about her and genuinely cared about her physical and mental health.

“There’s nothing we can do about it,” she said. “But I’ll find a way. I promised you two this back then, too. We’re working together on this, aren’t we? Just give me a little more time.”

Ben still seemed reluctant and a little unconvinced, but he knew that there was no swaying her. It wasn’t that easy to escape, after all.

“All right,” he relented. “I love you, sis. Take care, okay?”

Camille’s features softened, gaze turning tender.

“I love you too, mein Brüderchen.”