Chapter 158: Chapter 158
Later that day, her mother, Emilia, joined her in the kitchen.
The two women sat at the table, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea filling the air.
This had always been their routine in the past. Emilia loved tea, and though Camille usually preferred iced tea, she indulged her mother, enjoying moments like these.
Emilia reached out and took Camille’s hand, her eyes brimming with tears.
“I know we’ve talked about this before, but I just want to tell you again that I’m sorry,” she began, her voice trembling. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me the most. I was so caught up in everything else that I feel like I failed you as a mother. But I’m here now, and I want you to know there’s no pressure on you to do anything. I’ll support you in whatever you choose to do with your life.”
Tears welled in Camille’s eyes as she squeezed her mother’s hand. “Thank you, Mom,” she whispered. “I missed you so much.”
Emilia sobbed and pulled her daughter into a tender embrace. “I’ve missed you too, sweetheart,” she whispered back. “More than you’ll ever know.”
The next day, Camille went to visit her father.
As she entered the VIP hospital room, the sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, and the rhythmic beeping of medical equipment provided a constant background noise.
Luther looked frail at first glance, but his complexion had improved since the last time she had seen him. It was a relief. It meant that Dr. Colmen’s treatment was working.
Dr. Colmen had agreed to let Luther return home this time for treatment and medication, but he had warned that Luther needed to return to the clinic in a month to continue treatment as usual.
When Luther saw Camille, his eyes lit up.
“Meine Tochter,” he greeted warmly, his voice full of affection. “You are here.”
The nostalgic sound of him calling her “my daughter” in German made her stomach flutter pleasantly. She really missed her dad.
She sat down beside his bed and took his hand in hers. “Papa, how are you feeling?”
He smiled faintly, his grip on her hand firm despite his frailty. “Better, thanks to you. I can never thank you enough for what you did. You saved my life.”
Camille shook her head, her heart heavy with emotion. “I did what anyone would do for their family. I’m just glad you’re okay.”
Luther’s expression grew serious as he met her gaze. “Now that you’re here, I think we need to talk about something,” he said slowly. “About the hotel business… You’re the eldest daughter, and the family has taken you back in. But I want you to know that it’s up to you if you want to take over. You are free to make your own decision. You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I know that in the past you dreamed big and wanted to be successful in your chosen field. Just let me know your thoughts whenever you are ready.”
Camille smiled. “Thank you, Papa. It means a lot to me. I’ll think about it, I promise.”
Luther’s eyes softened, his gaze filled with pride. “No matter what you decide, I want you to know I’m proud of you. You have grown into a remarkable woman, and I am grateful for everything you’ve done.”
As she left the hospital, Camille felt a sense of peace wash over her.
She was no longer the lost girl struggling to escape and find her place in the world. With the support of her family and Michael’s unwavering presence, she was ready to embrace her identity and follow her heart.
Her mind drifted back to her conversations with her loved ones over the past few days. They filled her with a newfound sense of strength and determination.
Even though it had been a hard journey, the payoff was worth it.
She knew that the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but she also knew she wasn’t alone.
Her loved ones had her back, and with their support, she could face anything.
***
It was surreal, going and legally changing her name and identity.
As she left the building with the documents in hand, an inexplicable sense of relief filled her heart. She felt as though she had finally been freed from a cage, and it was exhilarating.
She looked up at the sky, squinting as the warm sunlight shone on her face. It was a welcome sensation after staying at her apartment for too long.
It was a bright, sunny day, and the people below were busy going about their lives. She watched them with a soft smile before glancing down at her new ID card.
The name on the card read: Hailey van Gowen.
***
A few days later, she stood at a podium in front of a sea of cameras.
It was like she had transformed overnight. Her hair, no longer cut short, now reached almost to her shoulders. She had stopped dyeing it blonde, so it returned to its natural dark brown.
She also didn’t bother putting on heavy makeup this time, instead choosing a natural look with light pink glossy lips and simple eyeliner.
She was dressed formally in a white blazer and pencil skirt, exuding a quiet dignity that captivated those around her.
Despite her recent simplicity, she was beautiful in a new way, perhaps because she now radiated confidence and self-assurance. She felt more like her old self. She was no longer nervous, tense, or afraid.
After all, she was free now.
Hailey took a deep breath and began.
“I have come here today in front of all of you to make a public statement about everything that has been going on for the past month,” she said, her tone clear and professional. “You all know me as Camille Parker, but a few days ago, I legally changed my name. I am now Hailey van Gowen, the eldest daughter of Luther van Gowen and Emilia van Gowen.”