Chapter 3

Simone could almost laugh at how ridiculous it had become. They really did think she was a complete fool. Not only had they gone behind her back to arrange this whole plan of having a baby through her husband, but now they actually expected her to help raise the child once it was born. Sylvia was already pregnant. That night, instead of going to kneel by Caleb's grave as he had before, Cameron came back to Simone's room. But he had barely walked through the door when they heard Madeline yelling urgently, "Cameron, Sylvia's having stomach pains. Go check on her right away!" Cameron hesitated, and for a moment, it looked like he might stay. But in the end, he caved and headed for the stairs. "Mona, I'm just going to see what's wrong. I'll be right back," he said. "Sylvia's a pregnant widow. She can't be left alone when she's in pain." Simone didn't say a word. She had already given up on holding onto him. That night, just like before, she heard faint moaning from the floor above. Sylvia was already pregnant, but they were still doing that upstairs. Simone thought she couldn't possibly feel any more hurt than she already had, but the tears soaking her pillow told a different story. It wasn't until nearly dawn that Cameron returned. He crawled into bed and wrapped his arms around her from behind. His voice was low and tired. "I'm exhausted. Mona, don't overthink things. Sylvia was in pain, and I just massaged her stomach the whole night. That's all. Nothing happened between us." But his body still smelled like Sylvia's perfume, and the scent made Simone's stomach turn. She pulled away from him. "Why don't you move in with her then?" she said coldly. "She's a widow and clearly needs a man. I don't." Cameron was stunned for a second before anger surged through him. "What's that supposed to mean? Caleb died saving me. Sylvia isn't feeling well, and I'm trying to look after her for his sake. What's wrong with that?" He glared at Simone with disappointment burning in his eyes. "Mona, you don't actually think there's something going on between me and Sylvia, do you? If that's what you believe, then fine. From now on, I won't be involved in anything that has to do with her. "If it's appearances you care about, then I'll keep my distance. Are you happy now?" With that, he stormed out and slammed the door behind him. Over the next few days, he really did keep his word. He didn't go near Sylvia, not even when she had her prenatal checkups. "Mom, Dad, you take Sylvia to the hospital," he said. "I can't go. Otherwise, Mona might get the wrong idea again." With just one sentence, he redirected all the blame back onto Simone. Madeline shot her a furious look. "I've never seen anyone as petty as you! We're all family. What's wrong with Cameron helping take care of Sylvia? "Since you're so jealous and insecure, then fine. You can handle everything. From now on, you're in charge of Sylvia's meals and her checkups!" She barked the words out and then ordered Simone to go get the car ready. Simone said nothing. She quietly took the keys and headed for the garage. But as soon as she pulled the car out, Sylvia suddenly swayed on her feet and collapsed right under the moving vehicle. Simone hadn't even realized what had happened when she heard Sylvia's scream pierce the air. "My baby! Oh my God, my baby!" The sound drew the entire household out in a panic. Cameron was the first to sprint over. "Sylvia! Are you okay?" She clutched his hand tightly as tears streamed down her face. Her voice was trembling. "Cameron, I'm scared. My stomach hurts so much! Is my baby still alive? "Please, save my child. I don't care if I die, but my baby can't be hurt." Cameron's heart broke for her. He gently held her close and whispered, "Don't be afraid, Vivi. I promise I won't let anything happen to you or the baby." The moment became so emotional that he softly called her by her nickname. Simone's eyes stung with tears, but before she could even process her pain, Madeline pointed at the car and shouted, "Simone was the one driving! She ran Sylvia over!"