Chapter 5 0005.

Camilla's POV

I hurriedly wiped away the tears that threatened to spill over as I stepped out of the ward with my mind swirling with conflicting emotions.

Despite everything he had done, a part of me couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. He looked so miserable, so lost as if he were carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

I couldn't help but wonder what happened to him and Jane, the woman I once thought was my friend. I wondered why they weren't together anymore, maybe she betrayed him just like she did to me.

My thoughts were however cut off as I collided with Andrew who was actually coming to see me.

"Whoa, there, Camilla," Andrew said, reaching out to me. "You look like you've seen a ghost. What happened?"

I shook my head, unable to find the words to express the turmoil raging inside me. "It's... it's nothing," I muttered, trying to brush past him. But Andrew caught my arm and I felt his grip firm but gentle.

"Nothing?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. "Camilla, I may not know exactly what is going on in your life right now but you have to keep it hidden and attend to the director properly."

"As doctors, one of the things we are supposed to have in mind is not showing the patients that we are troubled or conflicted. We are always supposed to keep everything aside immediately when we wear our doctor's coat. We are only supposed to act happy and attend to the patients cheerfully," he pointed out and I swallowed hard.

If only he knew the real reason for my emotional distress, he would replace me with another doctor in a heartbeat. But I couldn't bring myself to tell him the truth.

I have to stay strong and put up a brave front, no matter how much it hurts. I'll do whatever it takes to help Lawrence get better- that way I would be free to sort myself out and likely move on.

"I am sorry Dr Andrew. I will try my best to keep my emotions in place," I apologized.

"That would be better because Mr Lawrence isn't just some ordinary patient. He is the Director of this hospital, I mean the owner of Torrance Memorial. He shouldn't see you like this, you have to be your best."

"Okay. I am sorry for causing you to worry," I apologized again as he started leaving. I sighed, biting my lip.

After my shift at the hospital, I drove home instead of stopping at a bar like I wanted to. Even though I felt like I could use a drink, I knew it wasn't the right thing to do. I have a reputation to maintain, and I didn't want my kids to see me as someone who turns to alcohol in times of trouble.

I sat in the living room and took out a bottle of whisky which was given to me as a gift at an event, hoping to have just a little drink when I felt a buzz.

Sliding my phone out of my pocket, it was buzzing with an incoming call.

I glanced at the screen and It was Raymond, my fiancé, calling from abroad. My heart skipped a beat as I answered the call, hearing Raymond's voice on the other end.

"Hey, sweetheart," he said with a warm and familiar voice. "I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing."

A soft smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I leaned back against the chair where I sat. "I'm okay," I replied with an affectionate voice. "Just... dealing with a few things right now."

"Is everything alright? Do you need me to come back?"Raymond's concern was evident in his voice as he asked.

I hesitated for a moment, tempted to spill everything to him, to share the burden of my troubles but I didn't want him to know about Lawrence's presence.

He would demand I come abroad right away which is against the decision I have already made- I couldn't afford having to pay such a hefty sum of money for breach of agreement. I didn't have such, I also didn't want to demand such from him.

"No, everything's fine," I lied, forcing a reassuring tone into my voice. "Just some work stuff. I'll fill you in later, okay?"

Raymond seemed to sense my reluctance as he sighed softly.

"All right, but promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay? And call me if you need anything."

"I promise," I said with a guilty heart as I ended the call, knowing that I was keeping secrets from the man I loved.

But there was no time to dwell on my guilt as my phone rang again, this time with my sister's name flashing on the screen.

"Camilla, it's George," Bridget's voice came through the line as soon as I picked up the call. Her tone was however frantic with worry. "He's really sick, we need to get him to the hospital right away."

My heart clenched at the mention of my son's name, the fear and desperation in Bridget's voice sending a chill down my spine.

Without a second thought, I took my keys and dashed out of the house.

But as I made my way to the garage to get my car and head to my sister's place, my phone rang again, this time with Dr Andrew's name flashing on the screen.

"What does he want again?" I grumbled. I didn't want to answer the call but I know I have to especially now Lawrence was in my care.

"Camilla, it's Lawrence," Dr Andrew's voice came through the line, his tone urgent and panicked. "He's in critical condition, we need you here right away."

My heart stopped at the mention of Lawrence's name, the shock washing over me like a tidal wave with nothing to do.

Who should I attend first? George or Lawrence? I was conflicted.