[~Song Recommendation: I've Never Been To Me by Charlene~]
"Are you saying you're planning to go back to Duncan? Cammy, think about it. He's cheating on you—you've seen it with your own eyes. I've had this evidence for a while, but I didn't want to be the one to break up your marriage. But now that you've seen the truth yourself, I don't think you should go back," Ric urged, trying to reason with her.
"I understand, Ric, and thank you for showing me this. But I won't be going back to him. Let him believe I died in that plane crash. I need to get my life in order first. I have to find a full-time job so I can support myself and my son. I also need to make sure my father doesn't hear about the crash—he might have a heart attack if he thinks I'm gone. My priority right now is to focus on these things, one step at a time."
Felicity offered, "I can contact my niece at the hospital and have her explain the situation to your father and mother."
"No, Felicity," Cammy quickly responded, "I don't want my mother to know I'm alive—just my dad. My mother adores Duncan; she loves him more than she loves me. If she finds out I survived, she'll definitely tell him. Let her believe we are dead."
"How about Dylan's school? You can't keep that from Duncan," Ellie pointed out.
"He doesn't know Dylan won the contest and that the prize was the scholarship. I was planning to tell him when he gets back, but now he'll never find out. I've already submitted all the necessary documents for his admission, so the only thing left is for him to do is start attending classes when school begins."
"That's a relief, then. By the way, my husband mentioned there's a job opening at their mother company. You might want to check it out." Ellie pulled out her wallet, took out a card, and handed it to Cammy. "Here's his business card. Visit the website to submit your application."
"Cross Tech Group of Companies… Why does that name sound familiar?" Cammy murmured.
"It's because that's the top tech company in the country. Ethan works there as well," Ellie explained. "With your education and experience in creating and managing the resort's website, I'm confident you'll get hired easily."
"I don't know, Ellie. It's a huge company, and the resort's website is my only experience. Plus, it wasn't even a full-time job, so they might not consider it seriously."
"Then just work here full-time," Ric suggested abruptly, without consulting Felicity, prompting Ellie and Cammy to exchange glances before looking at Felicity.
Felicity felt a flutter of anxiety at Ric's unexpected offer. Her mind raced through a whirlwind of thoughts. 'A full-time position? That's a big step. Ric is being impulsive!'
"Ric, sweetheart, I don't think it's the best idea," Felicity said gently. "She'll have more opportunities to learn and grow if she works in bigger companies in her field. Of course, I could give her a job here, but a hospitality job isn't really a match for her unless that's what she truly wants." She then turned to Cammy and asked, "Do you want to work here, dear?"
"No, Felicity, I don't. It's not about the work itself, but because of Dylan. His school is in the city, and it would be tough for both of us if I worked here while he studied there," Cammy replied.
"You're right. I'm sorry I didn't consider that," Ric said, pausing before continuing. "So, it's settled then? You really are leaving him…"
Cammy nodded in response.
"If that's the plan, then let's all rest for now so you can check for openings online and start preparing your application. Sleep here tonight and transfer to the employee housing tomorrow. You can stay there as long as you need," Felicity suggested.
'If Cross Tech is a large company, I should consider applying there. With so many employees, it'll be easier to blend in and keep a low profile. I can quietly work and save money for myself and Dylan if I remain unnoticed,' Cammy thought.
'Accepting the school's offer for boarding would give Dylan a stable environment, as well, even though it's not part of the scholarship prize, I think I can manage. Yes, that's the best choice. It'll also give me time to sort everything out without disrupting his life before I reveal myself to Duncan and proceed with the divorce.'
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Felicity's voice. "The clothes that you left here last time are in the suitcase under my bed. You can get them from my room. I'll just see Ellie and Ric on their way out so I can lock the villa's gate as well."
Cammy nodded and quickly went to Felicity's room so she could change and rest. Not only did her eyes and head hurt, but her whole body was in pain.
Ellie went ahead but Ric and Felicity walked slowly towards the villa's gate. "So, what's your plan now?" Felicity asked Ric.
"I'm going to support her with whatever she needs, so we can get closer. I won't rush things—I want her feelings for me to grow naturally. With Duncan out of the picture, I think I can win her over more quickly this time. But it does mean I'll be spending more time in the city than here. Is that okay?"
"Of course, do what you need to do," Felicity said encouragingly. "Even without Cammy, you'd be spending less time here anyway because of your projects, so it doesn't make much difference. If anything, it's better now because there's a chance Cammy and Dylan could become part of our family. Just thinking about it makes me so excited!" she added with a joyful smile.
**********
Back in the villa, after Cammy freshened up, she browsed through the job openings from the Cross Tech website and found a listing for a Web Designer. Excited, she opened the posting and carefully read through the details before clicking the "Apply" button.
"This is perfect," she muttered to herself as she filled out the application form. "It's a good thing Felicity let me take charge of creating her website—I can use it as the sample they're asking for."
It was already the break of dawn and after completing all the required fields and finishing her application letter, Cammy clicked "Send" and stared at her laptop screen. Applying for a full-time job was her first step toward independence—a step she felt forced into and wasn't fully ready for.
As she gazed at the screen, memories of her youth flooded back—days when she dreamt about her future with excitement. Those dreams now felt distant, overshadowed by the path her parents pushed her into, forcing her to study something they thought would benefit their business.
The dream of a happy marriage with her first love had crumbled, and soon she would officially be a single mom.
"It's okay. Everything will be alright. I still have Dylan with me—at least one of my dreams came true," she whispered to herself with forced optimism.
But deep down, she knew she wasn't convinced. "No! It's not alright. I'll be alone, and Dylan will grow up in a broken family!" she cried out, her voice trembling with anguish.
Cammy collapsed onto the bed, clutching a pillow tightly as she tried to soothe the ache in her heart. The painful memories of her husband's betrayal replayed in her mind, now accompanied by the images of the other women Ric had shown her.
Tears flowed freely as she let out her grief once more, taking advantage of the quiet moment while Dylan stayed with Ellie's daughters. She didn't want her son to witness her in such a vulnerable state. She would continue to put on a brave face for him, protecting his innocence for as long as possible.
She didn't know how long she cried before exhaustion took over, and she drifted off to sleep.
Hours later, she was awakened by the sound of her work phone ringing.
She quickly answered the phone without checking the caller ID, assuming it was either Felicity or Ellie since only they had the number.
"Hello? I'm sorry, I must have dozed off. I'll come right away—"
Cammy froze mid-sentence when she realized the voice on the other end was someone she wasn't expecting at all.