THE SCORNED WIFE'S SECRET BABY

Chapter five

The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow over Camille’s cosy kitchen.

She was humming a quiet tune as she flipped pancakes on the griddle, her daughter Ariel sitting at the kitchen table, coloring in her favourite princess book. Ariel’s little giggles filled the room as she showed Camille her progress.

Six years had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Ariel had grown so fast, from a newborn to this bright, spirited little girl.

Camille couldn’t help but marvel at how motherhood had shifted her perspective on life. Ariel was everything; her joy, her reason to push forward, and the color in her life.

Camille set the pancakes on the table, pausing to take in the moment. Watching her daughter, her heart swelled with gratitude. Ariel was her world, and despite everything that had happened in the past, her little girl had brought peace to her heart.

Ariel set the book aside and grasped a fork, taking playful bites of the pancakes she had made.

“Mommy, look! I made a picture of a butterfly!” Ariel said, beaming as she held up her drawing. It was a colourful mess of reds and yellows, but to Camille, it was perfect. She reached over and took the picture from Ariel’s hands, pretending to study it with deep concentration.

“You know, this butterfly looks just like the one we saw in the garden last week. You’ve got the colors just right!” Camille smiled, setting the drawing on the table beside her.

Ariel’s face lit up. “Really, Mommy?” she asked, her eyes wide with excitement. “Do you think I’m a good artist?”

Camille’s heart swelled with pride as she nodded. “You’re amazing, sweetie. One day, you’ll be a famous artist, and everyone will want to see your pictures.”

Ariel giggled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Maybe I’ll paint a big butterfly for your room, Mommy. So when you wake up, you’ll think of me.”

“That sounds perfect,” Camille said softly, her voice filled with warmth. She reached across the table, ruffling Ariel’s hair. “You already make my world brighter.”

They shared a moment of comfortable silence, both of them enjoying the peace of the morning. Camille took a sip of her coffee, savoring the warmth, and then glanced over at Ariel, who was now focused on her food, humming a little tune to herself as she chewed.

“Are you going to work today, Mommy?” Ariel asked, looking up with a curious expression.

Camille paused, her smile faltering just for a moment. It wasn’t a question she could always answer easily. “I’m not going anywhere today, sweetie,” Camille replied, her voice light. “I’m here with you.”

Ariel’s face brightened immediately. “Yay! We can play together all day?” she asked, her excitement bubbling over.

“Of course we can,” Camille said, her heart lifting at the thought. “We can build a fort out of pillows, or maybe we can do some baking. Whatever you want.”

Ariel’s eyes widened in delight. “Let’s bake cookies! Can we make chocolate chip ones?” she

asked eagerly, her hands clapping together in excitement.

“Chocolate chip cookies it is,” Camille agreed with a laugh.

Almost immediately Camille’s phone buzzed on the counter. She glanced at the screen and saw it was Sydney calling. Camille smiled and picked up the phone.

“Hey, Syd,” she greeted, her voice warm.

“Cam! You better not miss the big reveal today!” Sydney’s voice was bubbling with excitement. “They’re announcing the full cast for the movie we’re in. You’ve got to be there, it’s going to be huge!”

Camille felt a spark of anticipation. She hadn’t given much thought to the cast yet, but the idea of finding out who else was joining the movie suddenly made her heart race. It was an important moment for her career, and her curiosity couldn’t be ignored.

“I won’t miss it,” Camille replied, her mind already whirring with thoughts of what the day might hold. “I’ll get ready and head out soon.”

After hanging up, Camille took a deep breath and turned back to Ariel, who was watching her with a knowing smile. “I didn’t plan for this but I’ll be back soon, sweetie,”

Camille freshened up, grabbed her jacket and quickly slipped it on, her mind buzzing with thoughts of the movie. She placed a kiss on Ariel’s head before storming out of the house

She hadn’t been on a major set in years, and the excitement of getting back into the spotlight was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

As she drove to the venue, the familiar roads felt different now, like stepping into a new chapter of her life, where her past was no longer weighing her down.

When she arrived at the venue, Sydney was waiting outside, holding a cup of coffee in her hand. She smiled when she saw Camille, her face lighting up with excitement. “There you are! I knew you’d make it,” she said, handing Camille the coffee.

“Thanks,” Camille replied, taking the cup and savoring the warmth that radiated from it. Sydney had been her rock for years, and the fact that they were both involved in this project made it even more special. The two of them had shared so much over the years, and now they were on the verge of something big.

They walked into the venue together, chatting excitedly as they found their seats in the audience. The room was filled with industry professionals, journalists, and eager fans.

The energy in the air was electric, and Camille couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation. She tried to focus on the excitement around her, but part of her couldn’t shake the nervousness gnawing at the back of her mind.

A moderator stepped up to the stage, and the room quieted in anticipation. “Welcome, everyone, to the big reveal of the cast for the upcoming blockbuster film. We’re so excited to share the talented individuals who will be bringing this story to life.”

Camille’s pulse quickened as the moderator began calling out the names of the cast members. First, the supporting characters, then the second leads, until the crowd grew even more silent with anticipation.

Camille’s eyes darted nervously around the room as the list dwindled down, and she could feel her heart thumping in her chest.

“And now, the main lead,” the moderator announced, pausing for dramatic effect. The room fell completely still.

“And the main lead goes to... Nicholas.”

Her breath hitched, her eyes widening in shock. The name echoed in her ears, and for a moment, the room felt like it was spinning. Nicholas. He was the first male lead in the movie. Her ex-husband.

She turned her head to see him walk up to the podium where she and Sydney stood. “Hello, Camille,” he called her name professionally and stretched out his hand for a handshake.