20. Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Camila Flores
L ast night, I collapsed, exhausted, in the chair next to Ava’s bed. Even though she’s still asleep, there’s more color in her face now.
When the doctor made his rounds this morning, he said we could go home, which I appreciate because we both need to rest.
Yesterday was a whirlwind, to say the least. I got an engagement ring. The nearly had sex with my boss.
What the hell was I thinking letting him get me all hot and bothered and practicallynaked in the office?
That I wanted to climb him like a tree. That’s what I was thinking.
I smirk at the thought.
But the day took a sharp turn when I went to pick up my daughter with said boss—and fiancé—only to find her bleeding more than the school staff realized. Taking my child to the hospital with Vicente in tow wasn’t in my plans, but I’m grateful he was there.
He was fierce like a knight fighting for her. For us .
I check my phone and spot a missed text from Vicente.
Vicente : Is the duckling asleep?
I smile at his thoughtfulness. I know he really wanted to stay with us last night—I could see it in his eyes. But I needed some time away from him to absorb everything that happened between us.
I decide to call him instead of texting back, even though it’s only seven-thirty in the morning.
The line barely rings before his groggy voice comes through. “Hello? Camila? Is Ava okay?”
His words are thick with sleep, but the concern in his voice is instant.
I can’t help but chuckle. “Yes, she’s fine. Still asleep. I just saw your text and decided to call you instead.”
“I like that. I like hearing your voice,” he murmurs, still low and husky.
I stretch out in the chair and try to get as comfortable as possible. “Is it okay if I take the morning off? I need to take Ava home and make sure she rests.”
I hurry to add, “The doctor said she’s looking better this morning, and the bleeding has stopped. So don’t worry.”
“Actually, Camila, that’s why I texted you last night. I wanted to talk to you.”
I sit up a little straighter. “What about?”
“Well, now that my lawyers have drawn up our prenup, I’d like us to get married next week.”
“Next week?” My voice rises with panic. “I haven’t even told Ava!”
A wave of unease spreads through me. I thought he would give me at least a month to prepare Ava—and myself.
“Camila,” he says with a sigh. “I know we don’t know each other that well, but I need you to trust me. Everything is going to be okay.”
His conviction makes me want to believe him, but it all just feels so rushed.
“I want to take you and Ava to a private hospital,” he continues. “We can have a nice lunch afterward—just the three of us. Then we can buy anything you both might need for the wedding. Later tonight, maybe we can ask Mrs. Evans to watch Ava for a couple of hours so you can review the contract. How does that sound?”
“Crazy?” I say hesitantly, unable to hide my skepticism.
He laughs at my answer. “Camila, I promised you the world. Let me show you I truly mean it.”
“What about Ava?” I ask, my voice low.
“Duckling likes me. Once she sees us together, she’ll understand that what’s between us is real.”
“Is it?” I ask, afraid to hear his answer.
“It is to me,” he says simply.
I inhale sharply through my nose. I want to believe him, I really do.
But I can’t let Ava get hurt.
“I really thought you were going to give me more time to introduce the idea of me dating someone to Ava. I haven’t dated since before she was born—let alone get married to a man I was calling a dicktator just a week ago,” I say with a tight knot in my throat.
Vicente barks out a laugh, and I join him. That nickname will never be not funny.
“Let’s see how she does today with me spending time with the both of you. Ava is a smart girl. I’m sure she’ll let you know if she doesn’t want me around.”
“And if she says she doesn’t want you around?”
“I’ll break off the engagement and rip the contract apart.”
I exhale a breath, knowing in my heart that I can trust this man. “Okay.”
“Perfect, I’ll pick you up at noon,” he says in a triumphant tone.
“But what about work?” I ask, confused he’s taking yet another day off.
“Don’t worry about it. I actually sent an email last night to everyone in the company. I’m giving them two weeks of paid leave.”
“Are you crazy?” I ask, shocked at his behavior.
“No, I’m just taking care of what’s important in my life first. For once.”
That does it. His answer leaves me speechless.
“But what about Mr. Durán? He’s been waiting for an answer from you for several days now.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m going to call him right now.”
I’m not sure what to say because I’ve never seen him take charge of tasks that are supposedly mine. But at the end of the day, he’s the boss.
“I’ll see you soon,” he says before hanging up.
I stare at the ceiling as my thoughts drift. How can this be real life?
***
There’s a knock on my door at noon, and I smile at his punctuality.
“Can I open the door, Mummy?” Ava asks, excited to see “Boss Man.”
When she woke up on our way home, I told her we had to go for a checkup at a private hospital, and her face fell. But when I told her Vicente was coming with us, her face lit up—the same way it does when we go to the park to play with the ducks.
This might be the blessing I’ve been waiting for—or the biggest mistake of my life. Because one thing is certain, if things don’t work out with him, my daughter’s heart will be broken.
“Hold on, sweetie. Let me see who’s knocking first.”
She pouts but doesn’t protest.
When I look through the peephole, my mouth waters. Vicente stands there in a navy-blue suit, no tie or vest, paired with a crisp white shirt. It’s simple, but effortlessly sophisticated. He manages to pull off polished without seeming uptight. His hair, usually slicked back with a bit of gel, is loose today, falling into soft waves—and I love it.
“Mummy, who is it?” Ava asks, practically jumping in place, barely able to contain her excitement.
“It’s Vicente.”
The moment I say his name, Ava walks in front of me and opens the door.
“Boss Man,” she shouts and lunges toward him.
He doesn’t miss a beat and scoops her up in one swift move. “Hey, duckling. I take it you’re feeling better?” he asks, giving her his undivided attention.
She nods as she frames his face in her tiny hands. “Are you coming with us to my checkup?” Her eyes crinkle, full of hope.
“I am. Is that okay?”
She nods again. “Come on, Mummy. Let’s go.”
She turns to face me, and I wish I could freeze this moment for eternity. They’re sporting the same happy grin on their faces. How is this possible?
“Yeah, okay. Let me get my bag, and we’re good to go.”
A few minutes later, we step outside, and I immediately notice Vicente’s Rolls-Royce parked at the curb—only this time, there’s a car seat in the back.
“When did you do this? I ask, surprised.
He shrugs. “You know I have people to do things for me. After we picked up Ava yesterday, I wondered if we needed a car seat, and it turns out we do, so…” He trails off, letting me finish the thought myself.
I give him an appreciative smile as I help Ava buckle up. Once I’m sure she’s safe, Vicente reaches for my hand and helps me into the front seat.
Before closing the door, he leans down and gives me a peck on the lips. “Good morning. I didn’t get a chance to do that upstairs,” he murmurs against my lips, and a shot of electricity runs through me.
With that, he closes the door and jogs around to the driver’s side.
Who would have thought I’d be all hot and bothered by a mere kiss? His effect on me is intoxicating.
“Do you have an appointment already?” he asks as the engine roars to life.
I lower my gaze. “No. I usually just go and wait for them to have some free time to check on Ava.”
Vicente’s jaw clenches, and he takes a couple of deep breaths before speaking again.
“I took the liberty of setting up an appointment with a doctor who specializes in pediatric thalassemia. We can go there, or we can go to the hospital you always go to. It’s your call.”
When I lift my gaze, I find his eyes trained on me. There’s no judgment, no pity— just genuine concern in his gaze.
I smile at him. “Thank you. I think it’d be good to get another opinion on Ava’s case.”
He reaches for my hand and places a kiss on my engagement ring. My knees go weak at the gesture—this man is so thoughtful. Swoony, even.
Ava claps from the backseat, and when I turn to look at her, her eyes are shining, and a huge grin is spread across her face. Vicente winks at her before starting to drive.
The hospital is in Kensington, a borough I’ve always thought of as elegant and exclusive. Even though I’ve read about this particular doctor, I knew I could never afford him—not even now that I’m making decent money.
Vicente checks us in at the reception desk, and we’re led to an examination room. As we walk, Ava places herself between us, clutching both our hands.
I swallow hard at the sight.
Has she ever dreamed of having a dad?
Now that Vicente is around, she’s enjoying every single minute of it. It’s not something that has ever come up in our conversations. She knows who her dad was—that he went to heaven before she was born—but she has never mentioned wanting another dad.
I thought she was happy with the life I’ve created for us. But maybe I need to ask her directly—ask her thoughts on having a father figure in her life.
I make a mental note to talk to her tonight.
“Mr. Godoy, nice to meet you. I’m Dr. Jane Gupta,” the doctor says, greeting Vicente as they shake hands.
“Ms. Flores, what a pleasure,” she says as we shake hands.
“And who do we have here?” Dr. Gupta asks, leaning down in front of Ava, who immediately hides behind me.
“Oh, no need to be shy. I’m Dr. Gupta. Today, all I want to do is chat with you and your Mummy about why you’re falling so much. Then, I’d like to listen to your heart and check your lungs, knees, and feet. That’s it. Does that sound like a good plan?”
Ava peaks from behind me and nods.
“Excellent. Please, Mr. Godoy and Ms Flores, take a seat. Ava, come with me.”
Dr. Gupta helps Ava sit on the examination table, and I can see her eyes starting to water—she’s scared.
Without thinking twice, I get up from my seat and go to stand next to her.
“Do you need your mum close by?” Dr. Gupta asks gently.
Ava nods, and I immediately hold her hand. She squeezes mine hard.
I explain how Ava has been falling more than usual lately, and how, just yesterday, the bleeding took much longer than usual to stop.
“Hmm, alright. Let’s see.” Dr. Gupta approaches Ava slowly, asking permission to examine her.
As she begins, my heart aches at the sight of the dark purple bruises on her legs. When Dr. Gupta removes Ava’s shoes and presses on her left ankle, Ava winces in pain. The same happens with her other ankle, and as the doctor checks each of her joints, my girl winces and squeezes my hand incessantly.
It takes everything in me to remain calm and keep from crying as I watch my baby endure so much pain. How I wish I were the one suffering, not her.
“It looks like Ava’s joints need some extra care,” Dr. Gupta says with a kind expression. “I recommend massaging her joints every night before bed. A nice, warm bath might also help.”
I nod, making another mental note to pamper my girl at night.
I also make a note to thank Vicente for bringing us here. It’s evident Ava needed a second opinion on her joints and a better plan of action—he truly cares about her. About us.
“Also, what kind of exercise do you enjoy the most Ava?” the doctor asks.
My girl perks up. “I love chasing duckies. And I love playing tag at school, although I’m not as fast as the other kids.”
Her excitement fades, and her face falls.
I look away, hoping she won’t see my eyes filling with emotion.
Vicente picks up on what’s happening and moves to stand beside me. It’s a strange feeling, having someone to lean on after doing this parenting gig alone for five years. But I would be lying if I say it doesn’t feel nice to have his support.
“Well, I think we’re going to have to find an alternative for exercising—at least until your joints get stronger. I’m also going to recommend some medicine that will help you feel better,” Dr. Gupta adds.
I smile at the doctor as Ava puts her shoes back on, then runs straight to Vicente. She’s so tiny compared to his six-foot-three frame that she wraps her arms around his leg instead of his middle.
“What kind of exercise would you recommend?” I ask, playing with Ava’s hair.
“She needs to put as little stress on her joints as possible. Sports like swimming, kids yoga, even horseback riding can be beneficial for her.”
I inhale a sharp breath. How am I going to work and take her to these activities? Not to mention, I’m not swimming in money.
That’s why you’re marrying him, so you can give Ava everything she needs .
“I’m also going to give you a list of recommended foods and ones to avoid,” Dr. Gupta continues. “Just in case there’s something in her diet that’s affecting her as well.”
I thank the doctor as she heads out of the room. Instinctively, my head falls astaint Vicente’s chest, and he wraps his arm around my shoulders, bringing me flush against him.
“We’ll figure it out,” he says against my hair.
With a big sigh of relief, I murmur my thanks against his chest.
I’m so tired of dealing with all this on my own. I never realized just how drained I was because I didn’t have the luxury of feeling tired or taking a break. But having Vicente’s support, it hits me how incredibly exhausting single parenting is.
He presses a kiss to the top of my head, and my eyes flutter closed. For just a couple of beats, I allow myself to feel instead of think—I bask in his warmth.
Then, I straighten up and grab Ava’s hand. A beautiful smile spreads across her face.
I know she’s happy Vicente is here too.
Once we leave the room with all the recommendations Dr. Gupta gave us, Vicente veers off to the hospital’s gift shop.
The moment Ava sees what they have on display, her face lights up.
“Can I have it, Mummy? Pleaseeeeee?” She adds a pout for good measure.
I can’t deny her, but Vicente is faster and pays for it before I can take my wallet out of my bag.
“Thank you, Boss Man. You’re the best.” Ava hugs Vicente, and he hugs her back.
My heart melts watching them. He got her a yellow duck plushie. She has many, many toys and duckies, but I haven’t found this one until today. And yellow is her favorite color.
“You’re welcome, duckling. Do you fancy lunch?”
She nods excitedly, and we head to the car.
Vicente doesn’t ask us where we want to eat, so I assume he has a place in mind. After a few texts, he starts driving.
When we pull up, the view takes my breath away—Potters Fields Park, its lush greenery framing the Thames as it stretches out near the iconic Tower of London.
It’s perfect.
Ava squeals when Vicente parks, and I feel myself relax a little more.
“What do you say we have a picnic here?” Vicente asks, extending his arms wide as he spins in a slow circle, showing us the beautiful location.
Ava claps enthusiastically, and I can't help but smile back at him.
“Great, let’s go find our picnic spot.”
He leads us toward the park, his fingers threading through mine while his other hand clasps Ava’s. To anyone watching, we must look like the picture-perfect family—smiling, holding hands, and walking in unison.
But inside, a battle rages between my head and my heart. I want this kind of life for Ava. Yet, I don’t want us to get hurt in the process.
The walk from the car park to the field is surreal. It's a beautiful spring day—sunny for once—and the flowers are blooming. Purple flowers adorn the area like something out of a storybook.
In the middle of the field, a white-and-red checkered blanket awaits us. The moment I spot it, my chest tightens.
Vicente planned this. For us.
“Come on. Duckling and me against Mummy,” Vicente says as he grabs Ava and darts off toward the blanket.
I’m wearing heels, so it takes everything in me to run in the grass, but I manage to get close to him. When he makes it to the blanket, he jumps, and Ava’s giggles fill in the air.
I place a hand on his back when I catch up and take a few deep breaths.
“That was not a fair race,” I say, still huffing.
He smirks, a brow raised in question.
“You didn’t tell me it was a race until you were already running. Plus, I’m wearing heels.”
He looks down at my feet and winces at the state of my shoes. Yeah, my favorite pair is ruined.
“I’m sorry.” He turns to face me, and the three of us melt into a big hug. “Let’s make a note to replace those heels.” He gives me a quick kiss.
Ava giggles. “Boss Man?” she asks.
“Yes, Duckling?”
“Do you love my mummy?” Ava asks in a low voice, looking at Vicente through her eyelashes.
My eyes widen at her question. I swallow hard as my heart rate rises, waiting to see how Vicente is going to reply.
“I care about your mum a huge deal, and I want to marry her,” he says without hesitation, looking at me instead of Ava. His eyes crinkle as he notices the shock on my face.
Everything around us quiets as Vicente and I have a silent conversation.
I got you, Camila. I promise.
I’m scared.
I know, but you’ll have to trust me.
I inhale a deep breath as I nod my head.
When I look at Ava, she looks up at me and asks, “Do you care about Boss Man, Mummy?”
I nod, tears trying to break free. I do care—more than I want to admit.
“Then we can be a family, right?” she says, as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.
I startle at Vicente’s laugh. He throws his head back and lets loose, and I unashamedly stare at him. He’s so carefree, so alive.
My laugh is more nervous, and my tears manage to spill down my cheeks. I quickly wipe them away, still laughing. Ava joins in with the fakest, most exaggerated laugh I’ve ever heard.
Her attempts make Vicente and I laugh harder. We tumble down on the blanket, a tangled but happy mess.
“That was a good talk, duckling. Thank you for breaking the tension,” Vicente says after we have calmed down a bit.
Ava is mesmerized by him. I’m not sure who’s crushing harder—my daughter or myself.
He flips open the food basket and starts taking out plates filled with precut foods. There are pineapples, strawberries, pomegranates, several kinds of cheese, hummus and crackers. Even yogurt. I also spot some champagne, which I assume is for us adults. It’s not lost on me that all these foods—except the champagne, of course— are part of the list Dr. Gupta gave us as approved foods for Ava. This man is incredible.
We eat and laugh as we enjoy the view and each other's company. My heart feels much lighter after Ava practically gave Vicente and me her approval.
But a nagging feeling remains in the back of my mind. He might have the best intentions, but what if things go wrong?
What if Ava and I end up with more than just broken hearts?