Chapter 39
Cameron suddenly lost it and reached out to grab Nellie, but to his shock, she slapped him and yelled, "Ah, you creep! How dare you harass me!" Before he could react, a bunch of guys in the shop jumped in to hold Cameron back. Nellie took advantage of the chaos and bolted out of there. Cameron's face went pale. He didn't get a good look at Nellie's face, but her voice was unmistakable-she was his wife, Nellie.
He tried frantically to explain to the guys restraining him. "I'm not some creep. That girl is my wife! Let me go! I need to take her home."
The guys, trying to play heroes, threw skeptical glances at Cameron. "She's your wife? Then who's this lady with you?"
Cameron was at a loss for words. The judgmental looks from the men were intense.
Greta, who always seemed to be glued to Cameron, quickly jumped in to clear things up. "You've got it wrong. I'm his wife's sister. We were out looking for my sister together."
The guys were still unsure, but finally let him go.
Cameron stumbled out, calling, "Nellie!" His voice grew hoarse, but there was no response.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
Nellie knew this street like the back of her hand. She hid in the shadows, watching from a distance as Cameron searched for her. Her eyes grew colder. He's actually searching for his wife while still flirting with his first love. Why hadn't she dumped this jerk sooner? She wasted a kidney on him for nothing.
Cameron was bewildered and confused. Why wouldn't Nellie want to see him? She used to be so fond of him and always relied on him. She should've run straight into his arms.
Greta came out and tried to calm him down. "Cameron, stop looking for her. We made a mistake. I just asked the shop owner, and he said the girl wasn't Nellie."
Cameron paused, doubt clouding his eyes. "If it wasn't her, why did she run when she saw me?"
Greta's voice was soothing, "Cameron, if it had been Nellie, she would've come right to you."
Cameron's resolve began to falter. Could he have really mistaken someone else for her?
Greta continued, "Cameron, that girl is probably here for the fashion newcomer competition, too. You'll see her on competition day. Let's head out."
She led Cameron away, though he kept looking back every few steps.
Nellie slipped out from her hiding spot and dashed in the opposite direction.
Back at her rented apartment, Nellie collapsed onto the couch, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
She had anticipated that the competition might bring her face-to-face with people from her past, but she had hoped against hope that Cameron, swamped with work, wouldn't show up with Greta. Alas, Cameron, her once-beloved, was always by Greta's side. Cameron's attentive care for Greta only magnified his neglect and indifference towards her, his wife.
Suddenly, Nellie felt a strong urge to divorce him, no matter the cost. Maybe she should confront Cameron tomorrow and bring up the divorce? And if he didn't agree, she'd just file for divorce herself.
She couldn't stand having any connection with Cameron for another second.
The competition day arrived as planned. Contestants gathered early to draw lots for their turn on stage.
Nellie drew the last number, while Greta got the first. There were thirty contestants in total, each showcasing their designs on models strutting down the runway. The judges would score each piece, and the highest scorer would emerge victorious.