<h4>Chapter 63: My Wife</h4>


    Cammy found herself at a loss for words in response to Ric’s statement, knowing deep down that he was right in some way. If it were entirely her decision, she would choose Ric—his gentle nature was exactly what she sought in a partner.


    But the heart has its own desires, unpredictable and untimely, and she couldn’t simply override it.


    The tension between them was broken by the ringing of Cammy’s phone. "I’m sorry, I have to take this. It’s Dn’s homeroom teacher," she said, stepping away to answer the call.


    After a brief conversation, she returned to Ric. "Ric, can we pick this upter? The teacher needs Dn and me for some photos. I have to go."


    Cammy didn’t wait for Ric’s response and turned to head back to the dormitory.


    The photo session took longer than expected, and by the time it wrapped up, it was already time for the students’ friendly football match against another school.


    Dn was thrilled—it was his first football game. Although Cammy had her reservations due to his asthma, the school physician had cleared him to participate, reassuring her that he would be fine.


    Cammy chose a seat behind the yers’ bench, joining other parents from Dn’s ss. It was the perfect spot to stay out of sight and minimize the chances of being recognized.


    Though Cammy couldn’t shake the worry that something might go wrong during the game, she couldn’t deny her pride. Dn’s radiant smile and pure joy were infectious, and it was clear that he was truly in his happiest time.


    Cammy found herself swept up in the excitement, cheering alongside the other parents. A deep sense of fulfillment washed over her, reassuring her that she and Dn were moving in the right direction in their life.


    The coach, mindful of Dn’s condition and following the doctor’s guidance, carefully managed his time on the field. Dn yed only in the first half and was called to the bench during the break to rest.


    "Mommy! Did you see how I kicked the ball?" Dn eximed excitedly, running up to Cammy with a beaming smile.


    "Of course, I did!" she replied, her own smile widening. "My eyes were on you the whole time. You were amazing, and you made me so proud."


    Her heartfelt praise was all Dn needed to make his day even better. Being allowed to y had already filled him with joy, but hearing his mom’s encouraging words boosted his confidence and motivation even further.


    "Mommy, I’m hungry. Can we eat now?" Dn asked casually, his tone shifting to one of innocent need, which made Cammy chuckle.


    "You can’t leave just yet; the game isn’t over," she exined gently. "But how about I grab some food and bring it back here for you? Can you wait for me?"


    "Yes, Mommy. I want some chicken and bread," Dn said eagerly, his eyes bright with anticipation. "I’ll watch my ssmates while I wait for you. I’ll cheer for them too!"


    Cammy smiled and tousled his hair affectionately before heading off. She had hoped to catch up with Ellie while grabbing the food, but as she scanned the area, she noticed Ellie deep in conversation with a group of people asking questions about the resort.


    Her gaze shifted,nding on Ric, who was also preupied, talking animatedly with a few people Cammy recognized as event sponsors.


    ’I guess no casual chitchat for me while I grab food,’ she mused to herself, turning her focus to the buffet table.


    The table was lined with an array of dishes, but the line to get food was long. After surveying the options, Cammy quickly joined the queue like everyone else. She was pleased to see a variety of chicken wing vors avable—Dn’s favorite.


    When her turn came, she approached the server with a friendly smile. "Do you have honey lemon and BBQ vors?"


    The server nodded and promptly ced the requested wings on a te. Just as he handed it to her, a firm grip caught her left arm, startling her.


    Cammy turned quickly, her breath hitching as she came face-to-face with the person who had grabbed her.


    "Cammy? Am I dreaming? Is it really you?" the man asked, his voice a mixture of disbelief and amazement.


    Cammy froze, her jaw dropping as if she had forgotten how to breathe. Her lips lost their color, and for a moment, it felt as though her soul had been ripped from her body. The world spun around her, and she staggered backward, her legs unable to hold her steady.


    Before she could copse, the man reached out and caught her arms, steadying her with a firm but gentle grip.


    "W-What a-are y-you d-doing h-here?" Cammy stammered, her voice trembling and unsteady. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over almost instantly as she struggled to process what was happening.


    "I recently became a sponsor for this school," the man replied, his voice thick with emotion. His eyes scanned her face, his expression a mix of shock and tion. "Oh my God, it really is you! You’re alive! My God!"


    Before Cammy could react, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her as if he were afraid she might disappear. The hug was full of raw, overwhelming emotion, and his body trembled slightly against hers.


    "I can’t believe this!" he eximed, his voice a mixture ofughter and sobs. "You have no idea how happy I am right now, seeing you here, alive, in front of me."


    Cammy stood frozen in his embrace, her mind racing. Memories she had buried deep resurfaced with a vengeance, and the tidal wave of emotions threatened to drown her.


    Cammy feltpletely opposite to the man’s overwhelming joy. Her body was stiff as stone, and her tears threatened to spill at any moment. Her heart raced, and a deep sense of dread crept over her, paralyzing her further.


    "Back off!" a sharp, familiar voice cut through the chaos. Before she could fullyprehend what was happening, the man was forcefully pulled away from her.


    "Keep your hands off her!" Ric’s voice was firm,ced with anger and protectiveness.


    "R-Ric..." Cammy stammered, her voice barely audible, trembling with a mix of relief and panic. Her tear-filled eyes pleaded with him for support, her vulnerability on full disy.


    Ric nced at her briefly, his expression softening for a fraction of a second before hardening again. He stepped forward, positioning himself between her and the man like a shield.


    "And who the hell are you?" the man demanded angrily, his tone sharp and defensive. "Mind your own business and step aside!"


    Ric didn’t flinch. His voice was low but filled with authority. "Don’t make a scene. Thedy is clearly afraid of you. Leave now, or I’ll call the police."


    The man’s expression twisted with fury. "Shut up! Didn’t you hear what I said? Mind your business. That woman is my wife!"


    Cammy’s already frozen body seemed to lock further in ce, the word wife striking her like a physical blow. It echoed in her mind, louder and louder as if the world around her had gone silent. Her breath caught in her throat, her chest tightening painfully.


    Her vision blurred as tears spilled freely down her cheeks. She felt as though her heart had stopped, her lungs refusing to draw in air. The ground beneath her seemed to disappear, leaving her in a state of free fall. Her world began to copse, everything spinning out of focus, the weight of that single word crushing her.