Cameron suddenly pushed her away, his tone harsh. "Greta, show some respect for yourself, and for me. Yes, we used to love each other, but I married Nellie. She''s the only one I care about now."

    Before Greta could reply, Kristina burst in, voice sharp andmanding. "Cameron, you know the doctors said your condition will only get worse. Soon, you won''t even be able to take care of yourself. Greta doesn''t care, she still wants to marry you. That''s a blessing, don''t turn your back on it. Or do you think I should be the one to spoon-feed you for the rest of your life? I raised you, and now you want to tie me down until the end? You''re dragging me down, Cameron-how can you expect that of me?"

    Kristina''s words stung, the room crackling with tension.

    Cameron opened his mouth, but the words caught in his throat. He finally sighed, sounding defeated. "Mom, I promise-even if I can''t take care of myself, I won''t be your burden."

    "Easy to say," Kristina snapped. She strode over and forced Cameron and Greta''s hands together. "If you two are together, maybe then I can finally breathe."

    Cameron pulled away, voice tight with frustration. "Mom, please, let me keep some dignity."

    Kristina''s patience snapped. "Dignity? You want dignity? And what about me? Look at you now has your father even bothered to check on you?"

    Her voice broke as she continued. "Let me tell you something: your father left me a long time ago. He has another family now. I wanted to confront him, but because of your career, I swallowed my pride and stayed silent."

    Tears streamed down Kristina''s face. "Do you have any idea what it''s been like for me? I''m losing my mind here."

    Cameron went pale, the shock aging him in an instant, lines deepening around his eyes.

    Nathalie covered her mouth, her heart aching for Cameron.

    He finally bowed his head, surrendering to reality. "I''m sorry, Mom. I''ll do as you say. I''ll marry Greta."

    Relief washed over Kristina''s face. "That''s better. With Greta to look after you, I don''t have to worry anymore."

    She stumbled as she left the room, leaving Cameron and Greta alone.

    Cameron looked at Greta, guilt heavy in his eyes. "Greta, I''ll only end up holding you back."

    Greta''s eyes filled with tears. "Cameron, you helped me when I was sick. Now it''s my turn to take care of you."

    She knelt down, her voice trembling. "Cameron, marry me."

    "Greta, you know my heart belongs to Nell. I don''t love you. Marrying me would be unfair to you."

    Greta shook her head, wiping her cheeks. "It doesn''t feel unfair, Cameron. Not at all."

    She leaned in and kissed him.

    Startled, Cameron jerked back, his hand flying up and pping Greta before he could stop himself. Anger zed in his eyes. "Greta, Nell was your sister. She''s barely gone, and you''re already trying to take her ce? How could you?"

    Tears streaked down Greta''s face, her voice thick with humiliation. "I just love you

    too much, Cameron. I always have. Even after you married Nellie, I couldn''t let you go."

    Cameron stared at her, shock and realization dawning on his face. His fists clenched. "Tell me the truth, Greta-did Nell know about your feelings?"

    Greta hesitated, voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn''t hide how I felt. Nellie was sensitive. She must have known."

    Rage overcame Cameron. He

    shoved Greta away. "All those times you came along on trips, all those

    meals you brought to Nina,

    pretending you were just being helpful-did you ever think you were making things worse for Nell?"

    Eyes red, voice raw, Cameron

    pointed at Greta. "I treated you like family, like a sister. But all along, you

    had this in your heart.

    sit you?

    Was it you who drove Nell to this?"

    He broke down, sobbing. "I thought having you around would make Nell happy. All

    this time, I was letting the wolf into my home."