Chapter 256 Redemption is Impossible
"What?" Oliver was taken aback.
"When I broke up with Camilla, did I make a mistake?"
Oliver looked at him with an indescribable expression. "Are you just now realizing this?"
Leopold remained silent.
"Camilla is such a wonderful woman! If it were me, I wouldn't have let her go." Realizing he had misspoken, Oliver quickly corrected himself, "Of course, I don't have those kinds of feelings for her. I'm just making a hypothetical scenario. If I were you, I would definitely hold on to Camilla tightly. On my birthday, Camilla happily came to celebrate, and you broke up with her in front of everyone. I was shocked! Even Simon later whispered that you'd regret it sooner or later."
Oliver didn't expect it to happen so quickly. He thought they would reconcile again after so many years together. But this time, Camilla was determined and didn't.
"Leopold, I understand how you feel right now, but Camilla now..."
"I know I was wrong, and I admitted it," Leopold lowered his eyes, the cigarette in his hand being crushed tighter and tighter, "But she still won't forgive me. What do you think I should do to win her back?"
This question really stumped Oliver, as he knew very well that with Camilla's personality, winning her back was impossible. But how could he say that? Seeing Leopold's sorrowful expression, he felt bad too.
"Leopold, there are actually many good women out there. Why not look forward? Maybe there will be new surprises?"
Leopold chuckled, the cigarette in his palm crumpled, and the tobacco started to fall out, "Yes. But there's only one Camilla."
Oliver was speechless.
If only he had known this earlier, why did he act that way back then?
"Who called for a ride? License plate ending in 93—"
"Me!" Oliver immediately spoke up, "Leopold, I'll be going now."
He paused and added, "Take care." Oliver got in the car and left.
Leopold stood there, his eyes half-closed. The warm yellow light shone on him, inexplicably giving off a chill.
The next day was sunny with a warm sun and a gentle breeze. Alistair wanted to visit a garden, but the popular ones were too crowded and required reservations, making them unsuitable for a spontaneous visit. "Then let's go to the Langley Estate!"
The Langley Estate was said to have been a private garden of a family named Langley.
Camilla stood before a sign detailing the Langley Estate's history, including its changes and the names of its owners.
Bella said, "Does it say who the current owner is?"
Camilla looked again carefully and shook her head.
Bella walked over and stood next to Camilla in front of the display board. She pondered, 'If it's private and open to all visitors without an entrance fee, it's really strange, almost like they're doing charity.'
But Bella didn't dwell on it, and the family of three continued walking towards the east gate.
This garden is really big; it took them about ten minutes to reach the next pavilion, which stood beside a small bamboo forest with a stone path extending deep into it, evoking a sense of a secluded path leading to a hidden place. When the wind blew, the bamboo leaves rustled, carrying a hint of bamboo fragrance.
Following the signs, they walked on, with Alistair taking photos and marveling at the beauty. They passed through a small courtyard and a narrow door, and the view suddenly opened up to reveal a grand mansion at the end of the flat ground. This was the main building, and entry was not allowed; they could only view it from the outside.
Bella slowly approached and finally stopped outside the yellow line. Suddenly, some fragmented memories flashed in her mind, too quick for her to grasp.
Bella looked around in confusion, the feeling of déjà vu growing stronger. She wondered if she had been here before.
Camilla was still admiring the scenery. When she turned around, she saw Bella standing there, looking puzzled.
"Mom?" Camilla called out, "What's wrong?"
Alistair also looked over and asked, "Is it too sunny? Do you need a break?"
Bella smiled and shook her head lightly. "No, it's just that this place is so beautiful. If we could live here, it would be very comfortable."
Camilla smiled and replied, "The previous owner of the garden lived here with their family."
As they walked on, Camilla noticed many signs of life in the buildings. Several times, she saw childish graffiti on the pillars and railings, marked by time from innocent girls or mischievous boys of the past.
But soon, Camilla's smile faded as they took a different path and got lost.
The rock gardens and courtyards all looked the same, and the bamboo forests and pavilions were very similar too. And the signs were gone!
"Mom, I think we took the wrong path."
"I remember this is the way out..." Bella blurted out instinctively. Then she froze, wondering why she remembered a place she had never been.
Camilla didn't notice her wording, only wanting to find the way out quickly.
Bella took the lead, guiding them through winding paths, and miraculously, they reached a small gate that opened onto the street.
Camilla looked at Bella with a mix of surprise and doubt. "Mom!"
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