Amelia’s POVRowan guided me through the crowd like I belonged at his side. The gown he had chosen for me shimmered under the chandelier light, the fabric flowing effortlessly around my legs. For a fleeting moment, I felt almost regal.But the echo of Victoria’s venomous tone and my father’s cold dismissal still cut deep. Their words coiled inside me like snakes. Was I an imposter? Could I ever belong here?"Don’t let her get in your head," Rowan murmured near my ear, his breath warm against my temple. I froze, startled. It was as if he had plucked my thoughts straight out of me.I tilted my face toward him. "Am I that transparent?"His lips curved, just barely. "Only to me." He squeezed my hand gently before steering me toward a small cluster of suited men and jewel-draped women."Rowan Lancaster," one of them greeted, reaching for his hand."Good to see you, Bernard." Rowan’s voice was smooth, confident. He gestured toward me. "Allow me to introduce Amelia. She’s my… very special gu
Victoria’s POVThe Lancaster estate was already buzzing with life when I arrived, flanked by my parents.The gravel driveway glittered with expensive cars, and waiters glided around with trays of champagne. My mother nudged me, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "You’ve done us proud by marrying into this family, Victoria."As we reached the entrance, a socialite in a glamorous gown was lingering in the doorway. I cleared my throat, impatient. "Excuse me, ma’am—"But when she turned, my breath caught in my throat. "Amelia?!"Her eyes widened for a fleeting moment, then narrowed into slits. "Victoria…" Her voice dripped with disdain. It was the first time she’d seen me since the scandal with the video. She clearly hadn’t forgiven or forgotten.I folded my arms. "What are you doing here? Trying to gain Rowan’s approval again?"My mother’s lips curved in contempt. She looked Amelia up and down like she was some cheap knock-off. "Playing pretend again, Amelia?" she sneered. "You do
Victoria’s POVTristan stood beside me at the reception counter. His arm supported me while the nurse handed over my discharge papers. He looked every inch the attentive husband, but I could feel the storm brewing underneath."Excuse me," he said suddenly, turning to Doctor Whitman with a sharpness that made even the nurse pause mid-scribble. "I still don’t understand how such a grave mistake could happen. The wrong prescription? The wrong dose? That’s negligence. It could’ve killed her."My heart skipped. Tristan, please don’t push this…Doctor Whitman kept his composure. "I understand your concern, Mr. Lancaster. Mistakes like this are rare, but unfortunately, they can occur when records are transferred between departments."Tristan scoffed, but the doctor continued, "The important thing is that we’ve corrected it. Mrs. Lancaster is now on the proper medication. There’s nothing further to worry about."Tristan’s eyes narrowed. "Nothing further to worry about?" He leaned in, loweri
Amelia’s POVI studied Rowan’s face as a flash of shock appeared in his eyes. Then amusement, as if he couldn’t quite believe I’d dared to ask something so bold. "Marry you?" he asked, "Amelia, where the hell is this coming from?" His tone was low, sharp.I crossed my arms. "You’re avoiding the question.""And now you’re avoiding mine," he countered, his eyes narrowing.I let out a bitter scoff. "Rowan, you’re inviting me to meet your family. You don’t just parade someone into Lancaster territory unless it means something. Or is all this just to spite your nephew?"His jaw tightened as he looked away. "Amelia… we had an agreement. Do not mention him anymore. Remember?"I gave a short, humorless laugh. "So, this is just about sex? I don’t think it makes sense to introduce me to your family if we’re just friends with benefits.” Please, say something else."Come on…What exactly are you trying to ask? my past life?" He turned back to me. "Babe, that’s not appropriate."I folded my arms t
Amelia’s POV"You’re Rowan’s ex-wife," I said coolly, folding my arms. "Why are you following me?"Her lips curved into a slow, mocking smile. "Following you? Please. Don’t flatter yourself. I was just… curious." Her tone dripped with arrogance. "I wanted to see what kind of toy Rowan’s entertaining himself with these days."My chest tightened, but I forced a smirk. "Funny choice of words. Because whether you like it or not, I am with him now."Sienna let out a high-pitched laugh that turned heads from nearby shoppers. She looked me up and down, her eyes sharp as blades. "Oh, darling. You’re delusional. Rowan wouldn’t seriously consider dating you. He plays. He takes. And when he’s had his fill, he throws it all away." She leaned in, her perfume almost suffocating. "Trust me—I would know."Her words stung, but I met her gaze without flinching. "Maybe he’s changed.""Changed?" She snorted. "Rowan Lancaster doesn’t change. You really think you’ll be the exception? Sweetheart, I wore
Amelia’s POVHeat crept up my neck, but I steadied myself and lifted my chin. "Funny," I said, "because the last time I was in your bed, I didn’t exactly stay the night, did I?"Rowan’s jaw tightened. "You disappeared without a word."I folded my arms, cutting him with a sharp look. "And you didn’t bother to ask why. Maybe it had something to do with your little stunt—answering Tristan’s phone call, trying to humiliate me?"His gaze flickered, something dark sparking in those stormy eyes. He stepped even closer."Humiliating you?" His voice dropped low, dangerous. "You think that’s what that was about?"I swallowed hard but held my ground. "What else could it have possibly been?"Rowan leaned in. His breath brushed against my ear, his words a rough whisper. "I wanted him to hear it, Amelia. To know. That you are mine."My heart thudded painfully in my chest. I forced myself to take a step back, creating space between us. "Rowan… I can’t possibly meet your family.""Why not?" His ton