CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FOUR - JEALOUS

Jeremy’s POV

“Amelia, please. Can you set our differences aside for once and think about your family?”

Amelia gazed at me, then her eyes shifted to her mother and younger sister. They looked so helpless. It seemed I was their only hope at the moment.

“Fine.” Amelia shrugged, her shoulders lifting slightly. “But let me make this clear, Jeremy. I don't want to feel indebted to you, so I’ll work and pay you back.” Her hands rubbed her stomach as her gaze drifted, lost in thought.

I knew I messed up when I took matters into my own hands and sought out an heir for my family. I had done all the tests on the woman, and she was healthy. It was meant to be a discreet arrangement. I never intended for Amelia to find out.

The day she left me, my life turned upside down. The businesses I managed back in New York started facing numerous complications, and I needed a fresh start. So, I came to Japan to manage the “BENETT EMPIRE,” my family's oldest business.

What I didn't expect was for Amelia to walk in and apply for a job. Though a month had passed, she looked the same—the woman I had been head over heels for, the one I fell in love with. I still loved her.

“And just because you’re helping my family doesn’t mean you get to interfere in my life. You and I are over, Jeremy. Consider this helping your employee, okay?” She exhaled and rolled her eyes.

“Thank you,” Claudia mumbled, bowing her head slightly.

“It’s fine. Come on, Amelia. Let’s go.”

Amelia snorted, but she followed me. After I made the necessary payments and the doctors confirmed her grandmother’s discharge, I glanced at my watch. A knot formed in my stomach at the sight of the time. I had been here for over five hours. Shit.

“You can go, Jeremy. I’ll take it from here,” I heard Amelia say from behind me.

“I’m sorry, but I have to leave. Here’s the address and the keys to the apartment. And…” I rummaged through my pocket for a wad of cash.

“No, I can’t accept that,” Amelia shook her head as soon as she saw what I held.

“You have to. Claudia can go grocery shopping with this. Nana needs healthy meals, Amelia.” I urged her to take the money.

“Why are you doing this, Jeremy?” Tears welled in her eyes as she accepted the cash from me.

I shrugged, not knowing how to answer her question. I didn’t know why I was helping her. We were divorced. She was no longer my responsibility. Except, she was pregnant with my child, and I couldn’t let her suffer. It didn’t matter that she was two hundred miles away from me with my baby. I’d burn the world for Amelia.

“Thank you.” She sniffed, her gaze averted from mine.

I turned and left the hospital, my heart thumping loudly in my chest. The knot in my stomach tightened with every passing second.

The veins in my arms popped, and pain surged in my eyes, blurring my vision as I drove. Damn it! This was what I got for skipping the pills I usually took. My grip tightened on the steering wheel, willing it to share the pain in my wrists.

I pulled into the gates of my home, rushed out of my car, and dashed inside. Rummaging through my closet, my hands found the bottle of pills, and I grabbed it.

I threw two pills into my mouth and dropped to the floor, breathing heavily until the pain subsided. My vision cleared, and I exhaled. The pills were running low, and the next time this happened, I didn't know if I would be so lucky.

***

Amelia's POV

It was my first day of work, and the excitement was overwhelming. Mom and Claudia were thrilled for me. But all I could think about was working extra hours to pay Jeremy back. I appreciated his help in our time of need, but my family wasn’t a charity case.

I admired myself in the mirror. I wore a red flowing dress, my auburn hair slicked back in a high ponytail, and my lips matched the shade of my dress. I chose flats as advised by the doctor. I did a little twirl, putting on a confident smile.

“Twinkle, it’s Mummy’s first day of work. I want you to be good today, okay? Then I’ll get us ice cream on my way back.” I chuckled lightly, rubbing my belly. I had formed the habit of talking to my baby, and I decided on ‘Twinkle’ as a name for my little one.

I didn’t know the gender yet, but I figured Twinkle would work for either. My lips twitched into a smile, but doubt crept in. I hoped Jeremy would act like my boss and not pry into my personal life with his silly questions.

I decided to focus on the positives. I’d be getting an office, meeting new people, and maybe I could finally make a friend. Sighing confidently, I left my room and peeked into Nana’s room.

The nanny Jeremy hired was spoon-feeding Nana some of the soup I made last night. I walked into the room, grinning.

“Good morning, Nana.” I took her hands and kissed them.

“Bless you, my Amelia,” Nana said, smiling back. “Are you going now?”

I nodded in response.

“Take care of yourself.” Nana waved me off.

I arrived at the company at 8 o'clock, and most of the staff were already waiting. I took the elevator to the 5th floor. According to the brochure that had been emailed to me, I would be sharing an office with three other staff members.

The office was located right in front of Jeremy's. When I entered, a lady was sitting behind her desk. She wore a crisp white top and black pants. As our eyes met, she smiled.

“Hello, you must be Amelia,” the lady said, standing up and extending her hand for a handshake. Her hands felt warm in mine, and I smiled back at her.

“Yes, I'm Amelia,” I replied.

“My name is Sarah. Your desk is over there. I’ve helped set up your laptop and the files you'll need to start work today. The boss has asked me to assist you before he arrives,” Sarah explained enthusiastically.

My desk was pristine, a white surface rimmed with golden strips. Behind it was a swivel chair, and several files were neatly stacked on my desk. A laptop and a steaming cup of coffee sat waiting for me, along with a brochure that read ‘Welcome to Bennett Empire.’

“I made you coffee. The brochure contains everything you need to know about your position, but I can guide you through it if you'd like,” Sarah said, standing beside me as I turned.

“Thank you, Sarah,” I replied, exhaling as I walked around the table to sit in my chair. It felt soft and comfortable. I could sit here for hours without feeling uncomfortable.

“Boss is here,” Sarah announced after a minute of silence. I watched her smooth her dress and touch up her lipstick.

When Jeremy walked into our office, all the air seemed to leave my lungs. I had forgotten how handsome he looked in casual wear. His long-sleeved cotton shirt and jeans exuded luxury. His dark hair appeared damp as if he had just showered, and his eyes…

No, Amelia, get a grip on yourself.

Sarah sashayed over to Jeremy, a smile on her face. When she reached him, she kissed him on the cheek.

My grip tightened around the handle of the mug I was holding. How dare she?