Chapter 4.

Amelia’s POV

I was so happy when I heard him asking me to be his girl and I quickly accepted his proposal.  Accepting his proposal marked a significant moment, one that paved the way for my first kiss. His gentleness during that moment lingered in my memory, making it a cherished experience. It was a delicate dance of feelings—a step into a new chapter, a moment that lingered vividly in my heart, leaving an indelible mark of affection and the thrill of embracing something new and special.

The moment unfolded with a blend of excitement and nervousness. As our lips met, his tenderness enveloped me, making the experience both exhilarating and sweetly serene but then our sweet moment was ruined by the chef. The chef cleared his throat informing us that our food was ready. I was a bit embarrassed when the chef caught us kissing and I blushed so hard.

A tantalizing aroma of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and exotic spices hung in the air. The chef artfully places platters of food on the table.

The enticing aroma of the foods filled the air, creating an intricate dance of flavors that teased the senses. The centerpiece of the food was succulent roasted meats dripping with juices.

Platters of perfectly cooked venison adorned the table like culinary masterpieces. Each slice revealed the chef’s careful craftsmanship, the meat retaining its natural juiciness and infused with a medley of secret herbs and spices.

Freshly baked bread beckoned from ornate baskets, its golden crust giving way to a soft, warm interior. The aroma of yeast and grains filled the air, providing a welcome contrast to the robust flavors of the meats.

Plates of grilled vegetables, their vibrant colors arranged like a painter's palette, added a splash of color to the meal.

My mouth watered and my stomach grumbled. When my  gaze met Eddie's, he smiled at me and then motioned for me to eat. We finished our food and then he offered to take me home. When we arrived at the front of my apartment, he smiled at me and just like a perfect gentleman, he came down from the driver’s seat and then opened the door for me. I was out of the car and just as I was about to go in, he pulled me into his embrace, and then gave me a good night kiss.

I moved away from him, blushing harder and then dashed in without looking back at him. Blair was not present because she had informed me that she was on clinical posting. She was a medical student, and I knew how hectic her schedule was.

I dashed into my room and sat back on my bed, remembering the kiss I shared with Eddie. Just then my phone beeped and when I checked it, it was a message from Eddie telling me to sleep tight and would come back the next morning to take me to school.

I was so happy after reading the message, tossing up and down.

Oh my gosh! Is he trying to announce to everyone that we are dating?

I finally slept off without replying to Eddie's message.

…..

The first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, painting the room in gold hues. I sat up and stretched, blinking away the last vestiges of sleep. I smiled at myself when I remembered what happened between me and Eddie the previous night and just then my phone beeped. It was Eddie again, telling me to get ready as he would be coming to pick up in the next thirty minutes. I sprang out of the bed and rushed to the bathroom. When I was done, I quickly put on my clothes and shoes and I was finally done. I ran out of my apartment when he told me he was waiting for me outside and then he showered with good morning kisses and hugs.

I blushed so hard, and then we drove to school. Everyone was taken aback as we walked hand in hand. I became the talk of the school, and all the girls envied me. Because of my relationship with Eddie, I made a lot of new friends, and our relationship became the hottest topic in school. He always lavished me with gifts and affection, making me feel like a queen.

Our relationship ended during our final semester in school. I was working with a small agency to gain more experience then even when Eddie suggested that I use his connection to work with bigger agencies, but I told him that I wanted to climb  to the  top without the help of anyone. I was so shocked when he told me that he wanted to see me that evening and that was how my perfect relationship came to an end. What hurt me the most was that he didn’t tell me the reason why he was breaking up with me.

I was still sitting in daze when he broke up with me and then I received a call from my dad that my mom was sick and she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

My heart ached when I heard the news about my mother’s sickness. It had been a while since I saw her. Due to my class schedule here in Florida, I always find it difficult

to travel back home to check up on my  parents and I was so hurt that I had no  idea my mother was sick.

Eddie having broken up with me with the call from my dad about my mom’s sickness, I returned back to my apartment with sadness written all over my face. I burst into tears when I saw Blair and I explained everything to her. She comforted me, assuring me that everything would be fine.

I waited for Eddie to call me and tell me that he didn’t mean what he said,  but he didn’t. I focused on my studies , found some part time jobs to do so as to pay my mother’s bill and also everyone gossiped behind my back that they all knew my relationship with Eddie wouldn't last and that I was only with him because of his money.

Several rumors circulated about me but I couldn’t care as my mom’s health was my top priority. We finally graduated and yet I never heard from Eddie. Blair got a job back home at New York City’s Presbyterian Hospital after her residency at the hospital and she was the doctor in charge of my mom’s treatment while I still remained in Florida working with a small agency before I finally got a job with the agency I was working with at the moment.

I was jolted back to the present when my phone beeped. My mom's hospital bill  was forwarded to me and I was so shocked when I saw the amount I had to pay again for the month. I ignored the message and then noticed that Eddie had called me. I didn’t bother calling him back and instead  went into the bathroom to take a cold shower.

I laid back on my bed, thinking about my mom, the bills and the work ahead of me. Before I knew it, I finally slept off.