Chapter 14

Backstage at the competition, Jasper and Winona arrived one after the other.

Winona stepped in, her face full of disdain.

"Just ran into that pain in the ass outside again. They're everywhere. And that Nicole—heard she's competing in this event too." She huffed. "It's completely insane! The way she strutted around like she owned the place was unbelievable."

Amelia laughed. "Why are you so worked up over her?"

"I just can't stand that smug look she gets, riding on men's coattails and acting so pleased with herself! She had no qualifications to get into Institute 511, so she got your husband to pull some strings for her." Winona's nostrils flared with anger. "Tell me. You've been married to Christopher for years. What has he ever done for you? For Nicole, though? He's generous beyond belief!"

Amelia pursed her lips.

It was true. Six years of marriage, and Christopher had flown back and forth across the globe every year with Nathan just to see Nicole.

A man would go any distance for the one he loved. No matter how passionate someone else was, it could never outweigh his indifference.

Six years, and Amelia had nothing. In the process, she had lost her daughter and her own life.

Amelia stood up. "I'm going to the bathroom."

Inside the room, the air felt stifling. Her chest felt tight, as if it were packed with a thousand weights, making it hard to breathe. She just wanted a moment alone to clear her mind and gather her thoughts.

She walked all the way to the back garden of the arena.

Spring had painted the garden with blooming plum trees, their delicate fragrance drifting in the air. The flowers were lush, vibrant, and intoxicating.

She stepped forward, intending to get a closer look, but froze at the corner.

Under the trees, Christopher and Nicole were unusually close. Nicole had her arms around his neck, their faces so near that it looked like they were kissing.

Amelia's heart skipped a beat. She took a deep breath and turned to leave.

"Mia?" Nicole suddenly called after her. "What are you doing here?"

Nicole's smile was bright and carefree, but Christopher's expression was cold, almost irritated, as if Amelia had just ruined something pleasurable.

Amelia pursed her lips. "Sorry to interrupt. You two carry on."

"Is this funny to you?" Christopher's dark eyes met hers, calm but piercing. "Was this on purpose?"

On purpose? To deliberately ruin their little moment?

"What are you talking about?" Nicole laughed. "Mia, don't get the wrong idea. Chris and I are just buddies. We've practically been inseparable since childhood. If there were ever anything between us, it would have happened a long time ago.

"I wanted to ask you earlier," Nicole continued. "Mia, you're at home a lot and don't have many friends. You came here specifically to watch me compete and cheer me on, right?

"Before, you said you were interested in this. I'll talk to Chris later and see if you can join me. You can be my assistant, and I'll pay you a salary. Even though I'm just getting started, you know I'm going to shine eventually. Already, so many companies are clamoring to hire me. I can't even choose fast enough!"

She didn't wait for Amelia to respond. Her gaze softened, tinged with envy.

"Sometimes I envy you, Mia. Being at home, raising a family... I gave up a great deal for my studies and career back then. But once you see how I perform, you'll understand why I never wanted to get married and have kids.

"Being alone abroad was really hard. Luckily, you're generous enough to let Chris come visit me. He's there almost every weekend."

Amelia's breath hitched; almost uncontrollably, her gaze flicked toward Christopher.