Mag-log inAmelia held Evelyn's hand as they left the store, carrying the picture books they had bought, the little bear Evelyn liked, and the tiny pair of baby socks Amelia hadn't been able to leave behind.-A few days later, Amelia was on the living room floor building blocks with Evelyn when the doorbell rang.She got up and opened the door.Samantha stood outside in a polished dress, holding a gold-foil envelope in both hands. A perfectly measured smile rested on her face."Ms. Sinclair, I hope I'm not bothering you."She lifted the envelope slightly. "Chris and I are having our engagement party next weekend. I wanted to bring the invitation myself. I hope you'll come."Amelia took the envelope. Her fingertips brushed over the embossed gold lettering, but her heart stayed still.She gave a faint nod. "Thank you. I'll keep it in mind."A trace of disappointment flickered through Samantha's eyes when she saw how calm Amelia was, but she kept smiling. "Then I won't keep you from your
Christopher let himself wonder whether there was any point in going on at all.-Over the next few days, Amelia set work aside completely. She stayed home with Evelyn, reading with her, drawing with her, and building block towers on the living room floor. The days passed quietly, warm and peaceful. It was the most relaxed Amelia had been since joining the Academy of Aerospace.There were no endless project reports. No urgent overtime calls. No rumors, no drama, no exhausting entanglements. There was only Evelyn's laughter and the steady comfort of home, slowly loosening the knot Amelia had carried for too long.That afternoon, Amelia took Evelyn to the mall to buy picture books. As they passed a baby store, Evelyn suddenly stopped and pointed at the display window."Mommy, look! That little dress is so pretty."Amelia followed her gaze.A pink lace dress hung in the window, tiny rabbits embroidered along the skirt. Beside it were a pair of baby shoes and a soft stuffed animal.
Jessica didn't look surprised. She only pointed to the couch across from her. "Sit. I figured you'd show up tonight."Christopher sat down but said nothing, only looked at her.Jessica didn't rush him. She lowered her head and continued organizing the files in her lap.Finally, Christopher spoke. "I don't know how to handle relationships."Jessica drew in a slow breath.She set the files aside, got up, and poured him a glass of water. After placing it in front of him, she looked at him calmly. "Christopher, in your current state, you shouldn't be trying to handle a relationship at all."Christopher's hand paused around the glass, and he lifted his eyes to her."I'm a therapist. I know how important emotional stability is."Jessica's voice stayed soft. "I never expect someone who can't steady himself to talk about love or take responsibility for another person. That isn't fair to her, and it isn't responsible for you."After she said it, a quiet ache spread through her ch
Amelia held the phone, her fingertips turning cold.It took her only a second to understand why Christopher had called.He wasn't asking what had happened. He was calling to question her on Samantha's behalf.Her mouth curved faintly, her voice edged with sarcasm. "So this is an interrogation?"Christopher went quiet for a few seconds.Then, he let out a low sigh. "No. Maybe I came off wrong. I just wanted to ask what happened.""Ask what happened?"Amelia gave a soft laugh, her voice cooling. "Did Samantha not tell you what we said? Or did she tell you, and you didn't believe her, so you had to come and ask me? Christopher, don't you ever get tired of this?"She paused, her gaze falling on the clock on the wall. The second hand ticked steadily, each sound tapping against her already strained nerves."If you think I'm in your way, or if you're afraid I'll upset Samantha, just say so. Make up any excuse you want to keep me away from both of you. I won't cling to you, and I
Amelia drew a slow breath and forced down the emotions rising in her chest. Then she lifted her head and looked at Samantha with a sharp, steady gaze. "Ms. Bloom, my marriage to Christopher isn't yours to judge. Instead of picking apart someone else's past, you should worry about your own present. After all, not everyone can secure their place the way you have."Samantha's smile froze. Her expression turned ugly. "What's that supposed to mean?""Nothing." Amelia set down her fork and stood, her voice cool. "I have work to do. Enjoy your lunch, Ms. Bloom."With that, she turned and walked back to her desk, leaving Samantha's face dark with anger and the surrounding coworkers trapped in awkward silence.Back at her workstation, Amelia stared at her computer screen for a long time without moving.Samantha's words had been cruel, but they had also made one thing painfully clear: whatever she and Christopher had once had was nothing more than a mistake she no longer wanted to remembe
Amelia slipped quietly into Evelyn's room and looked at the little girl's soft sleeping face. The ache in her chest only deepened.She didn't want Evelyn growing up in a complicated mess, and she didn't want this unexpected child to become another burden her daughter had to live around.That night, Amelia barely slept.She sat on the living room couch, staring at the moonlight beyond the window, turning Jasper's words over and over in her mind. No matter how many times she thought it through, her first decision didn't change.Near dawn, she finally got up, washed her face, changed clothes, and got ready to go to the Academy of Aerospace to finish her final handoff.When Jasper woke and saw the red veins in her eyes, his chest tightened with concern."Why don't you skip it today? I'll call the Academy for you.""No. It's just the last bit of paperwork. Once I finish it, I'll be completely done." Amelia forced a small smile and picked up her bag. "Stay home with Evie. I'll be back
After breakfast, Amelia brought Evelyn to the outdoor turf.It was the largest turf club in the suburbs of Northon, a favorite haunt of the elite. Evelyn was passionate about the sport. She used to just watch Nathan ride horses and never expressed her desire to do the same. The Zephyrs found it
After sending Christopher and Nicole off, the stableman heaved a sigh of relief."Let's pray that Ms. Randall will be fine. Mr. Zephyr himself was injured, but he looked so anxious about Ms. Randall's injuries. They look like a very loving couple."Amelia remained silent.Nathan was still sobbing
Nothing regarding her was as important as Nicole.Dorothy looked at Amelia. "What did he say when you called him to ask just now?"Amelia pursed her lips. "He's busy."Felix scoffed. "There's never an end to earning money. Why is he still busy with work on such an important day?"Amelia said not
Christopher answered the call and said something. He stared at Amelia's back and said, "Okay, got it."After ending the call, he caught up with Amelia and lifted a hand to call for his driver, who was waiting outside.He turned to look at Amelia, the look on his face unchanging. "I'm sorry, I ha







