LOGIN"I...can't rule it out."Amelia's voice trembled, and her fingers tightened around the paper until her knuckles went white.The doctor saw the panic on her face and softened her tone. "It's all right. Try not to worry yet. If we need to do a CT scan later, we have to rule out pregnancy first. Go get a blood draw for an HCG test. Once the results come back, we'll know for sure."Amelia took the lab order from the doctor and walked out of the exam room on unsteady legs.The hallway lights felt too bright. She stood there for a long moment, unable to pull herself together."What happened? Did you get the results?"Jasper hurried over. The moment he saw her pale face and unfocused eyes, his chest tightened. He reached out and gently steadied her by the arm."Are you feeling worse?"Amelia looked up at the worry in his eyes, and the panic she had been holding back rose through her like a tide.She drew in a breath and tried to steady herself, but her voice still shook. "Jasper, t
Amelia nodded. She was about to get out when she spotted two familiar figures not far away.Christopher was carefully supporting Samantha as they walked down the hospital corridor together. Samantha's lower belly had begun to show, and pregnancy had softened her expression. Side by side, the two of them looked almost painfully intimate.Samantha noticed Amelia first. She immediately tugged Christopher to a stop, her voice carrying a deliberate note of concern. "Ms. Sinclair? What brings you to the hospital? Are you not feeling well?"Her gaze flicked between Amelia and Jasper, sharp with curiosity she didn't bother hiding well.Amelia's fingers tightened slightly. Her voice stayed calm. "It's nothing serious. Just a routine checkup."Christopher's eyes settled on her face, dark and unreadable, like a black sea with something heavy moving beneath the surface. He said nothing. He only watched her in silence, as if trying to find an answer there.Jasper glanced at the time on
Since Jasper brought it up first, it saved Amelia from having to stumble through the offer herself."I was going to ask you to stay here," she said, a little embarrassed, "but I didn't want you to feel awkward."Her voice softened. "Honestly, I'd feel better if you stayed. Home is more comfortable than a hotel, and it'll be easier to get to the hospital tomorrow."Jasper smiled. "Normally, I'd say it might not be proper. But it's us. We don't need to stand on ceremony."Amelia smiled back and got to her feet. "I'll make up the bed for you. There are fresh sheets and blankets in the guest room closet.""No, I've got it." Jasper caught her gently by the wrist and shook his head. "You're not feeling well. Go rest. I'll take care of the rest."His palm was warm and dry against her skin. Amelia froze for half a second, then quickly pulled her hand back and nodded."Then call me if you need anything."Jasper watched her disappear into the master bedroom before turning toward the gu
When the car pulled into Amelia’s apartment complex, Jasper parked first, then got out and walked around to the passenger side to open her door.The moment he touched her cool fingers, his worry deepened.She had said her stomach felt off back at the restaurant. On the drive home, she had leaned against the seat with her eyes closed the whole way. Her face looked even paler than when they had left."Still feeling sick?" Jasper held her arm, concern filling his voice. "Don’t tough it out if you feel bad. We can still go to the hospital."Amelia shook her head and leaned slightly against his arm, her steps unsteady. Her voice carried a tired edge."I’m fine. I’ve just been packing and handling the project handoff lately. I’m probably worn out. I’ll feel better after some rest."Jasper half supported her as they walked into the building. In the elevator, the light caught the pale color of her lips, and the unease in him refused to settle.He knew how much Amelia used to love that r
Samantha bit her lip and said softly, "Chris, forget it. Let's not argue with him. I'll manage."She knew Jasper's background, and she knew pushing back wouldn't end well for her. For now, she could only back down.Christopher looked at the server. "Leave the dish. Bring Ms. Bloom some lemon water."The server quickly nodded and stepped out.The private dining room fell quiet again, but the silence had turned awkward.Amelia picked up her fork, took a piece of rib, and tasted it. The familiar flavor spread over her tongue, but it no longer stirred much in her heart.After what had just happened, she understood even more clearly that whatever had existed between her and Christopher was truly over.Jasper watched her eat in silence, then picked up his own fork and placed another piece on her plate. "Take your time. No rush."The farewell dinner ended in silence and discomfort.When they left the restaurant, Jasper naturally took Amelia's hand. He gave Christopher and Samantha a
Christopher immediately set down his fork and reached over to rub Samantha's back. "What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?""The ribs smell way too strong. I think I'm going to be sick."Samantha's voice took on a wounded edge as she glanced around the table, her displeasure barely concealed. "Who ordered that? Doesn't everyone know I'm pregnant? I can't handle the smell of meat right now."She had grown up spoiled, used to everyone around her making adjustments for her comfort. Now, with Amelia and Jasper sitting right there, she didn't even bother hiding the entitled streak in her temper.Christopher frowned and looked up at the server. "Take that away.""Wait."Jasper spoke before anyone else could. His tone stayed calm, but there was a firmness in it no one could miss. "Amelia likes that dish. Ms. Bloom, if the smell bothers you, you're welcome to sit farther away. There's no need to make the whole table adjust to one person's preferences."The hurt look on Samantha's face
Nicole was holding a dress before Lucia.Lucia took the dress from her and looked in the mirror. "You're right. You have good taste, Nicole."Winona spotted the two of them as well. Her eyes narrowed, and she said coldly, "The mother-in-law showing her new daughter-in-law off to everyone?"Amelia
Amelia brought Evelyn to the car.Christopher strode over, his aura cold and imposing.Amelia looked at him, knowing that he was here because Dorothy told him to come.Her fever had just subsided, and her head still felt heavy and her body weak. She wasn't in a state to deal with him."Instead o
Amelia could understand where Felix was coming from.Since he was on the verge of death anyway, he probably just wanted to help in any way he could.Amelia's entire body was shaking."It's fine, it's fine. Uncle will be fine…"She didn't know whether she was comforting herself or her mom.A nur
Jasper seemed cautious about what he was going to say, and Amelia knew it was nothing trivial.Very soon, Jasper arrived at the entrance of the hospital.Amelia pulled the door open and stepped in. "What is it that you can't talk about over the phone?"Jasper held the steering wheel and looked st







