7

Amelia’s POV 

I took a taxi back to my rented place. The whole ride, my mind was restless, haunted by the image of the man I had seen at the party earlier.

 I didn’t know why I was so curious—when I shouldn’t be. I was married, wasn’t I? I wasn’t supposed to be thinking about another man.

 But when I thought about my own marriage, a bitter smile curved my lips. What kind of marriage was this? Too rushed, without love, nothing but a business arrangement. Nothing else behind it.

With hesitation, I picked up my phone and sent a message to Samuel, asking him to dig up information about Xavier Aprilio. The moment the message was sent, regret instantly washed over me. Why was I bothering with him at all?

But my thoughts scattered when my phone rang. It was Samuel calling.

“You’re asking about Xavier Aprilio? What business do you have with him?” he asked suspiciously.

“No. I was just curious. He came to Raisa’s engagement party. People called him the honored guest.”

“In my opinion, that makes sense. Your sister is engaged to the Aprilio family. Of course Mr. Xavier would attend.”

“Yes, maybe so.”

I was about to end the call, but Samuel’s voice came again, more serious.

 “Xavier Aprilio is the eldest grandson of the eldest son in the Aprilio family. His parents died when he was a child. He was even kidnapped once. After he was found, he was sent abroad. He only returned once, for his grandmother’s birthday, then never came back. They say his marriage had already been arranged by his grandfather. Last week, he suddenly returned to the country and immediately took over the Aprilio Group—people say in a ruthless way. Whether that’s rumor or fact, I don’t know.”

I went silent, listening intently.

Samuel added, “And the latest news—today Xavier Aprilio secretly got married before going to the Rinov family villa. They say it was only to secure the inheritance and put his grandfather’s heart at ease. I’m not sure though.”

I froze.

“By the way, didn’t you also get married today? How was it? Did everything go smoothly?” he asked again.

I didn’t answer right away. My throat felt dry. After a few seconds, I only cleared my throat softly. “Hmm…”

Samuel immediately grew suspicious. “What do you mean, hmm? Did you really marry that blind date guy?”

Before I could reply, he rushed on. “Amelia, I told you not to be reckless. You can’t just—”

“I didn’t marry him,” I cut in quietly.

“What?!” His voice was sharp with shock. “Then with who? Amelia… how could you be so careless—”

“Enough, don’t worry. The important thing is, I’m married now. That’s all.”

Silence. Then a heavy sigh on the other end, but he said nothing more. The call ended.

I stared at the dark screen. My fingertips still tingled from pressing end call. Samuel was probably tearing his hair out, trying to understand what I meant. And honestly, I was just as confused.

I was married. The words felt foreign, even when I repeated them silently in my head. Marriage was supposed to be sacred, beautiful, full of joy—but for me, it was nothing more than an agreement struck in haste. I didn’t even really know the man who was now my legal husband.

I sighed, leaning my head against the cold taxi window. Streetlights flickered past, their glow flashing across the glass, tangling my thoughts even more. Was I foolish for accepting such a crazy offer? Or brave?

“Married,” I whispered, trying to reassure myself. But my heart only pounded faster. Relief and fear, clashing violently inside me.

A car horn blared behind us, jolting me. The taxi driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror.

 “Miss, are you all right? You look pale,” he asked kindly.

I forced a faint smile. “Yes, I’m fine. Maybe just tired.”

He nodded, asking no further. Thank goodness. I didn’t want anyone else to know just how messy my life had become.

My gaze fell back on the phone in my lap. Samuel’s words echoed in my head—about Xavier Aprilio. That name stuck to me now, as if I had entangled myself too deeply simply by mentioning it. He married in secret today… just like I did.

I bit my lip. Was this coincidence too strange—or was it fate?

A sharp knot twisted in my stomach as I recalled his figure at the party. His eyes—so piercing, as if they could strip someone bare. The aura he carried wasn’t just power, but danger. And now, he was my husband.

I lowered my gaze, clutching the edge of my bag. Can I survive in a marriage like this?

The taxi turned onto a quieter road. Outside, most shops were already closed, only a few small stalls still open. The road was damp—maybe it had rained before I arrived. The scent of wet earth drifted in through the slightly open window, pulling me deeper into melancholy.

I tried to distract myself, picturing my small rented home—thin walls, fading paint, but the only place that was truly mine. The only place I could breathe without the judgmental eyes of the Rinov family.

But even that image wasn’t enough to calm me. Anxiety pressed harder on my chest. What if word of my marriage came out? What if the Rinovs found out? What if Xavier…

I clenched my teeth. No. I couldn’t let fear consume me. I had lived in their shadow for far too long. If I had even the slightest chance to break free now, I had to be brave enough to face it.

The taxi finally slowed down.

 “We’ll be there soon, Miss,” the driver said.

I nodded slightly, my eyes staring blankly out the window. But before we arrived, a faint image flashed in my mind—the face of that man. Xavier. The more I tried to erase him, the clearer he appeared.

I let out a long sigh, surrendering to the truth: even on this ride home, my thoughts couldn’t escape him.

The taxi stopped in front of my rented place. I exhaled deeply, got out, and walked slowly toward the house.

 Just as I was about to turn the corner, a car sped from behind. I quickly stepped aside. But suddenly, an old woman—around eighty years old—appeared from the side of the road, nearly hit!

Instinctively, I rushed to pull her to safety. Fortunately, the driver reacted fast and slammed the brakes. No one was hurt. After making sure everything was fine, the driver quickly left.

I looked at the old woman. Despite how close she had come to danger, she looked utterly calm. Her frame was small and frail, but her clothes were neat—clearly she wasn’t from an ordinary family.

“Grandma, are you all right?” I asked anxiously.

She looked at me in confusion, as if she didn’t recognize her surroundings.

“Where do you live? I can take you home,” I offered.

But she only shook her head. My brow furrowed. Could she be senile?

Suddenly, she grabbed my wrist. Her cloudy eyes suddenly lit up with startling clarity.

“My granddaughter-in-law! Oh my goodness! My granddaughter-in-law! I’ve finally found you!”

I nearly choked on my own breath. What?

“Um… Grandma, who is your grandson?” I asked carefully.

She seemed to be thinking hard. “April… April… Xa… Xa… my precious grandson… oh dear, I’ve forgotten his name.”

I blinked, torn between confusion and disbelief.

“Oh, my dear, my granddaughter-in-law. Please call him for me.” She hastily pulled out a slip of paper with a phone number on it. “Quick, this is his number!”

I accepted the paper stiffly. “Grandma, what was your grandson’s name again?”

She opened her mouth, struggling to recall, but failed. “Xa, what was it again? I forgot…”

I drew a deep breath, forcing a reassuring smile. “It’s all right, Grandma. Don’t worry if you can’t remember.”

Clutching the slip of paper, I finally braced myself to make the call.