Chapter 160.

Amelia's POV

Now, the evening found us gathered around the kitchen island, a makeshift dinner table since the formal dining room felt far too vast and cavernous for the three of us.

I stirred the pasta sauce simmering in a pot on the stove, the rhythmic clinking of the spoon a welcome distraction from the awkward silence between Eddie and me. Every time I caught his gaze, it felt like a jolt of electricity sparking through my veins. His eyes, usually so cool and collected, held a hint of something deeper – confusion, perhaps, or a flicker of mirroring my own turmoil.

Chloe kept up a steady stream of chatter. "...and then, Sparklemane used her magic horn to defeat the grumpy troll guarding the bridge!"

I smiled, stirring the pot of vegetables. Despite the heavy tension hanging between Eddie and me, Chloe's innocent world offered a welcome distraction. Every now and then, I'd steal a glance at Eddie across the kitchen. He sat at the table, scrolling through his phone, his brow furrowed