Chapter 19

For five days, Ethan had been staying at the main house with Flora. Technically, it violated their agreement, but Amelia didn’t dwell on it. She figured that since Flora’s parents were still unwell, her friend might need her husband around to assist her in case of any emergencies.  

After days of not communicating, Amelia decided to muster the courage to send her husband a message first thing in the morning. She just wanted to check on him and make sure he was okay. After all, it wasn’t a crime for a wife to ask about her husband’s well-being.  

**Amelia:** *Ethan, how are you? Are Flora's parents feeling better?*  

After typing out the message, Amelia read it over one more time. Confident in her wording, she hit send.  

While waiting for a reply, she decided to have her breakfast. Thankfully, just a few minutes later, her phone chimed with a notification. A message from Ethan made her face light up with joy.  

Eagerly, Amelia unlocked her phone to check. Sure enough, the response was from Ethan.  

**Ethan:** *I’m doing well. Flora’s mom is feeling better now. Where are you? Have you left for work?*  

The smile on Amelia’s face grew wider. Even though the message was brief, for some reason, it felt special.  

**Amelia:** *I’m feeling better too. I’m still at home having breakfast. I might head to work soon. Have you eaten yet?*  

She anxiously waited, hoping Ethan would respond again. It wasn’t long before another notification came through, and her heart skipped a beat.  

**Ethan:** *Not yet. I didn’t have time for breakfast. I rushed to take Flora to the hospital because her mom was discharged today. How are you getting to work?*  

Reading Ethan’s reply, Amelia quickly responded. She didn’t want to waste the rare opportunity of exchanging texts with her husband.  

**Amelia:** *The driver will take me as usual. You haven’t eaten anything? Want me to bring you lunch? I made chicken curry, potato patties, and broccoli stir-fry. If you’d like, I can bring it to the hospital during your lunch break.*  

After hitting send, Amelia silently hoped Ethan would agree. If he did, it would mean she could see him, even if only for a short while.  

**Ethan:** *Sure, if it’s not too much trouble. I’ll be at the hospital all day until the end of work hours.*  

“Yes!” Amelia exclaimed in delight after reading his response. Her offer had been accepted!  

With a spring in her step, Amelia finished her breakfast quickly and went to the kitchen to prepare the food containers. She carefully portioned out rice, side dishes, and even some sliced fruit as dessert. After neatly arranging everything, she placed the containers in a thermal bag to keep the food warm until it was time to deliver them.  

Amelia went to work in high spirits, her face glowing with happiness throughout the day. Even though it was just a simple text exchange, it meant the world to her. She checked the clock on her wrist countless times, impatiently waiting for lunchtime.  

Her unusual behavior didn’t go unnoticed by Clara, her sister, who finally asked, “What’s up with you? You seem restless.”  

“I’m just waiting for lunch break,” Amelia admitted.  

“What’s so special about lunch break? What are you planning to do?”  

Amelia’s honesty puzzled Clara even more.  

“I’m heading to the hospital.”  

“To do what? Are you feeling unwell?”  

Amelia shook her head, smiling. “I’m going to see Ethan.”  

“That’s unusual,” Clara said, clearly surprised.  

“Yes, I’m bringing him lunch,” Amelia replied, her cheeks flushing slightly.  

“Oh my God. So, you’re bringing food for your husband?”  

“Yes.”  

“Alright, go get ready then,” Clara encouraged her.  

“There’s still 10 minutes left before break.”  

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll give you a head start. Besides, you’ll need time to pack up the food, right?”  

Amelia nodded and beamed. “Thanks, Clara. You’re the best.”  

“Just make sure the driver takes you and picks you up later, okay?”  

After receiving Clara’s blessing, Amelia grabbed the thermal bag and set off for the hospital. Luck seemed to be on her side—Jakarta’s usually chaotic traffic was surprisingly clear, allowing her to reach the hospital in just a few minutes.  

Walking briskly through the corridors, Amelia arrived at Ethan’s office and knocked on the closed door.  

“Come in,” Ethan called out.  

Amelia entered with a smile, finding her husband deep in conversation with his colleague, Alvin.  

“Take a seat at my desk for a moment, Amelia,” Ethan said. “I just need to finish up here.”  

Amelia nodded and did as he instructed, listening quietly as Ethan and Alvin discussed a patient’s case. Fifteen minutes later, Alvin stood up to leave.  

“Hand the medical records to Asher for evaluation,” Ethan said. “It’s not just a pinched nerve; there’s another trigger causing the paralysis.”  

Alvin nodded in agreement and prepared to leave. Before walking out, he acknowledged Amelia with a polite nod, to which she responded with a slight smile.  

Once they were alone, Amelia got up and approached Ethan, who was tidying up some files.  

“Let me help,” she offered, sitting down to assist him in organizing the documents.  

“Thanks, Amelia,” Ethan said. “Who came with you?”  

“Clara’s driver.”  

“Have you eaten lunch yet?”  

Amelia nodded, even though she hadn’t eaten to prioritize delivering the food to Ethan.  

“I have,” she lied. “And I brought you—”  

“Darling.”  

Amelia froze mid-sentence at the sound of a familiar, sweet voice. Turning toward the door, she saw Flora entering the room with bags in both hands.  

“Flora, why didn’t you let me know you were coming?” Ethan asked, surprised.  

“I was in a rush,” Flora explained, placing the bags on the table. “After dropping Mom off, I remembered you hadn’t eaten, so I brought lunch from your favorite restaurant. Oh, Amelia’s here too? Perfect! We can all eat together. I brought plenty.”  

Amelia’s heart sank. She discreetly closed the thermal bag, deciding not to take out the food she’d prepared.  

“Amelia, are you eating with us?” Ethan asked, unaware of her disappointment.  

“No, thank you,” Amelia said with a forced smile. “I already ate.”  

“Just have a little,” Flora urged. “There’s so much food; it would be a waste if you didn’t.”  

Amelia shook her head politely. “I’m really full, Flora.”  

Checking the time, Amelia decided to excuse herself.  

“Ethan, Flora, I’ll head back now,” she said, standing up.  

Without waiting for a response, she left the room, her chest tight with unspoken sadness.

***

"Ethan, Flora, I’ll head out now."  

"Why the rush?" Flora asked, puzzled. "Wait a bit longer, and we can go home together."  

Amelia shook her head. In her current unsettled state, she preferred being alone rather than going home with Flora.  

"No, that’s okay. I came with the driver," Amelia fibbed.  

She had no intention of sharing a ride with Flora today. She thought it would be better to book an online taxi or call Clara’s driver to pick her up.  

"So, you’re really leaving now?" Ethan asked again, confirming.  

"Yes, I need to head back. Lunch break is almost over," she replied.  

After saying her goodbyes, Amelia approached Ethan and extended her hand for a handshake. After that, she quickly left his office.  

With her emotions in turmoil, Amelia walked down the corridor and exited the elevator. Just as she reached the lobby, whether by coincidence or because he was waiting for her, Alvin called out to her and quickly approached.  

"You’re leaving already?" Alvin asked directly.  

"Yes, my break is over," Amelia replied.  

"It’s not because Flora was in Ethan’s office, is it?" Alvin teased bluntly, as if he could read the situation.  

Alvin had seen Flora in Ethan’s office because he had noticed her stepping out of the elevator earlier.  

Amelia looked up, flashing a smile as if to mask what she was feeling.  

"No, it’s not because of Flora. Besides, I really need to get back," she answered.  

"Why are you in such a hurry?" Alvin pressed.  

"I planned to visit my dad briefly before heading back to the boutique," Amelia explained.  

Alvin nodded. He was aware of the circumstances that led Ahmed Ibrahim Alqadrie to end up in prison. Deciding not to probe further, he shifted the topic.  

"How are you getting home? Did you drive yourself?"  

"No," Amelia shook her head. "I came with Clara’s driver. I’ll probably call him to pick me up again."  

Alvin nodded once more. Just as he was about to continue the conversation, a nurse called him over to the emergency room. This meant that he and Amelia had to part ways again.  

Continuing toward the hospital lobby to head home, Amelia tried calling the driver who had dropped her off. For some reason, no matter how many times she tried, he wasn’t answering.  

Not wanting to waste more time, Amelia decided to book an online taxi. Just as she was about to, another familiar voice called out to her and approached her quickly.  

"Princess."  

Amelia turned to see Evan walking toward her with a smile.  

"Evan."  

"Where are you coming from? Heading somewhere?" he asked.  

"I just came from visiting Ethan," Amelia replied.  

"And now you’re going home? With who?"  

Amelia nodded.  

"Yes, heading back to the boutique. I’m on my own. I was just about to order an online taxi."  

"Let me give you a ride instead. I’m heading out too," Evan offered sincerely.  

Since his consultations and rounds were done for the day, he had decided to leave early. Helping Amelia on his way wasn’t an issue.  

"No, that’s okay," Amelia declined politely, not wanting to impose on Evan again. "It’s too much trouble."  

"Don’t worry about it, Amelia. Besides, the boutique isn’t far from here, right?"  

Amelia nodded again, acknowledging that the distance between the hospital and the boutique was indeed short. It would only take a few minutes to get there.  

"Then it’s settled. Come on, ride with me. And don’t worry, I’m not going to kidnap you. Seriously, what kidnapper is as good-looking as me?"  

Amelia laughed. Only Evan could joke at a time like this. After weighing her options and noticing the sincerity in Evan’s expression, Amelia gave in and agreed to let the brown-eyed man drive her back to the boutique.