Chapter 7

The ride back to Jake's mansion was enveloped in quiet, interrupted only by the gentle sound of the engine. Amelia remained silent, her hands resting on her lap as her fingers absentmindedly traced patterns. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—Catherine’s scornful smirk, her physician’s unexpected comfort, and the ambiguity that lay ahead.

Jake stole a glance at her for a moment, his hands firmly gripping the steering wheel. “You shouldn't let her get to you,” he said, shattering the silence. His voice remained calm, but hints of annoyance broke through.

Amelia turned her gaze from the window to him, her lips pressed tightly together. “It’s not that simple, Jake. Catherine isn’t merely an envious family member. She poses a danger.”

Jake’s jaw tightened, his knuckles turning pale on the wheel. “Do you genuinely think I’m oblivious? I recognize she’s a danger. But you don’t have to face her alone anymore. If she decides to confront you, I’ll handle it.”

Amelia gave a humorless laugh, dry and lacking amusement. “You don’t understand,” she responded quietly. “This isn’t solely about me. It involves my child. If Catherine gets a whiff…” Her voice faded, a sense of dread tightening in her throat.

Jake brought the car to a halt at a red light, his dark eyes fixed on hers. His voice softened, yet it carried a strong resolve. “Nothing will happen to you or the baby. I swear it.”

Amelia maintained eye contact for a lengthy moment. She wished to trust him and allow his assurance to ease her fears, yet uncertainty clung to her like a heavy mist. Looking away, she murmured, “I hope you’re right.”

In a dimly lit corner of an upscale bar, Catherine emanated an effortless air of control. Her red dress clung to her form, the sharp clicks of her stiletto heels against the marble floor catching the attention of nearby patrons. Unbothered, she slid onto a high barstool and requested a glass of red wine.

As she tapped her perfectly manicured nails on the countertop, her thoughts replayed the disturbing encounter with Amelia. The guarded expression and flicker of worry in Amelia were firmly imprinted in her mind. Something significant was transpiring.

Taking out her sleek phone, Catherine scanned through her contacts until she found the name she sought: Detective Reynolds.

She dialed the number, a predatory grin appearing as the call connected.

“Reynolds,” came the gravelly voice from the other end.

“Darling,” Catherine cooed, her tone sugary yet sharp. “I’ve got a small task for you that involves investigating someone. I want every last detail.”

Reynolds paused for a moment. “Who’s the target?”

“Amelia Rodriguez,” she answered, savoring the name. “She’s concealing something, and I aim to expose it.”

After a brief silence, a weary sigh followed. “You got it.”

Catherine hung up and savored her wine, a smug smile creeping onto her face. “Let’s see how long you can keep your secrets, Amelia,” she murmured softly, her voice oozing malice.

As Jake and Amelia made their way home, the mansion loomed like a fortress, its silence more oppressive than the drive. Amelia entered first, her body tense, instinctively cradling her belly.

“Amelia,” Jake called gently, entering behind her. His tone was firm yet kind, a plea wrapped in comfort. “You can’t continue shouldering this burden alone. You’re not as alone as you believe.”

She hesitated at the grand staircase, facing away from him. The impact of his words was profound. “I get it,” she spoke after a lengthy pause. “But understanding and truly feeling it are entirely different experiences.”

Jake approached her, positioning himself behind her, his presence soothing. “Allow me to help you feel it,” he said softly. “I’m here, and I won’t go anywhere.”

Amelia turned to look at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “You keep saying that, Jake. I want to trust you. But people leave, especially when things get hard.”

His gaze softened, revealing a touch of hurt. “I’m not Ronald,” he replied quietly. “I won’t disappear just because things get difficult.”

Her heart throbbed at his statement. As she searched his face for any insincerity, she found none. If she weren’t still in love with Ronald, she might have allowed herself to fall for Jake.

For the first time in days, she began to lean slightly into his words. “We’ll see,” she whispered, brushing by him as she ascended the stairs.

Jake’s voice called to her as she went up the steps. “Amelia,” he said, his tone earnest. “The best way to get back at those who hurt you is to release your emotions toward them.”

She paused to look back at him. “What do you mean by that?”

Jake moved closer, his dark eyes focused. “Your emotions, your empathy—they don’t hold any weight now. You’re not just going against the Wellingtons. You’re facing your own family.”

His words resonated deeply inside her, and she looked at him, her heart burdened with conflict. He was right; this was more than just a fight for survival. It was a struggle she couldn’t afford to lose. A blend of determination and steely resolve started to take root within her.

Outside, on the balcony of her room, the cool night air was still and peaceful. The stars above seemed far away, their glow dim against the surrounding gloom. The gentle rustling of leaves was the only sound, a soothing backdrop to the chaos of her thoughts.

Resting her hands gently on her stomach, she murmured, “It’s just the two of us. But we’ll be fine. I promise.”

A slight creak startled her, and she turned quickly, her heart pounding. Jake stood in the doorway, his silhouette outlined by the soft light from the hallway.

“Can’t sleep?” he asked, his voice steady and low.

She turned her gaze back to the view, nodding. “Just… pondering.”

Jake walked out onto the balcony, resting against the railing beside her. “You’re not alone, Amelia. I’ll keep saying it until you truly believe it.”

She looked at him, a small, hesitant smile appearing. “You’re determined, I’ll give you that.”

“I have no choice,” he responded, his gaze steady. “You’re worth it.”

After a pause, Amelia spoke softly, “I want Mrs. Melissa to come and stay with me.”

Jake stood up straight, a satisfied look on his face. “Consider it arranged.”

In her opulent penthouse, Catherine sank into a luxurious velvet chair, a glass of wine in hand as she sifted through the files Detective Reynolds had sent. Her eyes carefully examined each document.

Then, she stumbled upon a medical report.

“Pregnant,” she said quietly, her tone laced with surprise and satisfaction. A slow, sinister grin emerged on her face. “Oh, Amelia. You’ve made this much more interesting than I expected.”

Leaning back in her chair, her thoughts raced with potential scenarios. If Amelia believed she could escape her past, start fresh, and build a new life, she was woefully mistaken.

“Let’s see how long you can keep your little secret,” Catherine remarked softly, her voice dark and foreboding.