Chapter One

Amelia stood nervously by the bar, wiping away the sweat that had formed on her forehead. It was a prestigious charity event, filled with the wealthy and influential, and she felt like a fish out of water. She glanced around, trying to find some solace in the beautifully decorated venue.

As she poured a glass of champagne, her hands trembled slightly, betraying her nervousness. Just as she turned to hand the drink to a passing waiter, her elbow accidentally knocked into a man standing next to her. The glass slipped from her grasp and its contents spilled onto the man's crisp white shirt.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry!" Amelia exclaimed, her eyes widening in horror.

The man, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, glanced down at his stained shirt with a mixture of annoyance and surprise. He sighed heavily and looked up at Amelia with piercing eyes, his tone laced with irritation.

"You have got to be kidding me," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Can't you do anything right?"

Amelia's heart sank, feeling the weight of his words. She stammered, trying to find the right words to apologize.

"I-I truly apologize. It was an accident, I swear. Let me get you a towel or something to clean it up," she offered, desperately hoping to make amends.

The man crossed his arms, a scowl etching deeper on his face. He seemed uninterested in her attempt to rectify the situation.

"I don't have time for your incompetence," he scoffed dismissively as Mr Anderson, the event manager rushed to his side "Find someone more competent to take her place and stay out of my way." He told the manager as he walked away.

Amelia's eyes welled up with tears, feeling the weight of her struggles and now the embarrassment of her mistake. She looked down, unable to meet Mr Anderson's gaze. "Why did it have to be Mr Sterling?" Mr. Anderson scolded as he led her to a corridor just outside the restroom, seeing how close she was to crying. Amelia's voice trembled with desperation as she pleaded with him,

Ethan Sterling had hurriedly entered the restroom to clean up after the drink mishap.

"I beg you, Mr. Anderson, please don't remove me from the event," Amelia implored, her voice choked with emotion. "I know I made a mistake, but I have so much riding on this job. My mother is very sick, and I have mounting debts. This event is my lifeline."

Mr. Anderson listened attentively, his expression a mix of empathy and consideration. "Amelia, I understand your situation, but Mr. Sterling insists on your removal. He believes you have caused him significant inconvenience."

Ethan stood by the sink, water running over his hands, overhearing their conversation. He froze, his thoughts momentarily shifting from his frustrations to Amelia's plea. The weight of her words and the vulnerability in her voice tugged at his conscience.

"I... I can't afford to lose this opportunity," Amelia continued, her voice quivering. "I promise to make it right, to compensate Mr. Sterling for any damages. Please, Mr. Anderson, give me a chance."

Ethan felt a wave of conflicting emotions wash over him. The anger he had held onto began to soften as he contemplated the magnitude of Amelia's circumstances. He knew the pain of financial strain and the desperation to support a loved one.

Mr. Anderson sighed, recognizing the sincerity in Amelia's words. "Amelia, I can see how much this means to you. Let me speak with Mr. Sterling once more, and try to find a resolution that satisfies both parties."

As Mr. Anderson stepped away to find Ethan, who had finished cleaning himself up, Ethan struggled with his decision. He knew he had the power to sway Mr. Anderson's judgment, but he also saw a glimpse of Amelia's vulnerability, and her determination to improve her situation.

Ethan turned to leave the restroom, pushing open the door and spotting Mr. Anderson approaching. Their eyes met briefly, but Ethan remained silent, his face a mixture of conflicting emotions. He walked past them without uttering a word, his silence a deliberate choice.

Amelia, noticing Ethan's departure, exchanged a worried glance with Mr. Anderson. "Did he agree? Will I still be able to stay?"

Mr. Anderson's expression softened as he replied, "Mr. Sterling didn't say anything. It seems he has chosen not to insist on your removal. But Amelia, remember that this is your chance to prove yourself. Show him and everyone else that you are committed to making amends."

Amelia nodded, gratitude evident in her eyes. "I will, Mr. Anderson. I won't let you down." As they parted ways, Ethan's footsteps could be heard echoing in the distance.

Amelia's heart raced as she focused on her duties for the remainder of the event, making sure every detail was executed flawlessly. She diligently avoided any interaction with Ethan, wanting to maintain a professional distance after their initial confrontation.

As the event came to a close, Amelia breathed a sigh of relief. She had managed to salvage the situation and prove her dedication despite the earlier mishap. However, thoughts of her sick mother lingered in the back of her mind, reminding her of her priorities.

With a determined stride, Amelia left the venue and hailed a taxi to the hospital where her mother was admitted. The worry lines on her face deepened, but she held onto hope, hoping for a positive turn in her mother's condition.

Entering the hospital room, Amelia found her mother lying in bed, frail. A sense of sadness and concern overwhelmed her as she approached, gently taking her mother's hand.

"Mom," she whispered, her voice filled with both love and worry. "I'm here. How are you feeling?"

Her mother smiled weakly, mustering up a hint of strength. "Amelia, my dear, I'm glad you're here. I've missed you."

Amelia's eyes welled up with tears. "I've missed you too, Mom. I'm sorry it took me so long to come. Work has been hectic, but you're my priority, always."

Her mother's gaze turned serious, filled with concern for her daughter. "Amelia, I can see the strain you're under. You're doing everything you can, but remember to take care of yourself too. Don't forget to ask for help when you need it."

Amelia nodded, her voice filled with gratitude and determination. "I will, Mom. I promise. And I want you to know that I'm doing everything I can to support us. The event went well, despite a small hiccup, and I'm determined to overcome our financial struggles."

Her mother's eyes sparkled with pride and love. "I believe in you, my dear. You're strong, resilient, and capable. Don't let any setbacks deter you. We'll get through this together."

Amelia squeezed her mother's hand, a mixture of emotions swelling within her. "Thank you, Mom. Your words mean everything to me. I won't give up, no matter what."

As Amelia sat by her mother's side, the weight of her responsibilities felt momentarily lighter. She drew strength from her mother's unwavering support, knowing that her love and determination would guide her through the challenging times ahead.

Looking back at her mother who was already sound asleep, she quickly headed downstairs to sort out the balance of the just concluded chemotherapy section for that day.

As Amelia approached the hospital reception to settle the bill, she noticed a familiar face in the crowd. It was Ethan Sterling, impeccably dressed as always. Confusion and curiosity filled her mind as she wondered what he could be doing at the hospital at this hour.