Chapter Six

Amelia stood before Ethan in the opulent living room, her eyes filled with a mixture of determination and apprehension. Ethan's face wore a look of annoyance, his pride wounded by Amelia's refusal to accompany him to a social function.

"I've already told you, Ethan," Amelia said, her voice tinged with a touch of defiance. "I don't feel comfortable attending such events. They're just not my scene."

Ethan's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with condescension. "Amelia, you need to understand your place in this household. As my wife, you must stand by my side at these functions. Your reservations are inconsequential."

Amelia took a step back, her voice quivering but resolute. "Ethan, I understand my role, but I have my preferences and limitations. I can't simply suppress who I am for the sake of appearances."

Ethan scoffed, his pride refusing to accept Amelia's words. "You think your preferences matter? You are nothing more than an ornament, Amelia. Your only purpose is to make me look good in front of others, this was part of the agreement and you consented to it."

Amelia's eyes welled up with tears, hurt coursing through her veins. She couldn't bear the weight of Ethan's harsh words any longer. "Is that all I am to you, Ethan? Just a showpiece to enhance your image? Are my happiness and comfort irrelevant?"

Ethan's face contorted with anger, his pompous demeanor on full display. "You have no right to question me, Amelia. You're lucky to have been chosen as my wife. You should be grateful for the life I've provided for you."

The pain in Amelia's heart deepened, and she turned away, unable to bear Ethan's callousness any longer. She walked towards the staircase, her voice trembling as she spoke softly. "I need some time alone, Ethan. Please, just leave me be."

Ethan, blinded by his pride, scoffed dismissively. "Fine, have your alone time. But remember your place when you're ready to come back to your duties."

Amelia, feeling a mixture of anger and sadness, made her way to her room, her steps heavy with the weight of Ethan's words. As she closed the door behind her, tears streaming down her face.

Meanwhile, Ethan, consumed by his self-importance, left the house in a huff, his thoughts consumed by his perceived superiority. Little did he realize the damage his words had inflicted on Amelia.

Amelia closed the door to her room and sank onto her bed, clutching her phone tightly in her trembling hands. With a deep breath, she dialed her best friend Sarah's number, seeking solace in their friendship.

"Hey, Amelia. What's going on?" Sarah's voice came through the line, filled with concern.

Amelia's voice wavered as she replied, "Sarah, I... I just had another argument with Ethan. He made me feel worthless once again."

Sarah's tone softened, empathetic and understanding. "Oh, Amelia, I'm so sorry. You don't deserve to be treated that way. Remember, you're doing this for your sick mother, to secure her future."

Tears welled up in Amelia's eyes as she nodded, even though Sarah couldn't see her. "I know, Sarah. But sometimes it feels like I've lost myself in this marriage. I thought it would get easier, but it's just becoming harder every day."

Sarah's voice brimmed with compassion. "I understand, Amelia. It's a difficult situation but think about your mother. Remember why you made this choice in the first place. You're sacrificing for her wellbeing."

Amelia let out a shaky breath, her voice filled with resignation. "You're right, Sarah. I committed, and I have to see it through. I just needed someone to remind me of my purpose."

Sarah's voice carried unwavering support. "I'm always here for you, Amelia. We'll get through this together. Remember, it won't be forever. Once the two years are up, you'll have fulfilled your obligation."

Amelia nodded, her determination slowly returning. "Thank you, Sarah. I needed to hear that. I won't let Ethan's words break me. I'll endure for my mother's sake."

Sarah's voice brimmed with encouragement. "That's the spirit, Amelia. Stay strong. Lean on me whenever you need to. We'll navigate this together."

Amelia felt a glimmer of hope ignites within her heart, fueled by Sarah's unwavering support. Though the challenges ahead seemed daunting, she knew she had a friend who would stand by her side. With renewed resolve, she wiped away her tears. She decided to know how her mother, for whom she is enduring all this, was doing.

Taking a deep breath and mustering the courage to make the phone call that would provide her with an update on her mother's condition. She dialed the hospital's number, her fingers trembling slightly as she held the phone to her ear.

After a few rings, a kind voice answered on the other end, "Good afternoon, St. Mary's Hospital. How may I assist you?"

Amelia's voice quivered with concern as she replied, "Hello, this is Amelia, I'm calling to inquire about my mother, Mrs. Foster. She's been admitted to your hospital."

The person on the line understood the gravity of the situation and spoke in a gentle tone, "Of course, Amelia. Let me check her status for you. Could you please provide me with your mother's full name and date of birth?"

Amelia relayed the necessary information, her heart pounding in her chest as she anxiously awaited the update. Moments later, the person returned to the line with the latest information.

"I apologize for the wait, Amelia. Your mother's condition is stable at the moment. She had a good night and responded well to the treatment. The doctors are monitoring her closely."

Relief washed over Amelia as she clutched the phone tighter. "Thank you so much for the update. Can I speak with her, please?"

The person on the line explained, "I'm afraid visiting hours are over. However, you can leave a message for her, and our staff will make sure she receives it."

Amelia's voice carried a hint of disappointment, but she understood the necessity of the protocols. "Please let her know that I called and that I love her dearly. Tell her that I'll be by her side as soon as I can."

The person assured Amelia, "I will pass on your message, Amelia. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"

Amelia took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding, her voice filled with gratitude, "No, thank you. I appreciate your help. Please take good care of my mother."

As Amelia ended the call, she felt a mixture of emotions—relief that her mother's condition was stable, but also a longing to be by her side. She knew she had to stay strong and focused, both for her mother's sake and for the commitment she had made to Ethan.

Amelia's heart sank as she glanced out of her window and noticed Ethan stepping out of his sleek black car. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight of him accompanied by a woman who exuded elegance and sophistication. The lady was dressed in a fashionable ensemble, her poise and confidence apparent with every step she took.

Amelia's mind raced with a mix of emotions - confusion, jealousy, and a tinge of insecurity. Who was this woman that Ethan had brought home? What was their relationship? Thoughts of their recent misunderstanding resurfaced, intensifying her feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy.

She watched from a distance as Ethan and the lady walked towards the grand entrance of the Sterling mansion. They seemed engaged in conversation, their expressions animated and smile adorning their faces. The sight only served to deepen Amelia's unease.

Taking a deep breath, Amelia reminded herself of the contract marriage she had entered into with Ethan. It was a business deal, devoid of emotions or personal attachments. She reminded herself that she had her reasons for marrying him, primarily for the sake of her sick mother. Yet, the presence of this new woman in Ethan's life stirred up doubts and insecurities within her.

Amelia tore her gaze away from the window, feeling a heaviness in her heart. She knew she couldn't let herself be consumed by jealousy or allow it to affect her focus on her mother's well-being. She needed to maintain her composure and fulfill her responsibilities, even if it meant witnessing Ethan's interactions with other women.

With a determined sigh, Amelia turned away from the window and took a moment to steady herself. She reminded herself that appearances could be deceiving, and she had committed to seeing this contract marriage through. It was time to gather her strength and focus on the bigger picture, keeping her mother's needs at the forefront of her mind.

She left her room and whispered to herself, "Stay strong, Amelia. Remember why you're here."

As Amelia made her way downstairs, her footsteps echoing softly in the grand hallway, she wiped away a stray tear that had escaped her eye. Lost in her thoughts and feeling the weight of her emotions, she didn't notice Raymond approaching from the opposite direction, climbing up the stairs to his room.

Raymond, his usually guarded expression softened by a rare flicker of concern, caught a glimpse of Amelia's tear-streaked face. His steps faltered for a moment as his eyes locked with hers. There was a fleeting connection, an unspoken understanding passing between them in that brief encounter.

But before either of them could say a word, the moment was broken. Amelia quickly averted her gaze, attempting to compose herself and hide her vulnerability. Raymond, though inwardly troubled by what he had witnessed, resumed his ascent up the stairs, his features returning to their usual mask of stoicism.