Chapter Three

Amelia stood in front of her bedroom mirror, carefully adjusting the collar of her blouse. She took a deep breath, feeling nervousness and excitement bubbling within her. Tonight was the evening she would be heading to Ethan Sterling's mansion, based on his invitation.

Sarah, her ever-supportive friend, had helped Amelia choose an outfit that struck a balance between elegance and comfort. She wore a knee-length navy blue dress that accentuated her figure without being too formal. She paired it with a simple silver necklace and earrings, completing the ensemble with a pair of comfortable yet stylish heels.

With a final touch of lip gloss and a quick brush of her hair, Amelia felt ready to embark on this new adventure. She grabbed her purse, double-checked to ensure she had her phone and keys, and made her way to the front door.

Sarah was waiting in the living room, offering her a reassuring smile. "You look stunning, Amelia. I have a feeling this evening will be full of surprises".

Amelia returned the smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of anticipation and nerves. "Thank you, Sarah. I hope you're right. I'm still not entirely sure what to expect, but I'm going in with an open mind."

Sarah gave her a quick hug, offering words of encouragement. "That's the spirit, Amelia. Remember, you're in control, and you can always trust your instincts. Enjoy the evening and take it as an opportunity to learn more."

Amelia nodded, gratitude filling her heart for having such a supportive friend by her side. "I will, Sarah. Thank you for always being there for me. I'll keep you updated on how things go."

As Amelia stepped out of her apartment and hailed a taxi, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The journey to the Sterling mansion seemed shorter than she expected, her mind occupied with thoughts of what awaited her behind those grand doors.

Amelia arrived at the grand entrance of the Sterling mansion, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. She couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the place.

"Welcome Ms. Amelia, we've been expecting you" Jenkins with a smile ushered her in through the opulent hallways adorned with exquisite artwork and elegant decor

"Thank you, Sir", Amelia replied, still ravishing at the beauty of the home.

Amelia followed Jenkins to the dining room, where a beautifully set table awaited them. The fine china, sparkling silverware, and elegant floral arrangements created an atmosphere of refined luxury.

Ethan appeared in the doorway, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit.  Running a hand through his perfectly styled hair,  he merely glanced at Amelia briefly before continuing into the room to take a seat. 

Ethan's glance, devoid of any warmth or acknowledgment, caught Amelia off guard. She couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment, expecting a more welcoming reception after accepting his invitation.

"Amelia, please have a seat," he said, gesturing to the empty chair opposite him. "I apologize for not greeting you properly earlier. It's good to have you here."

Amelia nodded, a small sense of relief washing over her. While the initial interaction hadn't gone as she had hoped, Ethan's acknowledgment and a slight change in demeanor helped ease her earlier disappointment.

"Thank you, Mr. Sterling," she replied, taking her seat across from him. "I appreciate your invitation and the opportunity to have this conversation."

Ethan inclined his head, a touch of gratitude in his expression. "Call me Ethan, please. We're in a more informal setting now."

Amelia smiled, appreciating the gesture of familiarity. "Of course, Ethan. Thank you for clarifying."

With a nod, Ethan motioned toward the array of dishes laid out on the table. "Shall we start with dinner? The chef has prepared a delightful meal, and I hope you'll enjoy it."

After their dinner, Ethan and Amelia decided to retire to a more comfortable place in Ethan's home to continue their conversation. They found themselves in a cozy study, surrounded by shelves filled with books and soft ambient lighting.

As they settled into the inviting space, Amelia couldn't help but feel a growing curiosity about the proposition Ethan had mentioned earlier. She sensed there was more to it than what he had initially disclosed.

"Ethan," Amelia began, her voice filled with intrigue. "I hope you don't mind me bringing this up again, but earlier you mentioned a proposition. I must admit, I'm quite curious about what it entails. Could you share a bit more?"

Amelia," he started, his voice carrying a touch of pride, "I appreciate your curiosity and your openness to explore this further. The proposition I had in mind is a contract marriage."

Amelia's face flushed with shock, confusion, and anger at Ethan's unexpected revelation. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Her mind raced, trying to comprehend his proposition, but her emotions overwhelmed her.

"What?! A contract marriage? Are you kidding me, Ethan?" Amelia exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief and frustration. "I thought we were here to discuss something meaningful, something that would make a difference. But this... This is just... It's absurd!"

Ethan's expression shifted from pride to concern as he realized the impact of his words. "Amelia, please hear me out. I know it may sound unconventional, but there are reasons behind this proposition. It's not just about appearances or personal gain. There's more to it."

Amelia's anger flared, and she stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "I'm sorry, Ethan, but I cannot entertain such a proposition. Marriage is a sacred bond, not something to be treated as a transaction or a means to an end. I have no intention of compromising my values or my integrity."

With determination in her eyes, Amelia turned to leave, her heart heavy with disappointment. However, as she reached for the door, her phone rang loudly, startling her. She hesitated for a moment before answering the call, her voice laced with concern.

"Hello? Dr. Roberts?" Amelia spoke, her voice trembling slightly.

"Amelia, I'm sorry to disturb you, but your mother's condition has worsened," Dr. Roberts' urgent voice came through the phone. "We need to perform an emergency operation immediately. I suggest you come back to the hospital as soon as possible."

Amelia's heart sank, her anger towards Ethan momentarily forgotten. The gravity of the situation hit her like a wave, and a mixture of fear and determination filled her.

"Oh no, I'll be there right away," Amelia replied, her voice laced with worry. "Please do everything you can for my mother."

As she hung up the call, Amelia's mind raced. She knew she had no time to waste. Without a second thought, she turned back towards Ethan, her expression stern and resolute.

"Ethan, I don't have time to argue or discuss your proposition any further. My mother needs me, and I won't let anything distract me from being there for her," Amelia declared, her voice firm and unwavering. "I am declining your offer, and I suggest we part ways now."

Ethan's face reflected a mixture of regret and understanding. "Amelia, I respect your decision. Family should always come first. I apologize if my proposition caused you distress. Please take care of your mother, and I hope she recovers soon."

Amelia nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "Thank you, Ethan. I appreciate your understanding. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go."

With that, Amelia swiftly left the room, her mind focused on reaching the hospital as quickly as possible. She couldn't let anything stand in the way of being there for her mother during this critical time.

Her heart raced as she rushed into the hospital, desperate to reach her mother's side. However, her steps faltered when she approached the front desk. The hospital administrator looked at her with a sympathetic yet firm expression.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Foster, but we cannot proceed with the emergency operation until the necessary payments are made," the administrator informed her, her voice filled with regret.

Amelia's eyes widened in shock, her mind reeling from the unexpected blow. "What do you mean? My mother's condition is critical, and time is of the essence! I have insurance. It should cover the operation."

The administrator shook her head sadly. "I'm afraid your insurance provider has denied coverage for this particular procedure. They consider it outside the coverage terms. We understand the urgency, but without payment or an alternative arrangement, we cannot proceed."

A flush of panic, frustration, and helplessness washed over Amelia. She couldn't fathom the idea of being unable to provide the necessary medical care for her mother. It felt like her world was crumbling around her, and time was slipping away.

While the hospital administrator patiently awaited Amelia's response, she was left with a difficult choice. How would she find a way to secure the funds needed for her mother's life-saving operation? And what would be the consequences if she couldn't find a solution in time?

As Amelia stood there, torn between her principles and the urgency of her mother's condition, she couldn't help but wonder if Ethan's proposition held the answer she so desperately sought.

Trembling with a mix of desperation and resolve, Amelia swiftly pulled out her phone and dialed Ethan's number. After a few rings, he answered.

"Ethan," Amelia spoke, her voice filled with a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "I've reconsidered your proposition. I...I accept."