Chapter Two

Amelia, still reeling from the surprise of seeing Ethan at the hospital, hurriedly made her way through the crowd, determined to catch up with him. She finally spotted him standing by a busy intersection, his posture rigid and his expression guarded. Taking a deep breath, Amelia approached him cautiously.

"Mr. Sterling?" she called out, her voice uncertain but tinged with hope.

Ethan turned to face her, his eyes narrowing in recognition. There was a flicker of surprise in his gaze, quickly replaced by cold indifference.

"It's Amelia, Amelia Foster, from the charity event," she said trying to jag his memory.

"Amelia," he responded curtly, his tone devoid of warmth. "What are you doing here?"

Caught off guard by his chilly reception, Amelia struggled to find the right words. "I... I saw you at the hospital, and I thought I'd come and say hello. And also offer my apologies once again ?"

Ethan scoffed, a hint of disdain in his voice. "Is that why you're here? Just to exchange pleasantries? I highly doubt that. Let's not pretend we have anything in common, shall we?"

Amelia felt a pang of hurt, but she refused to let it deter her. She had come this far, and she wasn't going to let his icy demeanor dampen her resolve.

"I understand that we got off on the wrong foot at the charity event, and I'm truly sorry for the accident. I've been working hard to make things right," Amelia said, her voice laced with sincerity. "But there's more to me than that one mistake, Ethan. I have dreams and ambitions just like anyone else."

Ethan crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "Dreams and ambitions? Spare me the sob story. I've seen enough of your incompetence already. I have no interest in whatever excuses you're going to offer."

Amelia's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she refused to let them fall. She had come too far to let Ethan's harsh words break her spirit.

"I'm not asking for your forgiveness or approval, Ethan. I'm here because I believe in second chances, and I

refuse to let one mistake define me," Amelia replied, her voice filled with determination. "You may choose to see me as incompetent, but I won't let that stop me from proving myself."

Ethan's expression softened slightly, a glimmer of curiosity flickering in his eyes. He regarded Amelia for a moment, seemingly weighing her words.

"You're relentless, I'll give you that," Ethan conceded, a hint of grudging respect in his voice. "But don't expect me to suddenly change my opinion of you. Actions speak louder than words."

Amelia nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I understand."

Amelia, sensing that further conversation with Ethan would be futile at that moment, decided to bid him a polite farewell. She mustered a small smile, hoping to leave their interaction on a positive note.

"Well, Mr. Sterling, I should get going," she said, "I wish you a goodnight, and take care of yourself."

Ethan, still grappling with his conflicting emotions, nodded curtly in response. "Goodnight, Amelia," he replied, his voice softer than before. "And... thank you."

Amelia nodded in acknowledgment and turned to walk away. However, just as she took a few steps, she noticed Ethan's attention shifting beyond her. Following his gaze, she saw a woman in a wheelchair being pushed by a nurse, her face adorned with a weary yet grateful expression. Amelia realized that it was Ethan's aunt, who had been discharged from the hospital.

Ethan wheeled his aunt towards the exit. He gently guided her into the car, helping her settle comfortably in the seat. With a reassuring smile, he started the engine and drove away.

…..

Ethan Sterling strode through the opulent halls of the Sterling mansion, his steps filled with an air of self-importance. As he entered his lavish study, lined with bookshelves and adorned with exquisite artwork, Ethan caught sight of his reflection in a gilded mirror. Adjusting his perfectly tailored suit and smoothing his impeccably styled hair, he couldn't help but feel a swell of pride within him.

His eyes shifted to the corner of the room, where a polished oak table displayed a copy of his parents' will, an unyielding testament to the expectations placed upon him. The memory of his upcoming birthday pierced his thoughts like a sharp dagger, stirring a mixture of arrogance and resentment.

A knock at the study door interrupted his contemplation, and his loyal butler, Jenkins, entered with a tray carrying a crystal decanter of whiskey.

"Ah, Jenkins. Just the man I need," Ethan declared, his voice tinged with superiority. "Pour me a drink. I need to ease my mind after enduring the tedious company of those mere mortals at the event tonight."

Jenkins, ever the epitome of elegance and professionalism, approached the desk and began to pour a generous measure of whiskey into a crystal glass. He glanced up at Ethan, his tone polite yet tinged with subtle disapproval. "Of course, Mr. Sterling. I trust the evening was satisfactory?"

Ethan waved a dismissive hand. "Satisfactory, Jenkins? That's an understatement. I was the center of attention, as I should be. The world revolves around me, after all."

Jenkins maintained his composed demeanor, carefully placing the whiskey glass in front of Ethan. "I understand your confidence, sir, but may I remind you of the approaching deadline outlined in your parents' will?"

Ethan's expression darkened, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "Yes, yes, I haven't forgotten. The infamous will. Two years of marital commitment before I can inherit what is rightfully mine. It's an unnecessary burden imposed upon me."

Jenkins inclined his head respectfully. "Forgive my presumption, Mr. Sterling, but your parents wanted to ensure the stability and longevity of the Sterling legacy. They believed in the importance of a strong union, both in business and personal life."

Ethan sneered, his pride wounded. "They believed in tradition and conformity, Jenkins. But I am destined for greatness, far beyond the confines of marriage. I will not be bound by their outdated notions."

Jenkins maintained his composure, his voice tinged with a touch of caution. "Remember, sir, that success is not solely measured by wealth and power. The pursuit of genuine love and a meaningful connection may bring you more fulfillment than you can imagine."

Ethan downed his whiskey in one swift motion, a smug smile playing on his lips. "Love? A mere distraction for the weak-willed. I am the heir to the Sterling Empire, and I will achieve greatness on my terms."

"Do not forget your cousin, Mr. Raymond, he too has a claim to the Sterlings Empire if you fail to meet the requirements" Jenkins said as gently as possible trying not to provoke Ethan.

"Raymond can never take what is rightfully mine, that I can guarantee you", Ethan exclaimed with disdain in his voice.

Seeing Ethan was already getting provoked, Jenkins silently left the study as Ethan reclined in his plush leather chair, the warmth of the whiskey spreading through him.

His mind suddenly drifted away from his self-assured thoughts to the events of the evening. The memory of Amelia, the woman who had spilled her drink on him, unexpectedly entered his thoughts. He recalled her pleading with the event manager, mentioning her sick mother and her debts, and then seeing her at the hospital. A spark of curiosity ignited within him, mingling with his prideful nature.

"Amelia," he muttered to himself, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he remembered her name. "Perhaps she could be of use."

He quickly called Mr. Anderson and got Amelia's phone number from him.

…..

Amelia glanced at her phone and noticed the caller ID displayed Ethan's name. She had been expecting the call, and thanks to her event manager's mention, she had no idea what Ethan had in mind. She looked at her friend Sarah, who was also having breakfast with her at the Cafe, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

"Sarah, it's Ethan calling," Amelia said, her voice laced with intrigue. "I've been expecting this call, but I have no clue what he wants. Should I answer?"

Sarah's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and intrigue mirroring Amelia's. "Ethan? The same Ethan who was at the charity event? Well, this is unexpected. If you're comfortable, go ahead and answer. Who knows what he could want?

Amelia nodded, mustering a hint of bravery, and tapped on the answer button. She held the phone to her ear, uncertain of what awaited her on the other end of the line.

"Hello, Mr. Sterling," she greeted, her voice steady despite her underlying curiosity.

"Good morning, Ms. Amelia," Ethan's voice came through, his tone surprisingly calm. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

Amelia shot a glance at Sarah, who gestured for her to continue the conversation. Gathering her thoughts, she replied, "Not at all, I'm having breakfast with a friend. What can I do for you?"

There was a brief pause on the line before Ethan spoke again, his voice carrying a hint of earnestness. "I wanted to talk to you personally about a proposition I have in mind. It's important, and I believe it deserves a direct conversation between us."

Amelia's curiosity deepened, wondering what could be so significant that Ethan wanted to discuss it privately. "Alright, Mr. Sterling. I'm listening."

Ethan's tone softened, and he spoke with a hint of charm. "I would like to extend an invitation to you If you could come to my home."

Amelia's eyebrows raised in surprise. "To your home, Mr. Sterling? How serious is your proposition that it would require my physical presence?"

Ethan cleared his throat before answering. "I simply thought it would be beneficial for us to have a face-to-face conversation. It's a more personal setting where we can discuss more freely."

Amelia looks at Sarah who was paying serious attention to their conversation. Sarah gave her a thumbs up, signaling Amelia to accept the invitation.

"I see. Well, Mr. Sterling, I suppose I can make some time to meet with you. When would you like me to come?" Amelia replied, trying not to sound too eager.

Ethan's voice carried a note of enthusiasm. "How about tomorrow evening? We can have dinner together and discuss the proposal I mentioned earlier."

Amelia hesitated momentarily, but the thought of gaining more clarity on Ethan's proposition intrigued her. "Alright, Mr. Sterling, I will accept your invitation. Tomorrow evening it is."

Ethan sounded pleased. "Wonderful, Amelia. I'll make the necessary arrangements. The Sterling mansion is located at 12 Sterling Lane

Belgravia, London. Please let the guards know when you arrive, and they will guide you to the main entrance."

Amelia jotted down the address, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. "Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Sterling. I look forward to our meeting tomorrow."

Ethan's voice conveyed a hint of anticipation. "As do I, Amelia. Until then, take care."

As Amelia ended her call with Ethan, her heart still racing with anticipation, her phone buzzed again she quickly glanced at the screen and saw that it was her mother's doctor calling. Panic washed over her as she feared the worst