AMELIA

I spent the rest of the day in the bedroom I’d slept in.

Roman’s warning was enough to keep me livid for the better half of the day, rethinking my life choices, including the ones I couldn’t remember.

Now I had a birthday party to attend…my supposed father-in-law who I knew nothing about. The more time passed, the more worried I became.

I found a phone I was sure belonged to me, seeing as the wedding portrait was on the lock screen. There was no way it would belong to Roman who hated me.

I didn’t know the password. I tossed it aside with a frustrated sigh, my eyes landed on the clock by the bed and I realized I had to get ready.

Roman had said 6:30, it was 6 pm.

Begrudgingly I walked into the rather spacious walk-in closet and ruffled through my side.

Again, I found nothing sensible enough to wear out, just long, loose dresses that looked more like maternity gowns. Then suits…why the hell did I buy so many suits?

I ended up settling for a dress I remembered, one I bought a few days—years—back.

“Can’t believe I still have this,” I muttered under my breath as I observed the tight but conservative dress. I put it on hurriedly and tied my now long hair into a slick bun, leaving curled locks to rest on my cheeks.

I made a mental note to cut it short to my preferred length once I returned.

I added gold jewellery to the outfit, along with red stilettoes that seemed to be hidden at the far end of the closet.

I observed my reflection one last time, the striking changes in my appearance almost took much to take in. the eye bags, the constant droop in my shoulders that I tried to shake off…my pale skin.

Still, I looked more attractive…I seemed to have grown in my curves at a later time.

“Damn…” I couldn’t help but mutter under my breath as I saw the outline of my body in the dress.

I let out a shaky breath, trying to reassure my reflection that everything would go well tonight as I glossed my lips and then left the bedroom.

Once I reached the living room, a maid followed behind me with the phone I had tossed away, cautiously handing it over before scurrying away like I would bite her head off.

Trenton and an impatient, delicious-looking Roman, waited in the living room.

He looked so breathtaking in that dark blue tux, his large body fit into the suit perfectly, his shoulders were broad and his legs looked powerful in those pants.

Don’t ask him to turn around…

I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling parched.

Then our eyes met and god help me, my lungs stopped working for a few seconds.

How could one be such an asshole yet so fucking attractive?

His eyes widened a fraction when he saw me, he looked surprised as his eyes roamed the length of my dress, my body.

There was undoubtedly, heat in his eyes…that had me sucking in a deep breath and slowing my steps.

The sensuality in his gaze was enough to muddle my thoughts. Then he blinked, every sign of heat or warmth dissipating from those blue eyes and they turned icy. He looked away with a deep frown, like the sight of me disgusted him.

I was used to such stares from my family but getting it from him stung.

I gritted my teeth and forced a smile as I made my way to him.

“Mesmerized by my beauty, husband?” I teased with a raised brow.

I noticed the corners of his lips twitching, he stayed silent and instead nodded at Trenton.

“We will be back by twelve,” he informed Trenton who gave a polite smile and handed over a wrapped gift to Roman.

Right.

It’s his father’s birthday.

Roman’s feet moved, he walked past me and only stopped when he realized I wasn’t following suit.

“How long do you plan on standing there?” he sneered impatiently before making his way to the front door. I rolled my eyes and followed behind him silently.

Does he have to be fucking rude about it?

The drive to the venue was tense and thick with silence, both of us in the backseat, looking in opposite directions.

The sports car pulled to a stop after ten minutes, then I heard him inhale sharply and then grab my wrist suddenly, startling me.

“No one must know about your amnesia,” he practically seethed, “You will not do anything to disrupt the party tonight, or you’ll regret it, understood?”

As he spoke, his grip tightened so hard that I feared my wrist would break beneath his strength.

Those blue eyes sent chills down my spine. I couldn’t work my throat to give him an audible answer. So I nodded vigorously and fortunately, he let my hand go and then stepped out of the vehicle.

My door was opened as well and I was faced with a tall luxurious building. A hotel, I later realized as we walked in.

Before we stepped into the hall where the music was louder and the event was held, I felt Roman’s strong arm around my waist as he pressed me flush against his side, engulfing me in his scent.

Then he leaned down, his breath tickling my sensitive ears, “Do not forget to fucking behave, Amelia!” he whispered harshly against my skin.

Then the large doors opened and we stepped into the packed hall that was filled with no less than a hundred guests. The chatter died down when everyone noticed our arrival and when I looked up at Roman, he was…smiling.

The man is a fucking chameleon!

People rushed over to greet us, to kiss ass and Roman was the epitome of the perfect host.

Along with his lovely wife.

Mrs. Wellington

Me.

I had to smile and pretend to know those unfamiliar faces, not long after, I was face to face with Roman’s father. They were almost identical, I could tell at a glance

He had told him about my amnesia. The man did not seem pleased by my presence. He and Roman exchanged words in Russian while I stood there watching like a fool.

“I have everything under control!” Roman finally said to his father, ending their argument. The man didn’t say a word to me, not what I expected from a man who was supposedly my father-in-law for three years.

“I don’t think your father likes me,” I said, unable to help the amusement that seeped into my tone. Roman turned to look at me with an annoyed gaze like he hated the fact that I was speaking to him.

“Nobody likes you,” he replied darkly, and it stung.

“Ouch,” I said, trying to hide the emotions his words stirred in me.

All of a sudden, he went rigid by my side and finally let go of my body. His entire body tensed up and my brows furrowed.

“Roman?”

“Stay out of trouble, I will be back,” he hurriedly said, pushing me away as he walked away, in the direction of the hall’s balcony, leaving me alone, surrounded by unfamiliar people.

I thought I knew what true loneliness was, but nothing compared to what I felt when Roman left my side. I walked to a corner and stood there, nursing a stolen drink. Then a familiar pair of eyes met mine and I stiffened up.

Monica.

She was approaching, eyes narrowed, lips red. She looked no different, the hatred I felt when I saw her…was still the same. She ruined my life…got me expelled!

I took a sharp turn and headed in the direction of the balcony.

I’m lonely but not that lonely. I thought to myself as I climbed up the stairs, I do not want to see her…I have to go as far away as I can.

I reached the balcony and Roman’s lavender scent drifted in the wind.

Did he come here to make a call or—

The sight in front of me had me floored.

I watched Roman holding a petite blond woman in a red dress, tightly in his arms, eyes closed shut as they both devoured each other’s lips passionately.

Oh…I just walked into something I shouldn’t have.

When they pulled away, I got a better look at the woman’s face and my heart lurched, and my breath ceased.

Bertha.

My step-sister.

She was kissing the man who was supposed to be my husband, moaning wantonly into his mouth.

Then they both stilled. I seemed to have been breathing too loudly.

Their eyes opened and they both turned to look at me.