Chapter 78
Victoria hadn’t expected Amelia to react so calmly. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. Slowly, she began to believe that maybe Amelia truly no longer had feelings for Damien.
Her hostility faded slightly and she took Amelia’s arm affectionately, pretending to be naive.”
“Amelia, you don’t know how much I rely on my brother … ”
Her voice was soft, but there was an unmistakable sense of pride in it.§
“This time, my brother helped me handle my divorce. My ex–husband’s family caused trouble and even blocked the entrance of my hotel.“} “But my brother hired a lawyer and had them driven away overnight. When it came to the property settlement, he used the Charleston Family’s connections to ensure I got the best deal. Even my most difficult mother–in–law didn’t dare challenge him.“>
Victoria’s eyes shone with admiration.
Then, she lowered her voice shyly, “To be honest… I never married my ex–husband for love. I had no choice. But now that I think about it, fate really works in mysterious ways… My brother and I aren’t biologically related, nor are we legally siblings … “ŷ
Her meaning was obvious.
Victoria had only married someone else because of family ethics and now that nothing stood in the way, she and Damien could be together.”
Amelia swirled the champagne in her glass and asked lightly, “So, what you’re saying is … you like your brother?“>
Victoria’s face flushed instantly. /
She lowered her head and whispered, “I … I don’t know. I’ve just always depended on him.“>
Her voice took on a nostalgic tone as she continued, “When I was sick as a child, my brother stayed by my bedside all night. When I was bullied at school, he personally went to confront my classmates‘ families. Even when I got my first period, my brother ran out to buy me some tamponss…“?
Amelia listened, feeling an emptiness grow inside her. She suddenly realized that even though she and Damien had grown up together, she could never compare to the “familial bond” that he and Victoria shared.
The Damien who had always been distant, cold and professional with her … had been endlessly loving and indulgent toward Victoria. Amelia had been blind to it for too long. Only after getting hurt over and over again had she finally learned to let go.
Victoria suddenly raised her head, her gaze cautious.>
“Amelia … do you think the way I look at my brother is… strange?“}
Amelia remained silent, studying her.}
Victoria’s possessiveness over Damien was so blatant, her schemes so shallow, that she had even dared to say this to Damien’s wife.
But instead of reacting, Amelia simply smiled as she calmly responded, “It’s not strange. I think your brother likes you very much.“}
Victoria’s voice dropped to a whisper as she said, “Then, Amelia … will you give my brother to me?”
Amelia met her expectant gaze and answered lightly, “Maybe.“}
She didn’t say outright that she was ready for a divorce. There was no need to hand Victoria a victory so easily.
Still, Victoria seemed satisfied with the ambiguous answer. A triumphant smile spread across her face, as if Damien was already hers. On the way home, Victoria dozed off in the back seat.
Damien glanced at Amelia through the rearview mirror and spoke in a low voice.
“Baby, next time … I promise I’ll make our relationship public.”}
Amelia smiled gently as she said calmly, “It’s okay. Our marriage was just an agreement. i understand.“}
Her calm response made Damien uneasy.
He hurriedly reassured her, “At the earliest, in a week, I’ll-“}
“We’re here,” Amelia cut him off, looking out the window.
The car had already stopped at her door.
One day became a week. A week became a month. A month became a year.
Amelia had learned not to wait for promises that would never be kept. Five years of marriage. She would treat it as nothing more than a dream. And now, after waking from that dream, it was time to pack up and move on.
The city lights flickered outside, just like the hope she had clung to for the past five years, always igniting, only to be extinguished again and again. Now, she had finally learned. There was no point chasing a light that would never shine on her.
