Chapter 4
At the Morrison family's residence.
After lunch, Jaxton would usually rush to leave with Amelia.
But today was different-he stayed.
Just then, Laura said, "There's a business banquet tonight on the east side of Kretol. The Stewart family is behind it, and rumor has it Mr. Wyatt Stewart arranged everything himself. Jaxton, you should bring Amelia to attend. Our family's influence may not match the Stewarts', but it's a great opportunity for us. If Mr.Stewart shows up, it could be your chance to make a valuable connection."
Hearing about the banquet made Amelia hesitate, a protest rising in her chest. Yet, the mention of that man changed everything, compelling her to nod in agreement.
After all, the person Laura had just mentioned was the man she was about to marry.
Not long after, Jaxton and Amelia climbed into his car,ready to leave.
An unexpected ring cut through the quiet; Dayna was calling Jaxton.
Without shame, Jaxton answered the call, making no effort to hide it from Amelia.
Their flirty exchange filled the car,making Amelia feel a pang of discomfort.
"Pull over.Now."
Amelia's sudden command startled the driver, who instinctively stomped the brakes.
Tires shrieked, and Jaxton, caught mid-conversation, accidentally let his phone slip from his grasp.
Amelia wasted no time; as soon as the car stopped, she opened the door and stepped out.
Shock registered on Jaxton's face. He leaned out, irritation clear in his voice. "Amelia, what's wrong with you?You-" Before he could finish speaking, Amelia headed straight for the nearest bus stop, never once looking back.
Jaxton could only watch her walk away, disbelief written across his features.
Even the driver blinked in confusion. This had never happened before.
He glanced at Jaxton through the rearview mirror and cautiously asked, "Mr. Morrison, shouldI-"
"Drive!" Jaxton interjected coldly.
With a quick nod, the driver put his foot to the pedal, not saying anything more.
Jaxton flashed Amelia a derisive smirk as his car swept past her.
If she insisted on taking public transport, he'd gladly let her have her way.
Ignoring Jaxton's petty exit, Amelia kept her gaze steady ahead.
She'd rather endure the cramped ride on a city bus than spend another suffocating minute with him.
Yet, Amelia had just waited a few minutes before a sleek, silver-gray luxury vehicle glided to a stop nearby.
When the tinted back window rolled down, Wyatt's striing features appeared.
His driver approached Amelia respectfully, saying, "Miss Flynn, Mr. Stewart wants you to join him in the car."
Sliding into the elegant interior, Amelia felt her heartbeat speed up.
This was her second meeting with Wyatt.
He wasn't just any man; he was the heir to one of Kretol's most powerful families and her soon-to-be husband.
No matter how she tried to make sense of it, everything about this situation felt unreal.
Aside from the driver's quiet question about her destination, silence filled the car.
When Amelia glanced at the man beside her for the third time, Wyatt turned to her and asked, "Do you have something to say?" So many questions tangled in her mind-why had he agreed to marry her when it had been little more than a joke on her part?
Had he truly agreed to it to repay her for saving him?
But he was rich and powerful, someone who had endess means to repay any favor. Why marriage, of all things?
Unable to suppress her curiosity any longer, Amelia softly asked, "Can you really convince Jaxton to break off the engagement and find the solution to cure my grandmother?"
"Yes," Wyatt responded coolly.
Although she wanted to press him for more details, his distant demeanor kept her silent.
As the car eased to a halt outside her apartment, Amelia quickly opened the door and stepped out, offering a polite nod. "I appreciate the ride,Mr.Stewart.Goodbye."
"Hold on."
Just as Amelia was about to enter the building, Wyatt's deep voice sounded from behind her.
Spinning around, she saw a beautifully wrapped box being extended toward her through the car's window.
Her eyes first landed on Wyatt's sculpted hand before even noticing the box.
He was blessed with good looks, and even his hands seemed perfect.
"This is for you."
Wyatt's voice drew Amelia out of her daze, and without thinking, she accepted the box.
Before she could ask what was in the box, the car drove away.
Left standing in the silence for a moment, Amelia made her way back to her apartment, clutching the unexpected gift.
After she arrived home, curiosity got the better of her, and she opened the box. A burst of vibrant red greeted her eyes.
Pulling out the red gown, Amelia felt pleased-she loved the color.
Bright colors had always called to her, but years of pleasing Jaxton's taste for understated style had dimmed her wardrobe.
Now, with the end of her engagement to Jaxton drawing near, she finally felt free to embrace her true taste.
By seven o'clock, Amelia left home in the red gown.
She then opened the passenger door of Jaxton's car.
Amelia hadn't anticipated Dayna's presence, while Dayna was shocked by the outfit Amelia had chosen.
In Dayna's memory, Amelia always wore light colors.
Her good looks often seemed to dim because of her plain clothing. Tonight, however, she turned heads in the bold red gown, looking captivating.
From the driver's seat, Jaxton caught sight of Amelia's new look, and surprise flickered across his face.
Before he could say a word, Amelia shut the car door and slipped into the back seat.
Jaxton hadn't intended to bring Dayna along but couldn't resist her tears and pleas.
At first, he'd felt uneasy about bringing Dayna, but seeing Amelia's bold look sparked anger inside him."Amelia, do you really think that dress is appropriate for tonight? Are you going there to seduce someone?"