Karma Doesn’t Sleep: The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 10

The next morning.

Amelia woke up before the sun, her heart set on doing the most ordinary thing in the world—waking up her kids herself. She wanted to kiss Timmy and Penny good morning, sit with them at breakfast, and send them off to school with a smile. Just like any mom would.

That simple dream had been the only thing keeping her going through those five long years in bed, paralyzed and powerless, forced to watch their lives from the sidelines.

But now, even though she was awake and home, her legs still weren’t strong enough. She had to rely on Clive for almost everything.

She waited patiently, listening for the sound of running water. Clive always took his morning shower. When he finally stepped out, steam trailing behind him, Amelia caught the sweet, fruity scent of his body wash—a smell that screamed “girlfriend” instead of “husband.”

Something about that unsettled her. She remembered how Clive used to love sandalwood, always the same brand. Once, she’d tried buying him something different, but the next day, she found the new bottle unopened and tossed in the trash. Now, for Kristen, he was willing to switch things up without a word.

“Clive,” she called softly, trying to keep the hope in her voice steady. “Can you pick out an outfit from the closet? Something Timmy and Penny would like. After I get changed, could you take me to wake them up? I want to see them first thing.”

She’d missed so much. She knew she couldn’t just jump back in. The kids needed time, and so did she.

“I want Timmy and Penny to know how much I love them,” she said, her smile small but determined. “I won’t ever leave them again.”

Clive paused in the doorway, then walked over. He looked at her for a moment, then sat gently on the edge of the bed.

“Amelia,” he began, his voice soft and strangely careful. He touched her cheek, apologetic. “The kids, especially Penny, have been sensitive. Last night, she told me she’s scared—scared of how things are now.”

Amelia’s smile faltered.

“Okay,” she managed, forcing a smile. “I’ll listen to you.”

Clive’s face relaxed, almost smug. “Good girl.”

The way he said it made her skin crawl, like she was some pet who’d finally learned a trick.

He kissed her forehead and promised, “I’ll talk to Timmy and Penny. I’ll help them come around.”

Amelia’s eyes drifted to him, hollow and tired, but she managed a grateful smile. “You’re wonderful, darling.”

Clive just looked at her in silence, his eyes dark, his expression impossible to read.